I'm ashamed of myself and my lack of blogging lately, but it's been a crazy, whirlwind past 2 weeks. I won't even try to write in depth about our happenings for fear it might take me hours on the computer so I'll just stick to my crumpled up list from my purse that I've been jotting things down on off and on.
* Grandma Johnson asked the girls to sing at the Care Center in Idaho Falls where she was in charge of the Christmas program. The sang 2 songs, Winter Wonderland and Picture a Christmas. It was fun for them to have a singing opportunity again, since it's been a while.
* The girls were in the cutest Christmas play put on by their entire school, the Principal even played Santa which the girls thought was awesome! The music was adorable and costumes were cute and simple. I have to admit, I was near tears while Regan was giving her part, it dawned on me that this is her last year of Elementary school and her last year to be with her sisters at the same school for quite a few years. Anyway, I'm turning in to a big cry baby the older I get, it's just hard to see my kids grow up. I love this stage, right now, while I still feel like a have a little control (okay, a VERY little)
* My brother, Matt, and his cute family came for the holidays from Florida. The kids played so good together, you'd never know they had been apart for a year. We all met up at Pomerelle Ski Resort in Burley for a family ski day the Friday before Christmas. Mom and dad helped with the babies while the rest of us were either skiing or helping the little ones learn how to ski. My sister Lori proved to be the master ski instructor for the day, and she even did it w/out a set of ski's on her feet. She just spent the day running up and down the hill giving instructions to mostly Jordyn, Kaleb, and her little guy, Jack. Thanks, Aunt Lor...Jordyn now loves to ski!!
* The next day (December 19) we had the best Family Christmas Party ever!! Our Annual Rose Family Christmas Party in Park Valley. This has been a tradition in my dad's family since I was a little girl and has continued on through the years. We always have wonderful food, a fun talent show, game time, all the kids act out the Nativity with costumes for everyone right down to the donkey's and sheep. There's present opening, party favors, recipe book put together by my mom that is added to every year by everyone, and tons of laughter, eating, and fun! This year was made even better because Matt and Sara and the kids were able to be there. Thanks to my Grandma and Grandpa Rose for making this party possible, (with help from my Aunt's, of course) I love you!!!!
* The next day, after church, we headed to Blackfoot for our little Rose family Christmas party at mom and dad's. The kids had more fun together, mom and dad made their famous pot of Clam Chowder and, if I'm not mistaken, this was the best pot EVER! We had more present opening, more food, tons of visiting, and just enjoyed being together. I always miss my siblings but for some reason, this year I realized just how much I love being together and I had a bad case of the blues last week knowing that I probably wouldn't see my brother for another year. He is such a great guy and someone I've always looked up to. It was nice to give him a hug and have him say, "Hey Sis" again! I really miss that!
* Monday afternoon, mom & dad, Grandma J, Matt & Sara and the kids, came to our house to visit and the kids spent most of their time playing outside in our skiff of snow. The Florida kids loved what little snow we had and my kids were happy to have buddies to play with all afternoon. Matt spent the afternoon with Regan downloading songs on to her new mp3 player she got for Christmas, which thrilled Regan to death. She idolizes her Uncle Matt!! He even left her a few bucks for more MP3 downloads and you would've thought he'd given her the moon. Thanks Uncle Matt!!!
* Christmas Eve the girls and I spent the morning cooking a big turkey dinner and setting a fancy table, much to Regan's enjoyment. (this is the kid that LOVES to make any meal fancy) I don't do anything fancy, in fact, I think Regan's just plain sick of eating off of our plastic sectioned plates so this was extra special for her. Grandma Johnson joined us for dinner and then the kids entertained us with their talents and we ended the evening watching a DVD of the Savior. The kids drank their "magic hot chocolate potion" to help them go to sleep so Santa could come, they left oatmeal and apple chunks on the lawn for Rudolph and then quickly fixed Santa a plate of goodies and then willingly went to sleep excited to see what Santa would bring the next morning. Right before bed, they all asked if I thought they had been good kids this year, I think they had a small case of guilt for the fighting they had done the past year.
*Christmas morning was amazing! I'll hopefully blog about it later but for now, I'll just say that I enjoyed this Christmas more than any before. I really tried hard to not be stressed and to keep the my focus on the Savior this year. And, though it was busy, I was able to enjoy the whole month of December and everything that it brought. I really enjoyed my kids excitement and the fun things they did in preparation for the holidays. They made tons of paper crafts, including a Christmas countdown sign, a poster paper tree which they added homemade paper ornaments to every day, and we had Christmas music playing around the clock. The kids decorated the Chrismas tree all by themselves, I really didn't touch it at all and therefore, when the babies took ornaments off of it, it really didn't bother me! Anyway, it really was fun and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
* Chrismas day we continued our donut making tradition. It was an all day project but the end product of 125 donuts was well worth the effort. We stuffed ourselves full of donuts and took some around to the neighbors. It was fun to hear the kids talk about this fun tradition and what it means to them, particularly Morgan! I loved visiting with her because I find out just how important little things like this mean to her.
More to come another day..... Happy New Year Everyone!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Way to go, Reg's
Regan finished up her basketball season with a bang! The last two games she's scored 4 points and she made a beautiful shot during Saturday's game that DJ somehow managed to catch on video, totally by accident! What a way to end the season! Way to go, Regan!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
What do you do when it's 2 degrees outside?
Pretend like you are going to the beach!
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
If you didn't get the chance
We went to the Stake Center this evening to view the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. I have been looking forward to this for a while but had no idea what I was in for this evening. The music was so beautiful it pierced my soul and I had trouble controlling my emotions throughout the whole thing. If you didn't get the chance to hear it, take a few minutes and at least listen to the music clips. The talks were fabulous as well but there was just something about the music that touched me. Please visit LDS.org and take a listen!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Happy Birthday, Buddy!
Our little Kaleb turned 4 years old today! It's been a strange day, I've just spent much of it looking at this little boy wondering where the last 4 years have gone. Even though I have the twins, for some reason, he's still my baby boy. I know that sounds weird but it's the truth. I will never forget the moment he was born--I could hardly believe that we had a baby boy. I guess I just figured we'd keep on having girls since we seemed to be doing that pretty well. He was born 5 1/2 weeks early and had a bit of a rough start spending a week in the Special Care Nursery. I wasn't able to hold him much at all during that time so I spent the days sitting in the rocking chair next to him holding his tiny little hand and praying that he would be okay. The girls were dying to meet there new brother and it killed me to not be able to take him home and be together as a family. I remember being really emotional during this time, partly because of hormones being completely out of wack but I was really scared that he wouldn't get better but after a rough couple of months in and out of doctor's offices and the hospital, his little body got stronger and things got considerably better. You'd never know by looking at him now that he started out so tiny. He's a little tank, not chubby, just solid as a rock! I love him so much--I can't imagine life without him. Some of my favorite things about Kaleb are:
*his adorable smile, complete with dimples
*his sparkly eyes when he smiles
*his kindness towards his siblings
*his layed back personality
*his enthusiasm for life-he seriously gets excited about the littlest things, namely a candy bar
*his love for everything having to do with cowboys, he's got it in his blood (he's going to be a "cowboy missionary"
*his facial expressions-if eyes could talk, his would
*His love for grandma's and grandpa's
*his ability to entertain himself with a stick and a rope
*his honesty- he tells me exactly how he's feeling, what he needs, and what I should do about it
*his determination to do whatever his sisters do
*his stinking cute personality.
*his stinking cute personality.
I love this little guy! Happy Birthday, Buddy!
Family History Friday
On what date were you married?
December 27, 1995
What are your memories of that day?
It was really a wonderful day. I still can't believe we chose to be married 2 days after Christmas. My poor mom & mother-in-law! How they ever pulled that one off, I'll never know. But I'll be forever grateful. I will never forget the feeling I had being in the temple with DJ and so many of our family members & close friends. It truly was a little slice of heaven on earth! I feel so fortunate because both sets of my grandparents were there and my Grandpa Johnson performed our sealing. Though I can't recall a lot of what he said, I can remember the spirit that was in the room while he spoke, it was so strong. I have always had a lot of respect for my Grandpa and specifically appreciated the great amount of love and respect he always showed my grandma so it meant a lot to me to have him perform our sealing. We were married in the Salt Lake Temple two days after Christmas on a very cold day. We had our wedding luncheon at the Chuck-A-Rama, yes, you read that right. The food was really great, just wish they didn't have to call it by that name. DJ and I have chuckled about this over the years and when we attend other wedding luncheons at "upscale" restaurants, DJ almost always makes the comment, "the food was WAY better at Chuck-A-Rama." Anyway, funny thing is, we had our wedding luncheon before we got married, just worked out better that way because of the time we had set in the temple for our sealing. I remember waiting for DJ at the restaurant thinking he'd be at least a few minutes early, after all, all of our guests were already there. No…he was there right on time. He had an eye appointment across town to get new contacts and had allotted just enough time to arrive at the luncheon right on time. He wasn't stressed one bit…I was because I grew up with a dad that made sure we arrived to everything at least 15 minutes and if it was any less than that, we were late. At any rate, I was happy to see him and we enjoyed a fun meal visiting with family and friends and then we were off to the temple as mentioned above. Once we got out of the temple, it was late afternoon and the weather was beautiful but really cold so we hurried to get pictures with the family. Everyone was sweet to hang around while we did the whole picture routine. I love looking back at pictures of this day because my nose is red and DJ has his shoulder's slightly shrugged with his hands tucked in his pockets in most of the pictures. He was one handsome guy in a Tux, and still is!
December 27, 1995
What are your memories of that day?
It was really a wonderful day. I still can't believe we chose to be married 2 days after Christmas. My poor mom & mother-in-law! How they ever pulled that one off, I'll never know. But I'll be forever grateful. I will never forget the feeling I had being in the temple with DJ and so many of our family members & close friends. It truly was a little slice of heaven on earth! I feel so fortunate because both sets of my grandparents were there and my Grandpa Johnson performed our sealing. Though I can't recall a lot of what he said, I can remember the spirit that was in the room while he spoke, it was so strong. I have always had a lot of respect for my Grandpa and specifically appreciated the great amount of love and respect he always showed my grandma so it meant a lot to me to have him perform our sealing. We were married in the Salt Lake Temple two days after Christmas on a very cold day. We had our wedding luncheon at the Chuck-A-Rama, yes, you read that right. The food was really great, just wish they didn't have to call it by that name. DJ and I have chuckled about this over the years and when we attend other wedding luncheons at "upscale" restaurants, DJ almost always makes the comment, "the food was WAY better at Chuck-A-Rama." Anyway, funny thing is, we had our wedding luncheon before we got married, just worked out better that way because of the time we had set in the temple for our sealing. I remember waiting for DJ at the restaurant thinking he'd be at least a few minutes early, after all, all of our guests were already there. No…he was there right on time. He had an eye appointment across town to get new contacts and had allotted just enough time to arrive at the luncheon right on time. He wasn't stressed one bit…I was because I grew up with a dad that made sure we arrived to everything at least 15 minutes and if it was any less than that, we were late. At any rate, I was happy to see him and we enjoyed a fun meal visiting with family and friends and then we were off to the temple as mentioned above. Once we got out of the temple, it was late afternoon and the weather was beautiful but really cold so we hurried to get pictures with the family. Everyone was sweet to hang around while we did the whole picture routine. I love looking back at pictures of this day because my nose is red and DJ has his shoulder's slightly shrugged with his hands tucked in his pockets in most of the pictures. He was one handsome guy in a Tux, and still is!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Jordyn's Funnies
While tucking Jordyn in to bed last night she looks at me with a big grin and says, "Mom, I was born with fashion!"
You have to know Jordyn to appreciate this comment. The girl LOVES clothes, cute hairdo's, bracelets, headbands, necklaces, etc. No, I don't foster this, in fact, it scares the heck out of me because I've never been one to buy the latest fashions in jewelry, clothing, etc. She almost always has her next days outfit put out on the floor complete with socks shoes, bracelet, headband and she is up bright getting herself all decked out for the day. Can you imagine what it's going to be like when she's a teen?? Yikes, I really try not to think about it!:)
You have to know Jordyn to appreciate this comment. The girl LOVES clothes, cute hairdo's, bracelets, headbands, necklaces, etc. No, I don't foster this, in fact, it scares the heck out of me because I've never been one to buy the latest fashions in jewelry, clothing, etc. She almost always has her next days outfit put out on the floor complete with socks shoes, bracelet, headband and she is up bright getting herself all decked out for the day. Can you imagine what it's going to be like when she's a teen?? Yikes, I really try not to think about it!:)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Much to be grateful for
I'm grateful for:
*Family Home Evening
*Morgan's lesson and her excitement in preparing it--she chose a lesson out of the Nursery Manual called "I can be Thankful." She thought it would be very appropriate for this month.
*Realization that my kids like a moment to be "in charge" and FHE just might be that moment!
*Recollection of some childhood experiences that are helping me understand my kids better
*"Annie Soundtrack" Everyone of my kids love these songs so there are no fights over what we'll listen to
*Jordyn's sincere concern about the "orphans" sparked by the "Annie" production she attended
*Letter's to Santa
*Morgan's comment after giving her FHE lesson, "Okay, let's go do some service!!!!!!!!!"
*I purchased kid sized shovels for everyone so they were pumped to go do some shoveling for the neighbors. I think this just might be the best $28.00 I have ever spent.
*Hot chocolate after a night in the cold
*warm socks
*DJ's compliments to me- He really makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful, talented person on earth--and I appreciate that
*watching Kamryn try to jump catching a centimeter of air---but thinking she'd jumped a foot by the expression on her face.
*phone calls from friends
*really good shower cleaner-if you don't have Don Asletts- Shower's N' Stuff, you need to get it
*Monday nights
*Family Home Evening
*Morgan's lesson and her excitement in preparing it--she chose a lesson out of the Nursery Manual called "I can be Thankful." She thought it would be very appropriate for this month.
*Realization that my kids like a moment to be "in charge" and FHE just might be that moment!
*Recollection of some childhood experiences that are helping me understand my kids better
*"Annie Soundtrack" Everyone of my kids love these songs so there are no fights over what we'll listen to
*Jordyn's sincere concern about the "orphans" sparked by the "Annie" production she attended
*Letter's to Santa
*Morgan's comment after giving her FHE lesson, "Okay, let's go do some service!!!!!!!!!"
*I purchased kid sized shovels for everyone so they were pumped to go do some shoveling for the neighbors. I think this just might be the best $28.00 I have ever spent.
*Hot chocolate after a night in the cold
*warm socks
*DJ's compliments to me- He really makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful, talented person on earth--and I appreciate that
*watching Kamryn try to jump catching a centimeter of air---but thinking she'd jumped a foot by the expression on her face.
*phone calls from friends
*really good shower cleaner-if you don't have Don Asletts- Shower's N' Stuff, you need to get it
*Monday nights
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thankful!
I've missed a few days but have had "thankful" thoughts rolling through my brain while away from the computer. Here goes:
*church leaders who are inspired
*the Gift and miracle of life
*traditions and how important they are to my children
*6 children who ALL believe in Santa! (LOVE THIS)
*bottled fruit
*the ability to see life through my children's eyes
*that the babies made it all the way through Sacrament meeting w/out going out once! YAH!!!
*a desire to be a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, etc.
*huge hugs from my kids every time I open the door to leave somewhere, even if it is just out to the deep freeze. (true statement)
*the chance to sit next to a sister in our ward in Sacrament meeting who hasn't been out to church in years.
*seeing true joy in my husbands face when he greeted this sister in our ward.
*my husband
*my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
*kids acting out the Nativity Sunday afternoon
*the excitement of the first real snow storm
*tithing settlement and the kids excitement to find out how much they each paid
*ward Choir- I'm finding out I really do love to sing
*DJ taking a few minutes to fix Kaleb's guitar and the expression on Kaleb's face when it was all fixed! PRICELESS!
*feeling the spirit in church meetings even with 2 monkey's climbing all over me!
*having my husband home after a long day of church meetings
*the ability to put one foot in front of the other to accomplish things today.
*church leaders who are inspired
*the Gift and miracle of life
*traditions and how important they are to my children
*6 children who ALL believe in Santa! (LOVE THIS)
*bottled fruit
*the ability to see life through my children's eyes
*that the babies made it all the way through Sacrament meeting w/out going out once! YAH!!!
*a desire to be a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, etc.
*huge hugs from my kids every time I open the door to leave somewhere, even if it is just out to the deep freeze. (true statement)
*the chance to sit next to a sister in our ward in Sacrament meeting who hasn't been out to church in years.
*seeing true joy in my husbands face when he greeted this sister in our ward.
*my husband
*my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
*kids acting out the Nativity Sunday afternoon
*the excitement of the first real snow storm
*tithing settlement and the kids excitement to find out how much they each paid
*ward Choir- I'm finding out I really do love to sing
*DJ taking a few minutes to fix Kaleb's guitar and the expression on Kaleb's face when it was all fixed! PRICELESS!
*feeling the spirit in church meetings even with 2 monkey's climbing all over me!
*having my husband home after a long day of church meetings
*the ability to put one foot in front of the other to accomplish things today.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Family History Friday
My sister, Julie, compiled a family history questionnaire quite a long time ago for our parents and grandparents to fill out and now she's working on her own, little by little. In fact, every Friday she answers a few of the questions listed, so before long, she has her life history. So, I'm snatching the idea with her permission in hopes that I will finish one day before my memory completely fades. Wish me luck.
What is your full name?
Cindy Rose Teichert
Do you have any nicknames?
As a kid, my brother Matt gave me plenty of nicknames, none of which I was particularly fond of. Here are a few, Cinny Binny Bum Bum, Bender, Beaner, Cindy Binder Beaner Weaner. Yep, I still love my brother! In fact, Matt had nicknames for all of us. My sister Julie was Juge (how she ever got off that easy is beyond me), my sister Lori was Lige or Hod Sanders. There were probably more but my memory is fading!
Thank goodness my brother has given up those nicknames, now I'm just Cind to him and Cin to my sisters, and I'm, hon, or Cin, or, wild flower, to my husband. He has actually only called me, wild flower, once, and that was when we were dating. He called and left a message on my answering machine that began, "hey, Cindy, my little wild flower (with a slight cowboy drawl)….., I must have played it over 100 times, I think I even called my mom and made her listen to it. DJ is "D" to me, but if you ask him, he prefers, Don Juan. He jokingly tells people that when they ask what DJ stand for!
My girls love nicknames, especially since we didn't give them middle names. Regan is Reg's, Reggy, or Rae, Morgan is Morgy, Morg's, Morgy Pie, Mo, mo, (that's what Kaleb called her when he was a baby and she loves it), Jordyn is Jordy, Jord, & Jordy pie. Kaleb is "buddy" to me, or Buster Brown. Kamryn is Kami, Kams, Kamicans (my mom calls her that)or Sassy pants, Porter is Pord, Pordy, Porter pie, or grumpy pants.
What is your date of birth?
November 3, 1975
In what city were you born?
Brigham City, Utah (President Monson just announced that a temple will be built there in the very new future) Cool!
On what date were you baptized?
I grew up in a small town so I got to be baptized on my Birthday, November 3, 1983
What are your memories of that day?
My dad baptized me. I remember how I wore my hair, and I remember having lots of family there to support me. I also remember hoping that I would never make another mistake again. I think that lasted all of about 5 minutes.
What is your full name?
Cindy Rose Teichert
Do you have any nicknames?
As a kid, my brother Matt gave me plenty of nicknames, none of which I was particularly fond of. Here are a few, Cinny Binny Bum Bum, Bender, Beaner, Cindy Binder Beaner Weaner. Yep, I still love my brother! In fact, Matt had nicknames for all of us. My sister Julie was Juge (how she ever got off that easy is beyond me), my sister Lori was Lige or Hod Sanders. There were probably more but my memory is fading!
Thank goodness my brother has given up those nicknames, now I'm just Cind to him and Cin to my sisters, and I'm, hon, or Cin, or, wild flower, to my husband. He has actually only called me, wild flower, once, and that was when we were dating. He called and left a message on my answering machine that began, "hey, Cindy, my little wild flower (with a slight cowboy drawl)….., I must have played it over 100 times, I think I even called my mom and made her listen to it. DJ is "D" to me, but if you ask him, he prefers, Don Juan. He jokingly tells people that when they ask what DJ stand for!
My girls love nicknames, especially since we didn't give them middle names. Regan is Reg's, Reggy, or Rae, Morgan is Morgy, Morg's, Morgy Pie, Mo, mo, (that's what Kaleb called her when he was a baby and she loves it), Jordyn is Jordy, Jord, & Jordy pie. Kaleb is "buddy" to me, or Buster Brown. Kamryn is Kami, Kams, Kamicans (my mom calls her that)or Sassy pants, Porter is Pord, Pordy, Porter pie, or grumpy pants.
What is your date of birth?
November 3, 1975
In what city were you born?
Brigham City, Utah (President Monson just announced that a temple will be built there in the very new future) Cool!
On what date were you baptized?
I grew up in a small town so I got to be baptized on my Birthday, November 3, 1983
What are your memories of that day?
My dad baptized me. I remember how I wore my hair, and I remember having lots of family there to support me. I also remember hoping that I would never make another mistake again. I think that lasted all of about 5 minutes.
Thankful for
Today I'm thankful for:
*disposable diapers
*"angels" to help me at a chaotic moment in the grocery store
*that not one person said to me yesterday, "wow, YOU really have YOUR hands full"
*phone visit w/ a widow in our ward that new my Grandpa Johnson very well
*continued beautiful Fall weather
*more patience with the kids
*on-line Christmas shopping
*Good friends
*that my hair grows quickly (butcher job at the hairstylist)
*disposable diapers
*"angels" to help me at a chaotic moment in the grocery store
*that not one person said to me yesterday, "wow, YOU really have YOUR hands full"
*phone visit w/ a widow in our ward that new my Grandpa Johnson very well
*continued beautiful Fall weather
*more patience with the kids
*on-line Christmas shopping
*Good friends
*that my hair grows quickly (butcher job at the hairstylist)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
more thankfulness
Today I'm thankful for:
*A full nights rest, just doesn't happen around here very often
*ear plugs
*cold medicine
*super long phone visit with my awesome sister, Julie (love you, juj)
*Kamryn's rodeo queen wave, it just makes me smile
*Porter's perma-grin when he stands on DJ's hands. (a trick all of my kids have mastered and LOVE)
*Morgan entertaining the babies for a solid hour while I fixed dinner
*yummy, new, recipes from other people's blogs
*my kids willingness to try the yummy, new, recipes
*preschool
*crayons and paper...my kids love to draw more than any kids I know
*Kaleb finally having the desire to draw and color
*great school teachers
*mid-afternoon jogs
*husband that does dishes willingly
*giggling in bed with my girls about a funny movie we watched
*quote I read by Elder Ballard, "There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children."
*A full nights rest, just doesn't happen around here very often
*ear plugs
*cold medicine
*super long phone visit with my awesome sister, Julie (love you, juj)
*Kamryn's rodeo queen wave, it just makes me smile
*Porter's perma-grin when he stands on DJ's hands. (a trick all of my kids have mastered and LOVE)
*Morgan entertaining the babies for a solid hour while I fixed dinner
*yummy, new, recipes from other people's blogs
*my kids willingness to try the yummy, new, recipes
*preschool
*crayons and paper...my kids love to draw more than any kids I know
*Kaleb finally having the desire to draw and color
*great school teachers
*mid-afternoon jogs
*husband that does dishes willingly
*giggling in bed with my girls about a funny movie we watched
*quote I read by Elder Ballard, "There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children."
Monday, November 16, 2009
Thankfullness continued
Today I'm grateful for:
*help with the kids at church, particularly in Sacrament meeting
*warm gloves and hats for my kids as they head out the door for school
*words of encouragement
*kids who want to share the sweetness of the gospel
*piano
*Regan scoring another basket at her game
*the confidence she's gaining in basketball
*warm showers
*yummy food
*minimal back pain lately
*listening to Morgan give a talk in primary
*music, particularly the primary songs
*nursery!!!!!!!!!!!! The babies went for the first time yesterday and stayed the whole time!!!!!!!!
*my Patriarchal Blessing
*My wonderful parents
*My sweet In-laws
*Kaleb whispering in my ear, "I love you mom"
*Jordyn offering to help clean up a huge mess made by the babies
*Morgan listening intently while studying Preach My Gospel (chapter 9) We've been challenged by our Stake President to study this as a family
*Regan's sensitivity to everyone around her
*Kamryn & Porter's loves and kisses exchanged so freely
*good grades
*fun roller skating rink to celebrate good grades
*a husband who loves the gospel
*my little family (okay, big family) I love them more than I can possibly express
*help with the kids at church, particularly in Sacrament meeting
*warm gloves and hats for my kids as they head out the door for school
*words of encouragement
*kids who want to share the sweetness of the gospel
*piano
*Regan scoring another basket at her game
*the confidence she's gaining in basketball
*warm showers
*yummy food
*minimal back pain lately
*listening to Morgan give a talk in primary
*music, particularly the primary songs
*nursery!!!!!!!!!!!! The babies went for the first time yesterday and stayed the whole time!!!!!!!!
*my Patriarchal Blessing
*My wonderful parents
*My sweet In-laws
*Kaleb whispering in my ear, "I love you mom"
*Jordyn offering to help clean up a huge mess made by the babies
*Morgan listening intently while studying Preach My Gospel (chapter 9) We've been challenged by our Stake President to study this as a family
*Regan's sensitivity to everyone around her
*Kamryn & Porter's loves and kisses exchanged so freely
*good grades
*fun roller skating rink to celebrate good grades
*a husband who loves the gospel
*my little family (okay, big family) I love them more than I can possibly express
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Dear Mommy
Just in case you were bored:
While you were cleaning up the breakfast dishes, we locked ourselves in the girls' room and poured bath salts all over the floor, we just thought the room needed some "freshening up"
While you were having fun cleaning up the bath salt mess, we emptied out the cupboard and poured spaghetti noodles down the stairs. Just thought you might want to play your favorite childhood game "pick up sticks"
While you were having "fun" picking up sticks, we emptied out the laundry basket full of nicely folded laundry. We thought you might need a little bit more practice folding those shirts.
While you were practicing your folding skills, we emptied dad's closet shelf and threw all his clothes in the bathtub, we're just sorry we haven't learned how to turn on the water yet or we could've washed them all for you.
Just think, more practice with your folding skills, but while you're busy mastering that skill, we promise we'll clean the bathroom for you. We'll make sure the whole roll of toilet paper ends up in the toilet, the toothbrushes will all be sucked on, toothpaste will be smeared on the cabinets and all things will be emptied out of the drawer. We know you've been wanting to clean out those drawers.
It's nap time now, but we promise we'll be tons more help when we wake up.
Love,
Kamryn & Porter
While you were cleaning up the breakfast dishes, we locked ourselves in the girls' room and poured bath salts all over the floor, we just thought the room needed some "freshening up"
While you were having fun cleaning up the bath salt mess, we emptied out the cupboard and poured spaghetti noodles down the stairs. Just thought you might want to play your favorite childhood game "pick up sticks"
While you were having "fun" picking up sticks, we emptied out the laundry basket full of nicely folded laundry. We thought you might need a little bit more practice folding those shirts.
While you were practicing your folding skills, we emptied dad's closet shelf and threw all his clothes in the bathtub, we're just sorry we haven't learned how to turn on the water yet or we could've washed them all for you.
Just think, more practice with your folding skills, but while you're busy mastering that skill, we promise we'll clean the bathroom for you. We'll make sure the whole roll of toilet paper ends up in the toilet, the toothbrushes will all be sucked on, toothpaste will be smeared on the cabinets and all things will be emptied out of the drawer. We know you've been wanting to clean out those drawers.
It's nap time now, but we promise we'll be tons more help when we wake up.
Love,
Kamryn & Porter
Monday, November 9, 2009
Grateful
The past couple of days I've been in a slump which is why I need to write this list to remind me that life is good:
1. healthy kids
2. my testimony
3. priesthood blessings
4. sweet husband
5. listening to Regan sing in church on Sunday
6. service
7. good friends
8. my good health
9. kids trying to be obedient
10. scripture study with our little family
11. school for my children
12. babies nap times
13. beautiful Fall weather
14. conference talks to remind me what's really important
15. temples, especially one so close to me
16. moments when the kids don't fight
17. Visiting teaching
18. hugs around the legs from the babies
19. good music
20. great examples all around me
1. healthy kids
2. my testimony
3. priesthood blessings
4. sweet husband
5. listening to Regan sing in church on Sunday
6. service
7. good friends
8. my good health
9. kids trying to be obedient
10. scripture study with our little family
11. school for my children
12. babies nap times
13. beautiful Fall weather
14. conference talks to remind me what's really important
15. temples, especially one so close to me
16. moments when the kids don't fight
17. Visiting teaching
18. hugs around the legs from the babies
19. good music
20. great examples all around me
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Happy Birthday, Aunt Christie!
Today is my Aunt Christie's Birthday! As a kid I always felt special because my B-Day was one day before hers and I remember thinking that all of my Aunt's walked on water. They were definetly the most beautiful, smart, talented, and fun Aunt's anyone could have. I still think that and, trust me, if you saw the things they do, crafting, sewing, quilting, cooking, etc., you would see why I think that. I have fond memories of going to stay with each of them and I always loved when people would stop and tell me how much I looked like my Aunt Christie. Sunday afternoon, the girls were looking at all my old scrapbooks and we came across this picture of my Aunt Christie with my Uncle Scott and their son, Nate. Isn't she gorgeous??? My kids laughed at Uncle Scott's mustache & Aunt Christie's hair but said their faces haven't changed much. (and that was taken 20+ year ago and they have 3 more kids.) Pretty impressive! Anyway, I hope you have a great B-Day, Aunt Christie! I love you!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Halloween favorites
I took the kids to trick-or-treat my Grandma J. who lives here in Idaho Falls. She's one of the greatest women I know. Our kids love her so much! They got the biggest kick out of her when she opened the door like this...
Seriously, is there any cuter great grandma in the world???? I think not!
Seriously, is there any cuter great grandma in the world???? I think not!
Everything Halloween!
I must admit, I've never been that excited for Halloween. In fact, in years past, I really kind of lothed the holiday. The thought of finding costumes for 6 children just made me tired and a bit irritated and I begrudgingly made the ghostly sugar cookies and bought Halloween candy muttering under my breath how expensive a few pieces of candy are. Okay, now that I've made myself look like a total grump, I'll try to redeem myself. I'm not sure what changed this year, but I was just plain excited for everything from the costumes, the candy, the fun Halloween meals, the trunk-or-treat, the sugar cookie making, pumpkin carving, etc. The girls came up with their costume ideas on their own and all looked hilarious, adorable, and, well, tough. (you'll see what I mean later) I even dressed up this year. My kids have begged me every year for too many years and I've always turned them down, but not this year. I borrowed my sisters Witch costume and the kids couldn't even wait for me to put it on. In fact, Morgan was in the bedroom with me helping me assemble the outfit. The eyelashes were the icing on the cake. The kids couldn't stop staring at me! It was just so much fun to see them be so excited!
Jordyn and her neighbor friend were twin babies. How easy is that?? I was thrilled when she came up with the idea and she looked adorable!
Kaleb, the fireman. I kept trying to get him to sing a little George Strait, "They call me the fireman, that's my name" He didn't think I was very funny!
Regan, the mad scientist. She loved ratting her hair and filling it with baby powder and glitter. And, she loved destroying a pair of dollar store glasses and taping them up with bandaids and such.
Morgan came up with this idea on her own so we borrowed my friends kids uniform. It fit her perfect. She decided by the end of the night that carrying around all that equipment on her back wasn't all that fun. I guess we can't count on her being our football star. (j/k)
Jordyn and her neighbor friend were twin babies. How easy is that?? I was thrilled when she came up with the idea and she looked adorable!
Porter and Kamryn, Ketchup and mustard babies. I thought these would be adorable costumes but I don't sew a darn thing so a cute lady in my ward offered to sew them. They didn't seem to mind the costumes other than the hats, of course, the only part I did make. Oh well, I think they look so cute.
Next year maybe we'll get DJ to dress up. If I can get all the kids and DJ to go along, I think we'll all be nerds.
I took the kids to Malalueca to trick-or-treat again this year. It's an amazing production from the decorations to the candy, to the costumes. The kids had so much fun and came away with way too much candy.
Last Monday we had our annual pumpkin carving party. We invited 2 cute girls in our ward, their mother recently died of cancer, I posted about her about a month ago. Anyway, the kids had so much fun. Kaleb enjoyed stabbing his warty pumpkin over and over and put the finishing touches on with the candly sticking out the eye space.
Morgan chose a pretty intricate bat design, Regan chose a spooky pumpkin face with firey eyes, and Jordyn chose a cute and simple face and did it all herself. I'm finding the older the kids get, the more fun it is to do projects like this. I love that all of them could help in some way which always makes it more enjoyable. I love my family!
Each Holiday my mom puts together the cutest packages for the kids. She sent up the cutest Halloween package with hair stuff, window stickers, muffin mixes, disposable muffin cups and liners, and Halloween cups and napkins. The next morning we had a fun Halloween breakfast. Thanks mom! Earlier in the week, I made a Halloween dinner and borrowed my neighbor, Kara's cutest dinnerware and decorations. I have nothing cute and fancy like that so it was sweet of her to share. The kids thought the chicken nuggets looked like skeleton faces, the fries were the fingers, ketchup and red punch for the blood. It was a yummy dinner and kids were thrilled.
I'm kicking myself because I took a picture of the breakfast but it didn't turn out so I only have a picture of the dinner.
I'm kicking myself because I took a picture of the breakfast but it didn't turn out so I only have a picture of the dinner.
I love my husband
My hubby will die when he see's that I've posted these photos. He came in from evening church meetings just in time to help us can applesauce. I made him wear my cute apron so he was striking all kinds of poses for the kids just to prove his manliness depite the girly apron. He had 
us laughing our heads off.
Jordyn's job was filling the pot with apples that DJ cut in half. Kamryn's job, taking a bite out of every apple to make sure there were no worms. Morgan's job, cutting apples in pieces, (not pictured here)
Regan's job, running the Victorio Strainers; Porter's job, to stay in his high chair and out of trouble, and to have a cute grin on his face.
I just have to say that I love my husband. He's swamped with responsiblities at his new position at the college, swamped with Bishop responsibilites yet somehow manages to help me do all of my projects. He frequently does the dinner dishes, and makes time to play board games with the kids. He works hard at everything he does and rarely takes time for himself. He loves the gospel and loves each member of our ward so much. He spends hours each week visiting members of our ward, especially the less active members. He has a strong desire to bring each one of these people back in to activity. I love him so much and I feel blessed to have spent the past 14 years with him and look forward to many more.
I just have to say that I love my husband. He's swamped with responsiblities at his new position at the college, swamped with Bishop responsibilites yet somehow manages to help me do all of my projects. He frequently does the dinner dishes, and makes time to play board games with the kids. He works hard at everything he does and rarely takes time for himself. He loves the gospel and loves each member of our ward so much. He spends hours each week visiting members of our ward, especially the less active members. He has a strong desire to bring each one of these people back in to activity. I love him so much and I feel blessed to have spent the past 14 years with him and look forward to many more.
Okay, that was seriously off the subject but it needed to be said! I love you, DJ!
Baby update!
It's so hard to believe Kamryn and Porter are almost 17 months. They are such cute little stinkers, and are both just full energy! They love to play together, get in trouble together, and love to fight over toys. Porter usually ends up bawling and Kamryn just giggles. Today in the car I looked in my mirror and caught them holding hands. They continue to stay right around 2 lbs. apart. last we checked, Porter was 23 lbs. and Kamryn was 21 lbs. They are both starting to talk a bit, Porter says, "night-night, mom, dad, and shoes, and my favorite, "yah" and Kamryn says, "night-night, num-num, mom, dad, boo, dog ."
Kamryn loves DJ and when he's home at night, every chance she gets she goest up to him and pats his leg and then puts her head on his leg. She's a snuggly little thing and loves to be hugged and kissed. She has a wave that resembles a rodeo queen, you know, stiff and fast. It's adorable!
Porter makes us laugh with his funny facial expressions. He has all sorts of whiny faces and all you have to do is look at him and start laughing and he'll grin from ear to ear. Porter's favorite word is, "yeah!" We love to ask him questions because his response is usually, "yeah" with a little head bop and a big grin.
They both have a mouth full of teeth and generally cut 2 or 3 at a time which might explain their poor sleeping habits. Actually, Kami had been sleeping great for a few months but she got sick after her flu shot and has been struggling at nights. Porter just isn't a great sleeper! Hopefully he'll figure it out sometime soon.
Porter is what we like to call our, toilet fisherman. The kids get in huge trouble if they leave the lid up because he has a raidar and goes right to the toilet for some splashing fun or his personal favorite, throwing full rolls of toilet paper in to the water.
Kamryn loves the phone, particularly the one in my room because it's down low enough for her to reach. We can't leave that door open either or she usually ends up calling someone. Last week she called the temple.
They both love to pound on the piano and rip the girls piano notebooks to shreds. We caught Kami standing on the keys a couple of days ago, playing the piano with her feet. She's our climber!
Kami likes the toilet paper roll but generally breaks off a long piece to blow her nose with. She is seriously obsessed with blowing her nose and is better at it than some of my older kids. It'd pretty entertaining to watch.
Nobody could have possibly prepared me for life with twins. You just have to live it to understand. I'm thankful I get to.
Kamryn loves DJ and when he's home at night, every chance she gets she goest up to him and pats his leg and then puts her head on his leg. She's a snuggly little thing and loves to be hugged and kissed. She has a wave that resembles a rodeo queen, you know, stiff and fast. It's adorable!
Porter makes us laugh with his funny facial expressions. He has all sorts of whiny faces and all you have to do is look at him and start laughing and he'll grin from ear to ear. Porter's favorite word is, "yeah!" We love to ask him questions because his response is usually, "yeah" with a little head bop and a big grin.
They both have a mouth full of teeth and generally cut 2 or 3 at a time which might explain their poor sleeping habits. Actually, Kami had been sleeping great for a few months but she got sick after her flu shot and has been struggling at nights. Porter just isn't a great sleeper! Hopefully he'll figure it out sometime soon.
Porter is what we like to call our, toilet fisherman. The kids get in huge trouble if they leave the lid up because he has a raidar and goes right to the toilet for some splashing fun or his personal favorite, throwing full rolls of toilet paper in to the water.
Kamryn loves the phone, particularly the one in my room because it's down low enough for her to reach. We can't leave that door open either or she usually ends up calling someone. Last week she called the temple.
They both love to pound on the piano and rip the girls piano notebooks to shreds. We caught Kami standing on the keys a couple of days ago, playing the piano with her feet. She's our climber!
Kami likes the toilet paper roll but generally breaks off a long piece to blow her nose with. She is seriously obsessed with blowing her nose and is better at it than some of my older kids. It'd pretty entertaining to watch.
Nobody could have possibly prepared me for life with twins. You just have to live it to understand. I'm thankful I get to.
We love to see the temple!
The kids beg to go to the Temple and Visitors Center all the time. We go as often as possible and since we're less then 10 minutes away, we really have no excuse. Plus, I really love the feeling of peace that is so evident when you are on Temple grounds so we try to visit if often. A couple of weeks ago we went again and watched a movie called, God's plan, I think. It was really neat and it sparked really great conversations with the kids, (well, the 4 oldest) Kamryn and Porter just enjoyed climbing all over the chairs and tried emptying the tissue boxes several times. Thank goodness no one else was in the theatre with us. Afterward, we walked around the temple and Regan, (my little photographer) snapped photos of us.
Jordyn and Kaleb love the statue of Christ. Kaleb kept touching the nail prints in Jesus' hands and feet and saying, "that's so sad, mom."
Morgan loves the big picture window with the temple in the background. I think Regan snapped some pretty neat pictures, including the one of herself. She's beautiful!
They were excited to touch the temple. This past year, I think it was April Conference, one of the Apostles said we should take our children to touch the temple so we've been talking about doing this for awhile. Only one more year and Regan will be able to do Baptisms for the Dead here. I look exhausted in the photo with Morgan, I really was happy to be there, I was just wasted.
We walked all the way around the temple to show Regan the entrance for Baptisms. The kids were a little loud and couldn't help but run at times, we'll have to work on reverance while on temple grounds, but, it was a great family activity.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
If the truth be told...
This is what it's REALLY been like at our house for the past 2 weeks:
Black eyes- Self inflicted wound
Super cranky babies throwing tons of temper-tantrums, particularly from the happy little guy above! (I just don't have as many pictures to prove it!)
Too many sick kids
Babies pooping in the bathtub almost everytime I put them in. (Arrrgggh) I didn't think a poopy bathtub picture was appropriate so this one will do.
Black eyes- Self inflicted wound
Super cranky babies throwing tons of temper-tantrums, particularly from the happy little guy above! (I just don't have as many pictures to prove it!)
Too many sick kids
Babies pooping in the bathtub almost everytime I put them in. (Arrrgggh) I didn't think a poopy bathtub picture was appropriate so this one will do.
Way too many sleepless nights!! Don't have a picture of that one either but trust me, it wouldn't be pretty. I'm so tired, my eyeballs actually ache. I can hardly wait for the day that I get to sleep 8 hours uninterrupted, oh, what am I saying, 4 hours uninterrupted would be a stinking miracle!
And....if there was a picture of me next, I would probably have a very grumpy look on my face with a caption such as this, "Calgon, take me away, NOW"!
Just for the record though, I'm not complaining! Ha ha ha ha!
Wishin' we had leaves!
My kids feel cheated because our trees aren't big enough to unload gigantic piles of leaves for them to play in and rake up. So, we've gone to a couple of our ward member's homes and played in their leaves and raked up a few bags while we were at it. I forgot to take my camera the evening that I had all the kids with me so I only have picks of the 4 little ones. Sorry, Regan and
Morgan!
The babies liked Gina's doorstep better than the leaves. And Porter loved the rake, he tried whacking Jordy and Kaleb a time or two. He wasn't going to let his purple gloves define his manhood!
Jordyn and Kaleb loved being buried in the leaves and running as fast as they could in to the center of the pile.
I've been trying hard lately to live in the moment with my kids. I feel like I always tell them "no" or "maybe another day" and sometimes forget that the little moments such as these are what bring kids joy.
Morgan!
The babies liked Gina's doorstep better than the leaves. And Porter loved the rake, he tried whacking Jordy and Kaleb a time or two. He wasn't going to let his purple gloves define his manhood!
Jordyn and Kaleb loved being buried in the leaves and running as fast as they could in to the center of the pile.
I've been trying hard lately to live in the moment with my kids. I feel like I always tell them "no" or "maybe another day" and sometimes forget that the little moments such as these are what bring kids joy.
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