Morgan's Museum

Morgan spent a couple of hours after school yesterday preparing this little display for me. She's my kid that thinks outside the box, and, therefore, I always know I'm in for a surprise when she has something to show me. She used some of Kaleb's different sets of toys to set up a Museum in his room that all of us could walk through. She even made name tags and explained things to us as we walked through. She informed me that we rarely go to Museum's and that she'd like to go to some more often. Unfortunetly, I'm afraid she'll have to wait awhile because Museum's and twin babies doesn't sound like my idea of fun!

Makin' me laugh

I was sitting here paying bills and overheard Jordyn and Kaleb playing "Bishops Storehouse" out in the living room. (I guess they've picked up more in the past 2 years of DJ being Bishop than I previously thought)

A very long, random post

I've been such a blogging slacker lately partly in due to my spending every free second in one kind of doctors office or another. So, I guess today is catch up day. This is libal to be lengthy and boring to most all of you but for me, it's history, (in no particular order).

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A couple of weeks ago I took the 4 kids up to the BYU Idaho campus for the funnest show, The Peking Acrobats. This was one amazing show and the kids were awe struck at the stunts these people performed. If you ever get a chance to see this show, DO IT, it was well worth the money paid. One of the perks of DJ working at the college is highly discounted tickets for usually awesome entertainment and this was one of them! I didn't bother taking my camera to the event because they don't allow any pictures taken during the performance so you'll just have to go and see for yourself. After being completely entertained for 2 hours, we headed for home but made a stop at the grocery store for a box of ice cream sandwiches which the kids devoured in nothing flat. Probably not the healthiest choice of snacks for 10:30 p.m. but they were thrilled!

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We celebrated DJ's 37th B-Day on Wednesday and, as usual, the kids made a big fuss over him. They made a big candy card on poster board, helped me make a special dinner, and made sure to sing "Happy Birthday" multiple times that day. Morgan and Regan even bought DJ more candy with their piano reward money from their teacher which they get every week for practicing hard. Now that's real love if you ask me!

Every year I spend with DJ, I love him more. He really amazes me at the things he accomplishes and his drive to do just about anything he puts his mind to. He works hard for our family and always makes sure we have the things we need. He's funny, smart, serious, trustworthy, dedicated, hardworking, practical, etc. He loves to lay tile and is amazing at laying it out just perfect. His first attempt was 8 years ago when we built our home and I have to admit I was a bit skeptical. I kept asking him if he should get some help or just hire it out but he wouldn't hear of it and just figured it out on his own. Since then he's had so many opportunities both paid and unpaid to use this skill and it's honestly something he LOVES to do and is willing to help anyone with. It seriously amazes me how he can lay everything out in his mind and then actually have it work out. The one funny thing about DJ is that he'll work on a tile project almost non-stop until it's done. He rarely takes food or sleep breaks but doesn't ever complain. He's just in the zone and doesn't want to be bothered with breaks. Anyway, I wish I would be better about taking pictures of his projects but it seems I always remember after the fact. Another thing I love about my hubby is he's easy to please. He doesn't spend hardly any money on himself, in fact, I tease him that he rarely even buys himself a pack of gum. It's like pulling teeth to try to get him to buy a piece of clothing for himself, he's just happy with the shirt on his back but he's always happy to take me and the kids shopping if we need something. He's diligent in his calling, his work, and his responsibilities here at home. He always makes sure we start our day off with scripture study and when he's home, he reads the Book of Mormon readers to the kids at night before bed and sings primary songs with them. He works right along side me and the kids doing the dishes each night, even when I tell him it's THEIR dish night, he still wants to help them and believe me, they don't complain. I love you, DJ, and I fell blessed to be married to you. Thanks also to your mom and and dad for raising such a wonderful son!

This is DJ's favorite trick to do with our kids. He's even tried it with me and with a bit of jumping help from me, he can do it. He can't even lay on the floor without the babies climbing all over him begging him to do lift them up.

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Valentine's Day was great! I love surprising the family with a fun breakfast decorated with pink, red, and white paper goods, balloons, goodies, and this year Regan begged me to let her help. I fifure she's getting old enough so I took her shopping with me for everything. The next morning she got up early to help me make French toast with syrup and pink whip cream, heart shaped sausages, strawberries, and treats and everyone's plates. I think the kids had fun and I loved having Regan be my little helper!

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Okay, recently I had to let go of two items that have been around since I was a sophmore in High school. I'm kind of a practical person I guess, yes, I do love new shirts, but I also have clothes in my closet that I still wear even though they're out of style, a bit shredded on the bottom, a bit dingy, you get the idea. Well, I went shopping at the mall to buy the kids a good pair of ski gloves from this ski store that is closing. I happened upon this coat that was regularly $200.00 marked down to $49.00. Now I normally don't just spend, $49.00 on myself but considering I've been sporting the same coat for 17+ years, I figured it was about time to get a new one. My kids later let me know that they are glad I finally got rid of my purple coat, they apparently don't think mom's should wear purple coats. But, mom and dad, I just want you to know that your money was well spent on that beautiful purple Columbia coat, but it will soon have another home thanks to the DI. Unless I have any takers!:)

Item #2 I had to part with this week. This black beauty was given to me in High School also by my parents. It's been a good friend & provided me with countless hours of music, but it decided to check out for good this week. If I'm being honest, there have been a few times that I've wanted to part with it and replace it with something MUCH smaller like an Ipod docking station or an under the cabinet unit but I just couldn't throw this out because it was still working. Well, it finally died so I cleared it out along with the two very large speakers that went beside it. You can't believe the kitchen cabinet space that thing took up. Can't say I'm really missing it except the lack of music out in the kitchen, but for right now, ITunes blasting from the computer room will have to do.

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I've been meaning to post a few more pictures of the girls at the Monster Concert so I have to stick those in on this very random post.

What a cute bunch of girls!

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The babies have been little handfuls lately. They spend most days climbing on the bar & table, playing in the toilet, getting in to the kids stuff, ripping all of DJ's important papers, emptying out all my drawers.... you get the idea. I used think twins as tiny babies were the hardest but I've decided that between 18 months and 3 years is definitely harder. But, somehow amongst the craziness we manage to have some fun with the little stinkers. Kamryn is our little dancing queen! Whenever music is on, she's dancing and twirling around on her tippy toes with a big grin on her face. She's also the only 20 month old I've ever known that can chew gum responsibly. She's the biggest tease which I'm sure learned that from her dad. She loves to take a toy away from Porter just to get a reaction and when he starts to squeal, she'll give him the biggest grin and start running the other direction. She loves to give kisses, loves to squeal, and throws her share of loud obnoxious temper tantrums. Porter is known for his funny clicking noise he makes when he wants a sweet snack. He doesn't talk too much yet so he'll stand by the pantry door making this hilarious clicking noise until he gets someones attention. He loves to see how high he can jump, LOVES sweets of any kind, has a contagious grin, he's loveable, whiny, and also good at throwing temper tantrums. Needless to say, the tone in our house is LOUD!

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The other day when I was feeling especially old and tired, Regan informed that I'm getting wrinkles around my eyes. Sad but definetly true!

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Kaleb is still obsessed with anything cowboy! He loves his chaps Grandpa and Grandma Rose gave him for his B-Day, loves his boots, and loves his cap gun. The other day I was on the phone and he came running up to me saying, "mom, you've got to get off the phone now, my gun just shot fire out."

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I love moments like these!

And...I just love this picture!

She's growing up (and I'm growing old) Love this kid!

The more money you make....the more money you spend!

The old saying IS true, although, in my case, it just happens to be all on medical stuff these days. I'm not complaining though, I'm actually thanking my lucky stars for a few extra bucks because if not, we'd be dead in the water. Has anyone else ever totally depleted their flex spending account in February??? Well, that would be us and here's why...

1. Morgan got braces in January, something we weren't really planning on.
2. I got a crown on one of my teeth, also not planned
3. While the dentist was doing the crown, he noticed a small cavity on the tooth behind it, he told me it shouldn't be a big deal and that he'd take care of it when I came for my permanent crown. Well, turns out, it was a huge cavity, I needed a root canal, and yes, another crown. While lying in the dental chair, instead of seeing stars, all I could see were dollar signs.
4. That same afternoon I took Jordyn to see an Ear Nose Throat doctor here in town. She snores, gets sick pretty often, has terrible breath, and stops breathing in her sleep. He said her tonsils are a 3 on a scale from 1-4 so she will need to have them out pretty soon. I left the doctor's office chuckling to myself and seeing more dollar signs floating in the sky.
5. Sunday afternoon, Kaleb came down with a nasty sickness, had a high fever, bad cough, and generally miserable. DJ ran him to Community Care and it turns out, he has Tonsillitis which causes me to wonder if he needs his tonsils removed. I haven't confirmed that one yet but after thinking back at my conversation with the ENT, he seems like a perfect candidate.
6. Regan's eye's have been bugging her lately, she says she sees double sometimes. She also seems to strain her eyes and do all kinds of funky things with them quite often. Sorry, can't really explain that one but I have this feeling that I should get her eyes checked really soon.
7. Went yesterday to get my root canal, and by the way, those are not any fun. Things were going okay until my dentist said, "Cindy, I have some bad news for you." (never something you want to hear while sitting in the dental chair, or anywhere for that matter) While trying to clean the roots out, a piece of the file he was using broke off up there which would require an Endodontist to complete the root canal. So, I went there this morning at 8 a.m., it took 45 minutes to remove the tip of the file and then another 45 minutes for the root canal. The whole right side of my face was numb and after the numbness wore off, I couldn't open my mouth very wide. That alarmed me for a couple of reasons, number one is obvious, number two being that I was scheduled to go back to my dentist for the crown prep this afternoon and I wondered if I would even be able to open wide enough. By 3:00, I could open pretty well so my dentist was able to finish things up. I might add that I love this dentist! He does do great work and has a great bedside manner and his office staff is amazing! If you are looking for a good dentist in Idaho Falls, Channing Way Dental is the place!

So, this is how I've started off 2010! I can hardly wait to see what the year brings!! I was thinking the other day about the trip DJ and I have planned to Hawaii coming up in just 2 weeks. I'm thinking that instead of us enjoying all the fantastic attractions, Scuba diving, eating out, boat rides, etc., I may just be sitting in my hotel room admiring my beautiful Porcelain crowns in the mirror. (ha ha)

Regan in Monster Concert 2010

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Regan and Morgan got to participate in the Monster Concert this past Saturday, put on by the Idaho Falls Music Association. I think I counted 12 pianos on stage, 2 kids at each piano playing the same duet all at the same time. Imagine that....I really couldn't wrap my mind around it for awhile until the it got closer and I listened to the girls practice with their partners. It was soooo much fun listening to them and even more than that, I loved that they were actually excited about piano. They've been a little unenthusiastic since I switched piano teachers on them. They LOVED Rosemarie and I loved her as well, but sometimes it's just good to have a change. And, my main reason for switching them was so they would have more playing opportunities so they wouldn't be a big chicken to play in front of people like I always was (and am)! Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the Monster Concert and was amazed at the talent of the students and the directors of the songs. It really was enjoyable to listen to and the kids had a ball!! Regan and her partner Lindee, got to play 18 songs together--some fun and easy, others difficult. Their favorites were Cruella De Vil and the Star Wars theme song, and some of my favorites were the Scat Song, Balloon Pop Polka, and Sonatina in G Major. Morgan and Brooklin got to play 4 songs together, John Brown, Reptile Raggle, March of the Brontosaurus, and Indian Princess--as far as I could tell, they all did really well, but with so many piano's going at once, it's nearly impossible to pick out your own child. Anyway, they looked adorable!! Grandma Rose and Grandma Johnson both came to hear the girls perform, which thrilled the girls! Thanks, Grandma's!!!! I took video of both girls in as many songs as I could possibly fit on my camera. Morgan's is pretty short (down below) but Regan's is a bit lengthy because of the amount of songs she played. I also taped Lindee (Regan's parner) playing w/ another gal and can't figure out how to cut it out) Hope you enjoy!

Morgan in Monster Concert 2010

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I love the Temple!

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take go to the Salt Lake Temple to attend the sealing of DJ's nephew, Josh, and his cute wife, Cheryl, to their little baby boy that they adopted a few mohths back. They make such a beautiful family and it was so special to be a part of this occasion. I had the most peaceful feeling as I sat in the temple, in fact, the room that they were sealed in was the exact room DJ and I were sealed in 14 years ago. I had a lot of memories flood back to me as I sat waiting with DJ's family. The day we were married sometimes seems like so long ago but sitting their in that room, I could remember the little details from that special day and the special feelings I had. It is so nice to get away from the cares of the world and focus on the things that are of most importance. I loved listening to the temple worker speak to Josh and Cheryl, everything he said made such perfect sense in that moment and I could just feel the love that our Heavenly Father and Jesus have for each of us. I'm so thankful for our Heavenly Father's plan and our Savior, Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to repent and become clean again so we can live with our Heavenly Father. I love the temple and the new things I learn there everytime I go! Thanks, Josh and Cheryl, for letting us be apart of such a special day!

What a gorgeous couple with their beautiful baby boy!

Grandma Teichert took the girls over to touch the temple. They were so excited!

Regan and Morgan were my little traveling buddies on this trip. They were all excited to watch a DVD on the trip down but I realized about a 1/2 an hour out of town that I had grabbed the wrong cord for the DVD player. I thought they would bummed but they just started laughing and so we just visited and listened to Jenny Phillips CD's all the way down. I think I'll "accidentally" grab the wrong cord again. I think the car is the best place to learn things about your kids because you have a captive audience and I don't have any distractions other than the crazy drivers around me! Anyway, when we were approaching Salt Lake I was trying to find my way to the temple so I told the girls to keep their eye on the temple and we'd be okay. One of them said from the back, "mom, you're never lost when you can see the temple." We've repeated that several times since one of our Apostles (can't remember who it was) said it in the past conference. Anyway, it was cute and helped me keep my nerves calm as I made my way around in crazy Salt Lake traffic.

I love my girls!

The Conference Center waterfalls were the girls favorite!

This is Morgan's favorite picture! She and Jordyn walked on every ledge they could find on the way back to our van.

Mmmmm, we love spaghetti!

The babies just aren't very good eaters. In fact, they turn their noses up to just about all my dinners except for Spaghetti! They ate an obscene amount the other night and it was just cute to see them enjoying their food so much. This mess was not fun to clean up but it was a cute photo moment.

Cousin fun!

Last week we had my sister, Julie's, kids here for a few days and it's taken me this long to transfer the photos. The kids had such a fun time playing with their cousins and I was amazed at how well they got along. They played in the snow, played dress up, polly pockets, house, games, etc. Regan's favorite thing to do with all the girls was to dress them up, do their hair and makeup, and then she'd put on some fun music and they would do a little show for me. I love that Regan will play with her younger cousins. She always does the funnest things for them and the best part about it is she totally enjoys herself. I was sure I took pictures of their little show but they are no where to be found. Darn!

Chloe and Jordyn are the same age! They had a ball together, aren't they just the cutest little blondies???? The handcuffs were the favorite toy of the weekend!

The kids had so much fun playing in the snow. I thought for sure we'd spend a solid hour suiting them all up and then they'd stay out for 10 minutes but they proved me wrong. They played and played for the longest time. I felt so bad because Brigham, Julie's little guy, wanted to come out so bad but he had the nastiest sore on his ankle bone but he was bound and determined to make it outside. So, mom and I got him all ready, put him in his boots which were absolutely killing him and then we proceeded to take him outside. It was the cutest and saddest thing because with every step he'd take, he would groan and then say, "I'm okay," and then he'd take another step forward. You could tell his boot was rubbing the sore and causing him so much pain but he wanted to play so bad. He lasted for about 3 minutes and then decided he'd better come in. It was a valiant effort on his part!

The kids loved the miniature shovels.

Chloe and Morgan spent over an hour in our walk-out basement shoveling this huge pile of snow at the bottom of the slide. It was the cutest thing to watch their excitement when they went down the slide and crashed in to the big mound of snow they'd worked so hard to make.

Regan enlisted the help of Jordyn and Chloe making an igloo with my bread pans. I can't believe how far they actually got. Chloe and Jordyn worked like champs filling the pans and delivering them to Regan. I totally remember doing this very same thing!

Saturday night I bathed everyone with DJ's help. We had to have all 11 kids ready by 8:00 so everyone could be to church on time so we had a movie party, watching "Up," ate tons of popcorn and Orange Julius, while I put rollers in all the girls hair. It was so much fun and I loved that all the girls had the same hair do the next day. Again, another picture I wish I'd taken!

The three little munchkins, Cannon, Porter, and Kamryn! They played really well together until about the last day and then my babies got super jealous of Cannon. Especially Porter, he even went up to Cannon a few times that day and gave him a little push like, "hey, she's not your mother, she's mine!" It was sad but so darn funny. Poor little Cannon!

This is one of our dinner times together. Surprisingly, I made just about the right amount of food and the kids ate pretty good, maybe because I bribed them all with ice cream at the end!

Poor Kami

Kami came down with something on Thursday and things just went from bad to worse.

This is what she looked like on Thursday. I took her to the doctor and he told me she had a slight ear infection, nothing he would medicate her for. He also told me that her "eye issue" wasn't conjunctivitis but to let him know if things got worse.

Here she is Friday morning, hating life!

Saturday morning she woke up looking a whole lot worse than this. Here eyes were matted completely shut and she was miserable! I took her in only to find out her ear infection had worsened, he said she definitely had pink eye, and to top it off, she had Croup. He prescribed Vigomox for the eyes, Amoxicillin for the ears, and some steroids to help her breath better.

Here is what she looked like by Saturday night after one dose of medicine. Still scary, but I was happy that she could muster even a little smile.

Here she is today! I think our Kami is back! Regan, Kaleb, and Porter have had some nasty colds as well but so far, nothing like this little girl. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!