Lighter Side...maybe

My last post was HEAVY! I know that, it was not a lot of fun to re-read. It was hard. So I figured I need something lighter. Today my girlfriend, who is one of my verbal diarhea victms on a regular basis (all my friends are now nodding in agreement, trying to figure out which of them in particular that I am talking about.... I am going to give you all a second to ponder if it was you.......) said soemthing that made me laugh. She was talking about a friend who said something about things he did not want to know/do before he died i.e. he did not really want to know what it felt like to be shot. That made me giggle, becasue Greg and I do that kind of thing a lot. Usually while looking up, at least on my part as to include God in the conversation. Things like I will still hurt for my friend whose daughter is really sick, I don't need my kid to get sick to feel so awful and hurt for her.



So here it is, the beginning of my UNBUCKET LIST...aka things I am good without doing/having/knowing about. And just for the record, I am not tempting fate here! I am merely stating fact.



1. Having a critically ill child. My heart has had its fill with one of my babies being premature. That was more than enough, and I ache for any Mom or Dad or family who has to deal with this.



2. Major car accident.



3. Knowing what it feels like to have been shot by a bullet or stabbed by a knife. I am making this one thing...........and if you have to ask why, you are a fool.



4. Cancer. I don't want it, I don't want anyone I know or love to have it. Probably the most unrealistic thing on this list.



5. drowning. I live water. But not to breathe it.


I think for now this is a good start. I am pretty sure there ar more that will be added at a later date, but one thing is for sure.....I bet I got ya thinking!

My MAP

My mom is the youngest of 7. By alot! I can recall as kid thinking that people who thought their grandparents were old were weird. Their grandparents were the same age as my aunts and uncles, my Grandma on the other hand was OLD. In April of 2008 my mom's oldest sister, Mary Ann, got really sick. She was having a problem with afib (her heart not beating right) and then she got a whopping case of pnuemonia. It took until June to get her back to semi healthy and to be able to worry about the afib and the problem it was casuing. In July of 2008 Mary Ann had massive open heart surgery. She had rheumatic fever as a child and it damaged her heart valves. She was drasticly ill with the pneumonia and then had barely recovered when she had to have the surgery. But someone up there didn't want her then, and apparently isn't ready for her now yet either. She pulled through the pnuemonia and the heart surgery, in which she had a valve replaced, one repaired and had a pacemaker put in. When she came home from the hospital she weighed 88 pounds. 88 pounds! I think my left leg weighs that much. Skip to today, just about 18 months later, and as far as she has come, as much as she has healed and as well as she has been feeling, she is having open heart surgery again! While we were at Disneyland, she had a TIA (very minor stroke). I knew that should not be happening. I do not pretend to be a know it all (ok, maybe I do once is a while!) but I know that strokes are generally caused by blood clots and she is on blood thinners, so there should be no clots. So I threw a fit at my mom (a very small fit, ranked by my abilities) and told her we had to get Mary Ann up to SLC, so we could get her into see her heart doctors. We flew home on Monday night and Tuesday morning we were at LDS hospital to see Dr. Miner. We had not idea, that that visit would lead us back to surgery. Dr. Miner ordered and ECHO and they found a booger on her heart valve. The new one. The one she just had replaced in July 2008. Wanting more info, Dr. Miner sent us to IMC for a 3-d TEE (trens-esophogial ECHO) with Dr. Horton. I figured they would set an appointment for us, oh no! I was told to go now and they would be waiting for us. Even with a crystal ball, I would not have guessed how this all would end. Dr. Horton is "the man" when it come to heart scans. He is the director of the ECHO program at IMC and it awesome. He did the TEE, said all looked good, it must have just been a weird angle and allowed us to go home. 8 hours later. We got to LDS at 8:30 am and I pulled out of IMC's parking lot at 4:26pm. A very long day. The next day, I got a call from Dr. Horton. Himself. Not his nurse, not his staff, but HIM. That alone threw up red flashing lights. He said he understood we had an appt with heart failure on Thursday and would we mind if he did a follow up echo just to be safe. Things were not sitting well with him and he just wanted to be sure. No biggie I said, we did the ECHO with the appointment and it still looked good. So he let her leave the hospital, but NOT go home to Price, he said she needed to stay in SLC, just to be safe, and would we mind coming back one more time just to be safe, in one week, to make sure that this booger was gone gone and all was well. Sure, we have come this far, why not. So fast forward a nice weekend, My brother and his wife went out of town (for the first time since the twins were born) and left the boys with my mom and aunt. It was nice for everyone. On Monday, my Uncle John made the trip down from the monestary to visit with his sister's and come see the kiddies. The rest of the week was blessedly uneventful. Roll on up to Thursday morning. My mom took the day off to take Mary Ann to her appointment. My kids had spent about 15 hours without me the previous week while I took care of Mary Ann, and not that they really minded, but I could tell we were all out of sorts and just getting back on track. So Mom took her. And am I ever glad she did. Damned if that booger wasn't back. So after the ECHO, Dr. Horton decided that it was another TEE, which we did, and yep, there is was. Which is REALLY bad! It should NOT be coming and going. So now we had a whole new issue, and these awesome doctors, made the hardest call. They decided that it must be some kind of infection, and that the only way to get rid of it and make sure she doesn't have a major stroke is to replace the valve! What!?!?!?!? Seemed like it took 20 seconds to go from seems to be okay to the world crumbling. I am worried, afraid and scared. The Doc's had her admitted to the hospital directly from her appointment on Thursday to ween her from her blood thinners in a safer environment.....i.e. if she were to throw another chunk of that infection booger she was where she needs to be. And she is now first on Dr. Clayson's surgery list on Monday. I am torn. I want her to be okay, but I do not want her to suffer in anyway! I am at a bit of a loss right now, I pray for what is best, knowing that is not necessiraly what I really want. Because what is best and what I want can be seen as polar opposites. I want her to be okay, I want my children to have more time with her, but I do not want her to have to endure surgery after surgery. I know she is wildly healthier this time. Good grief she is up to a wopping 133 pounds (she would so beat me if she knew I just posted her weight for the world to see! Good thing she cannot even turn a computer on huh!). 400 times stronger and so much better..........but I still worry. The last time we did this, one of her doctors looked at her some months after surgery and told her he really hadn't expected her to make it off the surgical table. When we started this whole thing, Lex was 4 months old and Mary Ann could not hold her on her lap, and now she picks up my 2 year old. I know she is healthier, I know she is stronger. Problem is I'm not. I am not stronger, and I am not ready to loose her. So, here is to Monday, a smooth surgery, a great team of doctors, and to my sweet Aunt. I love you and can't wait for you to be better (AGAIN), to play checker with Nathan and play-doh with Lex. To snarl at my cat to get away, or ask if he is still alive becasue he is sleping on his back and to tell me I am just mean enough to make you do what ever it is you don't want to do. That's what I am here for...........................

Disneyland 2010

Minnie Mouse taking care to be gentle with Nathan's casted arm. She kissed it better too!

Grandma, Grandpa, Nathan and Lex hanging out on the pier at California Adventure

Nathan and Minnie Mouse (at like 11 at night)

Lex, Nathan and Jolli at Pooh's Hunny Pots

( I loaded the pics in the wrong order and am to lazy to delete and reload! Sorry!)

I got the hair-brained idea a while ago that the grandparents (both my mom and Greg's parents) should go to Disneyland with us. Our trip was originally scheduled for the first week in December of 2009, but due to some issues that my in-laws had with another trip we had to postpone to Feburary. We did get some rain while we were there, and I got a roaring case of the 24 hour stomach flu, but all in all it was such a fun trip. By far one of the highlights was that Greg's best friend from school, Jeff, was able to meet us there with his family, that is his daughter Jolli in the picture with my kiddies. We spent our days riding everything we could. We flew in on Wednesday afternoon, got checked in to our hotel and had some lunch and headed off to the park. It was a fun afternoon and evening with very little crowd. I will never forget walking thru Cinderella's castle on Thursday morning and having Lex bouncing in her stroller yelling "ride, ride, Ali ride!" It was a hoot. It did not take her long to figure out what she liked and wanted to do. I have to get the rest of the pictures from Grandpa, he has a much better camera then I, so I just let him take all the photos this year. I also got a few on my mom's camera that I need to get from her, too.

I didn't go to Disneyland for my first time until I was 15 (I turned 15, the day after we were there) and seeing that this was Nathan's THIRD trip, I really wanted my mom (and Greg's parents) to see what it was to see the place thru a child's eyes. Needless to say my children DID NOT dissapoint. This was Alexandra's 2nd trip, but seeing that she was only 9 months old last time we were there, it was pretty much the first time for her. She loved getting to ride the rides. Everything was new and exciting, and by darn that kid has NO fear. She was game for anything. The only thing it took her a minute to warm up to was the characters who were people. Goofy, Mickey......no problem. Mulan and the other princesses took a second for her to decide they were in fact okay. It was hilarious to watch, as are most things "Ali".

Nathan was a trooper. Even though this was his third trip, it is safe to say it is the first time he had done the mouse with a cast. I, foolishly, thought it might slow him down. I was sooooo wrong. And for that I am greatful. Never even gave it a second thought. And by far, one of my favorite pictures is of Minnie Mouse, late at night (like after 11) as he and I walked back to the hotel just the 2 of us. We stopped on Sunday, our last night becasue we had not gotten a picture with her, and she was a doll. She looked at his arm and made all the motions to ask what was wrong. We told her and she kissed it better and patted it sweetly and really took quite a bit of time with him. Nate was smitten with it all and as you can see in the picture, he just was super happy. Despite being exhausted. It was one of those mommy moments for me, that seem to happen less often as he grows into such an amazing boy from the little boy he has been. WOW, sappy moment! Sorry 'bout that !

Greg and I had a wonderful time. There is something so wonderful about watching grandparents and grandchildren, especially when it is your parents and your children! I loved that! It was so great to have them there. And then to be able to add the Clay family to the mix was like icing on the cake for me. The last time we saw Jeff, he was one of the best men at our wedding and now he is married, and a dad. Onica, Jolli, and Oliver were so much fun to get to know and so wonderful to be able to include in our family!

So big thanks to everyone for going along with my crazy idea. I think it was wonderful! And I hope we can do it all again! And really, if you have young kids and parents...you need to haul them to Southern California and have some fun too. (Man, that mouse needs to send me an endorsement check!)

Parent Teacher Conference

I would say it seems a bit much to have a parent teacher conference for preschool, but when you are involved in a preschool that is as academic as the one we have chosen, I find it to be a good thing. I had Nathan's last Friday after preschool becasuse we will be out of town when they are holding the official PTC's. And the good news is that he is doing very well. Mrs. Francis (who is a delight) said that Nathan is one of the advanced readers and that he is pretty much a spongue, in that he learns so quickly and seems to be so interested in everything. She really had nothing bad to say about him. She did have a few observations though, and they really made me laugh out loud. The first of these being how they are at playtime. Last year Nathan was one of only 3 boys in his class. This year he is one of NINE! How she does that I will never know! But the boys play, and as Mrs Francis put it there is a LOT of testostterone going on. (SO FUNNY) And that Nathan plays very well, but that he tends to get LOUD. As in he will talk over all the other kids. It made me laugh out loud. I looked her square in the face and told her (as I giggled) that I had absolutley no idea where he got that from! She also said that he is the informer (so and so is running, so and so broke a crayon, etc....which makes me crazy and is something we have been working on home. So all is well, and our kid is a smarty pants.

Lex is TWO!

Lex and her huge, ugly cake. I foolishly let her pick it out at the store and this is the one she HAD to have. Pretty sure we have enough for a month of birthdays. Good grief! But she loved it, so I am not going to complain too much!

Lex and her American Girl Bitty Baby. She got such cute things this year!

Again I am incline to ask how the crap that happened, but since I have not yet figured out how to make it stop, I figure it is pointless to figure out "how" it happens. I can still recall clear as day 2 years ago when she was born. The past 2 years have been a riot. This child has more energy than any kid I know and has used it in ways I never thought imaginable. The last week for example was filled with a ton of baby powder and a carpet full of diaper rash ointment. Ahhhhhh and she wasn't even two yet. This past year she also got tubes in her ears after 7 double ear infections in just about a years time, I decided it was time to act, and not a moment too soon. The ENT had her tested by an audiologist and she was suffering from mild hearing loss! Since the tubes she has improved 200%. She speaks a ton more, has pretty much a whole new vocabulary and speech patten. She is becoming quite the jabberwakey.

Alexandra loves the color blue and trains (or cho-cho's as she calls them), I am thinking her big brother has rubbed off on her a bit here. Of course to be fair you should know that at this point, not only is blue, blue, but so are purple and green and sometimes red too. She does know pink and white. And like to wear blue pants. Meaning her jeans. She also loves water, if you suddenly hear water running Lex is most likely sitting in a sink somewhere, fully clothed. And if you are really lucky she is brushing her teeth with YOUR toothbrush NOT hers! Mmmmmm good! And for all the good it does me calling her Lex, she refers to her self as "Ali".

Two is going to be interesting for us all. She is stubborn as the day is long. No idea where she got that (wink, wink). Independent as all get out....again no clue where that may have come from. And takes a leap before thinking twice. She throws a fine tantrum, complete with the laying on the floor kicking and screaming. I admire her spunk, and stand behind to catch her when and if she falls and to clean up the mess in her wake. Which can be extensive. But she is the most wonderfully annoying, mess making, whirl wind of a child! She wakes each morning happy and excited for the day, despite the fact that her father and I both HATE mornings, she makes them much more bearable. She is always eager to start her day, and if we do not get her out of her room as quickly as she would like, you will usually find curled up in the rocking chair (now her cute arm chair from Gran) reading a book. She has turned into a snuggle bug. And loves to curl up with her Daddy! Without a doubt she is a Daddy's Girl. And that is just fine with me.

So here is to TWO, baby girl. Give it hell! Like I would have to encourage that in the slightest. I am sure we will butt heads, but I love you no matter what. Now, let go clean up the 90 pieces of food Aunt Keanne and Uncle Pete gave you......(I am getting the twins drums for their 1st bday and 70000000000 piece lego sets for every birthday there after!:) )

(okay I tried like 6 times to change the spacing and layout on this one! I give up!!!)

We might not even make it to TWO!

Yesterday was a ton of baby powder, today it was the tube of water resistant butt cream all over the carpet. So a little over an hour later, it is clean and I need a stiff drink.....too bad I don't generally do that! At this rate she may not make it to TWO (one week from today) and neither of us are going to survive it! Wish me luck, lots and lots of luck. And maybe a bottle of rum and a good book!

This one is for Sonja....

Sonja asked for a new picture of the twins, and here it is. This one is from Christmas morning and they are at my house with my cute Mom. And just in case you don't know....Andrew (Tank)is on the left and Cooper (Tiny) is on the right, and they are styling their spiffy Christmas Eve jammies. The boys are now just about nine months old (on Feb 5th) and they are awesome. They stay with us 3 days a week, and we have loved watching them grow. Andrew is a roller. Steam Roller. HA! He can travel for miles one roll at a time. I think he is considering pulling him self up on things (at which point life as I know it will come crashing (possibly literally) down.) Cooper is alot like Nathan was, more thoughtful and spends a lot of time just soaking it all in. I have a new view on life as a mom of twins, and I feel for those mom's. I will admit that there are days, when they go home and I am just pooped! But I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Two is Gonna be TROUBLE!

This is what her room looked like today when she got up from her nap.Clearly she was a busy little bugbite before she let us know she was awake. And yes, that is a little puddle of pee in the upper left hand corner! You can see her diaper wadded up under the blanket in the middle of the picture amongst the wet wipes and the baby powder.

Alex will be 2 next week. And I am dreading every second of her as a two year old. I fully admit I was spoiled with Nathan. Two with him was fun and dare I say mellow. He was a talkitive little dude and never really got into trouble. There is a reason I had him first, because he was such a gem I thought, sure why not have another. This one is such and angel the next one will be too. So wrong. Don't get me wrong, I would not trade her for the moon. And the more I get to know both of them, the more I wonder how a parent can walk away from their child. But she will spend her days CLIMBING on every nerve I have. I really hope she is getting this all out of her system now or we might really be in trouble when she gets older! I guess I should call my mom and apologize again.

New Blog

A new blog is born.......

I love my family blog, but I do not think it is the place to let out all my rants. I try to keep it PG and about the fam. So I started myself a new blog. One where I can write about all the crap that comes to mind. One that is an outlet for the little voice in my head.

I, recently, have found writing to be an outlet for me, which is kinda suprising. In the past writing has always been something I was forced to do. I would enjoy a good note or letter, but I was not one to have a diary or journal. That was like a high school project gone all wrong. So let me say my new blog is no work of literary genius. It is mearly my outlet. I am not generally a stickler for spelling or puncuation. And I am not going to start now. I would love to have you follow me, and if you are crazy enough to want to hear my thoughts on something, feel free to drop me an email and I may just take you up on it in a future post.

so here is the address to the new blog........

http://whateverrantings.blogspot.com/

And I am warning you, it really is all about me! (as frightening as that maybe)

Out of the Mouth of babes!

Nathan: "Mom, even when my heart stops beeping I will still love you."

Me: sniff, sniff.

file that under sweetest thing ever said to me!

I love the mind of my precious 5 year old!

Are you kidding me?

We have been planning a trip to Disneyland for about 6 months now. And the day is dawning fairly soon when we will board our plan and fly out of our muck and into the muck of Southern California. In final preparations for our trip, I purchased our tickets to mouseland. I was excited. I get an awesome deal. I mean steal of a deal! It was great. I decided to whip out my (said credit card) that I had not used in nearly a YEAR! I bought my tickets, got my confirmation from the mouse and was feeling pretty good. The I got another email. This one from (said credit card), telling me they had lowered my line of credit by a huge chunk! I admit to carrying a balance, but I have NEVER had a late payment or missed a payment. I bought my tickets online, and I try very hard to not use my checking account credit card when making online purchases. I would prefer if someone were to hack my information that they not have my main account info. I would really prefer my account not to be hacked at all, but I can watch my (said credit card) far more closely because we do not use it all that often. Anyway, it took (said credit card) less than 30 minutes to send me that email from the moment of my purchase. I am so not impressed. My balance has had the majority of the lowered balance available for over a year and certainly for the past 6 months, and now they choose to smack me. Something is fishy, and my (said credit card) will be payed off ASAP and left to sit in a drawer. I will not support a company that does not support me. I don't care if you are a grocery store, credit card company or car care center, if you treat me like crap, I will not grace you with my $$ or my time. That you can be sure of, maybe if we start by putting our collective foot down and not putting up with this crap, we will be not only better off financially, but also it is a tiny moral victory! Maybe then these mega-corporations will learn that they should be taking care of their customers more and their CEO's a little less.

Back to It!

What is "IT" you may be wondering. "IT" is all of that stuff that happens everyday, that during the past 2 lucious weeks of family, friends and holidays, that I have neither delt with nor even considered. Such as, making sure the kids really are in bed at a decent time, because the big one has to be up and in a decent mood for school in the morning. Realizing that at some point I really ought to take my Christmas tree down. I must admit I love the glow that the lights give in the darkness of the evenings, but really at this point, I think it is an 11 foot window blocker. And, since I am taking down the tree, I really ought to put away all the dishes from fancy family meals. And, I can no longer get away with leaving it all out becasue I am going to use it to make ________ for Christmas. The dishes and the counter must be conquered this week. All the new and exciting things we got for Christmas must be removed from the living room and found homes. Proper homes, not just shoved in a corner. I do not believe in out of sight as being properly put away. I would rather leave it out than throw it where it does not belong, hence my house looks like hell 90% of the time, becasue I have some difficulty getting other people who live here to see it my way! I also need to mail the Christmas cards, which will from now on be refered to as New Years cards. And, as soon as I buy stamps, I will do just that, mail them and change their official name. I also have to get Nathan registered for school times 2. Next years program at Learning Dynamics (did that today when I picked him up!) and for KINDERGARTEN tomorrow at the elementary school down the street. I just died a little as I typed that. I know, I know he must grow up, as my mom reminds me her baby is now thirty-two. But really, elementary school......I am so NOT ready for that! And last but not least on my list of things to return to normal schedule is the laundry. Greg had a week off from work, but now his dress shirts are starting to pile-up and our clothes and the kids clothes and the kitchen towels. At least I conquered all the stuff from St George. Including the king size sheets which are not only clean, but folded and put away. Gold star for me! All right if this stuff is ever going to get done, I better publish this and get on it....Lord knows there is no magical fairy going to be doing IT all for me. Ahhh, but a girl can dream!

Hello 2010!

Hello 2010,

I wanted to say hello and introduce myself. My name is Joey. I thought I would let you know that I am here and that I plan to make you a wonderful year. This year I am hoping for no real surprises! No babies (for me, but I will love others for them) and a whole lot of good times with my family and friends. Please keep me in mind, should you need someone interested in peace and joy, I would be more than happy to take care of those for you!

Thoughtful,
JMHW

Good-bye 2009

Wholly cow! Another year has flown by. It is New Year's Eve, and as I sit here, another year older. I am forced to reflect on the past year, both the good and the bad.
My children are growing at warp speed. Nathan just turned 5 and Lex is on the very edge of one...I can see 2 less than a month from today. They have changed in leaps and bounds this year. Both had surgery. Not my favorite portion of the year by far, but the outcomes have far exceeded my wildest expectations. Nathan, after having his tonsils and adnoids out in May, has become a champion sleeper. He can now sleep through the night in his own bed, by himself, without even waking us once. Nevermind that his recovery was some of the longest 7 days of my life....but I would do it again to have him in such a better place. Lex, after her 7th double ear infection, got tubes in her ears. Before we had them done, she would jabber, but there were very few words. And since the audiogolist told us she was suffering from mild hearing loss (!!!!!) I guess it was not too big a suprise, but has that changed since her tubes. I still think she is lagging in the speech department, but we are much farther than we were 6 months ago. She now calls herself by name (Ali) and call Nate by name too (Nakey). I am hopeing that one day soon she will just talk my ear off, so I can beg her to shut-up. On that day, I will both eat my words and be delighted! All in all it was far more than I expected when we started the year, but again, the results have been worth it.
Greg and I celebrated our 9 year anniversary in May. There was no big to-do, but I love cherish every day with him. Even the ones where I wish to run him over, I am always, with out fail positive I married the on man in this world who can and does put up with me. He is my rock and also my sounding board, and without him, I hate to even consider the pile at which I would be lying at the bottom of. More than once this year he has grounded me and made me see what was necessay and how to make it through. Which has been no small feat.
2009 also made us Aunt and Uncle and Cousins. We have many family members we have adopted as such, and by no means do we love you less, but we love the 2 little guys who stole our hearts on May 5th. Andrew Peter and Cooper Nicholl are wonderful little guys. They already drive each other crazy, which is a hoot to watch. Greg is convinced that Cooper hates him... I think nothing could be farther from the truth. And I get to hog them 3 days a week. I am forever in love with these 2 little men, and the fact that their parents trust me with them still makes me marvel. I must be doing something right.
I am intentionally avoid the low lights of this year. To put them in a solid form is too much for me to bear. I have had to watch some of the people I love the most, hurt the worst. And I pray for each of you peace and happiness in the new year. I will always be here to spport you no matter what. And you all know who you are.
So, 2009, I bid you farewell. I knwo this recap is by no means complete, but this is what you get. You have been a year of firsts, lasts, and good times. You also brought with you more heartache then I ever wish to face again, so let's be done with that shall we? In many ways I will look back with fondness, but for right now I say be gone. I have a new year to look forward to!

Christmas Letter 2009

I am posting this here, and have yet to mail my Christmas card, so if you should be lucky enough to read it twice I apologize now.


Dear family and Friends,
Another year has flown by, and here we sit looking at Christmas and the New Year of 2010. We hope that 2009 was good to all of you.
The year started with a birthday for us. Alexandra turned ONE. I have no idea how that happened, but it was a great day in which she proved that she is my daughter by having her first real swimming pool experience at a hotel. And, had to be removed by force. We are water babies! She has spent much of the year earning her nickname "Godzilla" by proving that what goes up will for sure come down, especially if she is around. In June after her 7th set of ear infections in a year, she got tubes in her ears. Her speech has improved a lot, and we are hoping the minor hearing loss she was suffering from will take care of itself. We also spent a good 6 months with no chairs in the kitchen since she would push them over to climb on any and everything in sight. The girl will do anything once and will probably be the death of me! I am so happy to have a daughter!
Nathan spent his year doing a lot of things he loved, among them, the zoo, dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point and pre-school. The one thing that none of us planned on was having his tonsils and adenoids out, which we did in May. Nathan has never slept well. After nearly a year of a child who was up anywhere from 4-10 times a night, Greg and I finally hauled him to his doctor, who sent us to a sleep specialist, who ran a sleep study and found out that Nathan was suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. It was a rough recovery, but it is a beautiful thing to sleep all night long and to have a much happier kid. All in all, we made it through and now we are able to focus on that he loves being a big brother and is everything I ever dreamed a son could be.
This year brought 2 more little people into our lives. My amazing sister-in-law Keanne gave us a run for our money on May 5th, when she gave birth to TWO beautiful boys. They were 6 weeks early (anyone heard this story before?) but healthy and strong. They spent 3 weeks in the NICU, and are growing like weeds. Andrew Peter Hadden and Cooper Nicholl Hadden are a wonderful addition to our family. And that is especially true since the boys spend some of their days with us while my brother and sister-in-law work to buy everything 2 at a time! I can only imagine! Greg and I love to be the Uncle and Auntie, and are so lucky to spend so much time with our nephews! And the kids adore their cousin’s.
Greg is still working at the Dan’s in Olympus Cove, and loves it. He is also proving he is quite the handyman, helping his brother and parents out with some small household projects. He went to Alaska with his dad and brother in July. But, mostly, he spends his days being a Daddy, which he loves. How many games of Candyland can one man play before he goes nuts? We shall one day know the answer. It was also discovered this year, that though a self professed DOG person, he is in fact a CAT guy. In June, our family was adopted by a cat, (he came wandering into our garage in the rain and has never left) we call him Smokey and he sleeps on the pillows above our heads. Smokey watches over the kids in the backyard as they play and likes to eat birds.
I get to spend everyday with my favorite people. Being a Mom is a wonderful job, and once in a while if I am really good they let me escape for a few hours to the Sandy Clinic to be a pharmacy tech. I have spent the past year learning from my children what life is truly about. And maybe, panicking just a little when the twins were born. My biggest of 2009 was buying a new car. I loved my Saturn, but with 4 car seats, when we have the twins, there was NO way! So now we zoomzoomzoom in our Mazda CX-9. I am currently looking forward to May 2010 when Greg and I will celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary. We are talking about maybe going on a cruise and I am ready to go now!
Greg and I count our blessing everyday. We have jobs, our health and most of all each other. We hope and pray that you have a beautiful Christmas. That the New Year brings you peace and happiness and that you are safe and warm.
All Our Love.
The White’s
Greg, Joey, Nathan and Alexandra

Nathan is 5.

Wholly crap. My first born is 5. FIVE! 5! How in the heck did that happen? When did that happen? I am at a loss. I cannot believe that I have a 5 year old. A child who is learning to read. Who is right around the corner from Kindergarten. WOW!
I have loved every second of the past 5 years. We had a rough start, but I tell you what, this kid is a fighter, and I knew it from the time he was about 8 hours old, when they took him to LDS NICU and he extibated himself, despite sedation in the hospital parking lot as the ambulance pulled in to unload . He is stubborn as the day is long, and I cannot imagine where he got that from.......
I am so excited for the coming year for Nathan. We survived 4, which had it ups and downs. Namely the whole tonsil adventure. That was the longest 7 days I have had in a looooooong time, but we now have a much a happier, much less tired child on our hands.
So to Nathan, I love you my boy. You are my #1 son! And I cannot believe that you are FIVE!

A Look Back at 31.

Seems like every year seems to go faster than the last one. Not sure why or how that happens, but it sure seems to be the case. I am a little over 2 hours away from my 32nd birthday. As usual, my husband has to work. He will be off on friday, when we will be in full birthday mode.....for our son. I pretty much knew that once I had children, my birthday would get a bit lost in the mix. But I certainly did not plan on having a child with a birthday in such close proximity to mine. Oh well, I guess some where a higher power had other plans. So off to birthday weekend, it should be a blast.

Black Friday

If you really know me, there is no question where I was at 5 a.m. Tucked soundly in my bed, sleeping soundly. Whatever it is cannot possible be worth gettting up, freezing my butt off, and putting up with the insanity that goes with shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I have one time in my life been shopping on Black Friday, and it was NOT at 5 a.m. and that one time was enough. And, for the record, I am nowhere near as cute as this little guy.

Thanksgiving 2009

A lovely day at home, filled with tasty food, fantastic family, and for the husband-football! I could live without the football part, but I guess I can give him a few hours once a year. After all he is a wonderful guy that takes great care of me and the kids and all the rest of my family too. I am very THANKFUL today, because despite stting my alarm last night so I could get up this morning at 6am to put the turkey in the roaster, it was determined when I sat straight up in bed at 6:32 am that I clearly did not finish the job. I neglected to turn my alarm ON, but all turned out okay. The turkey was finished in plenty of time, and was divine! Wednesday night my mom came over and helped me make my grandmother's stuffing, my favorite Thanksgiving eat. As it turned out my Aunt was here from out of town and my brother decided to stay for dinner with his boys (who ate their first prunes!) so we ordered up some pizza and had a nice night before. After everyone left, the Hubs and I got to pie making. I am somewhat embarrased to admit we only had 2 kinds this year, but with only 6 adults and 2 kids, I just could not force myself to make 16 different pies. The pies turned out perfectly, in fact I think it was the most beautiful pumpkin pie I have ever made. Everything was so good, and we ate until we could eat no more. After everyone departed to their next dinner and/or dessert location we packed up our kids and went over to Grandpa-Greats for a looksee at his Christmas decorations that he and Grandma-great have spent much of the last 2 weeks putting up. To say there are a lot would be a huge understatement. I will have to take some pictures next time, so everyone can get the FULL view. But lets put it this was, there are probably about 50 8-10 inch houses, a full tree, 50+ nutcrackers, and everything ever made that sings or dances. The kids loved it. There is literally a small path to the couch and that is about it, so we did not stay long as there was no room to visit. All in all it was a lovely day. Quiet and peaceful, which is what I wanted.

More to be Thankful for....Days 12- 17

I will probably never catch up. It is the story of my life.

Day 12.
Car seats. This is one of those things that starts off as one thing and morphs into something totally different. I am greatful because they keep my kids safe, but even more than that, I am greatful it contains Lex in a manner of which she cannot escape. Giving me 3 minutes to put the frozen goods into the freezer while not having wonder if she is playing in the street or climbing under a moving vehicle. It also offers me the ability to secure all other riders with out having to wonder how loud the radio will be when I turn the car on.

Day 13.
Let's hear a cheer for the drive-thru. Without you I would be lost. I would have to haul all 4 kids out of the car and that is bad. I can get food, Caffeine, dry cleaning, return library books,and a plethora of other items at a good drive-thru. Many a day you save me.

Day 14.
and speaking of CAFFEINE. I would be more than happy to write you a long and glowing recommendation should you ever need a job elsewhere. but I can assure you that as long as I have children and things to be done that you will never be out of work here. So thank you my friend it whatever form you come to me that day, be it coffee or a good Dr. Pepsi. I promise to appreciate all you do.

Day 15.
For a cat with the patience to contend with a one year old who LOVES you, and to a fish who can go 2 weeks with out having his water changed. We may once in a while neglect you, but we sure do love all you add to our crazy house.

Day 16.
A good book. So probably I should say a great author who has written and published something for me, to take me away from everyday, to teach me something, or to just be. I am forever greatful for a book. Be it good or bad, sappy or totally unbelieveable. I am currently lying in wait for Sarah Addison Allen's new book that will be out March 16, 2010. (if you have never read anything by her, get busy. Sugar Queen and Garden Spells were both....dare I say magical?!?!)

Day 17.
My "real" job and boss. Everyday, for the rest of my life I will be a mom. But a few special times a month I get to do something that for many years I considering dreary. I get to work outside of my home. I love my job. I am very lucky to have a position and set my own hours or have the chance to just fill in once in a while. And since I am working for the same guy that I started with many years ago (like 12+), I am very blessed. He is a great guy, who probably knows me too well and likes me anyway. So to Rick, the man who helps me keep my sanity. I say thanks so very much for letting me work at such a great job.

Thankful Days 6-11

Okay, I fully admitted that I would probably get behind, so here is to catching up!

Day 6.
Today I am thankful for extended family. And not just the blood kind, though I have a good number of them that are fantastic. All those out there who are so good to me and that I love like family, thanks for being there for me.

Day 7.
Wonderful neighbors and neighborhood. We live in an amazing place. Our next door neighbors are a Godsend. I would not move unless I could take them with me. They are kind and helpful and their daughter Courtney is so amazing with my kids. Especially Nathan. They have a unique bond those 2 that I would not trade for the world. I do not know a lot of 19 year olds who will drop nearly everything for a 4 year old. And whose boyfriend is also so kind to my kiddies. Thanks "Egan". Our extended neighborhood is also great. They are kind and thoughtful. They are inclusive and for the most part do not spend their days judging us for being a family with more than one religious view.

Day 8.
Beautiful, healthy nephews that I get to spend alot of time with. I am so fortunate that my little brother and sis-in-law trust me with their boys. I love them like they are my own and cannot wait to teach them all the things their mom has specifically asked me not to, kidding Keanne.

Day 9.
The three best friends a girl could ask for. And you crazies know who you are....Amy (my sista), Katie (my voice of reason) and Heather ( my shorter and older twin) They are the most amazing women I know. And together we are nuts. I seem to do really dumb ( and I do mean DUMB) things when I am with them, but it is because I am totally comfortable with them. I never have to wonder if there will be cattiness or nastiness. There never is. And for that I am so very thankful. Now to just see them more often........

Day 10.
This may seem silly to some, but today I am thankful for an awesome foot doctor. When I first saw Dr. Elkins in Sept I was in pain every second of the day, not anymore, thank you very much. He is a wonderful Dr. who listens to everything I say, which I am sure half the time he wishes he didn't have to do. He is caring and funny. I feel like he is someone I can talk to and not someone there to judge me like some doctors I have seen. I do not dread seeing him, and would recommend him to anyone in need of a great podiatrist.

Thankful Day 5

Today, I am thankful for my wonderful Mom. She is one amazing chicky. She is stronger than she knows and has an ability to love that I find unbelievable. She has taught me so much about being resisilant, and picking yourself up when you get kicked in the teeth. She can make gold from straw. She is not only my mom, but one of my best friends. And, that is all I can type when crying.

Thankful Day 4

Okay, first let me say that these really are in no particular order. I am writing about things as I feel them, so if you think they maybe in a strange order you are probably correct.

Today I am thankful for a warm house, and the moula to pay the bills that keep us warm and in our home. (does that count as 2?) I know there are a large number of people out in the cold, for one reason or another. And I am greatful that we are not on that list. Greg has a good job, and we have tried to live according to our means. Some days that goes better then others, but I am happy that we are (both willing and capable to be) responsible for our financial decisions.

Baby Days!

I think it is safe to say that the baby days are over at our house. Alexandra is very nearly 2 years old. She long ago gave up bottles, night time wakenings, and the need for me to do all things for her. She has started to tell us when she has a stinky diaper. And she is already fighting naps. I look back with much love at the baby daze, but I don't think I am going to miss it. Which I find a bit strange considering how long I waited for the baby stage. I remember from the moment we got married I wanted kids. Hell, even before we were married, during the longest engagment on record, I wanted to have babies with Greg. When we did finally get married, I knew the waiting was not over. I knew that it was still not the right time....Greg had just gotten accepted into his professional program at then University of Utah, and that it was going to be 3 long years, and a lot of stress, before graduation would be upon us. So I put it all on the back burner and waited. And then we waited one more year after graduation just to safe. I remember finding out we were pregnant with Nathan, right before our fourth wedding anniversary. It was the most amazing, frightening thing ever! Having a pregnancy, that up until the 7th month was so easy, and then watching the whole thing fall apart in front of my eyes. Realizing that I was giving birth 6 weeks early, to a baby, who I knew was not ready. But giving all my faith to the doctor to make the right call, and to God to do what was necessary. I will save you all the tale of Nathan's birth and first weeks in the hospital. ( you can read about them in my May 2009 post titled "4 years ago...") And then, 3 years later, when I was pregnant with Alexandra and we all kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and it never did, except for the c-section at 11:30 at night becasue after 13 hours we were pretty darn sure that her head was never going to fit. I love my children. They truly are the best things Greg and I have ever done. They have made our family what it is, and for all that I am forever greatful. That said, it is somehow a little bittersweet to know that we are done. But I am very contented with that decision. Long before we had kids, we knew we only wanted 2. It didn't matter if they were both one sex or the other or whether we got one of each. As it turned out we got one of each for which I am still suprised. I was sure, despite being told she was a she, I had a nagging thought in the back of my mind that she was going to be a boy. Clearly I was WRONG on that one, but I am so happy with what I was given. As I sit here, now, and watch them 2 of them playing together on the family room floor, I am very content. I love a good baby as much as the next person, but I am happy my babies are now a toddler and a pre-schooler.

Thankful Day 3

Today, I, like the rest of the nation say "thank you" to our veterans. I am so greatful for my freedoms. I acknowledge the cost that many have paid and the sacrifice that they are so willing to make for me and my family. This is especially true of my two cousins, who are really more like brothers to me. I am delighted that on this Veterans Day they are both home in the United States. They have both been to some of the most frightening places I can imagine. I am amazed at their willingness to serve, but not suprised. I think we all knew in our early teens that these 2 were going to be army boys. So to all our veterans, but most importantly to Max and Zeke our active guys we say thank you!

Thankful Day 2

Day 2, I am on a roll now.

This day I am thankful for my kids. They are such wonderful little creatures. This one is especially profound for me at this time, becasue on Friday, I know a family who will be burying their precious little boy who passed away at 3 months old from a birth defect. My heart breaks for them, I am sick over the whole thing. I cannot and do not wish to ever understand their heartbreak. But, on a happy note, back to my kids......Nathan and Alexandra are by far the most amazing people I have ever met. Every day they do or say something that I find to be hilarious. Alexandra, every day is just as wonderful. Her new "trick" is to take something, that she knows she should not have and just as I catch her to take it away, she hucks it across the room. I am so tried of her version of catch, but she sure has an arm on her. And Nathan, has the most amazing imagination. The other day, just before bed, he got all his STARWARS guys out and had them arranged around the family room and the kitchen. When I told him it was time to clean up for bedtime, he looked me square in the face and said, "but Mom they are at their battle stations". Far be it from me to remove any one from their battle station just becasue of bedtime. I love those 2 kids so very much!

Thankful Day 1

So I am late to the band wagon, but I am jumping on all the same. I will (hopefully) post one thing every day for which I am thankful until Thanksgiving. Here goes:

Today on this first day, I am thankful for an amazing husband. Greg and I have been together for right around 15!! years now. I have been with him nearly as long as my life was without him. I am amazed some days that he puts up with me and all my craziness. He really took his vows to heart(smile and nod here if you must) for which I am so happy. I know without a doubt there are days I drive him up the wall (or possibly to drink) but he puts up with me and loves me no matter what, for which I am beyond thankful.

Halloween 2009

My mom asked me why Nathan thinks Halloween is so great. The answer is easy, around our house it is one big party. We have been so lucky for the past few years to have all our friends gather at our house for yummy homemade rootbeer (thanks, Loren!) and a tasty dinner and then we hit the town for some trick-or-treating. We live in a great neighborhood, and it is so much fun. Here is the whole bunch of kids on the stairs (the photo place of choice in our house!) before we hit the town. They are so stinking cute. We had things, princesses, zombies and part of the zoo, and a wizard and witch tooo!!



So thanks to all our guests. Family and friends. We had a great time!!! And hope you all did too.

Winco Foods

I made my maiden voyage to Winco Foods late Saturday night. I waited until 9:30 on Saturday night on purpose. I has heard rumor of the lines and seen some of the proof on the evening news. The mailman brought tell of the deals that were available. 12 pack pepsi for 1.98, carpi sun for 97 cents, and a few other things that I figured were probably worth the trip, but I was going to wait until the last possible second to go, which I did. The sale ended Sunday, I made it with a few hours to spare. First things first. The store was large and clean, well stocked and the isles looked nice enough. But it truly has a feel of a Costco or Sam's club, and they have this huge wall of product as you walk in that is reminiscent of the "wall of value" at Macey's that was awful and they finally took down....hint to Winco....follow Macey's lead here! That wall made it nearly impossible to get thru the freaks who apparently had never been to a grocery store before and had to stop and stare. Good grief! When I finally made it thru that stupid entrance, it opened up into a nice and bright store, lead by a fairly large produce department. It looked good, and I would have loved to have considered some of their products, but I had already done a real shopping trip this week and was not in need of produce. The layout of the store was kind of odd, and I really never made it to all of them. I had no desire to fight the people. I did notice a rather large bulk section, that under better circumstances, I would have liked to shop. They had the regular things like flour and oats, but also rice flours, cereal, and even cereal bars that could be purchased individually.But once again, the crazies were out and I was not about to contend with them. I got the items I was after and got out. There was a line to checkout, and so before I got into the line, I hit the magazine rack and picked up a couple of smut mags to keep me occupied. Winco did keep the line moving nicely. I only made it thru one magazine before it was my turn. And I consider that to be remarkable considering the uber dorks in front of me in the actual checkout line. There was one person having their groceries rung up, them and then me. They were a family of 5 and about every 30 seconds they came back with another arm load of &^%$. I bit my tongue until it bleed. Get the hell out of line if you are still shopping!!! Is it that hard......never mind I already know the answer.

So, my 2 cents on WINCO is this.....It was alright. You really have to watch things, because they have weird sizes and prices. I almost bought some fabric softener, it was 2.98...not bad until I realized it was only 26 loads and I usually pay 4.50 for 60 loads. And everything is priced and 2.47 or 98 cents. That can throw you off. My advice it to take a calculator and watch out. I might make a trip if something is on sale, but I won't be going way out of my way to shop there. Oh, and you cannot use a credit card! Cash, Debit and check only! And, you bag your own groceries.....a plus in my book.

Pumpkin Patching 2009

We have a favorite pumpkin patch. Mostly because it has a whole bunch of tractors all lined up the kids can sit on, but also because it is just fun. There is a fun little corn maze, awesome pumpkins and this year, a wagon ride. This year Lex was big enough to choose a pumpkin for herself, which was so funny. Every where she turned all she could she see was pumpkins(a new word for her) and she would jump up and down and yell PUMP!! PUMP!! It was great. Nate, loved the tractors and had to sit on all of them, run thru the corn maze 20 times and pick the perfect pumpkin for himself. This year he has chosen to carve......crap I forget. But I will fill that in when he is awake and can tell me. We all got our pumpkins and had a lot of fun hanging out, and having a little family time. Just the 4 of us, and the whole bunch of everyone else at the patch. wagon ride (the sun was in the west so we are all blinded)

stomping thru the corn maze, trying to find our way.

Go Lexi, Go!

"helping" Daddy push the wheel-barrow

catching a ride with the pumpkins, and "helping" Daddy with the wheel-barrow and the little sister.

Dip

We are now at a stage at our house when our kids love dip! Okay, they love to dip. More the verb tense than the noun. In ketchup. Maybe a little ranch on occassion for Lex, but mostly ketchup. This particular night, not only was the corn dog (it was a lazy dinner night....corn dogs are usually NOT on the menu) dipped, but also the apple slices and maybe worst of all, the green beans. Yack! We must have ketchup at any meal where there might remotely be something worth dipping. Namely meat. They most like to dip meat. And of course french fries.

Not long ago, we went to dinner with friends and we watched the girl spoon feed herself ranch dressing from the cup being held snuggly to her chest. Now, I do recall in the past saying that I did like Winger's ranch enough to drink it, but I never actually intended to ever do that. My daughter however, she apparently will not be holding back on that one.

Now to be fair I was and still am a big fan of the ketchup. I love it for french fries. And it is a must for pork roast (my mom and my brother HATE it when I do that) I also consider it manditory for scrambled eggs. Mostly because I detest eggs, and I have to hide what is on my plate. So I guess like most things that my kids do, they come by it honestly.

Crap, when are they going to get my good things....oh wait these are my good things....bigger crap!

can you help?

I got this off the Ronald Mcdonald House Facebook page.......

This just in from the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern North Carolina: Riley Philpot is a little girl who is struggling with a return of cancer. Make a Wish Foundation was contacted and Riley's wish is to have the mailman dump a bag of get well ...cards at her door when she returns! Please send a get well card to Riley! Here is her name and Address: Riley Philpot 206 Slaney Loop Rd. Winterville, N.C. 28590.

It would be great if you could send this little girl a card. The post has a comment that says that she is 9 yrs old. Way too young to be having cancer again!!!

One of Those Days.

I am having one of those days. The one where every time I speak I bite my tongue. The one where I am very inclined to speak my mind at any and every subject. These are not good days for me. I know myself too well, and know that ultimately I will probably say something I might later regret or more likely wish I had said in a kinder way. Even if it is the truth. I am one of "those" people. I speak my mind, and frankly do not necessarily consider whether what I say will hurt your feelings or not. I am frequently out-spoken. Ask anyone who knows me. I am agrivated by a number of things today, and still by nothing. I do not wish to out any particular thing or person for my feelings. In fact I am attributing at lot of this feeling to a major NYQUIL hangover....wowzer that threw me for a loop last night! But I need to put it out there somewhere, somehow, and so dear blog you get my rant. At least the worst of it for today.

Girls Weekend!

Oh, I needed it. I wanted it. And I LOVED it. I ran away for the weekend with my 3 best friends. It was so great. They are by far some of the very best women that I know. And when we are together, it is a riot. Friday night we checked in to a very nice hotel and made ourselves at home. It was comfy and plush. And there was not a child nor husband in sight! We went to a very tasty french bakery for dinner, went to a concert in the park, and soaked in the hot tub before turning in for the night. We woke up Saturday morning and headed up the canyon to an amazing breakfast at a lovely little diner with HUGE biscuits. Found a lovely spot for pedicures. Then hit another local landmark for a late lunch/early dinner. Some how we consumed a lot of hollandase sauce. We are affectionately refering to it as a TRIPLE D weekend. As in Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. We ate more than we thought humanly possible, laughed a lot. And really just enjoyed a great weekend when we could just be a girls. I love being able to hang out with my girls. They are strong and beautiful women, who are all amazing in their own right, so when you mix us all together, we are a force to be reconned with.....just ask the lady at Lane Bryant and Victoria's Secret.

Embryos implanted in Wrong Mom !?!

Infertility has never been an issue for Greg and I. We were able to get pregnant when we wanted with in a very reasonable amount of time. And while I have never had that issue myself, I do have a very close friend who has. More than anything she wanted to have a family, and deSpite the inability to have a child herself, she and her husband were able to adopt a wonderful child. Whom we all adore. Happy ending, yes, but I saw what her battle to get there was, and I will tell you now that it was a rollercoaster ride. Miscarriages and all, it took a heavy toll on her emotionally. I can only imagine. And on more than one occasion my heart broke for her.

So you can imagine the look on my face and I was watching the TODAY show yesterday, enjoying my coffee, waiting for Keanne and the boys to arrive. There is a couple back east somewhere who were implanted with frozen embryos so that they could have a baby. She was 14 weeks along when the clinic/doctor figured out they had implanted her with someone elses embryos! Wholly Crap...how in the hell do you make that mistake? But with much grace and dignity she has agreed to carry the baby to term and then give the baby boy to the biological parents (who were about ready to try again anyway, as it turns out). That is beyond amazing.

Someday I want to be that amazing. I want to be that thoughtful. I want to be able to be that humble and graceful. I have a long way to go, but knowing that there is someone out there that is that gracious inspires me.

Poor Blog

My poor neglected blog.....I do think of you, and really in a fond manner, but it is usually when I am up to my elbows in something else. Today it was changing Lex's diaper. Last night I even dreamed of you, and that I had a couple of hours to just sit and type. All for you. So, know that you are not forgotten my friend. Neglected, yes....but not forgotten.

Do you want me to make YOU something?

Free Offer Today. I found this hard-to-pass-up offer on my friend's blog:The first 5 people to respond to this post will get something made by me--my choice! This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees you will like what I make! (I can only hope!)
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done some time this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be--it may be cards, something delicious, a paper weight, or a complete surprise to you (and me)! Who knows?
5. Most importantly, you must offer the same deal on your blog.
The first 5 people to comment on your blog post get something made by YOU!I don't know how this will work, but I hope it will be fun for all(and that at least 5 people comment)I took her up on it, so here is my official "I'm in the game" post. It's the ultimate give and take!

So here we go, If you don't have a google ID and follow me, shoot me an email and I will add you thru the comment if you want to play. Hum, Iam curious to see who wants the goods. (or whatever it may be that you get. I have to think on it.)

First Day of School 2009

when you have a little sister, who is as big a ham as you are, it is nearly impossible to get her out of the picture.
Nathan's first day of school 2009.

Nathan is offically in the 4 year old preschool class and boy is he happy to be there. His teacher this year is Mrs. Francis and he is so excited to go to school 3 days a week. The preschool he is at focuses on a phonics based reading program and by the end of the year, he should be reading simple books. I am very happy with that, and look forward to a great year.

I sent Greg to school with Nathan for his open house, becasue I had to take my aunt to a Dr. appt. Greg filled out all his paperwork, likes and dislikes and such. He put on the paper that the name he goes by is Nate, not Nathan. Apparently Nathan spent all day Friday (the first day of school) correcting his teacher, telling her his name is Nathan not Nate. I cannot not blame his Dad, becasuse we do call him Nate alot. But when it come to school....he is Nathan. He started that last year, and I am sure it will change again before his school career is over. But whatever you call him, he is always my little boy.

My nephews!

My nephews are now 3 months old. Wow how time has flown by. Keanne will be returning to work the first part of September, and the boys will be with me and mine 3 days a week. My 2 are so excited to have their "new" cousins with them. Can't wait!

Alex is 18 Months!

Alright, I am about a week late on this, but better late than never.

Lex went to the dr. last week for her 18 month check-up, and all is well. Her tubes have given us 3 whole months without an ear infection. That is the longest we have gone since she was born. She had her first one at 4 months old and from there it was like clock work that she would have a double ear infection every 6 weeks or so. Needless to say we are super excited to be done with that.

She weighed in at 24 pounds. and that puts her in the 50% for that. The same was true of her head size....it put her in the 50% range. She is 33.4 inches tall which puts her in the 90% for height. Not really a suprise there. She is a tall cookie just like her big brother. She is following her established growth cruve nicely, and all her immunizations are up to date, and we are good until she needs her flu shot this fall.

So, despite our fondness for our wonderful pediatrician, Dr. Cox, you will have to find another family to pay for all your stiches in your nose. We are taking a break from sick kids. See ya in the fall for flu shots and then not again until 5 and 2 yr old check-ups!

Congratulations It's a .........Mazda?

So I finally got a new car. It is not at all what I thought I would get, but it was a screamin' deal and I am super excited. I got a 2008 Mazda cx-9, it is liquid silver....not my prefered color. But it was kinda the only option. We found it here locally, after it had been pulled from a lot in Utah county that (as they put it...had had some legal issues) it is a 2008 that had 58 miles on it when we drove it off the lot. Seriously it was brand new. And we got it for more like a used car price. SWEET! So now me and the kids are set. We can actually go places with people in only one car. That will be a totally new idea for us and I am excited.

Finally......

It is finally (nearly) over. My time as a single mom is coming to an end. The hubs will be home in less than 24 hours and I am so excited. The past week has been long, but luckily for me, and my kids, we have the very best family and friends. Saturday night was rough, Greg had not been gone 4 hours when Lex pooped in the bathtub! GROSS! I was not a happy girl and figured that must have just been the beginning, but really it wasn't. Sure we had our ups and downs, but we have made it through. On Sunday, Katie, Jared and Alyssa came up, hung out and made us a lovely dinner! Nathan got to spend Monday night with Grandma (Greg's mom). She took him to the new Ice Age movie and his favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner. Can you say spoiled? Lex had a Dr appt on Tues with her ENT to check her ear tubes (in which she got a clean bill of health) and we swung by Grandma's on the way home, hung out for a bit and stopped at Mc'd's for some nuggets on the way home. That night Courtney (my 18 yr old neighbor) came over to see if the kids could play on the front lawn with her. Yep, no probs...wear them out good. Wednesday we just hung out at home, Court did take Nate to get a Slurpee. Thursday, I had plans to get a pedi and some dinner with the girls, so my mom took the kids. They were both supposed to spend the night, but my poor step-dad totalled his motorcycle in Canada on the way back from riding to Alaska (he is very sad, but not hurt thank heavens) so instead of keeping them both, she only was able to keep Nate, because she had to pick the Dad up at the airport at 9:30p.m. But I did get to go out with Katie and Heather, and though we were missing the 4th musketeer (AMY!!) we did manage to have a very relaxing and fun time. Friday was technically a holiday, so we spent the whole day at my parents. The kids in the pool, me napping!! It was a good day. Saturday we got up early and Nathan rode his new bike (I told you he was spoiled) in the neighborhood bike parade. We had breakfast with our neighborhood (I love where we live!) and then headed home. Katie called and asked if she could take Nate to a movie with Alyssa (SPOILED AGAIN) and then we hung out and let the kiddies feed the horses. It also must be said that Nathan talked to his dad or at least left him a message EVERY night that he was gone. Which I think is part of the reason things went so well, but I am still ready for Greg to be home. And I am more than ready for the my girls trip this fall. And maybe a good back rub and a nap.

Soapbox (again)...

OkAy, so as I was blog surfing one night when I should have been doing dishes or laundry or whatever other mundane household duty that was calling my name, I came accross a post by a woman whose car had been stole out of her garage. Now, in and of itself, there is not a whole lot that can be done about that, per say. But the part that made me want to shake her, was the fact that she had made it the motherlode for the crook. Not only had she left her keys in the car, but her purse too. Seriously, I thought, people do that?

So one day as my friend (she knows who she is, and I will not reveil her here due to the following) and I sat at Mcdonald's while the kids played in the playland, I told her the story and I nearly fell off my chair when she gave me a sly smile and said she leaves her items in the car all the time so she doesn't forget them. SERIOUSLY! Now I am not a genius, but let us think this thru.....you just gave the theif, not only your car, with the keys, but also your house keys, your work keys (if you have such things), and ha yes, your wallet and all its contents. And maybe even a contact list or planner with your schedule in it. Now I am not trying to harp on anyone (okay, so I might be a little bit) but really are the 2 minutes you just "saved" by having your keys and purse in the car worth the problems that will come if they are stolen? I am thinking, not so much. I have neighbors down around the bend that this happened to, and they said the cost alone in having to change ALL the locks to their house, was not only expensive but also a pain in the hiney! So people PLEASE! Don't leave your crap in the car. I just want to save you from a worse headache than is necessary. And to my friend, you know I love you!

Summer Fun

We drug the pool out for the first time this year and the kids had a great time. Lex is a water baby. She climbed right up and slid down the slide no questions asked. Nathan and his friend Alyssa had a ball splashing and dumping buckets of water on the cat (the cat was not amused) and running around the back yard like the wild children they are. Nice way to make 100 degrees feel much cooler.

Single mom for a week

Every year the hubby packs up and heads to Alaska for a week of fishing and bonding (or what ever it is that men do) with his dad, brother, uncle and 2 close family friends. Well, this is that week. I am still trying to recover from having house guests (who are more than welcome again next year....if they want) and I would like to sleep for a week. I have a one year old who is teething, and a grumpy butt, but I am hanging in there. Becasue those things are just life. I spend most every day with my kiddies. I love them so much. And I just laugh t how funny they are, before Greg left Nathan said he was going to call his dad every night and I think he ment it. We called him last night, right before bed, even thought he was still on the plane and Nate left him the cutest message ever, Greg said it was great to turn on his phone and see and message and have it be from Nate. So tonight as we fininsh up our night time routine, he tells me we have to call Daddy. So in we go and dial him up. Greg was able to get some reception and it was fun to hear Nate tell him about his day. Love that kid. Last night Nate kept creeping into my bed. When I asked him about it this morning he said that he slept with Daddy while I was away in St George. I kindly told him NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! He will sleep in his bed and I will sleep in mine...............we shall see. So tomorrow he (NATHAN) has scheduled himself a sleepover at Grandma's and then a movie with her on Tuesday. Lex has to go to the dr to have her ear tubes checked so it worked out great for me schedule wise. And I think I may head to dinner with my mom. I can only hope the week continues on so smoothly and that we don't have any "I need my daddy moments", becasue he is far far away. Until next Sunday anyway.

What a week

So my cousin and his family have been here for a couple of days, and I am toast. I am pretty sure we have gone non-stop for 4 days, and I am really starting to feel like it, but instead of whining I will fill you in....

Sunday....arrival and family dinner with the Salt Lake crew. That would be me and my family (this makes more sense when you know that they are staying at our house) my mom, Rosie (the very best aunt) and my little bro Pete and his wife and of course my cutie twin nephews. We had crockpot lasagna and it was devine. I also snuck out to Sanctuary and had a pedi with Keanne...Good times.

Monday....We kinda just let the day lead the way. We went mellow. Paul (the cousin) went to the local carpenters union office. Greg worked half a day, and we all met for lunch at THE PIE! Yummy pizza. Then we headed to Kennecot to see the pit in all it huge old glory. It had been a long time since I had been there, and it was big and had a ton of neat information. We ended the day with my mom coming to watch the kids, and the 4 grown ups going out to dinner at Red Rock.

Tuesday.... Greg had to work all day, so we loaded the remaining 8 of us in to the cousin's 'burb and headed for the monastary in Huntsville. This trip is necessary, becasue we have an uncle who is a monk up there. It had been 10 yrs since they were there, not so long for my crew, but all good. The kids got to run outside on the lawn at the guest houses, something I remember doing when I was a kid, while the grown-ups had chat time with the old guy (and I do mean old...he will be 80 in October). We had a lovely visit and came down Ogden Canyon. After some dicussion, we decided it was to freakin' hot to go to the Eccles Dino Park, and instead headed for home, but not before stopping off at The Greenery for some Mormon Muffins....mmmm, yummy. We got home about 5:30 and I fixed us some dinner.

Wednesday....We split the morning up some. Nancee, Zoe and I hit the mall for an hour or 2, and the boys and Shannon and Lex stayed home in some sense. Nate had a hair cut and Paul built a cat scratch post. In the afternoon, we all joined forces and headed for Sweet's Candy Co for a factory tour. It was super fun. All 9 of us enjoyed it alot. Then we headed the other way and went to the Dino museum at Thanksgiving Point. We spent a couple hours there, before darting home for a minute to let everyone freshen up and then off to Rosie's for a tasty dinner. Turkey and burgers, and salad and all so good.

Thursday....I sent the 5 Moran's to Lagoon, and the kids and I tried to play catch up. On naps, and laundry and dishes, and all. I am currently baking a rum cake to take to Price tomorrow.

So I will have to post again, when all is said and done, and oh, did I mention that my hubby leaves on Saturday for his yearly trek to Alaska? I will survive.............

2nd week of July

As if things are not crazy enough around here, we have fam in from California. My cousin, his wife and 3 kiddies are with us for a week and we are giving them the whorl wind tour of SLC. I will get some fun pics up when I can. We hit the copper mine today and are dashing up Ogden way tomorrow to see the Uncle at the monistary. All in all it will be a trip to remember.

Marriage...

"Marriage is like a warm gas stove. Even if the burners aren't on all the time, you've always got to keep the pilot light lit. You have to go back to that, back to the beginning."

(that was said by Brian a 67 yr old guy when talking about making his own marriage work. He has been married for 40 (!!!!!!) years. and I full admit I stole the quote off msn.com)

4th of July

Happy 4th of July. I am a bit of a patriotic dolt. My kids are both wearing Old Navy flag tee's we are having a bbq with the fam this afternoon (even if the heavens open and we have a down pour.) and I will cry today when I hear the national anthem. My grandparents (on my mom's side) both imigrated to this nation in the past 100 years or so. We are still really new to this country by some standards. But the one thing the fourth always makes me think of is my cousins. Not becasue of some weird family thing, but becasue I have 2 cousins who have chosen to give it all to the ARMY. Max and Zeke are twins that are 6 months older than I, so needless to say they are like brothers to me. I think it was pretty clear from the time we were old enough to figure out that we had to have jobs when we were adults, that these 2 would end up in the armed forces some where, some how. I cannot help but worry about them and what they are up to. This year, on the 4th, I am fortunate to not have to worry so much. They are both stateside for a change. Max, the apache helicopter pilot, is back from a stint in Korea. While Zeke, the Captain, is back from a very long stay in Afganistan. Both in my opinion are home from very nasty places, at a very good time. They have both said that they envy me for my family. I always tell them that without them and what they do, my family would not be what it is, safe, happy and free to be together. I don't think they ever hear enough how much what they do means to anyone, especially me. I am so greatful, and more than that blessed that they are safe and unscathed. So to all those souls who have served out nation (that includes my step-dad the Navy diver, my step-brother the Navy man, my uncles who have served and even my cute dad-in-law, and anyone I missed) THANK YOU. Know that I appreciate you and what you have done.

Ear tubes!

Okay, I hope we are done. I mean I really like the ENT we use, but I really just don't want to spend any more time with him. And hopefully with Friday's events, pending one follow up appointment, we will have wrapped it all up. Alex got tubes in both her little ears yesterday. It went well (for the most part, we had a little issue with the nursing staff and Alex's red dye allergy) and she has bounced back to her good old self. She puked like a 2-headed monster in the car, all over herself and her carseat on the way home, but we made it in one piece. I am so excited to be hopefully be done with ear infections and a miserable child. Lex has had 6 double ear infections in the past year, and the last one was a doozie. She was miserable for days, and I felt so bad for her. You know if she stops moving and wants to cuddle up to you, then there is something wrong, because Iswear, She NEVER stops moving. And she gave up cuddleing at like 10 months old, as soon as she learned to walk. So, despite my affection for Dr. Child (the greatest ENT ever!! he also did Nate's tonsils and adnoid removal in May) I really hope that we can retire your telephone number for a good long time. We will be more than happy to refer you to him though, if you need a great ENT.