WX Ences

Poor Thing...

2011-12-07T15:13:00.003-07:00

I've never been much of a cat lover (being allergic does that to you), but I have to admit I felt very sorry for this poor cat. Max wasn't being mean to him, but Max's version of love isn't always gentle, soft or wanted! He is so darn happy with that cat!!! I couldn't stop laughing as he hauled this cat around. He would lose his grip and drop it, then pick it back up, for about fifteen minutes they did this...poor thing.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-04T14:51:00.002-06:00

Happy Halloween from Clay the Lacrosse Player, Quin the Skeleton, Ali the Snow White Princess, Jack the Batman Superhero, Max the Bat and Heidi the Cow...momentarily not a mad cow.

Hope yours was as good as ours!!

Every Year...

2011-10-04T09:55:00.002-06:00

It seems like the beginning of each new school year always brings along some outbreak or pandemic of illness.

Seriously, you have perfectly healthy kids all summer long and as soon as you send them off to hang out for 7+ hours of the day in close quarters with hundreds of other children, they all of a sudden get sick...it never fails!

And this year is no exception. Clay woke up around 4am Saturday morning barfing his brains out all over our family room. He is usually pretty good about making it to the toilet, but there wasn't enough time, it hit him fast and hard. He spent a good half hour in the shower throwing up and crying - long enough for Joe and I to clean everything up and throw in a load of dirty laundry.

Clay was feeling poorly most of Saturday, but seemed to have recovered fully by Sunday morning. We sort of hoped he had just eaten something bad and that was the end of it...not so.

Max woke up and got in bed with me Monday at 12:30am. I had just washed all of my bedding and was worried he might get a bloody nose, so I brought him back to his own crib. A few minutes later he started to cry and yell for daddy. I went in his room and he had vomited all over in his bed. Yum. I had Joe bring him in and shower him off while I cleaned up his bed and threw in a load of laundry. I made him a little bed on our floor and we all went back to bed...until 1:30am, 3am and again at 4:30am. He threw up four times that night, I did four loads of laundry that night and no one got a whole lot of sleep.

Max seemed just fine today, although he had another bloody nose last night and, of course, he came and got into my bed around 4am...Joe and I stripped the bed and I did ANOTHER load of laundry. I am telling you, I have done WAY too much laundry over the past three days. Unacceptable.

The worst part though, Joe and I are both feeling very queezy and have terrible headaches...ya! It looks like the school year has most definitely begun!

This One's For You Mom...

2011-09-17T01:25:00.002-06:00

Let's see...

Our baby was safely delivered on June 13th. She is a dream and we are so happy to have her here. We had some issues coming up with a name we could agree on and for the first three months she was known as Zoe. The day of her baby blessing we changed it to Heidi. We are both happy with the new name, although the kids seem to be having a hard time remembering it's been changed...oops.

We spent some time in Bear Lake with my dad's family, which was a lot of fun. The kids loved the beach and sunshine, I enjoyed it a lot as well! We had a lot going on in August: Joe's parents returned home from their mission and were able to spend several weeks out here in Utah.

Joe's little sister Liz got married in the Salt Lake Temple, which was great fun and we are very happy for her and her new husband. He is a great guy and we wish them both the best.

Joe's older sister was sealed in the Temple which was a wonderful event and it was great to be there with them for that.

We had our baby Heidi's blessing which was great fun and our annual Worcester Ward Party here at our home which was a great time as well!

It is always nice to have reasons to get together with our family and friends. We have enjoyed having them in our home and being able to spend time with everyone.

The kids started school and are happy to be back in a good routine. Clay has started 5th grade, Quin is in 3rd, Ali is in 1st and Jack is attending preschool four days a week. Although I am sure Max misses all of his older siblings doting on his every need, I sure love the couple of hours each day when we get to take a nap and enjoy the peace and quiet...so blissful!

This is Max after eating a small handful of cherries...imagine what he could do with a whole bowl...the possibilities are endless!!!

Max has a need for speed!

Max had his adenoids out the end of August. The Dr decided not to take his tonsils out yet, they are big, but not too big. We will wait and watch them, most likely he will have to get them out at some point in the future. Does it seem odd to anyone else that of my six kids, ALL FOUR boys have now had their adenoids out? Ali never had a problem, we will see if Heidi has problems, but so far all the boys have shown distinct problems by age two. Clay had his adenoids and tonsils out at age 4. Quin, Jack and Max were 2. I suppose it must be a hereditary thing...we have massive adenoids and tonsils. Who knew?! Max has recovered well though and is starting to sound less raspy. His airway was 85% blocked by his adenoids, so I am hoping that the massive increase in oxygen will help him hit a growth spurt (if nothing else, however, I just hope he is feeling better)!

Is that chubby kid trying to ride that little purple Barbie bike????

Poor bike...

Clay and his friends decided to put their firecrackers to good use this July...Joe may, or may not, have helped them blow up Arial Barbie...

Clay is doing Lacrosse again this fall and he has really been improving. He loves the game and it has been fun to watch him play. His team won their first game this season 7 to 3 and we are looking forward to seeing how they do tomorrow.

Joe's company finally moved out of the old house (we are renting that out to a great family now) and he has purchased a building that is providing them with a great deal more space, which they sorely needed. He has had a lot on his plate lately, which has kept him very busy...we miss him when he is away, but are happy to see him growing.

Max turned 2 this summer...he looks positively lethal with that bat. It was fun watching him try and hit his pinata and he was SUPER happy about all the candy it contained! Joe had a birthday (not sure he wants me to announce his age...I will be discrete) and I had my 31st birthday this week. I am so grateful for good friends who took me out for some much needed 'girl time', and I am even more grateful for a wonderful husband who was willing to watch six kids so I could get out. I am one lucky girl.

Max is wearing Ali's church shoe, watching cartoons on the lap top and has his arm around his little sister. Man I love that kid. He is too funny! It's almost as though you can see him thinking 'this is the life...suckers'. I'm a little jealous...

Have you ever had one of those moments when you see your life and just feel so at peace and so grateful for where you are? I had one of those moments the other day. Heidi and I were dancing in the bedroom and I just had this overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love for all that I have been blessed with. My life is very good and I couldn't be happier about that.

Names...

2011-05-22T15:00:00.002-06:00

So Joe and I have not yet been able to agree on any baby names. It has become the one subject we really just avoid talking about, but something everyone else asks about.

The kids and I were hanging out in the toy room yesterday and Clay put in a Barbie movie for the kids (and himself) to watch. As the commercials were playing before the show, one came up about Barbie Mariposa. Clay commented that it was a really dumb name...we all agreed. This brought up the subject of what we should name the new baby.

I suggested we name the baby Mariposa, there was a resounding BOO from the kids. So, I said maybe we should just name the baby Barbie. The boys thought I was funny, Ali broke down into tears and cried, "But mom, then the baby will have a prettier name than me!"

I had to try really hard not to laugh out loud. I mean, seriously?!?! She actually brought it up later when I was combing her hair. She asked if I was really going to name the baby Barbie. I asked why not and she again started crying and told me that then everyone would have a prettier name than her.

I tried really hard to let her know her name was just as beautiful as mine and everyone elses, I just can't seem to comprehend the way the wheels turn in her little head. Apparently, however, Ali is very invested in this little girls name - and it must not outshine her own.

So, for those of you wondering what we are going to name this baby, I don't know. I do know, however, that we will not be naming her Barbie...it would begin a fued in this family that I think Joe and I would like to avoid.

P.S. Little girls are a lot of drama. It has occured to me that we are preparing to double the drama...oh boy.

So Done...

2011-05-19T17:24:00.002-06:00

I am really done being pregnant. I hurt...everywhere. How is it possible to forget how uncomfortable being pregnant is? It's not like I'm getting into something I know nothing about...I've already done this to myself FIVE times, why exactly have I done it again? I have come to the realization that I simply CAN NOT do this again. This little girl must be the end...the last...the grand finale. Anyhow, it is to that end I am writing this post.

Self, you hate being pregnant. After the initial shock, joy and happiness you experience when you discover you are pregnant, you are overcome with the looming doom of what the following 9 months have in store for you. You are sick and can't eat for three months. The smell of food makes you want to vomit...and you do, frequently. Your once clean house, beautiful children and loving husband are neglected because you feel no desire to leave your bed or get off the couch. Cooking and cleaning are no longer important and you just feel gross. Once the nausea has abated, and you once again notice the needs of your home and family, you get so big your clothes no longer fit. People, very politely, call you fat. You look very similar to a potato on toothpicks. This upsets you only because you know that every pound you gain you will have to lose again once the baby comes. No one can do that for you, you will have to get up early, hit the pavement and do lots of situps (or attempt to do them because, lets face it, you have no stomach muscles left - they have been sacrificed for the opportunity to bring children in to this world...they will probably never come back) in a vain attempt to regain what you had, even though you know you will never quite look, or feel the same again. By seven months you are done being pregnant. This is rather unfortunate because you still have the two longest months ahead of you. You don't sleep because your back hurts and when you move your legs it feels like someone beat you with a bat. You can no longer touch your toes and when you attempt to shave your legs you miss large sections because you can't see over your stomach. Your youngest child still insists that you carry him around, even though his gurth rivals your own. Babies in utero do not appreciate having older, and much bigger, siblings jump on them. Your internal organs do not appreciate this either. Your bladder has now been squished so small you are required to visit the restroom every hour, even if you are not home and are required to use the most nasty public toilets - it will not wait. Your stomach has become someone's personal jungle gym and the constant poking and kicking, although reassuring, feels like someone stuck a popcorn popper in your stomach and turned it on 'high'. Walking up stairs makes you breathless and starts contractions (not the good ones, the ones that hurt but don't seem to do anything else), which you may want to keep in mind because you climb the stairs no less than 50 times a day. Your feet hurt really bad when you have to stand for more than five minutes, which is any time you cook a meal or clean or fold laundry, this causes the pain in your back to flare, just an FYI. Oh, and you may want to take a look at those super sexy stretch marks, those are all pregnancy related. After all of this, you still have the delivery to look forward to, which I may remind you is going to really hurt. Your kids have very large heads. You know what that means. Oh, and forget about getting the epidural, you know you don't HAVE to have it and it costs extra. Your deductible for the last kid was $7,500...just think of what it might have gone up to now. All of this is what you get if everything goes RIGHT and there is always a chance things won't go this well...

So, self, if you are even considering the prospect of procreating again, you may want to take this under advisement. You have been blessed with five beautiful children, and in a few short weeks you will have a sixth. That's more than the lion's share. Be grateful for each one of those blessings, and be even more grateful that you don't have to endure another pregnancy. You're done!

The Highlights...

2011-04-21T17:33:00.005-06:00

Here are the highlights of the past few months:

Jack had his 4th birthday...hard to believe he's that old already. He requested a chocolate cake with white frosting. It was very delicious...sort of a texas sheet cake with vanilla frosting. Jack is enjoying preschool, everyone is still his friend and life is generally rosy and wonderful for Jack.

Clay and Quin had another piano recital. They both did really well. They had their songs memorized and played really well. I am really proud of their hard work and practice. They are good kids.

Quin had his 'Great to Be Baptized' program, where his class got to go to the stake center and see the font and learn about baptism. The primary counselor over baptism is also President Uchtdorf's daughter and he came, I believe, because he'd never participated in one before. He spoke to the kids and then asked if he could have his picture taken with the baptismal candidates...very cool stuff. He is an excellent speaker and Quin was pretty excited to go into the font and 'practice'.

Quin on his baptism day. It was one of those days that you are so grateful to have done because everything that can go wrong - WILL go wrong. We had a toilet flood over and flood down into another bathroom, oh and also into my china cabinet. Quin lost his glasses that I had just spent a small fortune to have fixed. A bottle of grape juice was spilt all over the kitchen while we tried to prepare food for our family and friends and it decided to DUMP snow on all of us...all day. Even with all of the extra chaos and trouble, it was so nice to listen to my dad and Joe's parents speak to Quin about Baptism and the Holy Ghost. It was really great to be with our family and friends and feel of the sweet spirit that was there that day. Afterwards we enjoyed great food and great company, which made all of the craziness before hand completely worth it. We are so proud of Quin and the decision he made to be baptized. He is a great boy and we are very lucky to have him in our family.

Clay has turned 10, joined Webelos and begun a new sport - Lacrosse! He is loving his team and his coaches are excellent. He will be having his first game soon, but he is practicing hard and although he worries he isn't ready, I think he will do just fine. I know he is getting some really great training so that if he chooses to continue to play lacrosse as he gets older, he will have mastered the skills necessary to play really well.

Ali is still dancing her little heart out. She is practicing to be a pumpking in the upcoming performance of Cinderella...could be interesting! She is such a girly girl and is very impatiently counting down the days when she will no longer be 'boy trapped', as she puts it. She can't wait for a new little sister (and quite frankly, neither can I).

Joe is still busy with work, not much new there. He is playing a lot more ping pong, which he really enjoys.

I am so very tired of being pregnant and can't wait to be done! She is getting big, and so am I...people are already asking if I am having more than one baby. So sad. The kids are great though and we are about as ready as we can be for the new one to arrive. Life is good. I am a terrible blogger. Here's hoping I get better not worse!!!

Little Snow White...

2011-02-20T20:44:00.003-07:00

Ali had her very first Ballet performance on Saturday.

She was a white bunny in their performance of Little Snow White. Isn't she just too cute!

I didn't get tickets for the family to see the performance this weekend because Joe had to be to a temple session in Draper at the same time and I wanted us to all go together, but the boys went over afterwards with me to congratulate her. They were very cute and brought her some flowers to show her how proud they were of all her hard work. They are looking forward to watching her perform again in a couple of weekends (I think there are around 5 different performances altogether).

When Ali's little friend came out of the dressing room she was crying. Apparently she was upset that so many of the girls had gotten flowers and she didn't get any. Ali pulled out several of the flowers from her bouquet and handed them to her friend and said, "Here Marissa, because you did such a wonderful job!" I was really proud of her, not just for her performance, but for her example of love and friendship as well.

Holy Red Dye...

2011-02-13T19:01:00.005-07:00

I was at Costco Saturday with a friend and we noticed the pretty Red Velvet Cakes they had for sale there. I've always wanted to try one, but those things are so big I wasn't prepared to buy one and be eating cake for the next four months.

So, after getting home I decided I would try my hand at making one...after all, Red Velvet Cake is traditionally a Valentines cake, so what could be more perfect as a Valentines weekend treat?

Surprisingly, it was a very simple cake to make and it came together very nicely. The texture was wonderful and light and it tasted delicious. I must admit, however, I was not adequatly prepared for the large quantity of red dye called for in the recipe...1/4cup of red dye. That my friends is two FULL 1oz bottles of red foor coloring, and not the little dropper bottles.

There was so much red dye in this cake that our tongues were all bright red after eating one piece of cake (on a side note, I think I'm going to let Joe change Max's diapers for the next couple of days).

So, if any of you are looking for a reason to keep your consumsion of Red Velvet to a minimum - this is a good one. Especially if you're one of those individuals who has concerns about the effects of red dye - my advise, don't frequently indulge in Red Velvet Cake. I think my family has consumed several years worth of our daily value of red food coloring...perhaps we'll have to wait a decade or two before we try our hand at another Red Velvet Cake.

Kids...

2011-02-09T12:16:00.004-07:00

If any of you follow facebook you'll already know that it's been a real party in the Ence household this week.

In spite of all that has been happening, I feel extremely blessed to be the mother of such great kids. They really do make it better, even when all under the weather.

Yesterday Max came up to me while I was stoking the fire and leaned up against my shoulder. He turned his head like he was going to give me a kiss and when I went in for it - [cough, cough] - right in my face. Yum. He then tried to give me the kiss I had been expecting, but I was laughing too hard to get it. Silly boy. At least it wasn't throw up. Clay did that once when he was Max's age. I'll take a cough in the face any day over throw up in the face (and mouth)...that was gross.

While we were at the pharmacy yesterday waiting for a RX refill on some coldsore meds (I love how you always get those when you want - and need - them least of all) and Clay turned to me and said he had always thought that Heavenly Father loved us less than Jesus because Jesus was the only one of His children that He referred to as His Beloved.
I was not exactly prepared for this remark, especially considering the circumstances. But before I even had a chance to form a reply he said that in Primary, his teacher had explained that Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits but not the father of our bodies - that would be Joe, he pointed out. But Heavenly Father is both the Father of Jesus's spirit and His body, that is why He is Heavenly Father's Beloved. Not because He has more love for Him than for any of us.

To be entirely honest I don't think this entire conversation or question had ever, up to this point, crossed my mind. I never questioned God's love and I don't know that I would have been able to explain, so simply and yet so perfectly, what Clay's primary teacher did. Clay not only understood what the teacher said, but it seemed to put to rest any concerns he may have previously had about how much he was personally loved by his Father in Heaven.

I have to say I am so very, very grateful for the all those who work so diligently to magnify their callings. My children have so many people to look up to and have been influenced for the better by so many of our friends and neighbors...now if that isn't a blessed life, I don't know what is.

Two May Be Better...But Not Necessarily More Efficient.

2011-02-01T20:58:00.004-07:00

You know the feeling of chaos on Sunday morning as you scramble to get everyone cleaned, fed, dressed and ready for church? Does your house always look like a bomb went off with clothes, food, and stuff EVERYWHERE? Does it seem as though you never eat a 'real' breakfast instead it's usually yogurt, bread, pop tarts, cold cereal, or whatever you can find that doesn't take more than 5 minutes to prepare and eat? And it never seems to matter what time church is, because you're never quite ready when it's actually time to head out the door, there's always one more thing you forgot to grab that you have to run back in for when you should be pulling out of the driveway. Well, if this isn't you - I am so very jealous - if it is, then I feel your pain.

I don't like to spend a lot of time cleaning up on Sunday because the weekends are my time to spend hanging out with Joe and the kids. So, by the time we get home from church on Sunday, my house looks like a disaster. Except, however, for this past Sunday.

Last Wednesday, Joe had to make plans to be in AZ for a conference over the weekend. His flight didn't come in until 2pm on Sunday. This meant I got the privilege of getting all five of the kids ready for church by 11am, which as I said before, is a daunting task for both Joe and I together most weeks...I was not very enthusiastic about the opportunity.

I got out of bed at 8:20am (which felt like sleeping in) because I had acquired three bunk mates and it was no longer a restful place to be. We made oatmeal with fruit and rolls for breakfast, it was a breakfast of champions! I had all 4 boys shower while I did Ali's hair. The kids were dressed, hair combed, their rooms cleaned up and were watching a movie in the toy room by 9:30am. That left me over an hour to shower, dress, do my own hair (which I even had time to curl), and I managed to run through two loads of laundry for good measure. The house was all picked up and we were out the door at ten minutes to 11.

Now, I hate to say that Joe is the weak link here, but Joe is the weak link. I know that isn't really true, but I also know that I will stay in my warm bed longer if Joe is next to me rather than three very squirmy, loud children. So, whether he means to be or not, it does seem that Joe's presence forces me to be lazy and try to sleep in and inevitably arrive late to church. Perhaps we should have him sleep in the spare bedroom on Saturday nights... ;)

The Verdict is...

2011-01-24T10:43:00.003-07:00

Baby number 6 is, according to the ultrasound tech, going to be a GIRL! The baby was not especially cooperative and there was a lot we weren't able to see (she decided to curl around my spine so we didn't get any face shots and missed some of the Dr's required pics...we may have to try again later). What we did see, however, was the lack of baby boy genitals, and three small lines, indicating it's a girl! So, boy, boy, girl, boy, boy and GIRL! Not too shabby. Clayton and Ali will be especially pleased when they find out later today!
The baby does appear to be looking healthy, which is always a good thing. We have a few questions about whether this will be our last baby, and we're hoping to have that all figured out soon after this one arrives. If there is any question as to my health after this delivery, it is looking like we may have finally concluded this chapter of our lives...how crazy will that be?
I will be able to go over the ultrasound results with the Dr next monday and am hoping to know a little more about how things went after that. I will also get my blood work results at that appointment as well...should be interesting!

Life is Like a Motion Picture...

2010-11-05T12:02:00.003-06:00

that goes terribly wrong!

Don't you think? I mean, just as things start to go really well and you begin to believe that life is perfect - you get a freak rash on your leg and end up spending hundreds of dollars in Dr's bills trying to figure out what it is, but after seeing several Dr's and putting up with the itchiest rash known to man for almost two months, and after taking several different medications that seem to make no changes, you put up with both a biopsy and a patch test (devilish test, it's like wearing a plastic bag on your back that itches incessantly and the only comfort you have is that no one will come near you and your grouchy itchiness because you stink too bad from not showering)and you still have no apparent answer...although the rash does seem to have taken the hint that it was unwanted and is slowly, yet surely, relenting. THAT, folks, is my motion picture gone awry.

In other news, I went through my pictures and found some good ones that I haven't gotten around to posting yet, so sit back and enjoy the good part of the show!

Clay earned his Bear the beginning of this summer, but didn't receive it until Pack Meeting in August...it was a long wait, but he worked really hard for it and we're very proud of him!

The kids have really been into Legos since this summer. They collaborated on this house (which had several additions and changes during it's construction) and they did a great job. I mean, tub, toilet, sinks, microwave, oven, couch, beds, etc... It's a pretty nice pad!

Ali and Jack on the first day of school. Jack didn't start until mid September, but he wanted to participate in the picture taking when the other kids had their first day.

Clayton was asked to help with the Flag Ceremony at the back to school morning. He got to carry and post the colors. He did a great job and looked very handsome in this Scout uniform (which he insisted I sew all the patches on that he'd accumulated over the summer but had procrastinated attaching until the night before).

Quin and Ali girl at Back to School Morning.

And what post would be complete without pictures of adorable Maxo?! Man I love this kid.

30

2010-09-13T16:19:00.003-06:00

Me, the kids, my sister-in-law Liz and my nephew Luke at a cave near Bear Lake, July 2010. - it's the most recent photo I could find - love it, cuz it's all I've got!!!

Today I am officially out of my twenties. It wasn't all that difficult (apparently motherhood makes you age faster), so now that I'm finally 'old' I can say I've felt that way for nearly a decade and it's about darn time my body caught up with the rest of me! (Might I just take a moment to add that 30 is NOT old...70, maybe you could consider that 'old', but 30 is definitely NOT old...and the older I get the higher that number will get, just an FYI).

Joe left me with the kids for my birthday, he thought I would really like some one-on-one time with our cherubs and so he took a business trip to Seattle for three days...what a thoughtful husband!

So, after a fabulous time at the Dr's office, yup today was my yearly physical - and in case you were wondering, I am just that lucky. In good news, I was declared 'healthy as a horse' (no, the Dr did not actually tell me that, but the point is that he also didn't tell me I was on deaths door and I choose to interpret that as 'fit as a fiddle' or whatever trite saying you'd like to substitute for I'm not dead yet)! The nurse who was there (who made my year) said I didn't look old enough to have 5 kids (why thank you!!), which prompted the Dr to ask how old I was and I told him it was my 30th birthday (I'm sure at that point the nurse's suspicions that I was plain CRAZY where confirmed)...she's probably right!?!

At any rate, we are doing good and so far it hasn't been too shabby of a day, especially for a Monday! All I know is my phone hasn't stopped beeping at me all day long. Every other second I get a phone call, text or facebook msg from someone sending me happy birthday wishes...I could just kiss you all!!! Nothing makes a persons day happier than knowing there are so many wonderful people out there thinking of you! So, I would just like to tell each of you THANK YOU for loving me so much and for being such wonderful and supportive family/friends. You make this life so much better and I love being a part of each of your lives, in whatever capacity I'm able to do so. I hope I have touched each of you in some way and that I'm able to pay forward the happiness you've brought to me today!

I Know...It IS Exciting, Isn't It?!?!?!

2010-09-07T21:51:00.000-06:00

Maxo has decided to join the big people and has begun to WALK! Hooray! He is so stinking cute and I just love to watch him 'toddle' around the house. He still falls a lot, but he always gets back up and keeps on going. It's pretty great. I'm even more amazed because he's about 25lbs now and that's a lot of weight (and his waistline is rather impressive due to a severe lack of height - he's what we like to refer to as 'compact'...it rolls off the tongue better than 'fat'). So, I have great hopes for future accomplishments since he has been able to overcome gravity at his young age and large size...it's nothing short of a great feat.

Max is still the most cuddly baby I've ever had and we sure love him. He eats his body weight in food daily and can squeal really loudly (but usually saves that for when you deny him the food you are eating).

We hope you are all doing well, and perhaps we'll have another update again soon...just maybe.

Just Another Manic Sunday...

2010-07-19T10:09:00.000-06:00

Well let's just hope Monday isn't as crazy as Sunday because I could really use a break...

After church, Joe and the boys decide to go out back and walk down the stream. It sounded like a good idea. When Joe busted through the garage door and the first words out of his mouth were, "Audri, we have a problem!", I changed my mind.

Quin was bleeding from his chin, it appeared to be nothing more than a bad scratch. He had been walking back up the stream and tripped over a rock. He tried to catch himself on his hands, but it was slippery and he hit his face against a rock. After getting the blood to stop on Quin's chin, Joe took a look inside his mouth...unfortunately for Quin, Joe was able to see outside of Quin's mouth from inside of it...gag.

Joe took Quin up to Primaries to get stitches. Four stitches on the outside, but they left the hamburger on the inside (apparently they only stitch the inside if you can fit three cheerios through the hole, Quin's could only fit one cheerio).

So, he is dealing very well with all of this. He has to rinse his mouth out with a syringe after every meal until it's healed and put antibiotic ointment on it for a week. If he doesn't want a white scar they said he needs to have sunscreen put on it three times a day for the next year...not sure I will be able to remember that...

Anyhow, here is a photo of the outside of his mouth. It doesn't look that bad, even the doctor who saw him at Primaries said it didn't look bad (until Quin opened his mouth and showed her the inside...all she could respond was, "Oh!").

This is a pic of the inside, I was feeling bad and didn't want to pull down on it very hard, so the picture doesn't look nearly as gruesome as the pic Joe got on his phone...I may be able to add that later, but you get the basic idea. It really did look like ground hamburger...so gross.

This is the inside this morning. It is already looking a lot better, starting to come together at any rate. Hopefully it will heal quickly and he'll be back to his normal self again soon!!!

It's About Time!!!

2010-06-27T23:41:00.000-06:00

My computer is on the fritz...

So, as I write this to you, the bottom third of my computer is wiggling up and down and giving me quite the headache. It's nearly impossible to read what I'm writing, so I do not accept blame for spelling errors, as I can't be sure that I've made a mistake...oh well.
This post is long overdue so I suppose I can deal with the sad computer and get some pictures from the trip up! Ya!!!

Joe and I got back from France a couple of weeks ago. It was such a great trip. Good friends, good fun and LOTS of good food!!! I haven't uploaded all of the pictures to my computer (because I figure I'll have to just do it again when I get my new laptop because the motherboard or some such nonsense is pooping out on me). So, I will just have to give you what little I do have. Most of these photos were taken by my dear friend Michelle, whom I met at Le Cordon Bleu in the Bread Baking course that I took while in France. We had such a wonderful time making great bread and getting to know the great people there. I feel especially blessed to have taken the class with these great people and have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks for duplicating the recipes in the states (which is not as easy as I had originally anticipated because the ingredients are NOT the same...so sad).

Anyhow, I hope you love the photos and I am sure I will get more coming. I have made excellent progress on my Baguette recipe, which I have been making every couple of days and it just gets better each time. They are so easy and so worth the extra time it takes to make it instead of buy it. Nothing quite compares! I have also been able to duplicate the Caramel Ice cream (from a dry caramel, and YES we did learn to make ice cream in my bread making class, what fun) and the Chocolate Sorbet. I also made a killer batch of Croissants, which are super time consuming and much to my surprise, turned out better at home than they did when I made them in class. This was a big surprise because I've had the opposite problem with every other recipe. I was happy to get at least one thing perfect on the first try! I bought the chocolate sticks so I can make the croissant with chocolate in the middle (how can you go wrong with that, huh). Hopefully my next batch will be at least as good as the first and maybe it will get better?!?!

I've also been making some really great brownie, chocolate cake, double chocolate chip muffins and other recipes that I acquired in France (we came home with chocolate and baking books from France and that was about it...can you tell)!?! Oh, and I made a French Butter Cream Icing for the chocolate cake that was SUPER out of control...delicious!! Just don't ask how much butter was in it, you'll actually feel yourself getting fatter if you do.

Look at all those yummy baguettes!!! Don't worry, this is only a small part of what we did in ONE day of baking. Just think of what you could accomplish in 7hrs of non-stop baking...we came home with so much bread it was crazy!

MORE yummy bread! I believe these were day two. The small rolls are a Batard bread made using the Poolish method, I think my baguettes are good enough to begin the Batard next...we shall see if they compare...

And who can complain about spending all day on their feet making bread when they serve you lunch food that looks this good?!?!?! Talk about living it up! They served us breakfast and lunch every day and it was superb! I think that's what I miss most, they have amazing food...amazing.

This is my favorite. This is just after Chef gave me my certificate for successfully completing the Bread Baking Course. He was super sweet and I loved every second of it!!!

All in all, the baking class was worth every penny of the trip and I would do it again in a heart beat. It was so much harder than I anticipated to be gone from the kids for so long. I think I'll have to drag them along next time so I can at least see them each night before bed. It's been so nice to hold them and squeeze them. I have spent lots of time catching up on all my snuggling that I missed out on with Max. They all seem to have grown up while I was away...how is that possible?

Oh, and in unrelated, but just as important news: Clay finished his Bear while he was at his Gpa and Gma's house while I was away! Not only did he earn his Bear, but he also earned enough arrow points to earn one gold and five silver arrows!!! Go Clayton! I just hope I can find enough to keep him busy for the next NINE months until he's a Webelo!
Also, I got a new calling in church today. I am the new Miamaid Adviser. It's been so long since I last worked in YW that I am a little out of touch, but I am really looking forward to working with these girls and getting to know them better. Girls camp is just over a month away, I can't think of a better initiation than that!!!

In Case You Were Wondering...

2010-05-26T23:00:00.000-06:00

Because I am so very on top of everything in my life [note heavy sarcasm], I had the kids help me fill all seven of our deck pots with a variety of vegetables. We did this in the middle of May when we felt they would no longer be in danger of frost. Perhaps we should have taken into consideration that this is Utah, we live on a freakin mountain and mother nature seems to have a cruel sense of humor.
Here is one of my gorgeous little tomato plants, about a week after planting. Monday we woke up to over 3 inches of snow...needless to say, my plants aren't looking as perky as they did then. I checked on them today and they looked so sad. I think they'll make it, but we are in need of some serious sunshine to insure a full recovery!

Clay caught this dragonfly on Mother's Day. Yes it is being detained against it's will, but there is a very good reason for that [see below]...

This is what happens when dragonflies are not properly detained.
Actually, Clay was just making the face because he wanted to scare Jack (who has a very SERIOUS fear of bugs and all creeping things)...
I got a good laugh though when Clay tried to get the thing off his ear. Dragonflies, it seems, have an excellent grip that rivals the strength of small children and whip lash.

In other news...Joe had a Convention in Vegas last weekend with a bunch of Doctors and I got to fly down for a day to be his wing-man (a big thanks here for my brother Ben and his wife, Karin, for watching the kids, although I'm pretty sure neither of them read my blog. I still love them and appreciate them)! We had an excellent dinner Friday night and while he got to sit in a cold hotel room all day long, I got to read by the pool...in the sun...ahhhhhh...(I must note that I did spend four hours in the morning doing computer work for Joe on my laptop in the hotel, because I'm a good wife and all that stuff).
It was really great to drive home with him and talk without having to raise our voices in a futile attempt to drown out the children (because we're good parents). Actually, I missed them so much I made Joe leave right after his convention ended and wouldn't even let him see a show (bad wife, good mother). It was my first overnight separation from Max and harder than I thought it would be. I'm not entirely sure how I'll survive two weeks in Paris, but I suppose this was a vital step in the weening process. I can do this.

I've been running and training for another half marathon. I haven't signed up for it yet because I'm hoping to get injured so I don't actually have to do it...is that bad? I had to buy new running shoes because mine were toast...seriously. Note to self, running shoes should not be worn for over five years, especially if you actually do run in them...oops.

Jacko is going potty all by himself these days! Glorious, glorious days...

Ali's last day of preschool is tomorrow. She'll be in kindergarten this fall, still trying to digest that.

Quin had to get new glasses. He's at -2 in both eyes now. We decided to get him checked again when we noticed he was sitting two feet from the projector screen in Joe's office because he "couldn't see". Yikes!!

Max is working on his walking skills. He pulls himself up onto anything and everything. Last week Clay brought him to me and said I needed to keep a better eye on him. I asked why and he said, "Because I found him standing up to the toilet swishing his hands in it...and there was poop in it!" Ummm, GAG ME!!! Clay wasn't laughing for long because he got the privilege of taking Max up and showering with him while I got to clean the bathroom. Yuck. We have a closed door policy in place now...strictly enforced.

Molten Lava Cakes

2010-05-11T11:53:00.000-06:00

I've had a few requests for this recipe. It's a MUST if you are a chocolate lover...yum.

4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
4 oz. unsalted butter
2 eggs
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 c. flour

This is the chocolate I prefer to use.

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

In a separate boil, beat eggs with sugar (I use a hand blender to make sure they’re well blended).

Remove the melted chocolate from the stove and add the butter until melted and well combined.

Combine chocolate mixture with the egg mixture.

Whisk in flour until well mixed.

Butter sides and bottoms of 4 custard cups (or ramekins).

Bake in cups at 350 for 10-15 minutes.

[Notes: Don’t over fill the cups because they will rise significantly as they bake. The baking time varies A LOT depending on your altitude, how full your cups are, etc… (mine take longer to cook because I place the cups inside another pan, otherwise my cups will tip. If your cup/ramekin has a wider bottom you can just place it in the oven and it will take less time to cook). You will need to watch them very closely to make sure they are cooked to your likeness (the people I got the recipe from cooked theirs for only 11 minutes, I have to cook mine 20-23 min – just to give you an idea).
The outside should be firm with a gooey center. If you bake them too long, they will cook through. If you don’t bake them long enough, they will fall apart when you dump them out.
Once the cakes are cooked to my liking, I dump them onto a plate that’s been drizzled with a small amount of chocolate syrup and caramel syrup (just the ice cream topping variety. In the picture above I used raspberry syrup and chocolate syrup. Joe didn't like the raspberry as much because it made it 'too healthy', whatever that means). I place one scoop of vanilla ice cream on the top of the hot cake and serve.]

P.S. My sister-in-law will make extras and freezes them. When she needs them she just pops them in the microwave and warms them up. She says it works wonderfully! I haven't tried it, I've never had extras...

It's OK, You Can Say It...

2010-05-08T15:06:00.000-06:00

HE'S ADORABLE!!!

Max makes me smile every day. I just love this kid...

What's Up?

2010-05-04T06:41:00.000-06:00

For those of you who need News and need News now, I'm not the gal you're looking for...I'm a slacker. Thus, it is after a month (or more, who's counting?) that I begin my update on the going on's of our rather rambunctious household...

Joe - completed the Salt Lake City Full Marathon in April. I was SUPER proud of him. He hates running (and when I say hates, I really mean HATES) but did it anyway, and did a pretty good job of it. Not to mention the fact that he finished, and didn't come home on a stretcher (because, let's face it, I would have been on a stretcher). Joe's been working a TON lately, but that's not really new news. He always has a project, or two, or ten, going. He did a shooting course down by Las Vegas for five days and really enjoyed it. It was hard to have him gone over the weekend, especially with limited, if any, cell coverage. It made me grateful that when he's out of town for work it's within a hundred miles of a cell tower and I can talk to him periodically throughout the day...it's the little things people...

While Joe was running the full marathon, I completed the SLC Half marathon. Not as impressive, but it's officially OFF my bucket list! I completed it in 2 hrs 18 min and didn't die...HOORAY! I don't think I would have done it except that I turn 30 this year and I can just feel my body beginning to deteriorate...if this is the peak of my existence, I might as well make the most of it, right?! At any rate, it was really great to start the race with Joe. We were able to run the first 4 1/2 miles together before they split us up. He was my inspiration and I know I couldn't have done it without thinking of him (and all the crap he would have given me if I'd quit)... I love that guy.

The kids got to do an Easter Egg hunt at the neighbors while Joe and I ran our races. They didn't miss us for a second.

I took Max and flew to MASS for five days to visit my sister. Max was an angel on every flight (not much of a surprise there) and we had a great time hanging out with Phil, Maggi and Porter. Max became Porter's mule (literally. Porter would climb up on top of Max and try and ride him...so funny, so sad), but didn't mind much...I suppose he's use to the abuse that comes with being fatter and slower than everyone else around you (once he starts walking this story might have a different ending). He's just the sweetest little guy, you can't help but love him.

The other four kiddos stayed home with Joe while Max and I were away...talk about role reversal. I think Joe and I were both happy to have things return to normal, although I know Joe wouldn't mind being home more, just so long as he isn't required to do the laundry, clean the house, etc...

The best news is that while I was away Joe cracked down on Jack's potty training. Jack has been willing to use the potty, but would never instigate going. If you asked him if he needed to go, he would often go, but should you forget - there were serious consequences...serious. I had done pretty well reminding him to go potty during the days while the other kids were at school, but it was always in the evenings (while trying to get homework done, dinner made and kids to bed) that I'd forget and we'd have poop on our hands (or in Jack's underpants - either way, it was DISGUSTING)!!! By the time I came home from my little vacation, Jack was still having accidents, but within a couple days he started telling me he needed to go potty, before it actually happened! It's been a few weeks now and we've had an accident here or there, but not often. He is in big boy underpants full time and only wet the bed once. I can live with that. He is so much improved, and I LOVE not changing his diapers.

Maxo has quit nursing and is now, thankfully, sleeping through the night! YA!! He still has the occasional bad night, but for the most part he is sleeping all night and I couldn't be more grateful. Now, if I could only get Jack and Ali to stay in their own darn beds, I might get a good nights sleep (they have a nasty habit of coming and getting into bed with me around 4 or 5am, always with FREEZING toes that inevitably get stuck somewhere on my person, which never fails to rouse me from my slumber...imagine that)!

Clay and his cousin Wyatt riding Wyatt's 4-wheeler while we were in Idaho over Easter.

Clay is in baseball again this year. He is enjoying himself, although he was sad not to be on the same team as most of his friends...one downside to having an early birthday I suppose. He made it into the 9yr old cut off and was put on the older team, which means he's one of the youngest players on his team. This isn't a bad thing, except that it's only his second year of baseball and they don't do machine pitch, it's boy pitch. That changes everything. He is adapting well though and I think it's been good for him to push himself a bit more. They won their first game, but lost the last two (Clay did score a run during their last game, so he felt better about losing it than the game before - that loss was a bit harder to swallow). Oh well, he is learning valuable lessons and making new friends along the way...that's life.

The new rage around our house is Poptropica. It's a computer game that Clay, Quin and Ali are OBSESSED with. There are few moments in my day when someone isn't pestering me to play that darn game. I've even been sucked in a few times and cajoled into helping them beat a certain bad guy, or level, or whatever. They're officially addicted...so sad. I am hoping that if it ever decides to warm up (and stay that way) they will be more excited about spending time in the great outdoors and leave Poptropica alone for a few precious moments...we'll see.

We got ourselves season passes to Cherry Hill's again this year. I didn't realize how long it's been since we last did that. When we went in for our pictures, they still had our old pictures on the computer. Ali was sitting on my lap in pigtails...and she was the baby. Crazy. We are definitely looking forward to making the most of them though. It should be a good summer.

I took the kids to Idaho for Spring Break. The kids enjoyed going to the local grocery store in Rexburg and hunting for eggs up and down the grocery isles. They made a killing because few people where CRAZY enough to come out during the freaking blizzard that hit us that morning. You couldn't actually see any of the road because the layers of ice and snow were too thick. Uuuggg. The kids had a good time though, so it was worth braving the weather.

I'm a Liar and a Thief...

2010-05-03T10:03:00.000-06:00

Well, not consciously of course...

Saturday I decided it was time to clean out my diaper bags. I have four different diaper bags that I use. One is for church, two are for everyday use and the third has a zipper for when I travel and don't want things falling out. I keep most of the essentials in each bag so I only ever have to add my wallet, bottle, blanket, etc...and I'm good to go!

Well, it had been a while since I'd cleaned them out and washed them, so this was the task I undertook.

For the past ten years of our marriage, Joe has accused me of stealing his pens. He frequently complains of them 'just dissappearing' and is forced to purchase more. Unlike myself, Joe is very particular about his writing utensils. He has very specific tastes, whereas I'll use anything that is actually capable of writing. So, I have adamantly denied pilfering Joe's pen collection. I mean, why would I bother to steal his pens when anything will do, right?!

So imagine my surprise, embarrassment and regret when, after dumping each diaper bag out into a large pile in my living room, I find these:

Now remember, there were only FOUR diaper bags (I should also note that these are just Joe's pens...oh yes, there were several other pens, and pencils, tucked away in my diaper bags. I only had the courage to take a snapshot of those that actually belonged to my husband).

This begs the question, how on earth did I not notice I was packing around that many writing utensils???? Who needs 20+ pens? I have issues...

So, it became my most regretted responsibility to inform my husband of my transgression. Needless to say, it was not my proudest moment. Any guesses as to how my husband responded???!!???!!??

He instructed me to take a picture, and blog about it.
So there you go. I am, among other things, far from perfect.

Seriously???

2010-03-31T23:22:00.000-06:00

This is what my back yard looked like this afternoon. Snow, snow GO AWAY!!! All of this had just melted and now it's back. WHY? WHY? WHY?

I have spring fever bad...very, very bad.

Here One Second...Gone the Next...

2010-03-29T20:39:00.001-06:00

You know how you always tell yourself you can't wait until your child can get around on their own...it's a lie.

Max has become a crazy demon! For instance: I put him down to change his diaper this morning. I ran into the kitchen for one second - ONE SECOND - when I turned around and came back into the living room, he was gone! He saw an opportunity for escape and took it...

He rolls, scoots and maneuvers his way all over my kitchen, living room, hallway, EVERYWHERE!!! He's unstoppable. Today he rolled OVER a xylophone to get into the kitchen, not around it, OVER it!

The worst is that I have to vacuum and sweep an extra 20 times a day to keep him from putting garbage in his mouth. Seriously, the other day I took wood chips out of his mouth half a dozen times! Stinker. He is a mobile choking hazard.

Days when I didn't have to worry about my baby rolling down the stairs, choking on paper, where have you gone? Oh how I miss you...

Good parenting at its finest!

Pretty and Delicious...

2010-03-22T11:39:00.000-06:00

I've become somewhat obsessed with making breads. Over the past several months I've made French Bread, Rolls, Rye Bread, White Bread, Milk and Honey White Bread, Challah and several others (including several whole wheat, 9 grain and white/wheat variations). The reason for my obsession? It's two fold: 1. Desserts have always been my strength, breads my weakness. I want to improve my weakness. 2. In my quest to create delicious bread I enrolled in a 4 day Bread Baking course at Le Cordon Bleu in PARIS!!!! Wahoo! Joe and I are headed there in June and I'm determined to be able to make, at the very least, passable bread before I have a culinary expert try to teach me how to make croissants, baguettes, etc...
So, I suppose it's really just a one fold mission not to completely humiliate myself with crappy bread!

I had a couple of people ask for recipes, so here is my latest:

ChallahThis bread is very easy to make and it has a unique taste (because it uses eggs). My personal preference with this bread is to eat it toasted...yum (a little butter and homemade raspberry jam don't hurt either). I found the recipe in 'The Taste of Home Baking Book'.

2 pkgs active dry yeast
1 c warm water
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/3 c sugar
1 tbsp salt
4 eggs
6-61/2 c flour

Topping:
1 egg
1 tsp cold water
1 tbsp sesame or poppy seeds, optional

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the oil, sugar, salt, eggs and 4 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough.

2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Shape each piece into a 15in rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

4. Beat egg and cold water; brush over braids. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Enjoy!

What's Wrong With People???

2010-03-17T13:53:00.000-06:00

A few months back there was an article in the paper about a 20yr old guy who was arrested for having 'inappropriate relations' (multiple times) with a 14yr old girl that lives in my neighborhood - AT THE PARK! OUR PARK...it makes me sick to my stomach, for several reasons... I never remember seeing him, but my brother and several of the neighbors had seen him and the girl coming out of the park or driving up our street.

What if my kids were out there playing and saw them? What if they were approached by someone like that? WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?!?!?!

SEVERAL times over the last few months I've noticed a truck coming up to the park during school hours, and apparently some of the other neighbors have noticed as well. I know that the kid who drives it is a high school student. I've seen him and his friends (both boys and girls) sit at the park and smoke by the truck. Sometimes they walk down by the stream and heaven knows what they're doing then (but I'm gonna bet it's something they shouldn't be doing). They always leave if adults come up to the park, which is a bit of a red flag that they know they shouldn't be there doing what they're doing.

My kids play at that park. They fish down by the stream. I don't feel safe letting my kids play outside without VERY CLOSE supervision because I have no idea what sort of 'traffic' is going to be 'hanging out' at the park! GRRRRRR....one of the things I loved most when we bought this place was being so close to the park. Why do people have to ruin it for me? For my kids? Again I ask, What is wrong with people?

One of the neighbors called the police today on these kids...I have no idea what the outcome of that was, but I certainly hope it deters them, and anyone else hoping to use the park for inappropriate, or illegal, behavior from coming back.

Bubbles...Bubbles....Bubbles...

2010-03-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

This was Jack's birthday present. It's called Gazillion Bubbles...for obvious reasons...

The birthday boy...3 already...hard to believe.

Jack's birthday cake. It was an orange cake with an orange glaze. Everyone but Ali and I had two slices...it was a big hit!

Singing happy birthday to himself...he did that all day long. VERY cute!

Happy birthday big guy!

Because I had so much fun the 1st time...

2010-03-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

Ali wore the skirt I made to church Sunday with a white shirt and red cardigan, it looked SUPER cute! I was very pleased and decided to give it a second try.
Ali picked out a yellow print this time (go figure, it's her favorite) and I paired it with an orange under skirt and green top. I think it's just as cute as the first.

Ali's preschool teacher (whom we loving refer to as Mary Poppins - because no one we've ever met has been more like her) announced that her daughter delivered a baby girl last Friday. So, Ali and I decided she would need a new skirt for Sundays.

Thus, we embarked on yet ANOTHER skirt. I really loved how this one turned out. It's a dark brown with pink. We made her a cute little hair bow to go with it and I'm going to go buy a pink onesie for her to wear under it. The instructions gave measurements for a 6-12mth pattern, but didn't include what size to cut the elastic. So, I used a pair of Maxo's pants to 'guesstimate'. I had to then try the finished product on my model, just to be sure. It was a bit tight and I think I may have popped a seem doing it, but I think the finished product was pretty darn good! (Pardon the clashing red shirt and gray socks, but it was insulting enough that I was putting him in a skirt and hair-bow, I didn't feel the need to completely undress the boy and further his humiliation. He sure is cute though!)

Project Complete...

2010-02-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

I got this pattern a while ago and was pretty excited to try it out, but because of one thing or another...I only just got it done.

I have a few other fabric combination's I want to try out. The pattern is SUPER easy and made up rather quickly.

Ali refused to model the dress for me, but agreed to wear it to church tomorrow. So, my model shall remain nameless, and faceless, to preserve his fathers pride, until he's old enough to be equally embarrassed by the pictures that show his face!

Funny Ali...

2010-02-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

This is Ali's most infamous face. I think she makes this face more than any other. Especially if she thinks you are making fun of her, is mad, is in a bad mood, feels wronged...like I said, more than any other.

I was just thinking about some of the funny things Ali has said/done the past few weeks, I thought it might bring a smile to your face too...

[FYI: We started doing a point system at our house for rewarding and disciplining the kids. When they accomplish certain jobs or responsibilities, they earn points. Points are taken away for bad behavior and points earned can be used to 'purchase' rewards. It is turning out to be a pretty good system.]

Last week Quin ate a clove of fresh garlic to earn 3,000 points (enough to buy a new xbox game). He didn’t even hesitate when Joe made the offer (for some insane reason Joe didn't think he would do it. I'm pretty sure the first thought in Quin's mind was...that is worth WEEKS of making my bed, taking out the trash...Boo Ya)! Go figure! So Joe was driving down the road with Quin and Ali looking for Game Stop so they could buy Quin's new game. Joe said, “I can’t find it. Can you guys see Game Stop?” Ali was sitting in the front straining her neck trying to look out the window and she yells, “I just can’t read!!!!!!!!!! I need to know how to read!!!!!” Joe and I have been laughing about it for days. She has obviously learned that reading is power, and she wants it!! Watch out world.

One morning, a few days before Ali's birthday, Ali and Clayton were discussing which friends they were going to invite to Ali’s Birthday party (we took the kids and let them each bring a friend to Chuck E Cheese instead of doing a party at the house – because we hate ourselves).
Anyhow, after debating for a while they came upstairs and Clay asked me which friend Ali was talking about (it took us nearly ten minutes to guess who she was referring to). She couldn’t remember her friend’s name, but this is what she told us:
“You know, she lives over the river and through the woods, down the winding road in the yellow house.” We were drawing blanks. “You know mom, she lives far away, over the woods and across the river, in the yellow house.” We still had nothing. “There are two of them mom, they are my friends.”
I was pretty sure Ali was just quoting lines of various songs and childrens stories, making up friends who didn’t really exist, but she was very adamant in her descriptions. After guessing nearly everyone we knew (yellow house or not) it finally dawned on me...Joe's brother lives in a yellow house. She was referring to her two cousins – her two 'friends'. Over the river, across the woods, down the winding lane in the yellow house...that describes the drive to their house almost perfectly (more simply stated, but very accurate)! Duh. I couldn't have said it better myself!

On the topic of children's songs and stories...a few days later we had gone as a family to do some shopping in SLC. We decided we should probably stop and pick up a quick lunch for the kids while we were out. As we were discussing possible lunch options, Ali pipes up from the back, "YA, lets go to Old McDonalds! I LOVE Old McDonalds!" Is everything a nursery rhyme when you're 5?

I was reading Fancy Nancy to Ali today. Ali points to Nancy's hair and says, "Look at her hair. It looks stupid."
Ummmm.....not what I was expecting her to say. I suppose fancy, curly hair isn't for everyone.

Advice for the day...

2010-02-25T12:58:00.001-07:00

When dealing with extended family, avoid doing a good turn...it WILL bite you in the butt.

Ok, so I know that isn't always true, it sure feels like it sometimes. Ugghhh...

I got an ear infection over the weekend. It hurt SOOOO bad. I started antibiotics on Monday and it is still bugging me...bad. It isn't sharp pain anymore, but it is still ringing (which can I just say is SUPER annoying...it sounds like a bee got stuck in my ear). I feel like someone shoved cotton between my ears and my nose won't stop running. I have a really hard time hearing when people are talking to me, even on the phone. I keep having to ask people to repeat themselves. Blah. If this is what an ear infection does to little people, I feel like a bad mom. I will most definitely be more empathetic when my children suffer from ear infections...no fun.

I miss Joe. He is out of town again this week...ugh. Oh, and it snowed today. I had to shovel another 3 inches out of the driveway and it was the super wet, heavy stuff.

Crummy, crummy day...

Valentines Weekend...

2010-02-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ali turned five this month...that was a bit hard to swallow. I can't believe my kids are getting so old.

My sister came down from Rexburg this weekend with her kids. We took the kids to Dick's Market on Saturday and had them decorate a heart shaped cake (it was only 3.99 per kid and they provided colored frosting and decorations for the kids to use, way worth it). The kids had a great time and were super proud of their masterpieces (we gave some of the cakes away because 5 cakes seemed like a bit much...imagine that). Wyatt
Clayton
Quin
Ali
ELi

Cheri's baby got a stomach bug Sunday and spent all afternoon throwing up. We couldn't get him to keep anything down until somewhere in the wee hours of Monday morning.

Max was super ornery and spent most of the weekend crying if he wasn't being held or eating...not sure what's up with that guy. It could be his teeth or growing pains, but I'm not sure.

Jack's been having a gross nose, fever and feeling crummy. I thought he might have a bug too, but noticed last night that he has two molars coming in. I think that might be it for him. Hopefully so because they're almost through.

It was fun having a day off yesterday. Joe rented Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and the kids watched it three times. Very funny flick.

It was nice to have another adult around while Joe was working. All around probably not the most spectacular Valentines weekend, due to all the sick kids, but we had fun. Hope you all did to!!

Yum...

2010-02-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

Last week I found a cook book at the kids school book fair that intrigued me called, "Fast Family Dinners" from Deanna F. Cook and the experts at Family Fun Magazine.

I love new cookbooks and trying new recipes. Today after church I made 'Sweet and Sour Grilled Chicken' from my new cookbook. Super YUMMY! Everyone finished their food, licked their plates and some of the kids even asked for seconds. I cooked five chicken breasts that I had cut into three equal, 1 serving size pieces. That makes 15 servings of chicken for 8 people, and I only had one piece of chicken left. I served the chicken with rice and veggies. I reserved part of the marinade and used it as a sauce on the rice. I hope you enjoy!

Sweet-and-Sour Grilled Chicken

Combine in food processor:
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Juice of 1/2 lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/3 c light brown sugar
*2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/3 c honey
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Once ingredients are well blended and your garlic is nicely diced, add:
**4 tbsp olive oil

Blend just until mixed.
Divide out 1/3 of sauce to use for dipping or to put on rice. Place remaining sauce in ziploc bag with chicken (recipe calls for 2 breasts, cut in half - I used 5, cut in thirds but did not change the amount of sauce). Turn to coat.
***Grill chicken until juices run clear.

*(I was out of Dijon mustard, so I substituted 1 tbsp yellow mustard and 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard)
**(I only had extra virgin olive oil on hand, so that's what I used)
***(I have found that in order to keep your chicken nice and juicy it is best to grill your chicken, on the lower level of your grill, on only one side until nice and brown (4-5 minutes). Then place the chicken on the upper level of the grill (on the un-cooked side) on a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil (I just use two pieces of regular foil) that's been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. I pour all of the remaining marinade from my ziploc bag on the chicken and let them continue cooking through (another 4-5 minutes). The foil helps keep the chickens juices in and prevents the chicken from getting over cooked. It also helps keep the marinade on your chicken so it keeps better flavor.)

Super easy, and super delicious. I hope you all enjoy!

Maxo...

2010-02-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Max has acquired his very first tooth! This is, as many of you mothers out there know, both good and bad. Good because he is growing up and slightly less cranky (I forgot how much I hate teething). Bad because he's only 6mths and, lets face it, no one looks forward to nursing a baby with teeth...it's terrifying. I've also heard a babies teeth are healthier the longer it takes them to come in. Either way, I'm just hoping we don't get any more teeth for a while!

So here are some sweet photos of baby Max. No pictures of the new tooth...he isn't that cooperative. In time...

Happy baby, lots of dark hair.

Mad baby.

Consoled baby (Oh yes, he is a thumb sucker...bad habit I know, but so darn cute).

Big baby, minus several inches of dark hair.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

It's going to be a great year folks! I say this now because I am determined to make it true (if lightning strikes me right now or Joe's plane crashes, I'll take it back).

So far we're off to a pretty decent start. I've made several new years goals and I've already made good progress on some and am already WAY behind on others (how is that possible when we're only a month into the year you ask? Just trust me, it's possible). If I can hit half of them, I'll consider the year a success (so sad, so true)!

Max is growing like a weed. He's over 19lbs now. He's 6mths and an absolute joy. He keeps me positive and reminds me how much I love each of my children, even when they talk back and throw tantrums or forget to flush the toilet. Max makes life good. No teeth yet, but he's eating fruits, veggies and rice cereal like a champ...which has only added to his increasing waist line. He's already wearing 9-12mth clothes. He's loves to smile and talk and has perfected rolling over. He sits up on his own a little, but doesn't have remarkable balance yet, it's a work in progress. Oh, and I need new pictures because he had his first haircut (a big thank you to uncle Phil for his help). He was getting a bit of a comb over going on so we cut it off. He's adorable and going blond. I'm anxious to see if it keeps getting lighter or if he'll be a brunette like Ali and Jack...time will tell.

Goal 1: Potty train an unruly nearly 3 year old. We did really good today, the poop went in the toilet and not the big boy pants, which is SUCH A BLESSING. However, if I didn't remind him to use the toilet, he didn't. Potty train fail. Tomorrow, we begin again.

Clay and Quin are back in school and doing really well. I am so impressed with Quin's progress with reading. He is making real strides. I took him to the ENT the other day and found out he's going to have to get tubes put back in early in Feb. He's had fluid on his ears since October (and possibly earlier) which has really effected his ability to hear. We were really worried he was going deaf. Apparently his hearing loss is just due to lots of excess fluid in his ear and the tubes should fix that. Clay is getting really good at cursive. His pen pal (who is a girl - he's the only kid in his class with a pen pal of the opposite sex) wrote to him this week and said he had 'beautiful handwriting'. I think he plans on typing the rest of his letters.

Ali is still my little princess. She is a smart little bugger and I just know I'm in over my head with her. She is a great help with her brothers and LOVES school. I can't believe she'll be in kindergarten this fall. She is really looking forward to her birthday next week, five yrs old. She wants to take the family to Chucky-Cheese for her birthday (I think I'm going to say yes because she has to get her kindergarten shots the day after her birthday and I'm hoping she will hate me a little less if I take her...REALLY hoping).

Not much else to report. I'm sick of the snow. I'm ready for spring. Life is good. I'm still not use to having Mag's so far away. I'll probably just be getting use to it by the time she gets back (in 18mths)...oh well, and life goes on!

I Admit it...I Suck...

2010-01-01T00:57:00.000-07:00

I just haven't been able to bring myself to update my blog. I have been trying to stay on top of everything else, and sorry to say, the blog is very low on my current priority list.

So, here are the top ten reasons why I haven't updated my blog:

1. Catering Business. I haven't actually started a business, Joe's company work party is Saturday and rather than pay to have someone cook food I'm very capable of cooking myself, I volunteered (sort of - Joe helped) to do all the cooking. I have to make appetizers, dinner and dessert for about 17 people. I'm in WAY over my head on this one and am only now shooting myself in the foot over it.

2. CD's. Joe has been recording our neighbor, Nelia Hopkins, play her violin. We decided to make a really great CD for her and I got the job of creating the CD cover, insert and labels. This wouldn't typically be a big deal, except for the fact that she is an especially good friend of the family, use to teach Joe piano back in MA and she's incredibly talented - all of this means I feel INCREDIBLE pressure to do a bang up job, worthy of her skill...again, way out of my league.
3. The Holidays. The holidays in general make me a bit crazy. There is always so much to plan for, presents to wrap, food to cook, neighbor gifts, etc... I have a really bad habit of always planning BIG and then having to meet my lofty expectations. I hate letting myself down.

4. Christmas Cards. My little sister decided I should do homemade cards again. I gave this up the year Jack was born (for good reason) and started just doing Costco picture cards (affordable price, less work). Because I have absolutely no will power, I succumb and made a bazillion homemade cards to send out. I also included a family photo, which I do every year. This year I didn't have any good 'family' photos because I looked super fat in all of them, due to just having a baby. So instead I created the family photo collage in order to emphasis my adorable children and stay away from my excess baby fat. I also spent a great deal of time revising, and re-revising, Joe's Christmas letter. He has a tendency to include a lot of details that are better left unwritten, as any of you who receive our letter can attest.

5. Trip to CA. We drove to California for Thanksgiving this year. It was a really great trip, but I must admit, my butt didn't really appreciate the 12 hrs we spent sitting in the car. The kids did really well (thank goodness for DVD players) and Max was especially wonderful. The weather was perfect and we had a really great time at the beach, Knotts Berry Farm and hanging out with all our cousins. I neglected to bring my computer along for this trip, however, I figured it was my vacation and I wanted to RELAX (at least, as much as you can when you are 'vacationing' with your kiddos). So although I got TONS of really great pics, I haven't uploaded a single one...it's a work in progress.

6. Snow. I spend so much of my time shoveling snow these days I don't have time for anything else. We got back from spending a couple of days visiting my parents in Idaho this week and had so much snow in the driveway it took a few tries to get into the garage. I spent over an hour shoveling snow this morning and Joe even came out to help before he left for work. Darn snow...

7. Max. If he wasn't such a cuddly baby I would probably have a lot more time to spend on the computer. He's just so darn nice that all I want to do is hold him and smile at him and talk to him...he's just so darn cute! Oh, and I also spend a LOT of time feeding that boy. He was at 16.8 lbs at 4mths. He's adorably chunky and loves to eat and does a lot of it.

8. Christmas break. My kids are all out of school. I didn't realize how much 'entertaining' is required when all five kids are home 24 - 7. I will definitely do my best to truly appreciate those semi-quiet moments when my oldest three are back in school next week...I can hardly wait.

9. Weight Management. That's a polite way of saying I'm trying to get un-fat. I've been taking a Pilates class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a Cycle class every Saturday morning. They've been kicking my butt BIG time! I must say, they've been producing result though. I've already lost over three inches in my waist and the lbs are slowly, but surely, coming off. Both classes ended this month so I've signed up to start a cycle-fusion class in January. It's at 8am every Saturday for 6-8 weeks. The teacher is fantastic and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's been giving Pilates or Cycle any thought. They work really well together, it's 1/2 hour of each. The class is at a new studio, Body By Me, over on Main St in Bountiful. Check it out if you have a chance.

10. I'm Behind. I'm just so behind on so many projects. You know when you see a new project and you get really excited to start it and then realize you have 400 other 'really great projects' sitting in boxes that you haven't touched in days, weeks, months, years...that's me. I've decided to start 'unloading' old projects. It's slow going, but I'm working on it.

So, those are just some of the really lame reasons for avoiding my computer and not updating my blog. I will again promise to do better, but we all know that might not happen. I could be leading you all on. I probably am. I do WANT to try harder. We shall see...

We're Still Kickin'

2009-10-30T10:41:00.000-06:00

We've made it back from our ten day vacation to Boston and we only lost one bag (temporarily) on the whole trip. (Funny story - when we arrived in Chicago for our layover on our trip to MA we got off the plane, got settled, fed the kids, fed the baby, tried to change a diaper - no diapers. The bag that had ALL of our diapers, wipes, baby blankets, burp rags, my wallet and checkbook had been left on the plane...the plane that had already re-boarded and left for Baltimore. Oops. Joe put on his 'I am pathetic, please help me' face and went begging for diapers and wipes. Luckily we did get the bag back two days later and nothing was missing. And we did find a few people willing to part with a few extra diapers and wipes. Disaster narrowly averted...I love flying.)

I don't have time to post pictures. I should get them up eventually. Max is super upset because he feels neglected and wants his next meal...immediately. He has taken to sucking his thumb if he is hungry and I don't get right on feeding him. I think it's his way of saying, "I'll show you who's in charge. Feed me or I will form a super bad habit that will drive you crazy. Take that!" So, I leave you now to go feed my adorably FAT, thumb sucking three month old (who most certainly could miss a few meals and it would not hurt him a bit...he's not buying it)!

Good Livin'

2009-09-24T14:19:00.000-06:00

Max on the phone with Gma...networking is everything...

You know how you always tell yourself, "I'll have time to do _____ when things calm down." Ya, well things never calm down, slow down or get easier! I've come to the conclusion that things simply change. The dynamic in your family changes, the schedule changes, whatever - but life in general never really gets 'easier'.

I remember leaving for Idaho with my sister, her baby was just a couple weeks old and I was still pregnant with Max. We had the car loaded, I told the kids to get buckled in and I was ready to hit the road...unfortunately, Maggi still had to feed the baby one last time, make sure his bum was clean and get all of the bubbles out so he wouldn't puke in the car on the way there. I looked at her and said, "Oh no! That is going to be me in a few more months!" I had forgotten how much extra time a new baby takes. They always puke all over their clothes (and you) just as you're walking out the door or need to eat while you're at the grocery store. It takes at least 15 more minutes to get yourself and everyone loaded into the car, just by adding that one little person into the equation!

So, even though I am SUPER grateful Max is here, I do long for those seemingly more simple days when I could be out the door with 5 minutes notice. The funny thing is, what is difficult while they are two months, isn't much of an issue when they're two years. When they're two years you have to deal with tantrums at the grocery store and explosively, nasty smelling diapers that make you gag. When they're four diapers aren't usually a problem and most tantrums can be avoided, but in their place you get to deal with truckloads of attitude, back-talking and their absolute refusal to wear anything you pick out (which usually leaves you as the parent of 'that kid' who looks like they are perpetually dressed as a clown)...and on and on it goes...

So, when my kids are 18, 16, 14, 12 and 10, I will be dealing with an entirely different set of issues. Diapers will no longer be an issue, affording my monthly grocery bill will definitely be an issue.

Life is always about change and change doesn't have to always be a bad thing. My life is definitely different now that Max is here, it couldn't possibly have stayed the same. However, there are so many benefits that have come with him I can't say I'm very sad to say goodbye to the old way of things.

I am really enjoying all of the awesome snuggling I get to do with Max (all that boy does is eat and sleep and I LOVE it). Clay is turning out to be the BEST helper. He changes diapers (as long as they aren't big poopy ones - he does have limits), he comes and gets Max from me every morning (without asking) and cares for him while I get ready and NO ONE can put that baby to sleep better than Clay...he's got a magic touch. Quin has really taken Ali under his wing the last few weeks. He spends a lot more time playing games with her and entertaining her to keep her out from under foot. Quin has also become my number one helper with laundry and cooking. He's always very willing to help out in the kitchen and gets immense satisfaction helping me make food and fun treats. I'd like to say Ali and Jack were the best of friends, but for now they are more like Jekyll and Hyde - when one is Jekyll the other is Hyde...it's constant insanity. Ali is thriving in school though and I am convinced the social outlet has been very good for her. Jack is still turning on the charm. As long as that boy get himself a nap every day, he can be extremely delightful.

I suppose our biggest challenge in life is to find satisfaction and joy in whatever situation we find ourselves in. Tomorrow things will always be different.

Lovin' it...

2009-09-08T21:32:00.000-06:00

The experts will tell you that eight hours of sleep are needed in order to function properly throughout the day. A new mother, however, will say that as long as you receive more than two consecutive hours of sleep, you can't complain! So, when Max and I went to bed at 11:30pm last night and didn't wake up until after 6:30am this morning - forget proper functioning, I was at peak performance! It's amazing what seven straight hours will do for a person who hasn't had more than 4-5hrs of sleep at any given time over the past two months...longer if you include waking up to pee during the night, every night, for the past nine months...

I can't lie, today was a really great day. I even felt up to canning 8 1/2 pints of Jalapeno Salsa.
Jalapeno Salsa
I haven't done a whole lot of canning this year, but did manage to put up several quarts of diced tomatoes, some half pints of strawberry and raspberry freezer jam, and four other half pints of salsa. All of the canning I did (except for the strawberry jam) was from fruit or veggies out of my mom's garden or my potted garden (I had six tomato plants and one jalapeno plant on my deck this year and they did awesome)! I also shredded several freezer bags of Zucchini so I'll be able to make Zucchini bread through the winter without buying it. I found a phenomenal recipe for Zucchini bread and it seems to go faster than I can make it.

Me and the kiddos at my parents place.
The kids and I took a trip up to Idaho the end of August to visit my parents and my sister before school started. We spent an afternoon up at the Zoo in Idaho Falls with Cheri and her kids and it was real fun...I didn't even know IF had a zoo, but it was pretty cool. We helped pick and can up a ton of beets and carrots from my parents garden. The kids ate themselves sick with raspberries out of the backyard as well. It was lots of good fun.

Max in his blessing outfit.
The whole family (my side).
We had all of my siblings and their families as well as my parents down this past weekend for Troy, Porter and Max's baby blessings. Both of my sisters and I decided to bless the boys at the same time so everyone could be there. My siblings were all able to stay for the holiday weekend and it was great to have them all here. We didn't go to bed before midnight all weekend, which made me extra grateful for the seven hours of sleep I got last night!

Joe's back on the road again as of August. It was nice to have him home most of July, but we appreciate every minute of his time we get to share on the weekends and days he's able to be at home. He taught Quin how to ride a bike without training wheels a few weeks ago and Quin hasn't been able to stay away from his bike since then. He's a maniac!Quiner

Jacko fell asleep in the car...that can't possibly be comfortable!
Jack is kissing up to all the ladies, everywhere. He disappeared a few days ago and I was trying desperately to find him, only to discover he had gone across the street and was watching chick-flick's and eating pizza with the neighbor lady and her daughters! Today he was chatting up the office staff while I was at the dentists office. When he came in the room and asked what they were doing to my teeth, they said they had to get out all of the 'cavity bugs'. His reply to this was to pick up the mirror on the counter and say, "get them out and SMASH em'!" They had to take a bit of a break to compose themselves before we could put the drill back in my mouth...

Ali and Jack on her first day of preschool.
Ali started her first year of preschool last week. She is LOVING it. Most children cheer when threatened with missing school, Ali threatens back! She loves the socializing and adores her teacher. Jacko and Max ride in the stroller with me and we walk her to and from school every other day. It's fun for her, fun for the boys and good exercise for me...win, win, win.

Clay kicking football at family reunion this summer.
Clay is working hard at school and scouts. He got his bobcat and a bunch of pins and belt buckles at the last pack meeting. He has shown everyone who's visited or dropped by the house. He has been working really hard on his pinewood derby car in preparation for the big pack meeting this month. He has very high hopes and I believe his father and uncle share his dream...I've decided that pinewood derby cars are one of those things that allow men to re-visit their childhood. You can see the inner struggle they have over doing the car themselves vs. letting Clay in on the action.

Max is growing like a weed. He was almost nine lbs at his two week visit and has done nothing but eat, sleep, poop and occasionally open his eyes and peek at you ever since then. He is an absolutely adorable baby and he loves to snuggle. I don't know what I did right with this little guy, but I feel extremely blessed. He's wonderful.

He's Here!!!

2009-07-27T21:37:00.000-06:00

So here's the scoop...

I had another Dr's appt on Thursday, the 23rd, and was dilated to a 5, 80% effaced. My Dr was a bit concerned that I wouldn't make it to the hospital if I were to wait and go into labor on my own. She said she would be working the weekend at the hospital and asked if I'd be interested in having my water broken in the morning...no need to ask twice!

Just before we left for the hospital...so huge.

Joe and I left for the hospital at 7:30am Friday morning. We got in our room and waited around until 10am for the Dr to come and break my water. I spent the next few hours walking around the hospital hallways waiting for the contractions to come. There really wasn't a whole lot of anything happening. I would have a couple good contractions, then nothing.

By noon the Dr decided to give me just a 'whiff' of PIT to see if it would get things going. They put it at a 1 for less than 30 minutes and that was all it took! My contractions started coming and they got good and strong pretty quickly. By 1pm I was at a 7 and Max William was born at 1:45pm after two good contractions. He had his cord wrapped twice around his neck, and between that and his rather quick entrance into this world, he got a SEVERELY bruised face. The pictures are pretty gruesome.
Me and the little purple people eater.

You can sort of see the line where the cord was, he's darn pink everywhere else.

This pic was taken after his first bath. He looks slightly better...slightly. I love how he's got his finger in his mouth...he LOVES to eat, even if it means settling for fingers!

Other than his upsetting appearance, he is perfectly healthy and we love him SO much. He is a delightful baby and I am so happy he is here. His siblings adore him and have been very good to him and mom. We are very well taken care of here.

My five big men...love em!

So very happy to be done and going home...parasite free!!

These were taken on Sunday before we left. Notice the dramatic improvement in his facial coloring. He improved so much each day. He still has a bit of bruising around his eyes and mouth, but we're getting there.

New Camera

2009-07-10T09:12:00.001-06:00

Joe authorized the purchase of my new camera! I have taken over 600 pics (not all good ones, but I'm practicing) in the past two days.

These are my favorites for a few reasons.

1. They are the FIRST flowers Joe has ever bought me in our Ten years of marriage...FIRST (7-9-09 is a day to remember people)!

2. They are pretty.

3. Who doesn't love pics of pretty flowers?

More to come...eventually...

2009-07-07T11:37:00.000-06:00

I haven't uploaded any of my photos from the past few weeks yet, but it's on my ever growing list of things to do!

We had a great trip to Idaho. We spent several days with my parents and a few up in Rexburg with my sister and her family. The kids loved playing with cousins and friends! Never a dull moment...

While we were in Idaho we went to my 11 yr class reunion, which turned out to be far more enjoyable than I had envisioned it. We had a family picnic during the day and an adult only dinner that evening. I don't think Joe and I have stayed out that late in a while...so sad, I know. It was fantastic to see friends I hadn't stayed in touch with and to meet their spouses and kids. It definitely made me feel bad about not having tried harder to stay in touch. Oh well, I suppose that is the beauty of these reunions, it gives you a chance to make up for some of that lost time...

I love this picture! I was standing talking to Kaylene (England) Hobbs and Joe came up and snapped this picture. Kaylene had never met Joe and had absolutely no idea who he was (I think you get that vibe from the look on her face)!! It was very funny and I think she was very relieved to find out who he was...it was worth a good laugh!

Quin with somebodies (I have no idea who's) boys playing at the park during the picnic.

Clay at the park.

Ali playing on the toys at the park.

Me at my 11 yr class reunion picnic.

Joe and I at the Adult Dinner after that evening.

I got some great pics of the kids at the water park up in Rexburg that I'll have to post soon. I am determined to get a new camera soon so I can take some better pics, but I haven't settled on a specific camera yet. If anyone has some great recommendations, PLEASE share!!

Only three or four more weeks before the baby comes, thank goodness! I am so sore most of the time, it is a bit ridiculous. I now waddle instead of walk, my feet are swollen so bad my toes look more like little smokies and today was the first day in WEEKS that I've been able to sleep past 6:30am. I definitely think having to wake up for feedings during the night would be better than my current existence...I'm just so darn uncomfortable! Oh well, it will all be worth it, and if I repeat that often enough, I'm convinced I'll believe it!

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I have to say I am so very grateful for the sacrifices made on our behalf by those who have served, and continue to do so, to protect our great nation and the freedoms we enjoy. What a wonderful blessing it is to know there are men and women out there sacrificing so much for us, and for their families for supporting them in their service.

Enjoy what's left of the summer and hopefully I'll get some more pics up soon!

It's Always Something...

2009-06-28T20:38:00.000-06:00

My computer is back in my possession. This is good news.

My computer is missing...almost everything. This is bad news.

I am missing all pictures from 2008-2009, my entire outlook file (contacts, emails, tasks, calendar, etc...), all of my internet bookmarks, and every document I've ever created (with the exception of the 10 I kept on my desktop). It is such a disability. Joe still has all of my documents and pictures saved on another hard drive, they just need to be put on the computer (they didn't make it over the first couple of times he did it). At least I still have them though. The outlook info, however, is another story entirely. We're pretty sure that's lost. Joe says we can pay somebody to find it, but it would cost a few hundred and I'd have to give up my computer for another week or two while they found it...not a very appealing option.

Anyhow, my computer woes aside, life is pretty darn good.

I'm 35 weeks now and when I saw the Dr on Friday, she said the baby was measuring 36 weeks...no need to worry about whether or not he's growing! She'll check me when I come in on the 10th and we'll see if my body is doing anything to prepare for his grand entrance into this world or not. Hopefully I will be well on my way to an early delivery. None of my kids have been very small, and they all measured right on. If this guy is going to be bigger than his siblings, he better get his bottom out a bit early...8lbs is plenty big enough!

The kids and I have been hanging out with my parents in ID this weekend. It's been nice to see them, although I feel bad for not being more useful. I am so big, awkward and probably more of a hassle than a help (especially with all of my little 'helpers' getting into the mix). I appreciate that they put up with us so well and they seem to be happy to have us come, almost as relieved as they are to see us go!

We are looking forward to spending some time up in Rexburg with my older sister and her family for the next few days. After that it's back to the homestead to get things ready for mister man's big arrival (which, as mentioned before, had better be just weeks away).

I brought our cruddy camera to take pictures while we are on the road, and I haven't taken a single shot yet. Such a slacker. I just hate taking pictures when I know they are going to have big black specks in them...so darn annoying. I talked to a friend yesterday though and she has given me some excellent suggestions on a new camera and I plan on looking into it rather seriously before the baby comes...can't have new baby pictures with big ugly black specks on them now can we?!

I had my 11 year class reunion yesterday, ya that's right, 11 year. We sort of dropped the ball last year and had to make plans for the following year so that the word had time to spread and reach everyone. I'm still a bit disappointed in having to show up almost 9 mths pregnant instead of showing up looking skinny, tan and HOT! Ok, so maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but I was definitely sporting a slimmer waist line last August than I happen to be sporting now. I've gained 30lbs exactly as of my last Dr. visit. Only three more lbs before I go over my highest weight gain...I most certainly hope I don't go over. It would be especially depressing...oh well, the sacrifices we make for our children...they will never know!

Anyhow, the reunion was a really great time. They had a family picnic during the afternoon which was a lot of fun for the kids and a great chance to chat with people I haven't seen in FOREVER. I can't believe how many people I had just simply 'lost track of'. I thought I had done a decent job of staying in touch, but apparently failed rather miserably. That evening they did an adult only dinner, which was super enjoyable. They had some great games, which in hindsight, I really should have sat out during, but I am weak against peer pressure and played against my better judgment. It was a TON of fun, but I am experiencing intense pain in just about every part of my body...very bad idea. Pregnant women really should not jump around on one leg or play intense games of musical chairs, especially when prizes are involved, and even more especially when they are fiercely competitive.

Joe and I got home super late, it was almost like back in the good old days when we actually went on dates! All in all I had a really great time and I was especially happy that Joe was able to make it up here and be with me. He is a great husband and I always have a good time when he's around!

Stuff...

2009-06-23T22:17:00.000-06:00

Joe is working on my laptop because I apparently got some sort of virus. He's got it up and running again, but hasn't uploaded any of my personal data and it doesn't recognize the wireless internet...back to the old plug in the wall!

Anyhow, I've got some really great pics to share, but don't have access to them yet, so this will have to be one of those pictureless posts...sad, I know.

Summer seems to be off to a bit of a late start. I can't say I'm too upset about the cooler weather, since I'm carrying an extra 30lbs around. Today was really nice though and I am looking forward to taking the kids to the zoo, water park, etc...this summer before the baby arrives. We've been spending a lot of extra time indoors because of the rain and I think it's getting to all of us!

Quin broke out in a SUPER rash yesterday. He had hives covering ALL of his lower back, it looked like he'd been thrashed...nasty stuff. He also had spots all over his neck, arms, legs and feet. Poor guy was itching up a storm. We called his Dr. and she had us start the Benedryl and some Pepcid complete. He cleared up during the day, but they were back that night. I gave him more Benedryl at 8pm and had him stay up late so I could give him more pepcid before he fell asleep. At 11:30pm his hives were WORSE than before! Joe decided to run him to Primaries, just to be safe. Of course, they got there and were told nothing our Dr. hadn't already told us. He was suffering from a severe allergic reaction and they had no idea what it was to. Helpful, huh?! They gave him even more meds and sent him home. Joe and Quin both got home and crawled in bed with me at 3am. I had to wake Joe up and take him to the airport at 6am...poor guy. He was toast. I decided when I got home at 7 that if I went back to bed, I'd never get out again, so I started cleaning and working on laundry. Long day.

So far we've been lucky and Quin hasn't broken out really bad today. He had a few spots show up on his torso this afternoon and I gave him another dose of Benedryl, but no new ones since then. I've scheduled an allergy test in a couple weeks so we can hopefully identify a possible cause. I hate to cut him off from anything if he really isn't allergic to it! We shall see...

We missed church on Father's Day because Ali and Clayton were up all Saturday night vomitting. Nice huh?! We just don't know how to spread things out, it's all or nothing with us I guess. Jack had been throwing up on Friday night, but none of them had any other symptoms, just the vomitting. It was just that night and then they seemed back to their usual self by the next morning. We were a bit worried about 'sharing' our little problem with the rest of the ward so we decided it would be best to hibernate for the day. It was nice to have Joe home and to just hang out for the day. It doesn't happen very often, so it turned out to be a pretty darn good father's day afterall!

Jacko seems to have hit a HUGE growth spurt these past few weeks. He is eating a ton more than usual and I had to upgrade his wardrobe (finally) into 2T, and sadly most of the clothes I pulled out don't look like they'll be fitting for very long! Go figure. I'm hoping we'll last until fall before I have to upgrade him again because it is such a pain to pull out the grow boxes and wash everything, etc... We'll see how much bigger he gets over the next few months.

The pregnancy is going well. I've only been gaining a lb every two weeks for the past several weeks, which is very refreshing. I feel like the goodyear blimp and I swear I can feel every extra lb I'm carting around. I don't know if it's just the fifth pregnancy, or the warmer weather, or what, but I definitely feel more like a beached whale with this pregnancy. I told Joe I'd better be delivering a 10lb baby with a very small head and shoulders...not terribly realistic, but the bigger the baby, the faster the weight comes off during delivery! Truthfully, I just can't wait to have him out and see him and hold him and not have him putting his little feet in my rib cage or punching my bladder at the most inopportune times. He's such an active little squirt I'm ready to manage him OUTSIDE the womb, rather than in it.

We went up to Albion Idaho for the Gardiner Family Reunion last week and had a really great time up there. The kids sure love getting together with all of my cousins (yes, most of them are my children's age, not mine). I love seeing the aunts and uncles and catching up on what everyone is up to. It seems everything changes so much because we see them so infrequently.

I'll be taking the kids up to Idaho this weekend to visit my parents and spend a few days up in Rexburg with my older sister and her kids. We had some really great times up there last summer and are hoping to cache in on a few more good memories before the baby arrives and ties us down for the summer.

Anyhow, that's our life in a nut-shell right now. Hopefully my computer is restored to good health quickly and I will be able to get lots of great pictures up to share with you. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacations!

New Baby Pics...

2009-06-03T23:34:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics of the kids holding Phil and Mag's new baby boy. He sure is a cutie and my kids are SUPER excited to 'help' care for him...(although Jack was more excited about snitching food off Maggi's hospital tray than holding the baby. I think you can even see some of the food still on his mouth in his picture...too funny).

Phil & Mag Had Their Baby!!!

2009-06-02T23:33:00.000-06:00

I got to spend all day yesterday at the hospital with my little sister, Maggi, while she delivered her first baby, a little boy! Technically, he wasn't that little, but relative to my own children, he's little.

He was born at 7:20pm, weighed 7lbs 15oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. The nurses were all convinced he was a 9lb baby because he's so chubby. He sure is cute and has a wonderful disposition.

I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with the little guy over the coming weeks, months and years. I'll post some pictures as soon as I've downloaded them to my computer.

Being THE favorite aunt is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!!!

Joe's First Triathlon...

2009-05-11T19:17:00.000-06:00

Joe coming to his big finish at the end of the race.

This past weekend Phil, Maggi and I took the kids down to St. George to watch Joe compete in his first Triathlon Sprint.

We didn't get to bed until late (after 11pm) and had to be up by 6:20am to get to the Triathlon on time. Sadly, the wind was pretty bad and the whole thing was delayed over an hour because they kept going back and forth on whether or not they would hold the swimming portion of the Triathlon. I really felt like I missed out on that extra hr of sleep!

Anyhow, they decided to cancel the swimming portion because the water was too choppy and they were concerned the swimmers wouldn't be able to hold their course in the water. They substituted the 1/2 mile swim with a 5K (just over 3 mile) run and the race became a 5K run, 20K bike, 5K run. Since Joe has been spending most of his time at home training for the swim and the bike portion he was really sad about giving up this part of the race. All of the running he's been doing has been in AZ, which has a much lower elevation and I think it put him at a bit of a disadvantage (especially since the run would have been a lot easier if he'd been training for it at home were the elevation is so much higher)!

Joe coming into transition from the bike portion, he did the very best on this part (and trained very hard for it).

Joe leaving transition and beginning his second 5K. He said he couldn't feel his legs at this point.

Joe coming down the home stretch.

Joe's time was 1hr and 45 min, he placed 27th out of 50 in his division. Both of his brothers competed with him and I think they both did a really great job. Erik came in 7th out of 33 in his division and was ten minutes ahead of Joe. I think Joe said he was 70 something overall (out of 300+ people who competed). Which I think is awesome for a first time tri-athlete. Joe's oldest brother Mike competed as well and since he got put in as Bishop of his ward shortly after they decided to compete in the Triathlon, his training was EXTREMELY limited by his duties as bishop. He finished the race though and came in under three hours (which had been his goal to come in under). I was happy he beat the goal he'd set for himself and I'm sure he will only get better if he competes again, I think they all would improve their times a lot (especially if they got the chance to swim instead of getting an extra run). Mike placed 48th out of 55 in his division.

Over all it was a really great experience and a lot of fun to watch and cheer on each of the competitors. You had to admire each of the individuals who competed and their determination to overcome all odds. I was really impressed with everyone, even the ones who had problems with their bikes or took falls along the way, they were all out their giving it everything they had. It was neat to see so many people spending their weekend doing a hard thing and working to accomplish their goals.

The family after Joe finished the race.

I hope Joe will decide to compete again and I think he'll improve a lot on his time if he does.

Slow, Painful Death of Dragon Breath...

2009-05-07T22:07:00.000-06:00

We are FINALLY starting to see some real progress with Jacko (and his horrific 'dragon breath'). It is now possible to be in the same car, room or even home as him and not want to pass out because the stench coming from his mouth completely overwhelmed your senses. In fact, unless you are holding him you don't really smell it at all. Definitely an improvement.

Also, Jack has been weening himself off the meds and is now taking just Tylenol once in the morning and once before bed. Tomorrow morning will also be his last dose of Antibiotics. He is also eating more during the day and has started showing more of his usual 'robust' appetite. I am sure it will take a few more days before we're eating whole cows again, but I think he could handle a whole chicken or two just fine.

The best news so far, however, was last night Jack didn't wake up for any pain meds!!! Ya! He went to bed at 9pm and didn't wake up until 8am! It was wonderful to sleep all night and I'm hoping he is over the worst of it.

On other news, I'm taking the kids down to St. George tomorrow to meet up with Joe for his first ever Triathlon. It's a sprint, so he's hoping to be done in under an hour and a half. I think he'll do great, he's been training as hard as his schedule allows, so I think he'll surprise himself and do pretty well.

Hope everyone has a great weekend...we've been checking your blogs, but haven't had a chance to leave comments. Just know that we're glad for the chance to stay in touch with you all! Oh, and a very happy mother's day to all you mom's out there. I hope it's a GREAT one!!!

Making Progress...

2009-04-30T21:50:00.000-06:00

Today was an alright day. Jack went for 7 hrs last night without meds, definitely progress. The down side to that was I gave him his pain meds just before he ate and I'm pretty sure it hurt to swallow. By noon all I had gotten him to eat were two bites of pudding, three raisins and maybe ten noodles. He was even refusing juice and Popsicles. What?!

He refused lunch so I tricked him into going outside on the deck and eating two whole Popsicles while I ate my pb&j. He napped for a few hours and was pretty grumpy when he got up and again refused to eat. We had Clay's baseball game this evening and I let him bring a Popsicle to the game and he enjoyed that, as well as all of the Starbursts that where hidden in my diaper bag. Oh well, I'm just glad he finally found joy in eating something.

He did better at dinner and ate a few chicken nuggets and ate some ice cream. I even got him to drink a few glasses of apple juice. I know the majority of his diet today was CRAP, but I am desperate to just get enough liquid in him that he won't get dehydrated that I don't care if it's crap, so long as it's something!!! Once his throat has healed I am sure I will have a heck of a time getting him to eat real food. He is going to think he can demand Popsicles and ice cream all day long...I'm really shooting myself in the foot on this one aren't I?!

In other news, Clay did awesome at his baseball game tonight. He didn't strike out (a bit of practice on the pitching machines definitely helped) and I think that made him very happy because hitting has always been his strength. He played catcher and first baseman and did great at both posts. He even caught several of the balls as catcher and was really pleased. He was hit several times by the ball and although I know he wanted to, he never cried. He really sucked it up and did a great job. His team lost 8 to 4, but I know Clay felt like a winner because when he came up to bat during the second inning the bases were loaded and he hit the ball clear out to the fence. All the players made it home except him (even though he could have made it, but played it safe by staying at third). His buddy Colby was up to bat next and with only one more out I think he felt the pressure to get a hit, and he did! It was a good one to and he sent Clay home. So Clay felt good because he hit three of the players in and he came in for the fourth (and last) point his team scored tonight. I suppose if you have to lose, that's the way to do it. He was just happy to have done better than last week and I think his team will only improve over the coming weeks. They all try real hard and they work together, which is good skill building at this age I think.

Phillip, Quin and I went over to our old house and spent a few hours on the yard this afternoon. I drove by it earlier today and it looked like an overgrown jungle! Apparently the sprinklers have been turned on and soaking the yard every day for weeks (as if it needed it). With all of the extra rain we've had on top of the watering, the lawn was growing out of control! It did make it easier to weed the overgrown flowerbeds though, so I shouldn't complain. Poor Phil was mowing and I think he was worked over a lot harder than I was...he had to empty the bag three times before he even finished the front lawn (which is very sad because it's so small)! I was very grateful for his help though because I had forgotten how much it sucks to do jobs like that when you're pregnant. I'm pretty sure the whole neighborhood is glad we moved after looking at my backside all afternoon. I couldn't keep my pants up or my shirt down and it hurt like heck to keep bending over to pull up the weeds...definitely not a great pregnancy past time.

All in all I felt pretty good about what we were able to get done today. Didn't check much off my to-do list, but oh well. We lived through it and I think we all had a pretty good day.

Oh, I had Clay read one of Sherlock Holmes books, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'...he LOVED it! I had him start last night for his 20 minutes of reading, I finally sent him to bed after 70 minutes of reading and he was about half way through. This morning he read after breakfast, on his walk to school and on all his breaks at school. He finished it before he got home today. It made me really happy because Sherlock Holmes mysteries are some of my all time favorites! I am also super happy that he can turn on his imagination and really get into a book and love it so much he has to read on the way to school! I've got him reading 'The Last of the Mohicans' tonight, he's about and hour into it and I need to send him to bed. If there has been one benefit to not having TV, this would be it, and that's good enough for me!

In Recovery...

2009-04-28T21:18:00.000-06:00

I think it would be accurate to say we are all going through a bit of 'recovery' time.

I woke up this morning at 5:30am (after going to bed shortly after midnight) to take my Father and Mother-in-Law to the airport. I noticed on my way home that the gas light was on so I stopped for gas. I didn't get home until almost 7am and decided it was to late to go back to bed so I ate breakfast and showered before getting the kids up for school.

After getting the kids off for school I took Ali for a play date at a friends house. Jacko woke up at 8:45am and I had to have him down some juice before his 9am cut off. We left the house at nine so he wouldn't be tempted to sneak food before his surgery. I took him to the dry cleaner, the bank and then we spent 30 minutes at the library just looking at board books and checked out a new video.

From there we went up to PCMC and checked in to same day surgery. We were scheduled to begin around noon, but an emergency surgery pushed everything back and we spent all morning in the waiting room and didn't get called back until after 2pm. I was surprised at how well Jack did. He never cried the whole time we were there, never whined about being hungry or made a fuss. He really did well. He was a great sport with all of the nurses poking and prodding and testing his vitals. I was really proud of him today.

Jack's surgery took all of 20 minutes and then I was able to go and sit with him in recovery. The Dr said his tonsils and adenoids were 'very large' and it was probably a good thing we removed them when we did. I am very hopeful that this will solve Jack's sleep issues and his snoring. He was pretty grumpy when he came out of the anesthesia, but once they got his pain under control, he was really great. He drank 4 slushies and ate a Jello and a chocolate pudding before we left. The Dr said if his vitals were good enough he could go home four hours after his surgery. So, much to our relief, we were able to check out just after 6:30pm and made it home in time for his next wave of meds!

If all goes well, Jack should be feeling better in a week or two. I think he did a great job and I am so pleased with how well things went. The kids were all glad we made it home and were all pretty worn out so they all hit the sack pretty hard...I'm thinking I'll have to set an alarm to wake up for midnight meds...there is no chance of me staying up that late. I am so tired.

I think we'll all be taking a nap tomorrow...yup, that definitely sounds like a good idea.

Good Times...

2009-04-27T22:11:00.001-06:00

The past few weeks have been a bit crazy, but we sure have had lots of fun. We had Joe's sister's Meg & Liz, Ben, Karin, Maggi, Phil and Phil's sister (along with her husband and little boy) over for an Easter feast a few weeks ago. The food was delicious and we had a great time with all the games and egg hunting afterwards.

Here is Ali sorting her spoils. I don't remember what she was expressing, but whatever it was must have been wonderful!

Clay had a small mishap climbing the rocks looking for eggs (note to future egg hiders: do not place eggs in rock walls that require excessive climbing - accidents WILL happen, and the body WILL be sacrificed for the sake of the egg and basket). Joe and I were pretty sure, based on the wailing, Clay had broken a limb (you should have seen how nimbly I climbed down those rocks...it was impressive). When we arrived on the scene, however, he was just severely scratched and the wailing was because he'd dropped his basket and lost the egg, not due to the enormous scratches on his face, arms and leg. Egg gathering is VERY serious business.

Fortunately, for all our sakes, each of the kids very willingly gave Clay five of their own eggs to make up for the ones they were able to collect while he was being treated for injuries. It made me very happy to see how willingly they each parted with their plunder. In fact, I'm pretty sure that was one of the best moments I had that day! Yup, I'm that good a mom (in all truth I think I just got blessed with good kids, but I am willing to take credit for whatever I can).

Joe and I after the egg hunters had left to go back and empty their baskets. It was a beautiful Easter Sunday and we had a great time.

Here's our lovely family after Clay's baptism last weekend. I swear we will someday get a good picture of all of us (no one scowling, eating potato chips or making fake cheesy grimaces at the lens...it may take a lifetime, but I will get one eventually). This was the best we got, and I suppose it'll do!

I love this picture of Clay with his dad in their white clothes. Clay looks so happy, and he really was so excited to be baptized and to have all of his family there to support him. Joe and I started to wonder how many people showed up to Clay's baptism and I think our official count (to the best of our remembrance) was 87 people in attendance. Since Clay was the only baptism that day, they were all family and friends who came just for him. It was very touching and we feel extremely blessed to have so many people who love and support us, especially on these memorable days! I told Clay all those people were there for him and he said, "no, they are here for dad because he is the one who will be baptizing me." I know he didn't really want to be the spotlight, but I'm pretty sure he enjoyed every second of it.

We had tons of family and friends over to the house and they did a fabulous job helping with some yard work while they were here. It was great to have the day to feel the spirit together, eat together, work together and just be together. Joe got some good pictures on the camera, but downloaded them to his computer so I'll have to steal them back from him later.

Sunday, after Clay's baptism, we went to Spanish Fork for our nephew Jaxon's baby blessing. Joe's brother, Dan, blessed his son that day and it was another great day to be with family.

Tuesday we all went to the court house to support the Ferrin's, Llewellyn's and Will in the finalizing of Will's adoption. It was a pretty unnerving experience to not know if everything was going to be able to go through in time, but the Lord was watching over Will and we were all able to witness the miracle of Will's sealing to the Ferrin family that night. The lawyer delivered the adoption certificate to our home just after 5pm and the temple ceremony was at 7:20pm. It was a close shave, but one we were very happy to have been a part of. It never ceases to amaze me what a small portion of the bigger picture we see. It really does seem, in hindsight, that everything happens for a reason - no matter how frustrating or wrong things may seem at the moment. The Lord knows us and knows what we need and He is watching over us, supporting us as we journey through this life. We are indeed blessed when we allow our will to be turned over to Him and accept His guidance and counsel.

So, as Jacko and I prepare to go to PCMC to get Jack's tonsils out tomorrow, we go knowing that it might be hard, it may not go as smoothly as we'd like, but whatever happens - we'll get through it just fine! Hopefully we'll be back home on Wednesday and Jack's recovery will be speedy and he'll finally be able to sleep through the night without waking up because he can't breathe or snoring like a bear. I'm sure the endless supply of Popsicles will assist him tremendously in his recovery.

Here's the Scoop...

2009-04-09T12:35:00.000-06:00

I apologize for not having any great pictures for your viewing entertainment, but my camera is broken and we're waiting for Joe's dad to fix it, in the meantime, I'm trying to convince Joe we should just upgrade! It's always more fun to post when you have pictures to share.

Anyhow, I took Jacko back to the ENT last week and we're headed for surgery folks. The ENT took a look at Jack's tonsils and concluded they haven't changed, even after taking the antibiotics (big surprise there). He said Jack's tonsils were a 3 (I think, that's not terrible on a scale from 1 to 10). He finished that thought by saying on a scale of 1 to 4 they aren't likely to get any smaller for the next four + years. A scale of 1 to 4!!! Those things are HUGE!!! Needless to say, surgery is our only viable option. He'll be kept overnight because his age makes him more susceptible to dehydration. We go in on the 28th of April, wish us luck! Oh, the best part was the Dr said he should avoid strenuous activity for ten days after the surgery. I almost hate to break it to him, but EVERYTHING a two year old does can be considered strenuous! It will be more difficult to keep him tied down after the surgery while he heals, I think, than going through the surgery itself.

At Quin's Well Child Check we discovered he is having trouble seeing. The Dr thinks he will probably need corrective lenses and she is pretty sure he has a lazy eye. Excellent. We have an appointment on the 20th of April to get his eyes checked by an ophthalmologist to examine his lazy eye and determine whether or not he will actually need glasses. (She specified that he see the ophthalmologist instead of the optometrist because she is especially concerned about his eye function.) Hopefully it's nothing worse than a lazy eye.

If this isn't enough excitement for all of you, Joe's dad has been feeling VERY under the weather the past couple of weeks. He finally went in to the Dr for a check up and they have ordered an MRI...not a good sign. They are extremely concerned that it may be cancer and (considering the family history and the fact that he HATES seeing the Dr, and hasn't been in quite a while) didn't seem overly optimistic. The MRI is scheduled for tomorrow.

Joe's cousin is still battling cancer, she's my age with three kids, the latest surgery was removing a tumor from her spine. They weren't able to get clear margins because of it's proximity to her spinal cord, but are hoping radiation will remove the rest of the cancer. She mentioned in her blog that she noticed a few more lumps she is hoping to have them look at...is it just me or WHAT THE HECK! I am constantly amazed at the fight she has made and the seemingly endless stream of surgeries and procedures she has endured during this battle. I am amazed at her determination and her strength. She is definitely someone to be admired and looked up to.

In spite of the seemingly chaotic medical issues we seem to be experiencing (family wide) there are a lot of really great things we have to look forward to as well. Clay is going to be baptized in just over a week, followed by his little cousins baby blessing and topped off with the sealing of Will to the Ferrin family! There are still loose ends to tie up before everything will be finalized, but we are so looking forward to the next few weeks were we can get together with family and celebrate the blessings of family!

I feel blessed to be part of such a big family, one that supports and loves each other and does so much to make life worth living! I am very excited to spend time with all of them and it makes the upcoming challenges seem very small when compared to those who have to experience the same, or worse, without such an extensive support system.

Taping Into Our Artistic Side...

2009-03-17T10:44:00.000-06:00

Last week I decided it had been too long since I sat down and painted anything. So, I broke out the paints on Saturday while everyone was busy with their own activities and I painted. I only finished the tree that day. I spent some of Sunday evening working on the animals inside the barn and then did the barn and leaf last night. Clay decided to try his own painting last night and did Chicken Little. He is really coming along in his painting and I was really quite pleased with how well he did. Anyhow, it was too late to finish the lines on the barn last night so I finished those this morning and decided I'd better not wait to post it or I never would!

Here are our finished products for your viewing pleasure:

This is Clay's rendition of Chicken Little. He had to improvise in a few places when things didn't turn out the way he had invisioned them, but he did a great job with it.

This is the original book cover. Chicken Little, Illustrated by Laura Rader.

This is the book cover I did. When the Leaf Blew In, by Steve Metzger. Illustrated by Kellie Lewis. I've done several of the paintings out of this book because I love the color and I think you can really 'feel' the words through the expression in the pictures.

These are both of my painting. I know it isn't specific to the book like I usually do, but I wanted to incorporate the tree more. I did this page because I loved the color and vividness of that tree, so I made it stand a bit alone on the side and that required me to 'downsize' my barn and I didn't have room for all three animals. I figured the pig and hay could occupy the space inside the barn well enough on their own.

Anyhow, Clay asked what we are going to do with our paintings and I didn't have an answer for him. I honestly don't have a clue what to do with them. I framed one from the 'Snowmen at Night' book for my sister and gave the book and the framed painting to them for a Christmas gift last year (what is funny about that, is she said she had no idea I could even paint...funny because until a couple years ago, neither did I). The rest of them are all sitting in a binder upstairs collecting dust...

My Apologies...

2009-03-14T18:31:00.000-06:00

I looked over the last couple of posts and I felt as though I spent a lot of them complaining...sorry guys. I don't mean to be a complainer, I suppose we're just in a rough patch. It's been a trying couple of months. I fully anticipate things to get better though, they always do, if you wait long enough!

I got a call from the pediatrician Friday. Some of the labs were back and they were really positive. Ali's red blood cell count was down to 5 (from 50 the day before) which indicates her body was healing itself without medication or help. They couldn't find any traces of strep or antibodies, which is good because it means she doesn't have an infection. The blood work also indicated that her kidneys were working properly. The only thing they found was that her liver enzymes were elevated (56, normal is 50). This isn't overly significant, except it can be a result of her elevated red blood cells the day before. The pediatrician assumes that Ali must have fallen or been hit very hard in the kidneys and that caused them to bleed. The trauma of that could have elevated her liver enzymes, but obviously no permanent damage was done because her body had already begun to heal itself the following day when we turned in her second urine sample.

See, life is better already!

I also wanted to mention that this past week we've started something new at our house. I've never been overly fond of menus because I never seem to have time to make what I planned to make or, for whatever reason, things just seem to not work out and then I'm stressed about not following the menu.

Last Sunday I sat the whole family down and had them help me plan out a menu for all three meals for the whole week. I purchased what items I would need in exact quantities on Monday and was able to do so while staying within my budget. That made me very happy. There were a few meals we skipped because of unexpected outings, but on the whole, it made the whole week a lot more enjoyable.

Yesterday, we sat down again and planned this weeks menu and I have to say, it's getting better. I was again able to stay well within my weekly budget and the meals have been very good. I had forgotten about so many of the meals we enjoy because we keep getting stuck on the same four meals over and over. I think we're all eating a lot healthier and I know I am saving a lot of money by using up what I have on hand and not over-purchasing, or over-cooking, and therefore letting the overabundance go to waste.

All-in-all, it has been a big blessing, especially in the current economical climate. I feel better knowing I am pinching a few extra pennies and my family is still eating well and enjoying it. I also think that having the meals decided ahead of time has helped reduce the stress I feel around meal time trying to decide what to cook. I think we're all a bit happier about that!

Oh, when I put the kids down tonight, Quin was burning up. I checked his temp and it was 102.4! He was asleep so fast I had to wake him up to give him some Tylenol and Ibuprofen. I tried to make him drink a bunch of water, but he had trouble staying awake long enough to remember what he was suppose to be doing. Ben gave him a blessing, because Joe's out of town, and I think it did more to ease my mind than it did to Quin (since he was completely out of it at the time). I've been putting cool cloths on his forehead and tummy to help cool him down, but man is he hot tonight...I suppose we'll never truly get away from the chaos, but hopefully as spring comes and winter leaves, my family will be able to regain their health and we'll be able to enjoy the rest of the year!

Here's hoping...

Re-thinking the Plan..

2009-03-11T22:16:00.001-06:00

Today were Ali and Jack's well child checks with the pediatrician. I think this has become our year for acquiring as much money as possible in medical bills so we can write off a small fortune next year in taxes...we're making some serious head-way.

The tragedy in this, is that if my medical bills keep growing, we are going to have to make some serious changes to the number of children we will be having. We might go broke having kid number five if we keep experiencing totally RANDOM illnesses.

The update:

Ali has excellent eye sight and hearing (ya!). She is still on the small side, only weighing 31 lbs and in the 15% for height, 8% for weight. This is not unusual. Despite her rather large 8lbs at birth, she has consistently come in at the bottom of the scale for height and weight, sometimes not even making the charts. In a word, she's 'tiny'. I can live with that because she's a girl and that is TOTALLY ACCEPTABLE!

So, when it's time to pee in the cup, I think things are going really well and I might actually catch a break...wrong. The Dr comes in and says Ali's got blood in her urine. What?! We have no medical history of such a thing, and there were no white blood cells in the urine indicating an infection. So, we ended up getting blood drawn so they can run a series of tests on her kidneys, as well as ruling out the possibility of infection. The best guess is that her kidneys are either producing too much or too little of some protein, or in some other manner malfunctioning. Ali has to do another pee test in the morning and we'll have to bring that to the lab to get analyzed and then we should hear back by Monday or Tuesday on the blood work. And so the wait begins...

But, it doesn't end there folks...nope, we're a full service operation! Jack had his wcc and when the Dr said he needed a few vaccinations, I mentioned to the Dr that he'd been in to see the ENT for his breathing difficulties and the swollen tonsils. I said he was on antibiotics to reduce the swelling and explained the symptoms he'd been having (waking up from sleep for lack of air, not eating certain foods, etc). She said the antibiotics wouldn't effect the vaccines, but the swelling could be the reason he's had a dramatic drop in growth. Excuse me, did you say dramatic drop in growth?

Oh yes. Jack, unlike his sister, has always stayed right in the middle on his growth chart. 50% or higher was Jacko's norm for weight and he was always right around the 50% mark for his height. When they measured him today, he was at 27lbs, which is the 50% mark, but his height is only in the 8%. Again, WHAT?! Talk about taking a nice long break from growing. During the years children show the most growth, my little one has grown less than two inches, in a WHOLE YEAR. I'd guarantee he's probably put on more inches around his waist than he has in height.

Anyhow, the Dr said that lack of oxygen while sleeping can stunt growth. This is not news parents (who are average in height to begin with) want to hear. The fact that the antibiotics don't seem to be visibly reducing the swelling, coupled with this new knowledge that my son's growth has possibly been impaired by the lack of oxygen he is receiving during his sleep because of the swelling, has me determined to have his tonsils and adenoids removed if at all possible. We've got another ENT appointment in a few weeks to check on them and I will be sure to inform the ENT of the Dr's assessment and that she agrees surgery is most likely his best option.

All in all, not the best day on record, but on a more positive note, the Dr did say Jack has a rather extensive vocabulary for a two year old and she was very impressed with his speech. So, I may be the mother of the short, fat kid in school, but he's a SMART, short, fat kid...take that!

(And, in all truth, he is a truly adorable smart, short, fat kid...you just can't help but love him!)

Talk About Disappointment...

2009-03-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have neglected my blogging duties for so long...how very sad. I would love to tell you all that I have every excuse for being neglectful, but that would be a lie. Truthfully, my life isn't any more hectic or crazy than normal (not that my life has ever been 'normal', I truly don't think there is such a thing). However, I have allowed myself to get preoccupied with other things and have simply set aside the blog, promising to get to it 'later'.

Well, it's 'later' (much later), so here I am!

In the way of news, we've had lots going on the past few months. Clay got pneumonia, a pretty ugly case of it. I didn't realize it for a few weeks and didn't think to take him to the Dr until he was coughing so bad and said he couldn't go to school. Clay hates to miss school, so I knew things were worse than I had first supposed. Sure enough, instead of a common enough cold, he had a lot of junk in his lungs and an ear infection. He was put on some antibiotics and Musinex, but when I brought him in a week later, he wasn't better. They had to put him on another, stronger, antibiotic, more doses of Musinex, an inhaler and I've got to take him to get the pneumonia vaccine because his case was bad enough he will be very susceptible to getting pneumonia again for the next year...ya! The inversion here in Utah didn't help because it was REALLY bad then and Clay was prohibited from playing outside (which put a very large cramp in his after school social agenda). He also had to quit Karate for two months while his body recovered its proper lung capacity. All in all, he didn't much enjoy January and most of February.

I was sick as a dog for the month of January and most of February as well. It's been a record two weeks since I last threw up and for that I'm grateful. I'm hoping the morning sickness phase is in the past and I can look forward to the back pain, leg cramps and labor to come. I decided to forgo Karate as well for the past two months while I regained control over my stomach...running to the restroom during class didn't appeal to me much. I'm a bit worried about going back this month now that I've nearly doubled in size...I pretty sure my sense of balance is going to be a bit off and that will only make it more difficult to complete the forms without falling on my face. Oh well, I suppose my deficiencies will, at the very least, provide everyone else in class with a bit of entertainment!

Jacko has been having trouble breathing at night for the past month or so. I've had to schedule an appointment with the ENT to have his airways checked. He with take a few breaths through his nose (while he's sleeping) and each breath becomes more and more shallow until he finally has to take a huge breath of air through his mouth. It's really nasty to listen to and he often wakes himself up because he can't get enough air. Tragically, if I bring him to bed with me so he'll go back to bed, I can't sleep because I can hear him breathing (or not breathing, in this case) and it keeps me up all night because I'm worried he's going to pass out in his sleep. I've noticed that his tonsils are HUGE and I'm wondering what else is swollen or blocked that I can't see. His appointment is tomorrow and I'm very anxious to find out if they will be able to do anything for him. It's really getting out of control and I'm worried that he's frying brain cells in his sleep because he isn't getting enough oxygen.

Quin is doing awesome. He is really doing a lot better in school and his teacher is very pleased with his change in behavior. He told her the other day that he liked to do his work slowly because he did a better job and that it made his work perfect, so it was ok to take his time. His teacher and I got a kick out of that. He is ALWAYS the last kid out of the classroom and sometimes I have to go into the school and get him because (after waiting for ten minutes) he wasn't finished with a project so he just stayed behind to finish it. He is very dedicated to doing his best though. I am grateful for that. He is very thorough and I'm glad his work means enough to him to do it well.

At parent teacher conferences, Clay's teacher said he is doing really well. He is WAY above where he needs to be for reading by the end of the year. She showed me the graph they use and he exceeded the reading requirements for 2nd grade months ago. He really loves reading and spend a lot of time doing it. He is currently working on the Narnia boxed set I bought him for Christmas. He is really enjoying them. He has been getting really good scores on all his tests and his teacher is very pleased with his work so far. Other than being a bit TOO social during class on occasion, he is really excelling and that makes me glad.

We signed him up for Rookie League baseball this year. He starts on his birthday and he's really excited about it. He's been practicing with Ben, Phil, Joe and my dad the past few weeks and he's got some great potential. He hits 4 out of 5 balls you throw and he's got a really great arm. I'm excited to see how well he does.

The house is coming along really well. Ben's almost done laying the tile in the basement apartment. We've bought all the furnishings and the walls have all been painted. Once the floor is finished they'll be able to put in the cabinets and all the bathroom fixtures. It's looking really nice and we're all excited to have it finished. Ben and Karin finished painting the family room and kitchen while we were out of town last week. It looks really good. We still have to finish painting all the upstairs hallways and the front entryway. Those won't be a priority until the apartment is finished though. I'm glad we're making progress though and it's turning out really nice.

My little brother, Ben, got married on the 12th of February. That was really nice and it was fun to see family while they were in town. We also got to go to Idaho when my brother, Henri, blessed his new little boy, Titan. he sure is a cute kid and he's so darn little. He was born the end of January. We spent four days up in Idaho last week while Joe was up there working and got to spend a lot of time with Gunner and Titan. They sure are good kids, and my kids had a great time playing with the baby.

We had a slight scare with this pregnancy the beginning of February. I had some spotting and the Dr put me on bed rest for a while until they could do an ultrasound and make sure my placenta hadn't torn. The ultrasound looked good, so did the baby. He (they are 80% sure it's a boy, but he was so small they couldn't be sure) is measuring just right and everything appears to be healthy and in good working order. I am most grateful for that news and I'm hoping things continue to go well. Anyhow, I spotted off and on for a few weeks, but haven't had anything since then and the Dr is pretty sure it's nothing to be overly concerned about. I got a Rhogam (sp?) shot (because of the bleeding - Joe is 0+ and I am 0- so if the baby has + blood my body could reject it without the shot), and they did some extra blood work to make sure my previous blood work wasn't effected by the bleeding. I am feeling a ton better now though, especially since the morning sickness passed, and I'm hoping to catch up on a few neglected project (like blogging) with my new found health!

Oh, Joe and I are heading to Vegas tomorrow! I'm very excited about it. Maggi and Phil (my knights in shining armor) are watching the kiddos for us so we can take off for a few days. Joe has to work during the day Friday, but then we'll be able to see some shows and eat some good food, and perhaps even get in a session at the temple (because we go so very often to the one just a stone's throw away from out house). We'll have to get back Saturday night, but it will be a nice little get-a-way to rest and relax and enjoy some sunshine!

I'm sure we've had a lot more going on, but I can't think of anything...nothing that wouldn't bore you all to tears (worse than the nonsense I've already written). So, with that I think I'll end.

Here's to hoping I stay on top of things and keep you more frequently posted on our super exciting lives. If not, I'm quite sure you're not missing out on much!

Number 5 on the way...

2009-01-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

Just before Thanksgiving Joe and I found out we were expecting kiddo number five! I felt pretty darn good until Christmas Eve. I started throwing up that morning and have been severely nauseous since then. I can go two or three days without throwing up, but then spend an entire day or two in front of the toilet. It's very sad. Today was one of those bad days. I just wanted to stay in bed and sleep away the pain, which of course does NOT help, but I'm nearing 11 weeks and am hoping to be over the worst of it by the end of the month.

We're expecting to deliver the very end of July. I've got another Doctors visit scheduled in two weeks and I'm hoping to hear the heart beat. The ultrasound will probably be in February some time (however, if I get the chance to find out what it is with Joe's ultrasound machine before then, I'll let you know).

I've almost convinced myself that I want triplets this time around. My reasoning for feeling this way is perhaps not entirely sound (I am, after all, very pregnant and not of sound mind or body), but I've decided the beginning months of pregnancy are WAY more difficult than I remembered them being and I'd rather have my last three children all at once so I'll never have to be pregnant again. The plan gets a bit more sketchy when I get to thinking about the delivery and taking care of THREE new babies...probably not much of a picnic. I do stand by my decision though...triplets would be much nicer than three separate pregnancies. Oh well, not much I can do at this point to change what I've already got, so I'll be happy with whatever is in there and hope I begin feeling better soon!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow....Please Make it STOP!

2008-12-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

I realize it's only December, and nearly Christmas, but I am about done with the snow. I have piles of snow so high I can barely see over them. I can't walk down the sidewalk in front of my house because it's too full of snow. I tried to keep it shoveled, but after the last snow storm there was no where left to shovel it...I have given up. I am just barely able to keep up with the driveway and the walkway to the front of the house.

Not to mention the roads. I have snow tires on the car now and STILL have difficulty traversing the roads up to my house when it's snowing. The snow never seems to end. Even when the snow stops coming and the sun comes out, it's so darn cold nothing can melt...not even a little.

So, with shovel in hand I am preparing to endure the remaining three or four months of winter. However, if we don't get a reprieve from the snow soon, I may be hibernating with the bears for the rest of the winter.

P.S. My shovel sucks and I've asked Santa for a new one (technically, I told Santa if he didn't get me a new shovel, he'd be shoveling the snow by himself for the rest of the winter)...I'm feeling very confident a new snow shovel will be waiting under the tree for me this Christmas!

Before and After...

2008-12-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

I failed to get a good photo of Ali with the lopped off hair, but I did take a picture of her with her new haircut.

Thankfully our wonderful friend, and hairstylist, was able to salvage most of Ali's length. She took off about two inches all around to get rid of most of the unevenness. However, there is still a good chunk on the left side of her head that's about two inches shorter than the rest. Needless to say, we left that and hopefully we'll be able to hide it under the longer hair until it's grown out some.

Here's a picture of Ali from a few days ago, before the incident.
Forgive me for my lack of good grooming and parenting, but Ali has become quite the force when it comes to doing her OWN hair...so very pretty! I try so hard not to cringe and make sure I tell her how beautiful she is, even when she has just under 30 hair clips in her hair...she tries so hard!

Here is the new haircut.

Actually I couldn't get a good picture of her looking at me so I just had her turn and lifted up the top layer of hair to show the much shorter bottom layer of hair on her left side. She did look very cute when we left the stylist's though. Jana had braided her hair on each side of her head and it was very flattering and no one would have been the wiser to her lopsided haircut! Thank goodness for good friends and excellent hair dressers!

Why?

2008-12-02T11:54:00.001-07:00

My children seem to have a serious obsession with hair. More specifically, they have an obsession with CUTTING hair.

In January, we found Quin in the bathroom, sitting on the counter, using Joe's razor to "trim his hair out of his eyes"!

This was the end result of that little haircut! Tragically, as soon as his hair had grown out enough to actually look decent, he cut it again. It was only a small bit of hair right at the top, so I ignored it until his hair grew out a bit more and then trimmed it up. Quin's hair is so light in color he looked bald FOREVER!

So, last night Clay came running downstairs yelling about some, "trouble upstairs". I suppose I should have expected this.

Ali had found a pair of scissors in my sewing room and lopped off the bottom two+ inches of ONE of her pigtails. The worst part, was I had only put the top half of her hair in the pig tails and when she attempted to cut off the pigtail, she also chopped off about four inches of the hair on the left side of her head. Beautiful.

We've got an appointment at 1:30 today to salvage what we can of her hair. I'm more upset about it because her hair was just starting to look long again after her last haircut (December of last year). I was getting excited to be able to braid it and put it up real cute...oh well, I suppose another year won't hurt!

Moral of the story, scissors, razors and other cutting tools belong in locked compartments at least six feet off the ground. Or, just give everyone a buzz cut!

I'll post pictures later today after the haircut...

Just a Quick Update...

2008-11-19T21:47:00.001-07:00

Clay and I had another belt test tonight.

Clay completed all of the requirements for his Master Green Belt. He was very pleased with his accomplishment, and I am very proud of him as well.

I completed all of my requirements for my Master Blue Belt. Quin was quick to point out that we are now "tied"! That's right. I have the same belt rank as my five year old son...so glad he pointed that out!

Anyhow, I'm looking into another competition that won't be coming up until April of next year, but I will probably be competing in at least two, if not three, different events instead of just one. Hopefully I'll be able to remember that much stuff and not completely blow it. I am looking forward to competing again though and I am very excited about having Clay compete with me. I really think he will do well in competitions because he takes his lessons very seriously and I know he will do his very best.

Quin, on the other hand, I am debating on whether or not to keep him in Karate. He does well enough, and has actually excelled in some things, but he has no patience for most of it and is VERY EASILY distracted. I suppose if he was in a one-on-one class, he would do just fine, but in a class with six or seven other little boys, he is in la-la land. So, I've been looking into other pursuits he may find better suited to his personality. I just want him to have something that is his very own, that he can excel in, and something he truly enjoys doing. I'm convinced Karate is NOT that thing. I was thinking of signing him up for a gymnastics class because he loves doing crazy monkey tricks. I also thought about swimming, because he really loves being in the water, we'll see.

POTTY TIME!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

Ali is potty training!!!!!!!

YEEEEEEEEHAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!

I just can't even begin to express my overwhelming sense of joy when I think my (nearly four year old) daughter has FINALLY decided to wear big girl panties, and not pee/poop in them.

I have been working on this, on and off, for the past year. She has known how to use the potty for over a year, but has 'chosen' not to do it because, well when you can have someone else do the dirty work, why bother doing it yourself!?!?! However, after numerous threats of remaining in nursery with Jack until she was sixteen and never being able to attend preschool, she has finally relented and decided she would join her panty wearing peers.

We have now made it almost a week, with only a small handful of accidents...usually when she's preoccupied with some very engrossing task. On the whole, not too bad. We have been able to go out shopping, to church and to bed without wearing a pull-up or having an accident several times....I am extremely optimistic!

Of course no good news comes without some bad news. Jack has now decided that since his older sister can dispose of her diapers, he can to. I have come into his room on several occasions (usually first thing in the morning or right after his nap) and found a dirty diaper thrown carelessly on his floor and my darling son standing, very pleased, in his crib with a nude backside. This is not nearly as traumatic when he has only wet his diaper, much more so, however, when he has pooped in his diaper... Needless to say, we've been doing a lot of laundry lately...

It is great to see him showing interest in the toilet, very much unlike his older sister, and I am hopeful that he will decide to potty train in a reasonable amount of time. If anyone goes into the bathroom Jack will follow them in and proceed to remove his pants and diaper. I haven't seen him actually pee or poop in the potty, but he sure loves to sit up on it and try! In the meantime, however, I believe I'll be investing in several large rolls of duck tape...

The Third Sister

2008-11-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I last posted about any books I've read. The reason for that is quite simple...I haven't read anything.

Technically, that isn't true. I just haven't read anything spectacular in quite a while. I did read a couple of books by Nora Roberts. Someone had recommended her work and I found some of her books at Costco and decided to give them a try. She is an excellent author, but the books were a little 'too romantic' for me...I suppose I prefer to use my own imagination for some things!

Anyhow, the point of this post was to say I finally started The Third Sister, by author Julia Barrett (sequel of sorts to Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen). I know I've written about other books she's written and I have to say this book is my favorite! If you have ever read Jane Austen, and if you like her writing style, you will love Julia Barrett. She has done a marvelous job taking the characters from Jane Austen's book Sense and Sensibility and expounding upon their personalities and their character...it's wonderful! I have always struggled with 'the unkown'. I hate having things left unsaid or wondering what happens in the end. This book did a fabulous job of tying up loose ends and letting you continue on the journey a little longer with some very unique and lively characters. I was very pleased with the book, perhaps even more than with the first book by Jane Austen. I would definitely recommend it.

What's with the Shoes?

2008-11-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

Ali and Jack have both had serious shoe fetishes. I'm not sure where they get it from, but they both LOVE to wear shoes...anyones shoes!

The other day, while I was getting the boys ready for school, Jack found a pair of Quin's dirty socks on the floor. He brought them to me, and because I was too preoccupied with getting the boys out the door, I humored him and put them on. A few minutes later he came back looking like this:

(Sorry, you have to see them all, I couldn't decide which I liked best...)

That's my boy (who looks like a girl)! Apparently Ali did a great job of putting her church shoes away. It's a fabulous little ensemble...almost as nice as the jeans, no shirt and pink jacket (Ali also 'forgot' to put away) that I found Jack wearing yesterday. Well, I never claimed to be very fashionable, apparently my children aren't either...or are they?!?!?

TAG, You're It!!!

2008-11-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hate to do it, but I've got nothing else to post today! So, sit back and enjoy reading all about me...or fake it, that works to!

The rules are that I tell 7 interesting/weird facts about myself and then pass it on to 7 other people.

1. I am super anal. Things have to be organized and neat. If you don't believe me, reference the pictures below of my storage rooms...super anal.

2. I didn't win a first place trophy until I was 28 years old...and it just happened to be in karate! Who would have thought?!

3. I took two semesters of Sewing in High School. This has perpetuated a love of quilting. I have made several wall quilts that will (when my walls are painted) be displayed thereon.

4. I am a certified sailor. Joe and I took a week long sailing course in August. It was very interesting and a LOT of hard work, definitely NOT vacation material. Feels good to have accomplished though...

5. I love cooking as long as I don't have to clean up...I hate doing clean up because it turns a one hour meal into a three hour production. There is one exception, however, and that is desserts. I LOVE to make desserts, no strings attached.

6. I'm a binger. I find a new hobby (reading, quilting, needlepoint, running, etc...) and I can't do anything else for weeks or months. Then, I stop and don't do it again for months or years. When I do start again, the cycle repeats. I'm working very hard on learning moderation.

7. I love doing laundry. It's very soothing and helps calm me down when I get stressed out. I won't start laundry unless I'm planning on being home all day because I don't like it to sit in the machine...it stinks if it's in the washer too long and it gets wrinkled if it sits in the dryer. Laundry is typically a 'one day, all day' event at my house.

I tag seven people who will actually do this...you know who you are, I don't!

FYI: I had to think really hard to come up with these...I could have rattled off seven things about any one of the six other people in this house, no problem. Self reflection is apparently something I struggle with...

Photos...

2008-11-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

I was going through my photos and there were a lot of good ones (let me clarify now, the photos aren't necessarily good, but the stories behind them were pretty good) I didn't post, so here you go:

This is the kids snow fort! They built it up at the park with Uncle Ben a few weeks ago, the weekend we got about 8 inches of snow up here! It was a pretty cool fort. This picture was taken after most of the snow on the ground had melted so it is about a foot shorter than it had been...still very cool!

Joe, Ben, Karin and I took the kids to Lagoon Frightmares about three weeks ago. The kids LOVED it and I think all of us adults had a pretty good time to. It was really nice having one adult for every kid. I forgot the stroller, but we all traded Jack and Ali around and it worked out pretty well (besides, who wants to pay $15.00 to RENT a $10.00 stroller?!?! I just wasn't that desperate!) Joe and I went on Wicked, and it was pretty darn wicked! Definitely a good time...sorry there weren't any better pictures. It was so dark and my flash couldn't compensate enough, not to mention it was cold and I was worried about loosing the camera so it spent most of the night zipped up in my pocket.

Jack slack has got new teeth! Ya!!! You can't really see them in this picture, but his two bottom molars (one on each side) have come in! He still doesn't have any of his four canine teeth, but they've always come in after my kids get their 2 year molars.

Escape artist, Jacko...the stinker has figured out how to climb out of his crib. I've spent the better part of the past few days on KSL looking for toddler beds or a nice bunk bed set...he's growing up way too fast, they all are.

This is 'Super Quin'. He saw me taking pictures of Jack one day and asked me to take some snap shots of him...his poses crack me up!

He is so intense!!!

I spent the better part of one evening and the next morning finishing this puzzle. It was a lot of fun and I was saving it to show Clay (who I knew would be the only person who was really impressed with my accomplishment) and I found this...never turn your back on an angry 3 year old. She'll strike you where it hurts the most and where you least expect it. FYI: I fixed it just to have an even angrier 18 month old destroy it again...I'll never win.

I got this picture from Kim...I told you she was ornery! Such a stinker.

Because I got so much CRAP from all of you...he he he, I got the following pictures from Dan and Kim's wedding (their photographer took these, they're way above my pay grade). She had some really great ones.

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-11-01T00:21:00.000-06:00

What a day! What a week!

We've been on the move this week with some serious non-stop partying! It all began Sunday when we had some friends and family over for a dinner party. Monday we were invited to a Halloween Party at our new Bishop's home with some other new families in the ward. The kids got to do a scavenger hunt and carve pumpkins...very exciting! Tuesday was our only day off.

Wednesday we had a Halloween party at the Karate Studio.
Quin-Ghost, Ali-Witch, Jack-Chicken, Clay-Skeleton...on front porch before Karate party.

Thursday was the boys Costume Parade at the Elementary school, as well as their class parties for school.

Clay and Quin at the School Parade, they really had a great time, and we really enjoyed seeing all the unusual and clever costumes!

That evening we had our Ward Trunk-or-Treat at the old ward, which I was in charge of...sort of. Technically our records aren't in the ward anymore, but I'd already planned everything and they didn't have anyone else called. I'm sort of glad for that because I love that activity and I've always enjoyed dressing up for it and helping out...good stuff!

Today we, and a bunch of families from the neighborhood, went to one of the neighbors' homes for dinner and then all the dads took the kids trick-or-treating while the mom's stayed home and hung out!
Clay-Skeleton, Quin-Ghost, Audri-Fairy?, Ali-Poodle, Jack-Bat. Here we are after Trick-or-Treating. (FYI. I got the angel dress from my mom's Halloween bucket, but it had no wings or halo. So, after looking in vain for angel wings, I found a lone pair of fairy wings at Joannes. They didn't have a price tag, so the very nice lady grabbed a package of princess jewelry and rang that up instead. With the 50% off Halloween items I spent $1.00. I nearly bought one of the little girl fairy costumes just so I could use their wings, they were over $20.00 a piece! My total costume cost: $1.00. Nothing beats a good deal!)

I went home a bit early to pass out candy. It was fun to see all the costumes and meet some of the kids from Clay and Quin's school classes, as well as some of our new neighbors when they stopped by for treats!

Anyhow, it's been a bit more crazy this holiday season, but we sure are loving it and it has been very helpful for all of us to catch up with old friends, meet new people and make new friends! We have definitely enjoyed ourselves and hope you all had a wonderful Halloween!!!

P.S. Funny Stories for the week:

1. During Sacrament meeting two weeks ago, Ali got taken out because she was being loud and naughty. Joe asks her if she will behave and be a nice girl so they can go back in. Ali's reply, "I don't want to be a good girl! I want to be a poodle!!!" Can't argue with CRAZY!!! (It really made Joe mad...how exactly do you reply to that?!)

2. I was watching some of our neighbor's kids (from Woods Cross) and the five year old asks for a drink. I got her a glass of milk from the fridge. She took a long drink and says, "The milk here in Bountiful is delicious!" Yup, delicious! Must just be the higher elevation...does something wonderful to it...right!?!

You Asked For It...

2008-10-29T22:09:00.000-06:00

I am FINALLY getting pictures of the house up...Ya!!!

Prepare yourselves to be thoroughly disappointed. The pictures aren't great and the house continues to change every week. I'm hoping the house will continue to improve, slowly yet surely, over the next five years until we get it just right!

But, for those who haven't been able to see it yet, this is what we've got so far.

This is our new home. It's put together a bit like a split level. One side stacked on and under the main house, the other stacked on and under the garage. It always seems bigger when you're walking through it because of all the stairs...I think there are eight total sets of stairs in the house...

This is my favorite...the view! This was taken off the back deck. I need to get some good ones of the trees behind the house before the snow comes...they are every shade of orange, yellow and red...beautiful! It reminds me of Fall in New England...good times!

This is the main living area. Notice the paint hasn't been finished...but we're getting there! The color sucks in the picture, but it's a really nice red, and it's a lot lighter during the day because of all the windows (we get a LOT of sunlight during the day, which I love).

Here you can see the transition between the living room and kitchen. It's nice and open. You can also, sort of, see the color of the main living room and the hallways. It's a light tan color which looks really nice in contrast to the red of the accent wall.

This is looking into the kitchen from the living room. We're painting the kitchen in the same red as the accent wall in the living room...it will look great when we're done. I love this room and spend most of my time here.

This picture was taken shortly after we moved in so nothing's been painted and you can see our TO DO post-it's on the wall! This picture was taken from the main living room. You can see the stairs up to the bedrooms and laundry room and the stairway heading down to the garage and lower levels...lots of stairs!

The storage rooms are my pride and joy. This is the larger of the two storage rooms. It's the Food Storage room. This contains our one year food storage for a family of seven. It's all put away in categories based on what it is (dessert items, spices, snack food, pasta's, etc...). Everything has been counted and categorized on an Excel spreadsheet so I could tell you exactly how many cans of Green Beans I have at any given moment. I update it when I go shopping and before I leave to the store I check it to see what I'm low on so I don't over buy things I don't need...very handy! The suitcases that are lined up in the middle of the room are our 72 hour kits.

This is what I refer to as the Dry Storage Room. It contains all the non food items such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies, grow boxes, camping equipment, etc... The box freezer isn't in the picture, but to the right as you look at the picture. Again, everything is counted and in it's own Excel Spreadsheet.

And what house wouldn't be complete without a sports court? The bottom floor of the house has a basketball/racquetball/rock climbing wall or whatever you want to use it for room. I really didn't think I'd use this room much, but I have to tell you, it's been a lot of fun to go down there in the evening after the kids have gone to bed and get my butt kicked in a game of horse, dodge ball or elimination! It's been a great way to get a bit of exercise without going out in the cold, and I'm definitely enjoying it!

Those are all the pictures I had that turned out. I will definitely post more as we finish things up or I get a good one. Not shown above were Joe's office, the front entryway, the master bedroom/bathroom/closet, two kids bedrooms, toy room/craft room, downstairs living room, two guest bedrooms, Ben's room, and the three sort-of rooms that make up the 'recording studio'...a place where Ben and Joe like to fiddle on musical instruments!

So, that's the new place in a nut shell. It's a work in progress, but we're hoping to make it a masterpiece! I am loving the ward and the neighborhood. And bonus - we're right next door to the park, which the kids love, and there is a stream that runs right through our back yard where the kids and Joe go fishing (seriously, they've caught some 12 inch fish! Some they've caught with bare hands). The best part of all, however, it that you can see Captain Moroni standing tall on the Bountiful Temple right out our front door! We also have a great view of him from our bedroom window. It's quite a sight, although Joe complains that it's too darn bright when he's trying to sleep at night! He he he!!!

So, if anybody is looking for a good (or not so good) game of dodge ball, come on over (just don't mind the dust...we're under construction)!!!

Flower Girls and The Evil Eye...

2008-10-20T23:23:00.000-06:00

October 11th was Joe's brother's wedding. We drove down to Lehi and helped set things up. Ali got to be one of the flower girls and I think she looked adorable in her outfit.

Ali was very excited and did a great job practicing in the hallway. Things went a bit awry, however, when the ceremony actually started...

As Ali was walking down the isle, she was 'setting' the flower petals on the ground instead of just dropping them (which is really quite considerate). It made everyone smile and giggle and some even laughed...this was not good. Ali was so embarrassed by the laughing she stopped moving and started scowling at everyone. One of her older cousins had to PUSH her down the isle! She stood, just as she'd been asked, at the top of the isle with her basket, but she gave everyone the evil eye during the rest of the wedding! It was rather amusing, and I would have been more worried about it if the other flower girl hadn't left during the ceremony to use the potty! What more can one expect from a pair of three year olds!

The wedding was beautiful though and it was great to spend time with family and see old friends. We were glad to be able to be there and support Dan and Kim on their big day!

The family picture was a bit blurry, but the kids looked cute!

Overdue...

2008-10-14T20:38:00.000-06:00

Our family at Temple Square in August...

This update is a bit overdue. I've been meaning to post something for a while now, but keep finding other things to occupy my time.

So, here's the scoop:

We are officially moved into the new house. All the bedrooms are painted and we've begun painting the livingroom/kitchen. The kids have completed their first week of school and we've attended our new ward. We love both and are slowly learning the names of new people and remembering new faces. The kids have already started making new friends and are having a great time playing with them and enjoying new adventures.

Joe's brother, Dan, got married on Saturday. We spent the day down in Lehi and had a really great time visiting with family and friends. It was really great to get caught up and be with family celebrating Dan and Kim's wedding.

We had Joe's twin sisters and his mom visit us for a few days and it was great to have them here. We always enjoy having them come and visit us.

Lois and I went quilt shopping on Monday and I got the quilting bug again...I'm really hoping to make some time to finish up a few old projects so I can begin a few new ones. I haven't gotten a desk in my sewing room yet and there is still a lot of stuff to be sorted out in there before I can get to work, but my goal is to have that finished up within the next two weeks...we'll see!

We had over SEVEN inches of snow Sunday morning. It took me a whole hour to shovel the driveway. We had planned on attending the old ward, but by the time I finished shoveling we were late and ended up going to the new ward instead. The snow was so wet and heavy! When we got back from church the kids put on their snow gear and built a huge fort in the park with Ben...it was pretty awesome. I gotta tell you, it's amazing how much colder it is here, and we're only a couple miles away! Crazy.

Joe's gone on business again this week, and the kids have fall break. So, the kids and I are heading to Rexburg to visit my sister, who just had her fourth baby last week. We've heard he was born with a full head of dark hair just like my kids, the other three were bald, which made me sooo happy (we need some more brunettes)! We're excited to meet him and spend some time with family. Oh, and they named the baby Troy, I can't remember the middle name.

Anyhow, not much else is new. We're getting into a pretty good routine. Life has started to settle down a little. There is still a lot to be done, but we are happy and looking forward to new adventures!

Here are some random pictures that made me smile:

This is our manny, Ben. Actually it's my little brother who lives in our basement and is doing all the great work on our house. I loved this picture of him...it takes a real man to carry a pink purse (a very cute pink purse I might add...I made it!).

Me and my darling daughter Ali...feel the love...

Moving Day...

2008-10-02T22:16:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is moving day. We're moving the beds and dressers up to the new house. They're about all that's left. I moved the kitchen and bathroom stuff up today, but we're going to wait to bring the couches and table up until after we've painted the family and living areas.

So, tonight will probably be our last night in our old home...that's sort of sad. We've been here almost six years (next month). It's our first home and we fell in love with it immediately. It's been good to us and we'll be sad to leave, the kids are still having a hard time saying good bye...I know how they feel.

We've been blessed with great friends and neighbors here and I will miss them. I look forward to the changes and opportunities we will have at our new home, but I will definitely cherish the memories we've made here.

I'm hoping to have some pictures of the new house in a couple of days...I still have a lot of organizing to do before it's picture worthy!

The Pumpkin Patch...

2008-10-01T23:32:00.000-06:00

For the past couple of years I've taken the kids to the Pumpkin Patch in Farmington to get pumpkins. The kids really like picking out their own pumpkin and seeing who can find the biggest one!

I took the kids last week to see if they were open yet and discovered they weren't going to open the pumpkin patch until the weekend before October. However, they had opened their corn maze a week early! I talked with the guy for a while about the pumpkins and the maze and debated whether or not I should just come back in a week to get pumpkins.

I started to feel bad because I knew the kids would be disappointed when they found out we wouldn't be getting our pumpkins that day. So, since we were the ONLY people there, I asked the kids if they wanted to do the corn maze with me. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative.

Tragically, I was wearing sandals, Ali was in slip ons and I didn't have anything to carry Jacko in. We set of, undaunted, and made our way through the 2.3 mile maze. We found every one of the six punches and it only took us about 40 minutes...not too bad. Poor Quin discovered he had to go pee about six minutes into it and had to hold it the whole time and Ali kept loosing her shoes in the rough dirt. Jacko wouldn't let me put him down so I had to carry him the entire way, while he tried to pull every corn stalk he could get his hands on with us. Ali had several melt downs, but Clay and Quin were such great brothers and would hold her hand and talk her through it. We only got lost once or twice, but never for very long. Quin only ran ahead and got lost once and we were fortunate enough to find him quickly before he got too turned around!

All in all, it was a really nice trip. Our feet were filthy and our shoes were full of thorns, but we all got a delicious treat and the satisfaction of a job well done. I also had the added satisfaction of knowing I had made my children happy, which made me happy and I got to spend a little extra time with them away from the chaos of our current existence.

Saturday morning I took the kids back to the pumpkin patch to get our pumpkins. We found some SUPER big pumpkins. The biggest one we bought was 50lbs, which is what Quin weighs, and we bought a total of 165lbs of pumpkin. There are some very pretty ones, and some we intend to have a lot of fun carving. They are all sitting on the front porch of our new home waiting patiently to be carved in a couple more weeks.

I just have to say I love spending quality time with the kids. I think we've all felt the stressful effects of this move and it was so fun and so nice to just relax and run around a dirt field looking for the biggest and best pumpkin. I am looking forward to sitting down with the kids and deciding what each pumpkin should be carved into and helping them create their very own Jack-o-latern...one more reason why holidays are so great...you can never have enough excuses to spend time with your family!

Scooby Doo, Where Are You???

2008-09-29T21:08:00.000-06:00

So a few weeks ago I bought the kids a Scooby Doo DVD. I had always liked them as a kid and figured the kids might enjoy them as well. One of the episodes is about a Chef Ghost who is stealing from Daphne's house.

Yesterday, Ali was sitting at the table and I heard her singing this:

It's a very good rendition of the song in the movie. I was rather impressed. How is it that children are able to absorb things after such a limited exposure to it? I wish we, as adults, could retain information that well...I have definitely lost my touch.

Anyhow, I thought it was cute. I had Clay sing it so you could understand the words better. It looks more like a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial though...little boy eating very large bucket of chicken...gotta love it!

Update:

Ali is doing MUCH better. Her sores are beginning to heal nicely, she is itching them less and she's over the contagious period because she isn't oozing and there are no new sores! YA!!! She'll have to stay on both antibiotics for ten to fourteen days. The time will be decided on the progression of her healing. If she needs more antibiotics to beat it, she'll stay on them for the extra four days. I'm hoping for just the ten because her little bottom has gotten some pretty nasty sores on it from the antibiotics. It was bleeding the other day when I changed it...yuck. I felt so bad.

All in all, we're glad to say we're on the mend. We had a couple more showings on the house today and that's always encouraging. I hope we don't lose our momentum as the week progresses...we shall see!

Sick...Sick...Sick...

2008-09-26T21:08:00.000-06:00

The past week hasn't been much fun.

Ben got sick Saturday night, with what we thought was Strep Throat, we were wrong. He had a very sore throat, fever and chills. Sunday wasn't much better. By Sunday night, Clay was complaining of a sore throat. I woke up Monday and tried to get ahold of our ENT, who was out of town until Wednesday. I figured Ben might be dead if I waited that long, so I called the pediatrician and set up an appointment for Clay...and brought Ben along with me.

When we got to the Dr's Office, Clay claimed to be feeling fine (which of course made me feel like an overly concerned parent). Go figure. I mentioned that Clay had some red spots in his mouth when I had looked at it Sunday night, not knowing if they were still there or if the information was at all relevant. It was.

Clay, Ben and Quin were all diagnosed with Hand, Foot and Mouth. They had tons of red sores in their mouths and Ben's was the worst, as it had begun much sooner. Quin's had just started that morning (no spots Sunday night) so he got off much easier than the others. Clay and Quin had to stay home from school Monday and Tuesday because they were still contagious. Ali and Jack seemed fine at the time. I was really hoping they'd miss out. No such luck.

Ali started getting sores on her hands, legs and feet by Tuesday. I called the office and they told me to start her on the Acyclovir because she most likely had caught what her brothers had. Wednesday night I noticed the sores were getting MUCH bigger and they were multiplying. I went to my neighbors (who works at the Pediatrician's office) and had her take a look...it wasn't Hand, Foot and Mouth, but Mersa (not sure on the spelling). It's a strep bacteria that, more or less, eats your skin and destroys tissue. It's VERY contagious! Apparently she caught it from the neighbor, who'd gotten it the weekend before.

We put her on Septra, it's only one of the VERY FEW antibiotics that are effective against the Mersa. After starting her on the antibiotics I did notice some improvement. The sores stopped weeping, but this morning I noticed they had continued to spread. She had SEVERAL new spots all over her upper thighs when she woke up so we had to start her on ANOTHER antibiotic tonight, Clindamycin. The combination of the two antibiotics is suppose to be very effective, I'm hoping they are!

Poor little Ali has been wearing long pants, long sleeve shirts or a short sleeve shirt with a sweater over top, socks (on her feet AND her hands) to cover up all her sores. It's so hard to keep chasing after her spraying everything and wiping everything she touches...no fun. She's done really well with it and it's cut down on the scratching, which is helping to keep the sores from spreading and oozing. I've had to wash all the bedding, clothes, towels, wash rags, cups, etc...that Ali uses. She slept in my bed one night and played in Quin's bed yesterday so I spent all day yesterday washing everyone's bedding.

It also sucks because I have no babysitters...no body wants to get near us, imagine that! I'm hoping the introduction of this second antibiotic stops the spreading and ends the contagious period. That will be nice. I just want her to get better, and I'd rather not have to spend time in the hospital.

The Pharmacist said the medications will be very hard on her stomach, so I've had her take acidophilus and eat lots of yogurt. Hopefully she'll get enough good bacteria in her to help combat the eradication of the bacteria caused by the antibiotics. The last thing I want now is to have her get a bad stomach ache, or diaper rash, because of the antibiotics.

Anyhow, that's our story. We're still working on the new house and trying to stay on top of everyone's health and keep things clean. We're hoping to have more done this weekend, but I suppose that will depend (as always) on how everyone's feeling. The boys have been tons better yesterday and today, so I think they're over it, but time will tell how Ali does. Wish us luck! (We're going to need it!!!)

Because You Know You Want To...

2008-09-23T23:22:00.001-06:00

See what a geek I am!

Here's the video of my form. The video is off Joe's phone, I couldn't get the ones off the camera to upload. Oh well, this is harder to hear and not as good a quality, but I think that plays in my favor!

I actually stuck my heal on this one, but forgot a couple of other things...oops. Hopefully you can't tell, and if you can, I promise to try harder to please you next time.

Karate...

2008-09-20T23:41:00.000-06:00

Today was my first Karate Competition. I competed in the Avalanche Invitational which was presented by Pinnacle Martial Arts. The competition I entered was Traditional Taekwondo Forms for novice (White, Yellow and Orange Belts) Adults age 18-35.

I had to be up at the Clearfield Aquautic Center by 9am for registration, etc. The competitions didn't begin until 10am. My form came fast because so few people signed up in my division. I competed against another orange belt and came in first place! I was very happy about that, especially since I lifted my heal up on the very last move and that cost me points (big no, no in Taekwondo).

When the judges gave me my card for my first place trophy, they also gave me a card to register for the Underbelt Grands...I had no clue what that meant. I talked with the registration ladies and they explained that the first place competitors in every division are able to compete against each other to decide the Grand Champion of each division. I qualified to compete in the Underbelt Grand Championship of Traditional Taekwondo. Sweet!

The tragic part is I had completed my form by 11am and had to wait until 5:30pm to compete in Grands...it was SUCH A LONG AFTERNOON! Joe came with me and we had Ali and Jack, who did not respond well to being stuck in a gym without toys, cribs, naps, etc... Joe ended up leaving for long periods of time and taking trips to Toys-R-Us, the farm store, the car, etc... I think the day was harder on him than me!

Anyhow, I competed and won the Grand Championship as well! I was pretty happy about that, mostly because it probably won't happen again, but also because I was given a Samouri Sword for winning (at 28 years old, this was the very first trophy I've ever won, is that sad or what)!?!

When I got home, after 6pm, I went to the new house and finished sorting all my food storage and got it all categorized and counted. It was a really rewarding day! I now have a fully functioning and organized storage room and I am the current Underbelt Grand Champion of Traditional Taekwondo! All in a days work!

(I can't seem to upload the video of my performance...will try again later).

When Momma's Not Happy...

2008-09-19T00:25:00.000-06:00

NOBODIES HAPPY!

How many times have you heard this saying?

A Quarter of a million, at least.

Well, it's true.

Things have been really stressful around here the past few days. Between running back and forth between the two houses, fixing up the new place, cleaning up the current house, driving to and from school and karate, taking extra lessons to brush up on my form for the tournament, Joe losing his wallet less than 12 hours before he has to fly to NM (and we still haven't found it), losing BOTH sets of keys to Joe's car (we did find one set just as we were leaving to the airport), my life has gotten a BIT out of control. Imagine that.

Notice, none of this is life threatening.

The new house is still livable, even if it's a bit dirty and in need of a serious face lift. The old house is remarkably clean, especially when you consider it's inhabited by four young children and three over worked, underpaid, adults. I've been driving my kids to school and karate for a few years now, it's nothing new, I should be use to it by now. The extra lessons are optional, no one is forcing me to compete and if I stink, chances are no one will care. Joe didn't find his wallet, but he was able to make it to the DMV with his passport in time to get a temporary license and he found an old credit card that was still active so he would be able to pay for his car and hotel. At least we have one set of keys so we can just make copies of it and won't have to get the car towed to the dealership in order to make new ones. Not TERRIBLE news, right?!?! It could always be worse, right?!?!

Of course.

So, after spending the last few days snapping at the kids for everything, and nothing, I noticed NO ONE was happy. Clay started falling apart almost the instant he woke up. The kids were moaning all day, instead of just right before bed...it was complete insanity. Literally, NO ONE seemed to be able to evacuate themselves out from under the cloud of anguish I had draped over myself.

Last night I decided it had to come to an end. I went to bed earlier. I set my alarm for earlier. I woke up and greeted my children cheerfully, and you know what? I really was happy to see them, and better yet, they were happy to see me! I had a lovely morning working on school work with Clay, snuggling in bed with Quin and Ali, laughing with Jacko and just enjoying my job as a mother. It gets better. I decided to take the day off from the other house and I went grocery shopping with the kids after Clay left for school. I walked Quin to school and brought snacks to eat along the way so we wouldn't have to rush home. I made cupcakes with homemade icing and sprinkles with Ali. I cooked a real dinner for the first time in about two weeks. It was delicious. I had everyone fed and in pj's by 7pm, which also hasn't happened in about two weeks. There was very little complaining, no yelling, no fighting...just nice. It was nice. Very nice.

It's days like today that make me enjoy being a mom, help me appreciate the influence I am on my children and the mood in our home. I want so desperately for our home to be a place where my children feel safe and loved. A place they want to be. I want to be able to talk to my children openly about their lives, my life. I want to be a good mother.

Today, I felt like a good mom.

An Abbreviated Version:

2008-09-16T11:53:00.001-06:00

I could spend days going over the past few weeks at our home, but I've decided to give a brief synopsis of events instead. Here it goes:

The chaos began August 28th. We bought a home and closed at 9am that morning. After closing, we left for Idaho. Joe had a couple accounts up there and I was going to pick up some of our food storage my parents had been housing for us because we didn't have room in our home for it.

We left Joe's dad, the twins, a niece and a nephew at our place and Joe's mom, sister, brother-in-law and two other nephews flew in that night.

I loved this picture of Joe and Jack on the dirt bike...Quin was trying to keep up with them.

We loaded up the trailer in Idaho with Joe's dirt bike and the food storage and headed back to UT in a three vehicle caravan Friday evening.

Saturday was spent moving all of our stuff out of the storage unit and all of our food storage up to the new house. We also spent a good deal of the day cleaning the house...it hadn't been lived in for over a year and had seen a great deal of neglect.

The rest of the next week was spent finalizing Will's placement with the Ferrins, getting the twins up to Rexburg for the start of school, correlating family activities and get togethers, etc... We were very lucky to have Joe's family in town because they did a tremendous amount of cleaning and fixing up at the new house.

We put our home on the market Septmeber 3rd and have done a great deal of 'clean up' on our home each day to keep it ready for the sporatic showings that seem to get scheduled at the most inopportune moments. Each day I load up a few more boxes and bring them up to the new house to help eliminate the clutter and keep things moving.

Since the departure of my in-laws last week, I've been spending most of my time between the two houses. I leave early and spend all morning cleaning at the new house, just to come home in the evening and clean our other house...it's a vicious cycle. I hate it.

We've had several people come through the house and that's encouraging, and last night we received our first offer. Hopefully we're able to come to an agreement with them. We decided to sell the house about 30 thousand under its appraised value because of the market. We need to be out within the next couple of months and we're a bit worried it won't sell...there are no guarantees in this business.

Ben and I have been able to get one of the bedrooms finished and I've finished sorting one of the storage rooms. We painted four closets and I finished preping four others. I had to remove the wallpaper in two bedrooms (yuck...I hate wallpaper) so they are now ready to be painted. I finished taping them off yesterday and I'm hoping we'll have them all painted tomorrow. Once the top two floors are finished we'll move up there, hopefully that will correspond nicely with the sell of this home, although there are again no guarantees, but I'm hopeful.

I was able to go out on my birthday, I'm a whopping 28 now, and I got lunch and a pedicure with my sister, sister-in-law and a few friends. It was very nice and relaxing and I'm grateful for the chance I had to enjoy their company and a leisure Saturday afternoon! It was a great change of pace!

I am competing in a Karate Tournament this Saturday. I'm competing in the 18-35 yr old womens beginner's category as an Orange Belt. I'll be preforming a black belt form called, Choong Moo. I'm a bit nervous because I've never competed in anything outside of Jr. High track and field...lame, I know. I am excited though and I am hoping to do a good job. I've been doing a LOT of practicing and stretching (there are a lot of kicks and I'm not as limber as I once was) and I'm hoping it pays off! I'll keep you posted.

Anyhow, life has been especially hectic the past few weeks, but we are excited about the upcoming changes and hopefully I'll be better about keeping you all up to date on any new adventures!

No Time...

2008-09-15T22:19:00.001-06:00

There simply is no time to post, no time to sleep, no time....never enough time.

I have so many things I want to post about. So much I would love to share with all my friends and family. I just can't seem to find the time to sit and do it!

I've been on my computer maybe three or four times in the past two weeks, and only long enough to check email, pay bills and look over my calendar for the week...so sad.

Tomorrow, however, I am planning to stay home ALL DAY, catch up on laundry, and a host of other things I've been putting off or setting aside.

The time has come, the time is now. Tomorrow I'm going to update my blog. Prepare yourself (to be sadly disappointed)!

It's DONE!!!!!

2008-09-07T00:23:00.000-06:00

Agony...

That is probably one of the best descriptive words I can find to describe my feelings about the adoption process...pure agony.

Some of you may, or may not, know that I have been watching a little boy named Will off and on since October of 2007. He is just two months older than Ali and they have been very good playmates. I know I've posted a million pictures of him over the past year and he has participated in numerous family adventures with us.

In June we discovered the potential for Will to be adopted. We were ecstatic about the prospect of Joe's sister, Heidi and her husband, Paul, adopting Will. Understandably, however, his family was not as excited about the prospect of him moving to MA.

We continued to pursue the possibility and after several weeks of 'loving persuasion' (for lack of a better description) they consented to the possibility of allowing Paul and Heidi to adopt Will.

Long story short, after several legal inquires, trips back and forth from MA to UT and UT to MA, several sleepless nights and five delightful photo albums...Paul and Heidi have been granted custody of Will, with an adoption date set for March 3, 2009!

This has been such a difficult process, one I think I'd like not to repeat, and yet the rewards have exceeded any expectation! He is such a joy and they are so excited about the prospect of loving, caring and smothering him with affection! I truly feel as though every member of our family, immediate & extended, has benefited in some way from this experience. It has been a wonderful, and at times exasperating, experience. I have had numerous highs and as many lows, but it has been worth every penny spent and every second of invested time.

The Lord definitely works in mysterious ways...I never would have guessed I'd be a part of something so amazing.

The Ferrin Family!

I also have to include our latest family picture. This picture is the first time, since Joe and I were married almost 9 years ago, all the Ence siblings were together with their families. The only person missing is Alex, the eldest grandchild serving a mission in Canada. Their are two babies on the way, but not bad to have everyone together, at least for now!

Our Trip to the East Coast...

2008-08-23T16:39:00.000-06:00

Our trip began in Massachusetts at Joe's parents' home. Joe and I were able to visit many of our old haunts and it was a lot of fun. Friday Joe put up the old rope swing and I had to come inside because I was suffering from serious anxiety...it was a VERY tall tree! The rope swing was a lot of fun though and I think the grandkids are all going to really enjoy it!

I finished mowing the other half of the field with the old tractor. It was POURING rain shortly after I began and I was pretty soaked! The seat would collect water in it and then when I would start going down hill it would all splash up against my backside...very, very cold water!

Saturday afternoon began our Sailing education. We drove to Jamestown, RI and met with our instructor and the two other individuals taking the class with us. They were two older gentlemen, very nice guys who were very similar to Joe in personality...imagine that!

This is Joe and I in Jamestown our first night. We were able to go ashore and eat dinner and walk around.

I took this picture while we were riding on the launch back to the boat that night. The moon was so full and the reflection on the water was magical! You can see the lights from the town of Newport in the distance.

These are pictures of us in Newport on Monday. We anchored in Dutch Harbor Sunday night and then came around the northern part of Connanicut Island Monday and anchored in Newport that night. We took a launch into town for dinner and did some window shopping.

This is Joe in our cabin working on the computer. We were fortunate enough to have internet access (through Joe's phone) during most of the trip. Joe was able to stay caught up on work during the evenings.

This is the main salon of the cabin. There were two heads (bathrooms) and we had enough water (most of the time) to shower every couple of days...that was nice!

After leaving Newport, we took our longest trip to Block Island, RI. We had favorable winds (Northern winds instead of the usual Southern winds) and were able to travel over 25 NM to the island...it was a VERY long day of sailing! (FYI. One Nautical Mile takes about ten minutes to sail going 6 knots...we averaged about that, sometimes sailing over 8 knots, other times going only around 4, depending on the wind.)
Rain falling in the distance. This storm was just ahead of us and we were lucky to miss it...just a few sprinkles was all we ever got.

This was by far me and Joe's favorite stop on the trip. We anchored in the Great Salt Pond (ironic?) and were able to take the launch to port. We took a taxi into town and walked around the town and then walked just over a mile back to the dock. It was a beautiful evening and so much fun! It was always hard to be on land because we had gotten so use to compensating for the constantly moving boat, we probably looked funny walking because we were always over compensating! I still don't think I have my land legs back yet!

Jelly Fish! They were everywhere! The first night, in Dutch Harbor, I jumped off the boat for a swim and after only being in the water for a few minutes Joe yelled, "There's a jelly fish behind you!" I thought he was joking around...until I turned around! It was RIGHT BEHIND ME!!! Yikes! I didn't do a lot of swimming after that!

Our next stop was Point Judith Refuge. It is half way between Block Island and Connanicut Island. It was a really nice, quiet spot. We anchored with only two other boats...nice!

This is the Puma Boat. We saw them out sailing almost every day we were out. They paint their boat like a Puma Sneaker every year and they were one FAST sailboat...they were a lot of fun to watch!

Our last night we anchored in Potter's Cove. It was just around the bend from our mooring in the Jamestown harbor. We took the dinghy to shore after dinner that night and walked just over a mile into Jamestown for ice cream. It was a great walk and a nice night to be out. On our walk back I took this picture of the moon...it was so bright and so red! It was really beautiful!

Overall we had a great time. I wouldn't call it much of a vacation (well, it was a vacation from the children) it was some of the most intensive learning I've ever done. We took three tests, over 337 questions total, and we spent from 9am every morning until noon or one sitting on the boat listening to lectures. We were given homework almost every night and we did a lot of flashcards and memorizing...it was crazy! I've been out of school for a very long time and it required a lot of brain work. My highlights were getting a 100% on the first test, walking through Block Island with Joe and getting my certification! Three classes completed and we're pretty darn happy about it! I don't know that I would sign up for something like that again, knowing what I know now, but I am really glad I did it...it feels pretty darn good!

We're BACK!!!

2008-08-23T09:56:00.000-06:00

YA!!!

Ten days later and I couldn't be HAPPIER to be HOME!!!

It was a really great trip, not what I would call a vacation, but a great trip all the same!

I have TONS of pictures to upload and then I'll write more, but for now I just want to say it's great to be back to civilization, on land (even though I think I'd be more comfortable on the water...don't have my land legs back yet) and with my kids! I sure missed them.

Livin' it up in MA...

2008-08-15T21:28:00.000-06:00

I just can't say enough about how much fun Joe and I have been having on our trip so far! It has been so nice.

We decided we needed to get away and Joe surprised me (sort of) with a trip to Newport, RI. We stopped for two days in MA to visit Joe's family and then we're off to RI tomorrow morning to begin our week long sailing class. We'll be on the water from Sunday to Thursday and by Friday at 3:00pm we should be certified sailors!

I am very excited about the sailing, a little concerned because the course work we were given was a little overwhelming. I'm a bit anxious about completing everything in a satisfactory manner, but I'm convinced Joe and I will find a way to enjoy ourselves in the process!

I am also very pleased we stopped in MA to visit Joe's parents and siblings. We have truly had the best couple of days here. We did a bit of shopping, visited Hot Dog Annies, went to Flo's Farmstand and bought fresh veggies and icecream. I think I've cooked some of the best food the past couple of days and we've all eaten like KINGS (and Queens)! Joe spent the day putting up a new rope swing and I mowed half the field with the tractor, in the rain! We all ended up soaked and loved every second of it! We've ridden the 4-wheelers and ate lobster....who could ask for more?!?!?! In fact, I feel as though I'm bragging here. Please rest assured I'm not attempting to brag, I'm just having such a fabulous time. This is the longest trip we've taken away from the little ones (who are staying with my sister and brother-in-law, whom I love dearly! I'm pretty sure the kids won't miss us too much and I know they are in very good hands). I was a bit worried about being gone so long, but I have loved having so much time with Joe. It's almost as though we're dating all over again, only we know each other better, and it's funner that way!

Anyhow, we leave Worcester for Newport tomorrow morning and then we'll be out at sea until the 22nd. I'm definitely looking forward to it and I will post lots of great pictures (I hope) when I'm back home!

Until then, don't miss me too much and I hope you all have as good a week as I'm planning on having! Good luck to us all!!!

Can you say, "Mosquito Bites!!!!"

2008-08-01T21:39:00.000-06:00

The other night Joe and I went to bed pretty late, after midnight, and woke up at three in the morning. Why, you may ask? Mosquitoes...hundreds of the little buggers! We had our window open, but the screen was in and apparently they were getting in AROUND the freaking screen!

Joe and I each had a few dozen bites and we were itching like CRAZY!! At first Joe said they couldn't be mosquito bites because he never gets them. The first mosquito he saw on the wall he squished and it spewed blood ALL OVER, Joe had an immediate change of heart. It became a race to the death. We were banging walls, jumping on the bed to hit the ceiling and making quite the racket! I was actually very surprised we didn't wake up the whole house!

After we'd beaten every mosquito we could find, our walls looked like we'd splatter painted! It was so gross. I got the bug spray out and started spraying us both down, which is gross to climb in bed all stinky and slimy, but better than being EATEN ALIVE!

We had to sleep with the window closed the rest of the night and we both woke up in a puddle of our own sweat...ewe. The next morning we took some deliciously wonderful black tape and put a thin line of it in the window - sealing the screen to the window. No more mosquito bites!

Herein lies the tragedy, we only sealed our window. This morning Jack and Ali woke up covered from head to toe in mosquito bites. I'm talking chicken pox looking mosquito bites...they're EVERYWHERE!!! Joe forgot to close their window last night and I killed about twelve or more mosquitoes after the kids woke up. I found a couple more dead in Jack's crib that he must have gotten in his sleep (I'm so very proud of him for that)! Needless to say, I spent some time this afternoon sealing the children's windows with black tape to protect them against the darn little mosquito buggers. I know the kids will probably heal pretty quickly, but I'm still worried about West Nile and any other nastiness those darn things may have brought with them. Time will tell.
The kids were all asleep before I thought to take photos so they aren't great, but if you look close, you can see all their spots...poor things!

Jack looks especially bad because he hasn't quite healed up from his Hand Mouth and Foot virus. He is just covered in spots! (His pj's covered everything but his face and feet, I didn't want the flash to wake him so this is all you get!)

So, this is my question, what bug spray have you all found most effective, without being harmful to young children or nasty, slimy feeling? Anything out there that could come close to fulfilling these requirements? I've never found anything, but I'm pretty willing to try about anything! We need protection!!! Help!!!

Will got sick today...poor kid. He had a fever of over 103 and really bad diarrhea. I felt so bad. He was doing better this afternoon, but I have no idea what he's got. Hopefully he's better tomorrow. He fell asleep on the couch and I'm pretty sure he was about to fall off when I took this picture....It has always amazed me how children are able to make sleeping look so uncomfortable!

Call it Lame, Call it Creepy...We Think it's COOL!!!

2008-07-30T22:48:00.000-06:00

I had completely forgotten about this video clip until today.

The kids and I, while visiting Idaho, found this bug in a pot next to my parents' pond. It was carrying around this spider (which we're pretty sure is dead). It was really cool, or at least we thought so. I have no clue what kind of bug or spider it is, but if you know, we'd love to know!

Ok, I realize some of you bloggers out there may think this is a super lame post, but the kids and I really thought this was interesting and feel it is worth our time to share with the rest of the blogging community....so enjoy, or at least try to!

Fear or Be Feared...This is the Question.

2008-07-29T23:53:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday, Ben and I were hanging out in the kitchen while the kids played. Ali had the doodle pad out and was drawing pictures.

Ali came up to Ben and said, "I will draw your picture, Uncle Ben!" Ben wasn't exactly sure what to think of this and figured it probably wasn't a good thing. He said Ali would probably draw a picture of him dead or mamed. We had a good laugh over this and moved on.

When Ali completed her masterpiece, she brought it back in to me and showed me...

...I showed it to Ben...

..he looks dead to me!

What do you think?

I had to include the pictures of Jack. There is a funny story behind them as well.

When I saw the picture Ali had drawn, I thought it was so funny I had to get pictures of it to save, for posterities sake! As soon as I said, "Say Cheese!" Jack, who was standing a good ten feet behind me, came at a dead run - and stopped right in front of the camera. He plopped himself about a foot in front of my lens and said, "EESE!"

It was too funny! Needless to say, I had to get a few good pictures in, after all, he was being such a good boy!

Anyhow, I just couldn't help sharing these stories because how often do you get TWO hilarious episodes in ONE day, actually it was all within about 15 minutes! Priceless!

Poor Little Jacko....

2008-07-27T21:13:00.000-06:00

Jacko Smacko has come down with a case of 'Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease' also known as the Coxsackievirus. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, high fever, red sores on the mouth, face hands and feet, etc... Some people experience no real symptoms at all. Coxsackievirus can also cause more serious infection in the brain and heart. Scary! There are so many different symptoms and the virus spreads very easily, from saliva or unwashed surfaces. The most common time of year to contract Coxsackievirus is Summer to Fall.

I'm not really sure where baby Jack picked this particular strain up from, but I know of several people, family members, neighbors and friends who have had recent experiences with the virus. It wouldn't take much for a young toddler, who puts everything into his mouth, to contract the virus.

Dr.'s say the best thing you can do to prevent it is good hand washing! There is very little that can be done to treat it because it is viral, Tylenol can help ease discomfort and reduce fevers, but beyond that you are very limited unless the infection becomes serious enough to warrant hospitalization.

He looks way to happy in this picture to be sick! If it weren't for the little red dots covering Jack's face and his complete loss of appetite, I probably wouldn't have known he had it. He hasn't had a fever, but he has been drinking a LOT lately and has been slightly more needy. His case is far more mild than my nephew (who's five days older than Jack). His was an absolute nightmare. He had huge sores inside his mouth and around his face and hands. His poor little tongue would just lull outside his mouth because it was so swollen with sores! It was so sad to listen to him whimper...

Jack has been very good, especially considering the discomfort he is probably experiencing. I've given him some Tylenol before bed time and nap time to help him feel more comfortable when he sleeps. I'm sure the rest alone will help speed his recovery!

The next few pictures are of him standing on a chair in the kitchen window looking for the dogs and chickens. He is so in love with animals right now and it is wonderful to see the excitement on his face when he sees them! He sure is a good little boy and I hope he is feeling better soon.

Jacko could spend hours watching the chickens in the backyard, or chasing after them, and he loves to see the neighbors dogs. He can say, "Chicken" and, "Dog", but Dog is easier to distinguish! You can hear him yell, "Dog!" as he's trying to see the chickens and dogs...he is so darn cute.

STUPID, STUPID, STUPID EBAY!!!!!

2008-07-24T22:48:00.000-06:00

(Before I begin this post I would like to clarify, for the sake of Ebay and any of the innocent people who may be employed by Ebay, I am not mad at Ebay itself. This post is meant to describe my own personal experiences and negative feelings associated with a specific seller on ebay, who, again for the sake of any innocent individuals, shall remain nameless.)

I am SOOOOO mad right now, although writing that little disclaimer above took a bit of the steam out of me...it's difficult to stay really angry and try to protect the innocent (who are so closely associated with the guilty) at the same time.

[deep breaths]

So, in June my husband used my ebay account to purchase an engine for his dirt bike. Fine, dandy, no big deal. Or so you would think.

I made the payment two days after the auction closed through my paypal account. The payment was withdrawn from my bank account, deposited in the paypal account and left all in the same day. The engine was delivered over two weeks later while we were gone in CO. When we got home, the engine (which claimed to be crack free) had leaked oil all over my front porch and driveway...I'm talking ALL OVER!!! Not only did the darn thing have a huge crack, which someone had tried to fix up with JB Weld, the JB Weld was falling off and the engine was leaking. To top things off, it wasn't the year they had claimed it to be. So, I now have a leaky, piece of crap engine, that's the wrong year, pissing oil all over my garage.

If that's not enough to bunch up your knickers, I received an email yesterday from Ebay, who seems to be attempting to play mediator in all of this, saying the seller had not yet received payment for the engine and they were prepared to file a claim against me.

WHAT THE @#%$*^&?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!

I responded politely saying the payment was made through Paypal in June. The funds had indeed left my account, in June, and I even included part of the Paypal statement showing the transaction had been completed, in June. I very politely said I was happy to show further proof of payment, I was sorry for the misunderstanding and hopefully everything would be quietly resolved.

IF ONLY....

Today I received another email from Ebay (I'm beginning to REALLY HATE emails from Ebay) saying I had been given and Unpaid Item Strike for failure to pay for my auction.

(Let me just say here, I am a very nice person, most of the time. It takes a lot to really get me worked up, most of the time. And yet this IDIOT has managed to get me absolutely LIVID!!!!!!! This seller is truly making me miserable.)

I went back to the dispute on my ebay account and saw that the dispute had been closed by the seller today and "The seller has ended this communication and filed for a Final Value Fee credit". What the crap does this mean, "Final Value Fee Credit"?!?!?!?!??!?!?!

This seller has chosen to be a complete jerk and ended communication. WHY?!?!? I MADE THE FREAKIN' PAYMENT!!!! I am so darn mad. So darn stinking mad.

Needless to say, I have appealed the Item Strike and sent Ebay a copy of the Paypal transaction and I told them of my experience with this STUPID, STUPID seller.

I am hoping Ebay will help resolve things, and quickly.

So, riddle me this:

What is wrong with people? Why do some people feel justified in misleading and deceiving people? How do people live with themselves when they are knowingly abusing the innocent, taking advantage of others? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS WORLD?!?!?

I sometimes feel as though there is so little good left in the world. Why does the world seem so black some times? Why can't people just treat others how they would like to be treated? Would this seller appreciate someone making false accusations against them? Would they welcome the opportunity to have their good name smeared and maligned without any provocation on their part? A part of me would love to spit in their eye right now...does this make me a bad person too?

A part of me is still really hoping this is just a miscommunication...a big, stupid, unavoidable miscommunication. If not, I really will think seriously about spitting in someone's eye...

Dancing Queen...

2008-07-23T00:04:00.000-06:00

The past few weeks the kids, Ben and I have been watching 'So You Think You Can Dance' before bedtime. Ali has found the show especially inspirational. While one of the dancers was doing her solo Ali started busting her own moves, attempting to mimic the dancer. It was HILARIOUS!!! Ben and I were laughing (silently of course) so hard! It was great. The best part was at the end of one of the dances the girl did the splits, well Ali couldn't be out done and she did them to (or attempted to), it was quite the show. Tragically, I ended the video just before she went into her splits, and so I can't share it with you all...it was priceless though, just ask Ben!!!

Here is one of the videos. It's pretty dark, but the lights were off and it was after 8pm. Sorry about that...I hadn't been planning on her preforming or I would have created better lighting...I'll keep it in mind for next time though!

(I think my favorite part was when she went down and did the little side flip thing...not really sure what that was, but FUNNY!!! Also, notice the Barbie Doll waving around in her hand...she is SOOO girl.)

That's about it, so here is Jacko saying, "Bye, bye!"....until next time folks!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!!!!!!

2008-07-21T11:33:00.000-06:00

This is a shout out to my super fabulous husband whom I love and adore! He is the very best husband, father and friend a girl could ask for! I went through a bunch of the old photos and added a few I liked...enjoy!!!

Look at those impressive muscles, age 3.

Joe and his cow, Yoda. Age 3.

"Giddy-Up, sheep!" Joe at age 3. (Check out those pants)!!

Camo man in his fort, age 11.

Joe at Christmas, age 4.

Joe getting a little early drivers education, age 2.

Joe on the farm, about age 6.

Check out those awesome head phones, age 4.

Joe's sixth birthday, is anyone surprised?

Joe fishing, age 11.

The best daddy award!! I love his smile (oh, and Jack's too)!!! Feel the love...

The best husband award! I'm one lucky lady!

We are so happy to have such a wonderful man in our lives! We hope you have a great birthday!!!!