meibimusings

Wish ...

2012-02-13T15:21:00.002-07:00

Kendall attends Kindergarten Lunch Buddies and a little bit of afternoon Kindergarten Enrichment. I pick him up early after I finish helping at the school. He is not happy when I pick him up - he wants to stay. He loves Ms. Stephanie and his little friends.

A couple of days ago Kendall told me that for his birthday, he wants to stay the entire time at Kindergarten Enrichment.

So sweet

Love these calls

2012-02-12T15:15:00.002-07:00

I love it when I get a call ... one of these calls. From Julia

Hi, Mom. I want to read this to you ...

From "Music in the Human Experience: An Introduction to Music Psychology" by Donald A. Hodges and David C. Sebald

"Researchers have demonstrated the significant role of the family in a child's developing sense of identity (Creech, 2009). Budding musicians were included in a five-year longitudinal study of over 200 talented teenagers (Csikszentmihaly, Rathunde, & Whalen, 1997). Musically successful adolescents usually had a strong family support system. Intensive interviews with 12 families showed how parents and children developed a family musical identity (Borthwick & Davidson, 2002). Parents served as role models and created expectations of musicianship. Often, parent and child bonded over shared musical interests. Siblings, too, had an influence. "Therefore, the child's musical identity is shaped primarily by the responses and values given by his/her immediate family." It is important to note, however, that having musical parents is not necessary for the child to develop musicality. Howe and Slobody (1991) found that only one-tenth of a group of exceptional music students had parents who were active musicians. Although the parents' musical skills were not critical, the level of their involvement was (Isbell, 2008; McClellan, 2007). Parents of successful music students were nearly always highly involved in mentoring the students' practice times, interacting with the music teacher, and so on."

Thank you for being that kind of parent.

Wow. That touched me to my core.

I asked her to e-mail me the quote so I could have it ... forever. She did ... and at the end was the sweetest note ever. One I will treasure forever. Joy.

Julia's note:
"This is you. In one paragraph of text. Love you mom. Thanks so much for always supporting me in everything that I do. I cannot wait to know that you're in the audience at my concerts once again this March. It's the way that it's supposed to be :) There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank Heavenly Father for blessing me with such wonderful parents that have taught me the way you and Dad have. I am THE luckiest girl in the world to have someone as loving as you to always be willing to sew costumes for a production, to take pictures of crew members, to go to EVERY musical production and record, and to make me feel special the way that you brag about me on the family website. ;) I miss you so much, Best Friend.
Love,
Your Jules"

I am the luckiest Mom ever.

I've got my eyes on you ...

2012-02-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had a lesson on gratitude in Relief Society. The teacher gave everyone a gratitude journal. I keep it on our dining room table and every day or two we all write what we are grateful for.

Yesterday, I was grateful for my kids because they make me laugh.

Here is one great example ...

Last night before we said prayers, Jenna stole some of Kendall's French Fries. He was NOT happy. Oh the glare she got from him. He settled down and I continued saying the prayer. After the prayer Jenna started cracking up and explained what happened. During the prayer she peeked at Kendall and saw him glaring at her and then she saw this:

He's got his eyes on her ... No wonder why he doesn't close his eyes during the prayer.

I love you ...

2012-02-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

This reminds me of the grapefruit syndrome ...

Wife: I love you.
Husband: I love you too.
Wife: Prove it. Scream it to the world.
Husband: (whispers in her ear) I love you.
Wife: Why'd you whisper it to me?
Husband: Because you are my world.

Make every day like this -

Bracing ...

2012-02-02T16:00:00.002-07:00

for a blizzard.

We are expected to get 14-24 inches tonight through tomorrow! The kids are hoping for a snow day. I just hope John gets back from his business trip safe and sound tonight!

Chuck Party

2012-01-29T15:33:00.001-07:00

We have Chuck fans in our home.

How big?
Julia wants to marry Zachery Levi (also played the voice of Flynn Rider in Tangled).
Jaley wants to marry him too.
Jaley asked for Chuck stuff for Christmas. Her favorite item: The Buy More lunchbox. She proudly brings her lunch to school everyday in it.

And yes, we are watching the last episode a couple of days late ... we are celebrating, or I guess mourning, the last episode of Chuck. It is taped. We decided to party when we were good and ready ... or at least mostly ready.

While watching the final episode, we thought we would eat the food mentioned or eaten during the Chuck episodes.

Cheese Balls
Shrimp (Morgan's favorite)
Fozen Yogurt (Sarah worked at a frozen yogurt shop)
Corn Dogs (Sarah worked at a hotdog/corn dog shop)

would have also had (but forgot to put it on the shopping list)
Greenbean casserole
Sweet potato casserole (with mini marshmellows) - another favorite of Morgans

Farewell Chuck. Thank goodness for taped episodes/season!

Kendall's Pizza

2012-01-29T12:26:00.001-07:00

Kendall was starving the other night. He likes Pepperoni pizza ... not our homemade Chicago-style stuffed crust spinach pizza aka Giordaddy-o's. So ... we had pepperoni pizza and our stuffed crust spinach.

He ate 2 pieces of pepperoni pizza and asked for another.

I told him he could as long as he ate the pepperoni with the crust.

He did.

All 3 pepperoni's ... with pizza crust.

FINALLY

2012-01-05T15:08:00.002-07:00

Julia made it into BYU Women's Choir!

She auditioned before Christmas Break. Actually a lot of people auditioned before break ... for 12 spots total ... S1, S2, A1, A2 (soprano and alto).

She attended class yesterday and those that had callbacks had to audition again for the 12 openings. She said there were over 60+ people there ... and quite a lot didn't show up. If you ask me, I think it was harder this time around since there were so few spots with so many auditioning! Sis. A had to audition the students transferring in from BYU-I (they have a great choir program there too).

Sis. A remembered Julia and told her she noticed the change in her voice since her first audition (I thought she sounded beautiful back in August!). She remembered Julia during callbacks too.

I'm SO happy for her. She said she finally feels like her life can begin again.

Ahhh What a Break

2012-01-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel ... best quoted by Christopher Robin and Pooh -

... said Christopher Robin, "... what I like doing best is Nothing."
"How do you do Nothing?" asked Pooh, after he had wondered for a long time.
"Well, it's when people call out at you just as you're going off to do it, What are you going to do, Christopher Robin, and you say, Oh, nothing, and then you go and do it."
"Oh, I see," said Pooh.
"This is the sort of thing that we're doing right now."...

What a wonderful break we have had .. AND we did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Well, that is what one might consider if you were observing characters such as Pooh and Christopher Robin.

Lots of late nights. Giggles, snuggles. Lots of movies. Lots of nacho parties. Lots of bubbly (carbonated grape juice). Christmas celebration. Cousins. Sledding. More sledding. More sledding. I love being home without having to go anywhere - and if I don't have to go anywhere, I won't!

We send Julia back to BYU tomorrow night (sniff sniff) ... and we start school back on Tuesday.

Julia and Kendall sledding

2011-12-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

Kendall will correct this if he saw it - her name is Daeia, not Julia.

Here are some cute pictures of the two of them sledding together a couple of days ago. Kendall sure loves his big sister.

Love the looks on their faces!

Near the end of the course, they ended up turning around backwards and sledding down the rest of the way like this.

It is down

2011-12-31T13:20:00.002-07:00

I started on Tuesday. It took me two days. It feels good to start fresh for the new year, although I do miss the festive feel. I usually leave my snowmen up, but decided not to. One good reason was that Julia needed to video record a couple of songs for her BYU audition and I figured snowmen in the background would be a little distracting (oh, and does she sound amazing!).

Yesterday morning the kids helped me carry the bins and tree bags downstairs so I could load it in the closet. Kendall was sad as he helped carry the boxes downstairs this morning. He wants Christmas to be everyday so we can always be with our family. I told him we are always with our family. He corrected me, "No, Daeia has to go back to college. I don't want Christmas to end because she has to leave."

Have you ever seen a giraffe go sledding?

2011-12-29T18:27:00.001-07:00

I have!

This is how a giraffe smiles ...

Took a wrong turn ...

How about a penguin?

Do you see Julia?

Oh what fun!

2011-12-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Our driveway is crazy ... and so is our backyard! We have several levels of grassy areas with retaining walls.

Last week we received over 18 inches of snow. A week later the back yard still had nearly a foot ... and has been untouched - except by the furry animals.

My brother, Richard, and his family stopped in for a visit and boy did we have fun!

Richard forged a sledding route for the kids ... and then more joined to make it even crazier. Richard, John and I piled snow up along the retaining wall to make a slide area. We also covered some boulders and directed the sledding path away from trees and shrubs. When the kids hit the snow covered boulder, they would take flight on their sleds! It was so much fun!

Kendall and his 4 year old cousin, RIV, were in the snow for nearly 6 hours! It was beautiful out - in the 40's. I took tons of photos and some fun video as well.

We have an awesome backyard ... but even better we have a fun uncle and Daddy that spend hours outside creating this amazing sledding path.

Anyone want to come play today?!?

Kerst on the saucer sled

Kerst - can't you just hear him screaming!

Kendall - just listen for the giggles!!! When he got to the bottom he would ask me if he should go again. OF COURSE! I then heard Kendall and his cousin, RIV, talking to each other saying they were tired of walking up but not sledding down ... this was 4 hours into their 6 hour snow play time.

Kendall - this shows you how much air he gets going over the boulder we covered with snow.

John - enjoying the course after working so hard shoveling snow to create barricades, etc.

Jaley - the lighting was perfect!

Jaley

Jenna

My brother - Richard. He started it all ... and was so fun!

Richard

Cousin - RIV (Richard IV)

Amelia

Christmas Morning

2011-12-26T13:35:00.002-07:00

John and I stayed up to see if we could catch a glimpse of Santa. The kids were a little wound up and took longer to fall asleep. We gave up and put the camera on an tripod to try and catch him.

I told a couple of the kids that they couldn't get us out of bed too early ... and that I should average the their wake-up times to be the time we can be ready to open gifts. They didn't like that idea. Just imagine ... we have teenagers, a preteen and a 5 year old who can sleep until 10 ... the average time would work out to be 11:00 a.m. ;o)

The kids woke up and found the breakfast that Santa left. We took our time getting ready, eating, etc and didn't start opening gifts until after 8:00.

We all took turns starting with the youngest. It was fun to see the reactions and questions regarding the gifts.

I love Kerst's reaction. Poor kid is surrounded by sisters ...

Or when Kerst asked, "What do you do with that?" Julia showed him ...

She did get a shaver, but this was a double sided potato peeler. He was asking what you do with a potato peeler with two peeling options (soft or hard fruits/veggies).

I loved seeing them open special gifts they found for each other. The kids all drew a name and went shopping for that person. It was one of my favorite moments this season ... seeing them running around the store trying to hide from the person they were shopping for. I was at the check out when John and Kerst came darting to the front, dodging back and forth hiding their future purchase. They were able to dart to a self-check out with their hidden purchase. Someone watching on a surveillance camera would have thought they were trying to shoplift. It was quite a sight ... with lots of giggling from Kerst.

Kendall recorded a sweet book for Julia, Do you know how much I miss you? He helped her open it.

Kendall opening his gift from Jaley. I love his little feet sticking out ...

I am grateful my kids are pretty low-key. Jaley was more than thrilled with her Chuck t-shirts and shoes. Jenna LOVED her hard guitar case. Kendall loved his dinosaurs. Kerst was thrilled about his new waffle maker. Julia was just grateful to be home with family ...

We are very blessed.

Julia and Mikaela sing Silent Night, O Holy Night

2011-12-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

It was a real treat for me at church today to hear my very own Julia sing with her friend, Mikaela M. It was gorgeous. They sang Silent Night, O Holy Night.

I could listen to them all day.

It made my Christmas complete. Oh how I miss her voice.

Caught Red Handed ... or white gloved

2011-12-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

John and I were too tired to stay up to see if we could see Santa so we left the camera on a tripod to see if we could capture him.

The kids found this picture on the camera this morning.

Naughty or Nice - updated

2011-12-25T14:13:00.001-07:00

Over a week ago Kendall received a video message from Santa. Kendall has been trying hard to get on the nice list.

At breakfast this morning (before we opened our gifts, but Santa gifts were out in the open), Kendall said, "Wow I can't believe I made it on the nice list."

He sure makes me laugh!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T01:00:00.001-07:00

Our church has produced some beautiful videos of Christ's life. They are a gift to the world ... and free to download from here.

We are thankful each day for the birth, life, death, resurrection and example of our Savior.

2011 Christmas Card

2011-12-24T16:00:00.001-07:00

The cards went out a week later than I was expecting. They had to be reprinted - the coloring was horrible (purple background sky, pink "snow"). Second time was a charm!
Presenting our 2011 Christmas Card.

We hope you enjoy it!

Who's Who in Whoville

Julia

All State Choir

Played Sandy in Grease

Graduated High School

Sophmore at BYU (thank you AP credits!)

studying Music Education

Jenna

Junior in HS

loves to swim

works as a lifeguard

got her license

sings and plays guitar

Jaley

Freshman in HS

the artist in the family

#1 babysitter

loves interior decorating

loves to cook

Kerst

5th grade

bookworm

loves to sing

loves math and reading

loves to cook

Kendall

Kindergartener

learned to read (overnight!)

thinks he's the boss

he IS the boss

Ollie - Dec 24

2011-12-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a fun December! Thanks Ollie!

Kendall found Ollie this morning in a fort built out of some gifts. Kendall told Ollie it wasn't nice to play with other's gifts.

Ollie - Dec 23

2011-12-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

John and Julia were playing around last night with the recording equipment Julia received 2 years ago for Christmas (she would like to take it to college, but she is missing a component to allow her to use her laptop). Looks like Ollie is trying to record a song too ...

snow angels

2011-12-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

I have my own snow angels ... and they are gorgeous ones! The girls decided to do a photo shoot in the snow (at least 18 inches here at our house!). They put on red lipstick which made it even more dramatic. When I saw the gorgeous girls ready to go outside, their red lips immediately reminded me of my Grandma T and my friend Lisa. They always looked so stunning with their red lips. My girls looked stunning too!

enjoy ... and let it snow!

Jenna

Julia

Jaley

This is my favorite. A picture Julia took of herself with Jaley looking at her from behind.

Ollie - Dec 22

2011-12-22T12:03:00.002-07:00

Hangin' around ...

The card ... it is in the mail!

2011-12-22T10:58:00.001-07:00

It took me hours ... hours ... to address the Christmas Cards. It was fun thinking of the people as I was writing down each address.
They are in the mail! I still have some addresses I am following up on - so they will be a little late.

I will post our annual silly Christmas Card on Saturday at 4:00. Here are the cards from the past: 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and a sweet one from 2006

I came across this news story. This Mom has done crazy Christmas cards for years. 20 something years. I have to admit, I'm glad my Mom didn't do this to us. I hope my kids don't think the same regarding our cards ... although I think our cards have a different twist.

Each year I wonder what we are going to do for the picture. I have 11 more months to think about the next card.

Merry Christmas!

Let it snow!

2011-12-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

We are burried in snow! It is a winter wonderland ... ahhh.

Jenna had to work last night. The roads were clear, but with the snow in the forecast, I dropped her off.

4 hours later there were more than 4 inches of snow on the ground. John could not get up the driveway in his SUV 4WD with snow tires. Thankfully the jeep made it up ... but not back down. We parked it in the cul-de-sac because in the past, the jeep will slide down the driveway and has gotten stuck sideways.

I'm not sure what we would have done if we couldn't get out ... guess we'd pick Jenna up at work in a couple of days ;o)

It looks close to a foot and it is still snowing.

Ollie - Dec 21

2011-12-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

We had "Bubbly" last night for one of our advent activities. Looks like Ollie wanted some too!

Cracked the code ...

2011-12-21T11:00:00.003-07:00

The kids were talking about the code while we were in the car together. It was fun to hear them discussing their ideas.
Julia suggested it was how many ounces they were when they were born ... hmmm... total ounces? Nah.

Kerst suddenly piped in ... "Hey, it was how early we were born!"

BINGO. Kerst wins a lunch date!

Yes, all of my kids were born early.

If you want to know why:

Julia: Tried to come on March 17 - labor stopped at the hospital - but was born on March 23. Her due date was March 29. 12 6 is her code

Jenna: Due on April 15. General Conference Sunday ... I was tired, took a nap and woke up to trickling. Took a walk and thought I either had a bad bladder or my water broke. Jenna arrived early Monday morning on April 3. 12 is her code

Jaley: Due on Jan 24. John was leaving right around that date to start his new job in Ohio. The doctor agreed to induce me a week early. I went into labor late the night of Jan 16 and had Jaley early in the morning on Jan 17 (when she was due to be induced). 7 is her code

I can't cook boys ... my boys were tiny preemies ...
Kerst: I was going in for a regular OB appointment when I felt a trickle. The nurse said not to worry, the doctor would make sure everything was ok. She came in and immediately sent me to the hospital. I was not even packed. I had Jaley with me; the two other girls were at school. Luckily I knew John's work phone number and the neighbor's number. They were hoping that my bag of waters would seal up. Nope. Kerst arrived less than a day later. 57 days early. 3 weeks in the NICU.

Kendall: Since Kerst came so early, the OB group put me in the high risk category. I was on progesterone shots to stop premature labor. Jaley came in my room early on June 14 (sleep walking). I woke up to see her standing next to me. I discovered I was having contractions 5 minutes apart. I headed straight to the hospital. It took them several days to stop my labor ... and then things went south. I ended up having an emergency C-section (Kendall turned breach last minute) and my blood pressure was off the charts, my liver and kidneys were shutting down, I was seeing double, etc. Kendall arrived 53 days early. His number is 58 53. Kendall was in the NICU for 3 weeks. I feel he should have been in longer, but since I was a repeat offender and knew how to care for a preemie, they sent him home earlier than when I was expecting ... it took him a long time to gain weight. He was just under 4 lbs when he was released from the hospital.

Me: Back in the days ... my parents were moving around (military) and doctor visits were more common once their home was built and they were settled. I was born when I was ready ... so my due date. "0"

John: All of John's siblings were past their due date except for his youngest brother. John was born a week late ... -7

Updated hint from yesterday - to the code

2011-12-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Upon further investigation ... if I had a code my number would be "0" (according to my Mom).

John's code would be "-7" (according to his Mom).

Those are HUGE hints ;o) ... plus, Kerst cracked the code. I will give you an update today at 11:00 a.m.

Ollie - Dec 20

2011-12-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

We've got snow! I think Ollie would like to go play in it too!

A hint to the code

2011-12-20T08:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's hint to the code: The numbers will NEVER change again. EVER.

Today's hint: John and I do not know our code (we could probably ask around and see if there is a ballpark or exact number). I do know a ballpark number of my Dad's code if he had one this year with us. It would be in the upper 20's to lower 30's (once again, I'd have to ask around).

Jaley has been hard at work trying to crack it. I love some of her possibilities ... but then when she thinks about it, they don't make sense. How many pillows are on their bed (53 would not be an unrealistic number ;o) ). How many shoes they have.

Ollie - Dec 19

2011-12-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

First day off for Christmas Break! Kendall was "vegging" in the family room watching something on TV when I hear, "Hey, I found Ollie!"

The Code

2011-12-19T09:17:00.001-07:00

We have been using a code on the kid's Christmas gifts for the past several years 2010 2009 2008 . It drives some of them crazy.
Here is the code for this year (in no particular order):
58 53
57
12
12 6
9

Get crackin'!

Ollie - Dec 18

2011-12-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

What a mess! ... That is probably what you are thinking. The snowflake/snowman trees on the floor with snowflakes piled nearby.

Actually, Ollie is trying to help. John and I were in charge of our Ward Christmas Party at the church and we brought the snowflake/snowman tree, sleigh and presents as part of the decorations (along with several other items for center pieces). We brought everything back in after the party and left the trees on the floor by the front door.

Ollie is trying to re-decorate the trees.

Ollie - Dec 17

2011-12-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

O, Come let us adore him ...
I love this picture. Ollie must love it too!

Ollie is even posing just like Santa ... with a baby!

Ollie - Dec 16

2011-12-16T09:39:00.001-07:00

Chillin' with his friends

Naughty or Nice?

2011-12-16T01:02:00.001-07:00

Kendall has been pushing buttons around here. He thinks he is the boss. Wait. He IS the boss.

Santa opened his eyes tonight ...

We have been seeing a kinder, gentler Kendall tonight.

What to do in case of ...

2011-12-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Kendall told me on the way out of the school that he knows what to do in case of a fire.

"What do you do?" I asked.

You
Hop
Drop
and Roll.

Love him!

Ollie - Dec 15

2011-12-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Thirsty?

Ollie - Dec 14

2011-12-14T14:57:00.001-07:00

I've been behind posting ... I added Ollie's adventures of the past 4 days in more posts below. Don't miss out!

I think Ollie really enjoyed hanging out with his snowman friends yesterday. He decided to introduce some of Kendall's favorite friends to his snow friends ... (he found this fun snow so that his outdoor snowman friends wouldn't melt over night).

I think we need to keep the animals on the wood floor or outside ...

The boys thought this was really funny. Reindeer poop. Now yellow snow.

Finals

2011-12-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

It's been busy around here with Finals, etc. (Ollie and Advents are still happening ... I just need to find time to post pictures, etc).

Thought I would post these funny comments made by my girls on facebook.

Jaley told Jenna on the bus this morning, "man ... I need some liquid luck." (Harry Potter fans over here!)

And from Julia: "for those giving us a play by play of your finals week: nobody cares as much as you do, i promise. please stop."

She survived her finals. She'll be home in 2 days!

Dec 13 - Christmas Advent

2011-12-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

We had a busy day! Jenna had a swim meet (I love watching her swim!). The girls are in the middle of finals.

We met up after the swim meet for dinner and then headed off to purchase a calculator so Jenna could ace her test.

Ollie - Dec 13

2011-12-13T14:46:00.001-07:00

Can you spot Ollie? I think he was having a great time with his friends made of snow.

Dec 12 - Christmas Advent

2011-12-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoy some hot chocolate after Family Home Evening

Ollie - Dec 12

2011-12-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

Kendall has been doing "Ollie updates" for his teacher at school. I overheard him tell her that Ollie wa trying to get out of the house. Hmmm ...

Dec 11 - Christmas Advent

2011-12-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Have a family over to eat dinner with us.

Ollie - Dec 11 (with Amelie as a guest)

2011-12-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Remember Ollie's escipade on Dec 3? The reindeer left some poop behind. It was really chocolate chips. Kendall knew it but refused to eat them. The "poop" remained there the entire time.

Fast forward a week. My beautiful neice and her adorable daughter came for a quick visit and to take some pictures.

Amelie found the reindeer poop.

It was yummy (Kendall still wouldn't eat it).

Ollie must have been observing because this is how we found him this morning.

Dec 10 - Advent Activity

2011-12-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

View the lunar eclipse ... at 6:30 a.m. Yes, early on a Saturday morning ... that is early for our kids. Somehow we have been blessed with children that sleep in. They have always been sleepers!

At 6:40

At 6:45

The moon disappeared behind the hill as the total eclipse happened.

Ollie - Dec 10

2011-12-10T10:16:00.003-07:00

We woke Kerst up early today (and the girls). We watched the Lunar Eclipse at 6:30 this morning. Kerst headed back to bed after observing it. That was when Ollie was discovered with markers.

Upon futher investigation, I heard Kerst laugh. It was silent for a moment and then I heard him say, "Kendall is nice too!"

We discovered "Nice" or "Naughty" written on our foreheads this morning!

Kendall was overjoyed that "Nice" was his verdict.

The season is not over yet ...

and

thankfully Ollie didn't find my stash of permanent markers!

Dec 9- Advent Activity

2011-12-09T20:44:00.002-07:00

Snuggle up in some blankets and watch a movie.

Ollie - Dec 9

2011-12-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

We found Ollie hanging over the miniature trees. We think he was wall climbing - I think he overheard Jaley talking about her rock climbing experience in gym class at school. Ollie made a make-shift rope (DS charger) to use during his exciting extreme sport adventure.

They finally shipped!

2011-12-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

I can't wait, I can't wait! My Christmas Cards finally printed and shipped today! I ordered them back on Thanksgiving Weekend (great discount!) and didn't pay the extra for the priority printing. Tempting.

I hope to get them in my hands in the next couple of days ... and then I get to address them!

I'm still chuckling over the card ... you will just have to wait!

Dec 8 - Advent Activity

2011-12-08T20:04:00.002-07:00

Write a note to someone special.

Ollie - Dec 8

2011-12-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

John will claim we have enough Christmas "stuff" ... I'm glad to see that Ollie is on my side. There can never be enough! Thanks for helping Ollie!

Ollie made steps out of the boxes under the tree so he could reach the tree!

Ollie hanging up an elf ornament I painted several years ago.

Dec 7 - Advent Activity

2011-12-07T20:52:00.001-07:00

Attend Jenna's Christmas Concert. Wow is her Jazz choir good! They are singing on the radio KEZW 1430 - tune in live here - on Monday morning from 7:45-8:00!

Ollie - Dec 7

2011-12-07T15:53:00.002-07:00

Thankfully Ollie can't replicate himself that easily. I can't imagine any more mischief than what he is currently doing single handed!

Dec 6 - Advent Activity

2011-12-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Go out for dinner to IKEA (kids 12 and under get a free kids meal on Tuesdays!). It was surprisingly good and cheap!

Ollie - Dec 6

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

I wonder if he is missing his other elf friends, like Buddy ...

Dec 5 - Advent

2011-12-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Make white chocolate covered pretzels and oreos for Family Home Evening treats.

(Kendall asks me each morning, "What day is it?" When I tell him it is Monday, he jumps for joy and shouts, "Horray it is Family Home Evening!")

Ollie - Dec 5

2011-12-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

It took awhile for the boys to find Ollie this morning. Kendall gave up and did some chores (love it!).

Ollie is a candymaker elf so I'm not surprised he decided to hide among some goodies! I love this tree ... so many sweets!

Dec 4 - Advent

2011-12-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

Watch the Christmas Devotional.

Ollie - Dec 4

2011-12-04T09:35:00.001-07:00

I have a feeling that Ollie believes we do not have enough Christmas decorations on the upper floor ...

I spy a sleeping little boy ...

Not sleeping anymore!!!

That Ollie! Spreading Christmas Cheer!

Dec 3 - Advent Activity

2011-12-03T20:48:00.001-07:00

Have dinner with the missionaries from our church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons.

It was a rolling good time! Many belly laughs. These elders were really fun! Elder Anderson (from Washington State) and Elder May (from Arizona). We shared a lot of jokes. Talked about music (both sing - Elder May was in his HS musicals all 4 years and was the Beast in Beauty and the Beast his Senior year).

Party party party

2011-12-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

When Julia was home for Thanksgiving, her schedule was booked.

A date with Kendall (to McDonald's)
A date with Kerst (rain check)
A date with Jaley (to the movies)
A date with Jenna (rain check - she came down with the flu ... and thankfully the only one who did!)

Julia and Jaley had TONS of nacho parties! I think we went through several bags of chips and at least 3 jars of Nacho Cheese and a jar of jalapenos. Oh and the laughter, the movies - net flix, red box - they had a grand time together!

I can't wait for us to be all together again in 12 more days!

Ollie - Dec 3

2011-12-03T09:07:00.002-07:00

I think Ollie assisted in the reindeer games last night and when he came back, he had to continue with the miniature metal reindeer.

Ollie did not take the reindeer outside when he really should have ....

Do you see the reindeer poop?
Kendall saw it and said, "What? Reindeer poop?!?!"
Even though Kendall pointed out they are chocolate chips, he still refuses to eat them.

Dec 2 - Advent Activity

2011-12-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Go to Kerst and Kendall's school for dinner and movie night!!!

Dinner - pizza or hot dog
Movie - the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (I love the music in this!)

Ollie - Dec 2

2011-12-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

Kendall wondered why he didn't hear Ollie having a ball last night. Kendall and Kerst are deep sleepers ... and that is good for Ollie!
Can you just hear him screaming as he is going down his make-shift roller coaster?

Dec 1 - Advent Activity

2011-12-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Make Snow Cones!

We have fresh snow outside ... (It would have called it a snow day from school/work/etc ... barely could get out of the driveway even with John's 4 WD and studded snow tires!).

Ollie returns!

2011-12-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's that time of year!!! Our Christmas Elf comes to visit our home starting Dec 1st until the night of Dec 24th (when he hops on Santa's sleigh and heads back to the North Pole).

He is a fun visitor. He watches us during the day ... returns to Santa at night to give his report on our behavior and to help with Santa's preparations. He reminds me of the Toy Story movie characters. When we are around, he is frozen. When we gone/asleep he is busy ... up to mischief sometimes.

They boys have been anxiously awaiting for his reappearance. They have been wondering how he arrive.

I spy Ollie ....

He ended up in Kendall's backpack at school!

Kendall was excited to bring him home ... it was fun hearing him talk to him ... until ....

he fell asleep. Kindergarten is hard!

Let the fun begin!!!

Santa Puke

2011-11-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

Jenna came back from visiting a friend and told me that the friend's Mom LOVES Christmas and warned Jenna that her house looks like Santa puked all over it. I had to laugh. I think we have the same illness over here!

Twas the day of Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

We had a glorious Thanksgiving Day.
We slept in.

We spent hours getting ready for our traditional crazy family Christmas Card. Giggles. Posing in a variety different ways. Beautiful weather (in the 60's!). Editing (Julia is working on it still!). I can't wait!

We headed to visit family for Thanksgiving Dinner. Yum.

Came home. We were tired. John took Jenna, Jaley and Kerst to the outlets. I hung out with Julia while she edited more pictures for the card.

We headed out just before midnight to hit a couple of sales. We were slap happy. We got some great sales, and the lines at one store was pretty non-existent ... and Julia did the grabbing for one particular item. The line at Kohls was insane, but worth it. We saved a bundle on new boots for the girls (shhhhh).

It was a great day. So much to be thankful for.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig

2011-11-22T21:29:00.002-07:00

Julia's Thanksgiving plans changed daily. She has been homesick and has been wanting to come home, but it wasn't working out. I finally convinced her to go to Nevada with her friend, Katie G.

Julia surprised the kids and found a way home for Thanksgiving.

A boy from our other ward at church was driving home for Thanksgiving from Logan. Julia thought she had a ride to Logan, but that fell through last minute. Aunt Kelly saved the day and drove Julia and her friend, Bri, to Logan.

Julia arrived this afternoon around 3:00. We met up at the high school. I texted Jenna to let her know I would be picking her up rather than taking the bus. I pulled up ... Julia was in the car behind me. The girls arrived at the van and Julia popped out of the other car. Oh the squeals and screaming! So sweet!

I don't think Kendall knew what was happening until Julia pulled him out of the van and hugged him.

Kendall has been overjoyed having Daeia home. He has been reading to her and talking to her about going on a Daeia and Kendall date. Nacho parties. Sleep overs. Playing.

Kerst arrived home at 4:30. He walked in the back door and saw Julia standing in the living room. He ran to her, hugged her and started to cry. It was SO sweet.

It is wonderful to have her home again. I love it that my kids love each other.

DanceSport

2011-11-12T09:18:00.001-07:00

Julia fell in love with Ballroom dancing several years ago when she saw her friends participate in Ballroom competitions in UT. She took several months of ballroom here in CO, but it was difficult since the teen class consisted of 5 girls (3 were my girls) and 2 boys. Julia ended up dancing the boy part most of the time. She still loved it!

Julia is taking a ballroom dance class at BYU. Today she is participating in DanceSport at BYU - a large ballroom dance competition.

An update from my friend Wendi - aka Beautiful - Julia has been called back twice, she is very precise and dances well with her partner, Alexander.

Wish I could be there! I'm glad my Mom and Wendi could go cheer her on!

Devoted Marine. Devoted Soldier. Devoted Wife

2011-11-11T11:11:00.002-07:00

I came across this story and pictures and had to post it. In honor of the veterans who sacrificed for us so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today - and in honor of their families who sacrificed too.

The night before the burial of her husband’s body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of “Cat,” and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. “I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,” she said. “I think that’s what he would have wanted.”

The full story behind this picture is located here

This photographic series won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize in Feature Photography for Todd Heisler and The Rocky Mountain News. The Rocky Mountain News newspaper closed in 2009.

At the first sight of her husband’s flag-draped casket, Katherine Cathey broke into uncontrollable sobs, finding support in the arms of Major Steve Beck. When Beck first knocked on her door in Brighton, Colorado, to notify her of her husband’s death, she glared at him, cursed him, and refused to speak to him for more than an hour. Over the next several days, he helped guide her through the grief. By the time they reached the tarmac, she wouldn’t let go.

Minutes after her husband’s casket arrived at the Reno airport, Katherine Cathey fell onto the flag. When 2nd Lt. James Cathey left for Iraq, he wrote a letter to Katherine that read, in part, “there are no words to describe how much I love you, and will miss you. I will also promise you one thing: I will be home. I have a wife and a new baby to take care of, and you guys are my world.”

The knock at the door begins a ritual steeped in tradition more than two centuries old; a tradition based on the same tenet: “Never leave a Marine behind.” When the wars began in Afghanistan and Iraq, Maj. Steve Beck expected to find himself overseas, in the heat of battle. He never thought he would be the one arranging funerals for his fallen comrades.

Major Steve Beck and another Marine approach the family home of 2nd Lt. James Cathey, preparing to escort the Catheys to the airport to receive their son’s body. Five days earlier, the shadows of Casualty Assistance Call Officers followed the same path, carrying the news no military family ever wants to hear. “I’ll never forget Major Beck’s profile,” said Bob Burns of the night he was notified of his son’s death. The gold star flag in the window signifies the death of a loved one oversees.

After arriving at the funeral home, Katherine Cathey pressed her pregnant belly to her husband’s casket, moaning softly. Two days after she was notified of Jim’s death in Iraq, she found out they would have a boy. Born on December 23, 2005, he was named James Jeffrey Cathey, Jr.

Since James Cathey was killed in a massive explosion, his body was delicately wrapped in a shroud by military morticians, then his Marine uniform was laid atop his body. Since Katherine Cathey decided not to view her husband’s body, Maj. Steve Beck took her hand, and pressed it down on the uniform. “He’s here,” he said quietly. “Feel right here.”

Proud to serve

2011-11-11T07:45:00.002-07:00

It was a long time ago. To pay for college. My Dad said it was the only way.

I loved my country, so why not? I met many wonderful people. I learned some amazing things. I became stronger in many ways. I was able to share my standards and beliefs.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Me on my Army Training Graduation Day - ready to head home for Christmas and then off to BYU!

Warm Blooded

2011-11-06T09:12:00.001-07:00

My boys are warm blooded. They can run around the house in shorts and short sleeves and not be cold ... even if it is snowing outside. I put my foot down and won't let them dress like that when they go to school. I can still influence Kendall to put a long sleeve shirt on and socks. Yesterday I discovered he put his long sleeve shirt on over his undershirt and short sleeve shirt.

This morning we woke up chilly. Cold. Upon further investigation, our warm blooded 10 year old - Kerst - adjusted the thermostat last night because he was hot.

54 degrees.

Silly kid.

Julia goes Broadway ... BYU

2011-11-04T07:00:00.001-06:00

Julia auditioned for a spot in the BYU Goes Broadway production on Wednesday, Nov 16 -

She made it!!!

BYU Goes Broadway - Varsity Theatre, 7pm, FREE . I love Free!

She will be singing "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" from Phantom of the Opera.

I do wish she were here again.

If you are in the area, you should go!!!

Sharing

2011-11-03T17:22:00.000-06:00

Kendall spoke on the phone with Julia yesterday and said that he would share his candy with her and that she needed to come home. Julia told me about this conversation.

When I woke up Kendall this morning, I told him that Julia thought it was sweet he would share his candy with her and that she loves him.

He perked right up. "Daeia's coming home today?"

"No, not until closer to Christmas."

His face fell. "Oh no. My candy will be gone by then."

Yep. He's sweet. He loves his Daeia.

Never to old to Trick-or-Treat

2011-11-03T07:00:00.003-06:00

As told by my Mom:

"Dad had been in his grubbies in the attic and came down fluffy with insulation. He changed out of his clothes in the laundry room and put them directly into the washer. He was going to be in for the evening reading, so he put on his Stanford Dad sweatshirt and some exercise pants. He was reading contentedly in the living room prepared to hand out Halloween candy. When out on the lawn there was lots of commotion...lots of activity , the Stan A. family came over to Reed and Brooke's in Costume, Bill and Linda were there too, then Katie and Mark F. arrived. It was the huge gathering of Cousins to go trick or treating. I was on the phone with Grandma P at the time of the commotion. I was standing in our bay window describing the costumes and the activity with the arrival of so many. Then our neighbors started arriving for trick or treating. Dad just disappeared. He was gone for a long time. Next thing I knew Tigger (Mike) was ringing the doorbell. Dad was grinning from ear to ear... back with lots of candy in his trusty wheelbarrow. ..you know it, the one he'd used for every cement job he'd ever done....the one he'd hauled logs in for the huge pile by the barn and sand when the lateral lines were laid in Peck. The one our neighbors had on their roof as they were taking off four layers of shingles and trying to get it in the dumpster in the driveway. The one he bought when he attended NIU and had the 1948 yellow dodge pickup truck that he bought from an Episcopal priest and had his "P... Construction Company" All of his cement tools and the wheelbarrow were painted red so he could spot them easily. He just decided to go to a couple of the neighbors and they got such a kick out of it, he decided to do lots more. He brought the candy over to Reed and Brookes. The kiddos will have Halloween candy to last until Valentines day now!

He had a fine time, got some good exercise, created a few memories, and has warmed the heart of some ward members!"

Thanks for sharing Mom! I can picture Dad doing this.

More trick-or treating

2011-11-02T12:10:00.000-06:00

Kendall just came up to me with a big chocolaty grin on his face and said, "Trick-or-Treat".

I am thinking, "What? He wants more?"

No ... my sweet boy was offering me some of his Halloween candy.

A treat

2011-11-02T10:14:00.000-06:00

I got my blizzard treat. No M&M's though.

John dug out for 2 hours this morning.

School is cancelled.

Perfect! We pulled in our outdoor Halloween decorations last night and gathered the indoor ones. We will put those away today and then .... deck the halls!

I will soon be blasting Holiday music throughout the house ... as soon as Jenna finishes watching Psych (after all, it is a snow day).

M&M please

2011-11-01T22:24:00.002-06:00

I would like an M&M blizzard ... we shall see if I get my wish. We are under a blizzard warning. It started snowing about an hour ago and we already have 2 inches of snow ... waiting for the wind to pick up.

Following in her sister's footsteps

2011-10-29T15:52:00.000-06:00

Jenna auditioned yesterday for the CO Classical All State Choir. She was very excited but became nervous as soon as she went in the room. She felt good about her audition. Her choir director played the piano and said Jenna did very well - one little memory mistake on the lyrics of her solo audition piece. Jenna said that she messed up the first sight reading part but felt confident about the rest.

You should hear her sing. She has a beautiful voice. You should hear her sing with Julia. Wow.

We won't hear until close to Thanksgiving if she made the cut. Around 4,000 students from across the state audition, several hundered make the cut.

Here's to following in Julia's footsteps. Julia made All State her Junior year (only student in her high school that year) and Senior year (scored 98 out of 100 - one of 4 girls to make it in her high school)!

I am proud of her trying!

Better luck next time

2011-10-26T17:19:00.000-06:00

The kids tried to influence the weather outcome so they could have a snow day. They did some silly things last night.

We woke up to this. School was still on. The ground was warm enough to keep it from sticking on the roads. It snowed ALL day. Tomorrow it will be in the 40's. Friday it will be in the 50's.

I think I can ... I think I can ...

2011-10-25T21:01:00.000-06:00

Flush ice cubes down toilet. CHECK.
Put pajamas on inside out (Kendall giggling while doing so). CHECK
Sleep with a spoon under your pillow. CHECK
Boys are tucked in bed ... dreaming of a snow day.
Jaley just now opened the freezer and yelled "SNOW SNOW SNOW" into it.
She is now freaking out that there aren't any more spoons.

Gotta love their positive thinking!

Snow is to begin falling at 11:00 p.m. tonight and is to continue on until noon tomorrow. It will most likely be melted by Thursday or Friday (in the 50's and 60's!). I love CO weather!!!

Oh the weather outside is ...

2011-10-24T18:56:00.000-06:00

Delightful! 80 degrees today.

The snow starts tomorrow night.

I welcome the moisture - it will help our grass and trees. Not sure if I'm ready to be stuck or needing to dig out. Our driveway is crazy.

Insane with snow.

Spoiled

2011-10-21T10:11:00.000-06:00

I saw this and immediately chuckled and thought of my Bama/Grandma. Oh did she know how to spoil - aka love us. So many fond memories growing up with her visiting us. Girl's dormitory. Popcorn and pop parties. LeMan's Speedway with the quarters she saved. Sleepovers

... and then moving on to the next generation with my kiddos - Jaley having sleepovers at her house and eating tons of sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner ... ice cream sandwiches. Make-up parties. Tea Parties. Walks. So many wonderful things. Thank goodness for grandmothers!

'Laxing

2011-10-19T14:16:00.000-06:00

What is Fall Break all about?
Readin' and 'Laxing ...

Just ask Kendall.

Late last week I pulled out some early readers that I bought years ago (these books and our Leapster's Letter Factory Game are two of my best investments for early reading). He picked the early readers up and started reading. The light clicked over night!!! Now I can't get him to stop. He will read for hours like Kerst.

Water needed

2011-10-17T17:10:00.001-06:00

Kendall told me that we needed to water Jaley's bonzi tree.

I told him that we didn't need to because it was dead.

He looked at me and said, "At least her pet rock under the tree isn't dead."

Kendall's day

2011-10-10T14:38:00.000-06:00

Several things happened today with Kendall.
He fell on the playground and got a fat bloody lip and a bruise on his chin.

Next, E. drew on the back of Kendall's shirt.

Finally, Kendall was "Caught with Character". This is a reward system at his school. When a student is caught doing good things, the teacher writes up a ticket/note stating why the student was caught with character. The student takes the note to the office, receives a gold "I was caught with character!"pencil and hangs the note up on the "Caught With Character" board.

I asked Kendall what he did to be caught with character.

"I didn't draw on E's shirt to get him back."

I had to chuckle inside.

Hallow-mas

2011-10-08T11:05:00.001-06:00

Kendall was super excited to set up Halloween. He called me on the phone 2 weeks ago in tears telling me that Daddy wouldn't bring down the Halloween buckets. To keep the peace, John brought down the buckets. Kerst and Kendall had a blast setting up.
I wake up this morning and I'm in the mood to set up Christmas. Why?

The boys were excited to find the blanket of snow. Jaley headed out sledding with the boys in our backyard. She is such a fun sister!

How much he reads

2011-10-06T08:00:00.006-06:00

He's only 10. 5th grade. He usually has his nose in a book. Since school started Aug 9, he has read Harry Potter #7, #3, #5, #2 (yes, in that order). He is currently working on Fablehaven. I hope to get him started on Magyk next.

I went to parent/teacher conferences yesterday. According to his scores on A.R. (Accelerated Reader) tests, his teacher calculated that he is reading 198 minutes a day to achieve his scores and the number or pages/books he has read. I'm not surprised. I have a hard time getting him to turn his light off at night! It has been a little easier getting him to turn the light off with Fablehaven - he doesn't read that book at night ... it is intense.

Kerst. My bookworm.

How to count

2011-10-04T18:22:00.000-06:00

I love hearing all of the fun songs and poems Kendall learns at school. He has also been counting my ear off.

Yesterday he asked how to say 102.

"One hundred two" (you don't say "and" ... as that indicates a decimal point)

"No, One hundred- ee - two"

Kerst jumped in on the conversation and tried to convince Kendall that it is not one hundred-ee two, but one hundred two.

I thought about it for a minute and then it clicked. He is smart. It makes complete sense, especially to a 5 year old.

Follow his logic.

Twenty - two
Thirty - two
Forty - two
Fifty - two
Sixty - two
Seventy - two
Eighty -two
Ninety - two
One hundre-ty two

He's so cute!

Homecoming 2011

2011-09-25T13:50:00.001-06:00

And so it begins ...

Jenna had her hair and makeup done by a friend, Mariah G. It was gorgeous!

Jenna with her best friend, Sierra M. (She just finished having her hair and makeup done ... we needed to run home to finish modest-ifying before her date arrived to pick her up). Jenna's dress was a tad too short by a couple of inches, so we purchased a skirt to wear under the dress to lengthen it to the knee. The skirt was pretty hideous, but was perfect under the dress!

She still had to do her toes. I didn't know purple was her favorite color! It has been red (pink if red wasn't an option) FORRRR - EEEEV - ERRRRR.

Kerst and Kendall come to the rescue and blew her toes dry. It was really cute!

My favorite:

(I still needed to finish pinning the shrug on .. I finished just as her date was walking down our driveway!)

Jenna's date, Aaron M, is a real gentleman. He came over a couple of weeks ago to take her to a movie. He came in to meet us and survived our 2 million questions. Smart. Polite. Friendly. Kind.

When he came last night to pick Jenna up, the first thing he asked was what time he needed to have Jenna home. I loved hearing that - rather than us asking him. His parents should be proud.

They make a cute date!

She had a blast. He was fun. He had her home in time. Thumbs up!

Messages

2011-09-24T18:06:00.001-06:00

Growing up I remember playing with my brothers in my childhood home. It was late. Over the speakers came my father's voice, "Time to get ready for bed." We were in awe. Later I found out he hooked up a microphone of some sort to his sound system.

John loves electronics, computers, etc. He has all of our home computers networked. We run our T.V. off of the computer as well. Three of the T.V.'s can view the same program at the same time or.

Earlier this week, Kerst was down in the basement hanging out; we were upstairs. The TV was on. John typed a message. "Time to go to bed."

Seconds later we heard, "Awe, man."

Kerst came up stairs moments later.

Welcome Fall!

2011-09-23T07:00:00.003-06:00

It is definitely cooler out. We actually turned the heater on for the first time two nights ago ... it was 62 degrees in the house before we even went to bed.

The days are getting shorter. It is dark at 7:15 p.m. now.

Signs of Fall have been popping up ... leaves are changing colors too!

I thought this picture was a riot

The weather here for the next 3 days will be 80 degrees! Next week we will be in the 70's.

Field Day Winner

2011-09-17T15:00:00.001-06:00

Kendall attended his first field day at his school. It is a fundraiser too! He told me that his team won. He had a great time.

I didn't notice he was limping until someone pointed it out as we were leaving the school.

He said he hurt his foot at the dragon - #6 event. (Inflatable obstacle course). He did events 7-10 and didn't tell anyone his foot hurt; he didn't want to miss out on the fun!

This morning he had sausage toes and the top of his foot was very tender. He walked/waddled/limped only when absolutely necessary to move.

So ... we headed out to have his foot looked at.

To the "hop-sit-al" in Kendall-ese.

He was so small!

Results?

Inconclusive.

He still has very young bones - cartilage like. The x-rays didn't show a fracture, but they are still being very cautious because of his reactions ("Ow, ow ow" while trying to pull his foot away AND smiling his famous double dimple smile) to touch and movement of his foot and toes.

Kendall's options:
1. Orthopedic Shoe
2. Splint
3. Cut off the leg and come back in a week and they will give it back. (Kendall was a little worried until I prompted him to say "You're teasing".)

They didn't have an orthopedic shoe small enough. Kendall didn't like the idea of leaving his leg at the hop-sit-al for the week, so we opted for the splint.

Kendall is in a splint with strict orders of no weight on the foot for 3 days. We are supposed to go back to the doctor on Tuesday. If he can put weight on his foot without limping, then it is a soft tissue injury (bruising). If he can't put his normal weight on it, then back for more x-rays to see if there is any calcifying of the bone in the injured area. That would be the proof they need to put him in a more permanent cast.

So he will be sporting the splint and riding in the jogging stroller until Tuesday afternoon when we head back to see the doctor.

1 down, 25 to go

2011-09-15T19:01:00.000-06:00

Julia's "note to self" is a good one.

If "PLAN A" doesn't work out, don't worry... You still have 25 letters left :)

Forgotten

2011-09-09T08:29:00.003-06:00

I handed Kendall a pair of Julia's boots to put away in her closet.

Kendall: "Why doesn't she have the boots with her?"

Me: "She forgot to bring them."

Kendall looked at the boots and then back up at me - ".... she forgot to bring me too."

Days in school = me

2011-09-07T22:07:00.002-06:00

Kendall proudly informed me that today was day 19 in school ... and that it is the same as my age. 19.

I love that boy!

Ahhhh .... cooler weather

2011-09-04T21:06:00.000-06:00

Fortunately we have not been plagued with the heatwave that has hit some of the areas in the country. We have been blessed with some rain as well.

We had an air conditioning unit put in late this Spring during our basement finishing project. We decided to give it a try at the end of June to make sure it was working for my family when they arrived at our home for the family reunion we were hosting. It didn't work. The fan motor went out along with something else. The part wouldn't be in for 2 weeks. Thankfully it was not unbearable with 39 people in our home (36 sleeping).

The air conditioning unit has been fixed. We have not turned it on - I haven't felt like we needed it. Yes, the 3 bedrooms upstairs do get toasty, but they cool off beautifully at night.

Yesterday the high was 68 degrees! It was so chilly that I closed up the windows last night and woke up to the house at 62 degrees. It was freezing! I wore a skirt, sweater, tights and boots to church today. By late afternoon our home warmed up to70 (after running the oven to make dinner).

I love how nestled down our home is in the trees. We have a lot of shade and shelter from the wind.