Ramblings of the "7-up" Mom

2011-05-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well that was embarrassing! That last entry, anyway. but hey, what's the point in writing anything if we have to filter, right? at least it got me going again.

The kids have 2 and 1/2 days of school left...Then what? I dunno but I'm betting it's gonna get a lot louder around here.
We finally had family pictures done. I was accosted by some guy in "P$*^#@" (one of the stores that I hate and refuse to give credit to) with a flyer and the words come get a family portrait done for $10 plus a $5 sitting fee. I seriously said "what the h*ll, we haven't intentionally taken a picture of all of us since Jacob was 5 months old...sign me up" The guy looked at the two kids I had with me, and said "so it's these two plus mom and dad?" (chuckle, chuckle.)me "No, there's 7 kids." him "7? so that makes..." me "9 people total, is that a problem?" him "Uh, no. 9 is fine, we just get to charge more for 12." ...?...?... me thinking (so...why did you tell me that...sorry to disappoint, I suppose I could go find 3 more people so that you could make an extra 5 bucks.) me "So, we're good?" him "yep, and don't forget to leave your animals at home." me "well crap, that's half my kids."

2011-05-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

I'm really grateful that I started writing this blog when I did. There is definitely something special that surrounds that time of life when all your kids are babies and you think that diapers will rule your existence forever. Humor can be found at every turn and sanity hangs on the finest thread. And then you shut your eyes and it's over. There hasn't been a diaper found in my house for almost a year now. I only had 2 kids at home this school year. and next it will be only one. I'm trepidatious about only having Ellie at home. In part because having one means that I will become the entertainer again. I like it when there are more kids at home because they play with each other. One good thing about Ellie is that she's a sleeper. So I guess after getting the other 6 off to school, maybe I'll get to go back to sleep every once in a while.
Something happened when I moved here. It's been a gradual change. I'm not sure what all has contributed to it. Perhaps it's circumstantial, perhaps physiological. probably a little of both. My steadfastness in life has begun to wavier. My contentedness to sit and just be has faded. I don't feel the strength and commitment to the ties that are my life. And I hate it. I hate feeling unrest. I hate feeling like I have to accept things the way they are because "that's how it is". And I hate my husbands job. because I'm lonely. ans I have no control or power over that. So I am forced to be in this situation and just be... and just feel and just deal. Yes, I am grateful for good employment, for financial security. I'm not stupid. I do not, however, like being presented with the argument of "sure we could find a different job, but it will financially ruin us" and having grown up in poverty, you know darn well that I would never conscientiously allow someone to go through that. So it doesn't matter, that I'm frustrated, lonely, wavering, tired. and giving up on "all that is holy" so to speak...I still have to put up and shut up, for the good of the masses. AND we are STUCK in this lonely little town, at least until the oldest graduates, so that we don't ruin his life. I'm just frustrated. I shouldn't be writing right now. Nothing is funny. Actually it's just crap.
I miss my friends. I miss my stupid husband. I miss babies and that feeling of being stuck and belonging, in a good way. I miss my faith. and the "everything's black and white" perspective. Everything is NOT black and white. anyone who thinks it is, is a fool. I guess it's just my time to learn about all that grey. I'm not a super fan of grey. But guess what...grey is the space between black and white, being there doesn't determine which color you're headed toward, you're just there. without grey there isn't hope. and I don't want to be a part of a life that doesn't hold hope for everyone.

2011-04-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

So, Jacob just came out of the bath wrapped in a towel, walked into the kitchen and over to me at the table, (where I sat, beginning to type something on this empty page.) He tripped over the leg of the chair and caught himself on the table, almost with his head. The first thing out of his mouth was "It's a good thing we put this table here, otherwise I could have fallen and cracked my head on the floor." Man, I love that positive thinking child, he may save me yet. 8 out 9 people (in my house) would have complained about the placement of the chairs and table because if they weren't there, we wouldn't have tripped. But, not Jacob...
I've missed writing. Well, maybe it's not the writing as much as it is the altered perspective of looking for something to write about when going about my day. It's one thing to go about wandering from chore to chore, or activity to activity, and just doing it to get it done (or not). It's an entirely different thing going through the day finding chaos and saying, this would make a great story. It changed my whole outlook. I miss that about myself. I've been on vacation for a while...from normal things anyway. I had the opportunity to play the character of *Milly* in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". It was a wonderful experience. To be honest there wasn't one second of the rehearsals or performances that I didn't absolutely love. For the last 13 years I have been content to say, "I can direct. I'm fine organizing and putting stuff together and making stuff up and directing everybody else..." but guess what, I'm an actor. Plain and simple. Well, OK maybe not so plain and simple (if you're my husband). Jason came to a rehearsal one night and commented that he hadn't seen "that girl" since before we got married...My only explanation is that I was doing what I love to do. Not only that but I am an extremely social creature. So, being with a bunch of people that feel the same way about performing and music and being "social" was refreshing to my soul.
The following question has arisen more than once in my life. "Why do you do what you do?" as far as performing goes..."I don't get it." this usually comes from the more logically left brained people. They don't understand the weeks and days and hours of preparation, for what turns out to be 2 or 3 performances of a 2 hour show. The time ratio is comparable to preparing a solo or musical number. Hours of practice for 3 to 5 minutes of song. I've questioned this a few times myself. And in the last week I have culminated years worth of tiny answers into one giant explanation. and here it is... First the explanation of why the time for preparation. When I first started performing, I used to practice just so I didn't look like an idiot. I didn't want to be judged for doing a *bad* job. I was concerned for what people thought of me. This was how it was for years. then something happened as I focused all of my attention on just singing; for church, firesides, and conferences. I started to realize the importance of being as prepared as I could possibly be so that I, as a performer, would not be seen. I wanted to be a messenger. A doorway, not a road block. If my performance was the best I could make it, I would not get in the way of the Spirit. Make sense? Does to me, guess that's all that matters. When I started to sing with the Museum Singers, (that's the 12 piece ladies group that I have been with for a year and a half) We didn't sing sacred music. and I got confused. Asking questions such as "why am I doing this?" (other than to get out of the house once a week) "Belonging" to the Washakie Museum is not always an artists dream come true. They are out to make money. I get it. But I am volunteering my time and talents. This is not something that I do lightly. While my issues with them and the *way they do things* could write a post of its own I choose not to continue 'cause that's not where I was headed. Back to the whole Singers thing. I learned that while I wasn't just singing sacred/gospel focused music, I was enjoying the music I singing and I enjoyed the company I kept. It was nice to be surrounded by women of many Faiths. To realize that they had love and respect for our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ, like I did. So, that helped me grow. and I was singing and my voice was growing. Good stuff.
Then came along 7B47B. as it became fondly known to us. I have never done a full scale musical, let alone been the lead. I jumped in with both feet, hands, head and heart and gave it all I had. And it worked. It was great. I fell in love with acting again. and guess what? it's SO much easier now. I'm not afraid. I don't get nervous anymore. I feel more confident in so many ways. Mostly because I have learned that real life is way bigger than what the guy in the 3rd row thought of my performance. All of that learned made it a pleasurable experience. Now, to the question of "What does it Matter?"
I had a lady come up to me the day after she saw the show and she said to me "I went away a better person for seeing that show. It was very uplifting." and that was the answer. If I can "serve" people by doing what I love and have a passion for, isn't that enough? If I can help you escape, or dream, or smile, or cry, or connect with some sort of emotion that you haven't felt in forever, isn't that enough? If I put hours of time and effort in to preparing something so that for just a little while you can feel again, in a safe environment, isn't that enough? It's like therapy without you having to air your dirty laundry. And that's what it is...
Now there is another side to the right brained creative thinkers. The key is in those last three words I just typed. Creative or Create. God (the Creator) gave us the opportunity to come to Earth to learn explore and Create for ourselves. He didn't finish everything for us. Every time I sing, draw, paint, act, play the piano, play with the kids, I am creating. Even if it is repeating something over and over. No note is ever played or sung, and no line is ever delivered EXACTLY the same, it all gets created over again, it's a beautiful thought. It's the next best thing to creating little bodies for those little spirits to come and live in. If you're not familiar with LDS lingo, It's the next best thing to having kids. Which in itself is the most "God like" thing we can do on Earth. Create something out of practically nothing. How cool is that. So, in our natural design to be more like our Father in Heaven, we long to create, well, some of us do anyway. I filled that need for about 16 years, creating little people. That time had passed. my need to create wasn't being filled as drastically as it had been and I felt useless. Until I figured out all of that stuff up there. I don't feel the need to defend myself as a performer any more. God did not give me the talents he did for nothing. They are purposeful, and wonderful and I am grateful. whether everybody "gets it" or not.

2010-10-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

So I had parent teacher conferences this last week. For most of the kids anyway. I don't know if they had any at the high school. HOWEVER, for the other 4 kids in school, these were the best meetings I have ever had with teachers, EVER. Not one negative thing. Everyone is doing fabulously. Everyone is extremely conscientious, and kind to others. Organized and responsible. AND super smart... I tell you after I talked to Jacobs teacher I almost cried. I have been "fighting" with Spencer's teachers for 10 years now and I was afraid that was normal. Until Sariah started school and they said she was perfect. I thought she was the oddball out. Not true! the rest of my kids have turned out to be great in school too! It makes me feel such... relief. You know how you wonder if you're messing up your kids because of your own insecurities and failings and whatever else, mainly because they behave like heathens at home?(maybe that's just me)...But then you find out that they really are OK, not just OK but excelling! Sigh, what a relief. Now if we can just get them to be that way at home....

2010-10-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

So...Caleb looked at my hair a week or so ago and said to my husband, "Mom's turning into a grandma." That was it! I broke out the hair dye again.
I don't enjoy dying my hair so much anymore. It used to be fun, now it's kind of a chore. I don't have a choice though. It's either dye it or look like a 35yold grandma... So for those of you who have been blessed with the opportunity to have and keep your natural color...feel grateful and enjoy!
So I got the kids' school pictures...I put them on Facebook but since my husband still refuses to get an account, he has to see them here. They all turned out pretty good. I still don't know what's up with Caleb's hair, but everybody needs a school picture with messed up hair. And I see braces in the future for some of our kids, but for now let them be kids...snotty noses, messy hair and all that, because all too soon it will be over, they will be grown ...the last picture is proof of that.Jacob 5 Caleb 7 Gabriel 9 Sariah 11 Spencer 15

2010-10-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

So...my kids had been healthy all summer. ALL SUMMER! and then (buh buh bum) school starts...AND we have already had HFMD(hand foot and mouth disease) run through all 7 kids. Last week, as a matter of fact. Then Gabe came home, decided it was time to throw up, and did so. I have taken to huffing Lysol. Not literally... well sorta, I'm spraying so much of it that some inhalation is inevitable. I have also grown quite fond of Germ-X. I'm thinking of starting a new line of perfume called "Ed du School illness." In favorite fall scents like Germ-X & Lysol Citrus Meadows.
as I said before, my husband was out at work for a month last hitch. This meant that he was only home for 12 days. Not enough decompression time if you ask me. He went back today, so it's on my mind. I also had the pleasant opportunity of tearing a bit of cartilage in my right shoulder. This causes a fantastic sensation of pain and on occasion some numbness and aching throughout my arm. Overall it has been a great experience. Sleeping is a real treat, too. so much fun. (I'm trying to have a positive attitude, is it working?) ((forcing a smile)) ANYWAY...I 'spose I should get some pictures on here of my kids, since they're all about a year older now. I'll find some good ones a bit later...((still smiling))

2010-09-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

So my husband has been gone a WHOLE month and you think I would have taken time to write about something...I've been a little busy since he left. I started Sunshine Generation up here. Most of my time has been spent prepping for that, buying equipment (playing with equipment), and learning the songs a choreography that goes with it. I'm having a blast teaching, except for the fact that I have had to fire half of my own personal children after the first class. Methinks they're savages. Anyhoodle, my husband comes home tomorrow night. Sigh of relief. I sometimes feel like I am holding my breath until he comes home. Not always an utterly pleasant sensation, but after 4 years, I guess it's normal.
So along with Sunshine, I'm in the Primary Presidency again, and doin' P90X in the mornings and I'm singing again with the lovely group of ladies in the "Museum Singers" . Love it, love them. It's nice to be with grown ups and make some beautiful sound. Guess I'm busy. I miss art though. I miss the freedom that comes from creating something visual. If you're not an artist you probably don't get that. There is a mental escape that happens when I draw or paint. I get lost in my picture. I haven't been able to get lost for a long time. I have a room dedicated to art and craft stuff. It's the "craft" room...at least it's supposed to be the "craft" room, but to be honest it's the "crap" room. It's full of the catch all stuff that doesn't have a home yet. So no art or craft stuff is happening in the "crap" room. It will... eventually. Hopefully sooner than later.
The kids are all doing well in school. Even Spencer, (Holy Crap!) and it's about time for that. He's a good kid. Painfully smart to the point of being dumb sometimes. Sariah has all A's...except in math. That would be genetically my fault. Gabe is also doing well. He's peaceful to me right now. Caleb is...well Caleb and driving me CRAZY. Jacob is enjoying Kindergarten. It has helped him TONS, especially when it comes to sitting in Primary. Joey and Ellie are the only ones at home. There are even days when they don't try to kill each other. Joey goes to Kindergarten next year and then it will be just me and Ellie..........who knew it would go by this fast. Maybe then I'll organize the "crap" room...and draw pictures of the way "it" used to be.

An eternity on the throne

2010-08-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

Before we went to Laramie, I made a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up some snacks. Spencer was still at Scout camp and so that left Sariah to hold down the fort for 15 minutes or so. When returned all the kids were contentedly watching movie downstairs...except one. I found Joey in the upstairs bathroom waiting for *help* so that he could get down. I asked him how long he had been up there waiting. In his saddest voice he flopped over and sighed, "Thirty Years!"
"Wow, buddy. That's a long time." Is all I could say. Then I turned and busted a gut laughing.

2010-07-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

Packing the car for a trip is like checking out at the grocery store...all the stuff you took out never goes back in the same as it did the first time you put it there, be it the cart or your trunk.
So...I just got back from my hometown. I drove my 7 dwarfs 5 hours to visit my sister and niece who just moved up from Htown. We went with the element of surprise to help them and my sister's friend, that she managed to drag up North with her (we really like her, and actually I think she came for the Wyoming experience willingly) to help them move in. Some help we were. I went to visit an old friend in the AM and by the time we got there to help in the process, the 8 missionaries, that my mother had wrangled into helping, had the whole job finished in an hour. But, nonetheless, it was still good to go and visit. My children did pretty well for being crammed into my mothers tiny house, and for the fact that some of us had to sleep in a tent in the backyard. Yeah, that tiny. I eventually chose to be the one in the tent because it was so hot in the house. Thank goodness it cools down at night. I finally got used to sleeping outside, even though I was always a little aware and awake for most of the nights. The last night we were there Spencer and I were the only ones out in the tent. There was threat of thunderstorms but when we went to sleep the clouds were sparse and I chose to start the night with the rain flap off. Sometime during the early morning the wind picked up and the sprinkle started. I ignored it until I felt the little drops get through the tent. So I had to wake Spen up to help me get the rain flap back in place. Once done and back in bed I finally fell into a deep peaceful happy sleep listening to the sound of the rain hitting the tent. And good crap was I tired. Right when I was really starting to enjoy the land of good dreams, I heard a knock on the tent. It was my dad in his Eeyore voice, "Your mom says that you should wake up and look at this rainbow." Are you freaking kidding me? I obliged. and stuck my irritated head out the door of the tent and peeked around the corner to see...I wish I could say "the most spectacular sight in Heavenly space" but I can't...it was just a rainbow. and not that bright...(I guess I'm spoiled because when we get 'bows at my house across the field they are spectacular.) Did I get to fall back into that heavenly sleep? OF COURSE NOT... The only people who can probably appreciate this are those parents of multiple children that can count the nights of *super sleep* on one hand.
The overall trip was fine...not super. I'm sure that someday I will be able to count this as therapeutic. It was an emotionally multilayer-ed trip. Of which, I will not currently bore you with specific details.
I'm glad that Dawn and Sam and Jeanne live close enough to visit now. I'm glad that Jennifer and Bill have found a house (in my hometown, read into that what you will) to live in while they go to school. I'm glad that I have friends like Ben and Krista who are in the same phase of life that Jason and I are. I'm glad that the people who watched me grow up and struggle understand the real *why*, and I'm grateful that they can see how I turned out alright. I'm glad I don't live in the same house I grew up in. I'm grateful to have married the man I did, he definitely brought me *up*. Most importantly I'm glad to be home... and I'm glad we found that the dogs didn't die while we were gone, even though Lucky threw up about a pound of grass when we got here. Apparently he has separation anxiety.
that's all for now
good day to ya.

Holy UFO Batman!!!

2010-07-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

So... when we were in SLC, wandering about a mall with 10 of *someone else's children*, and 2 of our own, Sariah bought a copy of Twilight. She's a crazy avid reader and so I figured the time would come, sooner or later, for her interest to hit these books. I conceded and let her read it. I've already heard all the books on CD, so I knew there were a few "mature" ideas floating around quite prevalently throughout the series. Regardless, I let her read it and then let her buy the other 3. Then I started to read them. Way better in print!
Late one night,(late, late, one night around midnight, after all the kids had finished watching a movie and fallen asleep) I was reading and getting ready for bed at the same time. I had just finished reading the part of the 3rd book where Jasper is telling his story about the newborn vampires, when I opened the door of my bathroom that leads to my bedroom. I looked down to watch my step as I walked out and my eyes met Lucky's, (he's the old dog.) There was this crazy excitement in his eyes, the same look that you might get from a tired 90-year old man if you showed him a picture of a lady in a bathing suit. I hadn't seen that kind of sparkle in his eyes in a long time. This is where the chain reaction started to happen. All of the following occured in about 5 seconds but some very distinct things happened in this order: First; question in my head...why are you looking like that? Second; What is causing you to look like that?(side note... we have a moth problem here. Well, I guess it really isn't a problem. They just find ways to occasionally get in the house and fly around the lights. No biggie. So as Lucky is starring at me with this "guess what I just saw!" look, I saw something flutter by the door. let's go back to what was happening in my head.)
Third; Wow, that's a big moth! Fourth; (as it flew by again) that's the biggest moth I've ever...WAIT a minute...that's not a moth, (flies by again) that's a bird! (Flies by again) WAIT that's not a bird...THAT'S A BAT!!!! SLAM goes the bathroom door panicking ensues. Think, think, think... Grab towel... thinking that I can flutter at it and send it out the door. Tip #1 Do not flutter a towel at a bat. They use echolocation to find where they are going and if you flap and flutter, they think you are either a threat or family and they will fly AT you. So there I was on the floor of the hallway, (we actually got out of my room), and I sent the dogs after it. The bat flew out to the living room and hung upside down off the popcorn ceiling, I kid you not. I was able to get a good look at it, from a distance mind you. It was the size of a medium sized Robin (that's a little funny) but it wasn't at the time, with its leathery wings wrapped around its body like a cocoon. It then flew back toward me and into the craft room. Its detour gave me the chance to shut the little boys room and all the other doors then run downstairs to retrieve the Boy Scout, Spencer. The conversation went like this, I said, "SPENCER, GET UP THERE'S A BAT IN THE HOUSE!" Spencer said, "cool."
We let the dogs outside. Boy Scout reminded me that there was a chance for the dogs to get bit and then that whole threat of possible rabies although statisically blah blah blah, thank you Spencer, how the crap are we going to get the BAT out of the house.
The next part of the story consists mostly of a lot screeching (my own), crawling around on the floor (me and Spencer), head covering (remember the towel), avoiding getting flown at, laughing (me and Spencer, mostly at each other, for crawling around on the floor and screeching),and Spencer saying "Holy Frack!"
We somehow managed to lure the bat out into the kitchen. We have fluorescent lights, I thought that maybe, just MAYBE, the bat might be attracted to the slight noise that comes from the lights. Maybe that wasn't the case, BUT, for whatever reason, the bat followed us out into the kitchen where we opened both sides of the french doors and waited while bat explored the kitchen and, what felt like, every area close to MY head. Eventually, the bat flew out the doors and we slammed them shut after it.
Needless to say Spencer and I were both a bit jumpy for the next couple of days. Any time a moth fluttered by, or a surround sound speaker (about the size of the bat) fell off the wall while we were watching a movie, we'd jump and have to fight the huge internal desire to hit the floor and screech, or throw out a "Holy Frack!"
Good day to ya

2010-07-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Jason bought me a new computer. Well lets back up. My old computer broke. boring. So I have been borrowing a friends for the last 3 months. Nice friend, I know. Because of that I haven't been too thrilled about downloading pics and doing "unnecessary" tasks on hers. Blogging was, what I thought, an unnecessary task. At least I thought that until my husband actually confessed that he missed my ramblings. How can I deny him the pleasure of reading my perspective of the chaos that is our life. Not to mention, now I have this nice new shiny computer, that he bought me, with which to ramble on. I will have to schedule time to blog, I s'pose. I may just trade my facebook time out for blogging. It's getting a little old over there in social land. So I'll get back to the good stuff. Me, my kids, and the occasional rant and random thought. So thank you, Jason, for the computer and for really paying attention to me, (when you're home) and this silly little blog, (when you're at work.) Love you.

New Christmas lyrics (by Jacob)

2009-12-28T09:22:00.000-08:00

Silent Night, O Holy Night
all is bright
all is calm
Gather 'round your Mergin
Mother and chite
Sweep in Heavenly peeaACCE
Sweep in Heavenly peace.

You better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
Jesus is coming to town
He's making a list
He's checkin it twice
he's gunnda find out who's naughty or nice
Jesus is coming to town.

Jacob has been singing for weeks. Really loud. I'm actually amazed at how well and accurate he has been for the most part. The new version on Santa Claus is coming to town came out today, but he blamed it on his "transformer."

2009-12-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Husband is home. I'm all better. Well mostly. He leaves to go back to work on the 23rd of December. This is the 3rd Christmas in a row that he has had to work. BUT we'll have him home next year. This is a good thing.
It's 7 degrees outside and it's snowing. There is a fire in the fireplace downstairs, Christmas music on and a beautiful tree decorated by the kids upstairs. The only thing missing is the minty hot chocolate. It really is a good, good day.

2009-12-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

I don't have a whole lot to say. My kids have done some pretty feakin' funny stuff lately, but at the present my head is full of choir rehearsal crap and so I can't remember anything specific. I am super grateful to them for keeping it together when I'm still off my rocker. I am so blessed and I am so aware of those blessings, but I can't dump the funk. You know how every once in a while all the ducks in the pond (of your brain) are floating nicely, in a row. Then something comes along and eats one? That's where I am. It really isn't a big thing either. I think it is a bunch of little things gnawing away at the once happy, free floating duck. Whatever it was... I can't get the rest of my little ducks back in a row and I'm grieving. Angry or sad pick one...quickly because it will be the opposite in a minute.

the new flavor

2009-11-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

So I guess I gotta watch my choice of words. Jacob and Joey were excused from the dinner table for trying to escape during prayer. The rule is: if you don't pray with the family, you don't eat with the family. This is a new rule that came about because of Jacob's earlier attempt to be sneaky and leave during the prayer and then come back thinking no one noticed he was gone. What I wouldn't give to be 4 again. The simplest things seem so entertaining. So tonight he and Joey both took off. What the heck? So it was into their beds until the rest of us were finished eating. After dinner I tried out my new blender by making some smoothies for dessert. When J & J were allowed to came back out to eat they, of course, were only interested in having a smoothie. Now after a long week of eating insane amounts of junk food I'm feeling guilty about how much crap these little kids are eating. I told those two that they couldn't eat *crap* until after they ate their veggies and meat. So then I had Joey whining that all he wanted was "crap". And Jacob piped up as he was shoving his mouth full of peas and corn "Joey, you have to eat this stuff first and then we can have some crap." I had to explain that the name of dessert was a *smoothie* and not actually *crap*. (sigh)

Don't bother reading, it's not pleasant

2009-11-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

So...I always start my blogs with "so" ever notice? I just did. So...I've been thinking. Why did I move? My reason (biggest excuse) was to come live up here with my BFf and write. Which we have done. And I have had some kick butt experiences that couldn't have happened if I still lived over there. The weather here is oddly amazing and seasonally appropriate. It's unlike any other place in Wyoming I've found. The wind rarely, if ever, blows here. The moisture content is higher here than say, Casper, (where we were for Thanksgiving) but we're not breathing water. Sidenote: Casper is the land of the never ending wind. I think they call Chicago the windy city just because there are more people there to complain about the wind. But I bet the stats would show that Casper is truly the windiest of the windy cities.
We haven't gotten crazy snow. Which I wouldn't mind more of to be honest. No tornado's, no hail, rarely a thunderstorm, nothing like Texas. The summer's not to hot. Winter is cold like it should be. Weather is perfect, if not a little boring.
I don't have to lock my doors. House or car. I do, but I don't have to. This place is safe.
I have music. I am singing in a 12 piece women's choir. They call us the ambassadors for the Washakie Museum. We meet once a week. That's it. And these women can sing. It's lovely. I don't even have to go searching for a group. They called me.
My grade school kids, that'd be Sariah, Gabe, and Caleb, are doing amazing. there might be 200 kids in the whole school. Sariah had read over 1million words by the beginning of the second quarter. Her teacher said he couldn't have asked for a better student.
Gabe's fine and Caleb is quiet.
Spencer's experience with school has been crap. It's always been rough. But it's been really rough here. It's just the homework. So we are thinking about doing home school with him. There is a virtual academy for Wyoming. It's like a public school curriculum online. We'll learn more about it when Jason gets home. And yes, the thought of this scares the hell out of me, but so does leaving him in a school system where their main goal is making sure he can get a *job* out of high school. Not a career, not into college, a JOB (freakin back water crack smokin...I'm hormonal, let me complain) they need to change their objectives and their dialog.
So here is where my issues start to arise. I can't get into all of the Spencer issues with school because that could take all night and they aren't the only things putting weight on my head right now. Long story short. He took the *MAP* test, like the TAKS, they are given a percentile score, you know the *if yer kid got a 50% he scored better than 50/100 kids that took the test nationwide.* Spencer scored the following: general science 98%; Math 69%; Science concepts 91%; Reading 98%; Language usage 90%. Yet he is failing most of his classes because he doesn't want to play the *game*...
So I wonder, was moving here good for Spencer? Could Sariah have accomplished more in a place with more to offer. I don't know how things could have been different for Gabe and Caleb. But I think that Caleb would be reading better had he started in Katy like Sariah and Gabe did.
One hand the kids are safe and doing the best with what they have. Other hand could they be doing more.
NEXT. Jennifer is moving. I know, I know I could feel the BOO HISS from the Texans reading this. And I will BOO HISS louder than anyone, and I'll through in a What the hell. Jason is mad because I say hell a lot now, that's Jennifer's fault, she started it. I say it quietly, and mostly under my breath but still...
anyway...explanation. Bill, the husband of my BFF, has until now not decided upon a career. They have been floating around with their flower shop for 7 years now. It's just not, and hasn't been, paying all the bills. We all know this can happen when you own your own business (wink, wink, nudge, nudge Pizza what?). So he *man*ed up right before we moved here and started working for a dentist while Jenn ran the shop. Long story short. Dentist convinced Bill to go to dental school. Become dentist and come back, work here(ug ug). Two years in Laramie to finish undergrad(he's my age) then 4 years at a dental school somewhere. Good for him for deciding. Bad for me because it actually affects my family. I'm so bitter about this whole thing that I could just spit venom. He's supposedly leaving Jennifer here with the kids for another 10 months, so that she can attempt to sell/work the store. I don't think it'll be that long. I think they'll walk and that'll will shorten my time with my friend and the reason I moved to this particular little smelly town. Selfish or not I'm mad.
I have found a handful of people that I like in this little town. Kudos to them.
HOWEVER...At church I feel like a three ring circus act, either that or a car wreck. I feel like I'm being watched. I only like being watched when I'm on stage. Otherwise just let me have moments of weakness by myself so I can figure them out and then I'll put on the *perfect* face again. You don't get moments of weakness in a small town, if you do it's what defines you. In Texas I could go for a week and not see anyone, fall apart completely, twice even, and then pull it together before I had to see anyone.
Then there's the shopping...lack of shopping. Over priced, under quality shopping. That is all I will say about that, cause every time I go to the grocery store here I get angry and thinking about it makes me grumpy.
Bottom line...I wasn't happy in Texas for all the reasons that I am happy here, and I'm not happy here for all the reasons I was happy in Texas. SO if I could take all the people that I loved from down there and move them up here and if y'all brought a Walmart and HEB, and some geckos and frogs and a High School that didn't have a principal that taught math in MY high school from'87 to my graduating year of '93, not kidding, it was like walking in to a time warp, And if you could bring a dental school with you so that my bff's husband could get a stoopid career, then I might be perfectly content. Or if my husband, who is my bff #1, could get a high (enough) paying job, that would keep him home every night, I think that would make everything else null and void...since that probably won't happen here...
The bottom of the bottom line...I may not be happy anywhere, pathetic isn't it. I know, I know happiness is what you make it.

I am thankful and grateful and extremely blessed. I never doubt that, but there are days when the down of the down gets me and I shouldn't talk to people. That would be today, I'll be better tomorrow, wait tomorrow is Sunday. I'll be better on Monday, wait lets try Thursday, I like Thursdays. Thursday's are my favorite.

When a long day gets longer

2009-11-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

So my husband was a little disappointed that I haven't updated my blog. This touched me a little (in the head) and reminded me why I started the blog in the first place.
I woke up the other morning at the typical 6:something so I could chase Spencer out the door in time for seminary and then get the other 3 up and dressed and fed before the bus arrived at 7:25. When I get up in the AM it would be TOTALLY less stressful if Jacob and Joey stayed asleep at least until the big kids made it out the door. Having been a mother of 5 previous *3 year olds* I know better. The 3yo's are the ones that are last to bed and first to rise. Jacob successfully passed along the torch a few months ago. So now instead of his face being the first and last one I see, it's Joey's little mug. Jacob now sleeps-in, almost always, until Spencer leaves at 6:45. The frustrating thing is that there are just two more little loud bouncy things around my ankles while I'm dragging the *I'll sleep-in as late as I can, except on Saturdays, and twice as long on Sundays* group out of bed. How does the baby sleep? She'd sleep until 11am if I let her. To be honest, sometimes I do let her.
Sometimes I'll go back to bed for a nap, while J & J watch Dora and Diego.
One morning I stayed up. I got those who needed to go to school on their way, the baby out of bed and everybody else fed some toast with peanut butter. I started in on dishes and other things while the little kids played. I answered emails and the phone and took a shower and came out to the hungry monkeys, so I decided to fix lunch. I made Campbell's soup with Goldfish noodles and grilled cheese sandwiches. Then I looked at the clock. It was 9:09am. Seriously? I was making "lunch" at NINE O'clock in the morning.? At that rate dinner would have been at 3 and we would have been in bed by the time the kids got off the bus from school.

good day to ya.

Ellie's 2nd Birthday

2009-10-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

So the baby turned 2...Waaahhhhh...

Or was it 16?

My two Princesses

The Castle cake... we kept laughing 'cause it looked more like a pink temple. I wouldn't let Spencer make and Angel Moroni to put on top though

We should have waited to give her the Princess cell phone... She refused to put it down. She loves it and her baby.

2009-10-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

I always have intentions for finishing my stories. Sometimes my life and lack of motivation runs away with me and it takes forever to get back to the blogging world. It's usually when I am frustrated and needing a creative out put that extends past the Facebook one liner.
My frustrations, today, are with food. I have desire to plan and carry out an EASY menu that will feed 7 hungry kids and not cost a million dollars at the already over priced grocery store, and not throw a kink in the line. So if any of you have any bright and tested ideas, let me know. I felt like being a more creative, but now I'm irritated because the oldest genius forgot he had detention after school today, due to being tardy. so I'm going to go be frustrated for a minute and then let the natural consequences fly.

Then what happened?

2009-08-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

OK, so I said that wasn't the end. After Gabe changed, we went in to do some more clothes shopping at Kmart, remember I had already been in there once. This went off fairly well. Most everything we found fit. Gabe and Caleb would stand in the changing room and I would throw clothes in to them to try on. Sariah was a little more difficult. She's still tiny. but VERY particular about how things "feel". So it took her longer to find and try things. Spencer was bored. we had previously done shopping for him, so he was basically along for the ride, and to buy his gear for his welding class. Which, by the way, we found NONE of while there or at Walmart, so Spencer's presence is now that of an annoyed annoying teenager. Like a poky sliver in the bottom of your foot. So that's what his classification is for the rest of the story, the sliver. Now, he can't just bother me. He has to antagonize everyone, and so the energy of the trip has just gone from "we can get past the puke, " to "Are you kidding me?" And then at the check out line, it happened again, I spend money and get ill. I just don't like the feeling. and it wasn't over.
We finished Kmart and went and got lunch at Wendy's. I was skeptical, but Gabe said he really was fine, so whatever. Then we headed across the street to Walmart and shopped there. We had to get a lot of nonfood things, TP, PT, laundry stuff, et cetera. And we found Sariah another pair of jeans that needed to be tried on. I've learned my lesson, she must choose her own stuff now, and try everything on. After all that and a couple trips to the bathroom, for everyone, we headed to the food section to take care of the main reason we were there. After a few minutes of grabbing things that we needed, I realized that I needed to go to the bathroom. Here is why...I hadn't been paying close enough attention to the *time of month* and so when you feel that familiar...Oh crap, things need to be attended to. So here I am in the bathroom at Walmart with no purse, no coins, no feminine hygiene things. What choices do I have? Toilet paper. I don't think I need to go into anymore detail about this. I went out with a quasi positive mood that I would be able to finish shopping. When I got out to where I left the kids, they were fighting about what 100 calorie cookie packs they wanted for their lunches. Sorry, those cute little packages might be nice when you live alone, but trying to feed 7 kids lunch everyday? they just aren't economical. That was the last silly little straw. Plus I needed to go to other side of the store to pick up some *girl* stuff. This confused everyone. So While they waited I also bought some bubble bath, so I didn't have to have the *talk* with my 4 oldest children on the way home. After we checked out, spending more money than I have at Walmart, (other than buying our TV) since Christmas, I mentioned to Spencer that I needed to go back to the restroom. "But, you just went?!" said the sliver. (Bite me,) I'll be right back. We loaded up the puked on Suburban and drove home. But that's not all...there is still what happened at home... and on Sunday.

Something to blog about

2009-08-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

So I have learned when ordinary mundane tasks take a twist to the difficult, do to whatever circumstances, good stories are born and there is finally something to blog about. I have said and I quote myself... Good art comes from weak hearts. This applies to all sorts of things. It just adds to the idea of *opposition in all things*... makes everything a lot funnier. So here we go with my two days direct from the funnier side of Hell.
It all started when Caleb, the new 1st grader, walked out of his room dressed for the first day of school. His jeans were too short and there were little holes in both knees. And then when Sariah, the new 5th grader, came out dressed for the 2nd day of school in the same pair of ratty jeans she wore the first day. She complained that "nothing fits" when told to go change (because she looked like a hobo.) I don't have anything, in particular, against hobo's. As long as my children don't accept their *forced* sense of fashion for their own. I came quickly to the conclusion that my children needed new clothes. This required a trip to the nearest Walmart. Which happens to be in Riverton, a nice hour and 20 minute jaunt down the highway. The soonest this could happen was Saturday. I asked my friend to keep the 3 youngest kids. While I understand the insanity of taking any children shopping wherever there are fluorescent lights involved (I'm telling you there is a connection in crazy behavior in children and the lighting in the stores), I am not stupid enough to shove them all in a hot car (the AC isn't working quite right) and then shop with them for clothes, let alone food. We are attempting the cold lunch approach this year. So we needed to get groceries at a cheaper location, which is NOWHERE in this town. So our Saturday started out with the goal of accomplishing two things, buy clothes, so they're not naked. And buy food so the lunches don't totally suck.
In the car on the way we listened to "Eclipse" the 3rd book in the Twilight series. Interesting, I'm not sure still how I feel about these books, but that's another post altogether. I sped a little which I rarely if ever do. The most I go is 5 over the speed limit. But even that much with windy mountain roads can make a warm car ride even bumpier or more sway-ier, add WY wind and you get the PERFECT ingredients for car sickness. I should know, I used to puke on every car trip, just ask my sister. Everything was fine until we were maybe 5 miles outside Riverton, if that. Gabriel says from the middle seat, "I think I'm going to be sick." I wasn't quite sure how to process this information. I had dealt with Sariah saying that most of the trip just so she could have her window down. So I suggested that he move over to the window and get some air. I would have pulled over but we had been stuck between two trucks for a while and there was no real place to do it. I yelled for Spencer to find a trash bag, we had nothing in the car. Come on, we always have some sort of trash bag in the car, we have melted crayons... and an old cheeseburger, why not a stupid trash bag. I looked back at Gabe in hopes that he could understand that we were super close and if he could just hold... oh never mind. By the time I had even registered anything, he had already puked out the window. Now in the land where the *handbook to life* is handed out when you're born, you get to learn directly from its pages making some of life's experiences easier. But since we don't live there, we have to learn some things by trial and oops. For example, in the *handbook to life* under the chapter titled "Things NOT to do" you would find suggestions such as; "Pee on a flat rock" or "Teach your baby sister to bite" or "Puke out the window, going 65mph... into the wind." Gabriel got to learn this one on his own.
After I realized that it had already happened we pulled into the Kmart parking lot, (It was across the street from Walmart. (I thought it might be a nice change for clothes shopping.) to asses full damages. Gabe had tried to get most of the puke off his face using the half dried baby wipes that were in the car. I looked at his shirt trying to decide if we could get away with taking him inside. Oh, I didn't mention the chocolate cream pie that he had for breakfast. Right do the visual math. Anyway the decision was made that I needed to go buy him some new clothes and have him change. I got out and then saw the side of the vehicle. All I could do was laugh and think about the truck driving behind us, it had to have gotten hit. (that's mean, I know) I went in the store, found him a Tshirt and pair of shorts and some wet baby wipes. Then went back out. While he changed, I tried to wipe down the side of the suburban with the baby wipes. So instead of chocolate vomit splattered, I mean SPLATTERED all across the truck, we now had whitish smeary chocolate puke swirls all across the truck. And this was NOT all that day. but that is all I have time to type right now. Spencer starts seminary tomorrow morning and that means I have to get up early so I can make sure he catches his ride. but I will continue tomorrow with the rest of what happened, because that was all before noon. Oh and then there was today...

2009-08-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

I take it all back. Well not the lamentation of Spencer being in H.S. but apparently he did fairly well today...but girls talked to him...I leave that alone for now. It WAS quieter. In my head it was a LOT quieter. I only had to think for 4 people today, instead of 8. And one of those 4 doesn't even really talk yet, and she took a nap. I did laundry ALL day. which is insane because my husband had it mostly caught up before he left. "Laundry is my friend, laundry is my friend," I keep trying, but it's not working. but, When I get to those stupid white socks...arrgh. When Jason comes home the *sock box* goes out the window. So I thought I would match them up fold them. poke my eyes out. It really wasn't too bad. I need to finish the kitchen. We started a remodel quite a while ago. It really started rolling 6 weeks ago. We just tiled our counters. I have to seal the grout, add the back splash, paint and put everything back together. It's a pain in the tuckus (how do you spell that, is it really a word?it is google is a wonderful thing. alternate spelling to the yiddish word *tuches*) to function around a *nonfunctional* kitchen. I saw one episode of that "Jon & Kate+8" show where they were redoing a perfectly good kitchen. I couldn't believe the whining. "This doesn't work because of blah, blah, blah, poor me wah" I couldn't believe it. I couldn't stand it. Maybe the show was deserving of air time when the kids were littler, it may have been neat to see two people working together to raise all those babies. But did they do it alone? I never watched it. but if you have nanny's and nurses, I think you lose a lot of the "WOW" factor. and then add money, plastic surgery, fame and lameness, I think the show should go away and these "normal" people should learn what real life is all about. And on that strange tangent...I will say no more about something that does not deserve my attention. I now need to focus on my seven, one of which is talking endlessly to me, about? I don't know what. and one that is screaming "MOMMY" because he needs his hiney wiped. The *poop ninja* is on duty. And so I will leave you with that weird post to do with as you will.
good day to ya

2009-08-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

I never thought that getting child #1 ready for the first day of high school would cause such mental anguish. It's worse than sending one to Kindergarten. With Kindergarten, there is a sense of accomplishment, a sense of "Wow, look at us...one more through the door. And they're potty trained!" But with a high-schooler, it's more like "Aww hell...there goes the last chance for his poor innocent brain." Oh, and the torment and concern for the effect that *other peoples* children may have on them. So we pray, and learn another little lesson from God. Lessons that you can only learn as a parent. I've gotten a lot of those.
So tomorrow is the first day of school. Early, I know. And I'm torn, in general, about the whole thing. Some may say it's good to have the kids in school, it makes life at home easier. I'm not sure about that. I still have 5,6 & 7 at home. I can't peacefully leave the house till 1-4 are home. Maybe I'll get more *home-work* accomplished...wish me luck with that one. We'll have to see how it all goes tomorrow. Why the heck would anyone start school on a Thursday? Why not wait until Monday? Are they trying to ease us into a full week? Giving us a sample of how it's going to be to get 4 (not always cheerful and compliant) kids up and ready for school while either praying that the other 3 stay sleeping (fat chance) so they don't bawl about it not being their turn to go to school.
Actually I think all will run swimmingly. I wish that my husband could have gone to work the day after the first day of school and not the day prior. Ah well. No matter.

so all I have to say in remembrance of tradition in this family is..."First Day of School, First Day of School, BOOGER." that's really a funny story, but you'd have to know Gabriel to find its true humor
Good day to ya.

BLIAR

2009-06-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fat blogging liar. Here I was all set to start writing every night and what happened? LIFE as usual. I never realized how much time 7 kids, 4 cats(2 in 2 out) a dog, a part time at home dad, a giant messy 30 year old house and almost an acre of land, can take up. Not to mention watching my DVR'd favorite shows, cause you can't watch them when they happen, too loud, and stupid facebooking. Those last two are really quite a waste of time. My house was totally cleaner before getting dish. But I try to balance it all out with sleep. Anyway. On with the real show. I'm going visiting teaching in a few minutes and so this will probably come in segments. Funny, last time I wrote in segments I moved before I could tell anyone what happened.

So Jennifer(my bff#2, Jason is bff#1 as it should be) has list little music academy up here. I helped direct a musical for the teen group this spring. It was a blast, had a good time with these kids and my little super star Sariah. As a *reward* we took this group of kids to SLC to go see the Tabernacle Choir and to have a private tour (since Jenn's aunt is the Executive Secretary we had special privileges) We started out Thursday morning at 6. with myself and Jenn in our Suburban and her hubby Bill and another parent(Lisa, whom incidentally is the lady we bought our house from) in there van. All seats were full with the exception of our 9th, middle front seat. And off we went to the great state of Utah.

Joey just peed on the floor and now I have to go V.Ting so that must be the end of segment one.

2009-06-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

NeW pOsTs To CoMe! I have decided that blogging (journal keeping) is important and deserves a little of my time and attention again.(Plus I got a new camera) the old one had taken enough pictures of muddy children and birthdays and kicked the bucket while I was trying to snap some shots of Caleb's first T-ball game...Needless to say I was NOT a happy camper. So I bought a new one when I was in SLC on my little trip and that is what I'll be posting first...ish. I might do those birthdays first, maybe I'll just put it all into one stupid long entry and bore y'all to death with my excessive ramblings. However it happens, I look forward to reconnecting with all y'all through this wonderfully crazy blogging world.

good day to ya.

2009-04-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here eating cold pizza for breakfast, with a slightly stuffy nose, missing my husband on his 31st birthday. I spent 3 hours yesterday morning cleaning out the leaves and junk from my front row of lilac bushes. It was FABULOUS. The weather was perfect. And because I live just outside city limits I pulled all the leaves to our dirt driveway and burnt them and then I put the ashes in one of our garden boxes. Sariah (with the occasional help of Jacob) and I planted our veggie garden box on Saturday. We have corn, peas, beans, radishes, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, and zucchini. I'll let you know how that goes. We have one box dedicated to herbs, that's for Spencer to do. Then I still have two boxes to fill. I bought watermelon seeds, and I'd like to plant some strawberries. I'll have to admit that gardening is a little intimidating when you want it to succeed. I've planted in the past and not taken great care or really given a care and so it hasn't been successful. But this year is different. I am realizing that as of May 21st I'll have 7 kids at home...ALL FREAKIN DAY LONG!!!!!!! We cannot stay inside and laze the days away. So we'll be working outside A LOT. The weather hear is very mild. Yes, we saw -25 for a couple weeks in December, but when there is a giant snow storm covering the rest of Wyoming, there seems to be a bubble over this basin. The wind is mild, the sun is shiny, and it actually means something when you stand in the shade, there is an actual temperature change.
It was good for me to go outside yesterday. It reminded me of the reasons I wanted to move. I have to be honest, whenever I go shopping I have the strange and overpowering desire to move back to Houston. Remember now, NO WALMART. The closest one is an hour and a half away. We have crappy overpriced little po-dunk stores. I look like a deer in headlights when I shop. With thoughts like "You want me to pay WHAT? For THAT!?!?!?" and "@#@*&!* $*&@*#*%&" written all over my face. But I will take solace in my outdoor activities, and the low crime rate (compared to Houston, it's nonexistent) and the mountains, the robins and meadowlarks, and the fact that when I go into the kids' schools' it's not like entering a high security facility.
I also have to admit that I miss my friends. That would be those of you reading this. I didn't really think that this would be an issue for me, but there was something to be said for being in a place where most of everyone was in the same or similar place in life. Boowah. whatever. Point is, I'll definitely come and visit all y'all.
I don't know if I've posted these pics already or not. I took these right after we moved here.

This is looking out our farthest driveway(we have 3)This is looking out our middle one

This is too, and that's one of our 10 pine trees

Now these are the garden boxes. We cleaned them out in the fall, and boy am I glad we did. It made planting SO much easier. We used the closest "L" shape one on Saturday.
And that's our house.
So many projects. That's what my husband says every time he comes home. But it's true. And it's good. Well I'm gonna get my giddyap on. Caleb has an ear infection and needs to get to the Dr. so for now...

good day to ya.

2009-04-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

So...I seem to be narrating my day in my head again. I guess that means it's time to blog again. I have taken solace at the other keyboard in my life. That would be the piano. Most of you are saying either "I didn't know you play the piano" or "you can't play the piano." Well truth of the matter is... I do and can. Not necessarily to accompany in church with hymns, there seems to be a cross section in my brain that insists I focus more on what people are singing rather than what I'm playing. That is all beside the point. I've "composed" 4 songs since I've been here. I would have said written but they're not scored. The lyrics are finished for 3 of them. The 4th is not finished. It is actually my 2nd song. After watching Jennifer in the writing process, I decided that it couldn't be that hard, and guess what, it's not. And I'm sure there is divine inspiration in there as well. Now all I need is recording equipment and software. It's a satisfying pastime, one that I could and have gotten lost in for hours. The equipment will have to wait for a while, however, because we're going to VEGAS BABY! Jason and I have decided that it is finally time we took a "honeymoon." So for our anniversary in May we are taking a 5 day trip to Las Vegas to see a show and go to the temple and sleep. Hopefully not all at the same time.
Jenn and Bill are going to come and stay at our house. I just need to solidify the babysitting for the daytime while they have to work. I'm super excited. Jason and I haven't been together anywhere without kids in a million years, if not ever. And it's about time we go. So we're going.
Easter was fabulous, because Jason was home. Not so fabulous because on Saturday I had the stomach flu. I was blessed with much improved health on Sunday, enough to where I could be up for everything and not totally hate it. I made the boys ties to match the girls dresses. Unfortunately, we didn't get to complete the picture at church because Ellie and I stayed home. Which was alright since I got a good little "photo shoot" done with her. .

2009-03-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

So my mother sent me this via email.
And if any of you have been wondering what it is like to live here in Wyoming, 
well here you go.  Jeff Foxworthy style.



Jeff Foxworthy on Wyoming

If 'vacation' to you means going shopping for the weekend in Casper or Cheyenne (while the kids swim at the Comfort Inn) You might live in Wyoming

If parking your car for the night involves an extension cord, You might live in Wyoming

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 8 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, You might live in Wyoming

If you're proud that your state makes the national news primarily because it houses the coldest spot in the nation, You might live in Wyoming.

If you have ever refused to buy something because it's 'too spendy', You might live in Wyoming

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, You might live in Wyoming.

If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, You might live in Wyoming.

If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, You might live in Wyoming.

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, You might live in Wyoming.

If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, You might live in Wyoming

If you know how to correctly pronounce Dubois, Kemmerer, and Fontenelle. You might live in Wyoming.

If you measure distance in hours, You might live in Wyoming.

If your family vehicle is a crew cab pickup, You might live in Wyoming.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, You might live in Wyoming.

If you often switch from 'heat' to 'A/C'in the same day and back again, You might live in Wyoming.

If you can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching, You might live in Wyoming.

If you see people wearing hunting clothes at social events, You might live in Wyoming.

If you've installed security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked, You might live in Wyoming.

If the largest traffic jam in your town centers around a high school basketball game, You might live in Wyoming.

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend knows how to use them, You might live in Wyoming.

If there are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Wal-Mart at any given time, You might live in Wyoming.

If there are more people at work on Christmas Eve Day than on Opening of Deer Season, You might live in Wyoming.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, You might live in Wyoming.

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, You might live in Wyoming.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, You might live in Wyoming.

If you can identify a southern or eastern accent, You might live in Wyoming .

If your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your cottonwood, You might be from Wyoming.

If a brat is something you eat, You might live in Wyoming.

If finding your misplaced car keys involves looking in the ignition, You might live in Wyoming.

If you find 0 degrees 'a little warm,' You might live in Wyoming.

If you actually understand these observations, and you forward them to all your Wyoming friends, You must be from Wyoming.

 This is all so true it's almost not funny.

I also think it's funny when...

2009-02-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

I also think it's funny when...

Jacob sings, in all sincerity "Take the Kitty lock her up, lock her up ,lock her up. Take the kitty lock her up, My fair lady."
Makes sense, I can hear it can you?

After everyone else went to bed Joey and I were having a snack and watching *Mythbusters*(LOVEthat show) He put black olives on his fingers (totally not original) but he used just 3 of them and *walked* them around and asked in a little alien voice "what's that?". When he got to the 7 layer dip we were eating and asked what it was I told the little alien that I was eating dip with his family on top and he says "NOooooo, not my brother! Is that my mom? and my dad? NOoooo." this may not be funny to you unless you know that up until about a year ago Joey said pretty much NOTHING.

I think it's silly when...

2009-02-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

I think it's silly when...
Somebody asks you *how you're doing?* when you are standing in a line at the hardware store holding a plunger and a toilet snake.

100th blog

2009-01-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

Hello? (tap...tap...tap) are you in there? Is anyone still out there? I haven't been neglecting my blog as much as I have been avoiding it. I went to write a short note, that I really was alright after that last entry, when I noticed that my New Years blog was number 99 and that the next thing I wrote would be the mongo 100th blog. I couldn't waste my 100th blog on something lame like, I'm still here and all my kids are still alive. My husband came home and we and had a fantastic two and a half weeks together(he had to go back early...again).

So now I am sitting down at the computer very aware of the clock and the fact that the school age kids are coming home in one hour for a 4 day weekend.... ... ... Not sure how I feel about that. On one hand the kindergartner will get to sleep in and not throw a fit when being woken too early to go to school, of which he "does not like." And I might get a little help cleaning up. Or it could all go to heck in a hand basket and totally go the other direction. We shall see. We shall, we shall.

So I apologize for avoiding my blog. And neglecting the posting of my pictures of our surroundings and my most adorable children, especially Ellie. Even with her occasional *mood altercation* she still has the ability to melt my heart with her little smile. It makes me nervous as all get out, when she stands at the top of the stairs. She has yet to make it all the way down. She'll stop and sit on a step. and wait. for someone. This would be fine if she sat correctly on the step, but she sits backwards on it. One little kick of the feet and she'd take a header down the stairs back first.
So on to the 100th blog thing. I was tagged a couple times on Facebook with this "25 things" where you just name 25 random things about yourself. I think I'll paste that and then continue and I'll call it "100 things you didn't want to know about me and more."

1. This will probably take me forever to do, because I type like crap.
2. I have a slight caffeine addiction in the form of Diet Mt. Dew.
3. I'm very funny, especially to myself in my own head.
4. I love my own children, all 7 of them. I Like them most of the time, but there are days.
5. I am not a fan of other peoples children. If I like your kids that means I really like you.
6. I love to write.
7. I love to sing, even more than write.
8. I think the post office should stop raising the price of stamps, because real letters are so friendly.
9. I Really don't like the ages of 3 and 5. I have one of each.
10. Having a teenager really isn't as bad as people make it seem. I may have lucked out. I'll let you know when my next kid gets there.
11. I love french fry sauce.
12. I love really good hot chocolate and D.H.(from a box) brownies
13. I think my sister can be one of the funniest writers I've read, I come close, but she's better.
14. I love to perform. acting, singing, speaking, whatever if it involves practice and a performance, I'm all over it.
15. I am happy to live in the West again.
16. I love looking out my window and seeing pine trees, snow and mountains
17. I'll admit to occasionally missing things about Texas, mainly the people, shopping and the amphibious and reptilian creatures that lived in my yard. I am proud to say that we still own our house there, and if I wanted we could move back. Prob'ly won't, but could.
18. I love Italian food. And I'll never pass up a good Mexican restaurante either.
19. I love completing home improvement projects.
20. I'm a little bit of a perfectionist.
21. The first coat of paint is fun, the 8th and 9th get a little tedious. see previous 2 entries
23. My husband is awesome.
24. I Love being a Durrant
25. I love love love to see that baby girl of mine smile. Melts my heart every time.

26. I'm quite fond of kittens, I don't have as great an affinity for animals as I used to but they are still up there on the important things list.
27. I must admit to trying the *Samantha* from "Bewitched" nose wiggle AND the "I Dream of Jeannie" blink/head nod to get my house clean...didn't work.
28. I think my sock box idea is a good one, even though my husband hates it. All the socks go in one box, you find your own pair. see Tourist Season
29. I can play the piano. I just freak out a little when I have to play while people sing.
30. I've lost my knack for gutting fish, it's been a long time. I should have paid more attention when I was little. (Spencer brought one home after ice fishing, he couldn't gut it so I had to. I think I deserve a merit badge.)
31. Not a fan of spiders.
32. My favorite TV show is Smallville. Tom Welling is one dang good looking human-I mean alien. I also love all things Stargate, this I have in common with my husband and best friend, how cool is that.
33. This is my age, for another 2 months and 27 days.
34. Do I have a tattoo? Once upon a time in the land of *I'll do whatever I want* there was a rebellious little girl.....
35. I wish I would have been a nicer person at certain times in my life.
36. Chocolate Chip cookies are NOT my favorite cookies. Especially the store bought kind. blech.
37. My favorite childhood story was Sesame Streets "The Monster's 3 wishes"
38. My favorite store bought cookies are Oreo's. There is a story behind that.
39. My favorite homemade cookies are Oatmeal Raisin.
40. I like carrot cake
41. I also like lemon poppy seed muffins/bread/cake
42. I am not a fan of dark chocolate
43. I have a pair of and love my *hooker* boots. I'm actually on the hunt for another black pair, my first pair died.
44. I, on occasion, still play my flute.
45. I do not like gummy things. Except Hot Tamales
46. My favorite salad dressing is 1000 Island, NOT ranch. I also like Blue Cheese and I'm not afraid to admit it.
47. I believe that mint and chocolate were made to go together. I'll even tolerate dark choco. if paired with mint.
48. My favorite ice cream is a really good mint choco chip(surprise) and I love Rocky Road with the mini marshmallows not the swirl. There is hidden somewhere a childhood craving for pink Bubble Gum.
49. My nose is not my best feature. Too bad it's in the middle of my face.
50. I do, however, have great hair. It has a mind of it's own, and must be dyed every 6 weeks, thanks to having kids. But it's still great hair.
51. I love the Peanuts gang.
52. I miss REAL cartoons.
53. I wish I knew more about interior decorating. HGTV helps, but...
54. I would love to actually be TOTALLY organized, like Melissa H. organized.
55. My creative artist is frustrated. I have paintings I want to do, but due to the un-organization of my craft/art/office, I can't get them started.
56. Oh yeah, I'm an artist. My eraser is my favorite tool.
57. I like ironing
58. I love the smell of clean laundry. I don't mind washing, drying or even folding, I'm just not so good at the putting away part.
59. I have lived in 4 states. UT, WY, TN, TX. put WY in between and after TN & TX. Do we see a pattern?
60. Spring is my favorite season.
61. Rain is my favorite weather. I did like the rain in Houston, it didn't smell right though.
62. I love the smell on the plains, right before it rains.
63. I'm a poet
64. I have not read a single "Twilight" series book. that may change.
65. I did read all HP books and 3 Leven Thumps books and I ordered the 4th today.
66. I have not eaten out by myself. Nor have I gone to a movie alone. I don't believe the latter would bother me.
67. I try to be a very grateful person and very aware of my blessings.
68. I have a bad habit of taking my socks off in the middle of the night and leaving them under the covers at the bottom of the bed.
69. my space bar has issues
70. It's hard to find a good orange, therefore, oranges are not my favorite.
71. I feel the same way about apples.
72. I like berries. straw, and blue, and fresh rasp.
73. If you have Dish network, DVR is a must.
74. I like cool colors, HOWEVER, I am becoming quite fond of yellow.
75. If I could spend a WHOLE day with anyone, ALONE, it would be... my husband.
76. I would also like to spend a day with President Monson. Just to learn.
77. I DO NOT like large bodies of water. not a swimmer.
78. There are no erasers in my house, the baby has eaten them all.
79. I think Space Bags are awesome, but they cost too much.
80. I like my friends
81. My eyes are blue, with a tan ring around the pupil.
82. I think baby tongues are cute.
83. I love teddy bears.
84. I'm not a big jewelry person.
85. I love brand new babies. that's probably why I had so many.
86. I occasionally want to be a recluse.
87. I would love to cuddle my cat Mogli (pronounced Mowgli, just not spelled that way) more, IF he didn't drool.
88. I like Easter.
89. and Christmas.
90. hate Halloween.
91. is how old my grandma is going to be this year
92. I'm thankful for my faith, knowledge and religion.
93. I'm grateful for my husband and his willingness to support this ginormous family and I'm grateful for his job.
94. I believe music is a part of my survival.
95. I believe God is a very theatrical Being (not my original idea) using all of our senses to get our attention. " I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me."
96. I am grateful I have toes.
97. I am grateful for my health and the health of my family.
98. I am grateful for the faith and prayers from past/current friends and family on my behalf, that resulted in the changing of my life.
99. I am grateful to: a loving Father in Heaven for answering those prayers, my Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ for offering an infinite atonement, and to the speaker and comforter on their behalf, that is the Holy Ghost for pricking my heart and inspiring me to wake up.
100. I am grateful that I get to be with my family FOREVER. eternity is a long time to be alone.

So that's it. 100 things
good day to ya.

Warning New Years Blues/moment of weakness

2009-01-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

I think that there comes a point in every body's life when they admit that they just aren't what they should be or what they could be. Not as good, not as strong, not as thin, not as pretty, not as organized, not as clean, not as pure, not as nice, not as quiet, not as smart, not as thoughtful, not as talented, not as creative, not as useful, not as right, not as serving, not as deserving, not as...you name it. There are times when we despise everything about ourselves and if given the opportunity we would sit in the corner of the shower until the water washes us, in all our imperfection down the drain in a swirling whirlpool. All at the same time we criticize ourselves for being such a mess and not having it all together. If you don't have clue as to what I'm talking about, you have never had a hormonal moment in your life and should probably stop reading because you won't get it. Maybe it's not entirely hormone related, all the time, but in those moments those thoughts are magnified 1000 times and the fix it solution seems so far distant and unreachable.
For those of you who wonder how I do it? With 7 kids and a husband who (very gratefully) has a job, a good job, but a job that takes him away for almost a month at time. How do I handle Christmas, and New Years and other holidays and traditions and birthdays and Dr. appointments and school programs and lost teeth and first steps and cleaning and dinner,(lunch, breakfast) and homework and vacation time and church and chores and niceness and disciplines and everything else including hormonal moments of weakness, without him?... Well sometimes I DON'T. My house is not clean and my kids are not nice. And sometimes I don't want to go to church. Someone gave a talk last week in church about how *it's NOT good to do things just because we're supposed to,* You know the "if your heart's not in it"talk. As Jacob was crawling under and behind the pew kicking the divider curtain(between the chapel and the gym) and as I was trying to keep the other kids on top of keeping the 128 crayons(they brought both boxes) and Cheerios from flying across the chapel, and being irritated at the teenager for wanting to color instead of listening or (heaven forbid) help. Jennifer was even there because she was going to accompany me to sing and she had the baby. It's really hard to prepare to sing with the Spirit while your having thoughts of beating your children when you get home. And when I finally caught Jacob and drug him by his ankles over the bench, I thought to this gal that was speaking "You don't have a FREAKIN clue" Sometimes we HAVE to do things just because we're supposed to, if we didn't then we wouldn't make it around to the *do it 'cause our heart's in the right place* time ever again. So I guess in this moment as I feed my children Muddy Buddies for New Years dinner, I admit that I give myself a big fat "F" in motherhood today. When you have to sit down and apologize to your children for being crazy and overwhelmed and tell them you're sorry that you aren't as good of mom as they deserve, your grade can't get any lower. I'll be funny later.

It ain't nothin'

2008-12-22T22:03:00.000-08:00

So...I didn't take the kids to church (a week ago) on Sunday. The baby has the leftovers of a cough/cold and Joey and Gabe have the beginning of one. So out of courtesy I kept them home... I did, however, have an appointment with the Bishop for tithing settlement later that afternoon. So Spen stayed responsible and watched the kids while I kept that appointment.
I took a couple goodie-bags with Oreo Truffles (thanks Stefan for starting that horrible tradition in my house, they're pure evil) one for the Bishop and family and another for whomever else I ran into. Anyway, I went in and made my greetings with the people waiting for their appointment as well. This family happened to be that of my home teacher, so it worked out great to hand them a bag of truffles. I felt all *with it* and holiday-ish. So after a brief conversation with them about the Young Men's trip spelunking and the pictures of Spencer that they had captured, they went in for their meeting. This left me alone in the foyer. I walked over to the side table that had some leftover programs from Sacrament meeting sitting on it. I picked one up to see who had spoken and if I had missed anything. As I read down the list of speakers I got to the the special musical number and what do you think I saw? and I quote "Special musical number by......Sis. Naomi Durrant" Uh............really? I wonder how that went. Considering the fact that I wasn't there... and I didn't know about it. After I pulled my stomach out of my foot, I went to the talk to the guys is the clerks office and I wish I would have said something clever like "I sang today? How did I do? was it good. I wish I could have been there." But I simply admitted that I had no idea that I was supposed to sing, we all laughed and then they asked me to sing the following week, which was yesterday. This time I was thoughtful enough to show up.

good day to ya.

2008-12-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

Way back in the, I don't know, late 70's early 80's (my sister could tell you) when we still lived in Utah, my mother had the great idea that we should make a Nativity Scene out of salt dough. I remember it being fun, and it all looked beautiful. I also remember every Christmas after that, bringing out the little figures and knowing that it was truly Christmas time. I began, with age, to be able to tell the ones I created from the ones made by mother and sister(they were much better). But I still loved every part of it. Some how that Nativity scene ended up coming to live at my house. I don't remember what all was in that first scene, all I know is what I have today: Mary, with a pink face and yellow robe, Joseph, in blue, bald with a brown beard, a shepherd in brown, a yellow star, a silver sheep(I think) that doesn't stand on its own, and a silver bunny with black ears. A bunny? you say? I don't know if there really was a bunny in the stable, but when your mother's name is Bunny, there are bunnies at everything. Anyway, about 8 years ago I decided that it was time to sit down with my kids (Spencer and Sariah and baby Gabe) and make another salt dough Nativity scene. My pieces were much better this time. We didn't paint them. I am assuming that after the process of making the dough and the characters and cleaning up and chasing the (Oh my) 3 whole kids I had at the time, that I just didn't have the heart to attempt painting. But nevertheless, we had our scene to add to the one of my youth. We even added a baby Jesus this time and a camel. Well this sweet little scene lasted and lasted... until this year. A child with the first name beginning with a J-(take your pick, there are only 2 and I really don't know who is to blame) decided to take the clear plastic box they were stored in, and shake it. 28 year old salt dough doesn't hold up well to a good shaking, 8 year old salt dough holds up even worse. I pulled out all of the really old pieces, Mary and Joseph had only minor damage, they lost their heads and a few bits off other places. The *sheep* and bunny were fine and so was the old shepherd. As was baby Jesus from the new set. The star lost its bottom. The other parts and people were shattered. I threw the unsalvagables away. And decided to attempt to fix what I could. As I was gluing for posterity sake, Jacob picked up the bunny and accidentally, but promptly broke off the ear. After I was finished with the others, I went to work on the bunny ear. I don't know if there was too much glue or if my gluing skills had been impaired at that exact moment, but I managed to get the bunny ear back on and glue my finger to the back of the rabbit at the same time. It wasn't just a little spot that I could pull free from. I was stuck tight to this stupid little bunny who wasn't and probably shouldn't have been there at the Nativity scene anyway. Now, how to get unstuck. Spencer, in his genius, mentioned that when he had read the super glue package it suggested using vegetable oil to get the glue off your skin. Maybe, off your skin, but definitely does not work to remove you from a salt dough Nativity rabbit. From past experience I knew that fingernail polish remover was the only thing that really worked. Question was, did I have any? I remember when packing to move, that I decided to throw a lot of half empty bottles of stuff away, thinking that I would just replace them when we got here. The *pack rat* me always advises against this. The *stuck to the bunny* me, is grateful that in the case of the almost empty bottle of polish remover, I listened to the *pack rat* me. But, where was it? I wasn't sure if I had unpacked it, or if I had left it in the *extra bathroom stuff* box. So of course, that is where I looked first. Come to find out, the *trying to be organized* me had put it away in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. all said and done, 15 minutes later I was freed from the bunny. It took a little longer for the acetone to cut through all the vegetable oil and I was really STUCK to that rabbit. Needless to say, I think we'll be making a new scene this year when the kids are home for vacation. Perhaps we'll add some more bunnies. Or maybe just a bunny trap.

Grateful

2008-12-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

I am grateful that y'all read my posts in spite of my poor typing, stinky grammar, bad spelling and crappy proof reading skills. I can only imagine how crazy it must drive my teacher friends. Thanks for closing your teacher brains and reading anyway.

I am also grateful for super-glue. . . and finger nail polish remover. I'll tell that story later. I'm still recovering.

Angry Tree, part deux

2008-12-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

Heather asked how cold it was. I could make something fantastic up and say that it was -25 and there was a blizzard a foot, but I can't lie this close to Christmas. The weather has been amazing and very Texas familiar. God has been very kind when we move, he changes the weather to help us acclimate better. It snowed on Christmas Eve the first year we were in Houston. And the weather has been very friendly to us now that we are back in Wyoming. So the weather was probably in the mid to high 30's. It's a different, dry cold. Not the sink to your bones wet cold that you get near the Gulf. So anyway back to the tree... The ride home was fairly uneventful. As uneventful as you can get with 7 kids, 2 grown ups, the *not broken* dog, and a tree tied to the roof of the family vehicle. We got home and got the tree off the roof and were pleased to find that the height we needed was exactly what we had chosen. No we didn't pre-measure. Come to find out our ceilings are almost 8 feet the tree was 7 1/2. We sawed off some of the lower branches and stuffed this 15 year old tree into our nice big sturdy tree stand. We filled the bottom with water and proceeded to decorate. Lights and all the old ornaments, and the little snowmen with the dangling mittens. And the snowmen heads with the bells for bottoms, so cute. These are the ones my mom-in-law sent us over the years. Anyway we got the tree decorated. And while it was pretty, it was still thin, and a tiny bit Charlie Brownish. So the next day I decided it needed some tinsel/icicles to fill in the holes. I used to love that stuff, but it's only fun to pull it out of a cat or child's throat just so many times, then it gets old. I must have felt pretty desperate to have to resort back to tinsel. I was a little upset after buying the tinsel and a few other things from a local store (of which I refuse to name because they are so over priced there,(most of the time), I get angry when I shop and refuse to give them any credit or recognition.) Tinsel in a package of 1000 strands at Wal-mart costs 50 cents. I paid $1.09, this was on sale from $1.99. And that wasn't all. We also needed more lights for our roof. So I paid $8 something, also on sale. I came home upset and then Jason went to go run an errand and took the lights with him just in case he found some cheaper some where else, he did. $4 thank you Ace Hardware. Anyhoodle, while he was gone the tree and I got into a fight. It started to lean a little and so I tried to straighten it out a little. And it fell on me. I have never EVER had a Christmas tree fall, let alone fall ON me. So I put it back up and tightened the screws in the base. This wasn't going to work. With the tree being so fresh it had soaked up all the water we had put in the base. The bark was sopping wet and had turned into mush, the screws had nothing to dig into. So what is the first thing that comes to my mind? Duct tape. It fixes everything. I put the tree back on the ground ornaments and all, actually I don't know if I put it there or if it put itself there, and proceeded to wrap duct tape around the trunk of the tree to give the screws something to grip into. I then put the now half decorated tree back up into the stand. I was irritated. And the lights were falling off. The only logical(hormonally logical) solution was to un-decorate the tree. So I started pulling the lights off. Spencer was trying to help. It wasn't really working, and just to prove that I wasn't the only irritated thing around, the tree fell again. That was all I needed. So I grabbed it, drug it through the house and threw it out the front door... and there it STOOD, yep, stood in its smug little manner. If trees had mouths it would have been smirking. Now there is a story, kind of a legend really, to anyone who grew up around Shumway's. It has to do with children being in trouble and a tree being vaulted out of the house, but that story belongs to Christin and if she chooses to tell it that's up to her. But we have heard it in my house and so when Jason came home he thought for sure the kids were up a creek in trouble, and that he would enter to find me a raving lunatic. He was relieved to find that I wasn't having any trouble with the kids, just the stupid @*&%#$#@ tree. He fixed it by screwing pieces of 2x4's into the trunk and wedging it into the base. Needless to say it'd probably stand until July if we let it. So I redecorated, with the help of super-glue of course, to glue the little bells back on the bottoms of the snowman heads that had broken on their jaunt through the house.
I typically have great reverence, respect and admiration for the trees we get to help us celebrate Christmas. I admire their beauty, being lighted and decorated with love, care and tradition. I'm always a little sad for the life of the tree that was shortened. BUT when I look at this tree, all I can think is how much I'm going to enjoy using it for firewood.

Good day to ya.

Turkey Makes People Grumpy, or Attack of the Angry Tree

2008-12-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

Either that or I've just been hormonal for the last week. I'm guessing that is probably the REAL explanation. But the turkey excuse works for me, it's dead so it doesn't mind taking the blame. So Thanksgiving came and went and it was OK but I'd rather not talk about it. I cooked, we ate and there were leftovers. Our day after Thanksgiving family tradition is going and getting a Christmas tree. In Texas this involved a trip to Wal-mart or Kroger, followed by a lot of shaking, bug spray, and a hose, for the tree that is. This year we were able to continue the *original* tradition and go cut down our own tree, and it only cost $8 not $25-$75 (depending on how many bugs you want included on the tree.) Now there is something I must explain, I have a thing with Christmas trees. I have two. One is a fake fiber optic sparkly tree. The other must be real. I grew up under the false impression that I was allergic to pine trees in the house so my family had to have the short ugly fleece snow covered, fake tree. Which now, when I see it, brings back some nice fluffy feelings of carefree Christmases past. That is beside the point. I had a friend whose mother had 2 Christmas trees. The one downstairs in the family room was covered in the ornaments that the kids brought home from school or church, and popcorn strands or paper chains, etc. The OTHER tree was upstairs and decorated elegantly with the *no touchy* sort of ornaments. I thought this particular set up was brilliant and from that day forth I decided that one of my life long goals was to have two Christmas trees. And in the year 2002 I got my wish, and it has been that way ever since. (I'm easy to please what can I say) Anyway, where was I... Oh yes, this year we got to go up to the Big Horns and cut our own, no bugs included, they all got cold and took off. Now the interesting thing about going up to this particular mountain range from where we live is that there's a lot of up. For example, the conversation in the car went something like this "Oh look! There's a nice tree, did anyone bring the climbing gear? No? well lets drive on and see if we find a more level spot so we don't have to repel back to the car." Drive on we did. Now seeing that the majority of the Big Horn mountain range is available to Christmas tree cutting our options seemed pretty open. Had we been here three or four kids ago, this process could have taken hours, but my expectations have wained a bit and so I saw a decent spot that looked safe enough and we stopped. So here comes the exciting part. We then piled out of the suburban all 9 of us and the dog. I had the baby in the snuggli, she's 13 months old, snuggli's aren't meant for 13 month 22lb (give or take a pound) babies. So I guess it would be better said that I had the baby crammed into the snuggli. Sariah had Jacob. Spencer had the dog. Jason had the saw and Joey who wanted to be carried. And I think that Gabe and Caleb we're close on Sariah's trail. We followed a little closed road just a short way and came to a cattle guard. Now honest to goodness, half of my kids have never seen let alone crossed a cattle guard. That really didn't seem to be a huge deal unless you know that the dog hadn't had much, if any, experience with one either. (He has a past life so I don't know what he did before we got him) Anyway Spencer was the first one to the guard. I suggested that the dog would be fine crossing, so to proceed. I guess he went a little fast because halfway across, the dog freaked out, lost his footing and one of his back legs slipped through the grate. He got across, but was limping on the other side. "GREAT, " I thought, "we broke the dog." Jason crossed picked the dog up, (which is probably what we should have done in the first place.) Crossed back over and carried the dog to the car. He (the dog) was fine. Turns out he just scratched up the inside of his leg. Meanwhile back at the cattle guard, Jacob had figured out how to cross on all fours, hands and feet. It wasn't good enough to go just once he had to go over at least 3 or 4 times. Spencer learned that his feet are big enough to stretch across two rungs, so he went across 3 or 4 times as well, to his credit, one time was carrying Joey. Caleb and Gabe we're fine. And Sariah carried the saw. While we waited on the other side for Dad to return, I sent Spencer up the side of the mountain to check out potential victims, I mean trees. When Jason got back, we all headed up. It only took three times up and down to different spots to find the almost *perfect* tree. When I wrote earlier about my expectations, this is part of the change, I'm just not as picky anymore. Our tree turned out to be the first one I sent Spencer to check out. So we agreed, Jason sawed, we conquered. And then we headed down the mountain, across the cattle guard that bit the dog, to the car to have our leftover Thanksgiving lunch while dad tied the tree to the top. Which, after 10 years of practice, he has gotten quite efficient at doing. So we ate lunch, peed in the trees and on rocks (it's great having so many boys) and headed back home to decorate our trophy...
to be continued...

2008-11-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

So my camera is freaking out. It's having energy consumption problems. It can take about 1 picture and sucks the batteries dry. Other wise I would be posting tons of new pictures. One of my new hair cut. It's great. Which is unusual for me because when I get a haircut it's usually followed by another one to fix all the things I didn't like about the first one. But anyway... Jason comes home tomorrow night! And no my house is not perfectly clean. But I'll get it done before Thanksgiving. I have to go help teach a class now, so I'll check in later

hasta

Not much

2008-11-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

ONLY FIVE DAYS LEFT!!!!!! and my husband will be home. These last two hitches have taken (cover your eyes) FREAKIN' eternity. Literally. We moved, had been in our house for a week and then he went to work a little early. He was gone for 28days. Then came home for 9 days and had to go back early for some silly class. On Friday he will be coming home from being gone for 25 days. That time table seems a little heavy on their(meaning the company's) end. So now I can finally breathe and say "Holy crap I have to clean the house, Jason will be home in 5 days!" No, I really am relieved. It's strange though, he hasn't spent more than a couple weeks in our new house. I have to tell him where things are when he comes home.
I am very aware and grateful that he gets to come home. I understand that there are many families that have extended time away from dad. Military and such. Or the long separation called death. There is a family in my ward at church whose dad just died. I sang at the funeral the first week I was here. I just sang at two of their daughter's baptism. He wasn't a member, and after letting his oldest two daughters get baptized, I guess he said enough, no more. And so it took his death to allow these two other girls to enter that gate. Sad really. But the gospel will not be stopped. But aside from that, I think of their mother quite a bit. I think of how sad she must be, at times, to just not have him home. This makes me ever more grateful that my separation from Jason is so temporary. I'm sorry for their grief, but grateful for the reminder.
So I'm guessing I'm just blogging to blog. I really don't have anything huge to say.
I think the people here are so funny. The Relief Society Pres. came by to see how I was doing. I laughed and said I was fine. They think I'm an anomaly. crazy part-time single mom of 7. Singing, speaking, and getting up at 4:45 every morning to go write music at the church with her best-friend. and reminding us that she doesn't have a calling outside of visiting teacher. I guess when you look at it, it does seem a little odd. But it's my life, I'm very blessed. and I'm pretty happy with it and not really overwhelmed... now that everybody has stopped puking. so the natives are restless... I must go intervene.

good day to ya.

2008-11-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

Uh...So I am not "super immune woman" like I suspected. Neither is Gabe. Spencer is still the anomaly, he must just be the carrier of all things illness related. So I started to feel a little "not right" on Sunday night. I took a Dramamine because there is nothing worse in the world to me than being nauseous and throwing up. Well if I was gonna puke I'd rather not be dizzy doing it. I was still optimistic as I fell into a cautious sleep. I had been out for about 45 mins when the phone rang. I answered thinking that it must be important for someone to call me at 10:39 (I looked at the clock) I was thinking maybe it was my husband. It was my grandmother-in-law. Calling to tell me that she had a hard time finding my phone number and that she wasn't going to send me the canning stuff, we'd have to drive to Idaho and pick it up, and then she started razzing the rest of the family like she does in every conversation. I typically "uh-huh" quite well, but this night all I wanted to do was get back to my non-puking sleep. I told her right at the beginning of the conversation that I had been cleaning up after the stomach flu for three days and that I wasn't feeling very well myself. She finally caught the clue when a half hour later I said "I need to go to the bathroom." I said it in part to just get off the phone and in part because I had an interesting feeling that I really needed to go. Little did I know that for the next several hours, on the hour, I would be in the bathroom *stomach fluing* my guts out. Stupid germs. When Monday 7am rolled around. The thought "There is no way, in anybodies world, that I am going to get any of these kids out the door to school...ain't gonna happen." Good thing too. Gabe started being sick a couple hours later. So they all watched movies and made messes. Lot's of messes. Spencer helped pretty well. I still had to change the diapers, but I was allowed to stay in bed/bathroom most of the day. And since most of everybody was still pretty queasy, the topic of food didn't come up that often.
So...we're all maintaining what goes in now. That is good. I do have to say that I would have preferred to lose the last 5 pounds in a different way, but whatever works. Only 10-15 more to hit my *before I had any kids* weight. I think I'll exercise for the rest though.

Good day to ya.

2008-11-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

Stupid Computer,
I just went and added all my other friends blog addresses to my fellow bloggers, saved them. and then they didn't want to save. So I will have to take another 10 minutes of some imaginary hour to do it again. Whatever.

I am happy, however. The puking has subsided. Spencer, Gabriel and myself have gratefully escaped the clutches of the virus. I am remaining happy and grateful (a little bit of the Secret) that this will be the case entirely. So for now I am going to go clean my kitchen. I didn't dare take anyone to church today, it's Stake Conference. While I am disappointed to not be there. I am also not stupid or rude. It's not impossible to sit alone with 7 children and attempt to keep them sort of reverent, for 2 hours, But it isn't an easy task. Especially when they are recovering from the flu. I also don't want to take a chance at re-infecting everybody with the flu. Anyway I'm just wasting time now so it's off to disinfect I go.

Good day to ya!

2008-11-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Christin tagged me to find the fourth picture of the fourth file in my mess of pictures. And then write about it. Well it just happened to be Caleb's (my 4th childs) 5th birthday pic. Which is a good thing, because he has been my headache causing child as of late, I need to say something nice about him. He throws fits and crying tantrums in the mornings before school and as soon as he comes home, that's not the nice stuff I need to say. He is the middle child. Too young for the older ones, too big for the younger ones. Kindergarten wipes him out. I know he's tired. He is doing well in school. His teacher was surprised to learn that he didn't attend pre-school. He is still willing to give and take hugs. He is learning about the gospel. He's my rockstar. He used to grab the music stand and pretend it was a microphone and then he would jam out in his little gruff voice. He's a tough cookie. And he is somebody I'm glad to have on my side. I love him like crazy, even when he drives me crazy.

Now, I tag Heather, Stacey, Jen T& Jen A. 4th of the 4th.

2008-11-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

So why is it when kids get sick they choose to do it at night? I know, it's not like I've actually slept for the last 13 years anyway, but come on. So Jacob was sleeping in my room, which tends to happen most nights. It's an age thing. All of my three-year-old's have, at one point, taken an interest in sleeping in mom and dad's room. Anyway. I had moved him from my bed to a pillow and blanket on the floor. Thank goodness, the Tempurpedic couldn't have handled the peanut butter/hot dog puke which occurred around 1 am. I promptly went into OCD mode, rubber gloves, paper towels, Lysol, clorox wipes, and wal-mart bags, and germ-X. Lucklily it all ended up on the huge feather pillow(nice) and not the newish carpet, which in my room is what color? Beige (come on stupid carpet people, when are you going to learn) the steam cleaner wasn't needed this time, but it was standing faithfully on guard. As Jakey took a bath, I proceeded to check on the other kids to see if I had acidentally poisoned them for dinner, nope everyone else was fine. I put all the blankets and pillow cases in the washer, the pillow would come later. Then I sprayed every touchable surface with Lysol, (that's one of the companies I need to invest in.) I made him a bed, on my floor, with Spencer's camp mat, a bunch of towels and I put HIS pillow in a plastic bag and then back in the pillow case, I think all pillows should be plastic hospital pillows, not comfy but easy to clean. He understood that if he needed to throw up again it should be in the wal-mart bag lined trash can. I then washed and lysoled the gloves. Washed and germ-Xed my hands. Then we laid down and tried to sleep, for a little while. Ellie woke up twice because she was cold. Not something that happens in Texas. So I had to go re-cover her, no big deal. Then I managed to fall back to sleep. In my sleep I noticed that Jacob said he was thirsty, and he got up and got a drink of water. I then woke up to him thowing up the water that he just drank. In the trash can (good boy) I tied the bags. Washed, germ-Xed, lysoled. And we went back to sleep. And then the alarm clock went off. It was one thing to get up (in TX) to make sure the kids were up and ready for the bus. It's another thing entirely to get EVERYBODY up and get them in the car to take 4 of 7 to school. They were late because Caleb threw a fit about wanting to put his pants on already buttoned. Guess what, pants don't go on when they're already buttoned, but I let him find that out. So then he had a fit because he wanted them unbuttoned. Then Gabe could only find one of each of his shoes. Joey and Ellie both needed a diaper change. And then we all got in the car, which takes FOREVER, and got the kids to school. Jacob took the trash can with him. Good thing, he had gotten another drink of water somewhere between the shoes and diaper changes. Why isn't my husband home when stuff like this happens? It's really quite funny if you picture it all in fast forward. But whatever. So I hope all y'all have a fantastic day, which is what I'll have as soon as the caffeine kicks in.

Good day to ya.

Ellie's first birthday

2008-11-03T22:08:00.000-08:00

So our last baby turned 1 two weeks ago. I would have liked it to have been a more momentous occasion, but everyone was verging on illness and Jason was going back to work on Monday and I didn't get my piano, and etc.etc. So the energy was a little low. My in-laws came up which was great to have them with us. They now only live 2 1/2 hours away instead of 23. Which is much more convenient for everyone involved.

But back to the baby. She is still the happiest baby ever. Even though she has begun throwing some interesting mood altercations (that's the happy baby way of saying tantrums) when her brothers do something that ticks her off. Like take a toy, food, or push her down. We also learned that we as a family must yell sometimes(a lot) because we sat down for dinner when Jason was home, and Ellie just started chewing him out. I guess I'm gonna have to call her first word "NO!" She also says something that sounds a lot like Sariah. With dad gone, she mostly yells at the dog. She is still super cute and very happy. I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. It literally feels like a minute.

A note to those Texans we left behind. I didn't think I'd miss you, but I do. I knew I loved the people (the ones I knew anyway, it was the other 4 million that I could do without) I didn't realize how much of a family all y'all had become to me. When unpacking boxes my heart gave out a little twinge when I saw "crap table upstairs" scrawled out in Maria's very distinct handwriting. Or when I thought about all of the help that Melissa H. gave me in those last few minutes (days really) when my brain and body could no longer function as a whole unit. And for all the boxes she gave us that have their name written all over them. It was bittersweet. And then on that dang Facebook which may suck my life away, to see the picture of the Phillips' and those two babies, it made me cry, just a little. And to think of my good friend Stefan getting ready to have that boy. Could somebody throw her a baby shower... you could probably do it at Stefan's house, oh wait who am I kidding. That was done a long time ago and it probably was at her house just so she'd be there. And then Stacey...and Jeanette, and Dallas, and Janet, and Suzeanne and Jen and...the list goes on and on. You were my first family away from home. I did a lot of "Grown up" growing there. (ha ha I know grow 3 kids? I said grow up not out.) My testimony grew, too. You are all amazing. And It's nice to know that if I wanted to go back... I could and because of you, it would feel like going home. I didn't think it would happen but you cannot live in Texas for 4 years and 2 months and not be infected with a little bit of that Texas Pride. I'm hopin it will wash off after a few more Wyoming showers. But I do have 3 Texas natives in my house. So a nice mix is justified. Don't get offended if I didn't write your name. That wasn't the point. I'd have to sit down with the whole ward list and put you all down, and you know it, too. There wasn't a single sister in our ward that I didn't love. I wasn't a part of a "click" I didn't see who was divided. To me you weren't. We were all crazy in our own right. I hope to shout that I never offended any of you. If so, I apologize sincerely. If so, know that it was done out of sheer ignorance.
Well, I need to go for now. I'm starring blankly now. Means I'm tired. I have more to say on this at a later date. SO anyhoodle
good day to ya.

2008-11-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

It's been so lonfg. See how long? I can't even type anymore. So before I get into the rest of my life I have some venting. Not even in a negative way, just letting some disappointed air out. So I get on Facebook. Y'all know it cause y'all are on it. Anyway. I find people that I knew from way back whenever, and see them doing all the fabulous things that deep somewhere in my heart I wish I was doing too. Theatre actually. That's about it really. Once a performer, there is this burning of unquenchable desire to perform again. BUT, that ship has sailed and left me on port with 7 crew mates to steward. So to all those who are fulfilling my dream without me...Break a leg.

ENOUGH. So we went on vacation...and decided to move. and left within 2 months of returning home. It was extremely guided. We hadn't even found a house by the time we got home. We had put an offer on a 20 acre farm, but that didn't take. Thank goodness, it would have been nice if it weren't for the TRAIN in the front yard. Not kidding. And now seeing how frequently the train passes by I am growingly more grateful. Is growingly even a word, no? It is now.

So we bought a 5 bedroom house on an acre. The whole process amazes me still and continues to confirm that our God is a definite worker of miracles.

Small towns have their ups and downs. But, I don't feel like complaining right now so I just want to share some pictures.

All y'all should know, that in spite of killing 2 black widow spiders (outside, you'll be happy to know they died violently with a hammer, oh and poison) My spirit is very much at peace. My children are happy and I am, too. I know longer drive down the road and have the question "Why do I live here?" repeat over and over. That would be on Fry after Franz heading to Morton. If I question here as I drive and hour and a half to Wal-Mart, it is answered by the beauty of the canyon I'm driving through or the pink shades of sunset reflecting off the snow on the tops of the next mountain range over.

Oh and the snow. Apparently the weather is being a little weird. (having come from TX it seems normal) It has only snowed once since we've been here, not bad for two months. But is was FABULOUS! 6 inches. And it was awesome putting those Texas babies down in it.
Good day to ya.

2008-09-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'm here. Finally. In Worland. Town of 5,500. small, quiet. No hurricanes.
My thoughts have been with all y'all my friends and ward family in Katy and the Houston area. I know that y'all have been blessed because of your faith and prayers. Hang in there life will get back to normal. And know that NOT everyone else in the country has forgotten you.

I'll become more consistant in writing when we get our own internet. Moving turned out to be WAY more expensive than anticipated so we need to prioritize our expendatures a little bit. The kids are in school and loving it. Jason is back at work. Thankfully, he was home for the whole Ike mess. I will check in a little later. Good luck with all the clean up

2008-08-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

As a bug...being killed by a "Croc" (from a pair of "Crocs") must be like being bludgeoned to death by a Nerf hammer.

2008-07-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

I will finish posting about our trip at a later date. Until then I'll just give y'all a heads up on what's up. We're moving. In three weeks. When we left on our family vacation we hadn't even IMAGINED that we would be considering even entertaining the idea of moving...So Yes, there is more to this story. and no right now is not the time for me to write about the details. I have to keep packing. OH and Melissa can I please have more boxes? And thanks for the ones you've given me so far!!!!
Back to busy I must go
Good day to ya.

2008-07-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

BRAIN BUSY!!!!! CALL BACK LATER!!!!

Third Leg

2008-07-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not sure *technically* how many legs you can have in one trip. And I am sure a punchline will emerge soon. You'll know when it happens. Anyway...
We left Laramie and headed to our boomerang destination. Which would be the point in our trip that would head us back in an easterly direction. This location was Rigby, Idaho. The whole point of this trip was to introduce all of our children to Jason's grandfather, who was diagnosed with brain cancer a couple of months ago. Well we didn't make it. I guess he didn't make it. He died on June 8th. But we'll discuss that a little later.
So we were off to go visit Jason's Grandma and his Uncle and Aunt (whom I have talked to but never met.)
We *potty breaked* outside of Rawlins(one of the armpits of WY) and I offered to drive. Jason had driven the entire trip thus far and I was trying to be considerate. So down the highway we start and we ran into the ONLY real weather of the whole trip. It started pouring rain. Like Texas rain. Thing is they use black top on their roads. Not concrete like they do in TX. It creates this silver mirror like effect when you have tons of rain. I couldn't see crap. And then there were the semi's. Wind, rain, tractor trailers and 75mph. ahh driving in WY. The only thing we were missing was the snow and ice, oh and fog. Needless to say Jason panicked a little and drove the rest of the way.
We cut through the Targhee National Forest. This is when things started to get gorgeous.
I must sorta apologize for the occasional blurred bottom these pictures are all taken while driving and through the dang closed window.

I must admit that I have never seen Wyoming so green. Growing up there and being in art classes you learn a lot about the color yellow ochre. That is typically the color in any foreground of a WY landscape. They have had a ton of rain and snow this year. And man was it worth it to see the results. I appreciate the green in TX it's green here all the time, but it was almost as though WY was saying "look at me. Aren't I pretty. I can be green, too."

To be continued...

Second Leg

2008-07-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

After staying in Amarillo, we left early (but not Too early) to head off to our next over night spot, which would be my parents house in Laramie. We were off to a slow start considering we had to have 4 "potty breaks" in the first hour. We drove 287 through a tiny spot of Oklahoma, (The whole time we were there I kept wishing I new more of the song than just "OOOOO klahoma where the wind comes (sweeping)rushing through the plains" see I don't even know that much) It was nice to drive that way because it made getting into Colorado so much faster. Colorado is another state that I consider home. The only thing about that side of Colorado is that it's very FLAT, it's a lot like OOOOOklahoma. I guess Heavenly Father didn't plan all of the landscape around the future state lines, curious. Going the other route you can definitely tell when you hit Colorado from New Mexico. But here...not so much. Nothing really exciting happened through Colorado. It's always a relief to see the East side of the Rocky Mountains, especially coming up near Colorado Springs and Denver. Fort Collins was a place I spent a lot of time in when I was in high school. And the Denver Temple is our temple. So home we were. We were all very excited to jump on i-25 and head up to Cheyenne. My kids got to peak at the buffalo at the Terry Bison ranch between Ft. Collins and Cheyenne. The only real difference looking at cows and buffalo from a distance is that the bison are bigger black dots.
Between Cheyenne and Laramie is a place called Vedauwoo (vee-da-voo) This is a place that I spent many an hour in my teenage years. Playing, climbing, camping, playing some more.

Sorry my pictures aren't great. It was a drive by photo shoot. And our passenger side window doesn't roll down. But you get the drift. Anyway...
By the time you get to Vedauwoo we're pretty much home.

Laramie was gracious enough to have rain for me. I love rain more than any other weather. There is a difference between Texas rain and Wyoming rain. The smell. TX rain doesn't really have a smell. But you can tell it's going to rain in Wyoming a good 20 min. ahead of time by the glorious smell. It's fresh and clean and nothing like those air fresheners that claim to be the scent of "spring rain." My kids were funny. Looking at the rain falling from the clouds in the distance they commented that it looked like the clouds were throwing up.
blurry sign of mine and my husbands school, they didn't teach me no good grammar. Just kidding, maybe they would have if I had continued to finish my degree instead of having a litter of children.
and finally at my parents house. They had a really snowy spring so we got there in time for the iris's to be in a beautiful bloom.
My Grandmother will be 90 on August 30th. She was in the hospital with pneumonia. So we had to go visit. It was very strange not having her at the house. We have something in common. We both LOVE Smallville. She is looking forward to the new season starting. I hope she makes it.

To be continued...

First leg of the trip

2008-07-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

So we started out early in the a.m. on the 23rd of June. Of course when your intentions are to leave at 5, 7 is usually the reality. You know what, I have to back track a week earlier. Oh and first explain why I am writing today which happens to be Sunday. I typically try to have Sunday be the day that the computer doesn't get turned on, but this Sunday I have everyone home due to a small breakout of the lower intestinal stomach flu, (need I say more?) I'm working on an ode to Mr. Clean and Clorox wipes in gratitude. uhhhh... Oh right a week before we left.
So when I lived in Laramie I made some of the best friends of my life. After about 21 years I came out with a handful that will all be living on my block in the Celestial Kingdom, or at least down the street. One of those is Val Pead. She and her sister, Sarah, taught me about something called unconditional love. Which they showed me on several occasions while I was working out some of my many issues during my "growing up" stage as a grown up. They also showed me how to play. Like all good LDS people do. And laugh, harder than I had ever laughed before. Those were some amazing years in college.
Val served her mission, ironically, in Houston. So almost 10 years later the prodigal daughter returned to her mission stomping grounds and to my house to visit my, in her own words, cute family. She is from a family of 12, 8 boys 4 girls. Needless to say she has great sympathy for Sariah. So exactly 4 weeks ago today, I went to pick her up from where she spent the first part of her trip and brought her here to spend the last part of her trip.
Monday we went to Katy Mills and Val treated us to lunch at Rainforest Cafe, in honor of Sariah's birthday (which was the next day.) Caleb had his ears plugged the entire time, it's a little loud, but the rest of the kids enjoyed it.
Tuesday noon-ish we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's.

Tuesday night Dallas, Stacey and Melissa came over to play games. My kids were in bed, mostly, and it was tons of fun to have grown-up company. And we all ate way to much junk.
Wednesday Val introduced me and Sariah to pedicures. (pretty toes!)
Thursday we took her to the airport.
Friday we went back to the airport to pick up Jason from work. Did I mention that my little kids think that he works at the airport for three weeks at a time? Saturday we spent trying to pack as best we could for leaving on Monday. Sunday was our Sacrament meeting on music. Sariah sang and did a great job, except for the fact that she tried to back out at the last minute and I had to pay her. She is a natural alto like myself, the song was a little high and she was nervous about how she sounded. I also sang. Everything went just great. Sunday night, my sister came to pick up the dog, she generously said she would watch him for us while we were gone. And Dallas came to pick up the key, she had very generously agreed to come and care for the rest of the critters here at home. I think she even watered my plants. Thanks Dallas! Now where was I? oh yeah...finally. Monday morning we were on the road by 7a.m. Ready and excited to spend the next 12 hours driving across Texas. We went by way of Austin and the "hill country" I was actually impressed. It was very pretty. Everyone did really well. Sariah and I colored for a while in the front seat. The back two rows had movies. Heather had given us an extra screen to hook to our portable DVD player. That was awesome, but I had concerns about the child in the front row not being included in the movies, so I went and bought another set. It worked out great. The older two got to watch a movie and the youngers got to watch one too. So we made it to Amarillo around 8 or 9p.m. and stayed at a very nice hotel. We had talked about swimming, but Jason and I were exhausted, and the kids probably would have all drowned. So they were disappointed but survived.

"Ahhh, what a way to relax after spending the whole day in the car..."
To Be Continued...

Hey I'm back...sorta

2008-07-11T18:53:00.001-07:00

So we drove up to Idaho and Wyoming for a couple of weeks when my husband was home. I'll be writing and sharing pictures in segments. We are also contemplating, very seriously, moving to WY again, so a lot of my free (haha) time will be spent painting and cleaning and throwing away and packing. The biggest obstacle will be selling this house in a decent amount of time. It will all work according to Heavenly Fathers plan, so I'm not panicking. There is just a lot of paint required to cover up 4 years of 7 very artistic kids. So in bits and pieces I will take time to drop in a blog or two and share some amazing pictures of some of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen.

Good day to ya.

Awwww Crap

2008-06-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things in this world that make me say "Awwww crap." On occasion it is actually crap. When my almost 9-year-old daughter was 3 1/2 she swallowed a nickel. It got stuck in her throat on the way down. Halfway to the ER she told my husband that it was gone and that they could go home. He took her anyway. They x-rayed her little belly, and sure as snot, there was the perfect little circle, impenetrable be the x-rays. They told us that it was time to wait and in the next 24-48 hours it should pass through her system, but that we needed to watch for it "just in case." So for the next 24-48 hours worth of poop, I was mining for nickel, I found nothing. Thing was, Jason had taken her to work with him that next morning following the swallowing. She had done her business there. Did he bother to check? Oh no. So after all that checking I did, we figured the nickel came out when she went to work with daddy. Either that or she has been 5 cents richer for the last 5 years.
A mother's life is full of "Awwww crap." From the time these little babies come out with the nasty black meconium, to the lovely changes to solid food, to the even better stages of potty training, to the fun filled stomach flu that hits everybody in a line, it's all about poop. My latest "awww crap" has to do with Jacob. He's my most trying 3-year-old yet. All of my kids have been fully potty trained by this age. Except him. He does fine when it's his idea. But, if I dare suggest that he try pooping in the potty, it's like I've declared war. So I try not to force the issue. I've spent more days than not cleaning "awww crap" out of his underwear. Bleeackkhhh. We don't wear pull-ups anymore because that seems to give him permission to pee in them. And that's just backwards. He can make it through the night waking up dry in his underwear, so that is what we do. A couple of weeks ago he wore a pull-up to bed. In the morning I was doing, whatever with another child, and Sariah yells out "Eww, mom." With 5 brother's I hear this a lot from her. But then I heard "Jacob is smearing poop on the wall." and what comes to my mind? "Awww crap." Actually the picture I had in my mind wasn't that bad. He has the tendency to have his hands in places they shouldn't be and I figured he ran into something gross and wiped it on the wall. No big deal I would get to that after I changed him. He came over to me with a horribly nasty pull-up. Although I was frustrated and expressed my disappointment to him, I cleaned him up without many words and tossed him in the tub, then I went to clean up the spot on the wall... I asked the kids where it was. They pointed to the wall on the opposite side of the pantry. I went to find the *spot* and what I found was a portrait, a 2 foot by 3 foot finger painting... by Jacob... out of poop. "Awww crap." I have decided I need to invest in Mr. Clean magic erasers. And no, I didn't take a picture, thought about it...but I didn't want to subject anyone to that kind of artistic expression. So anyway...

Good day to ya.

Blazy Dayz

2008-06-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

SO I have been abnormally blazy(blogging lazy) lately. So I apologize. No that anyone really cares but still. I have started a post about my trip, but as you see it's not here. I'll get to it. Hopefully before I go on our next trip, which is in 2 1/2 weeks so that may not happen. We are driving up to Idaho to visit Jason's grandparents. His grandpa has brain cancer and we thought it would be good for the kids to say hello before they say goodbye. So we'll venture forth and around with all nine of us packed into the suburban for 2 weeks... It will be fun.

Not much has gone on since I've been home. The kids are on their summer break. Everybody's home...all day...everyday. It's all good. That's the way it is.

I again apologize for my blaziness and maybe I'll be better. Until later then...

I WON !!!

2008-05-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

I forgot a lot of things before I went on vacation. One thing was the mother's day art contest on the rig. Remember my picture that got lost? This one? yeah, well Jason entered a laminated copy of the photo I took of the picture I did. And he added a little part of my blog about it. And I WON. 500 smakaroonies!!! Thank you very much!

Happy (Holy Crap I have a Teenager) Birhtday

2008-05-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

So I failed to post, before I left, about the latest birthday. Well it finally happened... Spencer turned 13.

We didn't do much by way of a party. Dallas came and watched our kids and we took the birthday boy to Red Lobster and watch him scarf down a $23 plate for dinner, after which he looked at me and said, "I'm actually full." (could this be a sign of things to come?) We then went to go see "Ironman" because it was PG-13 and he was official. (the movie was actually really funny. I was surprised) I know he wanted to do something else like paintball or a huge party, but his birthday fell right in the middle of a big mess of things to do this year. I hope he enjoyed spending time with mom and dad by himself, even though we kept joking with him that he was actually on our anniversary date with us as the third wheel. He unintentionally got us back though because I had a sitter set up for over a month for our actual anniversary night, 4 days after his birthday, and we had to go to his Jr.High band concert that night. Ahh parenthood. Anyway Spen is a great kid. I love him a bunch and I am very grateful that he is a part of my life. I wouldn't trade him for a whole bag of Oreos.

My next post will be about my trip. I am a little sleppy, see how tired I am, I'm so tired I passed sleepy and went all the way to sleppy. And I need to send some positive energy toward my hubby. He's stuck in the New Orleans airport waiting for transportation and a hotel. He had to go back to work 3 days early to attend a meeting, I think they may have forgotten to arrange all of his travel for him. and it's almost midnight. So my positive focus now goes toward him...

Good day to ya.

Fish out of Water...On Vacation

2008-05-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

My husband has sent me away for our anniversary. I'm now in WY. The baby has been PERFECT! No cryin' or complanin', she's been a wonderful travel companion. We fly to Worland today and that is where I'll be for the next week. My only small issue is coming from a place that has had 70+% humidity to a place that has 0% makes me feel a little dry, a little like my eyeballs are going to shrivel up and pop out of my head. Anyway... I have much to blog about at a later. So until later.

Good day to ya.

Happy Anniversary (in a couple of days)

2008-05-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post our Happy Anniversary early because Jason comes home tomorrow and then the busy is gonna hit the fan and I want him to read it. He doesn't read my blogs when he's home, no need when you're living with it. So Happy Anniversary in a few days!
Once upon a May 14th, some 10 years ago, I married the man who would become my best friend. It amazes me that this much time has passed so quickly. We were only engaged for a very short time. We really got to know each other after we were married. That first year was surprisingly difficult. I remember thinking things like "If we were just 'going out' I would have broken up with you by now." We were young. Well, He was young...Me? not so much. Things weren't as easy as you expect them to be when you're first married, (as a matter of fact things were pretty much normal) And we had to learn to function as a family. We were sealed for Time and All Eternity a year later, things improved dramatically, and they have been on an uphill route ever since.
Over this past decade I've learned that I'm not always right and that even when I know I'm right, I don't always have to say so. I've learned to be more quiet and less stubborn. I've learned to hug and be hugged. I've learned that there really are people worth trusting. I've learned how to love and be loved. I've learned that I am worth loving. I've learned that I am beautiful. And I couldn't have learned these things without Jason. We have grown together into one inseparable unit. I couldn't live without him. I wouldn't want to try. Not to be cliche, but he completes me, absolutely 100%.
We are not without our squabbles. I think it's good to not be mindless. But we know, when we squabble, it's temporary. I didn't get married to get un-married. Neither did he. Forever would be way too long to spend without my best friend. So we're gonna spend it together.
Sometimes when he is at work, my heart hurts. I love him so much, all of him, even the grumpies that occasionally come (sometimes at church) with being a very young father or seven.
He would do anything for me. He does everything for me. He makes me happy.

Jason, Thank you for being the other half of me. My best friend and beyond. Thank you for being so generous with your life and sharing it, whole heartedly, with me. I'm so glad we didn't miss out on each other. Looks like the *B* in*plan B* turned out to stand for BEST. I love you Rabbit. I'll see you in a few hours.
gopher

What's in a Name

2008-05-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

1. YOUR REAL NAME: Naomi

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle) Naoizzle

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav color and fav animal) Blue Cat

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, and current street) Dean Rainmill
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom's maiden name) Dur Na How

6. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink) Cool Color Lemonade (I don't have specific 2nd fav colors)

7. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (Mother's middle name and father's middle name) JoDean Joe

8. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one your pets) Black Maverick

Tageroonie You're It!

Some Nasties and some Funnies

2008-05-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

Must blog...I have already put the kids to bed, worked out and cleaned the kitchen floor so I think I have actually earned the blog time. So I must say that I like the floor in the family room, most of the time. It is slippery when your foot hits something that shouldn't be on it, i.e. blankets, toys, towels, the church bag. Yeah, so that last one caused me to experience a tumble a couple weeks ago. I can't actually say a tumble, more like a slide into home. Joey was sleeping on the couch, I was feeding the baby in the recliner, and drinking a bottle of water(what is taken must be replenished.) Joey rolled dangerously close to the edge of the couch and I knew it would hurt really bad if he hit the floor. So "Super Mom" flew into action and with one huge step I would stop that boy from hitting the floor...that was the plan anyway. What really happened was this. I had the baby and the bottle of water on my right side. I stepped with my right leg toward the couch, planning to reach across my body and catch Joey with my free left arm. My foot didn't notice that one of the children (to remain nameless), while having been obedient and bringing the *Sunday bag* in the house after church, had failed to put it in its proper place, which wasn't even in the family room. So my foot landed on the edge of the bag and I slid, down, down, down to the hard laminate covered concrete. Now a bunch of things happened all at the same time. First thought "save the baby" So mid fall I twisted toward my back almost throwing her on my stomach. In this process I landed my full weight and hers,(she's no Elliephant, but I am definitely not a mouse) on the point of my elbow. As I was falling toward the ground my fall was slowed down by my head hitting the front edge of the couch and sliding down until it also hit the ground. I didn't actually hit the side of my head. It was the top. Now that I think about it my head probably saved my elbow. Anyway as soon as I hit the ground I rolled on my back and looked at Ellie. She was startled, maybe a little irritated that her dinner was interrupted. She looked at me like "What the heck was that about?" She was fine. I then told her that we were going to just lay there for a minute. Which we did. All I could think was "I'm glad I'm 33 and not 63, because I probably would have broken something." (seriously, that was what went through my head) Remember the water? Well it had splashed up onto the couch and woke Joey up so that he repositioned himself away from the edge of the couch. I later decided that if I had to do it over, I would have just thrown the water. Everything is fine. My elbow is still a little sore, but just a little. Anyway I was going to tell you why I like the floor. Well, Joey has had a crazy mucusy(that must not be a real word...hmm it is now) cough for a long time. So I gave him some Mucinex for kids. I didn't think that it would expel mucus from everywhere. When we were finishing dinner(they pick the best times don't they) Joey got down from the table,(which was really very thoughtful) went into the family room and puked all over the floor. It was the nastiest slimy puke ever. I've seen a lot of puke. All I could think was "I'm so glad it's not carpet anymore. Super easy to clean up. And no stains." He seems to be feeling much better.
So after all that here is a funny image for you to put in your mind. It was nighttime prayer and my kids were scattered about the living room, sometimes we *circle the wagons* sometimes we don't. On my lap I held a Joey and a naked Jacob.(Jacob is always naked, especially when we have a bad potty day and no underwear left. Oh, that is the other nasty thing I had to clean up today. I should call that guy from Dirty Jobs. In my opinion poop in underwear is pretty bad but poop in the bathtub is the WORST) Anyway Spencer was saying the prayer and Jacob and Joey started to fight. So I grabbed the arms that were closest to each other and crossed them over their own bodies. This still left Joey's right arm available to grab the remote that was sitting nearby and attempt to use it as a weapon against Jacob. He missed and clocked me in the head. I didn't have a free arm to stop him with so on the next swing I grabbed it with my teeth. I can only imaging what this must have looked like to the other kids when the prayer was over and they opened their eyes. Naked Jacob and Joey pinned in each of mom's arms. And mom with the remote in her mouth. All in the name of reverence.

Good day to ya.

ABC's about me

2008-05-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

I got this from DALLAS's blog.

A - Attached or Single? Attached, happily attached

B - Best Friend? I have 2. My husband(cheesy but true) and Jennifer Hankins, no question hands down

C - Cake or Pie? cake...no pie... no cake...arrgh ...piecake?

D - Day of Choice? Thursday(isn't that silly)

E - Essential Item? bra

F - Favorite Color? I tend to lean toward cool colors, blues. But I understand that everyone needs a little yellow

G - Gummy Bears or Worms? I don't like gummy things, Spencer choked on a worm once.

H - Hometown? Laramie, WY

I - Favorite Indulgence? Asphalt Pie from Wingers in Laramie. Oreo crust, mint chocolate chip ice cream, whip cream , caramel sauce. Since I can't have that...chocolate.

J - January or July? Neither

K - Kids? SEVEN!!!!!!! and yes we are finished.

L - Life isn't complete without? LAUGHING

M - Marriage Date? 14th of May 1998

N - Number of brothers and sisters? 1 Older sister

O - Oranges or Apples? Grapefruit, but both oranges and apples are fine depending on the individual fruit

P - Phobia or Fears? fear of large bodies of water

Q - Quote? "When you think stupid thoughts does it show up on your face." me

R - Reason to smile? When my kids do something silly. Or when my husband brings me flowers

S - Season of choice?Spring

T - Tag ten people? I tag whoever is reading this!

U - Unknown fact about me? I used to live with a bunch of hippies.

V - Vegetable? green beans and peas

W - Worst habit? I over think everything

X - Xenophobic? Nope

Y - Your favorite food? Homemade bread. I also love Mexican and Italian...

Z - Zodiac Sign? Tarus

Wild Kingdom anyone? bathroom pics

2008-04-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

So I had to start with the long awaited pictures of the bathroom that I did forever ago.There really isn't much to it. Just paint, pictures, towels
I made the shower curtain. Piece of cake.
These pictures, however, took years to put together;) I've got bath pic's of all the kids except Ellie. When I get one of her I'll throw it up there too.

So there is always the cliche "look what followed me home, can I keep it?"
For us it's "Look what I found in the mud puddle on the way home from school, aren't they interesting. I sure would like to study them for my merit badge." Which in reference to the Southern Leopard frogs Spencer brought home yesterday, I had to say, "NO!"
I have to honestly say that I have nothing against frogs. I like them. And most amphibians actually. As a matter of fact, I was recounting a story from my teenage-hood to Dallas the other day. Would you like to hear it? If not skip to the next picture.
In Laramie, where I did most of my growing, we lived near a park that had a puddle, or a pond, They call it a lake. But it's not really. Anyway, every time it rained during the spring and summer the salamanders would venture out in hopes of escaping life in the pond. The rain would keep them nice and wet so they could survive as they traveled through the grass, and across the streets, in the gutters, and finally end up in various basement windowsills within a several block radius of the park. We lived at least 3 blocks away and occasionally one would come visit us, too. Those that made it to our house were treated well for a little while, getting some water and then a quick walk back to the park to be returned to the pond. I'm sure they were cussing us all the way (it was a college town after all, they had to pick up some language from somewhere) Now there were those that didn't have the same fortune. There were those that didn't make it across the street. One particularly rainy night. I stopped at the park, with a friend or two, I don't remember what I was originally doing there, but I'll tell you what I ended up doing. The salamanders were trying desperately to escape their mundane life once again. It just wasn't safe to cross the street. So I tried to help them get back to the pond. You must picture this. I'm running up and down this street grabbing as many salamanders as I can and running them back to the lake, trying not to step on the ones running through the grass. Oh did I mention there was traffic? So I would see one grab it, see another and a car would come and beat me to it. It was horrible. Funny now, but horrible then. Squish would go another. I just couldn't save them all. I hope in the long run, the ones I saved made up for the ones I couldn't.

So...I have no problems with amphibians. I even had a couple frogs myself, for a minute. My sister had gone to the trouble of catching one for me, a good sized one, and then a little one later, to go with it. I put the little one in with the big one. I guess the big one was hungry. The next minute I looked and there were little frog legs sticking out of the big ones mouth. I didn't like the big one very much after that, but I did feel bad when he froze because the water he lived in wasn't deep enough to hibernate in.

All this aside, back in the present day, I said that Spencer couldn't keep the frogs because he pulled the same "It's for my merit badge" a few weeks ago and we ended up with this.
Actually that was Rocko

This next one is Roxy. She was the one that Spencer brought home after a day of doing a yard work fundraiser for scouts. I agreed. She was cute. For a lizard. They are Anoles. AKA the American Chameleon because they change color(it's really cool)
Oh, wait you say... Spencer only brought home one? Yeah, here we go on another story.

So Spencer had Roxy in a giant pickle jar up in his room, so we thought. One day Jason and I were taking the boys to the store. As I walked out of the house to put someone in the car, I saw the lizard on the driveway. I was sure that Caleb had gone into Spencer's room and taken it out of the jar, shoved it in his pocket in attempt to take it to the store with us. I was in a *can't disappoint my oldest child* mood, and I was frustrated that I had to take the time to try and catch it. I ran inside to check and see if it was Spencer's lizard, his door was locked, which Caleb has the tendency of doing also, so I went to get a bowl to catch the escaped lizard with. Then back out to the driveway. I was running from one side of the car to the other(those things are fast when they think you're after them) all the while yelling at Caleb for going in Spen's room and letting the lizard out. Meanwhile, Jason had gone upstairs, unlocked the door and found Roxy sitting in the pickle jar. He came out and told me to get in the car. I can only imagine what this all must have looked like. So we went to the store. It had begun to rain by the time we got home to unload the groceries. Jason received a little surprise when he walked by his car. The lizard I had been chasing was catching some rain on the windshield. He was camouflaged in black. I decided that if he was still around it might be fun to catch him anyway. So Long Story even longer...that is how we ended up with two. Roxy and Rocko. and no I don't believe we'll be having little ones anytime soon. Roxy was quite repelled by Rocko. He is really quite arrogant. As far as lizards go.
They no longer live in a pickle jar. They have a nice aquarium. And I have to buy crickets to feed them...I don't like crickets. We had our yard treated for bugs just a couple days after we caught them other wise their food would have been free.
So to the list of 2 adults, 7 children, 1 dog, 2 cats, 1 hamster(sorta, will explain later) 2 fish, we add 2 anole lizards(and a crap load of crickets, good thing they don't chirp)

Good day to ya.

Happy Birthday, yet again...

2008-04-27T20:03:00.001-07:00

Saturday was Joey's 2nd Birthday

Anyone sick of birthday posts yet? We had another nice casual birthday for Joseph. He's such a cute boy. I am sad that he is two only because he is acting a little two-ish. I do not enjoy this age very much. It's better than three, but I have one of those right now, too. The other not so fun age is five. But as of last week, I've got another five-year-old in the house. (sigh)

Birthday season is almost over. Just Spen and Sariah left. I feel bad for all the other kids, all the other's than Gabe that is. Because his birthday is in February, I still have some party planning gumption. But by this time, and 6 birthday's later, I'm just throwing cake around and I'm not interested in entertaining anyone else's children. Spencer is turning 13 and he wants something big. His birthday couldn't have fallen at a worse time this year. Jason gets home the day before, and then leaves the day after (mother's day) for a 3 day seminar for work. Then he's home for the day of our anniversary and I leave the next day. I can't cram "something big" in between all that. Any suggestion's? As a matter of fact I'd take lots of suggestions for birthday season in general. How do we make each kid feel special, have parties, etc. when mom's totally burnt out? I'd like to hear from Sarah and Christin and anyone else who comes from a big family that has a million birthdays close together. Anyay (that was a typo but I think I just made a new word) That is all for now.

Good day to ya.

Best Birthday Ever!

2008-04-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today has been fabulous. Thank you all for your birthday greetings! My birthday started at 7:25 this morning, when I woke up and realized that the baby slept ALL night, Jacob woke up but that's normal. The 3 oldest kids forgot it was my birthday before they went to school. Caleb remembered and he, Joey and Jacob came in my room to say good morning and we want food (I was feeding the baby) and Joey was the first person to wish me a happy birthday. He said "Happy happy" which for Joey is pretty good. Then I got to talk to my husband. And then I got ready for the rest of the day. As the boys were watching PBS, Barney came on and it was his birthday, too! I took it all in stride, tried not to let it affect me :) My sister came over to watch my kids and she and Sami brought me presents! A really cool book that I've been wanting to read, and some bubble bath. Then Stacey came to get me and we met Dallas for lunch at Carino's. Dallas treated. She also gave me a super funny card and a fabu gift card! Stacey also gave me a gift. I don't know what it is because she forgot to bring it,(which just makes me laugh hard) but I don't even care because, seriously, just the thought makes me feel SO loved! When Stacey brought me home Jen showed up at that exact moment with BROWNIES and they were still warm! It was wonderful and they were so GOOD. My mom-in-law sent me and Jason some Egyptian cotton sheets, and she and my hubby sent me e-cards. My mom and Grandma sent "green" cards (ones with $)
The kids came home from school, they remembered my birthday then. We ordered pizza(so I didn't have to cook.) Did our little family birthday (missing dad.) Then the missionaries came over to share a spiritual thought and they sang Happy Birthday, too! So over all this has been the best birthday ever! Here are pics. Although I hesitate to share many pictures of my-(self conscious *I just popped out three babies in three years*)self. I share these with you because you all know what I look like anyway.

Happy Birthday, again

2008-04-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Naomi
33 years ago (yes I am almost exactly 3 years older than my husband) I was born. Almost a month early I weighed 8lbs. 14.5oz. Chunky Monkey1975
Little did my mother know I'd grow up to have a gazillion children
1977

living in Utah

1990
This was mostly for Christin's benefit. YW basketball Regional champs. I scored maybe two points. But I ran a lot, I was a good place holder. Just get the ball to Syd, Ellen, Christin, Sarah, pretty much anyone but me, that was my plan.

Sophomore year
Junior year proof(I never ordered the pics)
I don't have a copy of my senior pics. I had head shots done in college, but I don't know where those are either. But this next picture fits me best most of the time.

If you could see my inner child this is still what she would look like, the expression has never changed

So here was my page dedicated to me. I have some other good pictures that, at a later day, I may post. so this birthday is gonna be great. 29-32 just blew. Except for the fact that my hubby is not with me, this one has already been an improvement. Tomorrow I'm going to lunch with my friends, Dallas and Stacey. My sister is going to watch the kids for a little while so I can go! I'm excited to go!

I made my cake. Lemon. I don't know why I like lemon cake, but I do. I decided to not sit around and pout this year and wait for someone to do something for me. And because I did that, things have been great. I'll have to write later about what my husband is doing for me when he comes home, but he wants to talk to me (we get to talk every night while he's at work, sometimes I think we get to talk more when he's gone then when he's home.) And I can't type and talk at the same time. So...

HAPPY Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday dear me, myself, and I
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOOOOOOOO ME!!!!!!

Happy Birthday

2008-04-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

My husband when he was 13months
Happy 30th Birthday Jason !!!!!
We wish you were home with us to celebrate, but thank you for doing what you're doing for us!
We love you!!
Love your family,
Naomi, Spencer, Sariah, Gabriel, Caleb, Jacob, Joseph, and Elizabeth

So looking at this picture, I'm beginning to see bits and pieces of the children...curious. And I think I found where Ellie got her nose :) and Joey's hair...

2008-04-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

So on the rig, there was a contest. A dumb "have your wife do something artsy. And on Mother's Day we'll judge and give the winner $500." Jason hesitated in telling me about it. Not sure why. I am all about artsy and money. Put the two together and look out. Oh and to top it off the theme was "family values." So I wracked my brain and tried to think of what would appeal to oil men and fit that theme. I started a pencil drawing of a photo of Gabriel when he was about 5 months old, wrapped in an American flag. I had never finished the flag portion because I wasn't sure how to do it. So when this contest rolled around it came to me. I finished the flag in oil pastels and pencil. It turned out awesome. I cut out the drawing and put it on a background of scrapbook paper of stars and behind that some that had the Pledge of Allegiance on it. Above the drawing of my *angel Gabriel* were the words "I pledge allegiance" under was "one nation under God..." These are our family values in a nutshell. We are very patriotic in our core as a family. And God is the Father and founder of this country and its constitution. With the uproar about the reference of God in the pledge, I felt my piece explained very clearly where our family stands. Well...I took some pictures of the finished piece. Wrapped it in cardboard, taped it up and sent it on its way with my husband to work. I ironically and jokingly asked if he had lost it on the plane. No it had made it to the heliport in Louisiana. He called tonight, which is Sunday, and said he had bad news. It never made it to the rig. He couldn't carry it on the helicopter so they had to pack it underneath. Through his many attempts to find it nothing has come up. I am very sad. Like really sad, not just "oh boo hoo, they lost my picture." Art is something different. You put a little bit of yourself in a piece. And when it just disappears... well here is the picture

the Girls and Caleb's Birthday

2008-04-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

Those girls. So cute, if I do say so myself.
When Jason and I first got married we sat through a Sacrament meeting, (well that was silly we have sat through several Sacrament meetings) I was goo-gooing a baby girl and Jason wrote me a note about how I would be with "Our girls" that we would have. For a while there I began to lose hope that there would be "s". I never knew there would be eight years between them, but it was worth the wait.

So Caleb turned 5. Four days ago...that is. Regardless, here are the pictures.for Joey it's all about the chocolate.

We had a good time. Just family. Jason was home. He'll be home for Spencer's birthday, but that's it. He has to miss the 3 birthdays we have next week. Well actually he won't miss his own birthday. He'll be with himself then. Which is Monday. Mine is Thursday, (which is good because I think Thursdays are my favorite day) and then Joey turns 2 on Saturday. Sigh...
Anyway, Ellie has a new hairstyle. I love it. 6 months old today with pig tails.

She has got to be the happiest baby ever. She's the happiest I've ever had. I am SUPER grateful. She is wonderful, quick with a smile for anyone. She has always belly laughed, she didn't have to learn how, her first laugh was a full, real laugh like she'd been doing it for years. She's easy to please. We always joke that she let Jacob and Joey cut ahead of her in line in the Pre-mortal just because they were being so obnoxious, and in her pleasant nature she said "Go ahead" in response to their impatience.
Well... I have a trip to the park to post later. And then we'll be mostly caught up. So until then...

Good day to ya.

Catching up

2008-04-18T01:31:00.000-07:00

OK....Lets start with pictures

Now Easter has come and gone, way super Quick I must add, but it's always worth a post-post just for posterity. It was fun all went well. I must explain a couple things. I think the Easter Bunny was tired of having my children misuse their Easter baskets, so it brought Easter bags this year. Fine by me... now if it could only do something about the stupid Easter grass. The other thing... ever since Jason and I have been sharing our Easter's together the Easter Bunny has been "pooping" chocolate covered raisins all over the floor while it hides the eggs. Sounds nasty, looks real and it's hilarious. Nice tradition, huh?

Next...
Caleb has been cast free for weeks now. I know, I know, bad blogger. I'll repent later. JK
Getting it off was worse than getting it on. You try convincing a little kid that the super loud "safe" saw really isn't gonna chop his newly healed arm off. The post cast x-rays were impressive. The brake healed nicely and was very visible, unlike the pre-cast x-rays. The brake was a lot bigger than I thought. It took him almost the complete 10 days, that the Doc. said it would, to straighten his arm after the cast came off. Crazy.

So last time I checked in I mentioned some home improvement projects I had going on. I am noticing this to be a theme for more than just myself lately. Everybody has something going on. Well, before Jason got home 3 weeks ago, I redecorated our master bathroom. I will post pictures later. I was so overwhelmed that I forgot to take the pictures when it was *picture perfect* it must be cleaned and straightened before it is presentable. While doing the bathroom, I went to IKEA and bought new bedroom furniture for me and my hubby. We will eventually have the Mountain Woods furniture for our master bedroom at least, if not for the rest of the house as well. It's pricey though so it'll have to wait. in the meantime, we could no longer stand sleeping like college students. I will take pics of the bedroom later. The latest home improvement project forced the bedroom to become a holding room for everything in the family room while we replaced the un-salvageable carpet with wood laminate flooring, again from IKEA. I've spent a lot of time at IKEA lately. For those of you that don't know this store, you're missing out. It has good stuff, fairly inexpensive and of a decent quality. What's the catch? You must assemble everything yourself. So this is why the bedroom furniture was a bigger issue than just"where should I put the bed?" I put together a bed, dresser, desk/work station, and two night stands, in three days (one of the pieces was broken, trip back to IKEA, not a huge deal but the traffic is a bugger)I could have done it all in two if it weren't for the previous parenthesis', and the extra 14 hands that either wanted to help or play with all the important pieces or take the instructions. It's all pretty dummy proof. So whatever. It's finished.

When Jason got home we decide to just get the floor done as quick as we could, how hard could it be?
the ripping up of the carpet and pad was a cake walk. and all you environmentally minded folk out there will be happy to know that we found a recycling place to take the old icky stuff. To those of you that don't care "Wake up And HUG A TREE!" Just kidding, I'm not a fanatic. It is nice, however, to not be totally wasteful. While our intentions were purely to do the floor, reason stated (dirty finger prints and various scribble marks screamed) that it might be a good time to paint with the carpet up. Now I love to paint...pictures and things, not walls. I just painted the bathroom. That was fun for a minute. Then came the need for a second coat... Anyway, Jason doesn't really care to have color on the wall. He'd be fine with white. I grew up being able to paint my walls however I wanted. So I had stars, and hand prints, and black and white cow spots. So we have to compromise. The biggest issue is that we couldn't reach the top of the ceiling to paint the walls all one color... and the finger prints and scribbles went up higher than a typical chair rail so we covered what was necessary. The actual color was a conundrum in itself...and I am too tired to write about it now. So suffice it to say after three attempts to get the wall presentable, I said "forget it, it is going to stay the pinkish chocolate milk color, I am not painting it again"
I didn't know what else to do...so I painted a border
Then a table saw, a hammer drill, a couple of choice words and days later...the floor went in

And was finished. I would have taken a picture of just the floor alone but we were anxious to get the sofa out of the kitchen, so this has to do. It's pretty though.
I'm tired. I took Jason to the airport again today. So life is on the flip again. I'll write later. My bed is calling.

Good day to ya.

a very, Very Deep Thought

2008-04-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

The more you sacrifice, or give of yourself, for something... the more you love that thing.

This is a very multi-leveled thought that I will go into detail about at a later date.

2008-04-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

Oh MY HOLY HANNAH! I would like to thank Dallas for being the computer guru that *spring cleaned* my laptop. Things seem to be flowing smoothly (other than the fact that my fingers are still dyslexic and I type like a turtle) Can you fix that too? I also would like to thank her for the fabu blog instruction power point. I laughed so hard I almost peed. She understands my brain. Hence; funny to me.
Now I just have a quick minute. The cutest thing I have ever seen is on my friend's blog. Go check out Jen Thomas, and watch Aaron sing. I don't impress easily. But this is way cute.
Our home improvement is almost to a close. We've been busy little beavers (and not in the way you would typically refer to people with 7 kids) Painting, pulling, ripping, sawing, painting again, cussing(a little) measuring, sawing, hammering, cussing, sawing, yelling, hammering, don't hammer. bending, kneeling, sawing, drilling, measuring, drilling, gluing, laughing. We are almost able to sigh with relief. But not quit yet. I am taking these few minutes while Jason and Spencer are at the Priesthood session of conference to blog. So now I am going to try my power point instructions and Dallas's teaching ability.

2008-04-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

Not Dead...Still here just experiencing technical difficulty. Stay tuned for updates!

Does anyone know the Heimlich? and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACOB

2008-03-20T20:04:00.001-07:00

BITE,CRUNCH,CRUNCH...MUNCH...cough...crunch...
Crunch...cough...Gag...Gag...cough...cough...
crunch...gag...plbtt!
That would be me biting off more than I can chew this last few weeks. I have started two big projects in my house, my husband is panicking right now because he only knows about one. So while I've been trying to finish one the other keeps staring me in the face, saying finish me FINISH ME... and it's spring break. So all the kids have been home. They have watched all 6 Star Wars movies over the last 3 days. and the boys have their first sunburns of the season from playing out back with their shirts off. The house is reminding me of different parts that need to be cleaned. and I think I have a small cold, of which I am refusing its desire to turn into a big one. Oh yeah and it was St. Patty's day on Monday, Jacob's birthday on Tuesday and it will be Easter on Sunday. For which I still have some "shopping" to do. And I need to memorize a little script for Primary Sharing time where I will be Mary Magdelene, that one is enjoyable for me if my brain holds out. I thought I would be blogging like crazy this hitch. (A hitch is a work rotation for the oil field. So when they go out to work for their 3 weeks it's called a hitch. with me?) but I guess I was wrong.
Oh well...
Sibling Rivalry? Or just a normal ordinary day at our house?

Jacob was trying to *saw* off Caleb's head.
Fortunately it was all in good fun.
HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY JACOB!
We didn't do a *real* party because the ward Easter egg hunt/picnic was that night and we figured that would be enough eggcitment for one day. Besides this will be the last year I can get away with him not noticing his party wasn't like Gabe's.
We had our cousin, Sami, come over for cake and she brought him a present.
He LOVES "CARS" it was Lightning McQueen all around.
"Thank You Sami"
He also got a CARS mini set. Of which 3 pieces were missing. So I had the pleasure of calling Matel. They will be sending a voucher to buy another one. 1-800 numbers are cool.
I tossed a "Mater" and another "Lightning" on his cake, and gave it a theme. Saved $4 dollars on the cake.
Things went well, over all. We went to the ward activity. It was OK. It rained so much that they moved everything inside. Which just made it a little chaotic for me. My friend Stacey commented that I must feel OCD. She noted that I kept counting....1,2,3,4,5,6,7,...1,2,3,4,5,6,7 etc. I just have to make sure my kids are in sight, in mind and not annoying, hurting, being, rude to or in the way of anyone else. At one point Gabe had wrestled Jacob down to the floor right in front of the serving tables set up with all the food. He was attempting to keep him from leaving the gym. But with the screaming and then the sprawling on the floor it just wasn't worth it. It's a good thing my husband wasn't there, I don't think we would have made it past the opening prayer before we left. I have to admit I didn't stay and help clean up. I have, in the past, felt obligated to help clean after most activities, mostly because it's a nice thing to do. Even being hugely pregnant pushing around vacuums, folding tables and chairs. But not that night. I ran out of there as fast as I could (ha ha still took three trips) and just hoped that the pile of potato chips dumped under the serving tables wasn't caused by one of my kids. So my apologizes go out to all those who had to clean up without my help.

Things will calm soon. and as soon as my head unstuffs I don't think I'll be as bothered.

good day to ya.

Becoming a Butterfly

2008-03-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

This idea has been bouncing around in my head for a few weeks now. Not wanting to paint half a picture, I am taking my time with this particular post.

There is a misconception in the world of metaphor, it's a misconception to me at least. And because I am a "picture" thinker I feel the need to dissect an idea to the point that I can see every detail from every angle, even though every angle isn't always necessary to explain. I promise, I think about them all. Whether or not these pictures come out clearly as words, well that's a different story. But like an artist I come back to these ideas over and over again and touch up until I'm satisfied with the total "picture." And so you will now be privy to one of these pieces of art.

There are many comparisons for girls turning into women. Flowers, butterflies etc. My thing is butterflies. The saying goes "If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies." Now I believe most people think that young women bloom into roses at 16 and morph into butterflies at 20. I would disagree. I think that teenagers are grubs that turn into caterpillars and stay caterpillars until much later. Now most of you may have gotten a chuckle out of that little thought, and no I am not irritated with, nor do I have any issues with any teenager currently. It's just an analogy that, as I said, has been bouncing around in my head for a while.
Teenagers are constantly feeding, not literally, (well OK some do but that isn't where I'm going with this... FOCUS people) I'll do this from my own self-analyzing perspective. As a teenager my focus was ME. Of course. Everything I did, saw, said, experienced was all about me and how it affected me. Everything I did, saw, said, experienced was feeding me. Not unlike the little caterpillar who spends its whole existence eating everything in its path. Not with the intent of doing damage, but with the purpose of growing. Growing in preparation of change. Now I am almost positive that there is not one young caterpillar who is munching through a tasty green leaf thinking "I am going to become a beautiful butterfly, therefore I must eat...everything" I think it is a matter of survival, for young caterpillars. As my analytical caterpillars grow they become more careful with their choice of food. They don't eat as often or in the same panicked manner as the youngin's. They are wiser in general and are often filled with interesting perspectives that they gained from eating so much when they were younger. The next step in *real* caterpillars would be to build a cocoon. (actually moths spin cocoons, butterflies are called a chrysalis in the pupa state. But for the sake of the *picture* I am trying to portray we'll call it a cocoon. Nobody wants to be a moth...) Now here is where the metaphor in my mind differs from what would be expected. Some would say that this teenage caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly because she is in her 20's or somewhere close. No longer a child and not an old woman. She gets married to a nice monarch, they have eggs. Then her life is over and there you go. I don't think it works that fast in that way. It has taken me almost 13 years to realize that all I have been doing is spinning my cocoon. Each child has created another protective layer, inside of which I am growing and changing...into what? I hope a beautiful butterfly. The most beautiful butterflies I have ever seen are not 20, they're not even 30. They are the *mature* butterflies that have shed their cocoon (their children have grown and some have gone.) And they are left to show the beautiful colors they grew inside of that cocoon they were in for so very long. They are the ones that have learned from experience about babies and bumps and bruises and broken bones and broken dishes. They have cleaned and groomed, hugged and loved, birthed, breathed and some have buried. They know that maternal heartache that comes only from motherhood. That fierce love and devotion and need to protect. They have wisdom beyond this world. A wisdom that speaks to our souls and reminds us, very reverently of truths past, present and future. They remind us that there isn't just one watching out for us...but two. They are the butterflies that know it's OK to pick up someone's crying baby while its mother's arms are busy with someone else. They know how to survive. They know what it's like to need to lock yourself in your bedroom because "mommy needs a time out." They have prayed for, bled for, sacrificed all for. And even after they have shed their cocoon they are still sacrificing for others. But at this stage it doesn't seem like a sacrifice to them. They spread their wings and show their colors with grace.
I have been struggling with my position in life. I have been a professional child bearer for 13 years. It was my job, it's what I did. I was good at it. Not being pregnant, I was terrible at that. Much to whiny. Much to uncomfortable. I'll admit that I loved feeling those babies move. And the closeness I felt to their daddy. We're finished though. I have been released from that calling. I am very grateful for how gracious Heavenly Father has been with me. And how patient he has been especially when I was a young caterpillar. I am grateful for the lessons he teaches me through the raising process of these children he has given me charge over. There is a perspective that can only be gained from being a parent. It's in part, His perspective.
This little analogy is one of those perspectives. As young women and even not so young women we often observe these older women as being tired, or uninteresting, or old, or rambly(some do ramble, but so do I, have you noticed?) It's not until we get past our young caterpillarness that we can see these gorgeous butterflies for what they are. And we have to pay close attention to see their colors. Some may seem faded but that's because we're not looking at them in the right light. I know there are caterpillars out there that know and appreciate these butterflies. I didn't, however, until I was almost finished spinning my cocoon. It wasn't until I asked "Now what am I? What do I do? What do I become? and how?" The answers are there in these butterflies.

Now so as to not offend, I must address the issue of those older caterpillars. Some of my very good friends and relations are still caterpillars, some by choice, others by no fault of their own. I love them all very much, no less than these butterflies I've been watching for years. They are just in a different stage of progression, and that is OK. I am grateful to know that they will all have the opportunity to build their cocoons and become butterflies, too.

It's been an interesting little picture that has been derived from the deep recesses of my head. I think the little lady had to dig a while for it, but it is out now. And I think I am satisfied with how it all came out. I may make some amendments later. But for now...

Good day to ya.

2008-03-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm still here, just busy putting together furniture. I'm trying to not let the nursing ADD take over. One thing at a time...must focus...must...stop...typing...must pry my fingers...off...key...board.

That name thing

2008-03-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

What Naomi Means

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. I like to think I know a little somethin' about a little somethin'

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.absolutely true. one time I was on this roller coaster...

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy.did you hear something? Leave my friend alone I found her first! You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.are you turning left or right? dang it man I don't know what that means.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. I wish I were better

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. grrrrr

You have the classic "Type A" personality.wish I was but I'm not.

You are well rounded,with 7 kids what other shape is there? with a complete perspective on life.I've been around for a million years

You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. yes

At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.I'm trying to lighten up. my back hurts

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.this is true

You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.oh no not true

You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!I'm working on it... and I'll try not to step on you after I push you down

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. not true. If I were type A then maybe. But I'm like type Z. internally very laid back.It's easy to get you excited... no it's not. which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.ADD anyone?

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.how did you know?

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

So everybody did it I guess I didn't want to be left out. I added my own comments in red. I'm impressed with somethings. Others were way off. It's fun you should try it. Come on do it, you know you want to. Just click on it. No peer pressure.

Miscellaneous

2008-03-10T18:52:00.001-07:00

You would think that in a place where it rains more than 50 inches in a year, rain gutters would be standard issue on all houses.

Not ours. We had grass all over the yard when we first moved in. Almost 4 years later...still no gutters and a nice big mud hole. The fact that we have a 52lb dog running a trench doesn't help matters.If you couldn't tell it rained today which is fine by me because rain is my favoritist weather. The boys got to go out and play before it started. I figured it was safe because the mud hole was mostly dry at the time... WRONG

Caleb admitted to helping *paint* Joey with the dirt
One of my favorite quotes is ... "We're not raising grass. We're raising boys."

Jason and Elizabeth go to the same hairstylist.

I'm so glad all that pilates is paying off

Gorgeous girl! (sigh) I remember when she was putting her feet in her mouth too. Where does the time go?

I'm working on something that I'll post later. And I'm also doing a project in my house that I will also post about later. So until they're finished...

Good day to ya.

Pink hearts, Yellow moons, Green clovers...

2008-03-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

If he weren't already dead I would say that Benjamin Franklin should be shot for inventing "Daylight Savings Time." I'm not typically prone to saying mean things about our Founding Fathers but COME ON! Apparently old Ben didn't have 7 children to get ready for church an hour earlier, all by himself...I think this country would be a lot less grumpy if we got to stay on a regular schedule and not jump around an hour every few months. Just when I start to enjoy waking up with the sun, the government is gonna make me wake up earlier and in the dark. (not like I really get to sleep anyway, I just like to pretend) And it's not like this is something you can just decide to 'not do.' "No, I don't think I'll participate in D.S.T. this season. Therefore, my children and I will be functioning an hour behind all of you." I am grateful, however, that we don't have church at 8:00am. I must say that I don't think I'd be quite as cheerful.
So here's a question...with Easter and St. Patrick's Day being so close this year, should we decorate with the leprechauns wearing bunny ears? Or do we dress the bunny in green?

Good day to ya.

2008-03-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

We, as in all of us and the dog, took Jason to the airport this evening so that he may return to work. I expect my blogging to pick up with raging speed in the next 3 weeks, and then come again to a screeching halt when he returns.
My brain gets to rest while he is home. I don't have to be hyper-vigilant when he is here. I must admit that I probably 'vacation' a little too much when he gets home and I know it drives him nutty. But I also know he would rather be home. And I would rather have him home. But he is fulfilling his duty to provide for this family. And I am very grateful for that, and very grateful for him. If there were more men in the world like my husband, this world would be a much better place, with a very dry sense of humor.

The Birds and the... Mosquito Hawks?

2008-02-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

Gabriel has been blessed with all the good quotes and questions as of late. Last night was another good one.
I was outside grilling for dinner(I used to BBQ until I moved to Texas and learned that there is a BIG difference. I do not BBQ, I only grill) Gabe, Caleb, Jacob and Joey were on the trampoline.
We have noticed, lately, a large population of Crane Flies about. The other more common name for Crane Flies are Mosquito Hawks. At least that is what we call them at my house. We used to believe they preyed upon mosquitoes until, thanks to Google, we now know they don't eat anything in their grown up state except maybe a little nectar. Now don't you feel enlightened? Maybe I should include an insect education section in my blog. I've learned a lot. Not just because living here causes one a desperate need to find out "what that heck is that," and "DON'T touch that, I think." And because the bugs here are so large we could be paying them rent. But because for the longest time, from a very early age, my oldest child wanted to be an entomologist. (studier of bugs and creepy things) So as to not *squish* the desire out of him, we would read non-fiction bug books at bed time. I used to doubt his identification abilities and find myself always double checking. But 9 times out of 10 he's right. Even the neighborhood kids come to inquire of his buggy wisdom. "We found this bug. Can Spencer tell us what it is?"
His interests have changed more toward animals in general. He is taking pre-AP science and doing just fine. But wait a minute... This is not what I was going to talk about. It was Gabe's comment.
So I was grilling. The boys on the trampoline. Near me, two mosquito hawks were flying together in a wingy, leggy sorta mess. I knew what they were and what they were doing. But Gabe, in his curious way, caught glimpse of them from a distance and couldn't identify them at first. "What is that?" I shrugged my shoulders, not wanting to have to explain why the two of them were flying as a team. (I'm not good at 'the birds & the bees' when caught off guard) He kept watching them trying to figure it out. "Oh!" he finally said "They're two mosquito hawks mating! Awww, it must be mosquito hawk mating season." Then not missing a beat he looked at me and asked, "When is human mating season?"and in his 7 y-old innocence then added "is it in the winter?"

all I can think is Baa (see Baaa post)
Gabe's full of them.

good day to ya.

Broken record

2008-02-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

Ummmm...........yeah............
We really have been lucky...first break in 13 years...with 5 boys.
We've done stitches...lots of stitches. Mostly with Spencer and Sariah. Actually, Sariah only had 2, so mostly Spencer. Gabe had glue for his nose, but that story is for another day. Come to think of it we've been very, very lucky (blessed) because that is it. Until now...

Saturday afternoon everybody was playing...everywhere(it's useless to try and place everyone in their exact locations mostly because I don't remember.) Caleb, Gabe and I'm sure someone else were in their room.(the 4 younger boys share a room. a bunk bed, crib, and toddler bed.) Downstairs we hear a "thud" and then a wail and then Gabe came down to tell us that Caleb had fallen out of Joey's crib and landed on Jacob's bed with his arm. I was confused and as usual it took a while for us to get the story *understandable*. Turns out Jacob's mattress was off his bed. Caleb had fallen out of Joey's crib (why was he in there? I dunno. ah ha Sherlock Mom strikes again. Caleb just admitted that he had previously been jumping out of the crib onto the mattress. It's all so clear now.) apparently this time he missed the mattress and landed on the floor with his elbow. When this all happened we didn't think too much about it. We get bumps and bruises all the time. There were no real signs of injury. We iced it, gave him some Tylenol and later Motrin and watched a movie. Sunday morning we noted the swelling. Early Monday morning at the table I looked at the difference in his arms and noted the dark bruising in the elbow line and inner elbow. Freaked out a little and decided that he needed to go in. Jason took him to the Dr. then to get the X-rays. Our pediatrician is usually great, but it's flu season so he must have been busy because he didn't call back with the results. So my husband called the answering service, who in turn got a hold of the on-call doc. etc. etc. He called back and confirmed it was broken. Said Caleb should move it as little as possible(he actually said immobilize it but come on he's 4) and that we needed to make an appointment first thing in the morning with an orthopedic guy to cast it. We learned from the orthopedic Dr. a couple of interesting things. The brake didn't show on the X-rays but he had what were called *fat pads* that looked like dark shadows around the bottom of the humorous. This combined with the swelling and bruising(when bones break they bleed) said it was broken. And now we know.
We were concerned about how well Caleb would handle getting a cast. I guess he didn't do so hot with the x-rays. We bribed him with chance of getting a Transformer, one named "Longarm" which coincidently was the name of the type of cast he got. He did fabulously. He will be in a cast for 3 1/2 weeks. Not bad. Unless you're almost 5. The novelty ran out around 5:30 and then the questions and whining started. "Will you take this off?" " I don't want it on anymore." "Please, can we take it off?" "I want my arm strait" and then there were tears, hours of tears. Jason took him to go pick Spencer up from Scouts, as a distraction. It worked and Caleb came back with signatures of all the Scouts on his cast. This morning, we've had a few complaints. But he seems to be enjoying his Transformer. I need some suggestions, however, of more good ways to distract him, otherwise, these are going to be the longest 3 1/2 weeks ever.
Look at his poses. Is it any wonder that he broke it?

Oh, and I want to thank Jen and Maria for watching the two little boys on such short notice :)
and I want to thank Ellie for being the best baby ever, she went with us and didn't make a peep.

Good day to ya.

Lots and Locks of Love

2008-02-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

Oh my-lanta! it's been a week since I blogged. No wonder my head was starting to no longer think of everything in written text. Well sometimes things happen that must be reported and this one is three years in the making.
When Sariah was a baby she had practically NO hair. Little red wisps that quickly turned to blond almost nothings. And her hair stayed that way until she was two. It grew a bit and when she had just turned 5 we had a bad hair cut experience (mom's fault) that turned into an extremely short bob. This is a picture from when she turned 6 in 2005. Not much growth.
When late August rolled around our family took a little "vacation" to avoid hurricane Rita. We returned home and not even a half hour had passed before Sariah had gone upstairs into her brothers' closet and cut her bangs...(I don't know why) She came downstairs wearing a winter hat. I pulled it off and can you imagine my horror when hair fell out. I thought I had ripped the scalp right off her noggin. Anyway...we decided at that point to just let it grow. And grow it did.

A few years back some girls in our church donated their hair to Locks of Love. This idea of helping kids with cancer intrigued Sariah and she decided that she wanted to do the same. And so the time came when her hair was long enough (and when dad was home so mom could take her to the beauty shop without a mass following of children) for her to get it cut.
Before...

The ponytails...

The first cut...

The last cut...

The best part (I think it is, I loved having my hair washed. Sariah really enjoyed it too)

And the next best part. She was able to give over 13 inches.

After...
When we were finished, Sariah said "I finally got to do something good."
(I think she does good things all the time.) She is planning to grow it out and do it again.

This picture is just to prove that you can still look "cool" while holding a baby...sorta

good day to ya.

picking up strays and If I'm elected...

2008-02-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

We went to a furniture store called "the Dump" a little while ago. The sales lady looked at all 7 of our munchkins and asked intelligently if they were all ours. I looked at her with a straight face and said "No, we found some in the parking lot and just thought we'd bring them along."
I then gave her a little grin so she would know I was kidding and so that she couldn't read what my real thoughts were "geez lady of course they are all ours, who in there right mind would take 7 children out if they weren't permanently attached to them." And with a smile she continued to show us the mattresses that 4 of the 7 were already bouncing on. What fun!

These pictures of Spencer were taken 2 years ago when he was in 5th grade. He decided to run for student counsel president. He didn't get it, but his posters were cute with slogans like "Don't sit on the fence, vote for Spenc." and "There's no reason to complain when you vote for Spencer Raine." You can't see it but his shirt says "I have decided to put myself in charge." I'm not sure if he will run for student body office again...
Sariah on the other hand seems to be headed that route. She was elected to be the student counsel rep. for her 3rd grade class. I don't remember that stuff starting until Jr. High. What is this world coming to.

Arid times

2008-02-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

"Cute Joey" just because
As you may have noticed I'm not blogging... My husband is home so, again, there may be a dry spell. I will check in periodically if anything interesting happens. If you feel a lack of connection and a desperate need to fill the void, I feel that my earlier blogs are quite worthy of a visit or re-visit. Until later then... (I'm so full of hooey)

P.S. My husband sent me a Pajama Gram for Valentine's Day. Which consists of PJ's in a cute box with a card and stuff... The ones he sent me say "Insomniacs Do It at night" Which is funny if you went to high school in the early 90's, where we learned that "Swimmer's Do It in the water" and "Debater's Do It in pairs" and "Band Geeks Do It marching" etc...

good day to ya.

Baaaa

2008-02-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

"What a good biggest brother I have."

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to all. My husband will be home tomorrow for a week so I will have a happy valentine's day then.
Last night,while waiting in the car to pick Spencer up from a youth activity, Sariah started the following conversation with Gabe...
Sariah: "Did you know we're animals?"
Gabe: "Yes."
Sariah: "We're mammals."
Gabe: "Yeah, we're sheep."
Sariah: "huh?"
Gabe: "We're sheep...you know...
Jesus' sheep."

And they think they don't listen in church.
Then he cried because we were laughing so hard. He thought we were making fun of him.
Poor Gabe.

If you have watched the same dang movie every day for the last week...you might be a MoM.

Honesty and unplesant Words

2008-02-13T00:50:00.000-08:00

All of my children look "related" but we have not produced any cookie cutter kids yet, YET?I mean at all, (yes, we're finished) I would have to say that the closest have been Ellie and Jacob

Similar and yet...not quite. They're dang cute though

I have to be honest and say that every once in a while I lose one of my seven children. In the chaos of being dragged in 8 different directions (I always include my own direction)at the same time someone will inevitably be miss placed(it's usually me) . Tonight before dinner while some of the children were up playing and fighting, Spencer was at scouts, I was feeding the baby, I noticed that I hadn't heard from Joey in a while. When I actually notice that someone hasn't been under foot or heard in while I am compelled to go look. and this is what I found at the top of the stairs...Poor JoJo...

If you have said "Don't...bite, hit, pinch, throw that, yell, say that, look at me like that, don't you dare, you better not, have you seen your brother?" and or "do you understand me?" today...you might be a Mommy of Many.

If you have heard the "f" word about a hundred and fifty times in the last 3 days because your 3yr-old can't figure out the verbal difference between "tr" and "f" and sometimes"fr" and his new potty pants have monster trucks all over them...you might be a MoM.

good day to ya.

Birhtday Season

2008-02-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's a nice dry 70 degree day here in Houston and we are joining you today from the Durrant Family Racetrack at the beginning of "Birthday Season." They're all stomping impatiently in anticipation of the start of this 2008 season. February hits and the countdown begins...1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,...10. AND THERE OFF!!! It looks like Gabriel is in the lead, turning 7 on Sunday the 10th, Then followed shortly behind is Jacob hitting 3 hard on March 18th, Not far behind it's a close race with, oh my gosh, 4, did you hear me FOUR birthdays in April. Starting on the 15th, with Caleb and going through the 26th with Joey, including Dad and Mom on the 21st and 24th, they're getting a little old to keep racing don't you think? Coming in around the corner in May is Spencer, officially jumping into teenage-hood turning 13. Oh and don't count Sariah out, here she comes in June. And bringing up the rear in October is that sweet little filly, Elizabeth. Now wait is she at the end of Birthday Season or the beginning of the Holiday season, which now goes right into Birthday Season. What the heck.

We celebrated Gabriel's birthday on Saturday with a nice little Star Wars themed party. He originally said that he wanted a Spiderman/ Star Wars party... and that he wanted Transformers as presents. Can we say that the marketing department is doing its job?

Spencer told us about this pizza he had at a Scouting activity. He said the slices sent from his fingertips to his elbow. We didn't believe him...until we went there. He was right. Sorry Spen. Oh, and they deliver.
When Gabe and I started to plan the party I joked about what games to play. Pin the web on Spidey or Pin the light saber on Luke. Went to Party City and guess what...It was pin the buttons on Darth Vader.
Here is Gabe's way cool friend Isaac. They all ended up sticking it to Yoda. Thanks for the use of your tie Dad.Knot of Children anyone?

Caleb, Isaac and Sariah in a dead heat.Now it's down to Caleb and Sariah

Sariah is the TWISTER champ! Isn't she pretty in her Twister glory. Present time. Gabe got some very good presents
a cool Hot Wheels set from Gracie

Sweet Pokemon stuff from Issac.(look at his face)

He also got two gift cards from Joseph and Joshua and their Grandma(who is Gabe's Sunday School teacher)
He got "Green" cards from Nana and Grandma
a cool new Hawaiian shirt(to perpetuate his fashion sense, see earlier blog 'Tourist Season') from Dawn.
And from Grandma Denny and Aunt Michelle he got the coolest retro present.

MICRO Machines. He had played with his dad's old toys when we visited last year. He loved them and asked Grandma Denny if he could have them. She sent him 5 from his dad's collection and Michelle found another 35 and a van town. Gabe was super happy and all of his little friends were intrigued. One little boy asked me why they stopped making them. All I could think was that little kids like to eat strange things, I'm sure during the late 80's and early 90's Micro Machines were on the top of the list. Thank you everyone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABRIEL

Yesterday was Sunday. Spencer spoke in Sacrament meeting with the other Young Men for Scout Sunday. The night before, when he told me he was speaking, he said he could never be President because he was afraid to speak in public. I reassured him that speaking was not one of his weaker points. Those of you who know him are probably laughing now. And I also told him, as I was writing his talk, that the President had writers so he could do it he wanted to. He did a really good job.
The rest of Sunday was OK. We actually sat in the chapel. I had a little help, and Gabe sat in the front by himself. I didn't get to Relief Society because Caleb decided that his class was yucky and he would rather be with me, whatever.

If you called the Poison Control number because you think your 2 year old may have drunk 1/4 of a bottle of facial astringent, and the lady who answers tells you to give him some milk with a tablespoon of sugar in it, and to not be surprised if he vomits(like I'm ever surprised when someone vomits) and to call them back if he starts acting drunk...You might be a Mommy of Many(MoM)

He didn't actually drink it...just poured it in his sister's room and on himself.

I would love for you fellow mom's out there to join me in the ...you might be a MoM, by commenting your funny. I'll post them. I would like to get a collection. Maybe when we get enough we can make a book.

good day to ya.

Words from Ellie and "You Might be a MoM"

2008-02-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

"Holy Cow, I've found my toes...
And my brother's hair."

"My Mommy feeds me chocolate milk, hence the rolls and Buddha belly...

"And what's this thing in my hair?"

"Ahh much better."

If you have pulled half a roll of toilet paper out of the toilet today and didn't have the heart to yell at the 3 year-old because he was so proud he "did it" and you don't want to deter him from ever using the potty again...you might be a MoM.

If you have uttered the words "You are not Superman and I am not your cape," as the 3yr-old pulled your p.j. strings around his neck, while you were wearing them, as he walked in front of you repeating "I'm Superman, I'm Superman."...you might be a MoM.

If you have tried to teach the lesson that TV remotes and electronic remote controlled buses are NOT bath toys, while attempting to remove the batteries and as much water as possible in hopes to salvage them...you might be a MoM.

If you have said today or any day "Highlighters are NOT make-up. And you're a boy so you shouldn't be doing that anyway..." you might be a MoM.looks a little like he's telling me off, huh. He was...
It's been a day :| ... I may be back later.
good day to ya

If we only knew...

2008-02-06T08:46:00.001-08:00

If we knew then what we know now, the conversations behind these pictures might have gone a little like this...

"What if I told you we are gonna have 7 kids in the next 10 years?"

"Seven ?" "Seven.""In 10 years?" "10 years."

"Oh say it isn't so."

"It'll be lots of fun... and noise."

"7 kids. That could get pretty expensive." "Thppbbssts"

"We may need to pawn your ring." "What makes you think that after 7 kids it will still fit?"

"Are they cute kids?" "They're beautiful."

"Whose dog is that?" "I don't know just smile and look at the camera." (actual conversation)

"So what do you think? Will you still marry me?

"Yeah, I will." "Good, me too"

Enjoy your spouses on Valentine's Day. Mine won't be home yet.
All right. Everybody's done it. Niki asked to see it. So here goes

What is his name? Garvin Jason Durrant (which like Christin's hubby, Garvin is a family name, and no, none of my kids have it.)

How long have you been together? Our 10th Anniversary is May 14th

How long did you date? 2 1/2 months. Not kidding

How old is he? My baby is turning 30 this April

Who eats more? The children. If there is enough food left over for us I guess it might be me?

Who said I love you first? I don't remember...isn't that terrible? But I bet he doesn't remember either. We have always loved each other, more now than ever.

Who is taller? Jason is. I'm 5'5 he's 6'0

Who can sing better? Do we need to ask? Just kidding. I do. Jason won't let me teach him. He could sing well, he has a nice tone, but it's a frosty day in TX when he'll let out a peep.

Who is smarter? Jason is 100% smarter. (Physics degree anyone?) I think I have an advantage with things of the Spirit. But he has, on occasion, floored me with his insight.

Who does the laundry? It depends on if he's home. I do, naturally, when he's at work. When he's home I go on vacation, so he does.(he's nodding in agreement as he reads this)

Who pays the bills? I do because the bills come when he goes to work.

Who sleeps in the right side?Jacob or Ellie, sometimes Caleb. I've actually pushed them to the floor lately. When Jason and I get to sleep by ourselves I sleep on the right, it's closer to the baby. Right now I sleep diagonally through the whole bed.

Who mows the lawn? Jason and Spencer do. It's nice when the kids get older.

Who cooks dinner? I do. Jason can, usually out of necessity.

Who drives? When he's home, he does.

Who is more stubborn?Probably me.(again the nodding) I've softened quite a bit though. (now he's shaking his head in disagreement, but I really have)

Who kissed who first? I'll give him that one

Who asked who out first?I asked him out first. But he was thinking about it way before I did

Who has more friends? I do. He says he has "all the friend he needs" in me. Sweet, but I say melarchy.

Who has more siblings? tied for a sister each. How we ended up with 7 kids, I'll never know, but thank the Shumway family for making a stink load of kids look like fun.

Who wears the pants? Jason. I couldn't get him in a skirt if I tried. I let him wear them ;)

People who should fill this out:All my blogger friends should.

The many sides of mom

2008-02-06T00:21:00.000-08:00

So we took a vote today. The three older children did anyway. Do we like the "little bit cranky mom," or the "doesn't care to get out of bed mom" better. It was decided that the "little bit cranky mom" is better. Spencer said on behalf of the kids (with pleading in their eyes) "By all means Mom, drink some caffeine." And so I have jumped off the caffeine sober wagon into the functioning world again, but only for a little while. I figure this way I don't have to go the anti-depressant route which is in more ways than one, a real bummer. I have actually accomplished some things today. Most of the downstairs is clean, went to the store, took Spencer and the four little ones to the dentist(pre-caffeine. The kids were unbelievably fabulous)and Spencer even got to scouts. This last one may not seem to be a big accomplishment unless you get the whole picture.
When Jason is gone, Spencer usually gets a ride with another scout so that things are a little easier for me. Sometimes I have to take the boys, and most of the time when Jason is home we swap taking and picking up. Simple enough. Tonight the typical carpooler called and said he wasn't going. So this meant Spencer needed a ride if he was going to go. He made mention of this and then we all lost track of time while cleaning and eating dinner. Then at 6:45 he said in a panic "It's time to go to scouts!" We live 20 min.s from the chapel. It takes AT LEAST 10 min.s to get all 7 kids in the car to go. The activity only lasts an hour, and the baby was hungry right then. I said "no, not tonight," twice I think. But then my "good" side reminded my "overwhelmed have too many children" side that the individual is important. Sariah has her Achievement Days activity tomorrow and we'll be going to that because they meet at a place that is only a minute away. The "make it fair" side of me said that Spencer must go. So we made a mad dash to the door, hungry baby in hand and we sped our way to get Spencer to his thing. He was fortunate to get a ride home because if you do the math 6:45 +10+20+10+20=to darn much time trying to get to and from scouts. He went, made a movie about being steadfast and immovable, had a good time and enjoyed watching his scout leaders get a written warning from the police because "you aren't supposed to set off fireworks inside Katy city limits." The fireworks were for the finale, I guess. I'm glad the "good and responsible" side of mom won and that the "doesn't care to get out of bed" side will be on vacation for as long as we can thwart her off.

This picture of Spen was taken a few weeks ago, notice my husband (not home) was putting groceries away in the fridge.
good day to ya.

Freakin' HORMONES

2008-02-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

Having Technical Difficulty due to Postpartum Depression. (I've done this before. I'll be fine.) Tune in next time for "Postpartum Depression 101." My poor husband calls and doesn't know which "me" he's speaking to...

I'm feeling a little ADD, and a little like this stray cat on my neighbors roof.
signing out

good day to ya.

Headless action figures and a Moment Peace

2008-02-01T22:21:00.000-08:00

A moment of peace. They still actually exist. Unbelievable.
I have been rather reclusive lately. I don't think I have gone anywhere since last Monday when I went to buy milk. It never really occurs to me that when I stay home so do the 4 youngest. Today Joey(the quiet one) brought me his shoes and pointed at the front door. I got the hint. As soon as big brother came home to watch the 3 others, who were sleeping, Joey and I went for a walk. He slipped his half sticky hand into mine and we walked. We first made a stop at the mailbox and then continued around the block. The breeze was perfectly crisp and the sun warmed the cool spots. It was nice to feel the sun. Usually the heat here is overpowering, more like walking into an oven where you can't really tell where the heat source is. Not today, today was nice. It reminded me of home.
So we walked. Hand in hand in silence. Just looking at things. Occasionally Joey would slow down to look at a neighbor or a car, but he never stopped or got distracted. The only real sound was the pat, pat ,pat of his little size fives hitting the sidewalk. We both understood that we were there to walk. We walked really slowly, his legs are still short, and it was so nice because we weren't in a hurry to get anywhere. I wasn't distracted by trying to teach him anything, no words for now, no this is this and that is that. It was quiet and probably the most peaceful I have felt in years. I believe fully that he enjoyed the silence as much as I did.
We stopped back at the house and checked to see if it was time for Sariah and Gabe's bus to arrive. We had fifteen minutes. So we decided to walk to their bus stop and wait. So once again hand in semi-sticky hand we walked slowly and silently to the bus stop. It wasn't quite as peaceful this time. There were more people this way, but it was still nice. We went to the wooden park bench and I sat, half expecting Joey to demand that we continue walking or climbing around on the bench or big rock next to us. But he didn't. That little boy climbed up on the bench next to me and sat... silently. He watched the cars go by. I watched him watching the cars go by. When there wasn't a car he would look up in the sky and occasionally point and say "B." "Yes, Joey, that's a bird," I would reply. Then he would smile at me and go back to watching the cars. And that's what we did...until the school bus showed up. Then it was loud and chaotic and Sariah and Gabe got off the bus. Life was back to normal.
I learned some thing about my almost 2 year old son, he has a peaceful soul. He can throw down with the best of them, but he has a spot of peace inside. There was something so soothing about being with him today. It was like being with a little peaceful part of myself that I miss placed a while back. I needed that. He's going to be the comforter in our family, I think.
After we got home, Joey was playing around, and I noticed he had something in his mouth. So I asked if he would give it to me, as if. If they go through the trouble of putting it in their mouth they aren't gonna give it up that easy. Taking something out of a child's mouth is like trying to take something shiny from a barracuda,(I'll explain that one in a minute.) So I pried his teeth apart expecting to find a magnetic(I know they're dangerous...anti-MoftheYaward...but it's funny when you use another magnet to suck the metal balls out of a somebody's mouth, mainly to avoid finger damage, it's like a vacuum) BUT it wasn't a magnetic. It took me a little off guard when out of Joey's mouth popped Spiderman's head. That was odd.
OK the barracuda thing ... Jason works on an oil rig in the middle of the Gulf. For this job everybody wears hunter safety orange with shiny reflectors all over their uniforms. Now they tell these people that are living and working about 50 to 80 feet above the ocean surface that if they survive a fall off the rig that they better keep their steel toed boots on to fight off the barracudas because they like shiny things. Shiny things like the shiny reflectors all over their clothes. That's funny.

Good day to ya.

Caffeine Rehab

2008-01-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

If it takes more than one trip to get everyone in the car. . . you might be a MoM(mommy of many for those of you who have not been paying attention.)
If takes more than an hour after the time you decided to leave the house, to actually leave the house. . . you might be a MoM.

This last one drives my husband nuts. I guess I'm getting used to it. I think I'm worried about myself. I'm not excited about leaving the house. I just did my visiting teaching by mail. I used all my stamps and thought "crap I'm gonna have to get stamps to pay the bills on Friday. That means I have to leave the house." Can you buy stamps online? What about milk? Can you buy milk online? Just kidding ...sorta. Goodcrap. It's almost midnight. I'm not tired. I have decided to go caffeine free. So I have had none today. I've only gotten an occasional headache. I'm just so darn cranky when I'm caffeinated. Just ask my husband. On second thought don't ask, some things are best left unknown. I can't be an occasional user like most people. There is no such thing as "I'll just have a coke today, and not tomorrow" I'm so super sensitive to it , I can feel the tightening in my head within 15 minutes and then I'm so terrified of the withdrawal headache that I'll drink it for a couple weeks or longer. My fix usually came by way of Diet Mt. Dew. But I ran out and I didn't want to leave the house to go get more. So Caffeine Rehab here I come. Now I need to find something else to drink. The water here is terrible. Milk makes me sleepy. Oh well, I'm sure something will surface to take its place. And you know what, that is all I have to say for today.
good day to ya.

Baby feet

2008-01-29T20:08:00.001-08:00

I Love Baby feet.
The best description I've heard is from my friend Krista, She called them brand new, never before used. It was interesting to me because feet do seem to be a body part that is always

"used"
It's hard to imagine my feet having once been new and never before used.

I've added pictures of my other kids today just so you remember they are here. Sorry about the "see food" But If anyone asks you've seen pictures that prove I do feed them;)
Jacob and Caleb

Sariah and Gabe

This is what it's like to go anywhere as a family. Every one of the nine seats is taken.

Cute baby Ellie sleeping

She has discovered her tongue. So she makes these little pucker suckie lips all the time now. Careful how you say that last phrase...

So I have been attempting to "spring clean" parts of my house. Friday I got the front room done. Washed the walls(I think paint will be the only real solution there,) steam cleaned the carpet etc. Side note: When we are independently wealthy I will give carpet cleaners as gifts at baby showers. Anyway, I started the family room today, last night actually. I took the rug by the back door and put it in the washer. I then proceeded to steam the family room carpet. It wasn't working as well as I would have liked. When I make an extra effort to clean something I like to see the results. So I got out the laundry soap, Sun oxygen cleaner, spray bottle and brush and went to work on all the "it'll never come out stains" Some of them actually came out. The orange and red stains from various leaky sippy cups, however, have made their mark...permanently. Tip: If you catch those when they happen, (like we really have super vision and know ALL that happens in our houses) put salt on the spill. It will suck up most of the color. What was my point? The only way I have been able to do this super clean is because Jacob isn't feeling well and so he slept most of the day, Caleb played where he wasn't supposed to(Sariah's room) Joey and Ellie just chilled. As I was running the machine over the places I had just scrubbed, I apparently didn't hear the commotion going on in the Laundry room.(See I do so much of it I subconsciously think its room needs to be capitalized) Remember the rug I threw in the washer? It caused the machine to become off balance and start walking. And not just a little jiggle walk. My washer and dryer usually face the same direction. Maybe its mad because we got rid of the old smoking vacuum.(see earlier blog "The best kind of sticky") Or it could have been sending me the hint that the next room to be spring cleaned is the LAUNDRY ROOM, there was quite a lot of junk on the floor where it used to sit.

Good day to ya.

2008-01-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

So I must say this first. I am so grateful that we had President Gordon B. Hinckley as the Prophet here on Earth for as long as we did. I must say that, yes, I am a sad at his passing but only a little. He was tired and I know he missed Sister Hinckley something fierce. Thinking of their reunion makes the tears all worth it. Can you imagine the mission report he gets to give. . . and to whom? Wow. I am also grateful for the structure and organization of the church and knowing that everything is still in place and we don't have to panic until the new Prophet is called. I also love Pres. Monson a ton. But this isn't a Testimony meeting so that's all I'll write on that for now.
I wanted to add this quote a couple days ago, but now is as good a time as ever
"God bless you, mothers. When all the victories and defeats of men's efforts are tallied, when the dust of life's battles begin to settle, when all for which we labor so hard in the world of conquest fades before our eyes, you will be there, you must be there, as the strength for a new generation, the ever-improving onward movement of the race." Gordon B.Hinckley

I must welcome Lauren and Niki as the first official members of the AMoM club. Lauren has two cute kids. Niki has 3 and is expecting #4. And since you two are probably the only ones who really read my blog your links are already on my page. I met these two lovely ladies in a magical place called Laramie. I grew up with their husbands and their families. Laramie is magical because it has this magnetic ability that has the tendency to keep its residence coming back. If you manage to leave its trapping range you'll find yourself longing for home and a way to live closer. Its prettier than Cheyenne and Casper, but its not gorgeous. The people are nice though. I've met my bestest friends their. I that is why I like it. But Laramie is not what I wanted to write about today.

Today I wanted to write about yesterday. Yesterday was Sunday. Sunday sucked, and no they don't have a song for that one(that's it Jenn write one about that) I didn't prepare on Saturday like I should have. We did pretty good about getting dressed and ready to go, so I thought. I wasn't rushing to make it on time because Sacrament meeting is becoming pretty unbearable when Jason is gone. So my aim was again the Relief Society room, where we can practice sitting and listen over the speaker to the meeting. I asked the older kids to find Joey some shoes, I made sure to tell them to make sure they got him two shoes that were both size 5. We have 3 pairs of the same shoe, 2 size 5's and 1 size 6. I also asked them to get everybody in the car while I got the baby ready to go and made sure my outwardly appearance wouldn't scare anyone. I had actually contemplated staying home but I knew that would be an open invitation for Satan to join us for Sunday dinner. I really do not enjoy his company. So I pressed for obedience and going to church. Back to the car. We were all in and ready to go. Everybody was complaining. We got to the building(10-20 mins away depending on which way and how fast you go)and as I went to go get Joey out of his car seat I noticed that he had his left shoe on his foot and another shoe on the floor. No biggie except as I went to pick it up I noticed that it was another left. Gabe said from the back of the car "They both said 5." "Yes, Gabe I suppose they did." So Joey went to church with no shoes. When we got in the RS room I noticed that Gabe had no socks on. I had specifically found his black socks for him and left them on his dresser. I guess he thought that church was not a formal affair and that it was 'black sock optional'. All the kids 4 1/2 and under cried through the rest of Sacrament meeting, which happened to be not even half way over when we got there. Joey is usually pretty amiable and I couldn't figure out what his issue was until I realized that I had not fed him, again chalk one up to the anti-mother of the year award. I asked my friend who is the nursery leader to feed him quickly so he wouldn't starve until snack time. Everybody went to class and I got to sit in Sunday School for about 5 min then I was called into the older nursery because Jacob was throwing a lay down on the floor fit. He was fine after a little while and I got to leave and go to Relief Society. After the lesson started, just barely after the lesson started who should I hear messing around very loudly through the halls on their way to class. Dang Deacons. So I had to go yell at my Deacon and his whole class. His was the voice I heard most but it wasn't the only one. Man was I on a roll. Then I went to the mothers lounge and talked to my friend Stacey.
Church was over. I hope I get points for trying.

As first action in the MoM and AMoM club I would like to elect myself president. That is funny. All in favor? . . .Say Aye. Aye. . . The Aye's have it. hehe Now my first order of business is to lay out a format for how we say the funny things that happen to us. I would like them to be in "you might be a redneck" form according to your club. For example. If You find banana in a shoe. . .
you might be a MoM.
GROSS HUH? I guess they are tired of bananas
Now for the AMoM group it would be "you might be an AMoM"
OK meeting adjourned. Yeah, I don't know how long this will last. We'll see
good day to ya.

MoM and AMoM

2008-01-26T20:19:00.000-08:00

I'm starting a club, well two clubs I guess. I never like anyone to be left out. So the first club is the Mommies of Many club AKA. MoM. The second club is the Aspiring Mommies of Many AKA AMoM. Now there are certain requirements to belong to these clubs. Lets talk about the MoM club. First and foremost you must have at least 5 children to belong to this group. That would automatically include myself with 7, Stacey with 5, Christin with 5 ( you actually could qualify twice with 2 sets of twins), my friend Tami (who I haven't heard from in a while)who also has 5 and 2 sets of twins. Now the exception to this rule is if you have 4 kids that are all boys. Which can feel like 5 kids if not more. This qualifies me twice as 5 of my 7 are of the male species. Now for the AMoM club. I know that all of us out there are not as old or fertile (with or without help) or crazy as us MoMs so the AMoM club is for you. This club is for those of you with 2-4 children. Unless your situation falls into the above exception. It also applies to those of you who are aspiring to be a MoM member, but are not yet, or cannot get to that 5 mark. For those of you who just have one and are finished by choice, these clubs are not for you, you just won't get it. If, however, you wanted more but couldn't have them, you are more than welcome to join the AMoM club because you will have them later. Please declare your membership by commenting and letting me know you have joined. These are the general requirements for both groups: You must have experienced sleepless nights; aching backs; sticking to various items in your home due to unknown causes; cleaning disgusting unthinkable things. . . a lot (see Christin's blog of messes;) watching your children breathe just to make sure they are; taking a bath with more than yourself(husbands do not count;) needing to lock your bathroom door in attempt to have 30 seconds of privacy; sleeping with children under your legs,arms,backs,heads; walked mindlessly through the house at 1,2,3,4am in answer to the cry of "Mommy;" stressed over the acceptance of your children in their peer groups, so much so you feel you are back in Jr.High; made the comment that you have already passed 3rd grade why do I have to do the homework again; tried desperately to remember how to do fractions; figured out that you're not crazy, it's just more difficult to think for more people than just yourself; cried because you just did 8 loads of laundry and three more loads just appeared magically on the floor; said yes, after just saying no so that the constant "Mommy can I have . . ." will stop repeating; been proud because your 'Mometer' (the natural ability to take a temp. by feel) was only a tenth of a degree off; finally stopped wondering about the floaties in your drink; kissed boogers and booboos; given million hugs; and loved more than you thought you could. These clubs are for you! The perks are knowing you're not alone, sharing comments about crazy MoM and AMom experiences and stories. Sign up today and I'll put your link on my blog and we can make our crazy world a little bigger.
Good day to ya.

Meet My Husband

2008-01-25T20:59:00.000-08:00

My husband and I started dating at the end of February ten years ago. We got married at the beginning of May that same year. Short courtship must make for a long marriage. That and a whole stink load of kids in between.
Let me tell you a little bit about the man who was crazy enough to marry me. Well first off he IS too young to have this many kids, but he does. He'll turn the big 30 this April. In his young life he only imagined having one offspring. He also wanted to go to Mars. Then I came along and said we must have more than one and Mars? That's just too far and I don't want you gone for three years. So he settled for a degree in Physics and seven children and a wife that, I know on occasions, drives him nutty.
These are some of the reasons I love my husband.
He does not put on a phony facade. He is the way he is and it doesn't matter who knows it. I used to say that he was integritous (thank you lady in my head for that word) to a fault. He is the most honest man I have ever met. I used to think this was bad because sometimes I felt like there was a certain social air that you must keep about you. Not true according to my husband. I am OK with it now. I am learning that in a world of "used car sales men" honest men are hard to come by. I just happen to have one of my own.
He has an incredibly dry sense of humor. Which is hilarious.
He has this loyalty to his family that I didn't know could exist. And then there is the sense of responsibility. We have been through the financial wringer since he graduated(Physics alone is NOT marketable) and yet he still attacks his responsibility to provide for this freakin' huge family with vigor. That is why daddy has to go to the middle of the Gulf of Mexico for three weeks at a time to work. He is in charge of every piece of inventory that goes on and off the semi-submersible oil rig. His job title is Storekeeper. He was a utility hand and a roughneck for a while, but the goal was management which he made in about a year. He has done a lot of other things to pay to feed our ever growing nest. Pizza has been involved more than once. We owned a shop here for a little while. Then Little Sleezars moved in real close. How can you compete with National advertising? We couldn't so it was on to something else. That is where the oil business came in. Here is the interesting predicament. My husband has a moral issue working where he does. Having a scientific brain causes him to mentally problem solve, all the dang time. So when the idea of alternative fuel comes up, there go the wheels. So while he is helping them drill for oil he is trying to solve the energy crisis in his brain. This is why I appreciate him even more for going to work. That isn't his only issue with going away to work. I mentioned his dad in an earlier blog. He was a sailor which meant being away from home to work. Jason grew up with dad being gone half the time and knows life on the other side as well. He never wanted to do what he is doing, but he does. I thank him for it.
He is a super good dad, occasionally grumpy, but who isn't? He has an amazing ability to love these kids. I'm grateful for that.
Another reason why I love him. . .He loves me. For no reason in particular. He says there doesn't need to be a why. . .he just does.
He is my best friend.
He honors his Priesthood. I don't know how many of us take advantage of that on a daily basis. My husband "gets it" and it means a lot to him. Not bad for somebody who didn't grow up in the Gospel. He has his own testimony. I don't have to share mine. (I share it but you get the point, right?)
Oh yeah, He loves me.

There is a new definition to the phrase "rough house"
Please put your seats in an upright position , the Daddy plane will be landing momentarily and you must exit
What a "mess o' kids"

These pictures were taken 2 1/2 years ago. . . not much has changed. Just the amount of kids

Gabe's first day of School

and welcoming baby Joey home

I'm so lucky

Good day to ya.