Christmas Vacation Fun

So we have been enjoying our time off.
Jacob got Yahtzee for Christmas. What a blast.
so we decided to play together as a family.
Actually it started with just Winslow, Jacob, and I.
Then Rachel came to play. And then Abby.
Rachel rolled the dice for Winslow. She's GOOD!
I was impressed by Abby's math skills.
Jacob...he beat the tar out of us. 3 Yahtzee's in one round.

We went to Albequerque to exchange the camera we bought over Thanksgiving weekend. The one we opened and found that everything was in the box, BUT THE CAMERA!
We thought they would only let us exchange the camera, instead they let us return it. So...we upgraded. he he he. It only took 2 hours, multiple phone calls, and some great help from a friend who looked up reviews, to decide.

Then we went to the ALBQ...please don't make me spell it again...Botanical Gardens for their Christmas light display. We met up with Lisa, Evelyn, Ian, Julie, and Tess. It was sooo gorgeous. (Too bad my camera didn't have a charge in it yet!) I put David in snow pants to keep him warm. He had the best time. He squeled with delight over and over again. I think his happy screams were my favorite part.
Spent the night with Winslow's parents. And the kids opened presents from Lito and Lita. Too much fun!

Finally got around to all the boring paperwork I have been putting off forever. Cleaned my room. Put on new flannel sheets on all the beds. OHHHHH HEAVEN! Ate lots and lots of Chocolate. YUM!

Christmas

so Christmas here was
Peaceful.
We had a good Christmas Eve.
The kids helped tidy the house.
I made a Ham Dinner that was extra yummy.
We had a fun family activity.
We read from Luke 2.
We opened pajamas and slippers and presents from siblings.
We had family prayers, and the kids went promptly to bed.
Magic was spread thru the house. Even Santa got help from an Elf this year.
And Winslow and I were in bed before 10:30pm.
This was so nice because Santa was TIRED!!
(The Elf had gotten the stomach flu the night before and no one slept very well.)
Christmas is such a magical time.
Winslow and I woke up early. The kids were all still asleep.
Winslow made cracked wheat for breakfast and we ate in the front room by the toasty fire and waited for children to awaken.
They came out one by one and saw their gifts. Magical!
We opened gifts from eachother and had such fun.
David had to crumple each piece of wrapping paper before he could move on to the next.
Rachel was disappointed that she didn't get any clothes. HA!
Jacob was suprised by every gift. (He always guesses wrong. And I love surprising him!)
Abby jumped for joy over her new little pet shop toys.
David screamed. Woow! Woow! over his Tonka truck.
Winslow and I had way too much fun buying gifts for each other this year.
We sat around in our jammies. Ate tons of chocolate and pepermints.
The boys watched the Suns game.
The girls played with their new toys.
And David bounced off the walls from all the candy!

ESPN

ha! I bet you thought I was going to post about Christmas. I'll do that later. For Now I have to tell you of the new found love in our house. ESPN 360.com. We haven't had television for right at 3 years now. We enjoy Netflix, and we watch some current shows on the internet, but really we don't have a ton of time to have tv anyway so what's the point. However, there are some bummer points. I really missed watching Christmas movies this year. So we bought a few classics and that had to do. The Other thing we haven't had is of course SPORTS. I actually like to watch sports. Not always, but I do enjoy watching most of the time. So I've been a little bummed that we haven't been able to watch during these last few years.
Well... earlier last week I was talking to my brother Mike about the BYU game. He said they were at a friends house watching on ESPN. Well I wondered if maybe we could watch it on BYU tv. No luck! So I went to ESPN.com to check the score and there was this link to press to watch LIVE! Our server pays for ESPN 360 as a bonus to our internet. THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO KNOW!!! So anyway, now we have sports! Hurray. We screamed and cheered on BYU, then UofU (I know, we're weird we support both teams.) Winslow and Jacob watched soccer, we caught a Suns game. Lots of fun. So we are happily enjoying the Wonderful World of Sports once again!

okay Jen, these pictures are for you, so you can see my hair. I love having my hair short. I just do. I love long hair, but on me, well lets just say we don't get along. This is our christmas tree that has a serious "leaning tower of piza" thing going on. We put only the non breakable ornaments on. David loves touching the tree. And then there is the snow. keep it comming! I went to the store to get dinner and groceries, and when I got to the checkout the snow started comming down. I had to keep my self from jumping up and down in the line. Totally giddy with excitement! By the way, the reindeer is the only outside lights we put up this year. KISS, definitely keeping it simple this year!

Monday...what does it say to you that I can't even remember Monday this week!~

Tuesday...RS carolling which I ended up missing, although I did spend my lunch hour at work picking up hot chocolate, and other miscelanious goodies for the night. Ran home and worked on a veggie tray for work. Winslow whipped up a masterful dinner. And then a training at work followed by our department party. So glad I went to the training. It was all on transitions and I learned a ton!

Wednesday...Went to the Dr. with Rachel and David.
Rachel had totally lost her voice and i was concerned about her cough. Dr. snuck us in, so I had to race out of work to get her there before he left to his clinic on the other side of the mountain.
Rachel wasn't too bad.
He heard David coughing coughing and took a look.
Poor kid had a FLAMING ear infection.
"I am suprised he's not screaming his head off!"
4 perscriptions later (2 for each kid) we headed back to work.
Spent my lunch hour mailing Christmas packages. That evening was our program for the Childcare Center @ 6 followed by Jacob's choir concert @7.
--- left work at 4:45
hit Sonic on the way home
was supposed to be back at work at 5:30
scarfed down dinner and got to changing kids into church clothes
things were going according to plan until David pooped EVERWHERE!!! All over him, got on me, Not a happy moment. Had to ask for forgiveness of a few choice words grumbled!!!
Threw David in the bath. Thankfully Winslow made it home and took over bathing, while I whisked the others to the Center.
Jacob had a headache. Gave him a huge pepsi and kept telling him to drink it. (I'm sure the other parents thought I was a stellar Mom!)
Program went great. Kids were so cute. Totally forgot the camera~!
Rachel sang her heart out.
Winslow and Jacob rushed off to drop him at the auditorium while the rest of us finished up at the center.
Went to Jacob's program. He plays the bells in the bell choir. SO AWESOME! It's his second year doing this. He is such a talented kid. I am so proud. His headache got worse and you could tell. Spent a lot of the night pacing thru the back of the auditorium with David who was tired.
DID I MENTION I TOOK AWAY HIS BINKI THIS WEEK>WHAT WAS I THINKING@!!! He is doing great, but it's hard on mommy!
whew what a day!

Thursday...Came home on lunch to make spanish rice for Winslow's department party, and hooked David up to the Nebulizer. Started feeling not so hot~ After work, rush to the stake center with the kids for caroling on a wagon. drop them off. Take David home to Winslow (cause he is coughing like crazy!) and then rush over to the assisted living center to meet the primary kids. Sing, sing sing. Get my kids into my car. Abby is dancing like crazy!!! She had to go to the bathroom so bad, and I have this thing about public toilets. Race home. Lie on the couch and feel crazy exauhsted while Winslow makes Poppers. Go to Winslow's department party. Lots of food. Fun people. SOOO tired. Winslow can tell I am wiped. Takes me home by 7:30 and puts me to bed! Sleep forever. (totally ignored my CRAZY DIRTY HOUSE....when did all this dirt and junk take over!)

Friday...wake up early clean the kitchen. Make cookies for the hospital potluck. Drink some hot herbal tea to soothe my throat. Winslow is Superman again and finds 2 more rolls of toilet paper. We were down to a half roll. (how did that happen, we always have an extra CASE!! I am totally loosing it!) Run run run. Come home totally wiped. So glad it's friday.

Tomorow Abby and I will drive to Snowflake to get our hair done. Girl time! Then we will meet Tami for an exchange of goodies! Hopefully I can get some laundry done. I am SOOOOO behind. then we will clean the church building.

Aren't you just tired from reading all this! Maybe we will put up the christmas tree tomorow night~

I don't know if this will work, but this video is hilarious. Laundry is NEVER ENDING at our house. Makes me crazy. I'll wash, I'll dry, I'll even fold...SO WHY DO I HAVE TO PUT IT AWAY!

Stinkin Cute

My Kids are stinkin cute. I know I am biased but I think they are. So I went to decorate for Christmas and decided I definitely need more room! We don't even have a place to put the Christmas tree this year. Maybe if we cut all the branches from the back of the tree we can place it flush against the wall. Oh I can hardly wait till we finally add on. (ONE DAY!) Jacob and Winslow are out cutting more wood today. The girls and I made COOKIES! YUM!! Got the Christmas music on and I am still chilling in my jammies. LOVE IT!

Lost

So I really have two very different posts to put under this heading, so please bear with me.

Yesterday, I was in with my toddler class and the after school teacher came to my room and asked, "Was Jacob supposed to be on the bus?" YES!!! But he wasn't. So she took over my class and I hit the phone. I called the Bus Barn and they called his after school bus, and his morning bus. Neither one had seen him on the bus. (they are both friends of ours, so I knew they would KNOW if he had been on the bus.) Then they did an all call to all the buses asking if Jacob was on any of the buses. He was not. I became frantic. Tears started streaming down my face. I called his school. He was not there. His homeroom teacher was in the office and said he had seen Jacob walk out with the kids to the buses. Jacob had mentioned a combined intermediate and middle school band practice earlier in the week. I had told him he was not allowed to go. I didn't have a note from school and the timing did not work with my work schedule. I asked the secretary if there was any way he might have gone to the middle school for band practice. "No, there is no band practice today. There is practice tomorow, but only 1 student is going. If they were going anywhere else besides their regular bus they have to have a note." Jacob did not have a note. "Are you sure? Because he's on the snare drum and they have asked him before to go." (The previous time I talked directly to his band teacher, it was during school time, & there was a teacher who walked them from the intermediate school to the middle school. AND HE HAD A SIGNED NOTE FROM ME!) "No, there is no band practice today." I was totally FREAKING OUT! I started calling Winslow's extension at work, NO answer. I dialed his secretary, NO answer, I dialed his department head, No answer. I dialed over and over again and finally one of the massage therapists answered the phone. " I need Winslow NOW! It's an emergency." I heard her whistle and yell for Winslow. (Understand they call him Doctor McNeill, and you do NOT whistle for him, she could tell I was frantic.) "Winslow put a move on it, your wife is on the phone and she is totally frantic!"
"Winslow, they can't find Jacob, he's not on the bus, he's not at school!" I'm pretty sure he said "I'm on it." One of the other teachers said she saw Winslow tear out of the parking lot. At this point my boss walked by where I was (she had previously not been in our department or I am sure she would have known what was going on.) I was sobbing by this point as I explained what was going on. "Calm down." she told me. She had me call home to make sure he wasn't there. No answer, just the machine. "He can't get into the house, it's locked. Winslow's going there." My sobbing voice messages are still on the machine. It's heartbreaking. I just kept thinking. "Was this morning the last time I will see my little boy?"
My boss went to call the bus barn again from her phone. And then she called the police.
I started calling anywhere I could think of. Except I was having trouble remembering numbers. It was so frustrating and I didn't know what to do. Finally I got a hold of one of Jacob's good friend's mother. "Parker said something about band practice today." "Thanks."
So I called the middle school. "Hello, my name is Melissa McNeill. I've lost my son Jacob McNeill. Is there any way you can check the band room to see if he came there by mistake today?" At the same time I saw the band teacher's husband (he works at the hospital) coming to pick up a child. "J.... are they having band practice today, we can't find Jacob anywhere. Can you call your wife and see if she has seen him." He called her cell and I called her room extension. As I was leaving a message the Caller ID showed the middle school calling me back.
Jacob was indeed at the middle school HAVING BAND PRACTICE@!!! Remember the one the intermediate school told me wasn't happening today!!! So I called the intermediate school to let them know. Which was where I found my husband who was there with the principle trying to find my son. Needless to say there was a huge lack of communication between parents, teachers, schools, etc. Winslow says the principle was headed to go speak with the teacher last he saw her. I know the teacher and really like her. But somehow there was a big problem with this practice. Kids should NOT have been allowed to cross a MAJOR ROAD, by themselves, without parent permition, after school! It was just a bad situation. So Winslow went to get Jacob. And I began calling back ALL of the people I had called previously. The whole ordeal was right at an hour. Soo grateful he was safe. Sooo grateful for All those who helped to look for him. We stressed the major importance of knowing where he was at ALL times. He wrote an apology note that he will be giving to teachers, bus drivers, and others who worried over his well being. It was really a tramatic thing for me.

So if that isn't enough here is part 2. On a different note.

We've had some staff changes at work. Some members of our Team are no longer with us. So today we were told of staff members leaving us and what our positions would be. I am no longer in the Toddler room. This grieves me greatly. I was so looking forward to being able to enjoy more time watching my little man grow. This is trully my favorite age. I have so come to LOVE LOVE LOVE my toddlers. I love to hear them say my name. I love to hold them and hug them tight to make their ouchies all better. I love hearing them laugh. I love singing to them. I love watching their faces light up. I love watching them learn and take milestones. It's different than when I left the afterschoolers. Whom i love too, but differently. These toddlers spend their whole day with me. They depend on me. They love me. And I love them. So I feel Loss. I've cried quite a few tears over this. But I know it will be okay. The Lord Loves me. And He has a plan for me. I will be working in the baby room tomorow. These babies are sweet and bring a new kind of love into my life. I know David's teachers will love him like I loved my toddlers. Tonight, tonight I will cry and ache and miss all the things I had planned, the children I adore, the days in the toddler room. And tomorow, I will give myself to the sweet babies who will be in my charge.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. Acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.

Stay at Home Mom... for a few days anyway!

So recently Rachel was sick and David too. I ended up being home from work for 4 days. I did enjoy getting to spend time at home with my kiddos. It was quiet, peaceful. David and I played cars. Rachel and I read books. We cuddled on the couch, I did laundry. It was a good break...well if you don't count the fevers and not feeling good!
Rachel and Abby both had birthdays this last week. Rachel turned 4 and Abby 7. For FHE we talked about the days they were born. It was a neat feeling remembering those special days. How precious it is to be part of God's miracle of giving life. I threw Rachel a Fancy Nancy Party and Abby is getting one this week. Party plans include...nail painting, pin the jewel on the tiara, make your own bracelet and wand, and ice cream sundaes! All those fun girl things. Winslow helped me get ahead of the game and my house has actually been clean 4 days in a ROW~~~ Magical!
Sweet moments this week.

• David hid his cars one by one under the couch, and then took them all back to their bucket one by one. He squeled with delight as he drove his car on Winslow's chair. And then giggled as Winslow drove the cars on HIM! And his latest phrase is "oh yeah."
• I listened in on Abby reading to Rachel last night. OHH! so sweet to have sisters.
• David loves to eat MnM's and Candy CORN! He gets so excited his eyes get big and he claps his hands and says "YEAH!"
• Jacob lost his first MOLAR this week. Big Moment in a Boy's life.
• Worked out 3 days in a row (well fri, mon, tues...that count's doesn't it!!!)

Had a few rough days recently. Tears, frustration, and questions. The past few days have given me moments of peace and contentment. And I am grateful for that.

Do you love music? I DO!!! Music makes so much of my mood! Love to Jam out when I am working out... Love mournful music when I want to cry...Love classical when I need a release.
Can't wait for the day when my piano is IN the house again!!! I SOO MISS IT!

I love that my kids love me for me. Love that they are forgiving. Love that they are so trusting. Love that they will snuggle and give me HUGS & KISSES!!! Love that my husband is SOOO thoughtful. Superman. He trully is....and he's HOT!! (maybe just to me....but that definitely COUNTS!)

So I will enjoy my day off tomorow...Veteran's Day. And time spent Home. My Haven.

Halloween With the McNeill's

So our Halloween was short and sweet this year. The kids trunk or treated in Showlow with Tami's Family, and Rachel and I went to the Urgent Care. She is still sick and they're not sure what is it. Now David is sick. BUMMER.

Jacob was Harry Potter. We even dyed his hair dark Brown. I actually sewed his robe. Thanks to my mother for her many hours on the phone and over the web cam trying to help me sew on those stinkin sleeves. NEVER could have done it without you.

Rachel was Cookie Monster. So sorry you were sick kiddo. She wore her costume for all of about 10 min so we could get a picture.
Me... love it when the picture turns out good.

The Boys. Superman (going incognito of course,) and David the Lion. He LOVED his costume. Wore it every day all week long. He'd bring it to me and say "on, on."

Abby was FANCY NANCY. Totally went with her flair for the dramatic. Complete with lollipop lips. She couldn't wait to get started in on the CANDY.

Life In A New Light

Ever have a day when you're overwhelmed, frustrated, or think...it's all a little too much. I do. Thankfully today wasn't one of those days. I did however have a nasty headache and Rachel has been sick for 3 days. So we ended up comming home from the Center. But before we did, my friend an coworker, Megan and I talked about some of our favorite blogs. She told me of a blog I hadn't heard of before. About a young mom who was in a plane crash with her husband. They were both burned. She quite extensively. Anyhow, I checked it out. Simply stated...Wow. I felt so impressed with her spirit. You can feel it thru her words. Read it. You'll bawl. You'll want to be better, be more grateful, more in tune with life's little treasures.
www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com

The Move

We moved our computer into the kitchen for ease of watching conference. It makes our kitchen cramped but we are loving having it here. Winslow's new internet obsession (other than his chain saw web site) is BYU TV! The kids love taking turns playing Math games. And we can watch our netflix a whole lot easier.
We finallly got taxes in. Yeah, I know it's october. I HATE TAXES>>>> Because of being self employed last year, we had all sorts of fun stuff to do for taxes. So I avoided it and we extended. But finally it's done. Hurray, and thanks to our fabulous tax guy, we even got a return. Woo Hoo!
Lets see, I threw my back out on thursday. That was fun. NOT! Thankfully it wasn't as bad this time as it was last. Doing soo much better.
We planted a million tulips yesterday, so hopefully some of them will come up. I LOVE SPRING FLOWERS!!!
And Jacob and I are in the middle of a Harry Potter 4 reading contest. It's fun to read with your kids.

A Weekend in Albequerque

So we had a really fun weekend in ALBQ, NM with Winslow's sister Evelyn and her family, and Winslow's Mom. We went to the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (sort of.) And to the Explora! museum. It was sooo cool. The kids had a blast. Rachel's favorite was the Minkin' Mog houses they made. (AKA Lincoln Log.) Jacob and Abby had fun with Winslow in the "Bubble Room." It was so fun to hang out with family. Rachel and Julie are such a fun pair. We totally wore everyone out! Ev and I got to go to the Sunflower Market. Grandma Lisa was such a huge help and I am always glad when she comes to play. The kids adore her too!

The Balloon feista was very early in the morning. We got up at 4am and still got stuck in nasty traffic trying to get there. Eventually (after waiting an hour to move only a very short distance) we decided to abort mission. Instead of making down onto the launch field, we found a spot just above the field and just off the freeway, to watch. We saw hundreds of balloons take off. It was amazing, and very cold! We've decided next year we are going on a weekday.

Laundry Helpers

When I got home from work today I started a load of laundry. Abby had told me this morning she was running out of socks. So I told Abby to put her socks in the washer with the load I had started. What about underwear, she asked. Yeah, okay, but just your socks and underwear. (understand I put a decent size load in already.)
WELL.... I forgot to put in the soap. So I came back to put in the soap and realized she had put her WHOLE LAUNDRY BASKET worth of clothes into the washer and they were all soaked. AHHH! I had to laugh. I pulled out a whole bunch of soaking wet clothes and put them back into the laundry basket. I told Abby, next time, don't put all your clothes in the washer. OOPS!

Guess I am getting OLD

So this week I was able to experience having Gout firsthand. Some of you may know what this is. I had heard about it, but didn't really know too much, until I got it myself. Gout is an incredibly painful condition in which uric acid crystals build up in your joints. Most common is the foot below the big toe. It usually onsets at night, and is quite painful (I know I mentioned that before, but just incase you forgot....I like to whine.)
Honestly, I wanted to cut my foot off. It hurt sooo BAD. The pain would lessen when I would lie flat and not move it at all. Too bad you have to get up to go to the BATHROOM! Thankfully the Dr got me started on medicine and by yesterday afternoon I hurt, but not nearly as bad. Today I am still sore and some pain but feeling a lot better. Please note I have been on crutches for the last 2 days cause I can't put any pressure on it. Hopefully I will be off crutches by Tomorow.
The funny thing about all of this is that the most common people who get gout, are Men, drinkers, and have some extra padding around the middle : ), and they are OLDER. Now I do know people who have gout who don't fit those qualifications. But Winslow and my Dr thought it quiet hilarious that I have gout, because Obviously I am not any of those things. (well maybe I have been a closet drinker, LOL. Can you even imagine?) So I guess I must just be OLD.

How I do it All....well some of it anyway!

My friend Andrea asked..."how do you do it all, do you wear a cape?" Actually it's Winslow who wears the cape. We call him Superman. I do a lot, but he is a huge support. He helps get kids ready everymorning, he puts away the food after dinner. And he does countless tasks for me. So tips on how to get it "all" done.

• Make a dinner menu--be realisitic though, one night for dinner we are having corndogs!!!
• Simplify-- I finally broke down a while ago and threw away, yes in the garbage, half of my girls toys. Now it's easier for them to clean up their own stuff!
• Lets face it, I am always behind on laundry and I hate putting it away...so a lot of the time I ignore it!
• My kids have chores and rewards. they get icecream if their chores are done, helps me a ton.
• Delegate...if someone else is willing, let them do it!
• Time out for me--I love going to the park on my lunchbreak once a week with all my mommy friends and their kids. Makes me feel like I am still connected to all my friends.
• I come home on my lunch break a lot and start dinner
• Rhodes Rolls
• I cook most of my meat when I get it home from the store. Put it in quart freezer bags and then its ready to go for a meal....don't have to spend all that time cooking it when it's dinner time!
• PRAY A LOT!!!
• Relax

PS Andrea I really felt for you and my sister (who has twin 3 year olds and a 1 year old) this Sunday. We watched my friends kids so she could take a sick kid to the dr. So we added an 8 year old and another 1 year old to our crew. Things actually went really well. Winslow took David and I took the other baby, and the rest of our kids behaved themselves. But I just kept thinking. This isn't bad....but there's no way I could have done this with two infants!!!! I don't know how you guys did it. YOU WEAR THE CAPE GIRLFRIEND!!!

When I grow up

Abby: Mom, I can't wait to grow up and be a Mommy. (said with longing and wonder in her voice)
Rachel: (With the same longing and wonder.) I can't wait to grow up and be a Cheerleader.

HA HA HA HA HA

Cousins

We were able to spend time with Cousins this last weekend. I love Family. The kids were swinging on the swings at my Uncle Don's. Remember when we were little....If you were swinging paralell with someone else...you were married! I had forgotten. But the kids were having so much fun. "Ohhh I am married to you!!!" And then the sprinklers came on!!!! What a treat. LIFE IS SO PRECIOUS!

Gracie, Makele, Abby, Lindsey on the swings.

What a week

Well, it was quite a week at our house! The week started off with sad news for our family. Cousin Evie...who was just a few years older than Winslow, passed away on Sunday. It was sudden and unexpected. We found out later it was caused by a blod clot.

And then on Tuesday. I came home from work with the kids and Rachel complained of her stomach hurting. This is not unusual for Rachel. She often has tummy aches and so I came to rub her tummy with some essential oils. She was BURNING HOT!! 102.5. So I called my boss to let her know I would not be into work the next day. The night was rough. Rachel felt miserable with a high fever that reached 104.7 during the night. This was with Ibuprofen. Lots of baths and a blessing helped us get thru the night. So of course I made an appointment with the DR.

The next morning Rachel slept a lot and was NOT excited about all the medication and baths. We saw the Dr. No apparent illness, so we did a urine ananlysis. Unfortunately it was a little tricky to get the sample. Rachel dumped it out!!! So we had to wait longer, and then finally I got the sample and took it to the DR. office. In the hour between when I dropped it off and when they got around to testing it, her fever went up to 105!!! I was a nervous wreck. I drove to the Dr.'s office and stood at the front desk so I could make sure to get the info I needed!! The results were positive for a UTI. So the doctor gave me a script for meds. Unfortunately the meds could take up to 36 hours to take effect. AHHH! So we started her on the meds and then Winslow called a friend to come help give another blessing. I was physically and emotionally drained. I fell asleep on my bed with the lights ON as Winslow tended to Rachel's needs for the first 5 hours of the night. I would wake here and there and know he was taking a temperature, or comforting her and I was so grateful he was there. He is my SUPERMAN. Once I felt I could function, I took the next shift. Baths, and meds, and cool washclothes, and lots of love. She threw up a couple of times. I was so WORRIED. Winslow, ever the picture of patience and calm, did better. Sometimes I get a little frustrated with that...but most of the time I can let it go later :)

She slept all morning Thursday. So did I! We were wiped out. The dr. called the house to see how she was doing. She did really well all afternoon and we were hopeful she was on the mend. We decided to pack for the trip to Salt Lake City for the funeral. I packed and then left it all in the front room, still not sure if we should tempt fate. The night went well so early in the morning we headed out. And of course she puked in the car! AHHH! You know that moment when you know you can't pull over fast enough! We were blessed. We only had to put a blanket and the cover of her booster in a trash bag and put it in the trunk. And she was fine the whole rest of the trip.

We were grateful to be there for family. This Friday marks the 16 year anniversary of my older brother's death. Most of you knew him well. I have always been touched by all those who came to the funeral. I remember my cousins who willingly gave up their trip to Hawaii (they had been saving all summer with summer jobs and hard work) to come to the funeral. They didn't have to. They didn't really see a lot of us at the funeral. But it had a lasting effect on me. And so, when someone I love dies, or when someone I love suffers a loss. I go.

...And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;

Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and to comfort those that stand in need of comfort....

Mosiah 18:8-9

This is why I go. For all those that were willing to mourn with me and my family.

The bishop had wonderful words of comfort. To take Sorrow out of Death, you would have to take Love out of Life. (I believe this is a quote from Joseph Smith.)

I am So grateful we had the opportunity to be with family. To cry together. To hug. To hurt. To long for the day when we will be TOGETHER FOREVER.

cookies!!

more walking

WALKING!!!

okay, so I was very dissapointed today that Winslow and I drove an hour to the movie theatre only to find the movie we wanted to see was sold out. We went to dinner instead, but I was still really bummed. When we returned we stopped to pick up our kids at our friend Siobhan's house. I stayed there with the kids so they could have a little more play time. Well David started really walking!!! Not just one step or two, but lots!!!! Check it out!!!

School Daze!

So everyone woke up super early this morning. Got dressed, hair, made beds, brushed teeth, and of course I was the last one ready because I wanted to make sure everyone was ready to go. My kids wanted me to get done so we could say prayers and they could go stand at the bus stop. Abby had a really good day! Hurray! Her new teacher is said to be super strict, but so far Abby loves her. The room is decorated with jungle animals and is very inviting. Abby's teacher last year was strict, and we loved her! So I am hoping it has set her up for success this year. Jacob's teacher is loved by everyone and has been around forever. It seems all his teachers are like that. I am hanging on for dear life. Soccer practice started today and I am coaching!!!! What was I thinking. I've been reading up, but apparently I missed some stuff, cause I had a semi break down about 20 minutes before practice when I realized I didn't know how many kids are supposed to be on the field at a time during the game. Practice was fine! Thankfully I was given some awesome coaching games from the AYSO president. I would have been a little lost without them. I don't know how "good" we'll be, but I hope we have FUN.

Beauty

My Abigail is so pretty to me. She is so loving. She is headstrong. Dramatic. And soooo reminds me of her Mother! I love her hugs, and her hunger for learning. She loves to be a second mommy. I am so grateful for her. Her name is special to me. It means "Father's Joy." And trully she is a joy to her father and mother!

Toddlers

So I will post pictures of the Toddler Room as soon as I can. I am now working from 7:30am to 4:30pm. This means I can get big kids off to school before I go to work, and they only spend 1 hour at the childcare center before we go home. And...in December David will be in MY CLASS!!! I am so excited. I have had fun planning curriculum for the 18mo to 36mo kids. They are sooo cute. We decorated our room this last week and I have to say (we aren't totally finished) we did a great job. Last week was really stressful at work with lots of drama. I did a lot of praying and then listening to my new CD Every Breath. (Music plays such an important role in my life.) And then I went to see my boss. I am sooo grateful for our wonderful director. She trully has the best intrest of the kids in mind and I am so grateful to have her as a boss and a friend. The situation and stress were addressed and the next day I felt a huge burden lifted.

On another note!!! My Brother in Law and his fabulous wife have been Matched for ADOPTION!!! However, the funds to adopt are incredibly pricey. They are looking for a way to make this miracle come true. Anyone have any good helps!

The Smell of Crayons and the State of the Union : )

Okay, I will admit to being a crayon snob. I love Crayola crayons. They just write the best. End of story. So this last week when school supplies were on sale, I stocked up. They are great for birthday gifts, christmas etc. Love them!

So I have a question? Why is it that the schools don't give out supply lists BEFORE we start school. Everything is on sale now, and I probably won't even know what my kids need until after school has started. So Frustrating!

We did buy new backpacks this year. Last years were looking ratty. (We hadn't actually bought new ones in like 2 years.) So when I found I could buy them at children's place for under $10 a piece I was so there.

Then I found 1st day of school clothes for the older three (Rachel is only 3 but she is starting with new teachers at preschool at the childcare center, so I thought she would like it.) all of them for under $10 for the whole outfit. And they are such cute clothes!!! Can't wait to post pics of them. We have forgone the whole new wardrobe bit. It will be cold by the end of september. So I figured there was no point buying a whole bunch of summer clothes for 2 months. Plus Abby and Rachel have birthdays in the fall, so it's really overkill. So I will keep watching the internet for smokin deals and just stocking up.

We've also decided to pair way down on Christmas. We are excited to have it at home again this year. I really never thought I would want to have it at home, but I do like it. So I am trying to get good deals now on things I can stash away...like school supplies.

Other ways we are saving money...

• Still no tv...we have netflix but $16 a month is so much cheaper than satelitte (no basic channels, we are too far from big city living)
• No Cell Phones...Gasp I know, but really there are only a few times when I really miss it. I can't have one at work, Winslow has a direct extention to his office, and we just plan ahead better to compensate. (although there are days when I would like one.) besides I can't text to save my life.
• Square Foot Gardening...takes less space, time, and WATER (which is crazy expensive here)
• Buy everything in CASH...this is hard because I really really want to add on to the house, but Winslow keeps reminding me we have to pay off any debt first and then we can build the addition. Good incentive.
• Coupons...I so have a hard time cutting coupons, but I am trying to be better and save more money at the grocery store. Which is where the bulk of our $ goes. These kids eat me out of house and home~
• Limiting fast food...we've really stressed this with our kids. Jacob loves to know how much I have saved. We still buy fun foods, but at the store. Bag of Meatballs...$6 3 pkgs of Kaiser Rolls....$9 Bag of shredded cheese....$3, Hunts spaghetti sauce...$1 Meatball subs at safeway for 19.....apx$60, My way.....$19. We do the same thing with corn dogs or chicken nuggets for a fun meal thats way cheaper than stopping at Sonic.

What's your favorite school supply?

How do you save $?

up to my eyeballs

Okay, so another unexpected day home. This morning about 6am I heard David in his crib stirring. "oh too early," I thought. And I was thankful that the both of us fell back asleep. My kids are in the habit of going to bed late and sleeping in until about 8 (It was the whole time zone difference I think on vacation that totally messed us up!). So right about 8 I dragged myself out of bed. David was still sleeping. Oh how nice. So I checked my email and facebook, and a few other things. David was still asleep. Started a load of laundry, got breakfast, Still asleep. That's about the time I finally noticed it. Puke, on his sheets and down the side of his crib. HOW DID I MISS IT! So then I felt like a terrible mom. He kept sleeping until 10:10am!!! He is happy. Of course, he was happy even when he had pnemonia! But he does have the runs. BUMMER. Poor Guy! So we've kept him on a BRAT diet. And yet instead of being productive today, I have to admit I have mostly vegged! Guess now and again we all want to take a day off from LIFE. But I have washed a lot of laundry and done dishes. My bed is made and I painted the girls nails and put fun stickers on.
It always cracks me up that Abby wants her nails painted. She has more bruises on her legs from biking, scooters, and just being crazy than any girl I know. Yet, she likes her toes painted and making bracelets. Which, by the way, she came into the house this afternoon after slipping on the sidewalk at the highschool. She scraped up her knee and elbow pretty good.

Pictures of our TRIP!!

the famous mud volley ball. See the gorgeous mountains in the background. It was SOOO green and absolutely fabulous. The volleyball tournament included 16 teams. Our team won 3rd place. We were missing two of my brothers, Matt (who was on his way...my mom purposely neglected to tell him so that he wouldn't kill himself trying to drive thru the night to get there in time for the tournament.) and my brother Jared. He is currently serving a mission in Ogden Ut. Which by the way, my parents home is in his mission boundaries. So we joked that he should have been able to come play since technically it is in his area! There was actually a time when he was in my parents town for a day, but they were in Idaho falls for the day. He didn't tell them until a week later that he had been there.
All the sisters. Aren't we a cute bunch. Of course I got my hair cut 2 days later! that always happens to me.

Daddy and Rachel on the Four Wheeler. We spent one day up Grover Canyon. It's about 20 minutes from my parents house. Winslow took his CHAINSAW on vacation so he could cut wood. (REDNECK) So he spent the morning cutting wood. The girls and kids came up later to have a picnic and ride the four wheelers. We had so much fun. Winslow, Emily, and I went out together on our own quads. Winslow lead us up a steep hill, up wasn't so bad, down scared me to DEATH!!!!!

Wow what a family we have. Kara and Alyssa are both expecting babies. A girl and a boy. Then we'll have even more kids!

My cute cute girls!!

Stephanie and John (Mike and Kara's oldest...2 almost.)

What a hottie. He too got a hair cut and a trim 2 days later. He had fun being a Mountain Man on Vacation. (by the way, I am totally on my tippytoes so that we can be in the picture together! He really is so much taller than I am.)

My Dad and Mom....love them!!!



Not sure why all these pictures posted this way???? But here are some fun pics of my kids!