Our Christmas letter

Hey all! Every other year my mother's family has a non-commercial Christmas. Meaning we all write letters. Usually every family member writes one letter and makes copies for each family member. That's 55 family members. That's over 300 copies for my family alone. We have now downsized to just one letter from each family. That's only 18 copies, Nice! I let Stephen take care of our letter this year with some help from me. I'm going to put it on here so the rest of you can enjoy it. (It has been revised as I try very hard to not put the kids' name's on here.)

Irwin Family Quiz

2010

1. How long has Carla been married?

a) 7 years

b) 10 years

c) 13 years

d) Never Married

2. Who has Carla been married to for the last 13 years?

a) Bart

b) Karen

c) Nathan

d) Stephen

3. How many children do Carla and Stephen have?

a) 1

b) 2

c) 3

d) 5 including Jake Dog

4. What is the name of the Family dog?

a) Fifi

b) Jake

c) Midnight

d) Snowball

5. List Carla and Stephen's 4 Children

a)

b)

c)

d)

6. Which of the following Children play A.Y.S.O. Soccer?

a) Becks

b) Starr

c) Dimples

d) M.C.

7. Which of the following Children play the piano?

a) Becks

b) Starr

c) Dimples

d) M.C.

8. Who ran their leg of the Ogden Marathon in 28 minutes?

a) Carla 7 miles

b) Stephen 3 miles

9. What does Carla list as her occupation on the tax return?

a) House Wife

b) Super Mom

c)Domestic Goddess

d) Kronos, Keeper of all time

10. What do We wish all of you?

a) A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

b) Health, a long life, and Happiness.

c) That the fleas of a thousand camels will infest your bed.

d) All the above...except c.

We hope you had a great Christmas and I will be posting pics of the kids with their goodies and with the rest of Christmas morning fun.
Have a Great New Year and be safe and healthy!!!

Christmas Tree 2010

So this is our Christmas tree for this year. It's been up for almost two weeks now. I'm amazed that Stephen wanted one up that early in the month, usually we wait until Dimples birthday. The kids all did the ornaments after Stephen and I got the lights up. They did a great job and I really like it. I'm glad it's up, and been up for some time.
The only thing is Dimples has asthma and allergies to, not only our dog, but the tree as well. Stephen realized how bad the allergy was when they went and picked up the tree. Dimples started coughing like nothing else. I realized it a few years ago, but we haven't a) agreed on getting a fake tree, or b) had the money {or saved the money} to buy one yet. I think I'm just going to find one after Christmas and just buy it. I know it will help him later, but for now, it's just Zyrtec and his regular asthma regime.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

I know, not nearly enough lights, but, at least it has candy canes! ;)

Dimples' birthday

Dimples turned 7 on the 13Th. He is so friggin' cute. I love this kid. We woke up a bit late and had to rush the pancakes for breakfast thing, but they made it to school on time. I went to the school for lunch with Dimples. Of course I forgot my camera, but we had fun. He would look up at me and just smile when I looked back, melt my heart. When he was done with his lunch, he looked at me and asked "Hey mom, you done yet? Can't you eat any faster?" Love this kid. He is such a nice, kind, sweet boy who loves to tease his siblings and friends, and especially his mom and dad. I can't believe my oldest boy is getting older. Where on earth is the time going? Oh, man! I know it won't slow down, I just hope to be able to remember where the time is spent and what we're doing. I also hope to be able to just let things slide a little and enjoy my time with the family. In fact, on Dimple's b-day night, we went to the bowling alley, not realizing it's league night. Oops! guess that's not happening. So Stephen drove us to Toads to play some Laser Tag! You will not believe who did the best. Yep, yours truly. I had the most kills and least hits. Stephen however, was shadowed by Starr and kept dying, poor guy. Dimples had so much fun chasing me and his sisters around, even if he got shot more times by doing that. He got me a couple times, little sneak. He's short enough that you can't see him coming around the corner of the half walls. Funny guy! and of course the camera was left at home again. We had a blast and I can't wait to go again with the family. M.C. even played. He stayed at my side most of the time so I had to perch somewhere. He would shoot me when he was bored and I would shoot him just for the heck of it.

Good times I tell ya, Good Times!

Happy Birthday my cute little Dimples!!! Mom and Pops love you so much!

Kinda torn?

I was just released from my calling as primary chorister. I'm kinda torn about it because I half wanted out and half wanted to stay. I had a really hard time with this calling and I'm not sure if I did it justice. I really did try, but somehow I never felt I was doing any good. I never asked to be released, which means the Lord knew how I was feeling. The calling I was given-because you are never without one it seems-is second counselor in the young women program. I'm so excited yet so afraid. The usual self-doubting questions, am I good enough? spirtual enough? patient enough? Will I screw the girls up some how? I really hope not, yet these girls seem to already have such a testimony it's awesome! Stephen says I'll be great, so does Girl #1. She is absolutely excited to have her mama be in the presidency. She's an amazing girl that one, I love her so much.
I used to be in the young women's presidency once before, in the exact same calling. The beehives I had then are now laurels. Which is insane and I hope they are doing what I've taught them. So far it's only been 5 days and so far, I'm doing okay!

Piano Recital December 2010

Last Thursday my kids had their piano recital. Their final one for now until we can find a suitable teacher anyway. They all played their pieces memorized, and did very well. Even if they may have invented their own version of the song. I hope I can get the video's on here.

I will miss having my friend teach them, but I do understand when your family needs you more. I've decided to come up with things to go visit her, I don't know what yet, but I'll figure something out. She's a great person and lots of fun to be around, and she'll listen when you just have to vent about people she doesn't even know! But anyway, Thanks so much Lisa for all your hard work and all that you have done to help my children to learn to play the piano. We (Stephen and I) really appreciate it!

The kids didn't announce their song, or wait for an intro really, the just sat down, started playing and when they finished, they walked off while the audience clapped. It was funny. We tried to tell them to at least bow or curtsy, but they were too shy.

Dimples and Deck the Halls.

Starr and Silver Bells. (She kinda played her own version, but I promise she knows this song.) She plays it none stop now.

Tigger and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

By the way, I will no longer be calling Girl #1 "Bratt", there was a suggestion of Teeny me, and I thought about maybe calling her Tiny, but she would now like to be called Tigger, because she's always bouncing off the walls. We'll see how it goes. Again, suggestions are welcome ;) Oooo, I just thought of one while looking at her school photo, pretty girl or beautiful. ? What do ya think?

**Okay the video's are too big to post. Just believe me when I say they tried so hard and did very well.** December 15

Okay, she's not a "Bratt"

Alright, my husband doesn't think I should give Girl #1 the nickname of Bratt, even though she picked it! So I need some ideas for her nickname. I'm requesting all of you to comment and put a name for her. She doesn't like mini-me because she's tired of everyone telling her how much she looks like me. I think it's embarassing for her, maybe? Anyway, anyone willing to help me out?











I don't know, I don't really see it, do you?

Day 30

Day 30. Today. This morning I finally went for a run with Amanda and Lesa. I'm so happy I did. It was freezing cold with a temperature of 11 degrees and we went for a 3 mile run. I swear it's the hardest thing to do when it's that cold outside, but I did. I couldn't keep up, I had the hardest time breathing, and I swear my shoes gained weight. It was so hard to move my legs up and out and down. I really, really struggled. I eventually was able to breath better, but by that time I felt little pins and needles of cold in the back of my thighs. When that went away I noticed my toes were actually kinda cold. We were on our way back by then so it didn't matter. I did finish and my friends didn't have to carry me home. I warmed up way late in the day, but ya all know I'll do it again. I just wish that February's weather would wait until then and not be present in November and December.

Day 29

Day 29. (I am going to finish this tonight.) I'm thankful for the many, many ways we can communicate now-a-days. I'd like to think that I'd be okay if all we could do was mail a letter to others, but in reality, I'd fail terribly! I would probably run to people's houses often if I could and talk with them for brief minutes. Crazy, I know.
The one thing I can't believe now is with all the ways there are to communicate with others, how come I sometimes feel like it's been way too long in communicating with my family and friends? Why? I should be able to call them or text them right? I think life gets in the way sometimes. I am trying harder to call people if I'm thinking of them, just to let them know I love them and I'm thinking of them. Crazy, crazy!

Day 28

Day 28. Tylenol and Allergy pills. and yes modern medicine and doctors. I have serious allergies to my dog, Jake. It seems to be worse in the winter because we can't get outside all the time or air out the house when we want to. Thanks to the allergies I get sinus headaches a.lot. I try to be keep up on my own meds along with anyone else in the family, but man, you get tired of trying to remember everything. Thanks to Tylenol and my allergy pills, I can make my headaches go away and feel like running in the a.m. again with my friends. I am also grateful for the modern medicine and the doctors who do their best to help us, I know many people who would have a much harder life than they do now and I'm glad they are around.

Day 27

Day 27. A date with Stephen to checker auto parts, and other various stores. We were looking for something in particular. My rear windshield defrost isn't connected and Stephen knew what we needed, but we couldn't find it at any of the stores we checked. He says he'll fix it for me, but he needs to find the stuff to do it. I know he will, it's annoying to look out the back and you can't see anything because the kids or dog have fogged it up.

Day 26

Day 26. An "Off" Day. This day I did absolutely nothing. and I'm so happy I did. I should have been catching up on the blog or reading some really great book, but I didn't. I didn't cook, clean, do any laundry, or feed the dog. I left it all up to my kids. They survived. I'm glad to know they can do that. I did shower and look somewhat presentable, but the only place I went was to pick up my daughter from her cousin's house. That's it. I like these days when they occasionally show up. They are nice and relaxing.

Day 25

Day 25, my husband, Stephen. He is a very patient man. He does the best he can to make me, as a wife, happy. I've realized that I'm not easy to live with. I don't like to do the things he likes to, I don't even try to hide it. I do sometimes try to humor him or try to do the things he does like, but when it all comes down to it, I don't like it. Hiking, camping, fishing, going to the park even. I know that I need to change some things, okay a lot of things, but I know I love him. I know he loves me. Sometimes, some things just take longer than any of us want them to.

He does what he can with the kids so they are happy. He is a busy man, yet he'll fix the dryer, go shopping with me when he doesn't want to, sit with me and the kids through a movie, watch the kids so I can go on a girls night out. Stephen is totally a selfless man. He works hard in his calling, and at work, and here at home. He does get tired, but don't we all. I love him. I'm extremely grateful he is my husband and the one I can go to with every problem I have, even if it's him.

Seriously?!, Where did the time go???

Wow, lets play the catch-up game...

I will try to make it short. Heh heh.

Day 20, I went on a run with somegreat gals, unfortunately, it was a blah day with lots of cold/freezing rain/snow and two of us weren't feeling so great. We still did it, all though we walked most of it. Thanks to great friends who'll run/walk with ya through anything! Thankfully we were only half training to run the turkey trot but none of us did it because of the wonderful single digit freezing temperature.

Day21, Boy #2, a.k.a. M.C. from now on. M.C. is my final baby. I love him to pieces and he makes my heart melt with all of his mischeiviousnes. He is super sweet and I think he thinks he can only love one person, and I'm the lucky one. Seriously, he will tell Stephen he doesn't love him, he loves mom. I know he loves everyone, he just hasn't realized it yet.

Day 22, Boy #2, a.k.a. Dimples from now on. Dimples got his name because he has the cutest ones ever! He can choose to show them or not, but usually they are there with his smile. He is such a sweet boy and I love him for all he brings to my life and to our family. I'm thankful that we have him and that he brings so much joy and happiness to the family. He also likes to make up jokes, some are a little flat, but he's always trying!

Day 23, Girl #2, a.k.a. Starr. She loves that name. She has begged us to please, please, pretty please change her name or give this as her middle name. Starr is our families drama queen. I always thought the oldest would do this, but no, it is Starr. She loves art, and music, and animals. She even wrote her own song and can't wait to show her piano teacher! I love this little gem! She truly loves life! and she doesn't want people to miss out on it.

Day 24, Girl #1, a.k.a. Bratt (she prefers this to mini-me.) I love her to pieces as I do all my children, but she is the first and gets spoiled a bit more. She also has a lot more responsibility in the home. Her chores are bit bigger and she usually has to babysit without pay. I should say cash payment, she usually gets something else. Bratt is trying to be sarcastic but have it be positive. I don't know of a positive sarcastic way, but she's trying. She loves school and her friends and family, and she loves going to church and working on her personal progress. I know she is a wonderful person, trying hard to make it through the jr. high world. I know she will succeed.

Catching up on my Days of Gratitude...

So sorry I'm behind. This last week I struggled with what I'd write. Most of these things I usually take for granted, so hopefully my day 19 will help me be grateful for even the littlest of things.
Day 11- Veteran's Day. I am grateful for those in the armed forces and also the public defenders for the service of protection and freedom they provided in the past, provide now, and hopefully will always be able to provide in the future.
Day 12-My Mom. She gets me. Even when she doesn't realize it. I love her for the unconditional love she has given and shown to me.
Day 13- My Dad. He's amazing. He loves me, my husband, and the kids. He cares when I'm hurting or angry or showing any type of emotion. I know there are many fathers who do this, but my Dad is special to me. I love my Dad.
Day 14- Sister-in-laws. I have several of them now. I love them all very much. Every one of them affects how life is for the others, whether they realize it or not. I went with Stephen's sisters to a craft fair thingy, I really did enjoy my time I spent with them. I get to see the Nutcracker with the ones who married my brothers, that will be a lot of fun too!
Day 15- Stephen's and My Grandparents! I really do love to visit with all of them, I wish we had more time to do it. They are great people who always love to visit with us and the kids, especially the kids. Together we have 5 grandma's adn 3 grandpa's. It's fun to see them.
Day 16- Stephen's Parents. They are wonderful people. They are full of love not only for him and the kids, but me as well. Many people don't get the chance to know their in-laws because they are far away or for other unhappy reasons, but I'm glad I have the ones that I do. I love them much!
Day 17- Good Friends. I was able to hang out with a group of friends the other day. There is nothing like some good long girl talk with a bunch of little boys running around. These friends are amazing, even though some were missed, we still had a great time. Can't wait for the next time.
Day 18- Good Friends for my Kids. I'm so, so happy that my kids are able to play or hang out with kids who are a good influence. I love that when their friends do come over, they can talk freely and I'm not worried about what is coming out of their mouth. It feels good for my kids to be happy like they should be.
Day 19- Today I opened a blog about a family, the Coleman's, who had two children, a boy 3 yrs old with SMA and a girl 2 months(?) with SMA. Now, I don't know how I found this blog or why I decided to read it and add it on my list of blogs, or how long ago I found it, but I did. And I'm glad I did. Today's post said the little boy passed away during the night. He's been sick all week with a simple little cold, yet it was enough that he couldn't go on. His body was tired and he couldn't fight anymore. I think his mom knew, but didn't realize this was really it. I cried. and I cried and I cried. I have never met this family, but they have a loss that I never want to have to deal with. There was another family, The Sullengers. I saw their blog from a friends blog. I've been keeping up with it as well. The too, lost a child. Only she was as healthy as could possibly be. She had an accident and fell into a canal. She was found 2 miles down by some farmers who pulled her out, began cpr, and phoned for medical help. I have never met these people either, but I prayed for this family. I prayed for the little girl to make it through all of it, but she couldn't. There is so much more I could write, but I need to sum it all up. I have my children. They are healthy, happy, and alive. I need to let go of my fear of losing them and enjoy them so much more than I know I have. I'm grateful I have children and that these girls and boys are mine. I pray for comfort for these other families often, and I pray I will never have to deal with the loss they have felt.

Days 10 and 11

Day 10. I kinda just realized that I don't need to put the stinkin' date on the 30 days of gratitude posts. You all know what day I'm talkin' about. Silly me. I'm thankful for Books! I can escape from the world with my imagination and reading. Sometimes, that's not the best thing if the book is somewhat scary, but even still, I get to escape from things. It's one of the few things I get to do as a break from my kids, as much as I love them. I love books that end happy. I'm okay with other things happening during the book, but it needs to end happy. The reason for this is, it affects my mood with my hubby and kids. He knows when there is a scary or unhappy part in a book because of my mood. I know it's strange and hopefully I'm not some psychotic who later in life believes all the things I've read to be true, but I'm glad he knows. He teases me saying that our life with each other and the kids isn't the life of the character in the book I'm currently reading and it kinda takes me back a bit. I realize how silly I've been, apologize and we go on with reality. Thank goodness for books and for my hubby who doesn't enjoy reading, but lets me.
Day 11 My kids' Piano Teacher, Lisa. She has been playing since she was 5! She is so amazing. She works well with the kids. She has more patience than I could ever imagine. and unfortunately for us, she's going to stop teaching. I'm incredibly sad about it. I will probably shed tears before this is post is done. She has been teaching my kids for so long, I'm not sure what I'll do. She is a great friend of mine. She'll run with me, help me train, and she spots all the mountain lions out before I do. She helps me to understand my own kids a bit better. She can see which child o'mine is the one we have the hardest time getting to practice, and she offers advice of how to help her.
I understand that things get difficult for those that teach out of their home and I'm all for her happiness and well being. But, I want to be so selfish at this point and beg her to keep my three kids for lessons. I'll make it easy for her, I'll figure something out on how to help her with her own kids.
Okay, selfishness is done.
She is an awesome person and wonderful teacher, I only pray that we'll be able to find someone that I'll like and the kids will too. I don't think it happens very often, but I'm hoping for the best.
Thank You so much Lisa for all the hard work you've done with my kids!!!! I can't express it enough. Thank Trevor and the kiddos for me as well. They have given up their Mom/Wife for so long. Maybe in my dreams she'll say-I'll still teach your kids, because they are awesome and practice hard. Yeah, maybe I can keep on dreamin' it.

Sleeping

So I set Boy #2 up with lunch yesterday, went upstairs for a bit and came back down to see if he was ready to go with me to the store. This is what I found. (I couldn't resist running back up-stairs for my camera.)

I thought he was pretending at first, or trying to hide...



but no, he was really and truly sleeping! I couldn't believe it. He was supposed to eat his lunch, but he barely touched it. Well except to play in it.

I guess this is why he didn't eat his sandwich. I wouldn't be hungry if I ate all the brownies either.

And yes, I did move him to his bed to finish off his nap. Cute kid.

Day 9 11-09-2010

So today, I thought I'd do a vanity one. I'm mostly grateful that I have naturally curly hair. I can straighten it when I want or I can have it curly/wavy. When I was younger, I didn't really like it. I didn't appreciate it near enough. And even now I sometimes think to myself why do I have curly hair? (Usually after I have gone on a good run and my hair is all sweaty and I don't have time to wash it and make it straight.) I do enjoy it most of the time, especially when I can find a good mousse, gel and hairspray to work in my hair. I like it. I think having four kids may have taken some of the curl away, but now my gray/white hairs are growing in curly! Lucky me!

Days 6, 7 and 8!

Yes, I'm behind again.
Day 6 11-06-2010: I'm thankful for going up to Stephen's Grandpa's land in Idaho. We went up with the kids to initially work, but to play if there wasn't any work. Yep, we worked. A lot! The trees decided shed, so, we picked up after them. We made a fun-filled day of it by stopping at Gossners, Pepperidge Farms, and La Tienda on the way up. (I Love going to two of the three places.) We got there and Stephen cleaned out the shed while I worked on my Primary music stuffs. The kids all had to start raking up the leaves into piles. They did an okay job for being kids who normally don't have to do this. When I was finished, I joined them. Then Stephen joined us, he had two of the younger ones grab some huge buckets from the shed and they started filling them up with leaves. I had the best rake so I raked up more leaves in 45 mins than the kids did in an hour. It was good times I'm tellin' ya, Good. Times. Girl #1 had a friend with her and they both worked hard. By the time we were done, we needed to head home. We stopped at McD's for some burgers and saw a Momma dear with her baby. It was kinda cool. We then hit 7-eleven for slurpee's! It was a great day!!!!

Day 7 11-07-2010: Babies! My brother blessed his baby girl yesterday. It was so fun to see them and the other families. The blessing he gave was so nice and I'm sure little A-girl will be able to become what Heavenly Father wants her to be. But this isn't just about her, it's about babies in general. Saturday I was at a baptism and one of the Stake Presidency members was there. He is older, his kids are mostly grown and on their own, but there was a cute little baby that sat at his feet during the talks. The Stake Pres. member watched him for a bit, then picked him up just smiling the whole time he held the baby. It was interesting to me the way babies can turn the hardest of men and women into softies. It happens everywhere and all the time. I know how much they can change a persons life and a families. My good friends Amanda and Jared were able to adopt children and I have seen the wonderful changes in their lives. Stephen's cousin's adopted a baby girl and it has been world of difference for them. Babies are amazing! No matter how they enter your life!

Day 8 11-08-2010: Monday is Laundry Day! I know, it's the bane of some people's existence, and probably mine, but! I'm grateful to have clean clothes, bedding, towels, and whatever else you can wash and dry. My washer and dryer have gone on the fritz a few times lately and I'm glad for the handyman in my life, maybe even more so because I don't have to go to the laundromat! I know I will always have work in my home, because of laundry. I will never get bored here. Because I can watch a show or take care of other little things here at home while I'm getting the laundry done, then my house is clean for a bit. It's also a sign that I am always needed. I'm not so sure my hubby could get it done or that the kids wouldn't put in a brand new red shirt with the whites. I'm sure they could figure it out, but I'll only teach them about it and I'll still be the one to do. In fact I have taught the girls how to do this. They conveniently forget or don't have the time to help me out. Whatever, I know I have job security. I do like that they have to put their clothes away. That is prolly one of the best parts about it. Either I will seperate the loads once they are done or all of us will. Then, they have to put their stuff away. and I don't mean, thrown into the closet or drawers. Folded and/or hung up. Matched socks. folded underwear.
It feels so good once it's all done, I love the feeling.

Pumpkins and Halloween fun!!!

So what if it's a week late, I'm doing this anyway. The kids carved their pumpkins on Thursday and they had a fun time doing it. I ended up carving more than my fair share, but they had to clean all the guts out. Ha ha!

We celebrated Halloween on Saturday night by having a birthday party for my Grandma. She turned 83 on Halloween so we were a day early. It was a lot of fun to do this and the costumes were so much fun to see. We then visited with two other sets of Grandparents that day as is tradition in our little family. We went home and slept well that night. Since we didn't participate in the ward trunk or treat, and the kids didn't get very much candy when they did go out on my parents street, Stephen and I went to the grocery store and bought up 6 bags of candy and split it up evenly among the kids. Hopefully they have eaten it all by now and I can finish putting the Halloween stuff away! We hope everyone had a great Halloween and were able to enjoy themselves.

30 Days of Gratitude and Thankfulness

Day 5 11-05-10 A chance to sleep in and just rest. This stupid cold I have is kicking my bottom end. I can't go running because I can't breathe, I don't want to be around people and get them sick, my kids are running rampant somewhere, and my housework isn't exactly up to par (someone want to come dust my house?) I did sleep in this a.m. until 8:20. The exact time two of my kids are supposed to be sitting in their classroom seats. That's the time they left our house. The youngest just sat and watched t.v. the whole time the older kids were at school. Poor kid! I just sat and read a book with him right beside me. What a day. I think I'll just go back to bed and let the oldest take care of everything here, they would have more fun I think. I am thankful that I get a chance to rest like this sometimes though, it is very helpful if I don't have to yell or get upset with the kids. They even did all their homework, reading, and piano with little confrontation. I am blessed, this much I know.

Day 4 11-04-10 A handy man for a Hubby!
Yesterday we discovered a leaking pipe from the upstairs bathroom. Stephen knew exactly what to do and once the kids were all in bed and I had taken some NyQuil for my cold he started in on the leak. Little did I know that I'd need to help him by holding a light, I almost fell asleep standing up and that wouldn't have helped at all. He managed to fix the whole thing on his own, but it took him until about 3 in the morning. Yuck! Poor guy. Thankfully I have him to fix our little household problems and not have to go to a plumber for this.

30 Days of Gratitude and Thankfulness

A few years back a friend did this, 30 days of Gratitude and Thankfulness. I did it last year and thought I'd do it again. I'm a little bit late in getting started, but I'll do it anyway!
Day #1 11-01-10
Boy #1's new Asthma and Allergy Dr. He's awesome and I feel like this time he really cares and wants to help rather than just prescribe meds. He wants Boy #1 to take as little of steroid for asthma as possible and to really just help him with his allergies, which are: Dog, Horse, Cat, Sagebrush, and Grass. Thankfully not much else. Boy#1 is doing great with his Asthma testing, he blows out all the candles on the computer screen and has really good sounding lungs. As long as I can remember to give him his meds at night instead of the morning, everything will work out just fine. I'm thankful the Dr. wanted to do another skin test so we could know what will set Boy #1 off with an attack. Now we know what to avoid if possible. In the meantime, Jake will be getting a bath every week! (probably should have already been doing that.)
Day 2 11-02-10
The right and privilege to vote. I have always tried to make sure I get out and vote, even for the little things. This year I wanted to make sure I voted, because I'm tired of what promises never kept, people complaining that didn't vote, and many other things that I won't get into. I don't want to debate anything political, I only get angry with the person I debate with, so I don't do it. I know, not very grown up, but I'm not going to fight, I don't like how I feel later. I just hope that with the new people we have in government that they actually do what is best for the people who are here naturally and legally.
Day 3 11-03-10
A clean dog, house, and life.
As I mentioned, Jake will be getting baths every week. I decided that Wednesday's are the days.
I have successfully changed the bedsheets every Monday for a month now. I read somewhere that it will help cut down on colds, flu's, or any other sickness that decides to poke it's ugly little head in my house.
I'm grateful that even though I may have a cold now, I am generally healthy, that I don't drink anything that will harm me. I don't smoke. I don't take any drugs that will hurt my body. I try to run often, eat the right portions, drink plenty of water, and basically do what I'm supposed to to be healthy. I'm still not getting enough sleep (because that really is important,) but I'm working on that as well. Early to bed, early to rise...

Funny Story...

Last week we actually had Family Home Evening. The lesson was on Manners and Minding since my children have a major problem with this. They all burp, fart, call each other names, it takes 20 times at least in asking them to do something...Stephen and I were tired of it. I know there will be many, many, MANY more F.H.E. lessons on this, but we had to start somewhere. It went pretty good, the week was fairly decent, and they got a couple of M&M's for Minding their Manners.

Fast Forward to Monday morning...Boy #2 still has to have some help with wiping after he's gone #2-so it doesn't get spread all over the toilet seat, his clothing, or his own bottom and legs. I go in to help him and this is our conversation: *Warning: Potty talk is about to commence!*

Boy #2: farting is bad manners huh mom.

Me: yes. yes it definitely is.

Boy#2: pooping is good manners huh mom.

Me: (puzzled looked) Yes it is as long as it's in the potty right?

Boy #2: (looking at me like "Duh!") Yep poop goes in the potty, not in our pants.

Boy#2: burping is bad manners huh mom.

Me: Yes most definitely.

He left the room and I just smiled. He makes me laugh and when I told the rest of the family, they all burst into laughter including Boy #2. Oh my life is never truly dull. Nope, never.

The above pic is Boy#2 helping Stephen fix the dryer on Thursday. Such a big helper;)

Haunted Dinosaur Park

On Friday night, we took the kiddo's to the Haunted Dinosaur Park. It was so much fun! The kids had a blast getting their costumes ready the entire day and they looked fabulous in them. We got to the park, waited in line for a bit, then off to view it at night. It was totally cool, and sometimes even scary if there were spiders. There were about 16 local companies who donated treats for the kids to trick-or-treat in different areas of the park. It was pretty amazing how it all worked out and looked great. There was a costume contest and I'm pretty sure the girls could have won if there weren't any younger, handsome firefighters in the line-up. (Yep, a cute little curly, blond-haired firefighter. He got our votes!) It was a fabulous time for our family. We have been wanting to do something together with just us. I loved it. We took pics of everything we could, some videos. All in all, it was a fabulous night ending with scones and hot chocolate later. I really love Halloween, the next best holiday there is next to Christmas!

I was truly surprised at how cute they all were, I mean that in the I-had-to-make-some-part-of-every-costume-way. (except for boy #2)
Girl #1 was Alice from Alice in Wonderland wearing the dress the Queen of Heart/Red Queen had made. I made this dress using an older costume as my base. I made 4 different tutu's-2 long and 2 short- with black tulle and red tulle. I found some white shear with black roses on it. Some rope for a belt. It worked out really well. It took me all day on Friday, but I believe it was all worth it.
Girl #2 wanted to be the White Queen from Alice in Wonderland. I was able to find a Heavenly Angel dress at a spook store and used the lace from the halo to make the choker. I purchased a cheap pearl necklace, cut 2 pieces and hot glued them to the lace and added some velcro. Some black eyebrows and super dark red lipstick and nail polish and some powder in her hair and she was almost ready. Stephen made the crown for her and they both hot glued some gems to it. It was amazing, I'm so glad I have him for a hubby!
Boy #1 wanted to be a ninja! Easy enough. Borrowed the basic stuff from a friend, wrapped black fabric to make it tight on his calves and made a belt for it. We used a head sock for helmets as his face covering. He looked so cool! Don't want to mess with this guy!
Boy #2 wanted to be a pumpkin. His was the easiest costume of all. I found it at the D.I. for $4. Easy peasy, nice and squeezy. I loved it. Put on a black turtleneck and some jeans and he was ready to go! Now they are ready for all sorts of parties and everything. And Halloween is still 2 weeks away! Oh life is good.

A Clean house....

or so I thought I could have one. Yeah, right! With kids and a dog in our small place, there is only a small window of opportunity to see my place clean. But I try. Every day I try. Well, Last week I was able to make sure one of our closets stayed in order, paint the floor boards in the kitchen, move Jake's kennell and the Baker's Rack back into the kitchen and then clean the front room carpet the next day or two. I'm so excited I was able to do this. I love having my carpet look nice and since I have to wait for funds to be saved again for carpet, I can at least clean it for now. It looks really nice. I even re-rinsed it the next day because I felt like there were sticky spots from the soap. Ugh! but it is now nice and clean. I really should post some pics of my finally done kitchen and mostly clean front room. Maybe. We'll see.
I did get to spend some fabulous time with some fabulous friends! I love having the time to be with them and just sit and talk. And cuddle with their babies and such since my own kiddos have grown. We had some yummy crepe's with banana's, peaches, nutella, cream cheese, and a yummy sauce I make. We had fun at Lisa's place. I cooked while Lisa and Amanda got to talk. We all had fun and missed some friends who couldn't make it. Hopefully next time!
Girl #2 received a Student of the Month award in her class and she also received an award for being there everyday on time. Her teacher really likes having her in class. Girl #2 is always helpful, cheerful, sincere, and especially kind to everyone. She even helps kids if they don't understand something and she has already finished. Girl#2 did really, really well on the block tests they take in school and that are a few reasons for her receiving her award. I feel bad that Boy #1 didn't get that award cuz of his asthma, but that is how it goes. He still does very well in school and I know he works hard.
Sorry for the novel, but this is a continuing one right? a blog, is just the novel of our lives? Yep, I sure think so.

This Weekend...

We had a fun, yet busy weekend. Most of this was Saturday. In fact I believe it all was on Saturday.
We ran in the ward 5k! All of us. well most of us. one of us got to ride in the stroller, but, he's only 3. Girl #1 ran it in 35 minutes!!!! Boy #1 was right behind her with 35 and half. I was right behind them with 37 minutes!!! I felt great and I loved that my family did this with me. Sorry, but no pics., we forgot the camera. Girl #2 started out the same, but she kinda gave up when the other two wouldn't let her catch up. Stinkers! She did come in before her daddy I do believe, but I could be wrong-I have been before. Stephen and boy #2 came in with 47 minutes. Stephen's knee went out on him again. We tried running earlier in the week and he did ok up to 3 miles, but then we had to walk out the rest of our run. Poor guy, I feel for him.

We then hustled home to grab a small breakfast, Girl #1 went to a young Women's service project we were off to Boy #1's soccer game. They won, but who's really counting at this age! He played his heart out and he didn't have any asthma problems!!!! I'm so grateful for that. I just love the little guy!

Then we were off to a Ragnar Team Picnic! We had so much fun. Stephen got to play with the metal detector and the kids got to play on the playground. I got to talk with some wonderful peeps!

Then off to the wonderful and spiritually lifting General Relief Society meeting! I went with my M.I.L. and we ate dinner at her stake house and watched the meeting there. None of her daughter's were able to make, but we all try to when we can. I heard what I needed at this meeting. Sister Beck's talk was wonderful and I needed it. It only reaffirmed that I'm doing exactly what I need to be doing right now. I really, really, really appreciate the fact that I have friends to pay better attention than I do. I really have a hard time remembering what's been said. I'm also glad that I can go online and catch what I missed.

The rest of my fam went swimming! The pool water was very warm from what I was told. They had a lot of fun and I'm glad my hubby was able to go with them. The next day, we went to church, girl #1 was set apart in a calling in young women's, we enjoyed church and the speakers, came home and did nothing really. It was soo sooo soooo nice. What a great weekend!

By the way, Stephen sorta fixed my dryer! more like put a band aid on it, so no more visits to the laundromat! Watch, it'll break for good and he'll really have to fix it, now that I've said something.

Urgh! Stupid Dryer.

So I started my laundry today and after I put the second washed load into the dryer, it went ka-put! The drum decided not to roll around so the clothes would dry, instead, it decided to smoke up the inside of the dryer. Urgh! Frustrating!!!! I called Stephen and he told me to pick up a belt for the dryer. Something like this happened a year ago, not the belt, but the heating element went out on the dryer. Frustrating!!! In the meantime, I had one full weeks worth of laundry to do. I went to a laundromat. I have to say it was interesting...I have never been to one before to do my own laundry. I liked that it saved me all day, but I didn't get to finish all that I needed to here at home. It really kinda messed up my day. Both girls had soccer games at similar hours. So I pretty much missed both games. I had to get the grocery shopping done, so that took up time and girl #1 was late for her game. Then the 3 youngest had hair cut appointments so we had to do that. My friend is sooo cool, she is awesome and super fast, especially with just trims and cuts for boys. I have had one crappy day. I hope tomorrow is better, maybe I'll even get to sleep in. Doubtful...but hopeful. I need a break, anyone want to have 4 kids, a dog and a house for a few weeks, I think that's all I'll need. Anyone, anyone? No takers? fine I'll survive somehow. I think that running will help me. I think I'll have to do just that.

5 More Minutes please?????

Yesterday morning, I woke up wanting only 5 more minutes of sleep. I got 10. Lucky me. The problem with those 10 minutes extra, my shower, getting the kids up and ready for school, making breakfast for them, and trying to make it to my in-laws for fun-filled shopping day by 9a.m. All in all it was a good day and we had a lot of fun, but man I'm beat.
The reason why??? Boy #1 has asthma. He has been having a few attacks lately. (I've been too tired to even go running in the a.m. with my friends. Sorry for bailing out.) His first attack was Thurs. at 3 a.m. we got back to bed by 4:30. (I probably should have stayed up for 1 hour, but I couldn't do it.) I took him in to his pediatrician and they gave us a cough med to give him, only I didn't get it until Saturday due to reason's beyond my control. His next attack was Saturday night. We went to Wee Care Peds. They did a little more for him. He got a steroid treatment and a prescription for steroids for a few days. We got home between 1:30 a.m. and 2a.m. because we needed his meds. Walgreen's was slammed that late at night! They were the only pharmacy we could go to. (Why aren't you people sleeping instead of getting medicines? Hello it's midnight and my son needs this stuff, but it took forever because everyone else decided the Sabbath starts when they go to bed and wake up the next day. Seriously, I was bugged.I'm done for now. I realize other people need their meds and I don't know their situation either.) We missed church, but the girls went and took boy #2 with them. Man it's been tough catching up on sleep here in this house. He's been doing sooo much better!!! I'm so relieved. We are keeping it up and he is improving everyday. I think that because it's harvest season, people are getting their garden's ready for winter and stirring things up, I cleaned out some closets, and other rooms kicking up dust, and Boy #1 may have outgrown his meds...it all combined and took it's toll on him. Poor thing. Hopefully when we see his allergist/asthma guy we can figure it all out. Cursed allergies and asthma. The smoke from the Herriman fire didn't help either. I couldn't even go running. My verbal vomit about this is done now, thanks to taking it off my shoulders.
Poor Stephen is tired too, but I make him go to work everyday, even if he's late and just wants to sleep. (picture evil smile on my face.)

Another blah....

Just trying to keep up with this and I'm not always sure what to write about. So today, here are a few things:
Last weekend, Stephen and I were asleep. The kids had all gotten up and were having cereal for breakfast. Boy #2 started choking on his cereal and Girl #1 performed the hymlich (spelling?) She learned how to do this with infants and children from two babysitting classes at the local hospitals. She saw that he wasn't crying, breathing, or trying to caugh, so, she just helped him out. I thought don't you wait a bit? Stephen said, "Heck no! it could be too late! She did a fantastic job." I think I need a refresher on these things, I simply forgot what to do. I'm so greatful she was with them when it all happened. She is amazing!
I finally went running this morning. After 6 or so weeks of not doing a single thing, I got up at 5a.m., got ready, met up with my friends, and we ran for 3 miles. They are quite impressive. They don't just stop and wait for me, they keep running. They go to a corner, turn around pass me, go to a corner turn around and pass me to take the lead again. It works out great cuz, no one is really running alone. I'm so happy and greatful that they are doing this and I get to go with them. Lesa is going to have her hand operated on this week, so I hope she makes a quick recovery.
Stephen asked me why I always start-up running (again) in the dark? Why can't I run when the sun's out? Because I don't know, I can't answer him. Fall is the perfect time for running, so, sorry honey, I can't answer that question at all. I'm jus happy to be back!

Turkey!!!

I actually cooked a turkey yesterday! I have never, in 13 years of marriage or 33 years of life, cooked a turkey. I always thought it would be the hardest thing to ever do, so let's always go to mom's for turkey dinner. Lazy right? uh, yeah. We had leftover potatoes and carrots and salad from a roast I made earlier in the week so that part was done. Oh, and jell-o. I got some Rhodes Rolls out of the freezer in the morning, so we had "fresh" rolls with our delicious turkey dinner.

I thought it was a bit dry, but Stephen said it was perfect. I think he was being nice, but for my first time I think it turned out good. Stephen told me before that the key to a good turkey is cook it upside down, on the breast, so I did. It must work because he and all the kids ate it. So now I know I can cook a turkey for something sometime, let's just hope it's not for a huge family dinner, with my luck it will burn on the outside and be frozen on the inside.
(While I was typing this up, boy #2 crawled onto my lap, started sucking his thumb and fell asleep. He hasn't done this for a long time, usually only when he's sick. I hope that's not it. I love it! so much for getting anything else done today.)

It's Soccer Season!!!#1

Hello and welcome back to sports talk! Just kidding, I wouldn't know what the heck that is since we only watch free public t.v.

Boy #1 played his first game of the season. They didn't win, but hey that's ok. He did however have fun. That's the best reason to play. He worked hard and almost made a couple of goals. He is a funny boy and I sure do love him. He is such a good boy, just love my kiddo's. These pics aren't the best, but hey, it's sports and I had my camera on the wrong setting. See ya!!!

Blah....Just emptying out my thoughts

This post is sort of an update-y thing.
Thursday at Book Club we talked a little bit about Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. It is a really good book, but eh, I like romance in my adventure like books. This one lacked a little bit. It was still good, and I know I'll re-read it several times, and I would recommend it. We also had a baby shower for one of the girls in the club. She is having her first baby after having had some struggles, so I was so excited for her. She and her hubby will be great parents.
Friday, I got to take dinner to my Bro. and S.I.L. who had a baby a week ago. I was so excited to see her again. They have a blog, and it's on my list that I like to read, titled I need some Chocolate. Their little girl is so blasted cute, I could just hold her and hold her. I may be a little biased as she is my niece, but, ya know, so what. I took them some food from a delicious place. It was so yummy looking that I planned on ordering for Stephen and me later.

I took Boy #1 to soccer practice and then to Winco. I'm not sure you really can get the best savings there, but we'll see. I plan on getting an old grocery list and receipt together & shop at Winco to see if they're any better like most people believe. I'm not sure.
Anyway, I ordered some food, dropped Boy#1 off at home, and left to pick up the food. As I was pulling out of the driveway, my hubby showed up. We left, got the food, came home, got the kids settled, then we watched Sherlock Holmes. It was really good! I was worried that I might have been bored with watching it and fall asleep, but I didn't. I really enjoyed this movie.
Later!

Yummy food and fun!!!

We went on a date a couple weeks ago and I'm just now getting to blog about it. Stephen's boss plays the lead guitar for a band named Light Vizion. Their album debut concert was couple of weeks ago and she had cornered Stephen in the hallway asking if we were going, he said we'd try. We did try and we were able to get a babysitter, ya know cuz it was in Midvale. (Man we gotta move closer to his work! Just sayin') After we dropped the kids off we headed south! We left in enough time to stop and get something to eat. We ate at a restaraunt that I'm not sure many of you have. I'll let you take a guess from the photos.....

It was super good food! and there was a UFC Championship fight that night. We didn't have to pay the cover because we didn't stay. It is in Midvale.....still thinking?.... This is a little bit of a better clue....

Yes! we ate at Hooters! I was a little apprehensive cuz of the reputation of the girls there and the ones that go there ya know, but I was starving and this was close to the freeway once we got off. Aaannnd, I haven't eaten there. Ever. Curiosity got the better of me. Ya know what? all the hype and crap that people give about this place is blah. If you think about it, it's no different from eating at Chili's or Applebee's with their waiters-waitresses having to have flair on their uniforms. Hooters flair is their uniform. Yes they are skimply dressed, but the if the guy you're with only has eye's for you, they never notice the workers. Hahaha, I wasn't worried about a thing once I walked in the door. I wouldn't take my chicadee's with me, but for a quick place to eat and some really really good food, it's not bad at all.

We were in and out in less than an hour! We headed to the Midvale Main Street Theatre. It was a nice little place. But, I have to say one of the most impressive things I've seen is the bathroom. I even took pics. They are awesome looking!

Wall murals done with pieces of mirror. It was fabulous. So creative some people can be. Sigh, jealous. I even commented to the owner, she said her daughter had her senior pics done there.

(Stephen's boss Chris DeCaria on lead guitar. She really is good!)

The concert was good! I think we were there more for the support of Stephen's boss, but she is awesome! She can play the guitar really really well. She won't even play Rock Band because she doesn't want to mess up her real guitar playing. funny huh? The band did some awesome songs, and also some political ones. I'm not that much into that sort of music artsy stuff so we just enjoyed the music sometimes and not the words. Chris was glad that many of her co-workers and wives were there, she was surprised that we came all the way from O-town. It was a good evening. I really loved being there with my hubby. He loves to do new things and see new things. We had a great time!