Keeping Us On Our Toes

The kids decorating their Christmas tree

Brandon did the wreaths and the ribbon.

Waiting in Urgent Care Christmas eve.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It has been very eventful around her lately. We have many stories to share with you, but these are not all...

There will be more to come later.

The Computer

Sometime this last week, as Hayden was throwing one of his "I am way too tired" tantrums;

A toy was thrown at our i mac (computer) and hit the screen. The outcome was colorful lines through the screen and just blue in the background.

So, completely useless.

If you know anything about the imac, it is the entire computer all in the screen, there is not a separate tower. I am still trying to be hopeful that there is a fix for this in the near future...

Thankfully, Justin has his laptop. We have had some fun Christmas parties and get together's with school, church, work, friends and family. These always help to set the mood for the holidays.

Fun Times Together

Christmas Eve came quickly for us.

It was a very busy day in a different way then planned.

The day was going very well and I was right on schedule with our events with the kids.

In the morning we did some light straightening and were ready and dressed for the day quickly.

We went downstairs to decorate the little tiny tree for the kids,

I had been promising to do this before Christmas.

I supplied the decor and they did the decorating. It was really fun to watch them do their own tree and see the outcome. They really enjoyed it.

Next on the plan was to clean up the decor boxes and gather the kids together and sing songs and dance around the tree. We were then going to take naps for some and others were going to help make goodies for friends and neighbors.

Well...... It didn't go that far. It ended at putting away the Tupperware in the storage.

Head injuries = Urgent Care

Hayden went upstairs and left the door at the top open

(which is a big no, no when the dog is not in his kennel or outside).

I was in the storage room with Brandon. He had climbed under the highchair to get to the baby swing where skittles (our cat) was sleeping.

A few seconds later Myka was down there and in skittles face. Now, Myka loves to play with the cats but the play is not returned too well.

Brandon felt that if he laid on top of skittles he could protect her and calm her down. Of course a cat is not going to see it that way and the claws were out and swatting.

I turned around to escort the trouble back upstairs and Brandon was crying. I climbed through the baby things to see his head on skittles with her claws still out on top of his head.

His entire back of his head was covered in blood!

I found a few little marks just from claws but the big cut we are not sure of.

It could have come from throwing his head back onto the high chair or a claw.

(The Dr. thinks the highchair)

Justin was working so that left us without a car...

My most wonderful friend and neighbor was able to let me use her husbands car so I could take him into urgent care. Thank you SOOO much for your kindness and help!! I am very grateful to her. The Dr. was first going to put a staple in it, then decided the easier and safer route would be to just use glue.

A Fever and....

Just before leaving to go get Brandon to the Dr. , Hayden woke up from his nap and was whining and crying and would not walk. He just wanted me to hold him. So, I take his temp and it was at 101.6. So I had him checked out too just to make sure there were not infections causing his fever. Thank goodness it was not.

Oh, it does not stop here......

Ewwww!

We were about to go into Petco and Target as we were waiting for Brandon's prescription.

Unfortunately we did not make it out of the car yet and Hayden puked all over himself!!

I felt so bad for him. I was not going to take him out at that point and go anywhere. So, we sat and waited for dad to get there for 1 1/2 hours. In the meantime he threw up a second time.

Now, normally I would just take it as it goes and not worry about the mess until later, but, it was not our car!!! Oh, thank goodness for leather seats at least! I was glad he fell asleep quickly after that so he wasn't uncomfortable any more.

Yes, very eventful, I would rather take uneventful over this. But, it will be a Christmas Eve to remember for sure.

Brandon is doing well and hopefully healing quickly from his bazare cut to his head.

And for the rest of us... Let's hope the sickness is gone away quickly and is not shared with all.

(I have lots of pictures I would like to share, But I am using Justin's laptop so I am not sure yet how to get them here... so hopefully soon.)

Glasses and The Tooth fairy

Brandon has had some big changes over the last few weeks.

He has to start wearing glasses.

He has been so excited about it. We can not keep them off! He is only supposed to wear them to read. Well, that's not happening. He wants to wear them all of the time! At least he doesn't hate them. Any advice in helping him to only wear them when he is supposed to? I can't do anything when he is at school.

Next, he lost another tooth. 

This was not just another tooth falling out. It was was a very sad moment for him.

I admit I was a little sad too. 

Here's the story....

I kept urging him to let me pull it or that he needs to do it or he may lose it somewhere.

Well, one night we were eating ice-cream cones. He did not have just one cone but two. 

He went into the bathroom when he was done and began to cry, "Where is it? Where is it?" He walked out with this hole in the front and the tooth was gone. Swallowed without realizing it.

His mouth was so cold and numb from the ice-cream he didn't know it.

The funny part was to come...

He told us to get it out. We explained we couldn't. Then he cried because the tooth-fairy couldn't come and get it. He told us that she would have to go into his tummy to get it. But where would she put the money? The next day he came running out of the bathroom, after doing his thing and told me I had to go see if his tooth was in the toilet! Agh! yuck! No way! I had to convince him it was gone and to let it go. Poor kid! So I hope it was a lesson learned about listening to your parents. Maybe next time he won't wait to pull it.

A good thing is, he can whistle now that he has that hole in front and is so excited about that!

Myka turns 1

As we were told... Myka was born on Thanksgiving last year which would have been Nov. 22. I actually did not think about it til now, but, we were telling our kids his birthday was on Thanksgiving forgetting the fact that it is not on the same date every year. So Happy Birthday Myka. 

These are a few pictures  from our first dusting of snow. He loved diving onto it, pouncing and trying to eat it. Can't wait for some real snowfalls. He will be fun to watch.

Be grateful

We really missed all of our family this year for Thanksgiving. It gives you a different perspective on things when you are pulled out of your norm. and experience something in a different way.

We were together with our own family though, and some wonderful friends.

I was thinking how Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that we have and to be full of gratitude and share our love and time with our families and friends. Then following close behind is a time to to be thoughtful of others and give and share with Christmas. 

I love how these holidays can bring much inside warmth amongst the bitter cold the weather brings us. 

 I am so grateful for all that I have. I am so blessed even when I feel that my world may be falling down all around me. I have so much. I know I may have more than some others with all of the worldly possessions they could ever dream of but lack other things. 

Just to list a few.... 

My most wonderful and loving Husband whom I love more than my words can say. My 3 wonderful children. The knowledge I have to know that we will be together forever. 

The beauty of nature all around us. The warmth of our home when coming from the cold outside. Friends, family and leaders and teachers who have touched my life and my family. 

All that I have in material things along with the gospel and truthfulness I know to lead me along. To know that there is a plan set for me, to have guidance along the way. I know, I must also do my part. 

I liked this scripture and wanted to share it..... 

And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more. 

These Fallen Leave's Brought Us Together

It's amazing to think that something so little (which is really a huge chore) can be used as an opportunity. Such as a neighborhood get together. 

Have I ever said that I really like our neighborhood? 

Everyone is generally so friendly, and welcoming to everyone around them.

Wednesday night was no exception.

Our neighbors Pete and Anita finished raking their leaves and invited everyone over for hot dogs and s'mores while they burned away. What a great idea!

about half of the neighborhood kids

they all played so hard, Brandon started the theme of play for the night.

Spy.... 

He had on his back pack dark glasses and some plastic sticks for tools.

Watching in amazement as the bright flames crackle and burn while feeling the warmth from the fire.

Hayden helping once again.

He first picked up a stick to help rake.

Then, when handed an actual rake he kept on going until he was told to stop. 

What a hard worker!

Don't step away for a second!

What is a normal day for us? Well, at some point it usually includes something like this:

Hayden completely covered in something. 

Here his hair and hands and face are covered in soap, and that is a streak of lipstick on his head. At least it made for easy clean up, besides keeping it out of the eyes.

The other picture is of dry erase marker, this was one of about 3 times he covered himself in it. I didn't even get a picture of the nice spiral circles he drew on his tummy. It was lovely.

This usually happens because I have to step away to fix dinner, take the time to go to the bathroom, or just run into another room maybe for only 60 seconds. He then disappears and has some fun. 

I can not believe I don't have more pictures. I do have one missing I know I have of Blue marker all over the bathroom wall and door.

Some of the other things may include But are not limited to: Vaseline

, Mom's foundation, globs and globs of mouse and hair gel, Butt paste, lotion, and if he is outside, dirt, mud or sand. Those are probably the top of the list. 

There are many times I did not get pictures to my regret. The latest happening actually occurred while we were all still asleep early in the morning. He found a cover girl outlast lip gloss and put it right across his eye brows. That stuff does not come off!! It was Sunday morning before church.  Nothing worked. eye makeup remover, I tried Vaseline that did a little bit. I finally went to my neighbors house who came up with the idea of using Redken Glass smoothing serum.

 

Stuff you use on your hair? But, It worked! It came right off. No trace left. Amazing. So... I guess if you want to fork out $15 for a 2 oz. bottle or so it can be doubled as a face

cleaner. A little goes a long way. I wonder how it would work on fabric? 

A good little mom trick. You have to get creative sometimes when 

it comes to cleaning of little children.

Here is a great example of being sneaky right in front of me! I was just on the other side of the door as he was asking for something to eat. I did not hear him get up there in the 30 seconds it took. He just started asking for help.

He keeps us on our toes. 

At least I know he is not the only kid out there like this. I am afraid there could be worse. I feel sorry for that mom that I do know of. :) 

These are perfect examples of times he asks my feelings about what had happened and it goes like this every time in a very questioning voice....

"Funny? Angry? Happy? Sad?"

I love to see that he is so in tune to feelings and wants to know how I feel. Although a lot of times in the end he tells me "Funny!" With a nod of his head for approval.

Halloween 2008

I was able to help out with Alyssa's school party.

It was fun to be there with all of the kids and to take Hayden with.

(I know it is hard to see what I typed under these pictures, 

if you click on the photo into a new window it should be easier)

Finally a few pictures from Halloween. 

you can go here  also to see the album.  

Called to Serve

I love this guy! I am so proud of my little brother! Today he entered the MTC (Missionary Training Center) It feels like it's been a long road to get there.  

It's official! He is now a Missionary getting ready to serve the Lord.

I love him and I know he will be great in all he does!

If you are interested in how he is doing or to read his farewell talk you can see it here.

I have done a lot of thinking the past week (from the time it actually "hit" me he was leaving this week) about different things in life. One thing was when I think back to the time when I left home to be on my "own". (I was actually living with my sis. but that's beside the point.) Mike was only 8 years old.  I was worried about leaving my younger siblings behind! I wanted to be there for them and to help guide them to make good choices and just be there through any bad times that might come. And it was just really hard for them to grow up without me. But, I knew I was not in control, and I was just their sister not a parent, and I had my own life to take care of. So, looking back I think of how I feel like I have been holding my breath this whole time, seeing all of the good and not so good choices made or different paths that could have been taken for Mike to get to where he is, and I was just able to release it all today finally and breathe a little easier. Maybe that sounds silly, but it's really just my thoughts and it makes sense to me. 

1. I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go
2. It may not be on the mountain’s height, Or over the stormy sea; It may not be at the battle’s front, My Lord will have need of me; But if by a still, small voice He calls, To paths that I do not know, I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine, I’ll go where You want me to go.
   • Refrain: I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, O’er mountain, or plain, or sea; I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be.
3. Perhaps today there are loving words Which Jesus would have me speak; There may be now in the paths of sin, Some wand’rer whom I should seek; O Savior, if Thou wilt be my guide, Though dark and rugged the way, My voice shall echo Thy message sweet, I’ll say what You want me to say.
4. There’s surely somewhere a lowly place, In earth’s harvest fields so white, Where I may labor through life’s short day, For Jesus the Crucified; So trusting my all to Thy tender care, And knowing Thou lovest me, I’ll do Thy will with a heart sincere, I’ll be what You want me to be.

Ha-Ha Halloween Fun

A few of the pumpkins on display on the trail

This weekend we had more fun Halloween activities.

At Ha Ha Tonka they had a walk way up to the castle lined with around 100 pumpkins,

and scary things hanging from the branches of the trees

and other cool Halloween decor.

We enjoyed Hot Apple Cider (which was really just a little warm)

 

And of course....

Making yummy smores!

Daddy and Hayden, and Hayden's pose for "take my picture!"

Brandon's eye's are on fire like the dragons'.

They also had ghost tales, been bag toss and little prizes, and a small craft for the kids. 

Alyssa is always so terrified with anything scary that has to do with Halloween. She starts to cry in the store before we are even close the the aisles if she spots it.

So she keeps her distance, while the boys love it!

A Summer gone

Summer came and went so fast. I just want to remember Some of what we have really enjoyed and it is seeing all of the fun little critters everywhere.  They are just so fun, but mostly because the kids get so excited about them.

We saw so many turtles! We did not get many pictures of them though. This Larger one may have been the last one we did see. I like the picture of Alyssa reaching for it. She was crying because she didn't want it to go.

These are random... a baby cardinal, hummingbird, baby groundhog, sky before tornado warnings, the beautiful lake we are surrounded by, and a pretty harmless garden spider that lived on our porch for awhile.

More lake, ringneck snake, butterfly

Of course the frogs! We saw sooo many frogs this year. Brandon caught the one he is holding and was so proud of it. He seamed to like him, it just hung out for quite awhile.

Nature is the best part of Summer I think.

There is so much of it all around us here at the Lake and it is so fun watch and learn with the kids or just go for a walk on trails and enjoy it.

Pumpkin Patch Harvest

Parents As Teacher's has an activity every month to do with the kids.

This was so much fun with the kiddos.

First we went on a scavenger hunt on a trail and at the end there were scattered pumpkins for the kids to pick one and have.

They did crafts, painted and decorated their pumpkins, pumpkin sack races, and a few other various activities. More perfect weather and fun times with my kids.

Happy Anniversary To Us

October 14, 2000

On Wednesday the 14th marked 8 years of being Married.

I have such a wonderful husband and family, and I am thankful for every bit of what I have.

It's amazing how time goes on and you realize that you are constantly growing as a couple and are always learning new things about one another.

I am so lucky to have Justin as a wonderful husband, who really takes care of me and loves me.

He is so wonderful with our children and they love him so very much.

The past years have not all been that easy but I have loved every moment we have had spent together.

  I can't wait to see where our roads lead us in the future.

I love Justin with all of my heart and I am so thankful our family will be together forever!

Love you my Hottie! 

Happy eight  years together!

Tagged

8 TV SHOWS I LOVE TO WATCH

(if I had TV to watch....)  1. So, I don't love to watch TV

    although it is sometimes nice

    if I had it to watch...... 

    but here are a few.... 2. Extreme makeover: Home Addition  3. Smallville 4. Animal Planet 5. Some reality TV series 6. Any decor home show

7. How do I look 8. Any of the kids shows with them 8 PLACES I LOVE TO EAT  1. Olive Garden 2. Cafe Rio 3. Rubio's  4. Rodizio Grill

5. Panera Bread 6. Yia Yia's 7. The Mayan 8. The Cheesecake factory 8 THINGS THAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

1. Drove Justin to work 2. played with a cute tiny puppy

3.played with the kids at a fun park 4. drove Alyssa to school 5. went home and ate lunch and played with Hayden and Tre 6.cleaned  7. took the kids to the Parents as Teachers monthly get together

8. came home made dinner 8 THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO 1. Alone quiet time to think 2. time with Justin  3. Mine and Justin's next get away alone

4. Mine and Justin's next date night!!  5. Mike going on his mission 

6. getting in better shape 7. seeing family again 8. Myka to be better trained

8 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT FALL 1. The cooler weather 2. spending more time outdoors 3. changing colors 4. festivities and beginning of the holidays 5 .hot chocolate (preferably Stephen's)  6. kids excitement over the leaves  7. new family pictures  8. bugs start to go away (such as ticks and chiggers!)

8 THINGS ON MY WISH LIST 1. Get more organized! 2. replace broken kitchen appliances.

3.kids to sleep in their own beds all night! 

4. time and motivation to finish some projects I started a long time ago! 5. make time to read more  6. more patience 7.pay off my car  

8. to decorate my house how I would like (probably = the $) 8 PEOPLE I'M TAGGING

Whoever would like to be tagged.....

I really don't like picking people, so go for it! 

Boat Races

The Horny Toad Offshore Super Series National Championship Power Boat Race

One of our outings out together a few weeks back we went to watch the boat races. 

there were fun things to see all over the place. 

As you can see in the above picture the boat coming around has an orange triangle floaty cone thing to the right. It was a track they made in the water with these cones. 

These boats are so big, they have to be lifted up into the water by these ropes attached to hooks on the top and a crane!

It's dark, but you can see us standing by one of the boats while still on the trailer, to give you an idea of size. And look at this huge truck to pull it! 

The boats weren't the only entertainment. Alyssa and Hayden loved their first bus ride on a school bus! That was really exciting for them. They were chartering people down to the race from a parking lot a mile up the road.

And they loved watching all of the big and little fish by the docks.

It was a fun little outing.