The Clan Macnab

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

It was a crazy, low key Easter. I don't think our family has ever been left to our own devices for Easter before. No ward party. Half of my family out of town, so no big family party.

Wait a minute...are we even capable of celebrating a holiday all on our own? What do people without family nearby do, I wonder....

We had a nice, little, tiny, sweet Easter. I kind of liked it...

We colored Easter eggs by ourselves, alone. Some of them started out green or brown, thanks to the Andersons who donated fresh eggs from actual chickens;) Yum.

two of them were tiny, and Abigail called them baby eggs. She thought they were the greatest things ever. Created just for her.

We put Abs to bed and had a nightime egg hunt for Kindyl, Mitchell, and Brenley. With flashlights, (or head reading lamps)

Easter Sunday is officially one of the few times I am grateful for 12:30 church

Bren and Abigelli danced around after they got dressed. They couldn't wait to put on their Easter dresses!

Abigail's dress was a little plain so I had to spice it up with a sash and a flower clip. She matches the whole black and white Easter theme I was going for b etter this way. And of course there were hair accessories to make for all 4 of the girls.

This is why I have mostly daughters. They are alot more fun to dress up!

We took the kids outside to pull some teeth, I mean take some pics. The lighting wasn't great out there.

It was a little better inside...

We may or may not have bribed the baby with Easter candy in this shot....

Abigail was especially cranky and had a hard time sitting through sacrament meeting which, as mentioned above, starts at nap time. O.k, she didn't sit through sacrament meeting at all. I was skeptical about putting her in nursery instead of home to bed. But she loves nursery, and was fabulous for them.

Church was lovely, and all of the kids were able to tell me what they learned about the atonement.

When we got home, the kids refilled their eggs and gave Abigail her own massive egg hunt. She didn't mind that most of the eggs were filled with individual fruit snacks. It was all about the thrill of the hunt for her.

What? Yes we did. We let the grass grow out on purpose to make the Easter hunt more interesting....that's right.

Hawaii- Day 1

2011-04-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

(the house we rented in Princeville)

I know, I know, I am a total blog slacker. I haven't had a real post in over a year. And it has been months since we went to Hawaii. But I really want to document this trip for myself before I forget the details. So I figured I had two choices:

1. Scapbook it

2.Blog it

So now you know I am an even bigger scrapbook slacker! (Brenley and Abigail don't even have books. Gasp!)

I have always wanted to do something great for our 15th anniversary. I knew we would be done having kids by then and 15 years deserves a celebration. It was between another cruise and Hawaii, and Hawaii won!

I have to say I have never had the urge to go to Hawaii. I dream and plan and read and obsess over parts of Europe. I have some episodes of Rick Steves memorized. I aspire to visit Egypt and Israel. I would love to do another tropical cruise. But I didn't ever really think about Hawaii. It didn't have enough relevant history for me.

Luckily, My mother in law talked me into going. I am so glad she did! It was perfect. We couldn't have ordered better weather.

We landed Monday evening, ate, hit Costco, and went to bed. Then we woke up early Tuesday morning to go on Captain Andy's catamaran cruise up the Na Pali coast. It was perfect.

(partly because I took a healthy dose of drammamine)

For some reason the theme song for Gilligan's Island kept running through my head. I am not sure if it was because the show was filmed here on this part of the island, or if it was because I was worried about being shipwrecked on our own "3 hour tour"

(Ellen, Pam, and myself on the trampoline front of the boat.)

(Wendell snorkling off the back of the boat)

Everybody got to see these guys but me. Oh well...

(In my pictures folder this file is named "nobodylistenstoturtle". If you can tell me why you win a prize...)

We saw more whales than anyone ever has in San Diego. They were so close. These guys decided to show us their synchro act. You could tell they had been practicing...

(Pamela taking my picture)

This is the Na Pali Coastline further north. There is no road to it so you can only reach it by boat or helicopter. Popular place to film t.v shows (as mentioned above) and movies. It was breath taking.

After we finished our cruise we hit the Red Dirt Shirt Company (feartured on "Dirty Jobs")and the Glass Beach

Then we saw Waimea Canyon,"the Grand Canyon of Hawaii" Hawaii doesn't need it. Everything on the island is prettier than the Grand Canyon, in my opinion.

(Dean, Pam, Ellen, and Wendell)

It was a full and fabulous day

Halloween headband!

2010-10-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Have a teenager or adult that doesn't want to dress up but still wants in on the holiday spirit? Try this!

Check out my flower blog (button on side bar) for more designs!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-18T21:31:00.001-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

They Grow Up So Fast!

2010-02-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

Is she 15 months old? Or fifteen years...

She's checking out her weight...while putting on her head band. Notice she is in the buff, in order to get a lower, more accurate read.

Just checking her inbox on her phone. She is getting pretty good with that stylus.

I don't know where she gets this stuff....

My baby girls....

2010-02-01T21:11:00.000-08:00

...are kind of tough chicks. They don't mind getting dressed up all frilly. But they like to have a little edge.

(Brenley in her fancy dress...)

(..and black knee high boots)

(Abigail in her velvet and taffeta...)

(...and leather jacket)

This Baby Girl...

2010-01-28T20:55:00.000-08:00

..isn't feeling so hot.

So I have to snuggle her a little. And rock her to sleep.

To tell you the truth...

I kind of like it.

Snow Play!

2010-01-25T16:35:00.000-08:00

We were so lucky to be able to spend some time up north with friends during Christmas break. The end/begining of the year is a little busy in the insurance world that Wendell lives in, so he wasn't really able to take time off work. We kind of like having him around so we took advantage of having Christmas Day off. We headed up to Pinetop after a super short meal with the Proffitt fam.

We personally own a small assortment of snow clothes. The rest we relied on the cabin to magically supply. They had a great supply of clothes ranging from this awesome one piece that made Kindyl look like a 70's goddess

to an arrangement of moon boots. They were stocked with everything we didn't have.

We bundled everyone up including marshmallow babies that could barely walk in all of the snow parafernalia
and the four year olds who weren't much better. But they were at least a little more mobile.
We used the sleds for fort building
and sledding. (Farrah Fawcett catching some air)
Sometimes behind four wheelers.
We even switched it up a little with a snowboard behind the fourwheelers
(Mitchell boarding)

(Kindyl)
I think the kids liked that part best. It's almost like wakeboarding that way. Without the challenge of getting up. And a little less wet;)

Rach is getting so old...
The next day we went to find a more challenging hill, and it was my turn to sport the awesome green snow pants.
You're jealous of the outfit. Admit it;)
Here's a fun pictorial I like to call "Bren and Dad wipe out". Yes, that is a little jump at the end of the run.

And it's a happy ending! Dad and Bren are both smiling. That's always good.

It was the perfect little mini vacation. The days were fun and busy which meant an early bedtime for the kids. Early bedtime for the kids meant we could play a few games in the evening with our friends.

Even though this little girl got a little silly by the second day. When she woke up she went right to the window to look outside. At seeing the snow outside she looked dejected and said, "Oh no. It's still winter!"

Of course that didn't stop her from playing in it all day!

My House Burned Down This Morning...

2010-01-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

(the house I grew up in)
And it kind of feels like a friend died. What, over dramatic? Maybe.

But I have years and years of memories there.

I grew up here. And we were best friends with the neighbors. We celebrated my 12th birthday out by the pool.

The YW hung a banner in front of this house for my 16th:

I got ready for dances there,

High School graduation:

and even my wedding.

(front yard of this house)

We opened Christmas presents in the downstairs family room.

and had Family Home Evenings.(check out my dad's gnarly vid cam)

My mom and Mama Ginger helped me hang wall paper in my bedroom when I went through my peach and blue phase at the age of 12.
My dad helped me paint that same room when I was 15. I wish I could remember the colors. Red and something I think. He listened to Les Miserables, Nirvana, and Garth Brooks with me to try and understand me better while we painted.

This is what that bedroom looks like now:

Notice the entire top floor is gone.

The only thing that remains up there is the lonely office window. The office is gone. So is the master bedroom w/ balcony that we used to jump off of into the pool, the bathroom, the library, and the big walk in closet. They are literally toast.

Mostly it is the memories of my older kids there that I miss. Wendell and I lived in Payson the first few years we were married, and we stayed at that house when we came into town.

We celebrated Christmas there with the kids.

And Easter.

We had Rachael and Kindyl's first few birthday parties and swim parties there.

(Rachael's 1st)

(Kindyl's 2nd)

We took family Halloween pictures out front.

And big cousin pictures with the grandparents in the living room.

I truly miss it.

The people we sold it to defaulted a couple of years ago, and it was on the market. Now I kind of wish we would have bought it. Now that we have 5 kids, those seven bedrooms and four baths would surely come in handy. Not to mention the 1/4 acre it sat on.

Hindsight is truly 20/20.

(though Wendell says he still wouldn't want to pay all the extra we would have to pay with the electric bill. Always the realist...)

Babies

2009-12-28T10:58:00.000-08:00

I love the beginning of this. Apparently babies in Namibia are born with the same 'tude as my babies. Fabulous.

(stolen from Katie's blog)

mErRy cHrIsTmAs!!!

2009-12-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

And a Happy New Year!

So I'm a little late....

Thanksgiving!

2009-12-19T22:25:00.000-08:00

I thought it might be a good idea to post about Thanksgiving before Christmas. Yes, I have been a serious blog slacker, it's true.

This is the group we had for Thanksgiving. That is nine out of 11 siblings and our families. We are missing Jacob's family and Russell's family. Which is kind of funny. Because part of the reason we moved Thanksgiving to Friday was so that Russell's family could make it. 10 out of 11 is kind of impressive for our family. But they ditched us. What can you do....

You can tell by the above picture that we decided to do a giant family photo. We haven't done this in years. Mostly because of sheer volume;)

(these are the crazy 12ish year old girls. They like to take silly pictures. See:)

(seen here plus two 16ish year old girls...)

(Proffitt siblings minus two. I don't think I noticed before, but my brothers are kind of hairy lawyers...)

After we took some pics we had our usual over the top ginormous Thanksgiving feast. I won't go into details...

But as you can see it was fabulous weather for eating outside...

Notice the bouncy slide in the background. This is why our kids are usually hungry when we get home from family functions;) Keep a look out for the bounce house and the two under ground trampolines too...

After dinner we had the Proffitt family olympics, of course. Rebecca sets this up and most of us love it...

that is Mitchell kickin' some trash in the gunny sack races...

I don't remember what this game was, but it looks like fun, doesn't it?

Rachael and Breazy in the foreground competing in the three legged race. Mitchell and Miranda are that blur behind them...true, that kid is kind of competitive.

Abigelli wanting to join in

There she goes!

Where is Brenley? This is where I found her:
Sitting on the trampoline painting Addy's nails. Yes, it is perfectly normal for 3 and 4 year old girls to paint each other's nails...

and again on top of the bouncy slide. I swear I hid that nail polish. She found more.
So we put the little girls in jail, where they couldn't do it again. Or the bounce house.It's a rough life...

Mitchell got to spend some quality time with the boy cousins. There aren't many of those, and he'll take the opportunity when he can. It is tough to constantly be surrounded by sisters.
Kindyl was there too. But she must have been hiding most of the time.Poor un photographed middle child.

After it got dark we dragged out all of the chairs and pillows and blankets, turned on the projector, and watched Up! on the side of the house. With ample supplies of pie and hot chocolate of course.I'm not sure why I didn't get any pictures of that. Maybe they are hiding with all of the pictures of Kindyl;) Oh well.

2009-12-17T09:28:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I'm Finally Selling Them...

2009-12-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

I know I've been talking about this for a while and some of you have heard it. If you know me you know I make a lot of flowers. For my 4 girls, for gifts, and some of my friends buy them from me. Recently a friend told me that she would much rather pay me to make them then make them herself.

So here's your chance! I've finally decided to open the flower blog that Rachael set up for me months ago.

Go here. And I will try not to be offended when it doesn't get much traffic;)

Halloween!

2009-11-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

Honestly, I have a couple of deep and thoughtful posts to write that I would like to preserve for posterity. But I am going to procrastinate. This is a particular talent of mine. Instead I am going to post about Halloween, because it is easy and there are many pictures involved;)

(Abigail and Teichert playing on the little playground)

We started with a little Halloween pre party at Grunyon Run

(Trigg, crabby Brenley, and Addie on the big playground)

Where we had lunch, apple bobbing,

and pumpkin carving

And the finished products:

(Mitchell's, Rachael's, and Kindyl's)
Yes, that is the pi sign. Rachael wanted to carve a "pumkin pi". Hilarious. I know;)

and of course the best part, hanging out and playing with cousins.

(Callie and Rylie)

with the Queen smack in the middle of it all, of course.Swinging with her sisters
And mooching food from her aunties.

She knows she can get whatever she wants from Joy.

That night our ward holds a big neighborhood Halloween Carnival. We have dinner, games, prizes, cotton candy, you name it. It is always a good time.

Abigelli got a taste for cotton candy. I think she had two at one point. Heaven for a one year old.

Mitchell won a b b gun. I think that was his favorite part. I thought his nerd costume may have been a little too convincing....

Lovely.

We have a lot of adults in our ward who dress up and they are fantastic. Sometimes I have the nerve and gumption to do it myself and soemtimes I don't. I didn't take pictures because I thought it would be rude. But we had a couple of swine flus, a pretty cool cave woman, an awesome raggedy anne and Andy, some seventies couples, and my personal favorite, Popeye and Olive Oyl. Those two were perfect. I really wish I did have some pictures of them!

We brought the stroller for Miss Abigail to ride in, but guess who really thought it was the funnest?
After that Wendell took Mitchell and Brenley Trick or Treating and Abigail and I stayed at the house to pass out candy.

Rach was out watching a movie with her friends, (and too cool to dress up, obviously) and Kindyl went Trick or Treating with her friends.

Later we had to take down all of our Halloween decorations. I was sad to see some of them go. But it is nice to be able to keep the Fall decor.

In Your Opinion...

2009-10-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

I have a little dilemma involving Rachael's report card.

I pay my kids for every A on their report card. (go ahead. Judge me.;)

This is usually a cut and dried procedure, and not that difficult to deal with. Other than a bit of a hit to our wallets.

This time it is a little different.

Rach got mostly a's this semester. She got two bs. One in Accelerated Math, and one in ELP Social Studies.

My first reaction is to pay her for the 4 she received. But the Bs were both in advanced classes. And she got As in her other two advanced classes. If she were in High School, and those classes were weighted, they would count as As, right?

And besides, it is her first semester in Jr. High. So maybe I should cut her some slack.

Her teacher comments were fabulous.

She has gotten all of her homework done this semester, a problem we have had with her in the past. And I am tempted to reward this behavior.

So the question is, do I pay her for 4 As or 6?

If I pay her for 6 does she not try as hard in her advanced classes in the future?

I know, hard question. (Wouldn't it be nice if this were my biggest problem right now?)

your opinion?

My Parenting Quote of the Day

2009-10-16T00:21:00.000-07:00

"You have not failed as long as you have tried"

President Gordon B. Hinkley

Found in this month's Visiting Teaching address. go here.

Apparently there is a reason we are called to do our visiting teaching.

I have had a harder time healing from this surgery than I should have and have not been a very good parent.

I have thought to myself at least once this week,:

"That's it. I've totally ruined my kids"

And now I have a little hope.....

All Hail the Queen

2009-10-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

That's right. It's Queenie's birthday today. No matter how hard I tried to will this day away, into the distant future it was not to be. My baby is growing up.

How did she go from this:

to this:

independent little thing.

Who told her she could grow up so fast? O.K. So she is still tiny. And she still likes a snuggle. But she also likes to walk and talk.

and say hello. And bye bye. and babble about the kind of day she has had...

More on the joys and sorrows of my baby growing up later. But for now it will suffice to simply pay homage to her majesty on her birthday.

Falling for Fall

2009-09-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I am so obsessed with it this year! It may stem from a subconscious thought that if I love Fall enough it will actually get here and cool off this desert. I pulled out my Fall decor and realized the blaring absence of a nice Fall wreath. The nice ones are expensive. So I went to my Happy Place (Hobby Lobby) and bought some supplies to make one. I don't know what came over me, but I needed it NOW! (I know you are surprised to hear this, but I am a little impatient)

(why 2 pics? I can't decide whether to keep it on my security door or my regular door.)

Fall doesn't seem enough. I actually need it to be Halloween. I don't even like Halloween! But I do this year. I don't know why. I kind of blame other bloggers. People are so creative and make it look so fun! It started last year, I think. My sister's BFF goes all out on Halloween, and her blog post made me think it can really be done with style.(see this post too) Wow, those guys are amazing.

And today I saw a friend's blog post featuring this picture:

I thought it came from a magazine before I read it, but it actually came from this blog. I love it! I want an entry just like it. I want stairs to hang bats on. The black and white to me is just stunning. Maybe I can do something around my piano in my own entry, which is actually just part of my Living Room. Hmmm....I'll let you know what I figure out.

My poor husband can't be thrilled. Though my little home made wreath wasn't very expensive, it still cost a little money to make. And now I want to rethink and redo all of my seasonal decorating. Which won't be cheap. Somehow I don't think that is where he wants me spending our limited funds...who needs food and clothing, really?

9-11

2009-09-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

I am feeling more patriotic this 9-11 than I have in the past.

At first I couldn't figure out why. My kids are all decked out in red white and blue for spirit day and at first it didn't hit me why they were dressed like that.(I was a little groggy from not enough sleep)Mitchell asked me why there was a flag in our yard. I wondered if it was possible that I hadn't explained it to this child. All I had to say was 9-11 and he remembered. Good. He does know.

When I found out about the attack 8 years ago I was not watching the news. I was watching Sesame Street. Rachael was getting ready for Pre School, Mitchell was crawling around the floor, and I was getting toddler Kindyl some breakfast.

Wendell called and asked if I had the T.V on. I informed him that of course we were watching PBS as usual. He told me to change the channel. "Which channel?" "any channel" So I did.

And watched a recap of the first tower. Then I saw the second plane hit. My reaction? "What are the chances of that?!" Yes, I thought it was an accident. Twice.

You may think I am a retard! But I was a little bit sheltered, and terrorism didn't even enter my head. Why would it? No one had done that before. I wasn't paying attention to politics; I had three tiny children at the ripe age of 24.

Now I am much better informed, but I am not sure that is a good thing.

That is why I am feeling more patriotic. Nothing makes you more thankful for your freedom than the fact that your liberties are in danger of being taken away....and America may not be the same country it once was.

I don't think I am the only one, either. I walked into Rachael's choir room today to pick up her dress. At first I thought I was walking into her old school where everyone wore uniforms. Old school colors? Red, blue and khaki. And the choir room was filled with red white and blue. I didn't see one person wearing anything else. We may all be a little more patriotic today...

An Overview of America and the 9-12 project

2009-09-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this video and will probably watch it again. It is nearly 30 min long but worth it. You really mainly need to listen, so i could turn it on and go do my thing. I especially liked the explanation of the difference between a democracy and a republic. And this quote: "When the government starts doing something for one person it has to take from another to do so, and in the process gains control over both." Also helpful: How fascism and communism can't be considered far right. Very informative and useful.

Facebook | The 9.12 Project Main Event (Utah, USA)

Should I be Concerned?

2009-09-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

That this child has been obsessed with So You Think You Can Dance?

O.K it is kind of my fault. I was looking up some dances I had missed on You Tube while Bren was on my lap. Now all she wants to do is watch "the dancers on the computer."

I am pretty sure she loves the outfits best. "Mommy, find me the one where the girl is wearing a white shirt and yellow shoes" Or "Hey, mom, I want to see the girl dance in the blue dress. Can I get that dress for my birthday?" "I can't get that dress huh mommy, because it would show my belly button."

She also loves the scary ones. Vampire dance? Fabulous. Everyone dressed as zombies? Great. She is mesmerized. Who is this kid?

I try to keep her from the most provocative ones. But I realize it's still probably not good....

Hey, she's 3. It all goes over her head, right? I tell myself that when she says, "Hey Mom! Want to see my Boom Boom dance?" ;)

My all time favorite:

You just don't see a man move like that often....

Brenley's definate favorite:

Appropriate? I know it. She just thinks it's funny when the boys use the pom poms. All over her head, right? She'll watch this over and over and over again.(Maybe I shouldn't have showed her how)

Any Bollywood style dance is the Cheetah Girls dance. This is her favorite in that style. "The Cheetah Girls dance with all the girls"

And this is:"The one with the white shirt and yellow shoes. Where they do the wormie and she grabs his belt. You know Mommy" Ya, I know. I love these two together myself. This is one of my favorites too....and Bren seems to be partial to hip hop.

Some of her favorites are surprising. Like this one:

It is probably her second favorite after the cheerleader dance. She LOVES it. I don't know why. Should I be concerned?

We probably need to spend some more time in the car, where the playlist consists of Abigail's lullabies and church songs....

The Brenners isn't feeling well today. Her "mouth hurts" (I think it is a sore throat, and she has a fever) So we have been doing this all morning.

The sacrifices we make for our children...

Where is the Love?

2009-08-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

There has been an epidemic. Have you noticed it? Everyone is going private.

I kind of hate it.

No offense to those of you going private, I totally understand your reasons. Really. You are good moms.

In fact some of you are my favorite people.

It is just harder to follow blogs that won't pop up on my googlereader.

It has also raised some questions of blogging etiquette. What do you do if someone wants to be invited and you don't want to invite them? Do you just ignore them?

This has happened to me.

There is an old friend who shall remain nameless. Though this post won't say anything bad about her. I actually really like her. still.

Our husbands worked together about 10 years ago and we were good friends. I knew some of her family since I was really young. We went to dinner together, we went to a company overnighter at a resort together, we did softball together, etc. Family baptisms. I even subbed in her bunko group.

She and her husband were hilarious. Hilarious! You couldn't NOT have fun around these two. In fact her whole family would crack you up. They are a close knit family, and you can't help but feel good just being around them.

But I have suspected for a while that she didn't like me anymore,which prompted some soul searching and introspection.

I am not really a fan of introspection as a rule. I don't really like to evaluate my faults. But it is necessary sometimes in order to avoid them in the future.

We fell out of contact with these friends about 7 years ago when our husbands stopped working together. Not right away, though. We had babies at the same time when I had Bren, and we e mailed pictures.

We have brought over Christmas goodies once or twice. We have been over there one other time recently, and Brenley still talks about their three year old, which is kind of sad. Because she doesn't know why I can't take her to her little friend's house. And our husbands will still talk to each other from time to time.

7 years is a long time! My kids were young. Rach was only five, Kindyl 3, and Mitchell was a one year old toddling around. I was a little immature myself I think (25 years old)

I was still new at this parenting stuff, and was more fixated on certain things than I should have been.

Our friends were a little bit older, had been parents for longer, and were a little bit more relaxed. Kind of like we are now.

This and my immaturity were my downfall, I think. Though I couldn't say for sure.

This is what I think happened, pure speculation mind you. I talked too much about my kids education, possibly making it sound like my kids were way more brilliant than hers. (which is not the case, by the way, I never thought her kids were anything less than fabulous) At the time I had Rachael at a private Montessori school and had to get a scholarship and clean the school twice a week in order to pay for it. Crazy.

I think I may have been a little obsessive about my weight and working out. I had been on bedrest with Mitchell for 5 months and put on a few pounds. (in retrospect, I really wasn't very big. Amazing what time and two more kids can do for your perspective )I had also just started going to the gym everyday, which was kind of a big part of my life.

In short, I may have been a little obnoxious. I also remember a phone conversation with her where I may have freaked out a little. I was panicked about something not getting done in time and ticked at Wendell about it. Again, it was my first time doing it and I overreacted.

That and a few other things that I can think of. There were things I would do differently now, to say the least.

As I was thinking about this, it reminded me of someone I recently met and hung out with a few times. She always seemed to point out how much more money her husband made. And how much more righteous her boys were. And a few other things that drove me nuts.

After a couple of times I told myself it just wasn't possible to be this person's friend. She would drive me crazy!

But then I realized something. She probably wasn't trying to make me feel bad. She was trying to make herself feel better. She may be a little insecure. But not a bad person. After a while it was obvious that this was the case. And now she is actually a pretty good friend. (though I still have to just smile and nod when she says rude things)

Had I been doing this too all those years ago? I admired my old friend. I admired her family. Was I insecure about my own? Perhaps. Did I come off the same way toward her? I don't know.

But it is possible.

When we lost touch I missed them. Because, like I said, they were both hilarious! They were good parents with great kids and fun to be around. Her husband was a good example to Wendell. (He doesn't need good examples now, of course because he is perfect;)but this was years ago, before he had perfected himself)

I told myself it was because they didn't work together anymore. And they moved 30 minutes away. Etc. But in the back of my head, I think I knew she just didn't like me.

What? How could that be? ;)Crazy I know.

Anyhow, when I started blogging I came across her blog. It was nice to keep up with her cute little family. I even commented once or twice. When she never commented back, I didn't think too much of it. She might just be the type that doesn't comment, right? There are plenty of people like that. It didn't really bother me .

Until she decided to go private and asked for e mail addresses. I commented and gave her mine a couple of months ago. Then she went private and I am not invited.

Am I mad at her? Honestly, not at all. It is her blog and her family and she has every right to invite whomever she wants. And frankly, she has legitimate reasons not to like me. Nobody should have to stay in any kind of relationship that they feel is toxic.

Mostly I feel regret. Regret for a friendship I have lost. And hurt, of course...

My sister thinks I should have Wendell ask the husband what's up. Since this is all speculation and they are still in occasional contact.

But I am too scared! I don't want to know for sure that she thinks I am a horrible person. Assuming may be better than knowing. By assuming, I can leave a tiny little option open in the back of my mind that it may have been an oversight. Or that she typed in my e mail address wrong. Etc.

I am a coward.

What would you do in this situation? Say it is no big deal (it really shouldn't be) and ignore it? Tell yourself not to obsess over this one person? That is probably what I should do. But I kind of feel this need to know.

Should I have Wendell ask and potentially put these people on the spot? Possibly make them feel the need to lie about it to spare my feelings? Is that really fair?

What do you do?

You're Never Alone

2009-08-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Back To School...and a Little Fashion Show;)

2009-08-21T10:55:00.001-07:00

Nope, didn't get pictures all together. They go to 4 different schools and start at different times. The girls are just waking up when this kid heads out the door at 7:15 for carpool...

The boy. It is so nice to have a boy. Their fashion is so simple, and they are not particular. Third grade this year for Mitchell. I can't believe it.

I have been trying to talk him into going to our neighborhood school this year instead of the Montessori school he has always gone to. I pulled the girls out in third grade because I figured ELP was good enough, and they didn't need a special school anymore.

His response?:"What! I would have to sit in the same desk ALL DAY!" and "I would have to learn the same stuff the rest of the class is learning instead of what I want to learn!"

Too true. But he would be able to ride his bike to school at 8:25. Instead of me driving carpool at 7:15. Very tempting for this mama...

.
This child is seems to be growing up behind my back. When did this happen? She is already in 5th grade. And will be 11 soon.

Kindyl is still my easy going low maintenance child. Let's hope it stays that way. I am not ready for another high maintenance tween...

(Second day. And she didn't want to look up. Something about not liking a fake cheesy picture smile...or she just didn't want to quit texting. I pick my battles...)

I forgot to take this child's picure on the first day. But I came accross these photos on my camera. Rachael and Kindyl were apparently taking photos to judge the best outfits. I think this is what she wore first day. Minus the ever important jewelry and hair, of course.

But I don't know for certain.

This child had a minor meltdown on the first day. So we went for comfort over fashion. On hair and outfit. But then she decided on a little voguing:

Strike a pose, sister. Strike a pose.

I took a few on day two. You can see I do actually get her dressed and do her hair occasionally...She wanted a side pony. But she just got a cute new haircut. So I had to braid it around her head into a pony so it would all fit. I think she is kind of cute.

still posing, as you can see...

Silly girl. I don't know where she comes up with this stuff!

Sorry about the flash. It is just her blingity bling...

We lost our camera right before our CA trip. So every picture we have taken at the beach until now have been from our old camera. And now I remember why I hated it...

Some more fashion, for your viewing pleasure...

(animal print leggings didn't make the cut for school...executive decision...)

Is it just me, or is this 80's trend a little disturbing? And aren't twelve year olds looking a little older than we did? Seriously?

With a child in Jr. High (MY Jr. High for that matter) I am feeling a little old...

Crazy.

The beach 09 (revised)*

2009-08-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

>

(these guys are looking for actual crabs, and found a few. the scary gross kind. sandcrabs were soooo last year....)

at the beach this year I personally spent a lot of time watching this:

(Trying to keep miss A occupied in the shade, since she was a buck white infant)

And not a lot of this:

No, the Queen did not sleep well this trip. Not on the beach, or in her port o crib in the tent trailer.I got the bulk of my sleep between 6a.m. (when I handed her off to Wendell) and 8 a.m.

But I was at the beach! So who cares!

This is the kids' favorite vacation of the year. They like it even better than the beach house((MY personal favorite vacation of the year) because they get to actually live with almost all of their cousins instead of just a few. Kid. Heaven.

(Shh...the elusive 12 year old...very hard to capture in their natural habitat...)

(Kinsey, Dani, and Rachael)
If you're quiet you can sometimes sneak up behind them. Be careful they're a little skittish...

The kids are crazy little fish. most of the time the older ones just disappear and we hope the lifeguards on duty are paying attention. They take off on boogie boards,
skim boards,
(Chandler)
and surf boards (supervised on the surf board. Thanks Greg.)

If we are lucky we catch sight of them long enough to remind them to reapply sunscreen. This usually only happens when they come in for lunch. I love it. They wear themselves out. And we did the same thing when we were their age...

And sometimes even now. This year I spent a lot more time in the ocean than I usually do. Either the waves were particularly good this year, or I just didn't have a fantastic book to read...

We bring shovels, and are very serious about our digging endeavors. This fantastic three part tunnel kept the kids occupied for hours. You can see all three parts. Janee and Seaver coming out of the front. Kindyl and Tate coming out of the middle. And Mitchell's head popping out of the end. Then you can see Zan, Bren, and Dax waiting their turn to enter.

Our men are architectural geniuses...

(another view...Brenley coming out of the end.)

(Dave's brilliant sand sculptures not pictured. Sorry! )

As you may have noticed, we tend to have our babies in rounds. These are three of the 4 babies we had this year:

Delaney, Teichert, and Abigail. we are only missing Rylie. All beach babies, of course. Just like the rest of our kids. I am pretty sure it is genetic...

.
3 three year olds.(out of 6 or 7 in that particular round of babies. Depending on how you count it...) We find they are easier to keep an eye on if you keep them buried up to their waist....

And sometimes higher! (For more evidence, see blog header)

Kindyl, my blonde beach beauty.

The boy. Kind of a rare breed in my family...

They sometimes come in handy for things like helping dad pack up.

Look, more of them! Luckily there are at least a few boy cousins.

The sandy faced Queen with one of her most loyal subjects
And a sleeping Brenners on mom's lap

Holy picture overload! (No, I don't use slideshows. I don't know how. And I want to make a blog book one day...)

And there are even more. At the campground. Maybe on another post. I can't seem to locate them....
(Yes, I realize that by now you are only reading if you are related to my family, and weren't at the beach with us...)
(on a side note, thank you to my sisters Callie and Jannalee. I pilfered some of your pictures...)

The Cabin

2009-08-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been a slacker. A serious blog slacker. I have had posts floating around my head for weeks. But have posted nothing. Because I am a slacker!

Now, for journaling purposes, I must go in order. Starting with the cabin in Pinetop at the end of June.

We were invited to go to Pinetop with our good friends.(started to post a link but remembered they went private along with the rest of the world, dangit)

How could we say no? Knowing our next beach vacation was months away, I had been dying to get out of the heat. And playing with some friends was an added bonus.

Wendell and Mitchell couldn't wait to finally use their poles and fishing licenses. So fishing was the first order of business.

(yes, Brenley is holding worms. Lovely)

Poor Maisy was desperate for shade. Can you even see her? The first day was kind of warm. But still wayyyy cooler than Mesa, of course.
My friend and her baby sitting by Rachael watching the boys fish. Yes she is my age...and the size of my 12 year old. They could share clothes. nice.

Next came the fun part. (What? do you really know any women that enjoy fishing?) The quads.

First the men took all of the kids while we stayed in with the babies.

Then the moms were going to go by ourselves. Oh sweet freedom! But we decided to take the two older girls with us.

I may or may not have urged my two young children to, "hurry up, just go faster!" on a couple of dangerous off road vehicles. Mother of the year award? Ya, I know....

The kids (and men)all got slightly sunburned despite my repeated warnings...but they had a blast, and frankly, so did I. It had been a long time...
The next day was cool and gorgeous so we proceeded to relax..

(Mitch on a hammock)

Play...

(Ya, I relived my 6th grade glory days and took on acouple of kids...)

and, of course, shoot all manner of weapons...including but not limited to:... .
b b guns....

air soft guns....

.
and bows and arrows....

(miss Kindyl even shot a bull's eye. For real. She kind of rocks....)

Where was the Queenie? She was content collecting pine needles and playing with blocks.

Then the real competition began..

That's right, the stuffing of the marshmallows. The competition was intense. I think Wendell won...

It was nice to have no fire restrictions for a change. Things just wouldn't be the same without a campfire.

Good friends, fun weekend, great to get out of the heat!

(you may have been wondering where Abigail's headband was in her picture. She rarely takes a picture without one. Because she is bald. And doesn't take them off. Well her baby friend K tried it on and didn't take it off like she usually does. And she looked so stinkin' cute, we left it on her.)

(Ya, she's a big bad biker;)

Tonight...

2009-07-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

We get to go see this movie at an early 5:30 showing.(Thanks, Sheila, you rock.) When we left Summer Movie Fun at 11 this morning there were people already in line for the midnight showing tonight. I kind of feel guilty for just walking in and seeing it at 5:30 when they will still have 6 1/2 hours to wait. Kind of.

Is it sad that I am a thirtyish woman and am excited to see a kids' movie? Is it sad that I have read all of the books more than once? Is it sad that I have painted my nails black for the occasion, and I kind of like it? I may keep them this way. Seriously.

Luckily I have 3 children old enough to be excited to see it too. And they can be my disguise;)

(p.s- don't google Harry Potter images. there are some scary ones. be more specific. I think I threw up a little....)

My Cute Little Baby Vampire

2009-07-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

Does this look like the face of a monster to you? Maybe more than you think.

Yes, I realize I have made this claim before. But for an entirely different reason. I called her a blood sucking vampire because she liked to bite me when she nursed. And drew blood. Not cool.

So it is kind of fitting that she has these:

Fangs. That's right. Fangs. All of you Twilight fans are jealous, I know. Silly baby.

I think she is kind of cute. Even bald and nakey;)

4th of July Fun

2009-07-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

As usual, the 4thof July consisted of too much food and too much fun. A bit more laid back this year than previous years.

Those of us that were in town for the holiday spent the day swimming at a friend's house.(until Joy and Rebecca build their houses, and of course the promised pool-a-palooza, my brother Spencer and I are the only ones with pools. And ours are too small to accommodate the fam)

(Wendell throwing Mitchell around)

The dads usually take turns throwing the kids up in the air so they can do some tricks. My dad used to do this to us when we were little. Good times. Not to mention a good work out...

(Breazy, Danica,Rachael, Hanna. Cute little Zan in the background))

The older girls doing what they do best. I am not sure what that is, exactly...

(Abigail chillin' with Kindyl on the noodles)

We continued our laid back theme when we went to watch fireworks. We didn't feel like waiting forever in traffic, so we went and watched them in the greenbelt by Jannalee and Dan's house.

(cheesy Brenley waiting for the fireworks to start...)

(The Queen watching with her dad)

(clusters of kids watching fireworks)

Another low key holiday for us. Are you seeing a trend here? Christmas, Easter, The Fourth. All done with a minimum of effort on my part. (I can't say the same for the Dunyons. Who had to set up, clean up, and do all the grillin'. Thanks guys!)

I am sure next year when Little Queenie is a little older things will all go back to normal. Or maybe with 5 kids we have found a new normal....

Getting All Political and Such

2009-07-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well it's not like me to get all political and such ( except perhaps at the occasional family dinner. And sometimes late at night while discussing the state of the union with the husband. O.K- and some controversial e mails;)

But I found this Milton Friedman clip from a link from Tammy

and thought it was lovely. I have been so concerned for a long time about the socialist turn our country seems to be taking. I had a pretty vivid nightmare about it the other night.

But I won't get on my soap box. At least until I can educate myself on the finer points of the cap and trade agreement and Obama's health plan. And a few other things....

Weaning and Diet Pepsi. A Sad Tale...

2009-07-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

It's true, I did it. I managed to wean The Queen.

It was kind of sad, but had to be done. I found that I had GAINED 12 pounds since I had the baby. That's right ladies. The scale moved the wrong way. I came home from the hospital after having Abigail. And then gained weight while nursing.

Not. Cool. I started having weight related health issues. And I needed to start some medication that I couldn't take while nursing. So I decided to wean her at the ripe old age of 8 months.

I thought I would have to wait for my sister to come home to keep Abigail for three days and just force her to eat. But I am glad to say it wasn't necessary.

I just woke up one morning and realized she hadn't nursed in a while and still seemed to be in a good mood. That is when I decided to just starve her out a little and try some breastmilk in a bottle. She took two ounces. That was the beginning.

I pumped for a while and slowly weaned her onto formula. She was pretty stubborn for weeks refusing to take more than 2 or 3 ounces at a time. Just enough to not starve. She has just now started to take four or more ounces at a time. This tiny little thing has a big attitude. I am a little frightened for the future;)

Unfortunately when I quit nursing, my hormones changed. my ICand endometriosis, which had been in remission for four years, came back with a vengeance. These conditions are hormone related. I had kept them at bay while I was pregnant and nursing Brenley, then pregnant and nursing Abigail.

This means a lot of pain. And a major life style change. I get to cut out many foods I love that are bad for me(chocolate, processed foods, spicy foods) and foods I love that are good for me(citrus, tomatoes, bananas etc.), and last but not least, Diet Pepsi:(

That's right, my soda. That I rely on. To get rid of my headaches. And my boredom. and my sleepiness.

(sigh) Farewell, my friend. You will be missed.....

(and yes. I have seriously considered pumping and dumping for the rest of my life. And just live with being fat. Don't tempt me...)

The good news is I am down twelve pounds since I stopped nursing. This is probably a combination of not nursing and being too afraid to eat anything;) Now I weigh what I weighed the day I got back from the hospital with Abigail. Woo hoo:(

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

Wanna Party?

2009-06-21T00:53:00.000-07:00

I referred to this family before in this post. I went to High School with Josh, and he has such a cute little family. I hope everything works out for him, and I am willing to pitch in to make it happen!

He is having a fundraiser at Big Surf this Saturday. So come party with your family, or just on a date with your husband! Reasonable price, great cause, the whole shabang.

Go! Have fun!

P.S- I would love to have a button for Josh on my side bar where I have a few others. But I am technically retarded and don't know how to make one. So if anyone wants to make one for me, I would love it! I don't know how difficult it would be.

Host: Big Surf Waterpark/Philip Farber
Type: Causes - Fundraiser
Network: Global
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2009
Time: 6:30pm - 10:30pm
Location: Big Surf Waterpark Tempe, AZ
Street: 1500 N. McClintock Dr.
City/Town: Tempe, AZ
View MapGoogle
MapQuest
Microsoft
Yahoo
Phone: 4808241601
Email: pfarber@avstechgroup.com

DescriptionFriends and family,

Please forward this to as many people as you can!!!!

My friend Josh Wills has had Cystic Fibrosis since he was 6 months old. Now he is in desperate need of a Lung Transplant. We have partnered with Big Surf Waterpark and will be throwing a benefit fund raiser for Josh’s Long Transplant cost. It will be a Private night party (but anyone can come!) from 6:30PM to 10:30PM, June 27th. Big Surf is not normally open at night so this will be a special event! All the water attractions will be open for both adults and kids. We will also be selling BBQ meals in the park. Almost all of the sales from the entire night will be going directly to Josh. Big Surf is just about covering the entire cost of the event themselves (So please support Big Surf by going there this summer for their donation of their time, staff, and park for Josh!) The cost is $15 online or $20 at the door the night of the event. Meals will include a hamburger or hotdog, chips and a drink for $7.00. We will have free rafts for the wavepool for everyone, the Kiddy area will be open for younger swimmers, Volleyball and of course all the slides for everyone. This event is not limited to just friends and family of josh we are inviting everyone to raise as much money as we can for Josh and his family! If you cannot make it but wish to donate please go to www.joshandjenwills.com to find out how.

Please contact me if you have any questions or interested in corporate donations or sponsors.

So please come out and enjoy the waterpark and have a great time at night without all the heat during the day to support Josh!!!!!!!

You can find out more about Josh’s journey at www.joshandjenwills.com

Event Details:
What: Benefit for Josh Will’s Lung Transplant.
When: Saturday, June 27th from 6:30PM-10:30PM
Where: Big Surf Waterpark in Tempe
Tickets: https://tickets.golfland.com/ (Type in joshwills)

More Beach House

2009-06-06T12:56:00.001-07:00

Friday morning Wendell took the kids to the pick your own strawberry fields with the Garns, Dunyons, and Johnsons. I stayed home to nurse Abigail without interruption and put her down for a good nap. And did the laundry and read my book. Heavenly.
(do you have the Beatles song stuck in your head now? I know I do;)

We had more strawberries than anybody could ever eat. Rebecca cut them up for strawberry short cake. Yumm...

When they got back we took advantage of the beach and laid out. Or I did. It was pretty chilly and overcast but I was determined to get rid of my Knott's Berry Farmer's tan. You have already seen how well that turned out;)

We left the kids home and went out to dinner Friday night and Saturday night. And even went to the Johnson's beach house to play some games. Boy, we Proffitts can get competitive! Who knew. O.K, I did.

More beach on Saturday but it was too cold to get rid of the lovely stripes I had on my arms. And I was so careful with the sunblock this time! Oh well...

Kids of course don't even notice the cold. They are somehow programmed not to care about cold and heat. I don't know how they do that. Cold sandy and wet? Who cares! We're at the beach!My mom was in her chair with her sweats on and a blanket, and the kids are running around in their bathing suits. The big kids were in the ocean all day, surfing, body surfing, and boogie boarding.

We left on Sunday but stayed for Sunday dinner first. Which was actually Sunday lunch. I wish we could have all of our Sunday dinners at the beach house.

The view from my spot at the dinner table. Eating dinner while watching the ocean. My two favorite things!;)

The big kids eating dinner. How lucky are they?

Some of the littles at dinner.

And a wedding on the beach we could see from our balcony. Lovely.

After dinner? Manis and pedis before heading home. At this point Wendell was starting to antsy to get on the road. And I was delaying. I didn't want to leave the beach. I needed at least two more days!
(my favorite 12 year old look)

I am contemplating taking a cue from my sisters and getting my very own beach house for the month next year right next to theirs. My MIL even said she would pitch in if she could stay with me part of the time. Hmmm...

Roseola

2009-06-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

On our way to the Beach House we stopped in Gila Bend for some dinner. When I got Abigail out of her carseat, she had a brand new major rash all over her face. Poor thing! I thought it must have been too hot in there for her, and she had a heat rash.

Nope.

Roseola. All over her little body. If you click on her picture, you can kind of see it on her face. I had taken her to the doctor on Monday because she had a high fever and I wanted to make sure it wasn't another ear infection. I wanted to get antibiotics before we left for CA on Wednesday. Not an ear infection. Don't know what it is.

Until two days later when she breaks out in a fun rash all over her body.

Luckily it didn't seem to bug her, and her fever was gone. The worst was already over.

I think she is still cute though;)

My Knott's Berry Farmer's Tan

2009-05-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

When we went to Knott's Berry Farm, I sunblocked my face. I intended to sunblock my arms and legs in an hour or two so they could get a little color. I forgot.

OOPS!

The next day I tried to rectify the situation on the beach. I put SPF 50 on my sunburned arms and deliberately burned my shoulders, chest, and upper arms. Unfortunately, I wasn't very precise with the sunblock...

Yes, the Farmer's burn was nice, but not nearly as sexy as this stripe. Sweet!

Other than that, we had a great time. We left The Queen with Joy and my mom back at their beach house, where she decided to stage a 12 hour hunger strike. That's right she wouldn't drink one ounce of breast milk from a bottle. Stubborn kid.

But it was lovely not to have to deal with an infant.

Last year we did it without the husbands, and it was a nice change to have Wendell and Greg around to help out.

We got to split into different groups at different times, and everyone got to do the things they wanted. My favorite was hanging out with the older girls; Miss Rachael, Kinsey, and Kylee. Kinsey and Kylee are nice to me, and it started to rub off a little on Rach;) They made me feel a little like a teenager again. And they are dang cute girls.

Silly kids.

It is so fun to hang with cousins.

The kids were all a little more daring this year, thanks to a little cousin peer pressure, and had a lot of fun.

Brenley and Mitchell on a little plane.

Bren was happy the entire time. I was sorry that I had rented a stroller, because she didn't spend five minutes in it the whole day. She couldn't get enough.

(Brenley with Addie,Dax , and some random kid on a fun up and down ride.)

On the way out to the car Brenley was actually skipping. I have it on video, but I can't figure out how to post it. It was hilarious. I was contemplating the loss of my two pinky toe nails, my feet hurt so badly, and Brenley was skipping. That kid can be the Energizer Bunny when she is having fun.

More highlights of the beachhouse trip to come!

My Mother's Day Bling!

2009-05-31T22:10:00.000-07:00

This is what I got from my kids for Mother's Day. Aren't they thoughtful? O.K, I picked them out and bought them. But they put them in baggies and brought them to me on the Happy Mother's Day morning.

I should have taken a Picture of the backs. On the back of my "M" is a word search with my kids' names highlighted. On the back of the "S" is a crown with crystals. This is nice, because it means Rachael can wear it too. Wait...is that really nice?...;)

The Diet Pepsi is self explanatory.

They are clips and can go on any necklace. I can wear the Diet Pepsi on a plain silver chain with red, or I can put the "M" on a different colored necklace. You get the picture. Versatility is key.

Did I get my clean house and my nice kids. Ummm...no.'Nuff said.

But my thoughtful husband gave me a gift certificate for Massage Envy. Smart guy. I am using it as a reward. For 5 consecutive days at the gym in one week, or three days at the gym a week for two consecutive weeks. If I work my booty hard enough, I will really need that massage. And it is motivation to work off that baby weight. Before I can no longer call it baby weight. Perfect.

Thanks Mom, I Can Feel the Love.

2009-05-22T14:25:00.001-07:00

I hear this pretty often at my house from my first three kids. I am pretty sure # 1 coined the phrase, but # 3 uses it most often . He even gets more dramatic at times and says:

"Thanks Mom, I can feel ALL the love."

This usually comes after a pretty innocent comment from me such as,

"When was the last time you washed your hair?"

or

"Maybe you should get into the habit of changing your socks before AND after school"

or

"Go brush your teeth"

Number 1 might use it after something like:

Me:"Get off the computer"
Rach: "Why"
Me: "Because I'm pretty sure you haven't done your homework yet"

"Thanks Mom, I can feel the love."

This phrase usually catches me off guard and always makes me laugh. Usually because I just don't realize I am being rude! How sad is that? Leave it to the kids to put me in my place...

Kindyl's Talent Show

2009-05-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

(Tangee and Kindyl)
Kindyl was in her school's talent show with her best friend Tangee and the other Kindal. The girls picked their own music, and outfits, and movements. I think they did a pretty good job.

Here is a little video of the girls. It was taken by Tangee's teenage brother so it isn't perfect. It won't give you a headache if you only watch it once though;)

(He may not be the best videographer, but he is a great big brother and sweet to my kids. So we love him anyway;)

We did videotape it ourselves, and someday I will learn how to post videos of my own. Someday....

(My Kindyl is on the left. Then the other Kindal, her nemesis. Then BFF Tangee)

A Hamster on a Cloud...And Other Random Thoughts

2009-05-21T22:46:00.001-07:00

Brenley loves to sing, as many three year olds do. And, also like other three year olds, has absolutely no desire to sing the correct words. So I will explain the above title: Kindyl is singing "Castle on a Cloud" with two other girls in her choir concert. We have been treated to a little Les Miserables around here lately. My favorite. But miss Brenley has been enamoured of a little hamster belonging to Kindyl's BFF Tangee named Bubby. Thus, around our house, "There is a Hamster on a Cloud" Are you singing it to yourself yet? Now make sure you are singing like a three year old who happens to attend speech preschool. That's right, leave off the "r"sound, and make a "W" sound instead of a "L" sound. It ends up more like a "Hamstu on a cwoud". Welcome to my world.

Are you ready for another Brenley quirk? Bren has a horribly sensitive involuntary gag reflex. She is really my only hurler around here. And recently she has an issue with a few baby things.

As I was feeding Abigail some unassuming green bean baby food I was talking to her to keep her attention up and toward the food. I think I was saying something like, "Abigail, look! I have some yummy green beans for you!" I hear Brenley coming up behind me, trying to be helpfull. She says, "Look Abigail! Eat your yummy ...blech...(and more dry heaving to follow) Poor Brenley! The sight of that green gushy stuff was too much for her. Sometimes I have her bring me a tissue for the baby. But if she actually sees the green stuff come out of her nose, she looses it. Silly girl.

Also heard recently from Brenley? "Mom! It's Happy Mother's day!" Yes she was my only child who actually gave a darn about good old Mother's Day.(More ranting on that later). The Happy Mother's Day actually lasted all week. And she was very excited about it. My three year old loves me.

Mother's Day thoughts continued later in the week. I heard Brenley singing in the shower. She does this often . Then I listened to the words. Of course, she made up her own again, as every three year old has the right to do.(or Rebecca;). She was singing:" Rain rain go away come again on Mother's Day."

The kid cracks me up. She just does.

Josh's Journey

2009-05-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

I went to Jr. High and High School with Josh, and I just found out what a hard time he is having.

Josh was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was 6 months old, and now needs a double lung transplant. They need help with living expenses and bills.

He has two sweet little twin girls, and a beautiful wife who need him to be healthy.

Something I strongly believe in is the power of prayer, and they need yours now. To read his story and see what you can do, visit:

www.joshandjenwills.com

(you'll have to copy and paste. For some reason it is not letting me link)

She Really Meant It.

2009-05-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

Do you know what I want for Mother's Day? What I really really want for Mother's Day?

A clean house. And for my kids to be nice to each other. Really truly and honestly that would be the best gift.

Whoa----Deja vu! Where have I heard that before? Oh ya. About 20 years ago. From my own mother.

Of course I didn't believe her. It was unfathomable to think she didn't want us to buy her anything. She was just being self sacrificing. As the mother of 11, she was definitely used to self sacrifice.

Now I know she meant it. And I wish I would have given it to her.

What do you really truly want for Mother's Day?

Fangs!

2009-05-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

(nope, not talking about Edward. Sorry Twilight fans!)

Some of you may have wondered what I have decided about the nursing situation after reading this post

I am still nursing. Exclusively. Meaning no formula from a bottle. And she even refuses breast milk from a bottle.

We have recently learned that this stubborn eating habit is not limited to milk or milk related food. She also won't let other people feed her baby food or baby cereal. Lovely.

Does this mean I never go out without her? No. It means that I still go out pretty much whenever I want and she stages a hunger strike. She is very good at it. Last night it was a 6 hour hunger strike. The longest we have gone is seven hours.(sorry about that, Jannalee)

She is a stubborn tiny baby. What makes things worse is that she won't even nurse unless conditions are right. No noise! No talking! And she prefers the light a little muted. Is that too much to ask?

As a matter of fact, yes!

She is a tiny little munchkin any way and has decided that it is more important for her to get her own way than it is to eat.

That's fine. Have it your way, little queenie.

But now.She has. Fangs. I'm afraid I draw the line at little tiny vampire babies.

She got her two little bottom teeth last month. Which is usually fine. I have nursed all of my babies with teeth. They bite me, I flick them, they cry and learn not to do it again. The system worked well for me with the first three. Not Brenley. Her bottom teeth were O.K but when she got her top teeth she would draw blood and laugh. And that was the end of nursing miss Brenley at about 9 months old. She wasn't happy about it at first, but she eventually gave in and started drinking formula.

I am afraid Abigail is just too stubborn! Up until now, I wanted her to take a bottle, but I still wanted to nurse. Now I am over it! She jumps around and tries to do her acrobatics while she is nursing. I am covered in breast milk daily. It's disgusting. And now she is really hurting me. On purpose, i think, little stinker;)

She is 7 months old today and I am O.K with 7 months of nursing.

She is so stubborn I don't know how I will wean her! I am afraid I will have to leave her for a few days so she gives up waiting for me to come home and nurse her. But the only person I know that is willing to take my cranky starving baby for two or three days is Joy, who is in California for the next few weeks.

So what do I do? Wean her with me around, and just let her cry all the time wondering why I am right here and refuse to feed her? Give her to my husband and hide? That won't work because he has to go out and make a living. Someone has to keep us all in diapers and jewelry, after all.

We are going to the beach house on Wednesday. It would be so nice to have this taken care of by then...

Can I order a fully weaned baby for Mother's Day, please?

Easter! Kind Of....

2009-04-19T22:47:00.001-07:00

If you happen to frequent Facebook, you may already know about this. I hosted Bunco at my house on Thursday the ninth, and was a little preoccupied. So I neglected to shop for Easter dresses for my FOUR girls. I went out last minute on Saturday to see what I could find. In the end I decided to not try to match all four of them. Rachael is twelve, you know, and so OVER matching her siblings. So I let her wear whatever she wanted. It had some pink in it. So it's all good.

Kindyl just bought a fancy pink dress for the talent show with her BFF Tangee. They wanted to match each other for Easter, so that's what they did. Mitchell is a boy, and wore his Sunday Uniform of white shirt and Khakis to church, as usual.

Brenley and Abbers went with a polka dotted theme. I thought it turned out lovely. I lucked out with some ribbon that matched Abigail's dress almost exactly. But then I didn't take their picture before church. Or after. I kind of took a few at family dinner. And those will have to suffice...

(A cute one of Abs and the Ginge)

These pics are of Brenley basically running around at the Evan's and Rachael trying to catch her with a camera. We are that fancy and put together! I DID put a cute flower on Bren's dress. With a jewel. And coordinating flowers for her hair.

(Bren and Sammy doing some kind of happy spring dance)

We had an Easter egg hunt at the church. It was pouring rain, so we did it indoors. Bren liked it anyway. Some pics:

And she got to frost an Easter egg cookie. Yum!

After the sugar rush of Saturday we focused on the Savior and his resurrection and atonement on Sunday, which is the most important part anyway.

It was a pretty low key no frills Easter. Just what I needed!

She's 6 Months Old!

2009-04-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

(on her 6 month birthday)
Where has the time gone? Miss Abigail turned 6 months old on April 9th.

She is still my tiny baby. She is hangin' strong in the 10th percentile for weight, and 25th percentile for head circumference. And somehow she went from the 10th percentile to the 25th in height. Which, combined, kind of makes her sound like a lollipop. Long and skinny with a big head. She was pretty squirmy when they measured her though, and I wouldn't be surprised if next time she is back down to the tenth percentile for height again.

I must say that when I am not waking up with her in the middle of the night, she is delightful.

Some of my favorite things about this baby stage:

1.The finding of the toes. This happens around 4 months old, and it never fails to make me smile. My favorite is when she bites them and laughs, because it tickles a little:)

(I know. Don't talk to me about the bow/outfit mismatch. Unless you want to get into a lengthy discussion about how a baby blow up can necessitate an ugly outfit change. But not necessarily a bow change. Get it?)

(she does, obviously;)
Which leads me to...

2.The loving of the baths.

(What, you never noticed how bald she was before? Amazing how that works!)

3. Her interest in her new toys. (or my new toys. However you want to say it;)

Like the jumperoo. Yes, my infamously frugal self decided to spend $20.00 extra for the pink one. Worth it? Yes.

I love how she is staring down the flower in this one. I think she is trying to get it to back down first...

4. The ability to entertain herself with a little snacky snacky (said with the hint of a lisp if you are talking about the baby in our house. Say it with me: Thnacky thnacky. There you go.)

Eatin' lunch with the cousins and Grandma after M's baptism. Just one of the girls.

yummm...graham cracker.
This is endlessly useful, as the child still refuses to take a bottle. And I stubbornly refuse to give up nursing.

5. The lovin' of the smooches. Which has proven IMPOSSIBLE to catch on film! Probably because I am the only one who takes pictures, and the one who is most often seen smoochin' on the baby. Try smoochin and snappin' at the same time. Try it!

Usually, when you smooch her little cheek, she smiles, closes her little eyes, and pats your cheek with the other hand. Unless you have the camera out. You will have to take my word on how amazingly endearing it is.

We might just keep her...

Paying Attention to Conference...

2009-04-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

I LOVE conference weekends! For many reasons. Being in Spring and Fall, the relaxed atmosphere of watching church on T.V, and of course, being able to listen to our Prophet. I know, I have talked about this before.

Sometimes we try different things to get our kids to pay attention to conference, or at least not bug us while we are trying to listen. One of the staples we have used is conference bingo. The kids have bingo cards with different topics. When they hear the topic discussed they place a cheerio on it. When they fill a row, they get a bingo.

This time it back fired a little. You see, Mitchell is a very involved kid. When he is doing something, he does it whole heartedly.

He was thus engaged while President Monson was speaking. He was telling a very sad story. He was talking about a woman and her family traveling from Prussia to Germany at the end of World War 2. Her husband had died in battle. Then her 3 year old was first to die on the arduous journey. Then her 7 year old. Next her 5 year old. Finally when she had nearly reached her destination she lost her baby. Just picture this.

As President monson was speaking about how horrible she felt after losing her whole family (and the rest of us are close to tears) :

You hear Mitchell yell, "YES! he said family!"

You see, he had finally gotten a bingo. But was he really paying attention to conference?I wonder.....

The Sound of Music

2009-04-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

You may want to take a few minutes to watch this, I thought it was awesome. I love how it started out with one person and gradually turned into 200 people rockin' out in the middle of the station. I loved how it has kids all the way up to old people. I love how it looks like people are spontaneously joining in. It is like those musicals where people magically burst into perfectly choreographed song and dance, only in real life. I watched it about 5 times in a row, and will probably watch it a few more times;) It helps that I love the sound of Music...

Thanks to my brother in law Bryce who found this on twitter, and e mailed it to us. Thanks Bryce!

Happy Keester!

2009-04-11T12:39:00.001-07:00

Wendell's Text Scare

2009-04-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Wendell got a text this morning from his mother. This is what he read:

"Grandpa died while in surgery. Will tell more later."

What! He didn't even know Grandpa was having surgery! What happened? Was it emergency surgery?

So he tries to call me but I don't answer. Because I never answer my cell phone when I am at home. That is why I have a house phone.

He calls his dad, who seems to be unperturbed. Nothing was bothering him at all. Who was this cold man?

He told his Dad about the text. He said, "Mom told me it went just fine." What? So they try to figure out who had heard from Wendell's mom most recently.

He looks at the text again. This is what it actually said:

" Grandpa did well in surgery. will tel more later"

He was driving. And read died for did. And thought "well" must have been "while" misspelled. Because died well doesn't make any sense. And she DID spell "tell" wrong. It must have been because she was so distraught!

And let's face it, Grandpa Gailey IS in his nineties. So it's not that far fetched.

Now that we all know Grandpa is just fine, we can all have agood belly laugh. And the moral? If this can happen with one little misspelled word, think of the havoc you kids could create with all of your texting shorthand nonsense. Spell it out!

Let's review:

"Grandpa did well in surgery. Will tel more later."
not:
"Grandpa died while in surgery . Will tell more later."

:)

Oh I Can't Wait Until I'm 8!

2009-04-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

For then I'll be baptised you see ! Mitchell's baptism was lovely. His birthday was in January, but we put it off until March so my mother could be here. She was still in Germany on her mission in January.

And this way he and his cousin Andria could get baptised at the same time. Fun! Not to mention awfully convenient. My family is a huge group,and it was nice to get a twofer.

My mom was able to give a beautiful talk, and Wendell's dad gave a scripture. It's not often your family gets to do two things at a stake baptism. And technically we didn't;)

It was also convenient for Wendell's family to not have to drive down from Utah just one month after Abigail's blessing. It was nice for them to get a three-four month break.

We are so proud of Mitchell for deciding to get baptised into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He got a really nice CTR ring from Grandma and Grandpa Macnab, and a brand new leather quad from us. He is such a good kid. He already remembers to choose the right and read the scriptures, and now it will be even easier!

It is always nice to have the Macnabs here from Utah, Payson, and Gilbert. We just don't get to see them often enough! We all came back to our house for a barbeque, and even some swimming! Crazy kids. I have pictures. That post coming next!

I Got Carded Yesterday...

2009-04-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

No, I was not buying booze. Or cigarettes. Or even nitrous oxide or spray paint or something.

I was buying an earring set for Abagail. To pierce her ears. Apparently you have to be 18.

"How old are you?"

"What?" (because really, how often do people ask you how old you are)

"How old are you?"

"I'm 32"

She went on to say she didn't really think I was under 18. She thought early 20's. But you have to ask if you look under 25 or something like that.

I'll take early 20s. My inner voice reminds me that the chubbier I get the younger people think I am. I tell my inner voice to shut it.;)

Baby Face Off

2009-04-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

When we get around my family, things get a little competitive. This is what happens when babies face off:

First up- Abigail and Teichert, going after the paci clip from Germany. Things get tense...Teichert wins! He is trying not to look too smug. He IS 6 weeks older, after all;)

Then we throw Riley into the mix:

They are going after Abigail's pacifier. The toddlers are cheering from the sidelines.

Abigail,"You want a piece of me? Do you feel lucky, punk?Do ya?"

You really don't want to mess with this chick.

The girls get sneaky. They try to throw Teichert off by putting Ab's bow on Riley:

She looks awefully cute,but Teichert is too smart to fall for that. He wins again!

Don't worry. Abigail and Riley are in training for the next time they face off at Family Dinner. But for now, Booker and Trigg decide to have a little competition of their own:

You guys are looking pretty intimidating in the jammies. I love it!

Stay tuned for the next time that Babies Face Off!

I Finally Did It...

2009-04-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about it for about a year. I've been talking about it for months. I have been curious. Wondered if it would work.

I finally took the plunge and went dark

before:

And after:

(my best "twelve year old 'tude" look;)

I know it is kind of hard to tell with the self portraits.

I was a tow head at birth and have been blonde ever since. So I have been wondering about a change. My natural hair color has gotten darker with my last two babies. It is still blonde but "dishwater" blonde. Who wants hair the color of dishwater? SO I decided to go a little darker than my natural color, with a less ashy tone. And I still have my highlights of course.

I kinda like it. It's growing on me. I've been needing a change but couldn't get myself to cut it short. In my head, the long hair takes the emphasis off of the double chin. Can't mess with that. When I lose the "baby weight" I may think about cutting it shorter. Until then, I will continue to change it up in different ways...

Thanks Callie!

Two Democrats On an Escalator

2009-03-31T16:23:00.000-07:00

I found this on my cousin Shelli's blog, and had to steal it. At first it made me laugh. Then, not so much...

Where Have I Been?

2009-03-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have been a blog slacker! It is not like me to go over a week with no post. I have been kind of busy. Sort of;) My excuses:

I have been getting ready for Wendell's family to visit from out of town for Mitchell's baptism last Saturday. O.K this is kind of a copout because his family doesn't really expect that much of me or my house:)

I have been trying to finish the Eragon series so I can return the books to my friend. I like this series because it is interesting, but not interesting enough to neglect my family and my house. I have just been reading every now and then. Which is totally unlike me. And kind of a relief for my poor husband, and again, kind of a copout.

I have been a little addicted to Hulu. And Netflix online. I don't even watch T.V anymore. I watched all 9 seasons, of "As Time Goes By" which is a British comedy about old people. Also, hilarious. And thoroughly enjoyable. Nothing beats good subtle British humor. In my defense, each season is only 6 or 7 28 minute episodes. And the ninth season only had four. So it isn't as bad as it sounds. And I have been able to do other things while I am watching. Like the laundry. But not blogging. Because my computer is taken up with the Netflix. Do you see the problem here? Honestly, this is probably the real culprit. And Hulu gives me all of the latest episodes of my favorite shows. Like Friday Night Lights. And 30 Rock. If you don't know what I am talking about go here.

It is an addiction, I admit it.

The last couple of days it has been the book. One thing my in laws are great for is bringing me good books and movies. They make a regular habit of this. And this trip was no exception. My MIL brought me The Host. You know the book. The Stephanie Meyers book that is NOT about vampires. I have to say I loved it. Probably better than the Twilight series. I may have changed my mind about this particular author. She may have some substance after all. At the very least, an unparalleled imagination.

Wendell didn't know what to think of this. On one had he was happy to get some time on the computer. I am kind of a computer hog/bully. I admit it. And it was nice for him to get a turn. On the other hand, the once semi clean house shot straight to h e double hockey sticks in the span of two days. In my defense, I wasn't feeling well enough to keep up anyway. We ate some bad Mexican food in Payson, and on top of that, my uterus went into it's once a month rebellion. So last night, he had to clean up AND feed the kids. Because frankly, it was necessary to clean up in order to make dinner. Thanks, Hon. You are a trooper.

Mitchell's baptism post coming soon!

To Nurse or Not to Nurse...(revised)

2009-03-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

That is the question.

There are certain women I have a great amount of empathy and respect for. These include (but are not limited to)

1. women who have fertility issues
2. women who have miscarriages
3. women who either cannot breast feed or have a very hard time with it.

These are problems that I am very grateful to never have had. I get pregnant without necessarily trying at all, have never miscarried, and produce enough milk to feed all the babies in the neighborhood if I had to.(would have made a great pioneer;)

Now don't get me wrong, I definitely have my parenting struggles. But most of them are my own doing. I know too many women who have these problems that they can do nothing about.

So I feel a little guilty about wanting to quit nursing this baby.

To tell you the truth, I am conflicted. There are definitely pros to nursing:
1. It is easy for me. Abigail has always been a good nurser, and we don't have issues like thrush or breast infections to deal with. Or teeth.
2. I don't have to make a bottle every time she needs to eat. Like in the middle of the night.
3. She is my last baby. I love to sit and rock with her. I love the way she pats my cheek when she nurses. I love the little sounds that she makes.
4. breast milk is wayyyy cheaper than formula;)

Basically, I like to nurse, and it is easy for me. But the child won't take a bottle. Period. Brenley did not take a bottle either, so I did everything I could with Abigail to ensure she would. Including starting her on a bottle at 3 weeks old. But it didn't last. The stubborn little thing will go 7 hours plus without eating. Even when given a bottle of breast milk!

So there are the cons of never being able to give the child a bottle:

1.You can't leave her for longer than 2-3 hours.
2. It is hard to be out of the house during feeding time. you can't hand her a bottle in the shopping cart or the car. And she won't nurse well if she is covered with a nursing cape and it isn't totally quiet.
3. Your husband can't feed her while you do three other heads of girl hair on Sunday mornings. You have to be the one who feeds her AND does the girl hair, as your husband is not equipped to do either.
4. Since she won't take a bottle, she won't take a cereal bottle. My babies sleep longer through the night with a cereal bottle.
5. There are certain things I can't eat, because it makes her little tummy hurt.
6.It is hard to nurse her at the gym. It would be much easier to get some much needed exercise/sleep if she would take a bottle.

Then there is a girl I keep thinking about. I subbed in a bunko group last week, and naturally looked up all the girls blogs;) As I was reading Lindsey's, I stumbled across her brother and sister in law's blog, and how they lost their little girl. And this post keeps popping into my head. That wagonful of breastmilk, and more. That was meant for their sweet little girl who did not make it. What would she not give to be able to give up her freedom and nurse that baby?

There you have it. In a nutshell. Ideally, it would be best if she would nurse AND take a bottle. But no matter what we try she won't. She is a stubborn tiny thing. I have really been wrestling with the idea of going cold turkey onto a bottle.

What is your opinion? Don't be shy, I have no qualms about other people telling me what to do;)

Rachael's 12th Birthday

2009-03-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

My darling first born child turned 12 years old today. I can't believe it! She had a crazy wild party last month because she combined it with her friend Carli.

(If you look closely, you will see that both birthday girls are wearing their birthday tiaras.)

They planned it all themselves, down to the decorations. They wanted black and white. That's right, folks, black and white. Birthday party. Not funeral. You can see the black and white streamers and balloons in the background of the above pic. And in case you can't tell, their shirts say, "Party like a rock star" of course.

(Abigail helping to decorate)

They ended up having 2 boys and 7 girls. I really didn't want it to be a boy/girl party, but I knew they had these 3 little boys(one couldn't come) that were really good friends with them. So I figured what the heck. And they turned out to be very nice, polite boys. Here's a picture of Trevor holding the baby:

I believe I heard the second boy(Jesse) say, "she's like the Paparazzi" but then he said, "yeah, my mom's like that too"

And the girls, of course, swarmed together like 12 year old girls.

The party went from 5-10. Which in my opinion is toooo long. Apparently, the more 12 year olds you put together, the shorter their attention span gets. Who knew? Well, any one who has taught a large class of Beehives, I guess;)

They opened presents, nibbled pizza (I mean it, 9 kids went through less than one pizza!What the heck!) and looked at the birthday cake while singing.

Then they played a few games with plenty of candy prizes.

And then they watched a movie. In the dark. And didn't appreciate the flash of my camera;)
(sorry I had to include this picture. Because it made me laugh;)

Then they all played outside until their parents came. Of course, paranoid mom that I am, stayed outside with them, and overheard some fun conversations.

The verdict? These 12 year olds, though they are a tad hyperactive, and have the attention span of a flea, are basically good natured. Maybe the teen years won't be so frightening after all. Or maybe they don't turn evil until 13;)

Happy Birthday Rachael! We love you.

Happy St. Patty's Day

2009-03-12T15:28:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Green Eyes

2009-03-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

In case you were wondering...I put Brenley's eyes in my header in honor of St. Patrick's day. She is my only green eyed child,and I think they look stunning. Again, thanks for the magic, Marg!

Wordless....Oh Whatever!

2009-03-09T22:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize it isn't really Wednesday. I just wanted an excuse to post these pictures of Abigail;) ....

Look at those little baby blues!

Thanks Marg!

I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ....(Updated)

2009-03-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

...of Latter Day Saints.

I got an e mail this week about that Big Love series on HBO. There is a picture and an article in T.V guide that I found offensive, and I was appalled. I forwarded that e mail to all my Mormon friends and family so that they could be appalled too;)

A friend in my ward e mailed me back saying that basically all publicity is good publicity. And that people who know Mormons personally may ask their Mormon friends and get the truth from them. Basically, any discussion is good. And grudgingly, I guess she is right.

I need to struggle with my temper and deal with misconceptions with patience and grace. There are people around the Internet who do this.

There are many LDS bloggers out there that handle these issues wonderfully. I like to read this blog a lot,(her button is on my side bar) and she mentions her faith often without pushing it down anybody's throat. I really enjoyed her post today, and the video she has of a young LDS girl at Harvard who handles a lot of grilling with poise and dignity. She is wise beyond her years. The video is worth a look. (It is about 20 minutes long, though, so keep that in mind)

Anyone who wants to learn more can go here or here.

This quote by M Russell Ballard that is on my side bar bares repeating: " Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true.We are living in a world saturated with all kinds of voices. Perhaps now, more than ever, we have a major responsibility as Latter-day Saints to define ourselves, instead of letting others define us. "
**UPDATE***
Danielle sent me this link from the church news about all of this Big Love nonsense. It is helpful

BBC's List of 100 Books

2009-03-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I ran across this list on my old friend Jeanna's blog.(No, Jeanna's not old. She is my age. But I have known her since 6th grade. That makes her my old friend;)

One of the radio stations was talking about the BBC's top 100 list of books to read. I thought it was interesting. The "BBC reckons most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here". I think that is pretty crazy. My official number is 37. But many of them are series of books, and I think should count as more;)

My favorites were:
All Jane Austen books
Jane Eyre
All Harry Potter books (what?)

It is fun to look back on these books and reflect on when it was that I read them. Many have been read while I was on bedrest with one of my babies. Many others were read on the computer while nursing my little ones. Many of the classics are online in their entirety, so I can rock and nurse my babies in front of the computer and read some of the classics.

Here is the list. Tell me how many you have read, I am curious. I'll make a note of when and where I read many of them:

** Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (Computer nursing Brenley)
** The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien (all of them. Should count as 3)
**Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte (bedrest with Brenley)
** Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (first 3 or 4 on bedrest with Mitchell)
** To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee (High School English class)
The Bible
**Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte (Bedrest with Abigail)
** Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell (When I was 19. Just because)
His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
** Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
** Little Women - Louisa M Alcott (read after watching the movie)
Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
** Catch 22 - Joseph Heller (read on a beach trip.Rachael borrowed it;)

Complete Works of Shakespeare
** Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier (bedrest with Abigail)
** The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien (bedrest with Mitchell)
Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
** Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger (preg with Abigail)
The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
Middlemarch - George Eliot
** Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell(bedrest with Kindyl, who was almost named Scarlett;)
**The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (Humanities class at ASU)
** Bleak House - Charles Dickens (just for fun after watching it on BBC)
War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
** Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (was curious after finding out author was a druggie;)
The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
** David Copperfield - Charles Dickens (After watching it on BBC)
** Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (once as a child, once after I had children.)
** Emma - Jane Austen (Nursing Brenley)
** Persuasion - Jane Austen (nursing Brenley)
** The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Berniere
Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
Animal Farm - George Orwell
** The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown(just for fun, when it was all the rage. I admit it.)
** One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez (on my cruise for our anniversary)
** A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving (because Jimmy Eat World wrote a song about it.)
The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
** Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery (Once as a child, again when I had children)
Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
Lord of the Flies - William Golding
Atonement - Ian McEwan
** Life of Pi - Yann Martel(When I flew alone to Utah for Clark's wedding)
Dune - Frank Herbert
Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
** Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (Nursing Brenley)
A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
** A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
** Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
The Secret History - Donna Tartt
The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
** Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas(While preg with Abigail)
On The Road - Jack Kerouac
Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
Moby Dick - Herman Melville
Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
** Dracula - Bram Stoker (While nursing Abigail)
**The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (As a child)
Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
Ulysses - James Joyce
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
Germinal - Emile Zola
Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
Possession - AS Byatt
** A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
The Color Purple - Alice Walker
The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
** Charlotte’s Web - EB White (once as a child, once after I had children)
The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
Watership Down - Richard Adams
A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
Hamlet - William Shakespeare
**Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl(once as a child, and once after I had children)
** Les Miserables - Victor Hugo (While nursing Brenley)

There are a few I think I may have read, but I don't remember for sure. I didn't count those. I know a disproportionate number were read while nursing Brenley. She was spoiled, and didn't take a pacifier, what can I say;) I was going through a classics phase. Some on the list I would like to read, some I have been meaning to.

Some I have read many times, like the Harry Potter books (every time a new movie or new book comes out. I am kind of a nerd like that) and all of the Jane Austen books. And Jane Eyre. etc.

Some I have loved. Some, not so much. But I love looking back on the time in my life that these books remind me of.

I love to read. These books are a part of my life. Don't worry, I will try not to neglect my children;)

The Opera

2009-03-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend (Feb 27th) my husband took me to the opera. We saw Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Right now you are thinking one of two things:

a. Wendell is Husband of the year
b. The company he works for must have sponsored the evening.

I will let you decide on your own which of those is true;)

We were invited beforehand to attend a reception featuring "heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks" which ended up being delightful. The food was absolutely fabulous, although I wasn't quite brave enough to try the clams.( I don't really believe one should eat clams in a land locked state. Just my humble opinion) I think I ate two days worth of Weight Watchers points (thus the "heavy" in the "heavy hors d'oeuvres";)

I had never been to the opera before and did my research on this particular one beforehand. It was touted as one of the best operas ever written. I was inclined to like it because Mozart was the composer. I read a synopsis online, and even saw a couple of scenes on Youtube. I wanted to be prepared because it was all in Italian. I needed to know what was going on. Luckily there were subtitles , so I shouldn't have worried.

I have to admit, I was surprised by how risque it was for 1787. These people were not prude. It was like a modern day soap opera. Only a little more humorous.

I have to say I enjoyed it. The subtitles were sparse, and sometimes a whole song was accompanied by one line. But you got the gist. Really it was better that way, because it is easier to enjoy a play when you are not trying to read the top the whole time. But it would have been better if I understood Italian.

Parts of it were very clever and I found myself wondering, "was that a true translation? did they really write that in the 1700s?" I think some subjects, and some humor, are timeless.

Needless to say, Abigail was not invited. Jannalee was kind enough to keep her for us. But by the second half of the opera, the baby was having her revenge on me for not being included. I was so UNCOMFORTABLE! (warning:TMI ahead)I hadn't realized I need to bring a breast pump to the opera. I can't even describe the pain that 7 hours away from your baby can inflict. I didn't think it would be that bad, because when I left her with Joy for three days I was able to sleep through the night with just mild discomfort. Apparently the baby eats more in the evening than she does in the middle of the night. Who knew? (by the way, Abigail refused to eat the whole time we were gone. Not even breast milk from a bottle. Stubborn little stinker.)

Overall, I really enjoyed it. There was one character that was really overdramatic. I thought if she cried about how she was "going to die" of grief(literally) again somebody might slap her. But that may have been exacerbated because of how uncomfortable I was at the time.

I'll never know. Because I am pretty sure Wendell will never take me to the opera again. At least until next year;)

Abigail- Finally in her crib!

2009-02-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

...Because Brenley FINALLY gave it up! My kids love their cribs. They all have. I remember being told that it is time to move your baby into a big kid bed when they start climbing out of their crib. None of my kids ever did that. They have all been attached to their crib. Almost all of them only got booted when the next kid came around.

Bren was no exception. The child is 31/2 and just agreed to move to a big girl bed.

I am not sure it was for love of the crib as much as dislike for any sort of change. Brenley is the one that notices any type of change in the house. I remember we bought a new lamp for our bedroom and it took her a full day to get over it. She kept telling me that the old one had to go back. She would describe the old one and kept saying, "remember? remember mom? go get it back!"

I am pretty sure 3 year olds just don't like change. She had to see a picture of her (younger) cousin Zanya in a big girl bed before she warmed up to the idea. Then a few short months later...Voila!;)

(yes, Abigail will only sleep on her belly. But don't talk to me about SIDS. Because she sleeps with a fan on AND a pacifier, which both reduce the risk of SIDS. And she is breast fed. So it all evens out...)

Three Month Supply- Canning Meat

2009-02-26T10:07:00.000-08:00

Otherwise known as: Why I have been neglecting my blog. And my book. Warning: May contain gross pictures. We are talking about canning meat here, people. Yuck!

My sister gave me the head's up. There were a lot of good deals on meat, and she would teach me how to use her pressure cooker. A few weeks ago she gave me a jar of beef that she had canned and it was delicious. So I have been wanting to give it a try ever since.

Now, Jannalee is not the type to make an idle offer. You know what I mean. Some people offer to help you, but you are hesitant to take them up on it. Jannalee tells me to come over at this and such time and she will teach me. This is not the first time, either. She taught me how to make homemade wheat bread a couple of weeks ago. I will post pictures when I have the guts to actually make some by myself;) This week, I promise!

Tuesday when the Ginge came over I ran around to 4 different stores and got some major deals on pork loin, 93% fat free ground beef, beef roast, and chicken breast. Then I swung by Jannalee's house to pick up the pressure cooker. Which I would have been too intimidated to use if she hadn't actually shown me how. I started browning the ground beef, because I needed some for that night's dinner anyway. I decided to just brown it all while I was at it.

Ground beef is really the only thing you have to cook before canning. The rest of it goes into the jars raw. So then I got started with the gross stuff. My kids were appalled.

I am running the pork through Italian dressing mix. Jannalee said that it tastes great that way. You can open a jar, heat it up, throw it on rice and you've got a meal. The rest I made up myself. I used a Costco meat rub that we love on burgers in a jar of beef. Then onion soup mix and garlic in another jar of beef. taco seasoning on beef. Ranch dressing mix on chicken. Soy sauce and garlic pepper on chicken (Which is how I cook it usually) and a few other things. I got a little creative.

The first night I was up with it until 1:30 because I underestimated the time required. It takes 90 minutes for quarts to cook in the pressure cooker, so I was figuring an hour and a half. I wasn't counting on the time it took for it to get to boiling, then to pressurize, then to depressurize afterward. One of the drawbacks to canning in the middle of the night is not being able to call your sister with little questions. Oh well. You live and learn.

(my quarts in the cooker)

(my pints, after they are done cooking)

No, they don't look pretty. But they taste good. I hope. Jannalee's tasted good, we'll have to see about mine. I am trying to resist the temptation to use them for dinner next week just to see how they taste! C'mon, wouldn't you be curious?

It's Ten O'Clock....

2009-02-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

...And I am sitting on the computer. Wendell is laying on the bed watching the news. I hear him call to Brenley and tell me she just walked past our door into the family room. So I got up to check it out. This is what I find:

Keep in mind that I got right up to check on her. I remember noticing at bedtime that Mitchell had already crashed on the couch. I remember thinking, "I'll have Wendell move him later"

Brenley decided to make herself cozy and snuggle up with him and promptly fall asleep.

I think this may have been a case of sleep walking. It has happened in our family before. But I think it is funny that even in her sleep, she thinks it would be nicer to snuggle up with her brother than to find a seat by herself:)

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt Giveaway

2009-02-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Go here to see these cute skirts. There is even a link on how to make them, if you are the seamstress type. I am not. And I want one. Wish me luck!

Is it Just Me?

2009-02-20T11:47:00.001-08:00

Or do these two kids look similar?

I thought Abigail looked a lot like Kindyl, but I am starting to think she looks more like Mitchell. They definitely have the same coloring. (my ghastly white skin, poor kids). But they have the same Macnab nose and snapping turtle mouth.(The point in the top lip comes down low. I call Abigail my little snapping turtle. In the nicest possible way of course;) And they both have my eyes.

But she still has Kindyl's dimples. And her gums are the same. (She has an attached frenum on her top lip like kindyl did.Kindyl's had to be burned off so her teeth could come in right. Lucky Abigail;)

Maybe I just spend way too much time looking at this baby. What do you think?

Infrared Photos

2009-02-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

this is what I have been looking at online this morning with Abigail.

I want to steal the daisy photo and frame it. What is your opinion on Internet thievery?;)

Valentine Fun- Fridge and Hair

2009-02-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

Inspired by this post, I decided to finally take my favorite Christmas cards off of my fridge and make it more Valentine appropriate. It is not fabulous or fancy, but kind of cute:

Luckily I had these cute magnetic hearts with all of our names on them. I like how Brenley's heart holds up her artwork, next to the tissue doily heart she made in pre school:
And Abigail's heart holds up her baby cousin's birth announcement, etc.

You get the gist. So my question to you is: Will hearts still be appropriate after V day? Or do I need to make flowers with their names in vinyl lettering for Spring?(probably not going to happen)Are hearts universal enough to stick around? I need your input.

And finally: Heart hair.
In honor of this important day, Brenley wore a heart in her hair.(instructions found here)

She wore it like this to church on Sunday too. I liked it.

4 Months Old!

2009-02-12T20:56:00.001-08:00

I like to take a picture of my babies on their "birthday". These are Ab's 4 month pictures. On the quilt my mom made her.

She is starting to look older. Though she has had the good grace to stay tiny.

I consider this a personal favor, and appreciate it very much! As my last baby, she can stay little for as long as she wants. Though her doctor may have a different opinion. Her stats:

11lbs 2oz- 10%
231/2 inches- 10%

I don't know her head measurement, but it is 25%. And apparently at birth it was 50%. So they need to check her out again in a month and make sure her head is growing as it should. But her soft spot is still soft, so she is probably O.K. I am inclined to call it nurse error, since her first measurement of the day put her in the 12th percentile. They remeasured it and got 25th. SO I am wondering how precise her first measurement really was. She has always had a sweet little tiny head, which I appreciated at birth. For a little perspective:

This is Abigail with Joy's two year old Trigg. Who has a perfectly normal sized two year old head.

She has been a good eater since birth. She eats frequently, she just doesn't eat much. Joy took her for a couple of days for our anniversary, and said she just really only wants to eat a couple of ounces. She is perfectly happy, just not that hungry.

As long as she is gaining weight she is fine. But her pediatrician gave me some high calorie formula for preemies to supplement her with after I am done nursing. Just in case. She won't drink it. She is full. I'll keep trying, though, just to make sure she is healthy.

But I like my dainty tiny dolly just the way she is!

Why I Love February

2009-02-12T20:49:00.001-08:00

Because tulips are my favorite. And February starts like this:

Because my anniversary is Feb 2nd. (Yes, that's Groundhog's Day)

And then we have Valentine's Day, and I get even more:

And they last until March.
I love tulips. What a fabulous way to usher in Spring!

The Killers

2009-02-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

I was just telling Wendell last night that I need more Killers on my i pod. Hoping he would take the hint and do it for me;)

Then I saw this on Julie's blog and had to have it for my own.

I think it is a sign. That it has been too long since I have been to a good concert. It's time.

(yes, I have 3 or 4 way more important posts to do, but this was the easiest one to do one handed while waiting for Brenley's bus;)

Lucky 13?

2009-02-01T18:09:00.001-08:00

Today is our 13th wedding anniversary. Woo hoo!

(you'll have to excuse the quality of these pics. This was before digital cameras, and our scanner is not great.)
Half of me is amazed that I am old enough to have been married for thirteen years. Most of the time I am still 16 years old in my head.

The other half of me is absolutely amazed that I chose a dress with such poofy sleeves. At the time I thought it was beautiful. I will be urging my children to get simple, timeless wedding dresses. Like the ones that are popular right now.

When I look at these pictures I am amazed at how small my family was. We only had 5 grand kids. Now I think we are up to 36. And 5 more spouses. Our family pictures are far bigger now. And half of us are still procreating.

We were looking at our honeymoon pictures (Wendell won't let me post any, because we were mostly in our bathing suits on our cruise) and Wendell said, "It looks like I married a little girl!" I look at 19 year olds today, and agree. Although at the time, I thought I was old enough, and perfectly mature;)

When I look back on that day I can't help but think of how incredibly lucky I am. Although we dated for a year almost to the day before we got married, there are certain things I couldn't have known.

Like what a fabulous father he would be. How he would take turns taking care of our infants in church so that I can actually listen in my meetings. How he doesn't flinch at changing a diaper. How all of the little ones in our family would flock to him. How he recognizes that we are co parents, and taking care of your own children is not babysitting.

Or how he recognizes my needs and doesn't balk. How could I have known that when I had a barely two year old toddler and an 8 month old who hadn't yet taken a bottle he would urge me to go ahead and go to Utah for Women's conference with my sister for three days and leave the babies with him. His exact words?"I promise she won't starve. just because she has never taken a bottle doesn't mean she never will." He was right. By the end of the first day she finally gave in

How he realizes (possibly because of the above experience) that being a stay at home mom can be every bit as demanding as a job, only with longer hours. he is willing and able, every now and then, to just take over at home after along day at work.

Or how he would encourage me to take time for myself when I need to. That's right, I didn't say "allow" I said "encourage" without complaining. Go scrapbooking with my friends. Go to lunch with my sisters. Or even the occasional out of town concert. Somehow he just knows that I will be a better mother and wife if I get a break every now and again

How could I have known how handy he would be? How we wouldn't have to waste money on hiring a professional every time something went wrong with our cars or our house. How did I know he could put together furniture, or even install flooring?

Or how he could figure out everything he could ever need to know about the computer. And everything else for that matter. I am not what you would call the queen of common sense. But I am now because I married the king!;) He can always figure out how to do things more efficiently, or to make something work out when I don't think there is a way..

How could I have known he would trust me to handle all of the bills in our household? Or that we can be almost equally frugal, and discuss money issues before any major purchase. This is a comfort, because money is the cause of more than half of all divorce in our country.

Or that he would be sensitive enough to cry with me when I lost my father, and take care of me while I was grieving. And not expect much the first couple of Father's Days afterwards.

The more I see of the world I know how lucky I got on this day thirteen years ago when Wendell and I started our eternal family and were sealed together in the Mesa temple. The more I see of the selfishness of people the more I am grateful for a husband who is basically not.

At 19 and 23 we may not have known exactly what we were doing. And we still don't. But we have been able to figure it out together. We still have many challenges ahead of us. Like teenagers. Yikes! And who knows what will happen to our family in the future. But I am not afraid. I know we will be able to work it out together.

Here's to at least 50 more!

Football

2009-01-29T18:24:00.000-08:00

I have been a little more interested in football lately than I normally am. this is probably not that unusual right now. (Cardinals/Superbowl anyone?)

I have been watching the back seasons of Friday Night Lights on Netflix, and really enjoying it.

If you know me, you know I don't watch a lot of sports on T.V. But I really enjoy sports live. I'll go to an ASU Football game anytime you ask me. I'm always up for a Suns game, and I really enjoy a good D Backs game. I'm not sure why I can't watch on T.V. For some reason, the noise of the game and the sportscasters drives me absolutely crazy.

I never had the urge to watch this particular show. One of my sisters said it was more about the relationships than about football, so I checked it out.

Love it! I love the relationship between the husband and wife and I love the excitement of the actual game, believe it or not.

I started watching football in Jr. High, but developed a bad taste when I got embarrassed. I was watching a game with a really cute guy I had a crush on.(is it just me or am I sounding like my daughter?) I understood the game, but he thought I didn't. I cheered when our guy tackled their guy, because it was an awesome tackle and it meant they didn't get a touch down. But Super Cute Boy thought I was cheering for the other team. He thought I was so retarded that I couldn't keep track of our own team. I tried to explain myself to no avail. He thought I was just making excuses.

I am pretty sure this is why we never got together;) (By the time he got a clue in High School, I was over it.)

So football, bad experience. When I got to High School I went to games but really just to support the players I was friends with, and socialize. I didn't pay attention.

Until my Junior Year when I spent a semester in Bozeman MT. I played Powder Puff Football, and loved it. I ended up dating and going to Prom with my football player coach. I was the best little corner back you ever saw. O.K not really. But I did just fine, had a lot of fun, and beat the seniors. I decided it was not such a bad game after all.

I started to actually enjoy Mt. View football(even when our State loss to Mesa High really messed with our Winter Formal plans. Who says boys don't get emotional?;)and loved going to home games when I got to ASU.

Still do. but I wouldn't dream of watching it on T.V. Or even a T.V show about it. But I was so wrong! This little town of Dillon, TX reminded me of my little town of Bozeman, MT. Bozeman is a little university town (MSU, home of the Bobcats)of about 30,000- 40,000 .It had one high school, and was kind of serious about its football (although certainly not to the extent of Dillon Texas)

So it brings back memories. And makes me wish I knew my husband when he played High School football. Rumor has it he was quite good. And his little town made kind of a big deal about him. He refuses to brag about it, but I have seen the newspaper articles.

(I know these pics stink. I won't even start on the hair (no, he didn't have a mullet!).Remember the late 80's, people? I found one really awesome picture, but the article was too big to fit in my scanner. I am sort of thinking of framing it;)

When we were dating, I remember running into an ex boyfriend of mine who had met Wendell a couple of times. I remember him saying, "you are going to marry that football player, aren't you." I remember it because it was really the first time I actually considered the question. and I remember wondering why he referred to him as "that football player".I said, "you know, I think I just might."
Who knows, I may just end up actually watching the Super Bowl this year. Go Cards!
( yes, my inner college self IS cringing at how often I start sentences on my blog with "so", "but", and "and". And how often I use incomplete sentences. The list could go on...)

He Finally Made It!

2009-01-29T18:19:00.001-08:00

My friend Sheila sent me this, and it made me laugh out loud. Three times. Each time I saw it again. I laughed again.

My sister says I need to get out more....

Sherry is....

2009-01-26T19:01:00.000-08:00

Trying to decide whether or not to be ticked at a funny comment her husband made.

Referring to breastfeeding, and the calories required:

"I just don't think the fat is making it into this one."("this one" referring to this baby, Abigail)

Meaning:
I nurse this baby all the time, she is still tiny and I am still.... not. I seem to be retaining all of the fat I am eating, and not sharing with the infant.

Do I agree? I am afraid so. Am I annoyed? A little bit.

Honestly I am pretty sure he was referring more to how little Abigail is than how huge I am. Because he isn't really mean to me on purpose. ( I don't take "teasing" very well) And my other breast fed babies were all big. Even Brenley who was 4 weeks early just like Ab.

SO I am choosing not to be offended.

ANd if you are wondering about the title of this post, I joined the Face Book craze yesterday. My cousin Shelli sent me a request, and it was my fifth one. So it pushed me over the edge into the FB world.

I have told myself I did it to keep an eye on my daughter and other family members.

And frankly, friend requests make me feel good;)

Mitchell is 8!

2009-01-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my boy is already 8! It seems like he was just my little baby yesterday.

Mitchell and Brenley are 5 years apart, so he was my little buddy for a very long time. He was the sweetest baby, and the nicest little boy. He was my constant companion while the girls were at school.

I remember one day when Mitch was about 3. After I dropped the girls off at school, out of habit I started talking to Mitchell. But he wasn't there. Wendell was home that morning for some reason and Mitchell had stayed home with him. I didn't know what to do with myself for the rest of the ride home! What was I supposed to do without Mitchell there to talk to? Sadly, I turned on the radio and missed my little companion.

Mitchell is a smart little cracker and always on top of things. My little second grader is in the 3rd grade level at school for almost everything (he is in a combined Montessori classroom and is able to participate in the 3rd grade groups) and insists on perfection. He always gets his homework done, and is sure to get it right to the t. Sometimes I get a little annoyed by his perfectionism, and try to teach him that sometimes things aren't perfect but they are "good enough". I try to catch myself and learn not to force him into the "good enough" rut that I am in.

Perfect example: Scouts.

Yes, this is a picture of Mitchell asleep on the couch with his scout book open. Ever since he got his book at the beginning of the month the boy has been obsessed! We keep telling him he has the whole year to fulfill requirements, but he feels like he needs them done today.

He has a good friend who also turned 8 this month down the street. Every single day he heads to the Anderson's to see if James can work on his scouts. I am afraid he is going to drive the Andersons crazy! They are good friends though, and are always nice to him.

He is a dedicated child for sure.

Lucky for us, he doesn't expect perfection from others, just himself;) Because the rest of us are anything but perfect!

It seems that weekly I am told by somebody in our church what a good boy he is. How he is polite to his teachers, and always answers the questions. It is always nice to hear that your little boy knows how to behave himself when we are not around.
.)

I wish I could say it was something I was doing as his parent. It's not. I think we all know that there are certain things kids are born with. Sure, they can be taught. But that is not the case with Mitchell. He was just born nice. He was born respectful. He was born with certain perfectionist characteristics. I don't know where he got these things. But we are thankful to have this little boy around!

8 Things I Love About Mitchell:

1. He has always been sweet to his sisters, especially his baby sisters.

(Lovin tiny baby Brenna)
2. He loves animals and inspires their loyalty

(Maisy guarding Mitchell while he sleeps)
3. He listens at church and can always tell me what he has learned that day.
4. He has a great sense of humor.
5. He is very responsible.
6. He is a quick learner academically
7. He is a quick learner physically (football, the wave, soccer, etc

8. He is always quick to say, "I love you"

Happy Birthday buddy! We love you!

January? Seriously?

2009-01-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

Does this look like the dead of winter to you?

The leaves on the ground feel like Autumn. The air feels like late Spring. All I know is that the munchkins can play all evening, and we can comfortably eat family dinner outside.

Fabulous.

The Zoo!

2009-01-20T20:04:00.000-08:00

(Warning, picture overload!)

What could be better than a day at the zoo with my favorite people? We went the Saturday before school started, and it was the perfect way to wrap up Christmas Break. We couldn't have ordered better weather. It was cool and sunny and fabulous!

We don't make it to the zoo often. In fact, last time I took the kids, Mitchell was a baby. He turns 8 this week. Crazy! And Wendell hasn't been since High School.

So when my friend Tiffany called and invited us, I knew it was way overdue.

What can you say about the zoo? The kids loved it. Rachael's favorite part was the petting zoo. Can't you tell?;)
O.K Brenley enjoyed it a little more.

The animals were even kind enough to cooperate.

Bren had the best seat in the house!
Though Abs was pretty comfy too!

All of the kids enjoyed having the Hughes kids with us. Especially Mitch who got to hang with one of his best friends Chase.

Brenna checkin' out the ducks with Graham.
Performing feats of strength:

Brenley is an awesome driver

Kindyl, Mitchell, and Brenley spent a good amount of time just plain hammin it up!

(yes I do realize the boy is wearing track pants with a collared shirt. He got dressed for a primary activity without my knowlege and we didn't have time to go home and change. Like many boys, the kid has zero fashion sense. Yikes!)

Aslan!

With kangaroos. One real, one not quite.

O.K- Maybe this first one is a wallaby. Or some other marsupial. I am not quite sure.

It was a great day, and we can't wait to go back!

O.K, I Admit it... I'm Smitten!

2009-01-19T20:10:00.000-08:00

If you ask me I'll tell you. I'm tired. She doesn't sleep well. She makes me hold her all day. I don't get anything done. The rest of my life has kind of fallen by the wayside. My house is a mess. My laundry's not done. I haven't gotten back into a regular gym routine. All of this is true.

What I won't tell you is...I secretly like it.

If you tell me she is cute I might thank you and tell you she is kind of a stinker. I'll try to be modest. But what I'll be thinking is,"yeah, she totally is, isn't she?"

I am loving everything about her. I love the way she smells. I love the way she smiles when she wakes up. I love the way she tells me sad stories when she stops crying. She says,"ohhh ohh ohh..." I love the goofy faces that she makes.

I love how little she still is. Most of my babies start out big and then chunk up and stay large until they start walking. I love that she is three months old and still my tiny little baby doll.

I love that my family likes to hold her, and her cousins (especially Kylee) will take care of her at family functions.

I love how she looks over my shoulder sometimes and talks and laughs with the angels. I love it when she nurses and gets that milk drunk look on her little face. I love the way she looks asleep on my shoulder

or reclining on my lap

She is my last baby, and I feel like I need to memorize all of the little things. So I hold her more than necessary. And I get less done than I should. I secretly agree with all of the compliments she gets. And dread the day she gets too old to snuggle.

And daily I will fight the urge to dip the child in chocolate sauce and just eat her up!

New Year's Eve

2009-01-14T21:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, we had a party to go to. And we had a blast! As a kid I complained but these days it is fantastic to have a big family.

We headed over to Grunyon Run AKA Scary House at 6 so the kids could get their party on. They started with a little game of Bingo headed by Rebecca.

Then they headed into the kitchen to build gingerbread houses, helped by their fathers. Our kids are so lucky they have an aunt who spoils them.

Then it was time for the grown ups to have some fun. We sent the kids to bed and partied on. At this point my camera was put away. I don't know why that happens. I think I just take pics of the kids by habit. Rebecca, do you have pictures of the grown ups? I think she has some silly ones.

We had a white elephant exchange game, which is always exciting. I count it a success if people are trading or fighting over the gifts we brought. Wendell brought a lighted Buddha with those electrical currents running through it. I wish I had a picture of it. Joy? Dave scored it for Tate and Kevin, and they were pretty happy about that. I had hit a monster sale at Bath and Body Works and got a lotion and a lip balm. All under our $5.00 limit, thank you very much!

The injuries were minor, after some coveted mixing bowls were safely out of play, and I scored a pretty awesome shower cap that I needed and didn't even know it. Success!

Then the garns treated us to a fun little gift tradition. I think she got some pictures that I probably don't want posted. It involves winter gloves and a hat. Probably not my best look;)

A gift is placed in the middle wrapped to the gills. Greg (I think it was Greg) is a master at this. This includes multiple wrapped boxes, and a lot of tape.

A pair of dice is passed around. When you roll a 6 it is your turn. You put on the gloves and the hat. The hat so we can keep track of whose turn it is and only one person at a time can have a turn, and the gloves to make it even more difficult.

The next person to roll a six steals your hat and gloves. I am pretty sure I pulled Margaret's hair in the process at one point. Sorry Margs! And I am pretty sure we all shared germs using our teeth to get through the tape. It is not a good idea to abuse your teeth this way in front of your orthodontist, but you do what you have to do!

And you keep going until someone penetrates the multiple boxes and actually gets to the gift. That person wins the gift. There were two this time, and I won the first one. (which would not have been possible if Joy hadn't been holding my baby, allowing me to jump around like a crazy person) I was able to decide to keep it, or exchange it for an unknown gift. I chose to keep it, and I am glad I did. We won movie tickets and popcorn. We are too cheap to go out to the movies often, so this was the perfect gift for us.

We played more games and ate all of our favorite snacks, including another giant cheese ball of course. At midnight we toasted with our favorite fake champagne, Martinelli's. And wished my brother Cark a Happy Birthday;)

The Orchestra Concert and the Spelling Bee

2009-01-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

Kindyl was in a Spelling Bee and neglected to tell me about it. She is such a low keyed kid. This is how I found out:

I get a call from my friend Melanie, I don't remember what we were talking about. She says, "I've got to go, I'm at the school to see Mariah in the Spelling Bee". About 5 minutes later I get a text from her: "You didn't tell me Kindyl was in it too!" This is because I didn't know, and I tell her that. She texts me back,"That little stinker! There are only twenty kids in it in the whole school!" Kindyl is in 4th grade, so it should kind of be a big deal to her.

She gets home, and I ask her about it. "Oh, I think I told Dad and told him to tell you". Ooooo Kkkk. Silly kid. How did you do. "well I didn't win, but I got pretty far." How far. "I don't remember there were a few kids after me. " Who won? "a sixth grader" Of course.

what word did she get out on? "mosque"

Can your ten year old spell "mosque" off the top of her head? Can you?;)

I heard from a couple of parents that she got a little gypped. Some kids that made it past her got much easier words. What can you do? Kindyl was unfazed. Cool as a cucumber.

Let me tell you what happened when I was chosen for a Spelling Bee in Elementary School. I think I was the only one chosen from my class. I was given a master list to study from. I studied from it a little, but intended to memorize the whole darn thing. I proceeded to procrastinate, a problem I have to this day. The day of the Bee I was mortified that I hadn't memorized it all. So I faked sick and stayed home from school. One of my regrets in life. And I was really annoyed about it too, because that was the day we got fake snow trucked into the school. I was really sorry to have missed it. Those are the consequences when you chicken out.

Good thing Kindyl does not have these same problems;)

That same week Rachael had an orchestra concert. I was tired and Ab was cranky and I was tempted to skip it. I ended up being really glad I didn't. I absolutely loved hearing her play. Music has the power to move me, and it is even more moving when it is your own child on stage. I was very thankful she has had the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument.

Her first year in strings I talked her in to playing the cello. I love love love the cello. Its deep tones are so beautiful to me. And it is much easier to get a music scholarship with a cello because not everyone plays it.

But it was a serious pain to lug back and forth to school.

I had an aversion to violin music, and I'll tell you why. When I was a kid my little twin sisters started taking violin at the age of three. And they practiced. and practiced. And practiced.

Callie gave it up after a while and took up dance, but Cassie persisted. I want you to imagine a 5 year old playing the violin. Not songs, but chords and such. And she practiced. And practiced. And practiced.

As a teenager I had no patience for such things. I didn't like the violin. It was too high and screechy for me. No offense Cassie. She actually plays beautifully now. She has for years. She went to BYU and majored in music. She can pretty much play any instrument you hand her. She is amazing, and I love to hear her play in an orchestra.

I still had an irrational aversion to violins. But Rach did not want to play the cello anymore. So she has been playing the violin for two years.

I must say I was surprised that it didn't annoy me when she started practicing. She had very rudimentary skills at first, yet it still didn't annoy me. I loved it! I loved hearing her play music, and I still do.

It is funny how that happens. I think it is similar to changing your own kids' diapers. It is never as bad as changing someone else's kid's diaper. Oh Cassie is just going to love that analogy!;)

Something genetic makes me enjoy my children's music in all of it's forms. And the night was amazing.

This Could Have Been Me!

2009-01-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

No, I don't know who this is, but it could have been me today. I was this close to a lovely day trip to Snow Bowl.

Hopefully I will make it up there later in the season. In the meantime, I will get to the gym and strengthen up these flabby legs. Then I will be up for more than a couple of runs.

Ah.... this could be just the motivation I have been looking for...

Warning: Sneaky Baby Alert!

2009-01-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

This is a public service announcement:

The babies are getting sneakier! Be on your guard. There have been a couple of downright crazy miraculous pregnancies around here lately. (Not me! Don't even think it.) I've just sent Wendell out with an emergency supply of anti nausea medication to a dear friend who shall remain nameless. And who was finished with her family and using two forms of birth control.

Just earlier today I was talking to some friends about this crazy phenomenon. I thought Abigail was super sneaky, but these babies are getting downright crafty! You think you are too old? Nope. Other physical limitations? Whatever. they are coming anyway.

We are facing the end of days, my friends, and these little souls need bodies. There is always a reason.

If it makes you feel any better, I love my sneaky baby. She is so worth it. If I had to do it all again to keep her I would. Horrible rotten pregnancy and all.

If you'll excuse me now, I'm off to get my hysterectomy!;)

And Mom and Dad Can Hardly Wait For School to Come Again..

2009-01-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

This part of the song "It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas" has been running through my head for the past week.

Don't get me wrong. There is a lot to love about Winter Break. Sleeping in. Playing with the older kids. Having them around to entertain Brenley. Projects and general togetherness. Going to the movies. Going to the zoo.

But it is nice to get the kids back to bed at a decent hour. And certain children awake before noon. (Not naming any names...)

Brenley has come into my room twice this last week saying,"Mom? Can you please take me to school now?" How sad is that? Little kids don't really like it when you mess with their routine. She has had a certain sense of calm today since the older kids have gone to school. She is looking forward to pre school tomorrow. And so am I!;)

The Blessing of Abigail Rose

2009-01-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

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I have to say both my family and Wendell's really stepped up. I warned them all to come a little early, because my ward filled up the chapel quickly. Not only did they all get there early, but half of them got there before we did! And we were super early to save seats.

Keep in mind that includes my brother's family from Tucson, Wendell's brother's family from Payson, his other brother in Gilbert, and my sisters in Gilbert. And the rest of our family that may live close by but still had to get themselves and their kids to my church early and deal with their own church obligations as well.

I was happily surprised. And so was half my ward when they realized their regular seats were already taken;)

It was an amazing meeting. As I watched my brother and brothers in law all heading up to the front of the church and gathering around my baby I got a little choked up. I couldn't help but feel their strength and support as these men surrounded Abigail filled with the power of the Lord's Priesthood. My father is gone, but I feel like my Heavenly Father has helped make up for it with the support of these strong men.

I thought about how this power will help her and her siblings throughout their lives. It is such a crazy world right now, and it is a little bit daunting to bring a new child into it. But I can't help but think if we surround our children with love, support, and the gospel that they just might make it. I felt a confirmation of that while my Abigail was being blessed. I feel another confirmation when I look at my older nieces and nephew and see how good and worthy they are. They are a great example to my kids.

I am truly grateful to have the gospel , I am grateful for a strong supportive family, and I am grateful that our Heavenly Father has made it possible for all of us to have the Priesthood in our lives.

Christmas Day!

2009-01-03T21:40:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve means a reading of the Christmas story from the bible, which we all love. And new Christmas pajamas, of course! I love having all of the girls match. But I've been inspired by my sister Jannalee. She makes her kids' pajamas, and they ALL match, including the boy. This can be done if you use a nice blue, or green, and I am determined to try it next year.

Christmas morning, we open presents:

And then head out to a big Christmas breakfast with my family. This year we had it at Mama Ginger's house, because my mom is in Germany. And we only had a few of our families instead of our usual huge crew. It was a lot of fun. The kids love playing with cousins Christmas morning in their PJ's.

Kylee making Abigail smile.

Mama G got the little kids (Brenley's age) some vintage Polly Pocket sets. They were Awesome! Rebecca and I had fun playing with them, and trying to decide whether or not we were really going to let the toddlers actually keep them.

Around 4 we headed over to the Grunyons for Christmas dinner.
This tends to be kind of a Thanksgiving part two, with a couple of honey baked hams substituting for a couple of turkeys. And one little turkey. Don't forget my mom's famous cheese ball. It wouldn't be Christmas without it. If we can't have our mom for Christmas, at least we can have her cheese ball! (I think I am getting new insight into my food issues;)

.

The kids are always more interested in playing together than they are in the food. As it should be!

Christmas Cookie Exchange!And Some Random Christmas Favorites

2009-01-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

I've been a blog slacker. I need to finish up Christmas. So I will start by telling you about my cousin Lauri's awesome cookie exchange!

I'll admit this was my first cookie exchange, making me a Cookie exchange virgin. And a cookie exchange retard! I didn't understand the concept. So I didn't really bring the right thing. Luckily, Lauri was over prepared and under judgemental so it worked out.

In case there are others like me that aren't familiar with the concept, I'll explain. Each person makes a ton of the same Christmas cookies, about a dozen per attendee. Then you get together and exchange. This gives you each a variety of pretty Christmas cookies to make gift plates with without having to make a bunch of different kinds yourself.

I didn't have a plan and ended up making the frozen cookie dough that I sometimes make as neighbor gifts. It is delicious dough, and from what I hear doesn't often get made into cookies(because people eat it as dough before they can bake them). We give it out frozen and that way people can keep it in their freezer until they feel like making them. The idea is that people don't have to eat them at Christmas time when we are bombarded with sweets. It is an O.K idea for neighbor gifts, but it stinks to bring for a cookie exchange.

But Laurie had A TON of stuff! You wouldn't believe the spread. For lunch she made a ham, my favorite cheesy potatoes(funeral potatoes), cheese and crackers, cheese ball, shrimp cocktail, and about a thousand other things. Including my favorite cream puffs, homemade caramels, and about ten kinds of homemade Christmas cookies.She even made wassail, which made the whole place smell amazing.

And she made these cute boxes for all of us to take our cookies home in. (pictured above)

She even gave us each a little gift;

The whole thing was totally over the top, and totally FABULOUS! Lauri had an abundance of Christmas spirit, and her whole house looked fantastic. And we were lucky enough to get an awesome party out of it. One of my Christmas highlights for sure.

Here are some of my Christmas favorites around the house:

.
My favorite nativity, purchased on our honeymoon

Brenley's poinsettia hair bow. A seasonal favorite. Abigail has one too, but it wasn't as cute, and wasn't worn in public.

My new Noel. Made at Super Saturday. And my olive wood nativity that my mother brought me from Israel. I love having a nativity made from wood that comes from the land where the Savior actually lived and preached.

I love Christmas, and all of the little things that make it special.

2008-12-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-20T15:53:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas card

We didn't send out many this year, so I thought I would put it here for all of my blogging friends!

Another Silly B Post...

2008-12-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

(Bren "strangling" Kindyl)
Something is wrong with our washing machine. We are going to have to have it repaired. Or get a new one. And we just had a car related expense that will cost us hundreds. So I was complaining to Wendell about these two unexpected expenses coming at Christmas time. I said, "And we didn't really have enough money for Christmas anyway". Brenley was in the room playing and all of a sudden you hear her little voice say, In a sarcastic little mock whiny voice. "Oh, we don't have enough money for Christmas. Wah wah."

There is nothing like a three year old pointing out that you are being whiny to make you laugh. Cracked me up!

(Love the chocolate face and baby bow)

Yesterday she said "da**it" out of the blue. After I figured out that she actually did say it, I said, "we don't say that word, Brenley. You can say dangit, or shoot." She laughs at me and says, "Mom, three year olds don't say shoot!"

Oh. Apparently they say "da**it". Great.

Silly B.

Abigail...AKA, Brenley's Dolly

2008-12-17T15:44:00.000-08:00

I promise the child is growing. But she is still pretty little. I have been getting a lot of comments about how she looks like she is just a doll. I got three comments last week at McDonald's play land from different people about how it looked like I was carrying around a little doll.

Then at church on Sunday I got at least three more. It makes me a little self conscious. Like she isn't thriving. Maybe I am not producing enough milk for this child. But I promise she is growing! She has gained more than the doctors expected her too. I think she just has little features when you see her in person. And she is kind of short, I think. She doesn't really look like a dolly in pictures because you can see her chubby little face. But her body is still tiny.

It is fitting, I suppose. Because Bren thinks she is her own personal little dolly. The other day, Brenley picked out this outfit, and insisted Abigail wear it:

Even though it was obviously not appropriate for the dead of winter. As you can see we put a long sleeved onesie underneath it, and some white leggings to avoid frostbite;) Miss Brenley couldn't resist the sparkly crown on the front. She has a bit of a weakness for bling.

After Bren has dressed her up, she likes to carry her around:
And give her poor mama a heart attack.

Brenley's Journal

2008-12-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

She doesn't have one. Because I am a slacker. The first three kids have journals where I wrote down all of the cute things they said or did. Or some anyway. So I decided to write down a few here, since this is my scrapbook/journal.

I was telling Wendell's cousin Karen how funny Brenley was, and how she is my little cure for post partum hormones because she makes me laugh every day. She asked for examples and I couldn't think of anything. Sad.

Part of the reason is that so much of her humor is physical. She will just randomly strike a little pose, or do her booty dance. Out of the blue. If you saw it, you would bust up.

And part of her humor is her cute little voice. When you repeat what she says, it isn't that funny. But when she says it it is hilarious. If you have or have had toddlers, you know exactly what I mean. In fact, the only reason Abigail has kept her name is because it is so adorable when Brenley says it. So, if she hates having such a common name when she is older, she will have B to blame;)

Brenley was eating little peppermint patties the other day. She had been eating more than a couple. She came up and asked me if she could have more chocolate. I was having an internal debate. Should I just say yes so I can keep doing what I am doing in peace? Or should I say no, because she has probably had too many. It took a minute to think about it.

So she looked at me with this earnest expression and said. "say yes". Like she was helping me work out my dilemma. Or she was trying out her Jedi mind skills. Either way, it worked;)

I am afraid she has us all wrapped around her little finger;)