Is this considered culture??
Whatever it is, it makes me laugh - my boys are so funny.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Remembering that it could be worse
I've been very frustrated with Canton lately. He just has more energy than I know what to do with, and if he gets bored, as he often does, he starts to pick on his brothers and makes them cry.
When I remove Canton from the situation things are calm and peaceful, there is no fighting, and, at bed time, his brothers can go to sleep. So it's obvious that Canton is the one causing the problems.
Today I was looking through some old postings on our family website and remembered that it could be worse. I found this post that I made on one of "those" days, it brought back some memories:
It has been a day of never ending messes at our house.
This morning my kids were eating breakfast and Anna called, I left the room for a minute to talk to her. I heard my baby scream and when I returned to the kitchen I saw that Canton had squished bananas into his own hair and and dumped a cup of yogurt on Oran's head.
I got Canton clean and dressed and was working on Oran when Canton came looking for a towel, his blue shorts suspiciously white. His room was absolutely covered in an inch of baby powder. Our new bottle is now more than half gone. I shook out blankets, swept, vacuumed and dusted, but every surface in their room is still covered in a thin layer or white powder.
Next Canton ran to the bathroom shouting he needed to use the potty. (This is a typical occurance as of late, so I thought nothing of it.) He was taking an unusually long time so I went to check on him, only to discover that he pooped in his Pull-Up before he made it to the potty and had tried to clean it up himself. He had the smelly mess all down his legs, and smeared all over the bathroom: floor, walls, toilet, and tub. But that's not all, he'd tried to flush the messy Pull-Up down the toilet, causing the toilet to clog and over flow. Lovely!
By the time I got that cleaned up we had missed our opportunity for lunch at the park. I told Canton that we couldn't go to the park because he'd made so many messes. That made him very upset! He Dumped out the basket of toys and started throwing them in all directions. I tried to ignore his fit, hoping the lack of attention would discourage him, until a wooden block collided with the TV screen, bounced off and hit Tate in the forehead. After a good cry with his face in the corner I had Canton clean up THAT mess himself while I made lunch.
We had Hawaiian Haystacks for lunch using our leftovers from last night. I finished first and decided to vacuum up more of the baby powder before nap time. Back in the kitchen Canton had finished his food, but for some reason decided that Oran needed his to be soup! He dumped his water into Oran's bowl and was stirring the rice concoction. Oran thought it was quite funny, and was squealing with delight when I came in to see him pour the bowl of "soup" all down his tummy. [time for outfit #3]
I grumbled at Canton "Are you done eating!?" "Then go use the potty, before we take naps." I got Oran clean up, and dried off. Again Canton was taking too long in the bathroom. I opened the door to find him standing in the middle of the room, without any pants, holding up a sopping wet roll of toilet paper. "It's all wet!" He said very innocently. He had dropped it into the toilet after he was done using it and fished it out - isn't that nice? And it was our last roll of toilet paper!!!
The kids are now all napping, thankfully. I think I've had enough Canton for one day! And the day's only half over!
Thanks for listening to me grumble... I hope your days are going better than mine.
-July 25, 2008
So, even though Canton is still my most challenging child, I'm not spending my day cleaning poop off of the walls.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A Birth Story
It's been six weeks now since Skyler joined our family. I thought I'd better get this written down before I forgot it all completely.
_______________________________________________________
I had an appointment with my midwife on Thursday, September 30th - I was a few days past my "due date" so Tracy stripped my membranes and made a prediction. She predicted that we'd be coming in by 8pm that night and that we would definitely have a baby before the weekend was over.
She wasn't too far off, I started having contractions around 7:00pm. The contractions were consistent, but not as strong as I felt they should be. I'd spent many nights counting contractions trying to decide if it were "time," and these felt no different.
By 10:00 the strength of my contractions had lessened so I went to bed feeling discouraged; doomed to spend another day in my uncomfortably pregnant state.
Around 2:00am my contractions were strong enough to wake me up, they were coming about every 5 minutes and were hurting. I laid in bed watching the clock for a while until I was hurting so much that I could no longer lay there.
It was the middle of the night and everyone was asleep so I got up and got into the shower, hoping to get some relief from the pain, but every contraction was hurting more and more.
I wrapped a towel around myself and went back to our room. I prodded Ryan until he woke up. I said, "I need you," and "I don't think we can wait much longer."
He got up and while I did my best to dress myself, in between contractions, he called my Mom, who lives an hour away, she said she'd come and stay with our boys. Then he called my Aunt, who lives in town, they had plans to go out of town that day, but she agreed to come and stay with the boys until my Mom got there.
We left the porch light on and the door unlocked then we headed out into the dark, wee hours of the morning.
I was afraid that the ride to the hospital was going to be torture, but I only had one bad contraction and then, lucky me, I got a break until we got to the hospital (which is about 15 minutes from our house.)
We got to labor and delivery a little after 4:00am, I changed and we answered all of the questions (as I paced the room trying to make it through each contraction.) They called Tracy and then the nurse wanted me to lay on the bed so they could check me out and monitor the baby.
"You want me to lay on the bed for 20 minutes!?" I asked, it seemed like an impossible thing to ask of me, at the time, but I agreed (mostly because she insisted.) We discovered that I was only dilated to a 4 and my heart sunk. I was sure that I was farther along than that, based on the level of pain I was in. I thought I must be close to the end and when I found out I wasn't I began to doubt whether or not I could make it - I didn't think I could keep this up, the way things were, for very much longer.
When Tracy got there she said, "You're only at a 4, do you want to stay, or would you rather go home and come back in an hour or two." I said I wanted to stay, Tracy shrugged and sat down to fill out some paper work. But after watching me through a couple of contractions she causally said, "This seems pretty active to me." See, I do know what I'm talking about!
As the pain got worse I was having a hard time coping. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and why I was having such a hard time. I kept thinking, "It wasn't this hard with Oran."
I was trying to stay positive, breath, and work with the pain. My water broke during one of the contractions and the nurses were quick to throw some towels on the floor so I wouldn't slip and fall. I felt like I wasn't in control, and like I couldn't even see, I was blinded by the pain (if that's possible.) All I could do was hang on to Ryan and Tracy. My contractions were right on top of each other, there were no pauses and no time to breath in between.
Tracy decided to have me get into the jetted tub and see if that would help me relax a little. She checked me before I got in and I was only at a 7. The nurses filled the tub and Ryan and Tracy helped me get in. I was only in the tub through one contraction, Tracy thought it looked like I was ready to push so they got me out of the tub (even though I protested. Portneuf Medical Center is not licensed for water births.)
Ryan had one arm, Tracy had the other, one nurse was trying to put my gown back on and the other was trying to towel me off all while we walked from the bathroom to the bed.
They had barely gotten me situated on the bed when I had to push, which I did, I yelled, "Help Me!" because everyone but Ryan had turned away to get the equipment ready. Tracy and one of the nurses came back to help, while the other nurse scrambled to gather supplies.
[When Ryan tells the story he says, 'She laid down, and Pop, there was a head!']
I felt like I didn't see anything from the point when I left the tub up until I was holding Skyler on my tummy, as Tracy dried him off, but Ryan insists that my eyes were open the whole time, I don't think I believe him.
Skyler was absolutely perfect, he wasn't bruised or misshapen (probably because it all happened so fast.) He entered the world on October 1, 2010 at 6:03am, less than 2 hours after we got to the hospital. He didn't need oxygen so I was able to hold him and feed him right away. They didn't even take him for his first exam (until later.) Everyone left and Ryan and I were left alone to bond with our new baby.
Tracy later made the comment, "That was kind of a wild ride," I decided that was a good way to describe it. It was a traumatic birth experience for me, I couldn't even talk about it for a few days and actually had nightmares about it for a couple of weeks following the birth.
But, I am glad that I was able to do it without any pain medication, even if it wasn't as great an experience as my third birth, it's still nice to know that I can and I did!
_____________________________________________________
Everything is fine now - we are adjusting to life with four boys, and are glad that Skyler is part of our family.
He is so very sweet and we all love him a lot.
_______________________________________________________
I had an appointment with my midwife on Thursday, September 30th - I was a few days past my "due date" so Tracy stripped my membranes and made a prediction. She predicted that we'd be coming in by 8pm that night and that we would definitely have a baby before the weekend was over.
She wasn't too far off, I started having contractions around 7:00pm. The contractions were consistent, but not as strong as I felt they should be. I'd spent many nights counting contractions trying to decide if it were "time," and these felt no different.
By 10:00 the strength of my contractions had lessened so I went to bed feeling discouraged; doomed to spend another day in my uncomfortably pregnant state.
Around 2:00am my contractions were strong enough to wake me up, they were coming about every 5 minutes and were hurting. I laid in bed watching the clock for a while until I was hurting so much that I could no longer lay there.
It was the middle of the night and everyone was asleep so I got up and got into the shower, hoping to get some relief from the pain, but every contraction was hurting more and more.
I wrapped a towel around myself and went back to our room. I prodded Ryan until he woke up. I said, "I need you," and "I don't think we can wait much longer."
He got up and while I did my best to dress myself, in between contractions, he called my Mom, who lives an hour away, she said she'd come and stay with our boys. Then he called my Aunt, who lives in town, they had plans to go out of town that day, but she agreed to come and stay with the boys until my Mom got there.
We left the porch light on and the door unlocked then we headed out into the dark, wee hours of the morning.
I was afraid that the ride to the hospital was going to be torture, but I only had one bad contraction and then, lucky me, I got a break until we got to the hospital (which is about 15 minutes from our house.)
We got to labor and delivery a little after 4:00am, I changed and we answered all of the questions (as I paced the room trying to make it through each contraction.) They called Tracy and then the nurse wanted me to lay on the bed so they could check me out and monitor the baby.
"You want me to lay on the bed for 20 minutes!?" I asked, it seemed like an impossible thing to ask of me, at the time, but I agreed (mostly because she insisted.) We discovered that I was only dilated to a 4 and my heart sunk. I was sure that I was farther along than that, based on the level of pain I was in. I thought I must be close to the end and when I found out I wasn't I began to doubt whether or not I could make it - I didn't think I could keep this up, the way things were, for very much longer.
When Tracy got there she said, "You're only at a 4, do you want to stay, or would you rather go home and come back in an hour or two." I said I wanted to stay, Tracy shrugged and sat down to fill out some paper work. But after watching me through a couple of contractions she causally said, "This seems pretty active to me." See, I do know what I'm talking about!
As the pain got worse I was having a hard time coping. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and why I was having such a hard time. I kept thinking, "It wasn't this hard with Oran."
I was trying to stay positive, breath, and work with the pain. My water broke during one of the contractions and the nurses were quick to throw some towels on the floor so I wouldn't slip and fall. I felt like I wasn't in control, and like I couldn't even see, I was blinded by the pain (if that's possible.) All I could do was hang on to Ryan and Tracy. My contractions were right on top of each other, there were no pauses and no time to breath in between.
Tracy decided to have me get into the jetted tub and see if that would help me relax a little. She checked me before I got in and I was only at a 7. The nurses filled the tub and Ryan and Tracy helped me get in. I was only in the tub through one contraction, Tracy thought it looked like I was ready to push so they got me out of the tub (even though I protested. Portneuf Medical Center is not licensed for water births.)
Ryan had one arm, Tracy had the other, one nurse was trying to put my gown back on and the other was trying to towel me off all while we walked from the bathroom to the bed.
They had barely gotten me situated on the bed when I had to push, which I did, I yelled, "Help Me!" because everyone but Ryan had turned away to get the equipment ready. Tracy and one of the nurses came back to help, while the other nurse scrambled to gather supplies.
[When Ryan tells the story he says, 'She laid down, and Pop, there was a head!']
I felt like I didn't see anything from the point when I left the tub up until I was holding Skyler on my tummy, as Tracy dried him off, but Ryan insists that my eyes were open the whole time, I don't think I believe him.
Skyler was absolutely perfect, he wasn't bruised or misshapen (probably because it all happened so fast.) He entered the world on October 1, 2010 at 6:03am, less than 2 hours after we got to the hospital. He didn't need oxygen so I was able to hold him and feed him right away. They didn't even take him for his first exam (until later.) Everyone left and Ryan and I were left alone to bond with our new baby.
Tracy later made the comment, "That was kind of a wild ride," I decided that was a good way to describe it. It was a traumatic birth experience for me, I couldn't even talk about it for a few days and actually had nightmares about it for a couple of weeks following the birth.
But, I am glad that I was able to do it without any pain medication, even if it wasn't as great an experience as my third birth, it's still nice to know that I can and I did!
_____________________________________________________
Everything is fine now - we are adjusting to life with four boys, and are glad that Skyler is part of our family.
He is so very sweet and we all love him a lot.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Oh Boy!
Introducing Skyler Grant Green
Skyler joined our family Friday, October 1, 2010 (10/01/10) at 6:03 am he weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 inches long.
We have another little boy at our house. It's hard to believe it's already been a month! The past few weeks have flown by in a sleepy haze of late night feedings and constant diaper changes. Life is slowly coming back into focus as we get back to a routine.
Skyler is a good baby, he's often content to sit and observe things going on around him, but he likes to be held and snuggled all of the time. We all love him and think he's very special. He fits into our family very well, and we are all glad that he came to our house to live.
Skyler joined our family Friday, October 1, 2010 (10/01/10) at 6:03 am he weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 inches long.
We have another little boy at our house. It's hard to believe it's already been a month! The past few weeks have flown by in a sleepy haze of late night feedings and constant diaper changes. Life is slowly coming back into focus as we get back to a routine.
Skyler is a good baby, he's often content to sit and observe things going on around him, but he likes to be held and snuggled all of the time. We all love him and think he's very special. He fits into our family very well, and we are all glad that he came to our house to live.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Baby is Still Baking
Now that I am no longer on bed rest we just get to sit and play the waiting game. This baby is quite the tease, every time I think we're on our way; my contractions are getting stronger, more painful and closer together, they go away! Just stop! So it's a little frustrating. But I guess our baby isn't quite done yet.
Kind of like a cake that just won't set up. You keep checking on it, but it's STILL not done so you leave it in the oven ;)
I'll reach 39 weeks on Monday but my next appointment isn't until Thursday.
So, for now, we wake up every morning wondering if today is the day, and crossing our fingers, hoping it won't be too much longer before we get to meet this little man.
Kind of like a cake that just won't set up. You keep checking on it, but it's STILL not done so you leave it in the oven ;)
I'll reach 39 weeks on Monday but my next appointment isn't until Thursday.
So, for now, we wake up every morning wondering if today is the day, and crossing our fingers, hoping it won't be too much longer before we get to meet this little man.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Pregnancy Update
This little man in my tummy is getting awfully impatient!
This past weekend we had all of our boys home. For the two days they were here I had contractions and other labor pains all day. Yesterday was a little easier, because things were quieter and calmer, but I continued to to have pains.
By about 6pm yesterday I was really miserable. I continued to take my Nifedipine, drink lots of water and took 2 baths but I couldn't get the contractions to stop; they were actually increasing and becoming more intense. Around 10pm I called my midwife to see if there was anything else I could do. She told me to take another pill, soak in the tub and if it didn't get better in an hour or two to go in to Labor and Delivery at the hospital.
Still no luck, so Ryan and I went in to Labor and Delivery around midnight. I got all hooked up to the monitors. The baby looks strong and healthy, but I was definitely having contractions. The nurse checked my cervix, I was only dilated to a ONE - courtesy of all the medication I'm sure. Right now I'm at 35 weeks, and we'd all like this guy to stay put for one more week.
They gave me a shot of Tributaline, in my arm. It's another drug to calm the muscles of the uterus. We stayed for an hour after I got the shot with no change in my contractions. The nurse seemed very surprised that the Tributaline did not stop them and said, "It looks like you're just going to contract and there's nothing else we can do about it."
She advised me to go home and try to get some sleep, keep taking the Nifedepine, and if it didn't get better, or if it got worse to 'come back in the morning.'
I tried, unsuccessfully, to sleep all night. I finally gave up and got up around 6:00 - So I'm hoping to get a nap later today. I'm still having contractions and feeling miserable, but I don't think it's any worse that it was around this time yesterday. But it seems to get worse at night, so I guess we'll just wait and see.
I was REALLY hoping to make it until after my baby shower, which is THIS Saturday, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and hope for that. I have a Doctor's Appointment on Thursday, at which time we'll do the Strep B culture and they'll probably advise me to go off the medication and just let what will be, Be.
And that's what's going on here!
My belly at 34 weeks - August 2010
This past weekend we had all of our boys home. For the two days they were here I had contractions and other labor pains all day. Yesterday was a little easier, because things were quieter and calmer, but I continued to to have pains.
By about 6pm yesterday I was really miserable. I continued to take my Nifedipine, drink lots of water and took 2 baths but I couldn't get the contractions to stop; they were actually increasing and becoming more intense. Around 10pm I called my midwife to see if there was anything else I could do. She told me to take another pill, soak in the tub and if it didn't get better in an hour or two to go in to Labor and Delivery at the hospital.
Still no luck, so Ryan and I went in to Labor and Delivery around midnight. I got all hooked up to the monitors. The baby looks strong and healthy, but I was definitely having contractions. The nurse checked my cervix, I was only dilated to a ONE - courtesy of all the medication I'm sure. Right now I'm at 35 weeks, and we'd all like this guy to stay put for one more week.
They gave me a shot of Tributaline, in my arm. It's another drug to calm the muscles of the uterus. We stayed for an hour after I got the shot with no change in my contractions. The nurse seemed very surprised that the Tributaline did not stop them and said, "It looks like you're just going to contract and there's nothing else we can do about it."
She advised me to go home and try to get some sleep, keep taking the Nifedepine, and if it didn't get better, or if it got worse to 'come back in the morning.'
I tried, unsuccessfully, to sleep all night. I finally gave up and got up around 6:00 - So I'm hoping to get a nap later today. I'm still having contractions and feeling miserable, but I don't think it's any worse that it was around this time yesterday. But it seems to get worse at night, so I guess we'll just wait and see.
I was REALLY hoping to make it until after my baby shower, which is THIS Saturday, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and hope for that. I have a Doctor's Appointment on Thursday, at which time we'll do the Strep B culture and they'll probably advise me to go off the medication and just let what will be, Be.
And that's what's going on here!
My belly at 34 weeks - August 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
What Summer??
It doesn't feel much like summer, we haven't done anything fun!
I am now pregnant with our 4th little boy. Unfortunately this pregnancy is not going as well as we had hoped. (Does it ever?)
We'd hoped to take a few trips, but my body isn't cooperating. At Labor and Delivery they told me that I have an "irritable uterus," I don't think that's a very nice thing to say! My body decided it was done being pregnant, but the baby isn't done "baking" yet.
I've been taking a drug called Nifedipine, it relaxes your blood vessels and decreases your blood pressure. Since I already have low blood pressure it's made me very sick. I get nauseated, dizzy, and have bad headaches, it's no fun!
Even taking the yucky medicine, every 8 hours, I was still having contractions all day. I was told however, that since there were still no changes in my cervix that the medicine was doing it's job. So I was sick and I was in pain! For some reason enduring contractions that aren't actually doing anything seems even worse!
A little over a week ago I had a really bad day. My contractions got down to 3-5 minutes apart, they were longer and stronger and were getting difficult to cope with, not many breaks in between. Ryan took me in to the hospital.
We found out that I wasn't effaced or dilated, yet, BUT that my cervix was soft and "mushy" so it was "ripening" which is BAD at only 30 weeks. They upped my Nifedipine intake to every 6 hours and put me on strict bed rest. They want me to come in this week to determine whether or not it is necessary to do the IV treatments with the Antenatal steroids to mature the baby's lungs, just in case.
It was a week ago yesterday that we sent our kids away. That makes me sad, and I miss them. Canton spent Saturday through Wednesday night her in town with my Aunt and came by to see me nearly every day for about an hour, he gets homesick. Their family left on a trip on Thursday so Canton spend Wednesday night and Thursday morning with Ryan and I before Ryan drove him down to Preston to spend time with his brothers and my parents.
That's where the three of them are now. I don't know how long they will be gone or just how we plan to get them back. But it IS much easier to be on bed rest without them here.
BUT my boys have had a chance to get out and do some fun things, while with Grandma and Grandpa that they wouldn't have been able to if they had stayed here: like being in a parade and throwing candy, watching fireworks, playing with cousins, going hiking, and playing at the park.
So I guess it's all working out for the best.
I hope the rest of you are filling your summer days with fun and adventure, and not laying on the couch like me.
I am now pregnant with our 4th little boy. Unfortunately this pregnancy is not going as well as we had hoped. (Does it ever?)
We'd hoped to take a few trips, but my body isn't cooperating. At Labor and Delivery they told me that I have an "irritable uterus," I don't think that's a very nice thing to say! My body decided it was done being pregnant, but the baby isn't done "baking" yet.
I've been taking a drug called Nifedipine, it relaxes your blood vessels and decreases your blood pressure. Since I already have low blood pressure it's made me very sick. I get nauseated, dizzy, and have bad headaches, it's no fun!
Even taking the yucky medicine, every 8 hours, I was still having contractions all day. I was told however, that since there were still no changes in my cervix that the medicine was doing it's job. So I was sick and I was in pain! For some reason enduring contractions that aren't actually doing anything seems even worse!
A little over a week ago I had a really bad day. My contractions got down to 3-5 minutes apart, they were longer and stronger and were getting difficult to cope with, not many breaks in between. Ryan took me in to the hospital.
We found out that I wasn't effaced or dilated, yet, BUT that my cervix was soft and "mushy" so it was "ripening" which is BAD at only 30 weeks. They upped my Nifedipine intake to every 6 hours and put me on strict bed rest. They want me to come in this week to determine whether or not it is necessary to do the IV treatments with the Antenatal steroids to mature the baby's lungs, just in case.
It was a week ago yesterday that we sent our kids away. That makes me sad, and I miss them. Canton spent Saturday through Wednesday night her in town with my Aunt and came by to see me nearly every day for about an hour, he gets homesick. Their family left on a trip on Thursday so Canton spend Wednesday night and Thursday morning with Ryan and I before Ryan drove him down to Preston to spend time with his brothers and my parents.
That's where the three of them are now. I don't know how long they will be gone or just how we plan to get them back. But it IS much easier to be on bed rest without them here.
BUT my boys have had a chance to get out and do some fun things, while with Grandma and Grandpa that they wouldn't have been able to if they had stayed here: like being in a parade and throwing candy, watching fireworks, playing with cousins, going hiking, and playing at the park.
So I guess it's all working out for the best.
I hope the rest of you are filling your summer days with fun and adventure, and not laying on the couch like me.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Just Another Day
I haven't much to say and have no pictures to make what I do say more entertaining, so I'll apologize in advance.
We are living in our new place, it is a better environment for all of us. But we have not yet sold our home. We haven't even moved all of our belonging over and there are still many projects to be done there.
It is fun to have a back yard for the boys to play in. We are slowly getting used to our new ward and it's different dynamics. Even the bishop stated while talking with us, "We are starved for young people." It is very true.
We miss our friends, but hope to makes some new ones soon close to where we are.
My pregnancy is going well. I am now 23 weeks into this adventure. We found out at our ultrasound that we are expecting our fourth BOY! So no pink or Disney Princesses for us, but he's healthy and growing well.
Ryan is working in Idaho Falls managing the Fred Meyer Jewelers store while their current manager is on maternity leave. Ryan really likes managing, it's been a fun and empowering experience for him. He likes being in charge and having some control over his schedule and environment.
Ryan has been working in jewelry for 10 years and has much knowledge and experience to share. It is hard for us to have him gone so much. As a manager he has to work 6 days a week, 10 hour shifts (with an hour lunch) add the 2 hours of drive time and he's gone for 12 hours every day. I just keep telling myself that it's temporary and I can do anything for a few months.
That's all that is going on with us.
We are living in our new place, it is a better environment for all of us. But we have not yet sold our home. We haven't even moved all of our belonging over and there are still many projects to be done there.
It is fun to have a back yard for the boys to play in. We are slowly getting used to our new ward and it's different dynamics. Even the bishop stated while talking with us, "We are starved for young people." It is very true.
We miss our friends, but hope to makes some new ones soon close to where we are.
My pregnancy is going well. I am now 23 weeks into this adventure. We found out at our ultrasound that we are expecting our fourth BOY! So no pink or Disney Princesses for us, but he's healthy and growing well.
Ryan is working in Idaho Falls managing the Fred Meyer Jewelers store while their current manager is on maternity leave. Ryan really likes managing, it's been a fun and empowering experience for him. He likes being in charge and having some control over his schedule and environment.
Ryan has been working in jewelry for 10 years and has much knowledge and experience to share. It is hard for us to have him gone so much. As a manager he has to work 6 days a week, 10 hour shifts (with an hour lunch) add the 2 hours of drive time and he's gone for 12 hours every day. I just keep telling myself that it's temporary and I can do anything for a few months.
That's all that is going on with us.
Monday, April 26, 2010
A Fun Family Outing
We had a neat weekend; we drove to Burley, ID last Friday and stayed at the Fairfield Marriott hotel.
Saturday we got up at 6:00am, went down to breakfast and then had to meet in the lobby at 7:45 all dressed in our fancy clothes, ready for family pictures. We all dressed in brown, blue and green so we could match!
Ryan took some pictures while we waited for our turn with the photographer (for individual family pictures.)
We took pictures in the park next to Shoshone Falls. I'll be excited to see how they turn out.
We went to the Twin Falls temple to watch Ryan's brother and his wife be sealed to their 2 adopted sons. So many people were there to support Eric and Bonnie. Ryan's Aunts and Uncles from the Green side and the Stavast side. Grandpa Green (Don) was there and so was Grandma Stavast. Lots form Bonnie's family, family friends and even the foster family that had, had Bill and Austin before Eric and Bonnie got them.
We were in the biggest sealing room I had ever seen! It was beautiful! I was quite emotional. It was a wonderful ceremony, and it was so neat that Eric and Bonnie finally have children of their own to keep forever and ever!! It was neat to watch them interact with the boys in the temple and to see those little boys... Bill and Austin are the same ages as Tate and Canton so it was extra near and dear to my heart.
After some pictures we went back to the church and had a very nice lunch. Once we got back to the hotel we were all very tired and took a nap - then we all played in the swimming pool! Lots of little cousins and Grandma too! Oran was so cute and very comfortable in the pool; kicking his legs and flapping his arms on his back or his front. He kept going from person to person, Uncle Neil, Uncle Eric, Grandma, Mom or Dad. But Tate was very clingy and panicky! He's never liked being in the water, but I was hoping he would get better. Canton was doing really well until he got a little too fearless and got into some trouble. I swam over and rescued him, but after that he was content to sit on the stairs and kept saying "I couldn't see, and I couldn't breathe, and I couldn't talk! It was too deep and I was sinking!!" But before we left the pool area he was getting a little braver and walking around in the 3 foot section.
It was a fun time! I always love spending time with family adn the hotel stay made it extra fun and special.
Saturday we got up at 6:00am, went down to breakfast and then had to meet in the lobby at 7:45 all dressed in our fancy clothes, ready for family pictures. We all dressed in brown, blue and green so we could match!
Ryan took some pictures while we waited for our turn with the photographer (for individual family pictures.)We took pictures in the park next to Shoshone Falls. I'll be excited to see how they turn out.
We went to the Twin Falls temple to watch Ryan's brother and his wife be sealed to their 2 adopted sons. So many people were there to support Eric and Bonnie. Ryan's Aunts and Uncles from the Green side and the Stavast side. Grandpa Green (Don) was there and so was Grandma Stavast. Lots form Bonnie's family, family friends and even the foster family that had, had Bill and Austin before Eric and Bonnie got them.We were in the biggest sealing room I had ever seen! It was beautiful! I was quite emotional. It was a wonderful ceremony, and it was so neat that Eric and Bonnie finally have children of their own to keep forever and ever!! It was neat to watch them interact with the boys in the temple and to see those little boys... Bill and Austin are the same ages as Tate and Canton so it was extra near and dear to my heart.
After some pictures we went back to the church and had a very nice lunch. Once we got back to the hotel we were all very tired and took a nap - then we all played in the swimming pool! Lots of little cousins and Grandma too! Oran was so cute and very comfortable in the pool; kicking his legs and flapping his arms on his back or his front. He kept going from person to person, Uncle Neil, Uncle Eric, Grandma, Mom or Dad. But Tate was very clingy and panicky! He's never liked being in the water, but I was hoping he would get better. Canton was doing really well until he got a little too fearless and got into some trouble. I swam over and rescued him, but after that he was content to sit on the stairs and kept saying "I couldn't see, and I couldn't breathe, and I couldn't talk! It was too deep and I was sinking!!" But before we left the pool area he was getting a little braver and walking around in the 3 foot section.
It was a fun time! I always love spending time with family adn the hotel stay made it extra fun and special.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Best Discovery Yet
For years I've been trying to find ways to make money online, from home, in what little time I can find in between being a Mom, wife, housekeeper, cook, hair stylist, conflict manager and random other jobs that different situations require. I've spent hours upon hours on sites like inboxdollars, memolink, mypoints, creationsrewards, rewardport, and filling our hundreds of online surveys to watch the money slowly trickle in. It's been great using that money for Christmases and on other "Me" items over the past 6 years, but it's been a lot of work and very slow in adding up. BUT, thanks to my good buddy Callie I am now a proud member of the swagbucks community.
I have found a new love! Swagbucks.com - I don't know if any of you already swag, but I thought I'd spread the love. I've been a member for a couple of weeks now and have already earned over 1000 Swagbucks - it's awesome to watch them grow so fast!
If you've spent as much time trying to earn points online as I have you know how long it can take to build them up. So I'm excited. It's a free program that pays you "digital dollars" when you search the web. It only happens occasionally, but those dollars add up and you can redeem them for prizes (I've already redeemed two $5 Amazon gift certificates, because they have so many things at Amazon. That's 450 swagbucks each.) But you can use it for other gift certificates or prizes, like an Xbox, Wii, Iphone, CDs, DVDs, Health and Beauty products (so many choices!) Or if you wait until you have 700 swagbucks you can redeem for $5 paid through Paypal. Every once in a while they'll have a code that you can find to get some more swags, it's like a treasure hunt!
It's completely free to do. If you do online shopping, you can go through them to get more swags as well. If you want to sign up, go to http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/Annarac if you have any questions, just ask me and I can see if I can help you out. I like getting stuff for free or discounted. It's not a whole lot of money, but if you're going to be on the web anyway, it's worth a shot!
(I downloaded the toolbar and use it for all my internet searches, instead of google, like I used to, and that's how I've earned most of my SBs it's super easy. Plus you earn swagbuck every 24 hours just for having and using the toolbar!!)
You probably think I'm a dork, but I'm hooked!! I can't wait to buy all the things I've put on my Amazon Baby registry from gift cards earned through Swagbucks!
I hope some of you sign up, 'cause it's a blast, and if you're going to be searching the web you might as well be getting a little something for it!
I have found a new love! Swagbucks.com - I don't know if any of you already swag, but I thought I'd spread the love. I've been a member for a couple of weeks now and have already earned over 1000 Swagbucks - it's awesome to watch them grow so fast!If you've spent as much time trying to earn points online as I have you know how long it can take to build them up. So I'm excited. It's a free program that pays you "digital dollars" when you search the web. It only happens occasionally, but those dollars add up and you can redeem them for prizes (I've already redeemed two $5 Amazon gift certificates, because they have so many things at Amazon. That's 450 swagbucks each.) But you can use it for other gift certificates or prizes, like an Xbox, Wii, Iphone, CDs, DVDs, Health and Beauty products (so many choices!) Or if you wait until you have 700 swagbucks you can redeem for $5 paid through Paypal. Every once in a while they'll have a code that you can find to get some more swags, it's like a treasure hunt!
It's completely free to do. If you do online shopping, you can go through them to get more swags as well. If you want to sign up, go to http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/Annarac if you have any questions, just ask me and I can see if I can help you out. I like getting stuff for free or discounted. It's not a whole lot of money, but if you're going to be on the web anyway, it's worth a shot!
(I downloaded the toolbar and use it for all my internet searches, instead of google, like I used to, and that's how I've earned most of my SBs it's super easy. Plus you earn swagbuck every 24 hours just for having and using the toolbar!!)
You probably think I'm a dork, but I'm hooked!! I can't wait to buy all the things I've put on my Amazon Baby registry from gift cards earned through Swagbucks!
I hope some of you sign up, 'cause it's a blast, and if you're going to be searching the web you might as well be getting a little something for it!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Moving mingled with Tears
We are planning to move from our house very soon. We've had our house on the market for a few weeks and we have signed a 12 month lease on a new apartment. It all seems to be happening so fast and I have a lot of mixed feelings.
Our house has been one headache after another - in need of constant maintainence and repair. If there is one thing I have learned from owning this house it is that my husband IS NOT a "fix-it man" or much of a "Do-It-Yourselfer." But I have grown to love this house. We have put so much work and love into this house that it has really grown on me.
For Sale ">
Our house feels like home, and as I wander from room to room I see our personality oozing through the walls. I made and hung the curtains myself, I picked out all of the paint colors, and tile, and I worked alongside my family to make this "fixer-upper" a home.
Our house has been a challenge, and I've never liked the neighborhood but it is going to be hard to leave it and all of the friends we have made in this ward. We are only moving across town, but it might as well be a lot farther. I've learned from past experience that if you don't see people at least once a week you have a
way of loosing contact pretty quickly.
I am overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Ryan is working and going to school, I am taking care of our three little boys and growing a fourth. I can barely keep dishes clean, my kids fed and clean clothes in our drawers and I'm trying to pack our belongings and repair all that needs fixed. Being pregnant makes me so tired!
But after much prayer and many tears I think that we are doing the right thing. this move will be good for our family. Our living expenses will be lower, and our little boys will have a yard to play in that is SAFE!
We will be moving into an apartment with a main floor and a basement, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a fenced backyard. We will be living close to friends who will help us if we need it, and without having to pour so much of our income into a house that needs help we'll be able to start paying down our debt and saving a little too.
Our house has been one headache after another - in need of constant maintainence and repair. If there is one thing I have learned from owning this house it is that my husband IS NOT a "fix-it man" or much of a "Do-It-Yourselfer." But I have grown to love this house. We have put so much work and love into this house that it has really grown on me.
For Sale ">
Our house feels like home, and as I wander from room to room I see our personality oozing through the walls. I made and hung the curtains myself, I picked out all of the paint colors, and tile, and I worked alongside my family to make this "fixer-upper" a home.
Our house has been a challenge, and I've never liked the neighborhood but it is going to be hard to leave it and all of the friends we have made in this ward. We are only moving across town, but it might as well be a lot farther. I've learned from past experience that if you don't see people at least once a week you have a
way of loosing contact pretty quickly.
I am overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Ryan is working and going to school, I am taking care of our three little boys and growing a fourth. I can barely keep dishes clean, my kids fed and clean clothes in our drawers and I'm trying to pack our belongings and repair all that needs fixed. Being pregnant makes me so tired!
But after much prayer and many tears I think that we are doing the right thing. this move will be good for our family. Our living expenses will be lower, and our little boys will have a yard to play in that is SAFE!
We will be moving into an apartment with a main floor and a basement, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a fenced backyard. We will be living close to friends who will help us if we need it, and without having to pour so much of our income into a house that needs help we'll be able to start paying down our debt and saving a little too.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Celebrating Easter
For some reason I've found this holiday a little depressing this year. With all of the stress and work that comes with selling a house and moving, I have over looked it a bit and I have let it sneak up on me. Tomorrow is Easter and I'm not feeling at all prepared.
I feel like our Easter Celebrations have been so, empty, frivolous, and silly. As Janet Hales put it:
"For years I felt that our family's Easter celebration was as hollow as the chocolate bunnies we devoured on Easter morning. All my life I had been told that the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the most sacred and significant events in all creation. If that is true, I reasoned, then shouldn't Easter, the commemoration of those events, be the highlight of our year?"
My children have been excitedly chattering about the Easter bunny all day. If I had thought ahead I would have prepared the egg hunt and baskets for today and have it be a strictly Saturday activity, but it's too late for that. It might be too late for just about everything. In my determination to get repairs made on our house, pack a few boxes and have the house clean enough to show to perspective buyers there has been no time for shopping or playing "Easter Bunny." I have bought a single egg, blade of grass or piece of candy - But it is expected.
Ryan is still at work so I asked him to get a few things (I hope he doesn't go over board.)
I think what I will do is stick a slip of paper in each egg, with the candy (so there is no revolting), that has either a scripture reference or a song we could sing. That way we can bring Christ back into our celebration.
I thought we could also watch a video about the resurrection either before conference starts or in between sessions.
I hope that is all goes well and that I feel a little better about the whole thing tomorrow.
I feel like our Easter Celebrations have been so, empty, frivolous, and silly. As Janet Hales put it:
"For years I felt that our family's Easter celebration was as hollow as the chocolate bunnies we devoured on Easter morning. All my life I had been told that the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the most sacred and significant events in all creation. If that is true, I reasoned, then shouldn't Easter, the commemoration of those events, be the highlight of our year?"
My children have been excitedly chattering about the Easter bunny all day. If I had thought ahead I would have prepared the egg hunt and baskets for today and have it be a strictly Saturday activity, but it's too late for that. It might be too late for just about everything. In my determination to get repairs made on our house, pack a few boxes and have the house clean enough to show to perspective buyers there has been no time for shopping or playing "Easter Bunny." I have bought a single egg, blade of grass or piece of candy - But it is expected.
Ryan is still at work so I asked him to get a few things (I hope he doesn't go over board.)
I think what I will do is stick a slip of paper in each egg, with the candy (so there is no revolting), that has either a scripture reference or a song we could sing. That way we can bring Christ back into our celebration.
I thought we could also watch a video about the resurrection either before conference starts or in between sessions.
I hope that is all goes well and that I feel a little better about the whole thing tomorrow.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
So, So, Tired
We've been working on our house non-stop since Monday and I'm exhausted!
Gail Bishard, a Realtor and a good friend of ours, came on Monday morning and looked through our house. We sat down and talked, signed papers and before she left she pounded a "For Sale by Gail" sign into our front yard.
There is only one month left on the home buyer tax credit so we are crossing our fingers and hoping to find a buyer planning to take advantage of that credit.
We bought this house as a major fixer-upper and had to do a conventional loan to get it. But Gail told us that Conventional loans are so hard to get right now: high interest rates, high credit scores, and large down payments, so she wants our house to be approved for VA and FHA loans which means more work for us.
We were hoping to be able to sell the house as is: lots on improvements but still some things to fix - but I guess it's not working out that way.
In our paper work we agreed to have the garage painted, the porches painted, the front bathroom in fully functional condition, a working heat source in every room, and all the wood work finished. So we've been working like crazy, but still have a long way to go.
Ryan was hoping to work on the front porch today, but then it rained, followed by snow!
I think I'm too tired to paint any more just yet, perhaps if I go lay down for a while I'll be able to get more done later... Here's hoping.
If anyone wants to volunteer some service hours we would love a little help!
Gail Bishard, a Realtor and a good friend of ours, came on Monday morning and looked through our house. We sat down and talked, signed papers and before she left she pounded a "For Sale by Gail" sign into our front yard.
There is only one month left on the home buyer tax credit so we are crossing our fingers and hoping to find a buyer planning to take advantage of that credit.
We bought this house as a major fixer-upper and had to do a conventional loan to get it. But Gail told us that Conventional loans are so hard to get right now: high interest rates, high credit scores, and large down payments, so she wants our house to be approved for VA and FHA loans which means more work for us.
We were hoping to be able to sell the house as is: lots on improvements but still some things to fix - but I guess it's not working out that way.
In our paper work we agreed to have the garage painted, the porches painted, the front bathroom in fully functional condition, a working heat source in every room, and all the wood work finished. So we've been working like crazy, but still have a long way to go.
Ryan was hoping to work on the front porch today, but then it rained, followed by snow!
I think I'm too tired to paint any more just yet, perhaps if I go lay down for a while I'll be able to get more done later... Here's hoping.
If anyone wants to volunteer some service hours we would love a little help!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Money Woes and Lots of Stress
Things have now reached the point where we can no longer ignore them. It's been nearly a year since Ryan's pay at Fred Meyer was cut by 4% and his hours were cut back to part time. He went back to school to keep student loans at bay (which will be $800 a month when we DO have to start paying them back.)
We have come to the conclusion that we need to sell our house, and find somewhere to rent that doesn't cost more than our current mortgage and has lower utility costs. I will miss our ward and I don't know where we will go (we have yet to find somewhere that meets our needs and is within our price range.)
There are things that still need to be done on our house, but I don't feel like I can do most of them myself and Ryan doesn't have the time or motivation to finish them off. So I think the best thing to do is to do my best to get it clean (with the help of my kids :P) and get it on the market right away; then we'll just have to see what happens.
I need to put my trust in the Lord, exercise a little faith, and trust that things will work out for the best.
We have come to the conclusion that we need to sell our house, and find somewhere to rent that doesn't cost more than our current mortgage and has lower utility costs. I will miss our ward and I don't know where we will go (we have yet to find somewhere that meets our needs and is within our price range.)
There are things that still need to be done on our house, but I don't feel like I can do most of them myself and Ryan doesn't have the time or motivation to finish them off. So I think the best thing to do is to do my best to get it clean (with the help of my kids :P) and get it on the market right away; then we'll just have to see what happens.
I need to put my trust in the Lord, exercise a little faith, and trust that things will work out for the best.
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Rude Awakening
This morning, at 5:45am, we were jarred awake by the sound of our fire alarms throughout the house blaring their repetitive "BEEP, beep, BEEP, beep, BEEP, beep..." Ryan bolted out of bed and ran to check on the boys, I on the other hand took a minute to figure out what was happening and then helped Ryan investigate.
We didn't find any fire and didn't smell anything burning. Ryan went down and flipped the breaker switch in the basement (to make the beeping stop) but we never figure out what caused the alarms to go off.
I decided that it is nice to have the alarms hard wired throughout the house so if one goes off they all go off, but it also means you can't tell which alarm triggered the reaction. However, I vaguely remember hearing it somewhere in the rear of the house before the one in our bedroom went off.
Tate, for some reason, was asleep on the couch and didn't wake up. I was standing in the kitchen when I heard Canton in a hesitant voice say, "Oran, go get Mom." Oran came out and said, "Mom, I heard a loud noise!" I scooped him up, assured him everything was alright and put him back to bed. Before I left the room Canton whispered, "Was there a fire Mommy?"
We never found anything, but it was pretty weird.
I decided that it was not my favorite way to wake up - once the excitement was over we all went back to sleep for a couple of hours.
We didn't find any fire and didn't smell anything burning. Ryan went down and flipped the breaker switch in the basement (to make the beeping stop) but we never figure out what caused the alarms to go off.
I decided that it is nice to have the alarms hard wired throughout the house so if one goes off they all go off, but it also means you can't tell which alarm triggered the reaction. However, I vaguely remember hearing it somewhere in the rear of the house before the one in our bedroom went off.
Tate, for some reason, was asleep on the couch and didn't wake up. I was standing in the kitchen when I heard Canton in a hesitant voice say, "Oran, go get Mom." Oran came out and said, "Mom, I heard a loud noise!" I scooped him up, assured him everything was alright and put him back to bed. Before I left the room Canton whispered, "Was there a fire Mommy?"
We never found anything, but it was pretty weird.
I decided that it was not my favorite way to wake up - once the excitement was over we all went back to sleep for a couple of hours.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Playing Catch Up
Life has been so busy, and it feels like it's finally slowing to a pace that I can cope with!
I haven't been a very good blogger lately and am feeling repentant!
In November the boys and I rode with my Mom and Dad to St. George for Thanksgiving. We spent the holiday with Brady and Anna in their lovely home in St. George. My parents, Brady's family, the Boys and I, My sister's family and my cousin Debi were all in attendance.
Ryan had to work late on Wednesday and early on Friday so he couldn't be with us, but he got to spend the holiday with his grandparents and many of his Aunts and Uncles in Chubbuck.
We ate lots of good food, played games, and enjoyed one another's company.
Thursday evening my Dad, Brady and I took the kids to the park to get out some of their wiggles, they all had a great time.
Zander and Tate were good buddies, it's so nice to have a cousin so close to your age!
Oran, my little monster.
Canton spinning round and round until he was too dizzy to stand.
"Mom, look how high we are!"
On Friday morning all of us girls got up at 4:00am and went out CRAZY black Friday shopping, it was my first experience standing in line and being there when the doors opened. It was very exciting!
After we got home from shopping and go a little nap we packed a lunch and headed to Pioneer Park from some exploring. It was way cool!
My brother-in-law Brandon helping Oran and Ady climb the rocks.
Oran walking on the rocks, gee, he's getting big!
Canton in a cave! While we were exploring the Red Rocks at Pioneer Park Grandpa kept saying things like, "...When I used to live here..." meaning in St. George, Canton found this cave and asked, Did Grandpa used to live in THIS cave or was it another one?
Cute Cousins sitting on a rock - we tried, unsuccessfully, to get them to all hold still long enough to have their picture taken - this is as good as it gets!
My Mom and Dad were there too.
Before everyone left we got a picture of Me, My sister and My brother with all of our kids throwing the fall leaves, how festive!
I'm so glad that we were able to go, it's always fun to spend the holidays with people you love!
I busied myself all of December making homemade gifts - which I really enjoyed. I made 2 dresses, 7 crocheted stuffed animals, hats, scarfs, a crocheted table runner, 4 fabric covered notebooks/journals, and popcorn heating pads. I loved having a new sewing machine to work with this year! (I got it for my birthday, THANKS AGAIN RY!)
Our Christmas was the best one yet! It was so fun to see our children so excited about everything. They all understood the Santa Claus thing, and since they saw me making so many gifts they all wanted to make gifts for their friends and for each other (it was cute.)
We wrote letters to Santa Claus and took them to the post office to put them in the special Santa mail box, and because we used the magic mail box Santa wrote back to us!
Our Christmas Eve and Daddy's Birthday dinner.
Canton took a picture of Ryan and I so we could be in a picture too.
On Christmas morning each of our kids were so excited about everything! With each present it was "WOW, look what I got!" or "...Just what I wanted!" It was a very good Christmas.
All of our kids got gloves a hat and snow pants. (We were hoping to be able to play in the snow, but we haven't seen much yet!)
Oh look, I got a new journal! Always love those!
The bat lair was a big hit with all of the boys, I knew it would be, and so did Santa ;)
On Christmas day we went to Preston and spent some time with my Mom and Dad and My Aunt, Uncle and cousins. It was a fun day!
We had great fun ringing in the New Year! This year we planned a little better - Ryan didn't work so we played all day and kept our kids up - They took a nap from 5:00 - 7:00pm and then we went out for some fun.
First we went to our stake New Years Eve -party. This was the second year so it worked a little better than last year. They started earlier and had the "count down" at 9:30 with confetti and balloons. They also had pizza, root beer floats, board games, Karaoke, and dancing.
We all got party hats and noise makers!
Then we went to the first annual New Years Eve cast party at the Mystique; for anyone who was in a play at the Mystique for the entire year of 2009. That party was from 9:30 - 12:30. They had LOTS of food set up buffet style. There was chicken, prime rib, baked potatoes, lasagna, penne, and linguine, with choice of Alfredo or meat sauce, cooked carrots, chips with either 7 layer bean dip, or spinach artichoke dip, and for dessert: pumpkin roll, cheese cake, cream puffs, toffee and chocolate chunk cookies or brownies.
Lisa, the director, and Debbie, the costume lady, gave out silly awards. They had painted colored circles on the stage and set up a huge Twister board, so everyone played Twister. They also had a big blow up dinosaur bouncer that our kids had fun jumping in.
We had a "dance off" where we performed numbers from plays throughout the year. From Millie we did the opening number, "Not for the Life of Me" and the speak easy number, "Nutty Cracker Suite." It was way fun to watch the numbers from Grease, Footloose, Aladdin and White Christmas.
Two of the magicians were there, Farrell Dillon and Jon Armstrong, they did a couple of shows in the Chamber room. My kids thought the magic was cool. Oran thought it was extra neat that Jon was wearing a white shirt, tie and a gray sweater vest - he pointed and shouted, "It's Harry Potter!" Jon didn't seem to think that it was very funny, but I did, and there was definitely a resemblance between his outfit and the Hogwarts school uniforms.
Tate got to help with a card trick.
Farrel was holding something in his hand and he tapped it with his wand - as he did so Canton shouted, "Abracadabra!" everyone in the room laughed, it WAS pretty funny.
We all had sparkling cider, cranberry juice or grape juice in fancy glasses - there was a countdown and we all drank our "fizzy drinks." Ryan and I kissed in the New Year, as is tradition. Then we all danced on the stage. Canton is quite the little dancer. He was picking up on the line dances and danced with all the pretty girls (we thought it was funny.)
Oran had fun dancing too, but the poor little guy kept getting scooped up, danced with and thrown around by all the other cast members - I guess that's the price you pay for being the only 2 year old in a room full of single people.
Tate did some "break dancing" rolling around on the floor and such, but he seemed to enjoy sitting and conversing more. He'd go sit by anyone who was sitting down and start a conversation with them, I'm not sure what all he talked about.
We got home about 10 to 1:00. It was so nice to have kids that were so happy. They were happy to have had a fun time, happy to be home and ready to go to bed. They weren't overly tired, they just seemed content. It was a great way to end 2009, and begin 2010.
I'm so glad that I got the chance to be part of the "Mystique Family." It was awesome!!
Since then my sister came for a visit, we've made a few resolutions, that I'm hoping we'll have more success with in the future than we have in the past 20 days. And We're trying to get back in a routine with Ryan starting a new semester, with a different class schedule, and Tate going to kindergarten.
I haven't been a very good blogger lately and am feeling repentant!
In November the boys and I rode with my Mom and Dad to St. George for Thanksgiving. We spent the holiday with Brady and Anna in their lovely home in St. George. My parents, Brady's family, the Boys and I, My sister's family and my cousin Debi were all in attendance.
Ryan had to work late on Wednesday and early on Friday so he couldn't be with us, but he got to spend the holiday with his grandparents and many of his Aunts and Uncles in Chubbuck.
We ate lots of good food, played games, and enjoyed one another's company.
Thursday evening my Dad, Brady and I took the kids to the park to get out some of their wiggles, they all had a great time.
Zander and Tate were good buddies, it's so nice to have a cousin so close to your age!
Oran, my little monster.
Canton spinning round and round until he was too dizzy to stand.
"Mom, look how high we are!"
On Friday morning all of us girls got up at 4:00am and went out CRAZY black Friday shopping, it was my first experience standing in line and being there when the doors opened. It was very exciting!
After we got home from shopping and go a little nap we packed a lunch and headed to Pioneer Park from some exploring. It was way cool!
My brother-in-law Brandon helping Oran and Ady climb the rocks.
Oran walking on the rocks, gee, he's getting big!
Canton in a cave! While we were exploring the Red Rocks at Pioneer Park Grandpa kept saying things like, "...When I used to live here..." meaning in St. George, Canton found this cave and asked, Did Grandpa used to live in THIS cave or was it another one?
Cute Cousins sitting on a rock - we tried, unsuccessfully, to get them to all hold still long enough to have their picture taken - this is as good as it gets!
My Mom and Dad were there too.
Before everyone left we got a picture of Me, My sister and My brother with all of our kids throwing the fall leaves, how festive!
I'm so glad that we were able to go, it's always fun to spend the holidays with people you love!
I busied myself all of December making homemade gifts - which I really enjoyed. I made 2 dresses, 7 crocheted stuffed animals, hats, scarfs, a crocheted table runner, 4 fabric covered notebooks/journals, and popcorn heating pads. I loved having a new sewing machine to work with this year! (I got it for my birthday, THANKS AGAIN RY!)
Our Christmas was the best one yet! It was so fun to see our children so excited about everything. They all understood the Santa Claus thing, and since they saw me making so many gifts they all wanted to make gifts for their friends and for each other (it was cute.)
We wrote letters to Santa Claus and took them to the post office to put them in the special Santa mail box, and because we used the magic mail box Santa wrote back to us!
Our Christmas Eve and Daddy's Birthday dinner.
Canton took a picture of Ryan and I so we could be in a picture too.
On Christmas morning each of our kids were so excited about everything! With each present it was "WOW, look what I got!" or "...Just what I wanted!" It was a very good Christmas.
All of our kids got gloves a hat and snow pants. (We were hoping to be able to play in the snow, but we haven't seen much yet!)
Oh look, I got a new journal! Always love those!
The bat lair was a big hit with all of the boys, I knew it would be, and so did Santa ;)
On Christmas day we went to Preston and spent some time with my Mom and Dad and My Aunt, Uncle and cousins. It was a fun day!
We had great fun ringing in the New Year! This year we planned a little better - Ryan didn't work so we played all day and kept our kids up - They took a nap from 5:00 - 7:00pm and then we went out for some fun.
First we went to our stake New Years Eve -party. This was the second year so it worked a little better than last year. They started earlier and had the "count down" at 9:30 with confetti and balloons. They also had pizza, root beer floats, board games, Karaoke, and dancing.
We all got party hats and noise makers!
Then we went to the first annual New Years Eve cast party at the Mystique; for anyone who was in a play at the Mystique for the entire year of 2009. That party was from 9:30 - 12:30. They had LOTS of food set up buffet style. There was chicken, prime rib, baked potatoes, lasagna, penne, and linguine, with choice of Alfredo or meat sauce, cooked carrots, chips with either 7 layer bean dip, or spinach artichoke dip, and for dessert: pumpkin roll, cheese cake, cream puffs, toffee and chocolate chunk cookies or brownies.
Lisa, the director, and Debbie, the costume lady, gave out silly awards. They had painted colored circles on the stage and set up a huge Twister board, so everyone played Twister. They also had a big blow up dinosaur bouncer that our kids had fun jumping in.
We had a "dance off" where we performed numbers from plays throughout the year. From Millie we did the opening number, "Not for the Life of Me" and the speak easy number, "Nutty Cracker Suite." It was way fun to watch the numbers from Grease, Footloose, Aladdin and White Christmas.
Two of the magicians were there, Farrell Dillon and Jon Armstrong, they did a couple of shows in the Chamber room. My kids thought the magic was cool. Oran thought it was extra neat that Jon was wearing a white shirt, tie and a gray sweater vest - he pointed and shouted, "It's Harry Potter!" Jon didn't seem to think that it was very funny, but I did, and there was definitely a resemblance between his outfit and the Hogwarts school uniforms.
Tate got to help with a card trick.
Farrel was holding something in his hand and he tapped it with his wand - as he did so Canton shouted, "Abracadabra!" everyone in the room laughed, it WAS pretty funny.
We all had sparkling cider, cranberry juice or grape juice in fancy glasses - there was a countdown and we all drank our "fizzy drinks." Ryan and I kissed in the New Year, as is tradition. Then we all danced on the stage. Canton is quite the little dancer. He was picking up on the line dances and danced with all the pretty girls (we thought it was funny.)
Oran had fun dancing too, but the poor little guy kept getting scooped up, danced with and thrown around by all the other cast members - I guess that's the price you pay for being the only 2 year old in a room full of single people.
Tate did some "break dancing" rolling around on the floor and such, but he seemed to enjoy sitting and conversing more. He'd go sit by anyone who was sitting down and start a conversation with them, I'm not sure what all he talked about.
We got home about 10 to 1:00. It was so nice to have kids that were so happy. They were happy to have had a fun time, happy to be home and ready to go to bed. They weren't overly tired, they just seemed content. It was a great way to end 2009, and begin 2010.
I'm so glad that I got the chance to be part of the "Mystique Family." It was awesome!!
Since then my sister came for a visit, we've made a few resolutions, that I'm hoping we'll have more success with in the future than we have in the past 20 days. And We're trying to get back in a routine with Ryan starting a new semester, with a different class schedule, and Tate going to kindergarten.
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