Vidal's Nest

It Just Makes Me Happy!

2011-05-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

We have such a limited amount of space in our back yard for gardening. I thought we were just out of luck in having one! I love having a garden! I love fresh veggies and fruit from our yard. Tony though was determined and so he got creative! We removed some of the perennials in the raised flower beds and we added some soil and fertilizer and then planted a small garden. It looks amazing! We have corn, tomatoes, onions,cilantro, cucumbers, squash, garlic, watermelon, cantaloupe, and sunflowers growing! I am so excited everyday seeing how crazy fast everything is growing!

Today we cut a bunch of cilantro and made some salsa! And I am so excited to see the squash growing like crazy. It's going to be a big crop! Mmmm I love veggies from my garden!

Another unexpected thing I am loving is seeing how much the kids love to garden also. They help me daily weed and water. We check each flower on the plants to see how many melons or cucumbers have set. They all have a set of gardening gloves and a shovel. I have such fantastic memories (and some not so fun) of gardening with my family when we were growing up. I love giving my kids these kind of memories too!

Since we had to remove our perennials from the flower beds Tony planted a bunch near my front door! Every time I walk up and see them It just makes me smile! This for sure is one of my favorite things about this time of year! It just makes me happy!

Let The Easter Fun Begin!

2011-04-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were fortunate enough to have been invited to a Easter Egg Hunt and picnic with some families from the ward.
I was kinda nervous to go since I hadn't been to church in awhile and at first it's always so dang uncomfortable. But I am so glad we decided to go anyways. Everyone was so sweet and welcoming and the kids had a blast!

Miss Adie wasn't too sure she wanted to go find eggs until I showed her the candy inside. Once she knew the chocolate was there she was all over it! That girl is her mama's girl for sure.

It was 96 degrees out! Check out poor Ethan's cheeks. He was sweating like a pig poor guy but he just wouldn't quit! Running from here to there and pointing out every great new friend he made. So cute!

Rachelle even came and helped with the little ones. That's a big deal around here...a teen wanting to come help out!

I've felt pretty disconnected from the ward and the ladies and have really missed hanging out talking with them, the fun family activities we used do with families from our old wards etc. so I just really was thankful to be included!

It has even put me in the holiday spirit! Let The Easter Fun Begin!

I Need To Get It Together Already!

2010-12-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas is here again and I'm not ready!! I think I needed another month to get ready for it. Feels like it kinda snuck up on me. Crazy!
I'm totally sinking this year. I do not have it together at all! I even decided not to do my annual cookie exchange! I am on the ward activities committee and had a lot I had to do for the ward Christmas party. I just felt like I couldn't do both.Sad, sad, sad. It is my very favorite thing to do each year and it is killing me not doing it!
Things kinda went out of control several months when I had surgery and I haven't been able to pull it together since. I am just trying to dig out! How can I feel so dang overwhelmed?
I do think though that I need to start making some effort so I'm not totally bummed. It just doesn't feel like Christmas when in years past my baking looks like this.....

And this year so far my baking is looking like this..........

I need to get it together already!!!

Our Fall Escape Day 3!

2010-12-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

I just had to finish posting our last day at the cabin because it was one of my favorite days yet!

Lauren and Zachary came up the night before and spent the night. We got up early and had breakfast then spent the morning outside on the porch watching the kids play in the yard.Then we grabbed some hot dogs and string and headed down to the pond!

I was going to teach my kids how to catch crawdads!

Some of my favorite memories are of my dad taking all of us kids down to a stream or pond and teaching us how to catch them! I loved the thrill of getting one hooked on my hot dog and yanking it out of the water! It would terrify me as they would squirm on the ground.We even took them home and boiled them and ate them a time or two! Yikes!

My older ones have been crawdad huntin with me but the littles hadn't been yet so it was exciting! They could hardly contain themselves.

Zachary was a master at catching them so he helped the girls catch them. It made me a little teary eyed watching him and Bailey together. One of those "Oh man I love these kids so much" kinda moments. So sweet.

We spent hours down there catching lots of crawdads, and trying (unsuccessfully) to catch some frogs.It was awesome!
We finished the day with a BBQ on the back patio as the sun set! Perfection!

Our Fall Escape Day 2!

2010-10-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

So on day 2 we got up at the buttcrack of dawn and I made a huge yummy breakfast for everyone.

Grace was once again beside herself at the thought of getting to sit down and eat together at that round table! It made me smile the whole time I was cooking to see her excitement over it! She had to set the table to help make things go quicker. Plates, yep..cups, yep..silverware..."Bailey hurry and get your butt in here we gotta get this table set so we can eat" ( guess she just couldn't contain herself!) Funny.She is a freakin awesome kid! I love this girl's personality!

After breakfast I cleaned up then started making chili for the crockpot. We wanted to go explore and I wanted to make sure dinner would be done when we got home so I wouldn't have to worry about it!

Then we were off. I love exploring the mountains. Wherever we have lived Tony and I have always loved driving exploring the mountains. I love finding wildflowers and pressing them in my scriptures. I have some from ten years ago that I can still tell you where we picked them!

We were on the hunt to find a lake called Big Lake. I heard it was beautiful but we had yet to go there.

The drive was beautiful! It reminded me of living in Utah and Colorado! It made me happy. The big pine trees, the aspens just starting to turn color for fall!Heaven!

It turned into quite a adventure! It was raining and we were on a dirt road.I thought for sure we were going to roll the car or get stuck in the mud. Tony and I were tense but the little ones loved the bouncing all over the place!

Then we found this fabulous river. Ahhh I love rivers like this! I was sad I didn't have some salmon eggs and treble hooks with a fishing pole! I miss going to the river to fish!

After the river we found the lake. It was as amazing as we heard. I thought I might cry. It reminded me of my favorite campground in Utah..Currant Creek! Right here in Arizona! Happy times are here again!

It was raining at the lake so we only spent a little bit of time there walking around and taking pictures.

(notice the ever elusive teen attempting to avoid all pictures!)

Now folks, I promised Tony I wouldn't post this pic but it is too awesome to not share! I thought I was taking pics of the kids exploring and when we got back to the cabin I downloaded the pics and saw Ethan in the background! Peeing in the lake! haha! He is such a animal. And I have the pictures to prove it!! It was so funny to see that he was doing that and I didn't even notice at the time!

We had a perfect day rain and all and when we were tired we

got to head back to find

some delicious hot chili waiting for dinner. Perfect!

Our Fall Escape Day 1!

2010-10-03T18:35:00.001-07:00

I am burnt out on heat, dirt, and desert! So at the beginning of this month we decided to get away and rent a cabin up in the White Mountains! I went online and found the most amazing cabin ever!! It was SO reasonable priced so we booked it and headed up.

We were delighted at how gorgeous it is! And the size of it is perfect for our big family. My favorite part of the whole cabin is the wrap around deck. It is all enclosed so Adelynn can walk around and play while I read a book or just sit watching squirrels and birds. I love, love the sound of the wind blowing through the trees! And the smell...oh the smell! Nothing like the smell of pine trees!

The first night Tony decided to go golfing so I made the kids some popcorn and we sat on that porch for a hour. That is heaven to me!

The property has a creek running through it and the creek empties into some ponds. We spent hours catching fish and trying to catch frogs.

I also loved the dining room table. The kids would be excited to help set the table for the meals. Grace thought a round table was super cool cause we could look at everyone! haha! It was great seeing how happy it made them to be sitting there with family. So sweet.

I was so thrilled to have found this place and it was exactly everything I had hoped it would be!

I am already planning a return trip this winter and am talking to the owner about renting it for a week during the fourth of July!

Surprise My Pet!!

2010-09-04T20:49:00.001-07:00

This Wednesday Zachary is turning 18!!! And usually for his birthday he doesn't really want to do anything for it. He has always told me he just isn't into a party so he hasn't had one in years!
But this year was going to be different! Cause his girlfriend Lauren just wasn't having none of that!
She decided she wanted to throw a surprise party for him. She was so sweet about it because she told me that since it was a big year for him, turning 18 and all it was very important. One he would always remember and she wanted to make sure that when he thought back to this year he would remember how many people really love him! Her entire goal was to make him feel special and loved! She is such a sweetie!
So I agreed to help her throw a surprise party with some of his closest friends.And then it started looking like about 30 people, then 50 people and by the end we were looking at about 70!!! Holy crap!

Tonight was the party and when Zach first walked into the party he was TOTALLY surprised! Seriously! We pulled it off! AWESOME!! I still can't believe that we pulled this one off!

Lauren and her girlfriends made a giant cake out of cardboard boxes.

The they had this inside~ Abe .......

Oh yeah..And Jake!!! I wasn't really getting what they were planning on doing! Not yet anyhow!

So they sat Zach down on a chair as soon as he got there and they put some music on. And Abe and Jake jumped out of the cake.

And...ummm....danced??

OH.MY.HELL!!!!

Wrong on so many levels. Seriously! But...seriously hilarious. (i was kinda embarrassed laughing my butt off like i did) Jake stole the show for sure!! Makes you wonder if he's had some prior experience there! Haha!

These boys crack me up! They have all been such good friends for the past four years and they are all great kids!

They are crazy and all but they are good kids. I am grateful for that!

Tony and I left shortly after the ummm...cake dance!

And I am so pleased that the party was a huge success! Tons of food, tons of good friends, Karaoke ( you shoulda heard them boys singing!), swimming, etc! The kids were having a great time and I am certain that without a doubt that exactly what Lauren wanted for Zachary has happened! He will look back with fond memories of his 18th birthday and know he had so many friends and family that loved him and were happy to be able to share that day with him!

And Lauren! Thanks sweetheart! We love you!

111 Degrees Today! What Did You Do With My Fall?

2010-09-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! You know where I start to feel down. I 've reached the OK summer I am totally done with you. Go away now. Please.
I start longing to live somewhere beautiful again. Oh my gosh how I miss my flower gardens!
I miss the trees! And now~I keep thinking how right about now the nights are starting to get a chill to them! And in a few weeks the leaves will be turning those fabulous oranges, reds, and yellows that I love! Fall has always been my favorite time of year and I miss having one!
Temps in the lower 100s just ain't screaming fall to me! And take a look at these texts I got from my sweet friend Corrine yesterday!
These are pictures from her garden! She has the most amazing gardens! See that bench in her front yard? We would sit on it and talk. And laugh. And sometimes cry. I would admire her flowers. And she would give me gardening tips. And she would share with me her flowers.
She'd dig up some of the new growth on some of her flowers and give them to me to plant in my yard!
Every time I looked at my Johnny jump ups growing it would make me think of her! She is one of the most kind, fun people I have ever met. I am grateful to be able to call her my friend after all these years!
It was kinda bittersweet to get these yesterday.I smiled seeing how fabulous it looked this year. I could picture her in her big straw hat out early in the morning weeding.

Her message she sent with the pictures made me smile. It said '" A shady afternoon in my garden, wish you were enjoying with me, also the watermelon ice cream cake!
Sigh! I wanted to laugh and cry all at the same time! It painted such a lovely picture in my mind!

I talked to my husband about how much I am missing it so we booked a cabin in the mountains for a long weekend at the end of the month and I am hoping that helps me not feel so discouraged.

But I wonder~Am I the only one here that has a hard time with this? My Arizona friends~Don't you miss all this beauty? Don't you miss fall? Do you find yourself struggling not to get down over these things? I think it is one of the hardest things about living in Arizona!
And if you are fortunate to live somewhere beautiful, make sure you take some time to really appreciate it! I wish I had a little more when I had the chance!

Miss Elizabeth!

2010-07-02T00:53:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Elizabeth came out to visit. And once again I couldn't help but smile as I watched her cracking up over some kinda trick one of the little one was doing. Or how she would pick up the front room, or clean the kitchen. I had Pneumonia and felt like I was dying and she wanted to help me out so she just did those things without my asking.What teen does that??

I came into the room and found she and Rachelle just hanging out. Rachelle was laying down and Liz was resting on her like a pillow. i found myself once again amazed at the relationship of those two. They have been like that since day one! Best of friends! I remember one year we were camping at the beach. The girls were five I think. And I came to the bathroom where they were talking with some woman. The woman asked if they were my girls. I said yes they were my daughters. She said they told her they were sisters. and that they both were five. She thought yeah, they defiantly look like sisters but she was confused cause they told her Rachelle's birthday was in March and Elizabeth's birthday was in May! I explained that they were step sisters but don't tell them that cause in their eyes they were sisters and that was all that mattered!

To this day that relationship is just as strong as it was 11 years ago! No matter how much time is apart they just seem to pick up right where they left off. I think in Heaven they knew each other. Were best friends even then. We were all meant to be a family!

It made me happy having her around. I loved watching Liz do Rachelle's or Bailey's hair. Or seeing the girls take off in the truck to go have some fun. I loved the sweet thoughtful letter she wrote her dad for his birthday. Seeing how much it meant to him! I loved just being able to sit around with her and talk. Catch up a little!

I miss her! Like crazy! So do the kids. Bailey has asked why Liz can't live here. And when does she get to see her again? " Cause you know what mom? I miss her!" Yeah Bailey~ I do too! But aren't we lucky that she is a part of our forever family?

Summer Ideas

2010-06-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Seasons Graphic Comments

Summer is in full gear here and of course, hotter than ever! By Weds. this week it is supposed to be 111 degrees! Yikes!
I have been trying to plan activities for us to try to keep busy. I saw one friend who has activities EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK! Ok super mama, let me know how that works for you and how much prozac you were poppin to accomplish it! One or two things a week is fine for me thank you very much! I am just too dang lazy to load up all the little ones and herd them places!
I also am trying to do it on the cheap! I just don't want to blow money.
Here's what we have done so far!
Taco Tuesday~ We hit Rubios for some $1.49 tacos! My kids LOVE Fish And Tacos! They thought it was awesome!
The Movies~ We went and saw Shrek 3! They loved it. Adelynn behaved perfectly and slept through the whole thing. Since it was just me and the 4 little ones I brought the stroller and she was perfect. Ethan was too. Almost to the end!
The Local Pool~ It is only 50 cents per kid to go the pool. It is one of their favorite places to go. It has water slides, a lazy river, geyser's, and a whirlpool. We pack a lunch and I sometimes let them buy a Italian ice too.
Check out this lady who sat in front of me! Freakishly anorexic! You could see every bone in her spine! And her arms! Whoa!
People watching there is a crack up.The clothes instead of swimsuits, the thug wannabees, The tattoo's. Oh the tattoo's! What were they thinking? Oh and a bonus is that there is usually someone grosser, or trashier than me so it helps me not feel so bad about myself! The bikinis with their goods hanging out is scary/crazy. Lots of wild things I'm surprised to see. Fun for the kids, fun for me.
The Zoo~ We happened to pick one of the coolest days of the summer. It was perfect! We packed a lunch and ate by the lake. Ethan kept screaming he just saw a giant walleye jump!
We saw lots of fun animals,played at the kids playground, petted goats, and even splashed at the splash pad. Awesome zoo trip!

Krispy Kreme~ We went for national donut day! Free donuts. who doesn't love that?
So for this week I think we might be busy. The library has some fun stuff going on.
Tomorrow we are going to go to the Library for a free craft. (FREE! I love free!)
Tuesday we are going to the farm/peach grove to pick peaches then we are going to water and ice to get a ice cream. That night we are having the missionaries over for dinner. We love our missionaries! (chinese take out!They are stoked and I am too since no cooking!)
Wednesday I am taking Hannah and her friend to the library to make Free jewelry! It's a beading class, and once again....FREE!
Thursday we are hitting the library again for a juggler that sings and tells stories! Should be fun~ For the kids anyway!

So~ tell me what you are doing for summer. Do you have any good ideas that are cheap (cause I am kinda...) or even better, free?
The week after next I have scrapbooking with Hannah at the scrapbook store and the pool. What Else can we do???

Just Another Sunday

2010-06-14T23:32:00.000-07:00

I always thought Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest. A day to renew your spirit. A day to bring you and your family closer together and closer to God. So if this is supposed to be the case then I have to wonder what exactly it is that we are doing wrong here! Cause I HATE Sunday's anymore. I seriously dread them. I start getting a sort of sick to my stomach feeling on Friday and by Saturday I am in full fledged dread mode.

My mouthy teen accepted a calling and it is important for him to be there. I am embarrassed every time he lets them down. I finally told the bishop I have to wonder why he felt inspired to call him to this cause it has become a huge battle and fight weekly.

I fight every single week with my kids trying to get them to church. I mean it becomes a screaming match with one of the mouthy teens telling me I am crazy. Certifiable. I should be put in a loony bin.And that he hates me.And still I can't make them go to church.

it seems like I fight with them and in the end I am fighting with my husband too.

Last week I finally had the family go ahead of me. I downloaded some lds music on itunes and I put it on trying to calm myself. I was in tears at this point.

I pulled myself together and made it to church.

Sacrament was as usual embarrassing. Yes, Ethan was his usual animal self, and the same ole people were giving us the same ole stink eye. By the time Sacrament was over I was emotional so I stayed in the chapel and pulled up conference on my iphone. I was reading a talk on mothering. It really hit home but also was making me super emotional. I was trying to hold it together when the bishop came over to ask how things were going and to tell me how well mouthy teen did on the trip I forced him to go on. I of course broke down sobbing. Nice humiliating moment! I told him I feel like my family is going to implode every week with the contention and fighting over church and at this point I am wondering why I am even there. I told him I had to go and I left church.

But after awhile I calmed down and thought I need to go back. Show my kids I think being at church was important. So I went to Relief Society. And it was good. Kinda funny cause the lesson was actually on the exact conference talk I had been reading earlier.

After church I went out to my car and the freak who hates me ( she's never spoken to me, she just hates me) was sitting in her car next to mine with it running.She was bending over biting her thumb. I waited and waited for her to go cause I had to put Adelynn in her car seat and I didn't want to be in her way. She didn't drive off so I figured she must be waiting for someone so I opened the door to put the baby in the car and this lady GUNS her car! She peels out of there. She almost hits me and my baby! If there had been a kid behind her car she would have killed it! Like what the hell???? Yeah... just another shinning Sunday moment! So once again I am thinking, what am I doing here?

This last Sunday Tony and I got in a fight before we even got started over something stupid! Over him taking the baby so I could sleep. I was so frustrated. And mouthy teen spent the night at friends house and promised to be home in time for church but didn't come home. Surprise, surprise, Sunday was just the usual Sunday.

So I decided I didn't have it in me. I was tired,cramping like crazy and just plain sad. So I did what I do best and I went to bed, and pulled the covers over my head and didn't get out of bed for most of the day. I didn't want to look at my husband, mouthy teen or the super freak at church. Worked for me.For this week anyhow!

So I am now sitting here trying to figure out why this has gotten so out of control and hard right now. I am seriously trying and things are the worst they have ever been when it comes to this. It has hurt my relationship with my son. It is causing me huge anxiety and frustration and sadness.

Somehow I am wondering why doing the basics is anything but basic for my family.

Summertime Swimming

2010-06-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

We have been spending everyday in the pool. Sometimes for hours. And miss Bailey loves taunting Ethan and Grace with the fact that she can swim without floaties and they can't!

But the other day it pissed Ethan off this time. So he ripped his floatie swimesuit off and ran and jumped into the pool. Then he kinda sank. And just as I was getting ready to grab him he made his way to the surface. And got out of the pool and did it again. And again. And again. Till instead of sinking he was swimming! He looked straight at Bailey and said HA!! I AM BIG TOO!

Woohoo Ethan! Yes you are!

Grace then had to follow cause she wasn't about to be the only one if a floatie! So I guess the fighting finally paid off cause my kids can now swim! And I didn't have to pay anyone to teach them either! HA!

Heaven! I'm In Heaven!

2010-05-14T20:59:00.001-07:00

We made it! We are in Rocky Point Mexico! Just Tony, the baby and I!
It was only about a four hour drive from our house. Pretty cool! Tony won the trip in a golf tournament so it's free so I'm liking it even better!
Check out the first thing I saw when we got to our condo! The VIEW!! Ahhh how I love the ocean!
We unpacked everything then we headed into town to do a little exploring and get something to eat.
The town is a quaint fishing village and is known for its seafood. There are little storefronts that have fresh seafood that you pick and they cook it for you. We went off the beaten path a little and found a hole in the wall restaurant called the Blue Marlin. I ordered fish tacos and Tony ordered a shrimp platter. Mine I thought was just marginal but Tony really liked his. What made the lunch great though was the people. The owner came over and asked if we were being treated like family. Mi Casa es su Casa! Cause his home is our home! And then some musicians came over and serenaded us while we ate! Love a little flavor of the locals!
Check out this adorable kid selling bracelets! I felt bad bargaining with him cause he was so cute. But I got over it of course cause I like a good deal!
The Diet Cokes aren't really Diet Cokes! They are Coca Cola light. They taste way too much like good ol regular Coke. Too sweet, but it works in a pinch since I am too afraid to drink the water

After lunch we did some shopping then headed back to the hotel to change and head down to the beach and pool.
The pool is so warm and the weather was perfect! After a bit we then went down to the beach! Love, love, love the beach! And I guess my baby has a little more Latino in her than I thought cause she DOES like the beach! But only Mexican beaches. Not the ones in Cali! She loved eating the sand, and splashing in the water.
I love laying on the chaise lounge and having these little women come up selling their goods! I had to buy a few more bracelets for the girls! Tomorrow I am gonna bring some more cash cause I love the bargaining/shopping while soaking up the sun on the beach!
After about a hour the tide went out and once it did the beach was covered in amazing seashells that had been covered by the water!
Sometimes we'd go to pick up a shell and it would start to move! Crabs were in them!
And if you looked in the shallow water you could see big crabs running sideways in the surf. So stinkin cool!
We found tons of cool shells that we took back to the condo. It was funny rinsing them off cause some started to move and we realized a few of them had crabs in them! Opps!
To finish off the evening we went to eat at the restaurant here. We sat on the patio outside and listened to the live music! The had a lady that makes homemade tortillas for you as you wait. Mmmm my fav!
I love Mexico and am so excited to have had this chance to come!
I'm thinking tomorrow I am gonna plant my bum in a hammock with a good book and a Diet Coke!
Heaven! I'm in Heaven!

Go Figure!

2010-05-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today I am cleaning up poopy diaper after poopy diaper, dog accident, mopping floors, doing dishes, laundry, and getting stuff around here organized. Snuggling baby, breaking up little ones fighting, taking out trash, arguing with teen, and doing the same ol, same ol stuff as usual.
And yet I am content! Enjoying my life today even with the work and chaos!
Go Figure!

Spring Break Disneyland!

2010-05-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

On our trip to California for spring break we went to Disneyland! Ethan was 6 weeks old, and Grace was 17 months old last time we were there. So I was really looking forward to taking them!

The very first ride we went on was the jungle cruise. It scared the crap out of them and they weren't sure they wanted to see the rest of Disneyland.

Fortunatly they got over that quickly! It was a perfect day there! Perfect. We walked on all the rides! Just walked. For the pirates of the caribean we had no one in front of us till we got to the boat loading dock! It was awesome! We went on several rides back to back cause there was no wait. The weather was perfect. Not hot. Not cold!

I don't think I've ever been when it has been like that!

One of the funnest thing to watch was during the parade they pulled Grace up to dance with them! And she shook her booty like there was no tomorrow! People were laughing and pointing out how cute/funny she was! She is my wild girl! Let's hope she keeps the public booty shakin to a minimum in the years to come.

Best day ever at Disneyland! All the kids had a great time and I LOVED watching them as they were amazed and delighted! It was magical!

I Love Disneyland!!!

Time To Start Asking~ Is It Me??

2010-05-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling totally bummed and frustrated tonight. So I think I am gonna vent a minute here even at the risk of sounding like a pathetic loser!

See ever since living here in Arizona I have had the hardest freakin time making friends! It's unlike anything I've ever experienced! I mean yeah...I am socially retarded at first and I would totally rather go to a proctologist than put myself out there and try to make new friends but I HAVE been trying!

And it feels like I come off as a stalker or something. There is only so many times I can ask someone to do something before I get it~ they don't want to hang out! Ok!

I even thought that I'd try to get into a bunko group. So I could make friends. But you know what? They have a approved list of who can and cannot sub! No, not be a regular, but sub! I guess I am not cool enough! What the freak? I've always played in groups. In Cali I played in two. And I was in them in Utah and Clolorado! Whatever.

But I miss having girlfriends! In Utah we'd have get aways where a group of us would ditch our kids and hubbys and we'd go away. Park City, or to the mountains in a cabin. Just a girls weekend. And my family would camp with their families. And I'd find my cheeks cramping from laughing so much when we'd hang out.
And yet I can't seem to make one single friend here. And it bothers me but I've tried not to think about it. But last night we sat with another couple at the comedy club. Both shows were sold out so we came early for the dinner. The couple that sat with us were so fun. And Jenna the woman there asked how many kids we had. I told her 11 total and she laughed and said she had 10! Then Tony was telling her we just got a bassett hound puppy. And they told us they have two! And she is my age. And we both laughed over the diet she was doing that I had tried already.there were just so many things we had in common. And we laughed and I got along so good with her just in those three hours before the show. It reminded me how much I miss hanging out with girlfriends. Going to lunch,the movies, scrap booking, camping, talking. Just girl stuff. She lives in Surprise which is very far away. And I was bummed.It reminded me how lonely I feel here. Pathetic I know!

So today I am just frustrated and bummed. And want to move away now worse than ever. I feel like a outcast here. I don't fit in and I am praying that the position opens up for us to be able to move back to Utah.

And in the meantime I guess maybe it's time for me start asking myself~ Is it me??
Sighhh....

April Fool's Sucka!

2010-04-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

Tony and I decided we needed to get a car for the teens to drive to help me out a little.
We looked and looked for just the right car. We wanted a good deal and a car that would last. We didn't really care what the car looked like. It just had to run good and for us to get it at a good price.
Zachary and Rachelle had ideas though. A jeep. A bronco. A truck. No girlie cars. Nothin wimpy. Cmon mom...everyone eles is driving something cool!
We showed them older accords, camry's,etc. And they would insist it wasn't good enough. So then I started threatening to buy them a Yugo (if I could find one! Plus it was always a dream of mine to buy one and TRICK IT OUT! You know can see it!!)or a sidekick, or somethin they'd really complain about!
But then we found a truck. A awesome truck. It was a salvage title. But it was perfectly restored. AND!only 38k miles! We took it to our mechanic and he told us if we decided not to buy it to let him know and he would buy it! It was in great shape mechanically. Plus~It was a smokin deal!
So we told the kids we were gonna buy it. And life was good. They were happy!
And on the day we went to pick up the truck the dealer found they hadn't finished the paperwork for the DMV. So they gave us a loaner car till they had the truck ready the next day!

So that night the kids came running out to meet us in the driveway to see their new truck! We told them we had rethought it and decided to buy something less expensive and the dealer gave us a killer deal on this little blue number! Plus it was blue! Mesquite Blue! You know like their school colors! So they could show everyone they have awesome school spirit!
Rachelle kept saying over and over "are you serious?" She said it was the worst day of her life.She had tears in her eyes!
And Zach? He said "great this car will go great with my vagina!" He also texted to Rachelle and his friends "I am livid mad in my own little world"
Imagine the fun Tony and I had for a while. Then the fun had to end and we were able to tell them APRIL FOOLS DAY SUCKA!!!!!

Love, Love it when I get them! Haha!

Getting Back At It

2010-04-25T00:18:00.001-07:00

I'm tired alot lately and I don't know why. And I am moody.And basically in a bad mood.I need a attitude adjustment I think.And because I know this I have avoided blogging. Cause I know I am whiny and a downer and if you don't have nothin nice to say and all that crap....Plus who really wants to admit that they kinda suck at the moment! And I am not the kinda gal that will tell ya my life is perfect and so am I. I just can't do it.

Hence...no regular blogging!

But I miss my blog. I like having little pieces of our lives written down. I like being able to look back and laugh at certain things or marvel at how much so and so has changed. So I am going to try to get back to blogging again. And I promise I will try to keep my blitchin to a minimum. No promises though, cause I am ornery like that and even on a good day I am still kinda bitchy. But hey...you already knew that about me right?

I'm Obsessed

2010-04-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

I've become obsessed with trying to make bread lately! Jannalee was sweet enough to teach me how to make some wheat bread. She even grinds her own wheat! It was pretty yummy and so much easier than I ever thought!

My hubby is a pain about eating wheat bread though! He is pretty picky. I have a recipe that they love of white bread, and then they always love the homemade french bread, but I need to find a recipe of wheat bread that he might like!
So if you have a recipe your family loves send it my way!

Also, Janny uses white wheat. Do you use red wheat and do you like it better?

Send me your suggestions! I am obsessed with perfecting bread making. Strange eh?

I Love A Good Find!

2010-04-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

I bought Adelynn this cute dress at Dillard's about three months ago!

I love it on her.

Then a few weeks ago Tony and I were in Burlington Coat Factory and Look what I found!! Screammmmm...Yeah! The same dress in the older girls sizes!

Cause I am kinda a freak about dressing them in matching clothes!

I bought one for Bailey and Grace. Hannah was being stubborn and said she wouldn't be caught dead in a dress matching her little sisters. I'm thinking maybe I should forced her to!

I wish they made them in Rachelle's size too! Bummer!

A Conversation With The Hubby

2010-04-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

So I call Tony today at work and it goes something like this...

Me~ Hey Honey ( In my sexiest breathy voice)
Him~ What's up?
Me~ You need to come for work during your lunch break. I am wearing black lace panties, and a matching lace bra....
Him~ (Laughing by now) First off you know I am working in downtown Phoenix today in meetings all day so I can't come home.And second..the only reason you are wearing black lace panties and matching bra is cause you haven't done any laundry and have nothing left to wear!

Shoot! Busted! I guess I need to hurry and do some laundry now before he gets any ideas!!

Could It Really Be This Easy??

2010-03-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

I had been trying for a weeks to potty train Ethan and I finally gave up. It made him crazy mad and I thought we'd just wait a while longer till he wanted to.

Well this past week the older kids kept yelling at him cause he was always taking off his pull ups and going naked around the house.

The other day I thought I had caught him him in the act. Strippin again. I quietly walked over to him and watched as he took the pull up off and kicked it across the room. I then followed him as he walked into the bathroom and stradled the toilet! He grunted a few times and said hmm I can't do it and got off the toilet! I scared the crap out of him(not literally) as I yelled and hugged him telling him how proud I was of him being a big boy! He told me to go away and he was NOT going to be a big boy!

Well the past three days he has been going into the bathroom and pooping on the toilet!!! If I try to help him or say anything at all he gets angry and tells me to go away, so I am just going with it and letting him do his thing. It has only gotten ugly once when the carnage I found all over the toilet seat about brought me to tears, but what the heck....he is potty training himself!

And guess what?? I realized tonight I have not changed a poopy diaper on him in two days! TWO!!!

WooHoo! Maybe I will be down to just one kid in a diaper soon!

Could it really be this easy?

Spring Break!

2010-03-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

This year for spring break we decided to go to California again. The beach was calling my name! I am a little homesick and so I just had to go.

We rented the same beach house we stayed at in November. I love, love it! There is something amazing being able to wake up to the sound of the waves and watching dolphins while eating your breakfast!

My Yukon is no longer big enough to fit the whole family so we had to rent a 15 passenger van! Yeah baby, even bigger than the one we had before. But Zach brought two of his friends on the trip with us and I was worried about it being crowded with those big boys!

We even rent a uhaul to tow behind the car. Cause we bring so much crap and so we need the room! People were totally mocking me about the dang uhaul, but hey, I had the baby's swing, her exersaucer, her playpen, tons of luggage, kids toys etc. We brought all the comforts of home.So even though we were ridin ghetto it was awesome!

The boys were funny the whole ride there. They were having a dance off in the car. It was shakin like crazy! made me a little nervous. They kept everyone entertained and the drive went pretty quick.

We got to Cali early evening and stayed the night at mom's house since we couldn't check in till the afternoon the following day.

To kill time before leaving for the beach house Tony bet the boys some money if they would get in the pool! Idiots did it! FREEZING!!!!We had a good laugh over the girlish screams coming from them.Dumb and dumber right? Luckily they had the jacuzzi all heated and ready to go so they could warm up after and the little ones decided to get in with them!

The time finally came and we left and headed down to the house to check in! YEAH!!

I love everything about this place! Check out the view from the kitchen table! Does life get any better than this?

I could hardly wait to get my toes in the sand and pick up a good book. I swear I could feel the tension leave me as soon as we got there! Weird I know!

The vacation did not disappoint! I think it was the best vacation we've ever had!

I have lots more pics so I'll post more on it later.

man I miss California already!

Noooooo! Say It Isn't So!

2010-03-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

One of my babies hates the beach. HATES it!! How could this have happened?

My Sweet 16 Girl!!

2010-03-16T13:30:00.001-07:00

Attention all cute boys~ Miz Rachelle is now 16 and we are taking applications for the honor of taking her out on a date!

Wow...my lil Rach is old enough to date AND drive! Life has now become very, very scary around here folks!!

Rachelle is one of the sweetest girl's you will ever meet! She is so affectionate with me. I am not a really snuggly, feely kinda girl so I appreciate that she IS and she always has lots of hugs and kisses to give.

I enjoy spending time with her and talking. I am proud of the young woman she is becoming!

Rachelle!! I love you so much! I hope your birthday was wonderful!!

Mi Amore

2010-03-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

For Valentine's day this year Zachary decided he and Lauren were going to make a special dinner together to celebrate!

She makes fabulous cookies,and brownies but she says she doesn't know how to cook. So they went online and looked up a recipe for Fettuccine Alfredo and then went shopping for everything. I gave them some ideas to tweak the recipe and I showed them

how to make some homemade french bread to go with it!

They were so cute cooking together! She is such a sweet girl.

Their dinner turned out fabulous and they were so pleased! It was fun to watch them together!

Valentine's Day!

2010-02-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

Once again we had our annual Valentine's Day breakfast! And once again it was a huge success! It is one of my kids favorite holidays. Mine too. I am not so much about the romance of the day, gifts from my husband, going out on a date. I don't know, it's just not me.I like the romance weekly, not just on a special day of the year! But I do really love doing our breakfast. It's a fun way to show my family how much I love them!

My mom would make pancakes in the shape of a heart. I suck at doing that so I bought a heart shaped waffle maker! She would put Cinnamon hearts on top of applesauce. I couldn't even find red hots this year so we just had the applesauce. Then to top the meal off she would make little individual cherry pies. My kids don't like those so we make little cheesecakes with strawberries on top! It's fun hearing how all of my siblings have carried on this tradition and have modified the menu a little for their family! They tease me cause I do go a little overboard, but hey, that's just how I do things!I have such fun memories from my childhood of my mom doing it for us and I love being able to pass that tradition on to my kids. Thanks mom for showing us how much you loved us and for giving us such great memories and great traditions we can pass on!!

52 Blessings Project~ Week 6!

2010-02-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

This Week I Am Grateful For My Bishop!

He is totally awesome. He seriously cares about the members of the ward and you can feel it.

He sends birthday cards out to all the kids for their birthdays. Grace was so funny when she got hers. He told her he loves her smile. She LOVED that! She would carry that dang card around with her and then make you read it to her. She'd give you a little giggle and say "Yeah, he likes my smile!"

What a neat impression he is leaving!

He is so good with the youth. For Zachary he even came to some of his football games. I loved that support that he showed. Poor Tony would panic when the bishop would show up and tell me...watch your mouth Lauri, DON'T humiliate us! Yeah...whatever!Haha! Good luck with that one honey...

I love that he pushes Zach a little. He has succeeded with him where I have failed. It leaves me with a feeling that I am not alone in rearing these little spirits. That Heavenly Father sends help for us.

I have had a not so great experience with a bishop before.(I know~ I shouldn't admit that)It made it hard for me to go to church.

I think because of that it makes me appreciate our bishop even more~

He is down to earth, funny, and yet a very spiritual person. He has made such a impression on all of our family. Especially the older ones.

For that I am truly grateful!!

I Had To Have One!

2010-02-15T16:03:00.001-08:00

When we at mom's a few weeks ago we put Adelynn in the exersaucer that they had and that girl loved it! She played for a good half hour straight! Pretty good considering this girl only wants to be held ALL DAY LONG!

I knew I wanted one but was putting off buying it. Then last week disaster strikes. We all get sick! And I had crying kids fighting over who gets to sit on my lap! At one point I had Gracie, Ethan and Adelynn all sitting on me and Grace and Ethan were screaming saying the other one touched their foot or leg! Ughh it was exhausting!

So I gave in and ran to Toys R Us at like 8:30 at night. And bought one.Made Tony put it together as soon as I got home!

The next day once again, crying fussy kids! Even Adie is sick and clingy. But I put her in her new toy.

And as you can see at first she is not too happy to be put down. It only took a few seconds for her to realize that this was a good thing. And that pitiful pout soon turned into a smile. And my day was a little easier!

I am glad that I had to have one! Now maybe I can get a shower!

52 Blessings Project~ Week 5!

2010-02-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

This Week I Am Grateful For~ Our Missionary!

Two weeks ago we were fortunate enough to be able to travel to California for our son Anthony's missionary farewell.

It was nice to be able to spend some time with him. The kids have really missed him I think.

He did a great job on his talk in church.It is neat to see how much his testimony has developed and grown.

I appreciate the example he is setting for our family.It is neat to be able to read his letters to the kids.

I still remember when my sister Shelli went on her mission. We were so proud of her and we loved looking forward to her letters and hearing all about the neat things she was experiencing!

This is such a fun and exciting time and I am excited for him!

Anthony~ We love you and will miss you! We're looking forward to hearing all about your many adventures!

She's Down Right Giddy!!!

2010-02-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

So my Hannah girl comes home from school today and let me tell you she is absolutely down right giddy!Giddy!

I don't think I have ever seen her quite this way and I thought it was so cute!

See there is a certain boy at school that she really, really likes. But she felt her chances of him liking her were slim. Cause all the girls like him. She was even mad at two of her friends cause she when she confessed her crush on him to them they said THEY liked him too! How dare they!

But guess what?? Today he brought her something special for Valentines Day! Only her! A little heart shaped cake. That he told her he had the bakery put a red tulip on top of it cause that is her favorite flower!

And when she came home to tell me she couldn't stop smiling! And giggling! And giggling some more! See...she was so excited she even consented to me taking a picture of her with the cake! She never wants her picture taken!

Wow, my little girl is growing up and into boys already. Let the games begin!

Miss Gracie Turns Four!

2010-02-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

My wild and crazy girl just turned four! I always say I can’t believe it but with her I totally can! Not sure if it is because she drives me wild and time just doesn’t fly by as quickly with her or if it is because she is so dang smart and I forget how young she really is!
Grace is my sassy one through and through. Her sass is what makes her such a character! Although she is a challenge for sure she is also so dang funny! I remember our trip to Atlanta and all the teens were screaming with laughter. And it was because Grace was making up jokes for them. She loves telling jokes! And she loves being the center of attention!
I love, love that I can get her to dance on cue. She will rock out with me anytime anywhere. My kinda girl! The other day when picking up the mouthy teens she wanted me to roll down her window so she could dance and sing the song Tik Tok at the top of her lungs to all the kids around! Cracks me up. It was something I would do! Bonus~it embarrasses the older ones! HA!
For her birthday we went to the Rainforest Café. She loved it of course. Then we headed home for presents. She loved everything and wanted to know how I knew it was “just” what she wanted! It was a low key birthday but for her it was just right!
I love my sassy girl Gracie Mae! She brings excitement, frustration, humor, clarity, wisdom, and joy into our lives and I am grateful she is a part of our family!
Happy Birthday Grace! Here are some of the things we love about you!
Dad~Her view on life. Her funny facial expressions. How she sticks her hip out with her hands on her hips. She’s spunky! Her hair. How she dances. Her binky talk! You have to be a linguist to understand it! How she will mix it up with Ethan then she’ll rat him out!

Zachary~ I love the way she tries to smile with her binkers in, and even though everyone thinks she hates me we all know I am her favorite :) Also I love her sassy princess attitude and she's the only four year old I know who speaks her mind:)

Rachelle~ I love her Booty-luscious butt shakings. I love the way she’ll always bust a move for yo no matter where you are.

Hannah~ I absolutely love Gracie, she's fun,Insane and a wild beast no one can contain her.

Bailey~I love that she plays with me. I like that she likes cartoons. She picks flowers with me!

Ashley~

Anthony~ She is so wild and crazy, one of the most unique of the family. I love how her teeth stick out and her voice is super cute. She is so sweet and spunky. I love how she knows words to songs that I don’t even know and how she sings them in the car. She gives great hugs and kisses.

Elizabeth~I love how she snuggles me and sings at the top of her lungs. I love her crooked teeth. :]

Eric~ Grace is a huge load of cute fun times. I love playing with her as long as she doesn’t call me a meanie poo-poo face.

52 Blessings Project~ Week 4!

2010-02-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

This Week I Am Grateful For~ My New Camera!

Yeah...totally materialistic blessing this week. I am feeling emotionally and physically drained lately. And sometimes it's hard for me to think of the blessings in my life. Which is exactly why I participate in the blessing project. So when I am having a hard time like I am now then the blessing project forces me to take some time and think of the good I have been blessed with. And I am picking something I love that makes me happy! Simple as that!

For My birthday this year Tony got me a new camera and I love it! I am always jealous of the fabulous pictures I see on other people's blog. I want mine to look that fab too. Waaa...

But I am hopeful with my new camera I can achieve better pictures! I still don't have a clue what I am doing, and I am trying to figure it out.I want the colors on my pictures to look brighter! And I DID manage to get a few that way! Funny thing is I don't have a clue what I did! HA! I definitely need to read up on how to take better pictures.

Here is one of the pictures I took with my new camera. I love the how bright the colors are. It's exactly the kind of pictures I want to take.

There is something wonderful about being able to look back at pictures of my children and remembering that special day, or remember how they were as they were younger. I love being able to capture our lives and look back. So I plan to learn all about my camera and figure out how to take fantastic pictures of my little animals and I'm having fun in the process. And for that I am very grateful!

Happy Birthday Ashley

2010-02-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

21!! Ashley is 21!!! I can still remember meeting her for the first time.She had these big brown beautiful eyes and the best smile.She was so affectionate right from the beginning. I loved it when she told me it would OK with her if her dad and I decided to get married! She then gave me the biggest hug! It was so sweet!

I think she thinks I am kinda crazy ( which I am!) But I think she kinda like it too! She was my friend from the very beginning and I have always been very grateful for that!

And now she is a young woman.All grown up.WOW!It went quick!At least I know she is the same kind person that I met 12 years ago with that same beautiful smile!

Ashley~ I hope your birthday was super fabulous!I am grateful you are a part of my family.I am proud of the young woman you are becoming!I love you!

Happy Happy Birthday!

Here are a few things that we love about you!

Dad~ remembering her as a little girl. Her smile. her eyes. I love her laugh.I love her spirituality. I love that she comes to me when she needs to talk!

Anthony~ You are my twin! So to love you, is to love myself. and we all know how much I do.;) Haha! I just love everything about her. We are so alike and we really understand each other.Considering we are the only two people who answers their phones, we like to talk to each other about our lives.You are such a amazing and amazing daughter of God.I am so proud of all that you have accomplished. I will miss you while I am away on my mission! I love you!

Zachary~You are my twin. Just kidding. But you are a sweetheart and one of the few people who laughs at my jokes.I appreciate that :). She is caring and always seems to brightens the room with her smile or laugh.

Rachelle~I love her individuality and the way she glows when she enters a room. Her laugh is enough to put me in a better mood every single time.I wish we spent more time around each other!

Elizabeth~I love how loving she is and that she is always there for me.I love her outgoing personality and love for fun.

Hannah~Ashley is fun and loving. I just love her!

Erica~I love her personality, her awesome dance moves and how she helps me keep Eric in line! ;)

Eric~ Ashley is my oldest sister.Thankfully she's not from another mister.She's amazing and fun and awefully cute.I can't wait for her to bring home another black British man.

Grace~I love that she does the things that I want her to do. I like her.

Bailey~I like her playing with me.I like riding on her shoulders.

52 Blessings Project~ Week 3!

2010-01-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

This Week I Am Grateful For~Being Able To Live Under such Favorable Circumstances In A Wonderful Country!

I have been somewhat mesmerized this past week watching the news to see the latest developments in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. My heart hurts for these people. The children. The families. They were so poor to begin with and now they have lost everything.The devastation is so extreme for them.I just don't know how I would handle being in that same situation.

As I watch what is unfolding I can't help but feel so blessed to live in a country where I am free to come and go as I choose. To worship as I choose. Where I have not just adequate housing but a very nice place to live and raise my family. We have such a abundance of things. We never have to know hunger. We are clothed. We have every need possible met. And many times I tend to overlook it all.I don't even give it a second thought! I have many times found myself wanting more. Wanting better. Kinda shameful to think of it now. I think the time is now for me to take a good hard look around me and see how truly fortunate I am. I DO live in incredibly favorably circumstances in the BEST country there is~ And for that I am truly GRATEFUL!!!!

Today There's A Crap Storm Raining Down On Me And I Don't have A Umbrella!

2010-01-15T22:36:00.000-08:00

My husband came home from work today and asked how my day was. And I found myself laughing~in a kinda crazy/I may never stop laughing~kinda way. Cause that's how I handle stress.I figure it was either laugh or cry and I was NOT going to cry NOT going to let the animals know they had gotten the best of me!
Oh yeah...It's been one of THOSE days!

Some of the highlights of the day began with chocolate milk spilled on my carpet,Grace hitting me and screaming cause I wanted to brush her rat's nest/hair,cleaning pee off the floor cause my once potty trained for months and months child has now decided to pee her pants instead. Every time! And the fighting. OH the fighting.over and over again. The biting, scratching, punching, pinching,Screaming. We had it all. Oh yeah UFC you got nothin on us!

And with that fighting they kept waking Adelynn over and over and over. The poor baby was so tired and now cranky too!
So in total frustration I sent the kids outside to play while I got Adie back to sleep. Then I went in my room to pick it up.Then maybe ten minutes later Bailey told me I just had to come see Adelynn.What?? She was sleeping! Well Bailey had woke her up and taken her out of her swing and taken her outside!And propped her in a chair so the baby could watch her hula hoop! Oh my hell! I about died! But the baby was cracking up. So hard so I had Grace go get me the camera. And as I was taking pictures I noticed Ethan down on all fours. Eating something off the ground like a dog.Oh not a dog. A Cat! He was eating cat food he had spilled all over the floor.Apparently it was delicious cause that's what he told me! A little later the neighbor next door came over (you know..the one who if I say "Hi" to either of them they pretend not to hear and ignore me) She was really pissed. Cause our garden drip system was flooding the rocks on the side of her house. I told her I'd have my husband take care of it but No, she wanted me to see it! So here is a pic of it! I noticed the dog crap in her rocks and thought at least she can't blame that on us. But then I had the horrifying thought maybe it wasn't dog crap and maybe she could blame it on us! Ughh. Whatever!

Once she pointed out the water flooding to me the kids saw it and then I couldn't keep the kids out of it! Ethan kept taking his diaper off and "swimming" in it!

Burnt out with crying, fighting kids, rude neighbors, cranky baby who had no sleep I was bout done! Then mouthy teen who is grounded for a month came home from school with a buddy telling me he was going to the game and he'd like to see me try to stop him!

It was then that I asked Rach to watch the kids and I grabbed my keys and took off. Finally settled on going to the library.The nice QUIET library. Then just as I was settling in I got a phone call from the hubs. I forgot to leave money for the maids so I had to return home!

Sighhh.....Some days it just feels like there's a crap storm raining down on me and I don't have a umbrella! Now where the hell is that emergency stash of chocolate???

52 Blessings Project~ Week 2

2010-01-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

This Week I Am Grateful For~My Sweet Baby Adelynn!

This little girl is such a sweetheart! I love that she is such a mama's girl! One of the tricks that the older kids like to do with her is to turn her around so that she sees me whenever I ask them to hold her. Cause without fail, once she sees me she will start to complain. And if I don't give in and pick her up she throws a full on tantrum! They know it is a sure fire way to get out of holding her!

During the day if I am trying to get something done I will try to put her in her swing. And if I ignore her and keep picking up, she yells and yells at me. But as soon as I turn around and talk to her she stops immediately and starts to smile! She can be crying and then will stop instantly and smile. She is trying to sweeten me up so I will get her! Her little arms start pumping like crazy and she coos and smiles at me. I love it! I love kissing those chubby cheeks, and tickling her fat little ham hocks (thighs!) I am so in love with this little girl and feel so happy having her in my life!

She is one of the best surprises ever!

This past week has been hairy! Issue after issue with one of my kids. To say the least it has been a very stressful week.

Then a few nights ago it was about midnight and I was laying in bed. Couldn't sleep. Thinking of ways I could help things turn around. And frustrated with the tension between me and my kid! My heart was heavy. And then little Adie started crying! So I got up and put her in bed with me. She was hungry and wanted to nurse. I laid down next to her and she turned into me to nurse. She was all business. And my mind went back to my other child. And I wondered if I am just screwing them all up. If it was my fault that they are struggling. And just as I was wondering this Adelynn pulls off from nursing rolls back onto her back and looks me straight in the eyes. And just stares at me with such a intense gaze. Then she gives me the sweetest smile, rolls back on her side and goes back to sleep while nursing. And crazy as it seems it comforted me! Her little smile reminded me I am just doing the best I can. Yeah~ She probably was just being her sweet little self but that look, that smile was just what I needed at the moment!

When dealing with older, mouthy kids, what a breathe of fresh air she brings to my day! I will take a fussy, cranky, baby over a hormonal teen any day of the week~ And for that I am very grateful!

52 Blessings Project~ Week 1!!

2010-01-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

Cara has once again decided to do the blessings project and I am excited to participate again! If you are interested in being a part of it check out her blog here! I missed doing it last year. I probably should have continued last year on my own.

I find it helpful to acknowledge the good in my life since it seems when life gets too busy or hard that becomes my focus and I loose sight of how blessed I am!

So here we go again...

Week 1

This week I am grateful for ~ My maids!!

Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith,a house of learning, a house of glory,a house of order,a house of God D&C 88:119

How many times have we heard this scripture? I remember sitting in relief society hearing lessons on the importance of creating a house of order. And I longed for that! And I felt ashamed that my house wasn't on of those. When Tony and I got married I went from having a two kids to having five! It threw me for a loop! As hard as I tried it seemed I just couldn't keep up with everything!I wanted to be one of those ladies who was so on top of it. So organized.But I am NOT one of those ladies! I had a girlfriend who would give me "tips" on how to be more organized and keep a spotless house. She told me how she woke up at 5 am and couldn't go to sleep so she decided to get up and organize her linen closet. And it was then that I thought NEVER,EVER will I be one of them! First of all...I'd never wake up at 5 am and not be able to go back to sleep, and if it did ever happen, cleaning my linen closet is not what I'd do!

Over time I got better at cleaning and keeping on top of things but it is still a struggle. Seven kids is alot of work and alot of mess! And I know that when my house is together, I tend to be too. It just makes a difference!

After I had Adelynn, we started having a maid come in weekly! I was so overwhelmed and having them come weekly just took that edge off. It motivated me too cause I know they are coming so I have to keep up with the house.

Christmas and New Year both fell on Friday this year. And that is my cleaning day. So I missed having them show up for two weeks in a row.

But they came this past Friday. And I felt such a sense of peace when they left and I walked through my spotless house. I went in my room and sat in my chair and read my book and had a half an hour of quiet, just sitting in my clean house! Delightful!

It restores a feeling of peace to our home and takes a huge load off for me. I feel so grateful that we are able to be able to have them come at this time. For that I am truly Grateful!

My Word Of The Year!

2010-01-05T21:22:00.000-08:00

I saw last year on Cara's blog that she had something called a word of the year. It intrigued me so I read about it then I did a search on the Internet on it and found I really love this idea!

One of my favorite blogs that had a explanation of it that really resonated with me was

Christine Kane's. If you aren't sure what it is all about check out either of these.

Basically you choose a word that inspires you. Whenever you think of that word throughout the year you let it guide you into taking action! It is a way for me set my intentions for the year.

I have so many little things that I know if I would make a change my life would be easier. But I seem to be stuck. No forward progression. It is something that I have spoken with Tony about at great lengths. How do I find the motivation to make the change? Especially when I feel overwhelmed most of the time?
We both know we need to change and we know the time is now. So we would go out to dinner and make lists of what we wanted to change and then we would prioritize them.
Then we talked about what it would take to make those changes. We then threw around words to each other to narrow down what our word of the year would be. It had to have impact to us when we heard it!
He chose the word NOW!
I had a much harder time finding a word that made me think change! I finally settled on the word BECOME!! The definition of it says it all for me!
1.) To come into being
2.) To come, change, or grow to be
That's my goal of the year. To grow to be, to come into my being. To BECOME more organized, To BECOME fit, TO BECOME healthy, To BECOME more spiritual, To BECOME a better example to my kids.This is my year To BECOME all that I want to be!

Christmas Eve

2010-01-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

Some of my fondest childhood memories are those of Celebrating Christmas Eve with my family! I loved the excitement I would start to feel when Mom would take us to pic n save to pick out that perfect gift for our secret brother or sister we had gotten for the gift exchange on Christmas Eve.

I loved the Nativity we would reenact each year. I was jealous of Cari getting to be Mary and Eddie being Joseph each year. I wanted to be Mary instead of a Shepherd, but once we began, it seemed that being a Shepherd was just right!

Remember that house we went to every year? It was decorated like you wouldn't believe! And the man that played Santa...Freak but It was fun seeing him every year!

I loved how as I got older it was still one of my favorite nights of the year.The traditions changed a bit as we added to them. My favorite new one of course was the caroling to neighbors and friends. We would all put on reindeer antlers and pile into the car and head out to the families we were gonna sing to. The little kids were forced to be up front. Maybe so they drowned out the voices of some of us not so talented singers! And they were so dang cute too. So full of excitement! I think our huge family was a sight for all to see!

Christmas Eve was pretty low key for us this year. I am kinda at a loss of how to celebrate it when we are not home at Mom's for it! It just feels off to me! We've tried caroling with just our little family but Tony is the only one with a good voice and since we don't have a huge group it feels a bit like we are torturing the families we visit rather than delighting them!
And it doesn't feel right with so few people here! When my step kids are with us it seems to feel a little better but they decided not to come out this year. I need to establish some of our own traditions so that I can reclaim Christmas Eve as one of my favorite evenings of the year!

This year I put out a bunch of snack foods, some ham and some rolls. I just didn't want to cook since I was going to be cooking all day on Christmas morning. Then against my will I gave in and we decided to open presents. Weird to do it so early and not save it for the last part of the evening!
We all then put on our Christmas PJ's and then got in the car and drove around looking at lights! That was pretty fun for the little girls. They were anxious to get home and get in bed though! They were worried Santa was on his way!
So even though it isn't as fabulous as my memories of it are it was still a fun night.
Maybe next year we will come up with something to make it fabulous!

Christmas Cookie Exchange 2009!

2009-12-31T23:33:00.000-08:00

Well my annual Christmas cookie exchange came and it was as fun as ever!

It is something that I look forward to every year. I kinda over do it a bit I am told but it is something that I love doing!

Some of the ladies that came for the first time were a little intimidated with baking 9 dozen cookies, but hopefully in the long run it was worth it for them! I even had one lady who emailed me wanting to know if I was serious! Hahaha!

Anyhow, 11 ladies were able to make it this year. It was definitely a fun bunch of ladies!

I had friends I knew from ,y childhood, friends from high school, friends from my old ward in Gilbert, friends from my new ward in Chandler, a friend I had made recently at Sam's club, and my cousin too! To me that is what the holidays are about. Spending it with friends and family. It's one of the things that makes the holidays for me!

We had a yummy dinner then we swapped cookies.I think the boxes I made this year turned out cuter than the ones I made last year and the cookies looked so cute in them!

Thank you to all my friends who came for making it such a great night. I am already looking forward to next years exchange!!!

Decorating the Christmas Tree!

2009-12-31T22:55:00.000-08:00

We were a little later getting around to decorating the tree this year. Poor Bailey was asking me daily if it was time to decorate yet. The night we finally did was magical for her I swear! She was so into it! I think that the little ones are what makes this time of year so fun. Watching them and getting a different perspective of the holidays!
Even the older ones were sweet about it and wanting to help! That doesn't always happen around here. Nice! And I do think the tree looks fabulous! I splurged last year and got a tree that is one of those always lit ones. See last year my tree had lights that went out and after checking the lights one by one I couldn't find the burnt out one. So I tried to cut away the lights to restring the sucker, but instead ended up with bloody stumps for fingers. So I got ticked and chucked the tree in the trash and went and got another. And threatened the hubs to not say a word! So putting up my tree this year and seeing it all lit was delightful! Best Christmas purchase ever.
Doesn't it look pretty? Oh and one of my favorite things about putting up the ornaments is remembering where each one came from. Zach made this one when he was in Kindergarten, my girlfriend in Utah always bought me a pig ornament each year, the pillow ornament Tony's grandma made. So many ornaments that have special meaning to me and bring a smile to my face as I look at it!
Once we had it up I was thinking maybe Bailey had the right idea, I should have done this sooner!

~ Hem Your Blessings With Thankfullness So They Don't Unravel~

2009-11-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night I thought I was going to have a heart attack! I was cooking dinner and after two hours the meal was still not through. And I realized my oven went out! No longer working! And I was just getting ready to bake some pies! Umm time to panic. So at almost 8pm I made my sweet husband hop in the car and drive me to Lowes to look for a new one! We drove like mad and raced through the store. I wanted one on clearance so we ended up going to 4 different stores! Yeah, we were hauling butt! But we found one I liked and I was able to set up delivery for the next day. Just in time to do my baking!

It was delivered and I stayed up after everyone went to bed to get ready for our Thanksgiving. The house was so quiet and as I was getting ready to turn out the lights after finishing up in the kitchen I turned around to glance around and see if I had missed anything. And I saw that new stove. And I was almost in tears thinking about how fortunate we are. You see, a few years ago we were really struggling. Tony had lost his job and the holidays were looking really, really bleak. That year for Thanksgiving I actually pawned a few items to have money for the food. Humiliating I know. Only added to that white trash feeling! I was so worried about Christmas coming. I was pawning items just so I could buy our Thanksgiving dinner so how in the heck was I going to be able to buy Christmas for my kids!

Well, I shouldn't have worried. We were taken care of. Our sweet neighbors did they twelve days of Christmas for us. Gave us food, money, and fun little treats with it!It made it possible for us to provide some sort of Christmas for our family! it was delightful and helped us keep our spirits up during a hard time! I hope my kids will remember when they are older what a gift that Christmas was.

Somehow, somehow we survived. We survived and we thrived. And we were blessed through the kindness of others.

Tony was able to find a great job and we have been able to get on our feet again.I feel so grateful that when my kitchen stove went out, I was able to go buy a new one!

Today Grace spent almost a hour sitting at the table. Just waiting! She was so excited for dinner. The feast she called it! And Ethan kept sneaking olives. And Tony and the teens were joking about who gets his diaper after all of those (Sick). And my sweet Rachelle was so helpful. Spent so much time in the kitchen asking what Else can I do for you mom. Then there was Hannah holding my sweet Adie so I could cook! My kids made fun of me at the table tonight as we sat together eating turkey and drinking our special "Shirley Temples"(the little ones think that is what makes the holiday meals so special!) cause I was a little emotional~ Thinking again about how blessed I am. When times have been tough we have still been blessed. I have known that my Heavenly Father was aware of me and the struggles I was going through. And now~We have enough to meet our needs. We are healthy. I have a husband that loves me and tries so hard to make me happy. I have amazing kids. They are what makes this life such a fun journey!

I just feel such a great feeling of contentment and gratitude tonight. I know that I will be thanking my Heavenly Father tonight for the rich blessings I have been given!

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It can turn a house into a home,a stranger into a friend.Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow ~Melody Beattie

Bailey's Kindergarten Thanksgiving Program!

2009-11-26T18:27:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was Bailey's preschool Thanksgiving program. It was pretty fun to watch her. They sang songs and recited poems. And she was really, really into it!

Ethan was being such a pain in the butt though. It was outside so I had Adelynn in the stroller on the hill above the grass watching and he kept running down the hill to the stage. He got on the stage a few times and tried singing with them. Then the principal gave him one of the hats the kids were wearing and he then thought he was a part of the program! It was really embarrassing! People were cracking up but you know they were talking about "that" kid!

After the program we followed the kids back to their class where we had some refreshments. Bailey read some books to Ethan and made sure all her friends were able to see her baby sister!And she was so cute showing Grace around her class room. They would hold hands as they walked around looking at the different stations in the class. I remember when I had Grace 18 months after Bailey and I worried it would be so hard to have them so close together. It has been hard but seeing them now, such good friends, it makes my heart melt! I love their friendship! I love my sisters so much and it makes me feel good knowing they are establishing a friendship that will last them a lifetime! Getting three kids and myself dressed and out the door by eight was such a chore and I kept telling myself I really didn't want to go but I am so grateful that I did! It was a fun program and I really enjoyed my sweet kids!

Best Commercial EVER!!!

2009-11-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

My hubs showed me this commercial and I think maybe he might be a little irritated. Cause I told him, oh yeah, that is the BEST fantasy ever!!
So ladies, take a look. Whatcha think??

Homecoming 2009

2009-11-04T23:25:00.001-08:00

Zachary finally decided to go to a homecoming this year. He took his girlfriend Lauren. I was so bummed cause we were out of town camping! I missed seeing them and taking pictures. I sent my camera with Lauren to make sure I got some but it is just not the same as being there and watching the kids getting ready to leave.

He went with his best friend RJ, and Mac,and Tommy. They are so funny. They decided to buy matching Vans and hats to go with their outfits. Zach had a yellow hat he bought also but decided not to wear it.

It was cute but a little over the top with all that Yellow. He and Lauren were so odd getting ready. They actually went shopping together for her dress and then his clothes. Who does that at that age?

They are a cute couple. I really like her. They had a great time and I am still sad at having missed it! Zach kept going back and forth about whether he was going to go or not so we went ahead with our camping trip.

I'll have to plan better next year and make sure we are home so I don't miss out on seeing them off!

Hannah Turns 11!

2009-11-04T22:42:00.000-08:00

My poor Hannah, not only am I late posting about her birthday I was late celebrating it too! Her birthday was just a little over a week after I had Adelynn and I just couldn't do a party.So I made her wait. A FULL month! Yeah I'm a mean mom. I told her I just couldn't do it yet and if she wanted a party she had to wait.

She chose to go to Matuku's Island which I thought was a totally weird choice, but they had a blast. The great thing about going there is that I didn't have to do a thing. I had been sick and wasn't up for the party but it worked out fine cause I was able to just sit in the cafe with my Diet Coke and relax while they played. Which was a good thing cause let me tell you six girls and one boy at that age can be obnoxious! They are LOUD! When we were in the party room having pizza they broke out into dance and Tyler even showed the girls his slick moves by dropping to the floor and doing the worm. The girls scream with laughter over that one. They were so silly. I can remember being that spastic when I was younger. It made me smile!

They had a great time and Hannah was thrilled with how the party turned out! She is such a sweet easy going girl. She gets lost in the mix sometimes. I think being the middle child is hard. Yet she is such a huge help to me. I know I can always count on her. I love that she has such a wide variety of friends. She likes everyone. We've lived in places where the girls are really cliquish even at this age. And she was told if you are friends with so and so then we won't be your friend. And she would tell me "mom, that would hurt her feelings if I stopped being her friend" and she chose to remain friends with the one girl and lost being in with that group of girls. I am proud of that about her.

Hannah girl~ I love you and am so glad you had a fun birthday this year! Thanks for being patient waiting for that party. Being your mom is the best thing in the world and I am so proud of the young lady you are becoming!

I hope your birthday was a very happy one! XOXO!

Time To Play Catch Up!

2009-11-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

OK, time has somehow gotten away from me and I have not blogged regularly. I find logging into Facebook is a quick thing so I do it more, but it is just not the same. There is something so wonderful about reading posts from a year ago and seeing how much my kids have grown and changed. I love it!
So~ I am going to try to do better. Starting with a little catching up. It may not be super fascinating to others but it is to me, I love it!

I Went To Church Today

2009-10-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

With hairy legs.
I Went To Church Today with almost no makeup on
I Went To Church Today With spit up on my shirt
I Went To Church Today Without having washed my hair today

But~ I Went To Church Today!
Was I humiliated? Yeah. But at least I made it there! We woke up a half a hour before church started. Long night with baby. So I wanted to stay home. But we made a commitment to go to church regularly~ Which is not something we have done in the past. And my kids are struggling. And we recognize that this is probably because of the choices we have made as parents.
So we are trying to be better. And dang...it is NOT easy! Do you know that our home teacher told us "Boy everyone knows when Ethan is here don't they?" Cause yeah..he is a animal at church. And the girls love to fight there. We are by far the noisiest family at church. I happen to love it how there is this woman who EVERY week stares us down when they are noisy.And I want to tell her do you know what it took to get here today? The older kids fought us tooth and nail. And we were running late. And I have spit up on my shirt. And my legs are hairy. And I haven't washed my hair today. And I didn't even put on makeup. And church feels like torture alot of the time. But dang it~ I Went To Church Today! So there!
Why is it so hard?

A Purely Blissful Moment

2009-09-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love Keith Urban. His music is so romantic, so real. One of my favorite songs of his is Only you can love me this way.Makes me feel so in love with my husband and grateful for him when we listen to it together.

Today Tony called me into the room and I laid down on the bed to talk with him. He put the song on our stereo as we were lying there. We just hung out and held hands and talked. Then the girls came into the room and asked us to play the song again. And as I lay there holding hands with my sweetie I was watching my little ones twirl around and around dancing. They held hands and would hug each other and then spin. Can I just say it felt like such a beautiful moment?

I love finding those moments that fill my heart so full and give me such pleasure. I thought, Yeah, this is EXACTLY what it is all about. These simple moments being surrounded by the ones I love. Pure Bliss!

Reminds me of that saying Life isn't measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.

If you've never heard this song, you need to crank up this playlist and listen. Maybe grab your sweetie and take a spin around the room! See if you find a moment to take your breathe away too! So delightful!

Thankful For My Hubby!

2009-09-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a little bit of a rough day. Ethan kept taking off his diaper, pooping on the floor twice, peed on the floor once, choked on a balloon he was trying to blow up and then puking on the floor, and then to top it all off dumping paint he stole from Hannah's room.
Miss Grace and he kept fighting all day long. He wanted to wrestle and she wasn't having any of that. So he'd tackle her and she'd cry and cry. Then cry some more just to be dramatic. Or maybe just to torture me. Not sure which.
And the baby wanted to be snuggled. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'd put her down and then she'd cry. And as soon as I picked her up she'd stop. I'd kiss that soft, sweet head and she'd take a deep sigh and close her eyes. Like everything is perfect.Which is how it feels snuggling her.But is does make it hard to get anything done.
So when Tony came home we were talking about the day. And how crazy it was. And how dang tired I am. He was telling me about a girl from work who just had a baby around the same time I had Adelynn. She is having a hard time because she has had to go back to work and her baby is now in child care! Child care! At this age! I can't hardly believe it!
It got me thinking...what if my kids had been in child care when all this happened? How would they have handled Ethan? I ran him ragged then layed down with him to take a nap. A nap makes everything better. Sure enough when he woke up he was nicer. And easier to handle. In day care would he have spent the day in time out??
And Grace has her days. She is super funny and cute some days and some days she is a handful. But I love her and remember those good days so it makes the bad days OK.
And my lil Adie... Would she have gotten those snuggles? Or would she have been set down to cry it out? It just made me so sad thinking about it.
And it made me realize how lucky I am to be able to stay home with my kidlets. Even when they make me crazy!
So Tony...Thanks for working your butt off to make sure that I am able to be home with our kids. I feel so grateful for this blessing!

Blog Posts From The Edge!

2009-08-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

Remember that movie Postcards from the edge? That's a little how I am feeling! So close to the edge and it could go either way. It's been a weird, wild ride and I am thinking it's time to get off this roller coaster!

This pregnancy sucked. One of the worst. Hyperemesis. The Zofran pump, Trips to the hospital for IVs, Hospital stay, Placental abruptions, Bed rest,Polyhydramnios, Placental lake, biweekly NST's,biweekly bio physical profiles. Worrying about baby and what her health would be, house a mess, me a mess and the grand finale...a horrific labor. 23 hours! Sheesh!

And then I had her. This beautiful, perfect 5 lb 13 oz. sweetheart. Adelynn Marie Vidal. She is a angel. So good. What a relief to find that nothing is wrong with her. Nothing. What a blessing.

I am having a bit of hard time bouncing back, but it has only been three weeks and does seem to be getting better so I am hopeful. Postpartum depression nails me every time!

She had jaundice so we were having to get her blood tested daily. That finally resolved itself. And she stopped nursing. Completely for about a week so that involved so much time trying to get her to eat then feeding her a bottle then pumping. I was so tired just from feeding her. But with a nipple shield she is now nursing again.

Then I thought we were getting on track and I had this killer, I mean killer breast infection! What the heck? It kicked my trash. Felt like I was dying. And I found myself sitting in the shower, crying and praying asking are you kidding me? You REALLY thought I could handle another one? Is this your sense of humor? I think it felt a little like rock bottom. Sick, overwhelmed, things not improving but getting worse and feeling like a total sucky mom.

And yet today is another day. It feels much more hopeful. And instead of asking my Heavenly Father what the heck I find myself thanking him.Somehow things are getting better. It's a day by day thing.

My parents ordered me a bunch of Dream Dinners. And they sent some money for extra help around the house. I think they totally saved me!On Friday I had the cleaning girls here. And I was feeling better. Got a meal made early and sat down to a clean house, nice meal and all my little ones around me. And it felt a little like heaven. I thought you know when I have it together it is wonderful. Being a mom is what makes me happiest. Yes, crazy, but also so happy. It is who I am supposed to be.

Even my little Ethan who has been having such a hard time seemed to mellow that night! He helped me feed the baby, and when I got the camera out to take a picture of her he told me "Take a picture of me, take a picture of me! Cheese!" He NEVER lets me get a good picture of him. Never! So I even got this fabulous photo of my fun little guy.

So folks, even though I am on the edge and many, many times it felt like I was going over it, today I have faith that I will make it! Today it feels like I am actually enjoying the view at the edge!

Nesting Or Nutso?

2009-08-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Probably a little of both right now. But I am totally possessed right now! I feel a desperate need to get a grip before we have this baby.

I am CERTAIN that this is the baby that is going to sink me! I just know that I am not going to be able to keep up with everything. I feel a impending sense of doom.

Whenever I try to get stuff done I last about 15 minutes before the stomach hernia is too painful or cramping starts. I just couldn't get caught up!

So I decided to minimize the damage and take matters into my own hands!

I had been using a friends daughter to help with cleaning but it seems like we never made any progress. In five hours every week she was only able to clean the kitchen and then mop the two front rooms. Then she would leave. She didn't want to work any more hours than that so I never got the house really clean. You know like bathrooms and stuff. And the mess just kept piling up. So even though it was still helpful to have her come, I was just getting more and more behind. But then I found a flier from a year ago in my car! It was for Brazilian housekeepers. And everyone knows the best housekeepers are Hispanic. SO I called them and they came and gave me a estimate! And I told them to not do the loft and that we would get to dusting the lights etc later cause I had so much work to do. But they insisted I needed it all done. And they went over everything they were going to do. Then they gave me a price quote. And the hormones kicked in and I cried like a baby! I was so relieved. They of course just laughed!

So they came yesterday AND the day before! And they CLEANED really, really CLEANED EVERYTHING!!!! It is amazing!

So I scheduled to have my carpets cleaned tomorrow and the cleaning girls are coming back next week!

Tony thinks I only need them every other week but I told him if they have to eat PB&J for a week so I can afford it, so be it! I need help! For my sanity alone it is worth it!

And guess what? The crying, feeling like I can't breathe, feeling of impending doom has subsided! I feel at peace. Like maybe I'll survive this! All cause my house is in order! Crazy yeah I know!

So ladies...If your kids have to eat PB&J for a week, two or a month even~do it I swear getting the help is worth it. Even once to get a grip! I feel like a whole new lady and you will too!

Man I wish I was one of those ladies that just keeps a perfect house. But since I am not I guess I will just have to pay someone else until I can!

Another Year Has Begun!

2009-07-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if it's cause we haven't done typical summer activities like camping, or that we've been kinda house bound this summer or what but it seems like the time FLEW by!

And I just can't seem to wrap my head around the kids going to school in 115 degree heat. It just feels wrong! Wrong I say!

I always liked back to school in Utah cause it feels like it is starting to cool down. And summer just felt over.

But here we are. in blazing heat the middle of summer and on Monday Bailey and Hannah started school! Crazy!

I was worried for Bailey cause they only offer all day kindergarten ( Which I hate and think it's just wrong!) And I was so worried she would be too tired, especially with the heat, but she has surprised me and done very well. She actually loves school so far. I am hoping it continues!

Grace and Ethan came with me to drop them off for the first day of school and as you can see from the rosy cheeks~ It was HOT! At 8 am! yikes!

Is it just me or does time seem to be flying by? It seems like yesterday Tony and I had just gotten married and moved to Utah and Zachary was the one starting Kindergarten.He was so cute and I remember being so proud of him on that day! And this May it was WEIRD having Anthony graduate from high school. I remember him as this little wild rambunctious boy! And there he was all grown up, graduating from high school and now preparing to serve a mission. Makes me feel sad. Like I was too overwhelmed to have enjoyed the moment like I would have liked.

And I am feeling out of sorts having Bailey start kindergarten. I know I should be celebrating one more out of the house and a little less work during the day but I actually feel kinda sad. I just want to hold on to them a little longer. And I want to chill. And enjoy it a little more!

Definitely feeling a sense of nostalgia today! It's a good reminder once again as a harried busy mom to take some time,slow down and just live in the moment.Enjoy the chaos and the good times. Cause as I am already finding out~ It's gone way too soon!

BTW~ Hannah the booger wouldn't let me get any pictures of her on the first day! Just like my older teens.Oh how it's already begun with her!

ps...anyone know how to get rid of the extra space on a post at the end??

I'm Seriously Considering Having Him Banned!

2009-07-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

We have this fight lately. And it is making me furious! You see Tony likes to fart in our room. And every time he does it makes me puke. And puke. And puke. And I feel like if I have to carry this baby for 9 months (OK technically it's 10, but hey who's counting?) and be sick, and be tortured then he can walk his sorry lazy butt to the bathroom to do it.

But he doesn't. And he claims he tried to hold it in, but just couldn't make it to the bathroom. And today after puking what food I had gotten down he tells me to just stop. And not to be a martyr. Umm right. Can I castrate him now with that rusty butter knife?

So I am pissed. And thinking now is the time to reconsider. Being the martyr that I am~ I am thinking I need to have him banned from the delivery room. Cause that's just the kind of girl I am!

I Love Seeing This Little Face!

2009-07-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Got back from the Dr's again today. It is crazy to me to think when I first found out I was pregnant I was angry, frustrated, and DID NOT want to do this again.

And then today, I was hearing news about her that was worrisome. And I felt guilty for not realizing what a gift she is sooner. And I was looking at her sweet little face, watching her sucking her thumb, watching her yawn and my heart melted. And I felt so, so grateful that sometimes my Heavenly Father knows better than I do. And that this baby will be here soon enough for me to snuggle and love. And somehow everything will be OK.

They think there is something wrong with her but just don't know what yet.I was told there might be a heart problem with her. Or it could be a cleft palette,(which I seriously doubt she looks perfect to me. I see no way!), or digestive blockage that requires surgery right after birth. We just don't know yet what is causing the problems so I am a bit of a wreck cause I worry! So when you are saying your prayers, keep my Lil one in mind! I am sure everything will be OK, but you know me, I worry, worry, worry! I am praying they are wrong and it is just a strange, weird fluke and she is perfect!

She Drive Me Crazy And Cracks Me Up!

2009-07-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

Lately this girl has been a challenge. I alternate between wanting to beat her and laughing my butt off at the things she says.
Today I came home from the Dr's and this is what she was wearin~ Swimsuit and a Crown Hannah made for her. The reason? She had to look super cute in case Browny (Zach's friend) came over.
And when she came into my room to lay down with me? She told me I look pretty cute with makeup on my eyes~ But Do I know that my shirt is super ugly? She then asked me to go change it so she doesn't have to look at it anymore! Umm yeah she's only 3!
She then told me it would be much better for her if I would put on something that was really cute. Cause that's what she likes. And the boys too...

Ahhh there is no other like Grace! And that's just the way I like it!

Chick Fil A = Fun and Free!!

2009-07-07T15:53:00.001-07:00

With summer here I am always looking for cheap fun things to do with the kids that doesn't require me to do much! Yeah.. I know I am a overachiever here but hey~I did go somewhere and find something that was so fun for the little ones.
When I went to get a soda they gave me a flier about their customer appreciation week. Every night was a different theme.
So we decided to go to the princess night of course!

They had free pony rides, crafts to make, Princess pictures,prizes, free milkshakes, free desserts, and free samplings of the chicken sandwiches, free bubbles, and games to play!

It was so fun for the girls to see so many other kids there dressed like different princesses.

They had a blast feeding and then riding the ponies.

Bailey thought the free milkshakes was so cool!

Tony was a sweetheart and came along to help me so I wouldn't have to do much. He has been so AMAZING lately. I think I need to write a post just about that cause I feel so in love and grateful for this man right now!

Anyhow it was a perfect night out and how can you go wrong with free?

If you are looking for something fun to do check them out. They have family night fun on Mondays and on July 10 it is their customer appreciation days. If you wear any cow apparel you get a free chicken sandwich. If you wear the full costume you get a number one combo free. Plus they have balloon twisters, face painting, games, prizes,and contests. Best of all..it's free. I love that!

I Should Have Done This Sooner!

2009-06-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Well I did it..I made the switch.Yesterday was my first Dr appt with the new Dr's group and can I just say

I LOVE THEM!!! Seriously I was in tears cause I was so relieved! I can't get over how kind the Dr I saw was. And she agrees with me that I need to be induced. She was explaining how the two hospitals now have a strict policy that no one is to be induced before 39 weeks. I pointed out that this being my 7th baby there is little hope of me making it that far. And Grace came so fast that I didn't have time for antibiotics and at the age of only 17 days old she had meningitis as a result. I pointed out that meningitis is life threatening. A baby born at 38 weeks is not.

Given the choice it's a no brainer. She said although the hospital won't allow her to admit me at 38 weeks for a induction she thinks the baby is at too great of a risk and so she would start it at her office to get the contractions going then I can be admitted. She thinks if the cervix is softened there are things we can do to get labor started. And control it. She calls it a soft admission.

What is the hospital thinking? I am not only a carrier of group b strep, I have a full blown outbreak throughout my body which most women do not, so if I don't get antibiotics in time, the baby is actually at risk of dying! So, I feel a HUGE weight is lifted. After seeing Grace go through 5 spinal taps, and the other horrible procedures, I was terrified it would happen again.

I should have switched Dr's months and months ago!

Thanks for the input my friends. I was so frustrated I was to the point of not wanting to go to another Dr again.

We're finally getting a little closer. About 7 weeks to go. I can do this. I can do this....

In Pursuit Of The Perception Of Perfection!

2009-06-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

I hate being in a funk and I think I am there again.
Went to pick up Zach from football this morning and when I arrived I saw the one woman/mom that bugs the crap out of me. Boob Job Betty. The one with the perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect car, now the perfect teeth since her braces are off, perfect boobs, and perfect house. And there was me. In my jammies (in my defense...Tony claims it looks like a house dress. Does that count?) With red eyes from crying from fighting with the crappy Dr, and wild bed hair. At least I didn't get out of the car so she could see me in all my glory. Ughh why of all the mom's did I have to run into her? She is so snotty to me. And somehow I always end up feeling like spam sucking trailer trash around her.
Unfortunately she is also Zach's best friends mom. So I had to take Zach by her house to pick up his stuff. And Zach was pointing out the new cars they just bought. Including the new truck for his friend who just turned 16. And then he told me about the maid that comes daily that they like to tease. And for some reason everything just really, really bugged the crap out of me. I was even envious of her only having two kids. Thinking I envy how easy it must be. And the money, and the cars, and the maids. And thinking I want it all too. Or at least thinking I want to have that dang perception of perfection. And yet somehow I just don't think I will ever get there. Do you ever wonder why some women seem so, so together and then there are women like me? And suddenly I just felt so dang tired.
So I finally did the smart thing and went home. And went back to bed. For FOUR hours! Sheesh!
Did it help my mood? Not really but at least I am not so dang tired.
My teens were awsome watching the littles for me today so I could sleep and stay in bed today. They really are fantastic on the days that I am puking all day. I guess if I can't have it all at least I still have a great family. And know someday it will get easier.

Now help me here~I have been worried over the name thing...Tony and I just haven't been able to come up with a name we agreed on. And then I was watching Discovery health Birth stories and heard a name I loved. It was this little Mexican couple that named their baby this. But I don't think it sounded Hispanic. Tony thought it was too weird. But I love it. So I have continued to bug the snot out of him. And my cousin came over and I was telling her how I was worried cause I loved the name but Tony thought it was weird. So then Tony says hey, if you love it, go ahead and name her it. So I tell Sherri the name and guess what?? She tells me that is my Cousin Becky's daughters name! Are you kidding me?
I've never even heard of another person with this name! I can't believe it!
I have nothing. Nadda. No names I love. Just this one.
So my question is is it rude to name your kid a name that other family members names theirs?
I never see Becky, never talk to her, didn't even know her daughter was named that.
Hey Rebecca~ Were you watching Birth Stories too? Dang~
I want to name our little girl Addlynn. Or spell it addeline. Or Addelynne. Not sure on the spelling yet. Plus need a middle name and don't have anything either.Maybe after 6 you run out of ideas?
Whatcha think of the name? Does it matter if my cousin named hers the same if we never see each other?
Any other name suggestions?
We are getting to the end here and nothing fits. Just this one name!
HELLLP!

Happy Birthday Ethan!!!

2009-06-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

Ethan James,

My big old boy. Where did the time go? With you it always flies by. You keep me so busy I don't really have time to sit back and reflect too much!

This past year has been a year of huge changes for you. Mostly you went from being this really mellow, easy going little guy into being a wild, funny, crazy kid!

When Zachary was 2 he was pretty mellow. Very easy. But I have to say you~ Well, you shock me! I didn't realize a kid could be so BOY! So busy! So into EVERYTHING!

I get a chuckle when people offer to watch you and when they drop you off they exclaim~ "Wow! He is alot of work isn't he?" Of course they always tell me you weren't bad or anything, just busy. Into everything! And yes you really are! It seems as if you never stop. You have two speeds. Full speed and off. No in between.

This year you have developed a love for whacking things. Cats, sisters, bushes, your dad. Whatever you can hit with a stick the better. When your dad bought you a light saber last month I thought we were in deep, deep trouble. Fortunately the damage has been minimal and you love that thing!

You love being outside and exploring. You love finding bugs and parts of birds and lizards that the cats have killed. Yuck! We had a pretty hairy week there when you thought it was hilarious to throw half eaten lizard bodies or a bird's foot on me. My screaming cracked you up and you did it over and over again! I thought I was going to have a heart attack over it.

You love cars, and trucks, dinosaurs, you dad,pizza and swimming. Your favorite movie is Madagascar 2 and you could watch it everyday, several times a day.

Lately you have been walking all around the house singing the song Moto Moto the hippo sings...I like em big..I like em chunky. Hmm. Maybe that's why you love me so much? Anyhow, your older brother and sister actually downloaded the song onto their ipods so they could play it for you over and over again and it delights you every time!

Your brothers and sisters love you so much as you do them!

Your dad loves that stupid movie as much as you do and the two of you often watch it together sometimes two times in a row.Your daddy is your best friend and you love hanging out with him. He gets up early every Saturday morning and the two of you hang out. Go to the store together, tinker around the yard, and watch Star Wars Clone Wars. It is kind of funny and yet very sweet that during the week you are my little buddy following me around but on Saturday it is all about dad. I could be chopped liver for all you notice me.

I am shocked at how much bigger you are than your sisters. You outweigh them and are in bigger sizes of clothes than them. You are a rock solid, a chunk and I love it. I am always gobbling up those fat cheeks!

You bring so much fun and love into this family and I simply can't imagine not having you a part of it!

I love, love, love you and can't wait to see what the next year brings! Happy Birthday big guy!!!

Here are some things your family loves about you~

Dad~You're chunky! You say funny things. You are so snuggly. I love the way you look at me sideways when you are being tricky!

Zach~ I love how energetic he is. He is a man's man. He fits in with the boys.

Rachelle~ How cute and rambunctious he is

Hannah~ I love how wild, crazy and fun he is yet he is also snuggly

Bailey~How he lets go of balloons so easily. I love him coloring with me.

Grace~ He plays with me.

Too Late??

2009-06-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

I am frustrated beyond belief with my Dr. It is a cattle call every time and I am so sick and tired of waiting one to two hours every time. And then they only have a few minutes to give you. I am irritable and don't have the patience for it.

So after a really frustrating call with them I thought I'd just stop going altogether. Be done with it. Just show up for delivery but Tony thinks this is a bad idea. I should just suck it up and keep going to them.

Well they won't give me the medicine I need until they see me but they won't have a opening for two weeks. They tell me I need to get in ASAP but then I am told two weeks is the absolute earliest I can be seen by the front desk.

So to save my sanity cause I am over the edge I am thinking I want to change OB's. Can't be any worse right?

Is it too late to change Dr.'s in the seventh month of pregnancy? Do ya think I can go without anymore care until I deliver?

I am so done and don't want to be bothered anymore. But I keep hoping maybe I can find a Dr like the kind I had in Utah and Colorado.

Does it even really matter?

So give me some advice here. I am moody and can't think straight.

On another note here..Tony had a luncheon he had to go to for Lowe's up in the mountains. They donated a ton of money and labor for the MDA camp and they were having a MVP lunch to thank them. I decided to go with him. Stay the night and have a little time away from the little ones.

It was delightful and we had a great time with just the two of us. But on the way home I was so, so sick. Puking and miserable. Tony was teasing me a little that I wasn't smiling any more. That is until we got to the gas station. And this Tahoe pulls up next to us. And it was like watching one of those circus cars. Their doors opened and it was LOADED. Coolers, pillows, sleeping bags, luggage. And then the people started piling out. So many people. And we were saying how funny that they could fit THAT many people and all that crap in the car when they then pulled THIS out......

Cause who doesn't bring their goats on vacation? Funny. His name is Cash. Cause the family LOVES Johnny Cash! Oh yeah I can see how they do!

Happy Birthday Bailey!!!

2009-06-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

My sweet girl Bailey~

I'm feelin kinda weepy today. I can't believe that today you turned 5! Time is passing way too fast for me and I'm worried I'm not taking the time to enjoy each and every second of your being my little girl.

I think back to one of my very favorite memories of you. You were only two years old and just as you do now you were sleeping in my bed. I woke up with this strange feeling of being watched. I opened my eyes and you were wide awake. Staring at my face. You put both hands on my cheeks and put your face right up to mine so our noses were almost touching and in the sweetest voice I have ever heard you whispered "you the bestest mommy eva" It melted my heart. That sweet side of you is one of my favorite things about you.

You are so kind and gentle with everyone you are around. Friends, brothers, sisters,school mates. People are always telling me they just can't get over what a sweet girl you are. I just smile and say "Yeah I know!" And my heart swells with love.

This past year has been a fun one. Watching you as you have grown and changed. You are getting so big. I love watching the make believe games you play with Grace.You have quite the imagination and I love hearing you explain to Grace the way things are. I got a chuckle out of you telling me that you had changed Ethan's poopy diaper for me because I had been throwing up all morning. You were so proud of the fact that you changed it and that it was "pretty disgusting"

You've developed a bit of a mischievious side and that is OK with us! It's good to see that sass come out sometimes!

I get frustrated with you sometimes because you will change clothes five, six, even seven times a day. You love dressing up. You are all about the clothes, the hair, the accessories. I had to smile when we went to Gymboree and you told your dad and I you were in charge. Cause you know just what looks cute on you. And you had to choose the shirt, and the pants, and a necklace to go with the outfit and a purse. And a headband. And we bought it all. And you kept telling me how people just weren't going to believe how totally cute you are. I think you have more fashion sense at the age of five than your mom does now...at the age of 29....errr ok..29 and a half....! You are a little diva.

Your older brother and sister love training you like a little dog. They like to make you say things (like wassup Zach, bust homie) and other stupid stuff. They like showing you funky handshakes, and different dance moves. I think you are their pet and you love it!

Some of your favorite things are gardening with your dad, anything princess, barbies, flowers,shrimp,kittens, watching cartoons and playing with friends.

This is the first year you have attended preschool and you did so well! It was so hard on you everytime you were sick and had to miss days! You loved Ms McClure and she loved you.I think you will miss having her for a teacher but you are now ready for kindergarten and super excited to begin. I am not so sure I am though. Like I said...time feels like it is slipping away and I want to savor each and every moment!

I want you to know I feel blessed each and every day that you are in my life. You make me want to scream some days, but mostly you make me smile. There isn't anything about you that I can think of that I don't love! You add so much to this family and we love you so much!

I can't wait to see what the next 5 years bring!

Happy Birthday Sweet Bailey!!!!

Here are some of the things your brothers and sisters say they love about you...

Zachary~She always brightens up my mood. She is brilliant. She is a good helper. Always willing to help me.

Rachelle~I love how spontaneos she can be. I love her willingness to snuggle. Always.

Hannah~She can pick a good fight. She has nice hair. She is sweet.

Grace~Her plays with me. She plays games. She takes pictures of moths that are big and pretty and she takes pictures of butterflies that are pretty!

Daddy~ How motherly she is. She is always looking after others. She saved Gracie twice in the pool!

She knows when someone sneaks out of the house and lets us know. She is my spy for when Zachary has girls over. She will tell me if they are kissing.

We hope you had a happy happy birthday Bailey! You are loved so much!

A New Flavor

2009-05-31T22:25:00.001-07:00

In Honor of the 44th President of the United States, Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream has issued a new flavor, “Barocky Road.”

Barocky Road is a blend of half Vanilla, half Chocolate, and surrounded by Nuts and Flakes.

The Vanilla portion of the mix is not openly advertised and usually denied as an ingredient.

The Nuts and Flakes are all very bitter and hard to swallow.

The Cost is $100.00 per scoop.

When purchased, it will be presented to you in a large beautiful cone, but then the Ice Cream is taken away and given to the person in line behind you.

Thus you are left with an empty wallet, no change, holding an empty cone, with no hope of getting any Ice Cream.

Aren't you feeling stimulated?

Haha! Thanks for sending this Corrine!

A Quick Update

2009-05-22T13:45:00.001-07:00

I've had several people ask what the latest is so I thought I'd post a quick update as to what is going on.
I went last week to the perinatoligist. They did the level 2 ultrasound to see what was going on. They found that there had been a placental abruption but the Dr said it was very, very minor on the very edge of the placenta. The baby was in a perfect position to see the placenta. The placenta was actually in front so they felt they had a very good view of what was going on. There was no new bleeding and seemed like things have settled down. Both the hospital and the Dr office picked up minor contractions so the dr thinks that my uterus is irritable and that is causing the contractions. Umm yeah, 7 kids would wear that sucker out! So the contractions is what caused the abruption and the bleeding.
Good news is that I am stable. I have to take it easy. I told the Dr bed rest is a relative term when you have 6 kids to take care of. She feels that if I am careful, lay down immediately if I have any cramping and then head to the hospital if it persists for more than 15 minutes I should be OK.
No lifting, Minimal walking for any lengths. Take the shopping ride on carts. Be up for short periods then lay down the baby will be OK and so will the bleeding! So, I am careful. I actually spent most of the day in bed yesterday. If I hurt I lay down. The baby was 1.8 lbs and looks fantastic.
Best part? When they were doing the ultrasound they switched it to 3d and as soon as they did that the baby smiled this huge smile. She looked like she was sleeping and it was one of those cute ones they do in their sleep. When I see that I think OK, I can handle puking for 3 more months. I can do this. It doesn't feel so far away and horrific. It feels more real. I feel more of a connection. I'm actually getting kinda excited! Who would have thought?

More Atlanta Trip Part Two

2009-05-18T19:58:00.001-07:00

Ok, I'll finish off posting about our trip to Atlanta.

We went to Stone Mountain, The Aquarium, and we had dinner at a fantastic mexican restraunt with a bunch of family.

Family was the best part by far about this trip. Looking at the pictures again brings tears to my eyes. I think..OK this is what it is all about. Those hellish days seem worth it when I am able to look at times like these. I enjoyed my kids so much. They were pretty darn good and even though I feel a little bit like we are a freak show when we have that many together I also feel a sense of peace and pride. Even though it is hard I love, love having my big family.

It was so wonderful to share that side of our family with the kids. Many of them had never met Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins on Tony's side of the family.

Saturday the day before we left there was a giant family reunion. It was huge and wonderful and I loved the kids getting a chance to know their family.

Nana Isa cooked for days and we had a thanksgiving type meal because she wanted to give thanks for her family being together. There was even a friend of the family who works for the newspaper who came over to take some family portraits. I can't wait to see how they turned out.

I wish we lived closer so we could see them and be a part of their lives. I am just grateful for the time that we had!

Opinions Are Like Bum Holes....Everyone Has One And They All Stink....

2009-05-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting a cute t shirt that is comfy too so I decided to load the three lil ones up and head out to the store.
I had some other errands to do so this was no easy task. They are animals and it is all I can do to corral them!
So we hit a store to get some groceries and then we get some lunch. I am about done at this point but was determined to get that dang shirt.
We head into the store and I find a few cute shirts to try on and I give them to the sales woman to put into a room.
I then notice some really cute bras and I head over to check them out. I have jungle boobs nowadays. You know...they could be in National Geographic. Breastfeeding 6 kids has not been kind on them. So I am thinking maybe a cute bra with some lift would be nice. Make me feel sexier than a jungle woman. I choose a few and hand them to the salesgirl. I look some more then head to the dressing room.( I am of course tired, hot and irritated by now)
The girl in charge of the dressing room looks at Bailey, Grace, and Ethan and says Oh my you have your hand full. Are any of them twins? I say no. They are just close in age. She then asks if I am pregnant to which I say yes. She then ROLLS her eyes ( so freaking dramatic like)and says right~and you need Lingerie why??? I later hear her cracking a joke with the other sales girl as we are leaving. Ok..bite me...
Gee the jokes just keep coming....even from complete strangers. Glad I could give her something to laugh about today. Why does everyone have a opinion about me having another and why do they feel the need to voice it? Sheesh. Enough said.

Ummmm Crazymama???

2009-05-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

Remember that really cute boy kitty we got from your sister? We named him Remi. And the kids love him. And were worried about him cause he just didn't seem like himself right before we went out of town.

And when we got back guess what?? He was acting more normal. He seemed fine.

He.....

Had KITTENS!! Hahaha! Are you laughing yet?

So folks, just a warning here~ Know that if you come over to my house there is a strong possibility that against all odds~you will get pregnant! I'm just sayin.....

Atlanta Part 1!

2009-05-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Not sure how I am going to post this with so much stuff we did in Atlanta, but I will try to post some of our highlights from our trip to .
The first night we got in,Nana Isa and Walley Da were waiting for us at the airport with balloons and leis. It was so fun to see them again and we went from the airport to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants called Coco Loco.
Sunday Nana Isa cooked a wonderful Cuban roast chicken dinner and we were able to enjoy some time with family.
We left early Monday for Savannah. It is so beautiful there. The trip down there was a easy one and we had fun trying to identify what the road kill was! It tended to be raccoons, skunk, possum, and armadillos! Armadillos won out by far! I didn't know there were so many in this state! We were counting them and I gave up after 15! Kinda sick and fascinating all in one! Tony drew the line at stopping for me to get a picture of a dead one! kill joy tony!
We stopped at this little gas station that had farm animals and the kids got a kick out of feeding the animals!
When we got to Savannah we checked into our hotel then we headed out to explore a little before dinner. The squares there are amazing. So beautiful. For dinner we had dinner reservations at Paula Deans. As you can see from the pictures the fried chicken was delish! Ethan ate his weight in that stuff!
We rode the ferry boat and walked and had a fantastic time!
The next day we headed out to Tybee Island. It was perfect! Warm, lots of sun and the ocean was warm! I wish we could have stayed for a few more days. I didn't feel as if we had enough time to explore Savannah and Tybee so it will be on our agenda for the next trip!
Ok! so there was the first installment of our trip. Hopefully it wasn't too long winded! I'll post more later!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2009-05-10T21:04:00.001-07:00

Ours is growing crazy! Here is a picture of Bailey and Grace's sunflower that they planted from a little seed!

We have had such fun with it. Tonight Tony and the girls picked some yellow squash and Tony cooked it up for everyone. Mmmm it was delish!

I guess 104 degrees is good for something around here. The plants love it even if I don't!

A Little Scare!

2009-05-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

While we were in Atlanta last week I had a little scare and was bleeding. At first I thought it was just my cervix and the usual problems I tend to have. But it got worse and I was cramping alot. So I stopped doing anything. I laid around a bunch and Tony even had me use a wheelchair when we went to the aquarium. I thought that was overkill but he was insistent so I did it. Well guess what? I went to the Drs when I got home and they did a sonogram. Found out I had a placental abruption! Wow! Was told if I had not taken it easy and had not used the wheelchair it would have been catastrophic!
Can I just say how grateful I feel that things are OK? I was really uneasy and kept telling myself I was overreacting. Guess I wasn't worried enough!
Next week they are sending me to a perinatologist and I am on bed rest again. Funny how I don't mind doing bed rest this time after hearing the Dr tell me how lucky we are.
Good news is the baby is about a pound and a half. We're making progress here....

Stay tuned for some great pics of the family reunion in Atlanta! It was so cool to see so much family we haven't seen for over 10 years!!!

The Thong Debate~ Help Me Out!

2009-04-24T08:25:00.001-07:00

Ok, I go back and forth on this one. I agree with one point of view and then the other.
One of my kids (who shall remain nameless Ü) has a fascination with thongs.
And I have told this person they can't wear them. And Yet I find a stray one here or there in the laundry. And yesterday I pulled six of them out of their load of laundry. And confiscated them. And this person is furious that I won't let them wear them. their point of view is that they are comfortable, and it gives them no panty lines. And their other panties hang out of their pants and people can see. And who cares if they wear them if no one eles sees them.
This has turned into a HUGE fight. Doors slammed. Saying they hate their life and hate their family. All over the thong!
And yet I keep hearing the thong song in my head......girl I know you wanna show that thooong.....let me see that thooongg...
See that's what guys think of when they see a thong. And they are so trashy when you see them hang out of jeans. And little girls do it all the time . sick.
And what about modesty? Does it matter if it is under your clothes and no one sees them?
And how about the sneakiness? I said no and yet they keep buying them.
Sooo....help me out here. You know~choose your battles. is this a battle to fight? Does it matter what is under the clothes? Do you think it is a problem that they even want to wear them in the first place? Oh and one of them freaks me out. Looks like a thong in the FRONT and the back. Umm ouch....yeast infection here it comes! Hmmm maybe a choice and consequence moment!

A Very Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! Hope your day was wonderful!

It was such a nice day for us! I had been planning all week trying to get as much done ahead of time so that Sunday would be a nice relaxing day. And~it was!

I made the 8 layer Easter jello, funeral potatoes, deviled eggs, and rolls the night before so that for Easter dinner all we had to do was pop the rolls, ham and potatoes in the oven and chop the strawberries up for the shortcake. And I used foil pans and paper plates! Yeah...no clean up! Brilliant! I know, I know Corrine....Paper plates are for picnics! I hear your voice as I was buying them ( Hehehe) but hey, they are also for crazy overwhelmed moms too! And I think my kids like not having to do dishes last night! I will admit I was feeling guilty not having nice dishes on the table but I think I am over it!

And guess what? I even went to church. At 9am! yes...9am! I only lasted for sacrament though. Zachary told me it was embarrassing hearing me puke in the bathroom when they were in the halls. What can you do when the church leaves the door to the bathrooms open? Even when I close them someone opens them so when you are puking everyone hears you! Nice! I don't do too well at that hour. It takes me a bit to get over puking in the morning and I was done.

So I went home, got some food, and put the ham in.

We had a wonderful early dinner, a egg hunt for the younger ones and just a super nice relaxing day! I even read a book for about a hour! WOW! What a difference this year. usually I cook and clean all day long and it is not fun!

Look at this pic of my lil fatty. Don't ya just want to gobble him up? He gets mad at me when I get those fat cheeks. I just can't help myself. He is too cute. I love him in a tie for church too. He looks so handsome!Here are a few more photos of the day. If it's photo overload, skip the slide!

Hope you all had as nice a day as we did!

How Do We Keep Them Safe?

2009-04-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

It seems like some days I am on it. With the kids, house, It seems like everything just goes right. And then there are those days from hell. I can't seem to keep on top of it. Yesterday was SO one of those days! Want to know how it began? When Hannah left for school I dead bolted the front door. And then went back into my room where the little ones were. Bailey woke up and was crying about her head hurting and her neck hurting. I didn't even think twice when Ethan got out of bed and went into the other room. I was trying to comfort Bailey. But then I heard Hannah screaming my name a few minutes later. Apparently Ethan now knows how to unlock the dead bolt. And he escaped. And walked. All the way to the park! The kids at the bus stop pointed out the little boy who was climbing on the slide and Hannah freaked! She ran him home and gave me the surprise! What the crap? And so the day began.... Followed with him spraying tilex all over himself and the floor. Which of course them smell makes me puke and puke and puke. And can you say scary all over again? Nice, first escaping to the park, next getting into the chemicals. And I SWEAR I do watch him. I'm thinking I need a dog leash attached to him that I hold all day. Cause he got into the toilet too. And then after I gave him his second bath of the day I got him dressed again and then went into my room to put the movie Bolt on for the girls. And when I came out of the room guess what??? He was gone again. No where to be found. Not in the back yard. Not in the toilet. Not upstairs. So I am RUNNING to the park. (ouch) and he ends up not being there! I go home crying hysterically and am ready to call 911 when he comes strolling out of the garage with no diaper on (he likes to take it off and wipe poop on me or the walls as soon as he craps his diaper!) Not sure where he was. Tony thinks maybe he was hiding behind the trash cans. He also likes to open the freezer and sit in it. Or climb up and get the salt out to dump on the counters or climb up on top of the bunk beds and jump like superman. Or turn on the water in the back yard so he can make mud. He loves playing in the mud.He is crazy. Wild crazy unlike any kid I have ever had. Some days I am running and running just trying to keep him out of trouble and safe! Kids and especially this one can be exhausting! They run me ragged. And I worry about them. Can I keep them safe? Physically? Spiritually?It's a balancing act and some days it feels like I am failing miserably. I wonder why I can't be more on top of it. Do a better job. Protect them more.
And it's not just my lil ones. It's the bigger ones too. They don't always make the best choices. And it makes me feel like I am failing miserably.I can't seem to protect them.
I have been crazy worried about Zach. He has a girlfriend that I am not wild about. She texts him pictures of herself in skimpy bikinis, and her language is bad and she is ALL over him. I am sure she is a nice girl, she just doesn't have the same standards as we do. And he is really into her. They have been going out for several months and my worries have only increased. He has seemed to pull away from family and church and I feel like I am losing him somehow. Like Ethan I am terrified I am not able to keep him safe.
So I have come to the conclusion at this point the only thing I can do is to simply get down on my knees and beg for help. And hope for some tender mercy. And just when I am at the end of my rope like I was yesterday, I sometimes find that mercy and a little relief.
Like when I picked up my teens after school yesterday. They asked how my day was and how I was feeling. I told them about Ethan's adventures and they laughed and laughed. Then Zach asked me if it would be OK if he went to the Easter pageant at the temple with his friend Jordan and this girl Lauren. (NOT the girlfriend!)Now Lauren is a girl from church that he has had a crush on forever. And they have been good friends. She went on the trek with him last year and he told me how neat it was to talk to her about the feelings he felt on the trek and how it was such a spiritual experience. I think she is the first person who has been able to touch his heart on that level.She is proud of her religion and not afraid to voice it.The past few weeks he and Lauren have been hanging out and he is happier. And more kind to his family. And I have felt a softening in him.And yesterday as he was telling me about the pageant he said it might be fun if dad and I come with them. And then I wondered who this kid was and where did he put my kid?
And I felt my eyes well up with tears. And I felt like I am not in this alone. I felt like some of my prayers were being answered and that maybe it is not always up to me alone to protect my kids.
And somehow I didn't feel like such a crap mom anymore. And I knew I could face tomorrow better with a little more prayer and maybe some duct tape too.

ROSES ARE RED.......

2009-04-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Violets are blue

My mom has ovaries

And I do too!!!!

Yep folks~

The girls are super excited. Zach doesn't really care and I am good with either. So I am excited to know so that the shopping can now begin! I have NOTHING at all for a girl anymore, so I will have fun putting a serious dent in the bank account!

How do you like the poem? I had to laugh cause I was looking online for "cute ways to announce the gender of your baby" and they had that one and the one for a boy went almost the same. Roses are red,violets are blue my dad has a penis and I do too! hmmm cute way? I laughed and laughed.Who thinks this crap up anyway?

It was pretty fun seeing the baby sucking it's thumb and kicking and moving all over. It makes it so real. I am getting excited.

The bummer part of the day? I gained 6.5 lbs!!!! In three weeks! What the crap? I am still puking everyday so I was so freakin irritated. At least I lost so much weight already that I am only 2 lbs over my starting weight.

And my blood pressure is sky high. I am having to do a test this weekend where I collect urine for 24 hours and then go back into the drs for some blood tests. They think I have preeclampsia already! At only five months! Yikes. I am a little worried about this. Silly me thinking maybe this baby I might avoid some bed rest. Ugh. We'll see. Maybe things will work out ok still. I am just glad the baby is looking really healthy for now.

So, I am a rock star cause even though I look and feel like a whale I am going to post pics of my new "do' since people keep bugging me to show how it looks! I like it even if my kidlets don't. What do they know anyhow? They are a bunch of butt pickers who eat their boogers so I will take their opinion of what is good with a grain of salt!

If you don't like it keep your opinion to yourself. I am hormonal after all!

Can You Say Heaven?

2009-03-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

I did it! I finally took the plunge and hired some help! My friend told me her stepdaughter was looking to make some extra money and would be interested in cleaning! So I finally gave her a call and she and her best friend came over today to clean!
Can I just say I am loving it? I didn't realize how much it bothered me having my house a dump until it was cleaned and I felt relief and excitement everytime I walk into the kitchen! My cupboards are wiped down and my fridge and floors are mopped!
Now I am wondering... Why didn't I do this sooner? I get it~ clean house~cleaned by someone eles =Heaven!
I am going to schedule her again and I think my cousin's daughter to work on laundry. Who knows maybe by the time this baby is born I might have a totally put together house once again! Ahhh the thought Ü

I Look Like A Transvestite???

2009-03-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have not been feeling so great so of course I really haven't done much with myself but I was getting tired of feeling like a troll and looking like one too. I may feel bad but I don't have to look it too.So I made a apt to get my hair done. The last time I had my hair done was for my birthday. And they FRIED it! It was ugly. So I went to a really nice salon and they promised me they could fix it.
It took 4 hours to do my hair and wax my eyebrows. I guess I needed alot of work. And it was freakin crazy expensive~But I was tired of looking bad so what the heck. And when I was done I actually felt pretty good.So I decided to head down to Macy's grand opening and get some foundation. I have that dang pregnancy mask still from Ethan. I wanted something to cover it.
The woman kept saying she couldn't decided if it would be better to go really dark and cover it cause she thought it looked so bad or if she went a shade lighter and helped minimize the impact. Hmmm not helping me feel my best but whatever.
So I go home and Hannah says "What the the heck did you do to your hair? It looks like crap"
I went to my room and laid down and Grace came and laid next to me. She was studying my face then said " Wow mom, You look like a man with makeup on!" OK, so now I look like a transvestite! I think my plan is back firing here!
Yesterday at the store I took a deep breathe and the cashier asked if I was OK. I told her yeah, just prego and nauseated and she said I can see that. You look super pale.
And today at Sam's club I passed a lady doing a food demonstration and she asked how I was today. I said good thank you. Her response? You look really, really tired.
Note to self~ Instead of spending over 200 bucks to feel better, just spend $20 on some really, really good chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate!

Spring Break Fun?

2009-03-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

Spring break is here and I am scrambling to try to find something for the kids to do. Am I the only mom who does nothing for spring break? The guilt is killing me that we aren't on some fantastic trip somewhere or we aren't on the go every day. I'm hearing all the other moms who have something scheduled everyday! I think I am lagging here on the mom front.

On Saturday Tony decided to take the kids to the Ostrich Festival here in town. I declined. Ethan was sick and I was puking and certain that I would be puking in public if I went. Tony thought I could do it, but I decided public humiliation was just too much.

The girls were still sick (it's been over a week now) but they still had a fantastic time! Bailey wanted to ride the Ferris wheel but no one would go on with her so she wasn't able to. She kept telling me she is really brave and so it would have been fun for her. Fortunately they had more mellow rides that Grace and Hannah were willing to go on with her. Grace's fav was the spinning Kangaroos.

They had Cotton Candy, and Corn Dogs, and saw the Ostriches, rode rides and even bought a souvenir so I think the day was a success.

They came home happy and tired. Bailey went straight to her room and got out her PJs and put them on and climbed into my bed. Definitely not feeling 100% yet.

By 9:00 that night they were all crying and we ended up having to hit the Urgent care. I just couldn't handle many more nights of kids up all night crying. Besides feeling sick from being prego I had the flu from them too, so I was hoping the Dr's could give us something to put them on the mend.

Here they are at the Dr's at about 11pm. Done.Cooked. Stick a fork in them. Ethan kept telling Tony and I and then the Dr. I wanna go home...I wanna go home. Pitiful. Just plain pitiful!

But it was worth it. We got antibiotics for everyone and some meds for the pain. Ahh rest is in sight!

So, we are feeling better but I don't think I have much umph to do much. I'm thinking taking Hannah out for a mani and pedi as a way of thanking her for helping out so much this past week and maybe taking the kids to lunch at Peter Piper Pizza. And if I decided to really get crazy, maybe we will go to a movie. Walk on the wild side. we'll see. I am a total slug right now. Sad but so true!

Last week when I was having a rather bad day I remembered a meal a lady brought to me when I was pregnant with Hannah. I loved it and got the recipe from her. I wondered if I could find it since it has been over 10 years and I wasn't sure if I knew where the recipe was. It just sounded really good to me.

Well, I found it! Yeah! So I made a big batch of it and have been eating it daily. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Yeah...I am weird like that.If some kind of food sounds good I will eat it. Over and over again. Especially since not much sounds good.

You've probably seen this recipe before, but I will post if for those who haven't. It's easy and delish. Plus I used a rotisserie chickens so it was almost no cooking involved. Nice

Let me know if you try it and like it!

Party Chicken Salad

2 C. Shell Macaroni

1 C. Coleslaw Dressing

1 C. Mayo

2 C. Diced Water Chestnuts

4 C. Cooked Diced Chicken

1/2 Green Onion

2 C. Chunck Pinneapple

2 C. Red or Green Grapes

2 C. Celery

2 C. Chopped Apples

1/2 C. Slivered Almonds or Cashews

Cook Macaroni. Add mayo and dressing. Chill. Add chicken. Dice apples,sprinkle with lemon juice. Dice onions and celery. Drain pineapple add ingredients together and chill until ready to serve.

Time To Hire A Maid?

2009-03-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

We have all been sick around here. Again. It just keeps going around and around and around! Frustrating!
Today I stayed in bed with Bailey and Ethan and Grace got up with Hannah. About a half an hour later I hear Grace crying. I get up to check on her and I find her crawling around on the floor picking up things and then grabbing her head. I asked her what she was doing and she said she was trying to pick up the front room but her head was hurting her so bad. I felt her head and she now has a fever too! Poor girl. So I put her in bed with us and giver her some medicine and she sleeps for a few hours.
We got up and went to buy Slurpee's and when we got home all Grace wanted was for me to grab the laptop. When I asked her why she said I needed to look on the computer to find us a new home. One that was clean like our house was when we moved into it!
Yeah,I have been frustrated having the house messy too, but what do you do when you don't feel good and aren't functioning so great?
I had been meaning to get someone in to help but haven't done it. So... I get it, I'm on it I swear! It's time to hire a maid!

Spring Is In The Air!

2009-03-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

Kinda of.It's definitely not the spring I am used to, but it is definitely spring!

I'm turning into a wimp I think! Last week it was 90 degrees and it was feelin a bit warm for me. But yesterday and today it is in the low 70's and I am chilly! What the heck? When we lived in Utah and Colorado the 70's was warm to me! I think Arizona is twisting me!

It does have a bonus here right now though..the orange blossoms are bloomin right now. When I am queesy the smell kills me but when I am feeling OK it is heavenly! Tony and I were out the other night and I told him I thought I was smellin a Gardenia bush. He showed me the Orange Blossoms and had me take a wiff. It is amazing the strength of those little blossoms. At least there is something around here that seems a little like spring!

I have to say I am missing the weeks right after the snow melts off and first the Crocus bloom and then the Tulips. I miss having fabulous flowers in my garden! We are trying to garden here too though. Tony took the girls to Lowe's and let them pick out a bunch of flowers and seeds to plant in the garden! They have been fun to watch. They go out every day to water the garden and check it's progress. I think they are mostly excited about the strawberry bushes.I can't wait until the cantaloupe come up. They are going to be thrilled to see that.

We planted tomatoes, broccoli, squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe, watermelons, strawberries, and carrots.

The tomatoes and broccoli and growing like crazy already.

Our ward has a plot of land that they want every family planting some things on. We are going to do our corn there since we are pretty limited on space here.

It's really nice when I have been feeling crappy Tony gets home and all the kids head outside to tend to the garden. I come out and sit in the patio chairs and watch. The sun feels good with a little breeze blowing and it is delightful to watch the excitement of them as they gauge how much their garden has grown the past few days! It is a good way to take my mind off of feeling crappy. Sometimes it's just nice to take in the good around you!

So..Has spring arrived where you are? Are you loving it? I think we are! Now summer~That's a whole nother story here!

Back To Square One!

2009-03-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Can I just say FRUSTRATING!!!!Just when I thought I was getting a grip with these lil ones..dang..back to square one!
I had gotten Ethan on a really fantastic schedule. Up at 7am, down for a nap at 11:30, down for the night between 7:30 and 8 pm. It was really working. Seriously my very first kid who was on a schedule and actually took naps!
And Grace was finally potty trained! She went almost six months completely potty trained!
And I needed these. The naps daily, one less poopy diaper to change. It was a few less things to worry about while feeling so crappy!
But when I got out of control sick and kept having to go back to the Dr's and hospital, Grace decided I was dying. She had a meltdown. Kept telling everyone I was dying. And she started wetting herself. When the home health nurse comes by to hook up the IVs and go over the info, she starts crying and will wet herself! Or she will just pee in the car. No Rhyme or reason why! Ughh! And she refuses to go back to diapers. Pulls them off. And she won't go potty when I try to get her to. She just keeps wetting herself!
And Ethan the little bugger now climbs out of his crib. He wakes up around 4:30 am and will not go back to sleep. I will put him back over and over and he just keeps climbing out! And can I say I feel so pukey at that time? I have no Patience.
And so long nap times. He climbs out! I need him to take naps! I need naps then too!
Help!!! I am tortured!
So I am now contemplating alternative methods. I am up for any suggestions too!You know like shock therapy or restraints in the bed!

Missing My Hubby, And Question..Should I Worry?

2009-02-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

Tony is in Vegas for the managers conference and I am missing him! He has really had to step it up around here helping me and now that he is gone I can really see how much he was doing! Dang!
I was kinda worried how I was going to do for almost a week on my own but it has been OK.

Before Tony left he cleaned my room so I'd have a clean place to hide out then the morning he was going to fly out he got up early and mopped the floors since I had gone to bed the night before complaining how gross it was that my feet were sticking to the floors in the kitchen! Nice. He said he just wanted me to feel like things were not out of control.

And my super sweet sister in law Janeal called last week and told me she had ordered me a bunch of dinners from Dream Dinners. How nice is that? I only had to go pick them up. They were already assembled. Can I just say I love this lady? Janeal~ You are the best!Thanks!
So I had a fresh start before he left. Clean house, and meals already prepared.
I guess I am going to survive without him after all. Funny when he is here some days I want to punch him in the face or send him out to the car to sleep ( relax..haven't done it yet..just a thought..) And now that he is gone I miss him like crazy. He really is my best friend and I love ( almost all of the time) being with him!

Lately though~

I worry my kids are feral at this point. Kinda animalistic! Want to know what the dictionary definition of feral is?
A feral organism is one that has escaped from domestication and returned, partly or wholly, to its wild state. See....they are sadly, sadly feral!

Here are some examples to prove my point~

They have resorted to scrounging for food. They no longer rely on someone finding their food for them, they have turned to the survival instinct in them and have found clever ways to get it themselves.

Their hair has become kinda wild and nappy.Almost matted like.

They seldom wear clothes. They have decided to go back to their natural state.

And they have decided to forgo dishes. Much more efficient eating and drinking off the floor.

See...My kids are now feral. Scary!Should I worry?

Time Flies...

2009-02-20T17:46:00.001-08:00

Do you ever have those moments that you stop and think Dang! When did that happen? I find myself thinking that over Hannah lately! She has really matured and changed these past few months! Help...she's a teeny bopper now! When did this happen?

She used to like to watch spongebob, play with her sisters, and listen to kidsbop. Her pants were tight in the waist and long in the legs.She was content to stay home and play club penguin all day on the computer. She had friends at school but didn't socialize so much outside of school.She was a even tempered easy going kinda girl.

How is it that so much has changed so quick? First thing I noticed is her height! She may not be a dwarf like Rach and I! She has gotten really tall lately.She has really stretched and I think it makes her look older. She is no longer happy with Sponge bob. It's all about shows like Gilmore girls, a secret life of a American teenager,and what I like about you.Instead of the computer she talks on the phone all day. Often plotting for the sleepover she is planning. (Come on mom it's only 9 girls!)She has suddenly turned into a social butterfly! Can I tell you how happy I am that she finally has a lot of friends here? Yeah! It has been good for her.

Another thing? can you say moody? HELP! The hormones have taken over! Fortunately not completely. She hasn't gone into the fog completely yet!

Strange that all of the sudden I am struck with how quickly this one is growing up. I take comfort in knowing that One of the things I love about this girl is that although she is growing up she is still my sweet Hannah. Always concerned about me. Always willing to help out. Even with her growing up it is nice to know that she still loves her mama. At least for another year or so right?

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

One of my kids very favorite holidays is Valentines. Every year we have a tradition. It's a valentines breakfast. My mom did it for us every year too and I loved it so much so it is one I continued with my kids.
Mom always made heart shaped pancakes and cherry tarts. I am not good at making heart shaped pancakes so I bought a heart waffle maker and my kids don't like cherry so we make little cheesecake with strawberry topping.
The table was always decorated and she would put treats and a card from her. Sometimes she would include a little gift.
This year Hannah was gearing up early for Valentines. She would tell Bailey and Grace all about how exciting it is to wake up and find the table all decorated and breakfast cooking.
I had been buying paper plates, candy and stuff in advance a little at a time so I would be prepared.
Well this past week was pretty awful. I had a virus on top of being nauseous. I didn't get out of bed for days.
The night before Valentines I told Tony there was no way in the world I could go to the store to get the special food I needed nor did I think I could cook. He decided this year we would just have to change it up a little bit.
So on Valentines day we took the kids out to breakfast. I don't think we had all eaten out in months and months. I actually woke up feeling better and went with them. I even ate food for the first time in days and it felt so GOOD!
It was really nice but Hannah was SO disappointed. She said it just wasn't Valentines day for her. I felt like crap. Yeah, Mother of the year here. I think the thing that bugs me most about being preggo is the fact that it is so hard on everyone. The whole family is impacted and has to sacrifice. I feel so guilty.
So after breakfast and actually eating I had Tony drop the kids off at home and he ran me to the store. I picked up the rest of their Valentines gifts and then went to Papa Murphy's. They had heart shaped pizzas so I bought two of them. When we got home I had all the younger ones help me decorate
the table and kitchen and then they helped make cupcakes.(much quicker and easier than the cheesecakes!) Later we made pizzas. I was relieved. The kids were thrilled and Hannah felt like her Valentines day was salvaged! I didn't have to really do hardly any cooking yet they didn't feel jipped.
It's interesting how important traditions are to us. The kids just didn't feel like it was that special day till they saw that table decorated. Once It was done I sat back looking and it reminded me of how important those traditions were to me too growing up and I was grateful for them. They just seem to have a way of making you feel closer to your family and as you grow older and move away it helps you feel connected even when you are far apart!

I was grateful I was feeling so much better and was able to do it. The day was wonderful and I loved watching the excitement of the girls as they helped decorate and opened their gifts.

Tony was so sweet and wonderful

His only objective of the day was to make it special for me. Whatever I wanted he was willing to do to get it.
He was kinda short changed this year since I never made it to the store to pick him up something. I guess I'll have to make it up to him another time.
Tony~Thanks for everything honey! I DO notice everything you are having to do. Even if I don't say it! I love and appreciate you!

So, another Valentines day success!
I feel so relieved that I was able to pull that one off!

I hope you all had a wonderful one too!

Just Remember You're Not In This Alone.

2009-02-12T23:54:00.000-08:00

I know it is probably irritating to read all the crap about me being sick, but hey~it is my journal too and I want to remember the good along with the bad.So I put it all down.

You know how sometimes people step up and seem to be there right when you need them? I have felt that way this past week. My prayers being answered right before my eyes.
My sweet friend Atalie has offered time and time again to take the kids for me. She now picks Bailey up everyday for preschool so I don't have to drive. The sweetest things she does? She tells me every time she sees me "just remember, you're not in this alone!" Today when I phoned her to let her know Bailey didn't need a ride today she said those words again and I knew it was true!
The past few days have been ugly. I have some kind of virus and it is not good. On Tuesday Kiran and another sister from the ward brought over dinner and Kiran let me know she was taking the kids the next day.Kiran came and picked up Grace and Ethan at 8 am.Can you say HUGE blessing? When she got here I knew I was in trouble. Fever. Chills. uncontrollable vomiting again. Ugh. So Bailey was sick so she stayed in bed with me and we went back to sleep. I slept until 11:45 when she brought them back. Ethan was so tired I put him to bed for a nap and the girls crawled into bed with me to watch cartoons. They didn't make a peep and I was able to sleep until my older ones got home from school. I stayed in bed the whole day and most of Thurs too.
By 4:30 today I checked my weight and key tones and had lost another 2 lbs and my key tones were +80. Not good. I knew if I got up I wouldn't stop puking so I lay on the couch worried. Tony had been at work since 4 am and the older ones were complaining that there was no food to cook.I knew I was on the edge and couldn't cook.Then the phone rang and it was a sweet sister from the ward. She just wanted to let me know she was bringing dinner by and would it be OK if she were here in a half hour.
Now I'm crying like a baby as I am writing this cause this past week people have been so kind. Doing laundry, meals, helping with the kids. And I didn't have to ask. In fact I didn't tell anyone what a hard time I was having. They just showed up. Umm can you say prayer works?
So Atalie, I would have to say I agree, I am not in this alone! Thanks to people like you and my Heavenly Father.
And for everyone who has done so much Thank you, Thank you!

Is it Nature Or Nurture? I Don't Know, I Am Just Glad They are Mine!

2009-02-10T21:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard those debates? What makes a boy a boy or a girl a girl? I always thought it was both. However with Ethan I am thinking maybe they are just born that way! He shocks me right now with how "Boyish" he is! I don't remember Zachary being like this. This kid is freakishly rough and tumbly!
When he is angry what does he do? Head butt. You, the floor, the couch, whatever he can as hard as he can and for as much as he can get away with before he is stopped or practically head injured. And his voice is so dang raspy. And he climbs. Everywhere. Like a freakin monkey! I am contemplating tying him up at night so he can't get out of that crib! And I don't know how to keep him out of sinks and toilets! Let me tell you a kid in a toilet when you are queesy..not a good combo!
One of my favorite things he does? He tries to take on Zach. All the time. It's like he is challenging him! He jumps on him, yells at him, tells him to shut up for no reason ( I know it's not so nice but sometimes it is kinda funny!) He likes to wrestle him. He just loves, loves to mix it up with him.One of my least favorite things he does? Repeats my swear words! Nice!
I find myself amazed watching him lately thinking dang he is so different from these girls. He is already bigger than Grace and he weighs only 3 lbs less than Bailey!If he gets hurt, usually he say ow! and rubs the spot he hurt and then is off again. And he only likes to snuggle on his terms. He will be playing and running full speed and then stop come over give me a hug or kiss then is off again!
I know I say this all the time but I am always amazed at how much I enjoy the differences in each of my kids. I love the unique little spirit each one possess. And I am having so much fun watching this little guy as he learns new things and stretches his wings!
I have just been so conscious of how much he is changing lately and have enjoyed it.

Today I had a Dr appt again and before I left Ethan was doing crazy little tricks to make me laugh.once I would laugh he would put his hand to his forehead and cackle like it was the funniest thing he had ever done. He was just being crazy. I left with a smile and thought of him throughout the appt. I had another sonogram today and The baby didn't like it and was doing somersaults to get away from the pressure they were putting on me. I was amazed that at such a early stage I could see the little hands and feet and could see the fingers opening and closing.I didn't realize they could move like that at such a early stage and it was kind of amazing to me to watch it. I had this feeling of gratitude come over me and I thought of my little guy Ethan at home and the others and thought of how unique each one is and what a blessing they are. I had this feeling of kind of excitement thinking I can't wait to get to know this little one too. It was a strange moment. Almost like a acceptance that this lil one will be special too. I think I finally felt grateful for this one to be joining our family.It was a good kind of change of heart.
Not sure if this makes sense and I'm not sure if I even expressed the jumbled up thoughts in my head but I just feel a need to show a little gratitude.Maybe there is a greater plan in store for us and my Heavenly Father knows what is best.Plus, we ARE promised we will not be given more than we can handle right? So maybe baby #7 isn't a going to be the death of me after all!
Besides, I have my mantra...Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.Man kids movies are really deep sometimes!

I'm So Proud!

2009-02-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

As I have been posting and catching up on reading blogs I had my play list playing in the background. The kids are dancing to it and having fun.
Bailey walks up to me and gets right in my face all serious like and tells me "mom I finally know what I am going to be when I grow up!" Wow she is so smart! Already knows what she wants to be!
What is it I ask? She replies "A Pussycat Doll"
I'm so proud!

Is Relief In Sight???

2009-02-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

Man I hope so. Stick a fork in me. I think I am done! Cooked!

After my Dr appt last week things kinda went downhill. Couldn't stop puking. Went to the ER on Wed night and had IVs and meds. Felt better for about half of a day.

Then it got ugly. I couldn't stop puking at all. Non stop. It got so I couldn't even stand without getting dizzy and feeling like I was going down.

Sunday night I finally called the Dr and they told me to go to the ER again but I couldn't stand the thought. Hours of waiting and smelling all the smells in the room. So I tried waiting till Monday and headed into my Dr's office.

They weighed me and I had lost 8 lbs in 6 days and was a wreck. They sent me to the ER right then. The ER started IV's and took labs. The labs showed I was in a bit of trouble so they admitted me to the hospital for a few days.

It was actually kind of nice. They kept me drugged up real good and for the first time in weeks I actually felt better! I couldn't eat anything still but I was feeling OK. And I had the nicest charge nurse the first night. She came into my room at night when she started her shift and sat on my bed. She asked me if I was LDS (was it in my charts?) and I told her I was. She told me she was the relief society president in her ward and if I were in her ward she would make sure that they cared for me and helped me so that it would be easier. She said she wanted to get my relief society pres name and number and said she thought it would be nice to call her and explain that I really need help. She made me weepy. She totally got how dang hard this is. I told her I don't really think there is anything the ward can do but she was so nice telling me I needed help when I got home if I was going to be able to carry this baby.She said she thought even with the pump I was going to have a uphill battle. I have to say I just appreciated the compassion. I felt so exhausted emotionally and physically and It was nice to have someone understand that I am having a hard time.

Fortunately my DR said she wouldn't let me go home until I had some kind of home care in place. So the hospital went to work getting my insurance to approve the pump. The insurance said they would and assigned me a nurse to follow my care. That night the hospital told me I couldn't be released because the insurance wouldn't pay the cost of the pump. I freaked. The hospital was trying to set up critical care at home that would give me IVs nonstop until I delivered.Ummm..so not going to happen. I called the nurse the insurance assigned to me and was hysterical and explained I have 6 kids at home and being on IVs for the next 6 months is not a option. It is no quality of life. I also pointed out that it put me at risk for infection .So I told her I wanted the names of everyone refusing to pay what Matria charged so that I could hold the insurance liable if anything should happen to me physically or mentally.

She told me she would look into it and magically the next day they approved the pump!

So after three days I finally got to go home. Matria came out yesterday and set up the pump and I am good to go. The DR ordered IVs five days a week, but I have declined. Who can function like that? Dang!

Today I had a phone call from my Visiting teacher and she is a nurse. I am not sure even what to say to her. She seems to think that since I have the pump I am like my old self. When I explained it keeps me out of the hospital but I am sick all day long still she kinda blew me off. told me I should be just fine now so she was going to call her companion to schedule a time to come over. I don't want people over when I feel like this. I still puke. I still feel sucky. I'm not sure how to explain to her that it is not all roses. I always feel like I come off as a bitch to my VT when I don't want them over if I am having a hard time. I HATE having them tell me how I should feel when I am pregnant.

Have I mentioned how much I hate being pregnant? Oh.. and I had someone tell me my attitude was all wrong~ It was appalling. So..I would just say I do not feel this baby is not a mistake. It may not have been planned but it is not a mistake. I love every single one of my kids and feel they bless my life.But. I hate being pregnant. Every single minute of it sucks. And I am a baby and a whiner. A big complainer. And I will be until the day I deliver. If I bother you, just stay away. I get over it. In about six months....

And I do feel a little better!Good news???? the pump. Maybe relief IS in sight!

Forgive Me While I Whine! Again...

2009-01-27T19:56:00.000-08:00

I think I'm a bit over the edge today. Kind of on the hysterical side. With my medication I am queasy 24/7 but only puke maybe 4-6 times a day. But I ran out of medication and am puking ALL day long and into the night. If I move I puke.
Went to the Dr today and puked 4 times while there. I had had it! I am over it and I have a long long way to go. Ughh.
So I did what I do best and broke down sobbing. nice! Tony kept telling me to pull it together. Not gonna happen.
So the Dr told me insurance is hesitant to pay for the meds. That they want me doing other stuff first before giving me the medicine that works. You know cause after 6 other pregnancies...I guess I don't know what I am talking about. Maybe happy thoughts and crackers will work if I will it too.
I don't want to go months and months without being able to function. I told the DR I can't live like this. She asked if I felt like harming myself. umm no, but maybe harming my husband!
So, my only option is going next week and if I lost some weight they might be able to justify to the insurance to pay. And if I agree to the IVs they can try to get me on the pump.Sheesh whatever it takes just give me my damn drugs ya know? So...I am not going to fight the puking this week. If I feel sick I am not even going to make the effort to get food in. And hopefully by next week I can get some drugs so I can sit up, maybe get out of bed and if lucky, shower. Such high ambitions.
Oh...and after talking with insurance tonight they decided they would pay for 12 pills. But I would have a copay. My portion?? $465. right. totally do-able.
now excuse me while I go puke and cry a little!

I Have My Ways!!

2009-01-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

~Of getting even that is...

My teens love to torture me! They do it daily. Especially when we are in the car and I have no way of escaping.
Sometimes they will crank the radio up full blast, roll down the window and holler at people dancing and screaming. I get so irritated and yell at them and turn the music down. Often I'm told "Chill baby girl...it's all good"
Well, today I had the opportunity to get even!
As I was pulling up to pick a mouthy teen at school Lady Gaga came on the radio (who doesn't love Lady Gaga?) So I turned the radio up full blast, rolled down all the windows and slowly rolled up dancing my butt of in the car! All of mouthy teens friends mouths dropped open in shock then they started cracking up. Mouthy teen got in the car and asked "what the crap was that?"
My reply? "Chill~it's all good baby girl!"

Happy Birthday Chella Labella!

2009-01-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

Saturday my wild child,Gracie turned 3!

She chose to go to Chuckie Cheese of course. Great place to torture the parents and have a good time. Mission accomplished!

She was a kick in the pants all day long. She told everyone Happy Birthday to you or she'd say YOU may not go with me to Chuckie Cheese. She was super nice to some and not so nice to others. You know...typical Grace!

My favorite part of the day was watching her open her presents. She was DELIGHTED with each and every present she received. She'd laugh and tell me she really loved it.

Do you ever worry you didn't get just the right present or buy enough of them? I always do for some reason but I couldn't have done better in her mind and it was great! She was so appreciative of everything.

The kids played for awhile and we ate pizza that tasted like cardboard! Fortunately for me I didn't care if tasted crappy since everything I eat makes me sick! I guess Chuckie Cheese isn't successful because of the delicious pizza it sells!

After Up Chuckie we headed over to Toys R Us and let Grace pick out a toy. She chose Fairy wings that play music. She is a odd duck that one!

I felt like crap by the time we got home so we saved the cake and ice cream for Sunday night's dinner with the missionaries.

We lit the candles and sang Happy Birthday to her but I couldn't get a picture of her blowing out the candles since the second we lit them she blew them out before I could take the picture.

It was a fun birthday for her and all the funny little things she did throughout made me smile and realize how grateful I am that this sweet, funny little girl is a part of my family. She is without question my hardest kid and yet she is also the most entertaining, and fun. I love, love her personality. Some days more than others of course!

Happy Birthday my little Chella Labella! I hope you had as good of a day as me!

Dig Deep!

2009-01-15T07:59:00.001-08:00

I knew that I wanted to post my word for the year and express my thoughts but some things have happened that have been challenging and I feel like I don't want to post since I feel so crappy! But since I have had some questions I thought what the heck I'll explain!

In Relief Society a few weeks ago the lesson was Thomas Monson's conference address finding joy in the journey. I loved that talk and found myself touched by it all over again in church that Sunday. It was a talk that really, really pertained to me.There was a quote read that I thought Ahah!
It goes..“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”
I thought OK. I need to work on this. It is not something I am very good at. So I decided that my word for the year 2009 was going to be Joy. Finding Joy In My Journey.

I thought this is my year for change. I want to exercise at the gym regularly. It would help me chill and lose some weight. That's good. I wanted to eat better, get more sleep and really focus feeling good so that I would be able to be a better parent, person etc. I had some big plans here. Seriously! I thought life was going to get much easier this year!
But sometimes life (and God?) has a sense of humor. And~Apparently I don't.

See. I have been vigilant. Birth control Nazi here.With TWO different kinds. So of course it would be impossible for me to get pregnant right???? WRONG!!! Apparently my husband has mutant sperm. Sick!HOW THE FREAK CAN THIS HAPPEN?
I am still in shock. Frustrated. I am downright bitchy. Not sure if I can really do this again. Don't really want to either. How sad is that?I love my lil ones so much. It's just the thought of the torture of being pregnant. I worry I don't have it in me to deal with this again. Puking days are here again.

I guess my resolutions for 2009 are going to have to wait awhile. Now the focus is just survive the journey right? That's really how I feel.
So as you can see my word of the year has now become a challenge for me. I am going to have to really dig deep here. Maybe put some of that bitchiness aside. Wish me luck folks. I think I am going to have a bit of a uphill battle here.
However, there is one more part of the talk that Pres Monson gave that pushes me forward and gives me a little comfort,advice, and perspective.
"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."

He is so fantastic. And I need to be a little better. So I will have myself a little pity party and then try to get on and find Joy in the Journey. Are you laughing yet?

52 Blessings Project~Week 52!!!!

2009-01-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

Dang I have been sick, so I have neglected my blogging a bit and am behind. So here is my last blessing of 2008. just a little late!
Now I know this is my last blessing of 2008. It should be something poetic.My last week to post something great. Something really spiritual, something big right? Whatever. However, I keep coming back to the same thing! And for me it IS big!
So This Week I am Grateful For~ An Easier Journey!
This has come to me at different times and a little at a time. I have had a realization lately.When I first had Ethan I was cooked. Done! I had a hard time. 3 under 3. 3 In diapers. 3 in my bed. 3 demanding my undivided attention! It was hard. At times it downright sucked. I'd have all three of them crying at once and then I'd find myself crying too! I am not super together. NOT Super patient. If I were a dog I think I'd be a poodle. Nervous and shaky and yippy!
About four months ago things had been really hairy. Grace was having melt down after meltdown all day long! She and Bailey would fight non stop. The older ones took being a mouthy teenager to a whole new level. I felt as if I was getting it from every angle. I was pretty dang discouraged! I was taken to the very edge and then... BAM!Change! A little relief!

Bailey was potty trained, but Grace being Grace had to resist! She does Everything on her terms. Recently though she has decided she is done being in diapers. Woke up one day and said "no I wear panties, not diapers!"Well...OK! From 3 in diapers to 1! Making progress here...
And she and Bailey have decided being friends is better than fighting. They play so nice together. I love hearing Grace say "Bailey you are my best friend." To which Bailey will say "yeah Grace we love each other" Much nicer than the carnage that we had around here a few months ago.

Ethan has been taking naps consistently every day and I am really liking that! Mouthy teens and pre teen are off again on again a challenge but I have had some really nice times with them lately and it helps me see they will eventually come out of the fog. Patience dear, patience.

So, nothing huge, of great insight just the knowledge that things do get easier eventually and for that I am very grateful!

52 Blessings Project~Week 51

2008-12-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

This Week I Am Grateful For ~ Fun, And FREE!

Christmas is a drain. Financially, physically, and emotionally. It is easy to get caught up and not take the time to enjoy the moment.

During the holidays money always seems to be tight so even though the kids are out of school and we have the time to do things we never seemed to have them money to do it! This year I have felt fortunate that we had some activities that were both fun and free. They allowed us to take the time to be with the family, share some fun times and just enjoy the time together.

We got the tickets to zoo lights that included a great catered dinner. We took one day and went to Bass Pro shop for their Christmas celebration. They had cookies to decorate, free target shooting, letter writing to Santa, a Santa to visit, and lots of fun stuff to look at! It was very nice.

Temple square on Christmas Eve was fantastic and once again..Free!After Christmas Ashley was here for a visit so we went to the zoo again. A whole different experience than going at night, and once again Free! I love free!

Me being cheap I went to Target before we left and bought popcorn. Only $1.00 compared to the $4.00 at the zoo! The kids had fun and I was lovin how sweet the older ones were with everyone! It doesn't happen often so when it does I love it!

This year I think was one of the best years for me this Christmas. For some reason the stress was just gone. It was like magic! We didn't have a lot of money to spend but we somehow had enough to do what we needed.

And having things to do for free helped stretch the budget and the FUN! And for that I am very grateful!

Was Your Christmas Merry?

2008-12-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

Mine started out a little tentative I have to admit. Ladies..I am sure you will side with me on this I swear!
It began the night before my birthday. Grace broke my crockpot and I was telling Tony I am in deep trouble here without my crockpot! So for my birthday the next day I unwrapped a crockpot for my gift. Not my favorite present by far! Whatever!
So Christmas Eve Tony gives me one gift to open from him. He swears it is so fantastic! I am going to love it! He really talks it up! I am getting super excited! So.. I tear into it with anticipation and excitement! And..what is it?? A electric knife sharpener! What the? Are you crazy I asked him? What next? Is Santa bringing me a vacuum tomorrow I ask? If so I swear I might go postal!

Fortunatly for Santa and the family I did not recieve a Vacuum or any other appliance on Christmas day and everyone was saved from me having a selfish Christmas meltdown!

In fact the day turned out to be delightful!

Here are some of my favorite things about the day~

Favorite gift received~ Photoshop Elements 7.0~ Good one Tony...really, really good! Much better than the sharpener fo shure!

Favorite Saying of the day~ Bailey when after openeing all the presents she did a little dance then jumped in the air and said "YES!!! I got lots and lots of presents! I guess Santa Can't see me all the time after all!" I guess she wasn't all good all the time and she was a little worried about how the bad times might have affected her loot!

Favorite Moment~The girls coming into the living room and seeing the presents and stockings for the first time! They were so,so cute! it was great listening to them as they opened the stockings!

Favorite Food of the Day~ All of it! It was so good. Rib roast, potatoes, dressing, rolls, pie..the works!

Favorite Act Of Kindness for the Day~ Tony letting me go back to sleep for another TWO hours after presents! And he helped with the picking up and supervising of the kids. It made a much nicer day for me to not have to do it all!

It was a wonderful day. Watching my kids open presents and seeing the excitement in their faces was priceless. They were so sweet and shared everything and were so happy for each other. The older kids helped the younger ones and even helped me.

I didn't lose it once. Yeah me!

It turned out to be a very merry Christmas indeed!

How about you? Was your Christmas Merry?

Low Key Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

Kind of strange not being with my whole family for Christmas Eve. I feel kind of lost as to what to do sometimes! It feels off if we don't have 30 or more people gathered for dinner, caroling and presents.

This year I decided to keep it low key. Not many expectations, just to enjoy the night with the family. That's exactly what we did. Instead of cooking a huge meal I bought deli meats and we made sandwiches and had chips, dips and crackers and cheese.

We opened presents then headed out to the Mesa Temple to look at the lights.They were amazing and helped me feel in the holiday mood a little more!

By the time we got home the lil ones were exhausted so I sent them to bed and the wrapping began! I don't know how I manage to do this every year but somehow I forget what I have bought and I end with more crap than is necessary. I worry and worry I don't have enough and in the end it is always the family joke when we pull everything out and I find lots of stuff I had forgotten about!

You could tell Zachary and Rachelle were excited for the morning as they helped with the wrapping and commented on how fun it would be to see the kids open the presents

So~ Even though it was a low key Christmas Eve I have to say it was nice.

I hope all of you had fantastic evenings as well!

It's My Party And I'll Cry If I Want Too!

2008-12-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

OK, have you ever felt that way on your birthday? Seriously! I have! Having a December birthday so close to Christmas SUCKS sometimes!

BUT~ Not this year! My family actually remembered! Rachelle got up early and took the lil ones. I got to sleep in! She and Hannah picked up the house and Hannah made a homemade card and made sure everyone signed it!
I got may hair done and then Tony and I went out to dinner to my fav restaurant the Fish Market. It was such a nice day!
No one forgot and everyone went out of their way to be kind and make sure I had a good day!
So to my family~ Thanks for making it a great day! It was fantastic!

Oh.. and Tony? He is ON this year! Not only has he gotten me presents for Christmas this year he did it all by himself. No help from me. And he says the gifts are fantastic! No last minute trips to CVS to buy me crap I don't like cause he didn't bother to buy me anything until 11 pm on the 24Th! I told him over and over it is the thought of the gift.. you actually looking for something I would love. The time and the thought!Let's me know you care! And he has finally gotten it! I am so proud of him! And~It only took me 11 years to train him! Dang I'm good!
Way to go Tony!!

52 Blessings Project~ Week 50

2008-12-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

This Week I Am Grateful For~ A Sense Of Humor

I have found myself getting a bit frazzled and sometimes just plain angry with the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation and kids and keeping up with the house and life.

Several times I have had Grace or Bailey say something so funny that just when I feel like I am going to cry I find myself laughing!

Well that same thing happened last week in the Circle K. I was frustrated, angry and feeling overwhelmed. I left the house to take a breather and go get a soda. I swear I was so on edge that I was trying not to cry when I walked into the store. I wasn't paying attention very well and almost ran smack into this huge, huge black woman. I stopped just short of ramming her and she was giving me the dirtiest look. I gave her a once over and almost started laughing out loud. I SERIOUSLY couldn't believe what I saw! She had a gold cap on her tooth.She had a gold hairpiece in her head, a HUGE pair of hoop earrings in the upper cartilage part of her ear, another bigger pair in her ears, A gold purse, a gold shirt, pants with gold stitching down the leg and to top the eye catching, sparkly ensemble off she had on a pair of gold sneakers! Freaking AWESOME!!!! I mean who has the guts to wear something like that?

So I get my soda, and I notice this scrawny, little white boy. He is trying to look all pimped out. Gold hat.He has his pants below his butt cheeks,ALL the way below and he also has lots of gold jewelry on. I couldn't believe my luck getting to see TWO people so blinged out and over the top And then... they met up~yes! They were together! How could I not have guessed?

Then I was blocking the cheese sauce for nachos when I was putting the lid on my soda and they asked me to move cause they needed to sneak some cheese onto their chips. They each had a bag of chips. One was Cheetos and one was Funnyuns. They told me it was the most delicious treat and I should give it a try. They then opened their bags and loaded on the cheese.LOADED IT! Trashy goodness or just trashy? Hmmm!

Not sure why but the whole thing cracked me up. Hope I didn't offend them but I was laughing my butt off by this time.

And by the time I left Circle K my mood had done a 180.

Strange but I have had things like this happen alot the last two weeks or so. I am angry or frustrated and then something happens that makes me laugh and seems to right everything for the moment and for that I am grateful

PS~ Rhonda Lu just mentioned I shoulda used my camera phone! I KNOW!!! I was so bummed cause that is totally what I wanted to do! My phone broke and I am using a crap little phone with no camera! RhondaLu has the best photos she captured with her cell phone! I love seeing them!I am totally going to have to capture some of the great photos you do!

Doesn't She Look Cute?

2008-12-21T16:05:00.000-08:00

I was over it. her mousy flat hair! I am used to having girls with curls. Curls, I know how to do. Straight hair? Not so much! Sooo after trying to make her hair look somewhat cute the other day and failing miserably I admitted defeat and I decided it was time! I'm vain that way. I like my girls hair to look cute and it wasn't happening. I admit it. We need help. Professional help.We went to the kids cuts salon to look for some guidance!

They came up with this cute a line haircut for Bailey! See how the cut makes her mousy flat hair not look so mousy and flat? I love, love it and even better? So does she! Yesterday I caught her twice up on my counter staring at herself in the mirror!

I guess she was tired of the mousy flat hair too!

Christmas Cookie Exchange!

2008-12-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

Today was my cookie exchange! It was a ton of work getting ready for it but I have to say it was more than worth it!

I went to Walmart and asked for some of their donut boxes. They didn't even charge me for them.I got them for free. I love free!

I wanted to jazz them up a bit and make them a little more festive so I added the little gingerbread men and the trees and stars.They turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself Pretty humble I know..that's just who I am!

I invited 7 people but only 5 could come I was a little worried but that ended up being just perfect. Everyone brought their kids and they had so much fun playing. We had a yummy lunch then we started the swap.

Now I would have tons more photos but I have a sad tale to tell...I had almost all of the house clean,but not my room! In fact my room is a total dump right now. Seriously sick. So I was walking by my room and saw Bailey in there with some of the her friends and I just about died! I just knew that one of the ladies was going to walk by and gag if they saw it so I had to resort to drastic measures and lock the door! And...my camera was in the room! And...I have no clue how to open the door by myself when it is locked!I am so bugged. No pictures of my friends, no pictures of the food, no pictures of the kids playing. UGGHHH! I was in blogger hell for a moment there.

But~ I do have a picture of the boxes I made before the party and I have a picture of all the yummy cookies after the party when Rachelle came home and opened my door for me! SO I will post those and you will just have to imagine how fabulous the other photos would have been if I had cleaned my room!

Don't the cookies look so cute in the box?

Oh.. and I made up a treat plate to take visit teaching tomorrow. Look how cute it is! I LOVE Cookie exchanges! Warning ladies...I am going to do it again next year so you might want to begin now and start baking by next month Ü

Can't wait to do it again!