The Brown Family

Parent Teacher Conferences

2010-10-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

This year I was dreading one conference in particular, which was Tyler's. Why?

Let's see- 1st grade for Tyler was a "great kid". Always A's in conduct and A's in a classwork. What was the problem? He would daydream and write love notes to the girls in class.
2nd grade for Tyler he was one of the teacher's favorite kid in the class. He is so sweet and lovable. Always A's in conduct and A's in classwork. He wasn't the fast reader, but could hold his own and his reading comprehension was excellent. Another problem for Tyler still in the 2nd grade was him staying on task, daydreaming, and in love with the little girls. I was told to maybe look into some medicine for him to help him stay on task. Ummm...NO! Nothing was wrong with him. He is a little boy who is doing all his work, making all A's, and being excellent in conduct. Why would I medicate him if there is no problem?
3rd grade for Tyler he was such a lovable little boy. He was never a problem in class, in fact at the beginning of the year Tyler asked his teacher if he could sit away from the other children so he could concentrate better. He made straight A's all year in academics and in conduct. He did have trouble staying on task/daydreaming and his reading was a little slower. His teacher wanted me to look into being medicated. Still the answer is no, nothing is wrong with Tyler that he should be medicated.
So, now brings me to 4th grade for Tyler. Now this is the first parent teacher conference for this year. This year Tyler also has a male teacher, which in my opinion male teachers vs. female teachers are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT (not sure if it is a good or bad different, but so far I am liking it). He told me that Tyler is so well behaved, a joy to have in class and if he could have a classroom full of Tyler's than it would be wonderful. He also told me that Tyler does daydream, but he is not the only little boy in the class that does that, so he is not too worried. He told me that Tyler always participates in class discussion (which I am not surprised about(: ) and when asked a question on the spot Tyler always answers correctly. He does read slower than most of the class, but his comprehension is a 99%. (Sean said he was the same way as a boy, so I am not too worried. I read really fast, but I don't comprehend so have to go back and reread. So reading fast is pointless for me.)
Having talked with Tyler's teacher I felt MUCH better! He did get his firstever C and I wasn't too pleased with that, but it is in spelling and I blame myself for that since I have been a little to lax on the studying her spelling words. You better believe I am knuckling down this time on spelling and he his grade will improve. Boy, it better. ;)

The other children's parent teacher conference went very well, too. Emily's teacher had nothing but praise. She is above reading level and is making straight A's in academic and conduct. Her teacher's only complaint is that if Emily could speak up in class and participate a little more in the classroom discussion.
Next up, Isabelle, I was very anxious to her what her kindergarten teacher had to say. Again, nothing but praises for my girl. She said she was a leader (which surprised me since Isabelle copies everything Emily does at home). Isabelle is very much ahead of some of the other kids, but then I worked with Isabelle a lot before school started.

I love hearing how good the kids are doing in school! Since, I had a good reports and Sean was watching the kids, I made a pit stop at the bookstore and purchased items the kids had wanted. Everyone was happy!

Dinner Helpers

2010-10-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

I, like most mothers feel I have very little time to do everything that needs to be done and still falls short of it all. I feel like I am always in a hurry, have very little patience, and feel extremely exhausted which makes me think my kids will only remember their mom as a "crap mom".

Well, I am trying to take one day at a time. I still seem to be always in a hurry and the exhaustion part I am afraid might never be fixed, but the patient part I am really working on. ~Remember patience is a virtue.~

I am also trying to combine the whole patience thing with spending some quality, one-on-one time with each of the kids. I really want to make sure that I stay connected with them. I try to stay connected by turning off the radio in the car (since it seems like we are always on the go running errands) and asking each one about their days. I really try and listen to what they have to say and ask questions. I can't believe some of the things the kids face on a day to day basis. It is not all negative, but just interesting to me how mentally and spiritually strong my children are. Love it!

For the quality time I have established "dinner helpers". I know not every kid would look forward to this, but my children LOVE it! These are kids who love to watch the cooking channel and read cookbooks- definitely my children! I love it too! I get "willing" help making dinner, I get to teach my kids something that I truly love to do, I get to "talk" some more with them about their day and they learn how to cook (even the boys.)

Tonight was Tyler's night and boy did he ever help me. We made vegetable beef soup, potato soup, and grilled cheese sammies. Tyler cut up a pound of bacon and all the chives for the potato soup and tomorrow's dinner. He loved it! He told me how he might be a butcher when he grows up because he likes working with meat. Then he said that he really didn't know what he was going to be because he is really good at art and sports. The final career choice of the night for him was maybe a chef because he loves to cook. When would I have heard this or learned this about Tyler. I think the best part of it all was the satisfaction he had with himself once he tasted the delicious dinner he had a part in making.

Cooking with the children truly does require patience and I pray that I will keep being blessed with it. Who knows how long it will last that the kids look forward to these "dinner helper" nights, but I know I will always keep these fond, learning experiences in a special place in my heart.

Soccer Season is Over

2010-10-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

Every Spring and Fall I sign Tyler up for soccer. The last two seasons the girls played, but this time we felt that it would be a big drain on us. We were nervous how Emily would do with her Asthma and seasonal allergies. I was bummed about it at first because I really do like going to the games and watching them compete and learn new skills, but I am so glad that we didn't sign the other kids up. Tyler's practices and games alone wore me out, I can't imagine 6 practices and 3 games a week while I have been practice.

Why did we chose to let Tyler play? Well, he has been playing for about 5 yrs. (10 seasons) and he is REALLY GOOD! We have been blessed with good coaches almost every season. I was sad because for the past two seasons he had THE BEST COACH EVER, but now that coached has moved on to coaching over in Louisville. Bummer! His coach this season didn't impress me much. Actually, if I am being honest I hope he doesn't get her again. I feel she didn't push the kids hard enough. I don't want a Drill Sergeant, but I do want her too enforce being aggressive.

Tyler is an excellent team player. He is never a ball hog. His coach really enforced teamwork which is wonderful, but a lot of times the kids had the opportunity to score, but they were told to pass the ball. Guess what? They listened to their coach, passed and the team missed the opportunity to score.

All in all it was an okay season. I did love going to Tyler's games and I will anxiously await them until next season! The games are more competitive now and little more interesting. The Tyler has really gotten to be quite the lil' soccer star. I am glad he loves it so much! I think what I love the most is that before every game, Tyler offers a prayer. He prays for safety, to have fun, and that he will make goals. :) Tyler is very humble and realizes that the ONLY reason he has gotten to be this good is that he has developed his talent that Heavenly Father has given him. He knows without the Lord that he couldn't do anything. Tyler is such a good example of faith.

On the way home Tyler said, "Now, I am going to have to start praying for safety in football." I guess we will see next year when Tyler wants to try out for football. ;)

A Day at the Doctors

2010-10-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

I had my doctor's appt. today. I was checked for Group B strep, so I will know if I have it in a couple of weeks. It is not a big deal for me since I had it with the first three children. The only thing that worries me is that if I have it and I go into labor on my own and I have SUPER FAST delivery like I had with Ethan. If this child came as fast as Ethan and was born within 10 minutes from the time I arrived at the hospital then I wouldn't have enough time to get all my meds for the GBS. For this very reason the doctor has scheduled me to be induced on Nov. 15 and to be honest that sounds WONDERFUL! I love when things are planned out and scheduled. Who doesn't?

Anyways, the doctor checked me and everything looks good. She can feel the baby's head and he in position. :) But, I am not dilated or anything like that- bummer. I guess I will be back in a couple of weeks and they are kind of throwing a fit because I am supposed to be weekly now, but hey what can I do when there schedule doesn't work with my schedule? I guess if anything happens the doctor is just a phone call away.

The next doctor's appt. was Emily's. She had a recheck for her asthma. She is on an oral steroid to help with her inflammation in her lungs. Everything seems to be coming back to normal. The doctor actually told me not to keep her from any exercises. He told me to let her play outside or inside like any other child. This will help her build up her breathing and lungs. He said if she can't play like any other child than we aren't doing our job of keeping her on the right medicine. It actually makes sense as to what the doctor is saying, huh, imagine that. :)

Both doctor appointments went very well. :)

I Love Autumn!

2010-10-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

Autumn is my favorite season of the year! This year in the Southern Indiana area it still feels like summer, which is a major bummer being pregnant. I was looking forward to the cool down since the heat was killing my extra weighed down body. The forcast shows that next week will be a little of a cool down in the upper 60's to low 70's, which I am so looking forward too!

If there is one thing I love about this area is the beautiful greenery. I am such a barefoot person. I love being barefoot! I can remember as a child running around the neighborhood barefoot, but the difference is back then the grass was green and much softer. I loved feeling the cool, green, Bluegrass under my feet. Maybe, it is because we live in Indiana or maybe because we have been on a Level 1 drought this year, but the grass looks icky and brown and feels like scratchy hay. I have missed that wonderful feeling, but as I was making the drive from work to picking up the kids I was reminded of another reason why I LOVE living in this area- The Trees! Words can NOT describe the beauty you see from all the different trees. The golden yellows, vibrant reds, and the Halloween oranges that you see mixed in with some of the leaves that are still green is definitely a picturesque sight! It was such a reminder of how much Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us. To have created this wonderful world full of beauty is such a miracle. I am blessed!

The scenery is not the only reason I love Autumn. It brings chilly mornings and evenings that bring on the feeling of a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider. (Not to mention that I make the best hot cocoa ever!) (: I love wearing sweaters and jeans. I love the happiness this time brings especially with the children. They get so excited with all the holidays coming upon us-putting up decorations, trying new and fun holiday recipes, making holiday crafts. I love snuggling with the kids on cold nights (they are the best heaters :) ). I love making and eating comfort foods! We also have all the excitement of the kids birthdays. Isabelle's is Oct.25, Tyler's is Nov.21, Ethan's is Dec. 12, and then the baby is due in November, too!

I love Autumn!!

Childcare Training

2010-10-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today I had to sit through a three hour long, boring, horrible childcare training provided by the state of KY. I had to take the class for work and what is worse than that is work had to pay for me to go. I had to dance to children's music, do "learning centers", and watch a horrid movie about child abuse.
I couldn't help but thinking several different things-
1. While dancing to a children's song that teaches motor skills and following directions I thought this is really a government run operation. Seriously the tax dollars go to this organization? How sad. Seriously, 30 adults dancing to a song Tootie Ta. How embarrassing.

2. My next thought while I was doing learning centers is do I seriously need to follow a 11 step process on how to change a baby's diaper? Do I really need to follow a 7 step process on how to wash children's hands? Yep. I guess I do because if I don't follow EXACTLY EVERY step we will be written up at work.

3. When the child abuse video came on I thought I could handle it, but I couldn't. I wish I could have walked out, but again I couldn't. The only thing I could do from my not getting sick was to look away and think of my precious babies waiting for me to come home. Hearing the little pieces I heard from the movie did help me with remembering that little kids are just that-little kids. I am trying not to raise my voice as often and remember to speak kindly even when I am angry. Will I ever master putting off my "natural man", probably not because I am human, but I do know the more I try the better I will feel about my maternal parenting.

I guess for all the negative I saw of this training there was one positive thing that a came out of it. Maybe, next week will be a little better- yep, I get to take another three hour course again. Yippee!!

MIA

2010-10-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

It has been F*O*R*E*V*E*R since I have sat down and posted something. In fact it has been so long Blogger has changed on me and it took a couple of days for me to get familiar with the changes. I just wanted to update our family "journal" since I have these posts published for our family history. Hopefully I will become more diligent with keeping current even it is a couple of sentences. The kids are growing so fast, accomplishing so much, and living life and I just want to be able to remember it all, but to do so I have to write it down!

Here goes the update-

We are excepting a new little bundle of joy into our home next month. The due date is Nov.22, 2010. I have only one feeling regarding this news and it is "TERRIFIED!" You would think that having your fifth child it would be a breeze and no big deal, but not true with this one. I am trying to figure out why I am so terrified, but I can't really pinpoint it down to one determining factor, but many- 1. I am working outside the home now. Even though I am working part time hours with all the running I do before work and after work it is as if I am working full time hours plus some overtime! 2. The kids are in school now. Some may think that sounds easier, but with school comes, lots of homework, projects, tests, lunches, dropping & picking children up. 3. The kids are older another reason why I shouldn't be scared or so you would think. Everyone tells me that the kids will be such a big help, but I know how it is really going to work. The kids are older and involved in more activities- scouts, soon to be activity days, and sports- enough said! 4. Just the "motherly duties" I have of cleaning the house, paying bills, and grocery shopping with all the kids. 5. Remembering how fast the birth of Ethan came and how scary it was to me. 6. Not having insurance and paying cash for this kid is reason enough to give me a heart attack! 7. Remembering how demanding my children are as babies- very colicky and big eaters which means I will be soon feeling like dairy cow. So, with having all these thoughts bottled up inside my head I start to feel an anxiety attack happening and I have to tell myself to breathe. I figure if I plan for the worst and that is the way it turns out I won't be disappointed, but if things work out for me better than expected it will be wonderful! So much for the "Bundle of Joy" news!

Here is an update on the rest of the family-

Sean is still working as Area Manager for Sleep Outfitters. Earlier this year we bought a boat which was very exciting and very fun for the whole family! The boat is where Sean spent a lot of his time over the summer with the kids. He also has started to reload bullets again. For his birthday he purchased a new reloading press. I won't even begin to act like I know what I am talking about. He transformed and old t.v. stand into a mobile reloading station, so now he can sit downstairs on the couch watching t.v. while restocking his bullet supply. He loves it and loves that the kids have learned how to help him out with it.

I, like I said am pregnant. I am still working at Tiny Hands Academy over in Louisville teaching the 3-4 yr. old preschool class. I really do enjoy it. I am also still teaching CTR 5 class at church as my calling and I love that too. I have been trying to get the house little more situated for the baby. (That is a never ending process!)

Tyler is in 4th grade this year. He ran for class Treasurer, but didn't win. I was surprised he even wanted to try for it. He wrote a speech and stood up in front of the WHOLE 4th grade class and gave his speech. I was very pleased! He also is playing soccer again. He is really doing well (he should be for playing since he was 5 yrs. old!) He has been practicing for the school's Speech Contest coming up. He will be doing a demonstration of soccer moves. He also has been working very hard to get all of his achievements done for his Bear Badge. He only has a little over a month left. He better hurry! He is also very excited for the baby.

Emily is in 2nd grade this year. She has Tyler's 2nd grade teacher and loves her. Emily just finished a 2 week Whale Exhibit she had been working on. Daddy was able to go to her school this past Friday and see all she accomplished. She was very excited to see daddy! Daddy's words were, "she busted through everybody and ran up and gave me a great big hug". Emily suffers from asthma and she has been struggling these past couple of weeks. We are saying lots of prayers that she gets better soon! Of all the kids, I know why Emily was chosen for this trial in life, she has wonderful patience and understanding even when things don't go the way she would want them to. Emily is very excited for the baby's arrival and I have no doubt she will be my biggest helper!

Isabelle is a big Kindergartner now. SHE IS IN LOVE WITH SCHOOL!!! I love watching her trot in to school every morning eagerly passing every student in front of her. She has the most beautiful smile and a hug for teachers each morning. Isabelle's birthday will be in a couple of weeks. She is very excited! She has picked for her birthday dinner to be - Chili and Mummy Dogs and for her cake it will be a Jack-O-Lantern. Halloween, what a fun time to have a birthday next to! Isabelle is very excited and she whines to me about how "long it is taking for the baby to come out." I think she is anxious!

Ethan is in mommy's preschool class and to be honest there days he likes it and days he does not like it. He is getting so big and says the funniest things. Today at lunch he was holding his cup with one hand and he asked me, "Mom, do you like when I hold my cup with one hand?" I answered, "Yes, but be careful that you don't spill it." and then he piped back, "Do you know why I hold my cup with one hand? Because I am so BEAST!" (apparently "beast" now means awesome.) I am not quite sure how he will take to the baby. We shall see...

Well, that about sums it up for now.

Another Snow Day!

2010-02-16T21:22:00.000-08:00

I think that I am the only one enjoying all of the snow days we have been having lately. I get SO much accomplished. I know, I might be singing a different tune when the kids are going to school in June, but I will try to remember how much I enjoyed catching up with life on the snow days we had. I may only work part time, but I am out of the house everyday with full time hours and that really takes a toll on EVERYTHING. So, yes I have been enjoying my time off. ;)

Today was a lazy day for the kids, but busy busy for mom. Cleaned, paid bills, balanced checkbook, clipped coupons, planned menus, wrote grocery list, laundry, dishes, cleaned kitchen, and collapsed in bed. The kids were really good. Tyler finished up his President James Carter project, Ethan took along nap, and the girls kept themselves busy playing barbies. And while I was slaving away I snuck a movie in. I watched State of Play, not bad.

Just a random thought I had today- I want to read all of Jane Austen's books. Why? I don't know. Maybe I am hoping it will pull me out of this funk I am still in.

In a Funk...

2010-02-15T22:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, haven't written anything for about six months. At least I am staying true to my journal writing ways. I seriously have got to kick it up a notch. Well, SO MUCH has gone on and it would take all night and longer to just touch on a few things in life, so I am not going to rewind but stay in the present.

A new year has come and I am trying to become a "new" me. Not sure if it is for the best, but I like it. I am trying to live in the moment. I am trying to not be so much of a people pleas er, but to finally do somethings that I want to do. I have ran myself ragged for years trying to work with every one's schedule and well I just can't do that anymore. 1. The Lord, 2. Hubby and kids, 3. Me, and if there is any extra energy left or time then I will schedule things to do with other people. Do I usually have extra energy or time to do anything with anyone? Nope. Do I care if I can't get it all done. Nope! I like the new attitude, but it is a work in progress. I feel this new way will bring less stress and more joy to my life. :)

What has been going on with us?

Sean is a area manager with Sleep Outfitters. He works lots of hours, but also has been home a little more lately. It has been nice to hang out with him and veg in front of the t.v. and laugh with him. He also has been picking up the the kids more from me at work and school. They will go on little "daddy field trips" or just hang out with dad at home. Everyone is loving it!

I have been in a weird funk, not really motivated. My sister created an addict of watching, The Office. To say that I love this show would be a MAJOR understatement! What else is to blame for my lack of motivation, Facebook (another addiction my sister created). I have been working and school is in, so there goes a lot of my time with homework and projects. Blah! I hate school! We have had a few snow days so that has helped me out tremendously with getting caught up with my work around the house.

Tyler is feeling a little under the weather today. He has a project due this week in Social Studies on Jimmy Carter (a.k.a. the worst president before Obama. Oops, I mean the 39th president) so, he has been working on that. He has been playing a lot of the Wii, doing chores, and losing teeth. He lost his sixth tooth today! The Stake Pinewood Derby is coming up so I think him and Sean are figuring out plans for that.

Emily also has been feeling under the weather lately. The weather really takes a toll on Emily with her allergies. She has been hanging out with Sean and I a lot. She likes to help me clip coupons. She also has been playing the Wii, Barbies, and Littlest Pet Shop with Isabelle. Emily also lost her fifth tooth today. Man, these two kids are going to break the tooth fairies bank account.
A couple of weeks ago, Emily wrote the Tooth Fairy a note at school. In the note Emily told the Tooth Fairy that she wants to see her and if she doesn't let her see her than when she catches her she is going to squish her. Emily was totally "smack talkin" the Tooth Fairy saying, "I hope you have nine lives because you are going to need them." Today after Emily lost her tooth, I told her that the Tooth Fairy might be too scared to come to give her money. I reminded her of the note she wrote talking about hurting the Tooth Fairy. Emily became scared that she wouldn't come and started crying. She then decided that she was going to write a note back to the Tooth Fairy telling her that she was joking. Good idea Emily!

Isabelle has also not been feeling well. I guess that explains all the whining. What else has she been doing? She loves to pester Ethan. She also loves to play, say, eat, and wear whatever Emily is doing. Every morning when I drop Emily and Tyler off at school Isabelle will cry that she is going to miss them. She is very excited for kindergarten! I just wonder if she will be okay and not cry for mommy.

Ethan has just been down right terrible. He has definitely kicked up being hyper in his diaper, lately! The boy is everywhere and into everything and bothering everyone! But he is so dang cute! I can't believe it will just be him during the day with me next school year. He loves playing the Wii and it amazes me how much he knows about it and playing it. He has been EXTREMELY clinging to Sean lately, too.

Well, that about sums it up. Till next time (lets hope it is before my normal once every six month stint.)

A new addition to the Boscos

2009-08-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

Waverly feeding her new little sis.
Dustine and Aulbrey

Aulbrey Ann Bosco

Two of the big brothers and one big cousin. :)

Aulbrey Ann Bosco was born on July 8th, 2009. All I remember is that she weighed 10 1/2 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Anyways, she is very cute and her brothers and sisters LOVE her VERY much. This makes SIX for Steve and Tammy. Here are some pictures of the little bundle of joy.

We love our Cousins!

2009-08-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Ethan waiting for their chance to light fireworks with the big guys. Soon enough boys, soon enough.

"The Big One. Keep out of reach of children." (I love the line from Toy Story)

Anyways, after the train ride and cookout we enjoyed fireworks on our Independence Day.

On the 4th of July Grammy and Grandpa Brown took all of the cousins (that were in town) on a train ride in French Lick, IN. It was an enjoyable ride on a rainy July 4th. Two highlights of the trip were having our train "held up" by robbers on horseback. Emily and Isabelle were pretty scared, it was alot of fun. The other highlight was seeing were Larry Bird grew up. In a old shotgun style house, nothing fancy. Of course he as moved on to something much bigger.

Tyler, Isabelle, and a train robber posing for a picture, how nice of him. :)

Adrien and Tyler chillin' on the train.

Vanessa and Emily on the train.

Here are the cousins on the Bosco side. We are only missing baby Aulbrey who wasn't born yet and Jessica & Will's little bun in the oven, add those two and I think it is a total of 18! This picture was taken on Memorial Day. Since, Jess and Will were in town we thought it would be fun to get together and enjoy a baseball game and picnic. FUN! FUN!

Boys will be boys

2009-07-11T06:52:00.001-07:00

Wondering why Isabelle is on the boy post? Her head wound. Ethan was playing with my excerising band and Isabelle was being an older sister and she tried to get if from him. They both were pulling it and Ethan thought it was a fun game. When he let go the handle snapped back and hit Isabelle in the head. Two stitches underneath the skin and 5 stitches on the top. Isabelle was so brave! She didn't make a peep at the hospital. She didn't even shead one tear. She just laid there like a perfect patient. Her reward was a mermaid Barbie.

Ethan ate chocolate pudding without a spoon.

My dirty boys!

Ethan's face in this picture just screams, TROUBLE!

The aftermath of muddin on the Yerf Dog go cart.

This is actually really clean for just going muddin'.

Gatti Land

2009-07-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

Having fun on the Snoopy ride. He rode that ride about 10 times.

Ethan needs to make sure Snoopy doesn't move. He didn't want Snoopy to get him.

A ride for Ethan.

Ethan

Ethan didn't care if wasn't "playing" the games. He loved sitting in them and pretending he was doing something.

Uncle Phil being goofy!

Here we have Emily and Rebekah on the far chair. Dustine and Isabelle on the front chair. They were riding some virtual roller coaster ride.

We went to Gatti Land with all of our Bosco cousins. I have a few pictures, mainly of Ethan because the other kids ran off with their cousins to play games.

Pictures from the Louisville Zoo

2009-07-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Emily feeding the Lorikeets at the Louisville Zoo. After the picture was taken the two birds on Emily started to fight. It really scared her, but she was brave and just stood there like a statue.

Isabelle feeding a Lorikeet.

Emily being a monkey at the playground.

My girls

The kids waiting for the water to squirt up in their faces.

Isabelle loving the slide!

Tyler being a helpful big brother with Ethan and taking him down the slide.

Tyler and Ethan down the slide.

Isabelle having fun.

Ethan getting splashed at the Louisville Zoo splash park.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to tell Sean how grateful I am to him. I love him. He is a wonderful and sexy husband! :) I love that he makes me laugh EVERYDAY! I couldn't imagine not having humor in our relationship. I love when he gets home from work and to see all the kids run to greet dad! I love to see Sean playing with the kids it brings me great joy knowing that our kids have both parents in their home. Thanks babe for all the hours at work you put in. Thanks for all the support you give me. Thanks for loving the kids the way you do! You are #1! :)

I also wanted to mention a few of the wonderful examples of Father's that have touched my life.

-My dad, I love him very much. Sometimes I wished that I had all the time away from him when I was a kid back, but I am grateful for the time I have now. I love that I can call my dad and totally scream, vent or let out my feelings and he will just listen. I love my dad's sense of humor. I love being around my dad! I love seeing my dad with his grandchildren. I love seeing his eyes light up when he is around his family! Love ya, Dad!

- My Father in Law, I a grateful that I have one that I get along with so well. I love that we can tease each other. I love seeing him play with his grandchildren. They love to wrestle grandpa and they have no mercy on him and he just takes it. Thanks Dad!

-My brothers, I have the best brothers! They were and are such a great examples of father figures to me and I love them. They are so strong physically and spiritually! They are extremely hard workers. They never give up on anything they do. I know I can come to them with questions and concerns and I will get great advice. Thanks guys, I love you all!

-My friends' fathers, coming from a broken home you kind of look around for great men to look up to. I had great friends growing up and you can't get great kids without having great parents. I don't know if they will ever know the wonderful examples they were to me. They loved their families and you could feel it from the moment you walked in their homes. I love their sense of humor. I loved their devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am such a people watcher so with all of my friends' dads I could tell you what I loved about them. Little did they know how much they influenced me.

So, here is is all the fathers' on Father's Day, hope it is wonderful!

Emily

2009-05-28T14:34:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to write about Emily. She is such a wonderful daughter! I can always count on Emily to help me with Ethan and to help me around the house. She is such a great sister to Tyler because he always begs her to play a Star Wars game even if she doesn't want to play she will. She is such a great big sister to Isabelle, even when Isabelle tries to boss Emily around Emily will just ignore it and go on with what she was doing. Emily is so kind to Ethan, too! If Ethan wants something that Emily has she will give it to him because she says, "I don't want to here him cry." Emily is such a great example of a being a peacemaker!

At school Emily's teacher always tells me how wonderful Emily is in class. She always tells me she would keep her if I ever wanted to get rid of her. ;) Like that would happen! ;) She tells me how helpful Emily is with the other children. She says that Emily is not like some other kids that boss other kids around when helping, but very humble when she is helping. She is always eager to learn and is a very fast learner! I am always so pleased to hear reports on Emily everywhere I go. I always here, "You have done such an excellent job!" Well, I wish Sean and I could take credit, but we can't we are just blessed with a wonderful little girl who always wants to do good!

Well, we all have our trials and Emily has had an early one to deal with in her life, it is her allergy induced Asthma. She is a trooper. She never complains when she has to take her breathing treatments or drink disgusting medicine. My heart hearts for her when she sometimes can't go out with the other kids or tells me it is hard to breathe at times. She is always looking towards a positive future and knows the Lord hasn't forgotten her. She prays that she will overcome this and has tremendous faith!

Thanks for being such a great daughter, sister, friend, and an excellent example of how Jesus wants us to be! I love you, baby girl!

Top Models

2009-05-16T04:09:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please.....

2009-05-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

Sean and I on Mother's Day. Thanks babe for a great day! I love you!

The kids with their Aunt Cyndi.

Sean and his sister Cyndi, she was in town to celebrate Mother's Day!

Isabelle and her favorite little cousin Lilly on Mother's Day. Isabelle is just fascinated with this little girl. She loves feeding her and burping her.

Ethan and Mommy on Mother's Day!

Okay, that is all the recent pictures that I have right now. I do have more, but I can't figure out Picasa! I will try and get a hold of my Picasa guru tomorrow, I think she may be asleep right now.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-12T16:21:00.001-07:00

This Mother's Day was wonderful! The kids were no trouble at all getting up and dressed for church. After everyone was dressed I was given my presents that Emily and Tyler made for me at school. Loved Them! Emily made me a card that she had stamped a beautiful flower on the front and wrote, "Happy Mother's Day! I love you!" I cherish every little thing. I loved her little handwriting and her excitement to give her gift to me! Tyler's gift to me was a piece of pottery he had made at school. He did a great job making this bowl and informed me that he got all of the air bubbles out of the clay so it wouldn't EXPLODE in the kiln. The bowl was painted pink and filled with Hershey kisses. He had also gave me a flower, made from his hand print with his picture in the middle of it. Precious!

Isabelle and Ethan gave me their presents on Friday. They had made cute little magnets with their pictures in it at the daycare.

The kids also sang at church, "Mother, I Love You". I loved it and became a little teary eyed. I was able to take a little nap when we got home from church. That evening we all headed to Grammy and Grandpa Brown's house for a yummy steak dinner. Thanks, babe! I love you!!

Pictures to come! Yes, you are reading this correctly. I do have pictures I just need to find time to post them.

Moms have moms too

2009-05-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

I had to buy Mother's Day cards for my mom and my mother-in-law. When I told the kids what I was doing Isabelle kind of had this puzzled look on her face. I reminded her that even though I am her mommy I have my own mommy. She just smiled, so I am not sure if she quite understands.

I picked five cards and had to quit browsing. Why? Funny story or at least I think so. Isabelle was in the front of the basket. I was fighting with Ethan. He won't get in the basket and he doesn't want to be held. I am doing the best I can to keep that little boy in my arms. Tyler and Emily were picking up every funny looking card they saw and cracking up. Then they discovered the muscial cards and that brought fun to a whole new level! While we were in the card isle so were two other gentlemen, but they quickly found cards! I finally gave in to Ethan and let him down following closely behind him and putting back all the cards he picks out. He quickly gets bored and starts pushing the basket with Isabelle through the store. I give up. I grabbed the cards that made me smile and caught up with him. We will just use the cards we don't use this year for next year. I must have looked like a space cadet mom.

Maybe Ethan's plan all along was helping me be prepared for next Mother's Day. Thanks Ethan!

Happy Mother's Day!

Back to the Ol' Planner

2009-05-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

Funny, I used to have such a very good memory before I was married and had children. How fast that can diminish! Maybe it is because I am trying to cram in my little brain not only information for myself, but for 5 other people as well. I need to start working on brain teasers and mind games, I guess (as if I don't get enough of those already from the kids. ;))

Today I went to the doctor for Isabelle's check-up and I was only a week and a half early. This is the second time this has happened to me in the past few months. Today I went to the grocery to get Fritos (for chili tonight) that was main reason why I even went to Wal-Mart and ended up getting other stuff and forgot Fritos completely. I was going to write it down, but I just KNEW I would remember. ;)

I know this probably happens to alot of people. I am not complaining, but laughing at myself. I now know why my mom writes EVERYTHING down in sprial bound notebook, she since I was a child. Kind of funny how I am slowly becoming my mother (in some ways!) It is just part of being a busy, working mom who stays up too late on the computer. ;)

Church Skippers

2009-05-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Today was Stake Conference and I am going to be completely honest, I am not really a fan of Stake Conference. It is very difficult for me to sit there and pay attention for two hours. It was difficult for me as a child and now that I am grown with my own kids it is much worse! I feel bad for admitting to this, but I know it is no secret to the Lord of my feelings. Is he disappointed in me? Probably not since I am obeying and go. Today was a little different....

The morning started out pretty good. The kids were doing very well getting dressed and obeying for me. I was having a good hair day (which is very important ;)). But then it happened...Ethan burnt his little hand on my curling iron. So, our good morning wasn't good anymore. We went to church, Sean had to leave in the middle of Conference to go to work and I just didn't feel like fighting with Ethan to not run around in the gym. So, we left when Sean left. Sean at least took something home from conference, we need to budget a little better.

Even though we skipped church half way through it still ended up being a great Sabbath. We were able to rest, the kids wrote letters to Aunts and Uncles, and we had a good FHE.

I guess I good make a goal for next Stake Conference, to pray that I might be able to stay focused and that Ethan will color for the whole two hours and not move!! ;)

135th Kentucky Derby

2009-05-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally made some time to post. We have been very, very busy here.

Today is one of my favorite days of the year, Derby Day! I LOVE DERBY TIME!! I love the celebrations in Louisville. It is just a great time. I can't describe it completely. It is just wonderful. I love to trying to pick the Derby winners, (which today I didn't get right). I did have the winning horse, but changed after listening to my father who said, "Mine That Bird shouldn't even be in the Derby. He's odds are 50-1." Oh well. But do you know how much that pays? 50-1!!! Crazy! I was so happy for the jockey. He seemed so humble. Anyways, it was fun watching the horses run and watching the people all dressed up. No, we didn't go down to the Downs, well because of many factors- It is expensive, the kids would be crazy there, and Isabelle is sick.

So, in honor of this great day we did our own little Derby celebrating with the Run For the Clean House. We didn't quite get it all the way cleaned, but I accomplished alot. Everything piles up so fast when mom works outside the home. I was able to clean the oven, clean the kitchen, clean the bathroom and scrub the bathroom floor, clean the girls room, and fold LOTS of clothes! I am tired! Off to figure out dinner.

I love Saturdays!

2009-03-14T05:04:00.001-07:00

Even though I have been awake since 5am with Ethan running a fever and coughing I still feel like today is a BEAUTIFUL day! I feel like singing "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" from the musical Oklahoma.

I love Saturdays. They are my days to spend some quality time with the kids. A day to get some quality cleaning done. A day to maybe get a nap in. (I won't hold my breath for that one. ;)) A day for me to run some errands. A day for me to watch one of my favorite channels- Food Network! A day for me to play around on the computer! A day to get ready for my other favorite day- Sunday! I guess I am just happy it is Saturday, really and I don't have to go to work. :)

A happy heart

2009-02-28T20:58:00.001-08:00

Just because I haven't posted much lately doesn't mean we haven't been busy. I thave lots of things in my mind that I want to jot down, but time is what I usually lack. I just want to express how happy I am. I just feel so blessed. I can feel the love of my Father in Heaven right now and I want to remember this feeling. Nothing extraordinary has happened. I still have many trials, but my blessing out number those by far. I love life.

A few things that I don't want to forget....

2009-02-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

-Sean and Tyler have been working on Pine Wood Derby. Constructing the fastest car takes time, you know. Tyler is so excited he can't wait until race day.

-Tyler lost his last front tooth, today! He lost it at school and was so excited that the school gave him a tooth holder key chain. He told me that if his teeth haven't grown back by Christmas then he will be able to sing, "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth". I informed him that most likely they will be grown in my then.

-Emily has been sick lately. She missed school on Thursday due to a stomach ache. She was tardy on Monday due to asthma issues. Today, Sean went to pick her up early from school because she was complaining of a stomach ache. I hope she starts feeling better. The doctor seems to believe she has a little bug which would explain her stomach feeling yucky. Her asthma flare would be caused by the allergies from the change in weather. Poor girl!

-Isabelle loved helping me at the store yesterday. She told me that we were a team and using team work because I would give her the groceries to arrange in the basket for me. She is so cute!

-Ethan enjoyed opening up the honey on the way home from the store and playing with it in his car seat! Talk about a sticky situation!

I do have pictures and a cute video to post, but I need Sean's help. So....patience Jessica! :)

Girls Just Want To Have Fun!

2009-02-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

It seems like the girls in the house have been doing lots of partying, lately. A couple of weeks ago Emily was invited to a birthday party for her best, little, school friend, Jenna. It was a themed Princess Ball Costume Party. Emily has outgrown all of her dress up clothes and I wasn't about to fork out any unneeded money. So, we dressed her up in a beautiful church dress. I pulled her hair up and curled it with the curling iron. Of course,she just had to have some makeup (it is was a special occasion) so, just a little tinted lip gloss would do the trick. She looked beautiful, of course. ;) (Pictures to come later.) Isabelle was so sad she wasn't invited to Jenna's party. After all the stories Emily tells Isabelle about Jenna, I guess Isabelle feels as if she knows Jenna. It about broke her heart and mine because Isabelle was crying and she said, "But mommy I can go to the party because Emily is going to tell Jenna about me." :( After we dropped Emily off at the party I took the other kids to a restaurant. They were very excited about that and I enjoyed the time talking about things in their lives that I don't always think to talk about.

This past Friday I went to the movie theatre and saw, He's Just Not That Into You. It was cute, but I didn't like one storyline ( I won't say so I don't ruin it for others.) I was so excited to go out. I hadn't been to the movies in FOREVER! I think for a couple years at least! One of my friends from church invited me with some of her friends. Sean was so cool about wanting me to go that I didn't feel guilty at all! Thanks, babe!

This past Saturday was another party, this time it was for both girls. Isabelle was so excited and to add more fun into the mix it was being held at Chuckie Cheese. I took all the kids and while the girls were having fun with the birthday girls (two sisters from church) Tyler and Ethan were having a blast playing games. I owed the kids a trip to Chuckie Cheese anyways because they both received EXCELLENT report cards. They worked hard at getting As in academic and As in conduct! Great work guys! Needless to say EVERYONE had a great time!

I was so tired on Saturday evening. I knew we had one more party on Sunday to go to for my nephew, Solomon. Tammy called me and told it was postponed so I feel that was a blessing so I could get some much needed rest and get the house caught up. I guess I am getting too old for all this party time!

A Month Behind

2009-02-02T04:48:00.001-08:00

I am only over a month behind on writing down what has been going on with the family. Looks like I am not doing well on one of my New Years Resolution. ;)

Things have been moving right along this year. We just are coming out of a week long ice storm. Hundreds of thousands of people have been without electricity for almost a week. We were very blessed to have only lost power for a day. Not a day goes by and I don't thank my Father in Heaven for that blessing! Not having electricity is one thing, but not having it with children is whole new experience. The kids were very good. Sean and I were a little prepared. We have a propane heater, some kerosene lamps. We kind of camped out downstairs. I read some library books to the kids by light of a flashlight and they really enjoyed that! I actually wasn't home most of the day so that was nice too. I took Isabelle to the ER and Sean cooked lunch a yummy lunch of canned spaghetti and meatballs on our new indoor propane grill.
I know Sean wasn't happy that our electricity was out, but he never complained. He seemed excited to use all of our new emergency preparedness purchases. ;)

Yes, I took Isabelle to the ER because the night before she fell and hit the back of her head on Grammy and Grandpa Brown's fireplace. She had a scrape on the back of her neck and a big knot on the back of her head. We called the doctor and followed the directions they gave us, but the next day Isabelle kept throwing up. I called the doctor and he said if it gets worse then take her to the ER. Well, it got worse. She couldn't keep any food down and she cried and cried that front of her head hurt. So, I took her in. (I was nervous that the roads were going to be really bad, but the Lord blessed with ice and snow free roads.) We were at the hospital for a few hours. They took a CAT scan but they came to the conclusion that her head was okay, but she is getting the flu. I would much rather for her to have the flu than a concussion, so I was happy. When we got home that evening the electricity was back on and stayed on!!

To mothers

2008-12-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

I thought these song samples by Hilary Weeks were funny. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving 2008!

2008-11-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving! We had so much food! Seriously when the Boscos get together we don't mess around with food. Our eyes are way too big for our stomachs. Everyone came to our house this year. We ate close to 4pm. Steve and Tammy arrived with their crew around 6pm. We started games alittle later. We played Scattegories and we kept the family tradition of Balderdash! It was alot of fun! The kids had fun playing with cousins. The girls started a band and they performed a little of their new hit single. I love Thanksgiving! It is such a wonderful day to reflect on all of the blessings Heavenly Father has given to me. I am truly blessed!

Celebrate!

2008-11-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

Tyler turned 8 yrs. old on November 21st. He was so excited for this birthday because he will be baptized soon!
Tyler wanted a football cake. Well, mom tried. Something happened with the icing that I bought and it wouldn't come out of the bag. The tip would get clogged when I would try and pipe it out. So it kind of looked like a shiz ball cake. Tyler loved it so that was all that mattered!
The day of his birthday Emily was just getting over Strep Throat so it was good that we decided on not having a "friend" party just granparents and Uncle Phil.
Tyler received lots of cool toys. Two radio control cars, Legos, Legos, and more Legos. Ya think Tyler likes Legos? ;)

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Honorable Mention

2008-11-29T08:37:00.001-08:00

Tyler and Mom showing off his award!

Tyler did a great job on reciting his poem, Homework I Love You . He was very nervous! He was given a medal that he was very pleased with! Great Job, Tyler! We Love You!

Homework, I Love You
by Kenn Nesbitt

Homework, I love you. I think that you’re great.
It’s wonderful fun when you keep me up late.
I think you’re the best when I’m totally stressed,
preparing and cramming all night for a test.

Homework, I love you. What more can I say?
I love to do hundreds of problems each day.
You boggle my mind and you make me go blind,
but still I’m ecstatic that you were assigned.

Homework, I love you. I tell you, it’s true.
There’s nothing more fun or exciting to do.
You’re never a chore, for it’s you I adore.
I wish that our teacher would hand you out more.

Homework, I love you. You thrill me inside.
I’m filled with emotions. I’m fit to be tied.
I cannot complain when you frazzle my brain.
Of course, that’s because I’m completely insane.

How To Deal With Your Anger & Wiggly Pants

2008-11-23T07:04:00.000-08:00

The other day at Tyler's school I was told they were discussing anger management. School sent home a worksheet for us to complete, during the up coming week Tyler was to keep track of his feelings for each day. One night while I was helping him with his homework he informed me that there is a little girl in his class that really frustrates him. He told me she was bossy and always competing with him. All of sudden he says, "Excuse me while I go scream in my pillow." After screaming in his pillow he walks out of his room and tells me that school told them that when you are feeling mad screaming in your pillow helps you let out anger.

Isabelle is very picky. Not just with food, but when picking out her clothes. She HATES when her long sleeve shirts touch the part of her hand. The sleeve MUST stop right at her wrist or she throws a fit! I usually have to roll the cuff of her sleeve up. She also HATES wearing wiggly pants! What are wiggly pants you ask? That would be any bottoms that have elastic in the waist band. There are some outfits that have elastic in them at I am able to convince her of wearing, but there are some that I just have to give away.

Oh, my kids really crack me up. Being a mother truly is rewarding! ;)

Uncle Phil

2008-11-22T14:41:00.000-08:00

Phil aka PTG (Phil The Grill) turned 26 on October the 29th and I had a little get together on November 1st. I just wanted to say how much I love my lil' bro! He is such a wonderful caring person. He is so much fun to be around. The kids LOVE Uncle Phil so much! They get so excited for when he comes over because he is just a big kid! He plays board games, video games, Legos, Hide and Seek, or anything the kids want to do! Phil is the BEST uncle!

Hope you had a great birthday PTG! I hope you have another great year!

Halloween of 2008

2008-11-21T03:18:00.000-08:00

I loved Tyler's costume this year! It was so original and that is what Halloween is to me. He was excited to be his bag of leaves but then when we went to Trunk or Treat at church he became nervous. As he was walking into church one of our friends, Brandon started cracking up laughing because Tyler said, "I can't believe my mom made me wear this."

Then on Halloween we always go to Grammy and Grandpa's house to trick or treat. This year Grandpa was out of town so he called to wish us all a Happy Halloween. When it was Tyler's turn I heard him say to Grandpa, "Don't laugh at me but my mom made be a bag of leaves." What a rotten boy! :)

Isabelle was so excited to be a unicorn. She still loves and wears her costume!

Emily is a cute little bumble bee.

Ethan was Frankenstein. He loved running to the houses and collecting the candy. He also loved his glow stick from Aunt Bammy (Tammy).

Halloween has come and gone, so has the kids candy. Just wanted to share some pictures.

Happy Belated Birthday

2008-11-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

Isabelle turned four on October 25, 2008 and yes I am just now getting around to writing about it. We actually celebrated her birthday on Sunday which was the 26th of October due to Sean's work schedule and family getting together. Isabelle was actually sick on her real b-day so when we celebrated she was feeling a little better. We had grandparents over and Isabelle's best little friend Rachael Faulstick and her family for burgers, hotdogs and all the fixins. We all had a great time and I know Isabelle did too! She was so happy everyone came over to see her and brought presents for that matter. She loved her princess castle cake that mom made for her. Isabelle we love you!

Funny little story- On her actual b-day Tyler had his last soccer game so we were running around for that. Then we went to Sonic and had a special b-day lunch since we weren't doing anything on her real b-day. Last errand of the day was to Wal-Mart so I could get one last present and special decorations for her cake. Needless to say all this running around and Isabelle not feeling completely better just made her feel worse. So we are sitting in the car and Isabelle was whining about EVERYTHING! "My ear hurts! My finger hurts! My eye hurts!" she wails. I reply, "Wow, Isabelle you are only four now and your body is falling apart. I can't imagine what your body is going to be like when you are old." Tyler pipes up from the back, "I think Isabelle is having growing pains." I couldn't help but to bust out laughing.

Bragging Rights

2008-11-18T15:46:00.000-08:00

Picture above is of Emily and Tyler showing off their hairdos for crazy hair day.

I am not tooting my own horn, just my kids. ;) I love you all! I just wanted to let my kids know how very pleased I am with them. About a month ago the kids received their report cards. I also had Parent-Teacher Conference. Well here is how it went....

I had Tyler's conference first. I am always a little hesitant about the report I will get about Tyler. I never worry about his grades or where he is on the learning because he is always at the top, but he has a funny personality. He is very funny and very clever and that can be a bad combination. Well, he is doing very well in all subjects, BUT what he does have a problem with is GIRLS. Now, usually 2nd grade boys think girls have cooties and try to avoid them at all cost, but not suave Tyler. His teacher was embarrassed to tell me that Tyler is starting early with being in love with all the girls. She says he loses is focus and doesn't complete his work in the time frame that is allowed because he is off in La La Land with the girls or writing them notes. I question Tyler about his Love Bug problem and he just smiled. Great job Tyer, but chill with the girls and pay more attention to his work.

Next, was Emily's conference and I was very excited to see where Emily was at in her class. I knew her behavior would be awesome because, well its Emily. Everywhere we go I always hear how well behaved Emily is and I must be a excellent mother because she is so good. (well, I must agree with that) ;) Seriously though Emily is doing EXCELLENT! The teacher said she only tested the kids on counting to 10, but Emily can to 100 and further. She knows all the letters in the alphabet and all of their sounds. She know lots of sight words. She said Emily is very helpful with the other children who forget somethings, but not in a bossy way. She said Emily even tolerates the annoying children. Her teacher said to me, "If you ever want to throw Emily in the trash I will standing next to it and hurry and grab her up." I told her that I know how lucky I am with Emily. She has always been a wonderful daughter! Great job Emily! You are wonderful!

A couple of weeks ago Emily had trip to the Principal's office. She was picked to be on the Principal's Board for her good work. She was very excited because they asked for her to come down to the office over the intercom which is super cool to Emily! :) She was also able to pick out of the prize box which is another super cool bonus!

Also last week at Tyler's school the 2nd-5th graders had to deliver a "speech". There were different categories to choose from. Tyler's category he chose was Published Literature. He recited a funny poem about homework and was chosen to go to the FINALS! I am so very pleased with him! Tomorrow is Finals Night! Good Luck Tyler!

Funnies

2008-11-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

Here are a few funny/crazy things that the kids have said recently.

-On a Sunday we are all getting ready for church. Sean and I are in the bathroom sharing a mirror. I am applying my makeup and Sean is fixing his hair, then out of the blue we hear Tyler from across the hall, "I think I have a venom sac. I can feel it." I look over into his room and see Tyler lying on the ground. Kind of scared of the answer I might get I ask, "Where?" Pointing in the back of his mouth he replied, "Right here." "No, Tyler you don't have a venom sac." Seriously where do my children come from?

-I usually fold clothes in my room where I can watch tv or movie of my choice, my choice of the evening was Baby Mama. Emily walks in at the every end of the movie and I try to hurry and scoot her along because it is PG-13. Well, it is at the part of the lady giving birth and she is screaming! Emily stops and looks and asks, "Is that how you have a baby?" I pause the movie. "Yes." From zero to 60 Emily starts screaming and kicking, "I don't want to have a baby like that!" In total shock that my 5 yr. old is worried about having a baby I try to calm her down by telling her that you don't have to have a baby like that. But it is no use she is still screaming, "No, I don't want to have any babies!! I don't want any babies!!! I want you to say a prayer NOW that I won't have any babies!!!" So, that is what I did. I said a prayer that little 5 yr. old Emily won't have any babies now. I think she love this story when she is older.

Catching Up!

2008-11-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

Slowly, but surely I will get caught up with life. Maybe. Anyways, I use this blog as my family's journal so I have been keeping little notes in my head of things I need to hurry and type out before I forget, but since I don't have tons of time on my hands...it will be in segements. I just don't want to forget these things.

Our Family Vacation- We left on September 27th, (Sean's 34th b-day) and headed to Florida. First we hit up Kissimee and then finished out our fun trip in Daytona. We vacationed with our friends, the Faulsticks. We had alot of fun and a few crazy times. It will definitely be a trip that won't be forgotten. Here are a few pictures.

Just wanted to add a couple of memories to our trip before they are lost from my mind.

We were able to visit Universal Studios for one day. The kids had a lot of fun and I had just as much fun watching them enjoy themselves. Well, at Universal there is a Jaws ride. There is a HUGE fake shark hanging up before the ride and I told the kids (yes, I am a cruel mother.) that it was the daddy shark that they caught and the mommy shark is in the water where we will be riding our boat and she is mad and hungry. Well fear hit the kids. Tyler who is Sharkboy! This kids loves sharks! He actually wants to be a professional scuba diver when he grows up, but he was scared. He looks at me and asked if I was kidding. I told him no. We had to wait in line for about 20 minutes (give or take a few), but that was not enough time for Tyler. He was almost in tears. He kept asking if I was kidding. I told him he better say some prayers that the shark won't get us. It was so cute because he really started quietly saying his prayers. It was an intense boat ride, but finally our tour guide was able to kill Jaws. Tyler looked at me and said, "that was fake." I just laughed!

We also went into a little studio type place to kind of experience a tornado. It was from Twister, the movie. It was okay, but to Emily it was way to realastic. Emily is standing right next to me with tears in her eyes. I kneel down to her and explain that this is fake. I then ask her, "Do you really think Mommy and Daddy would take you to a place that you could get hurt?" She just smiled.

While in Daytona we were able to go the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. It was really neat to see the homes of the lighthouse keepers. We were able to actually walk all the way up to the top of the lighthouse. Sean took Tyler and Isabelle up. I stayed behind with Emily and Ethan. I am afraid of heights and I didn't think I could do it nor did I really want to. But Emily started crying because she so scared to walk up. I told her that I am scared too, but if she would go I would go. Well, she was only able to make it up to the 10th step and then she freaks out. We said a little prayer, but still she couldn't budge anymore. We decided that the next time we come back here she would go up. She was still sad, but there was nothing else for us to try. I did actually go up alone! I said a couple of prayers too that I wouldn't get sick or freak out! The view from the top was so amazing and definitely worth facing one of my fears.

Our last day in Daytona we went on a Manatee Cruise. We weren't able to see any manatees, but were able to see lots of dophins jumping out of the water. It was so beautiful! Early in the trip Emily hadn't seen any. The dolphins were way to fast for her to spot them. She was so sad! I told her that we should say a prayer and she wanted me to say it. It was a miracle for her and I that she was able to see lots! What a testimony builder to me that no matter how small we are or how small or insignifcant we feel our prayers are Heavenly Father does answer them.

Gone With The Wind

2008-09-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday afternoon we received some crazy strong winds. I hear it was "leftover" winds from Hurricane Ike. The winds caused some serious damage to the area. We were very blessed that nothing serious happened to us. We were with out power from Sunday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. Monday evening we were able to borrow a generator. We went to purchase a generator, but EVERYWHERE was sold out! We were told clear up to Cincinnati stores were sold out! CRAZY!! The kids were out of school everyday except for Friday. They went with a 2 hour delay on Friday. Why even bother attending school a few hours out of the week?

I thought about a few things from this incident-

1. We were truly blessed. Nothing happened to the house, family or friends.

2. Like the scripture says, If ye are prepared ye shall not fear. (or something like that). Well, I wasn't so much scared, because I knew eventually the electricity was going to come back on. So let me add my own scripture, If ye are prepared life will not be as sucky! I have made mental notes and tangible notes of things we are going to be purchasing in the near future.

3. I hope Mother Natures leaves the gone with the wind stuff to Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler! :)

You gotta Laugh

2008-09-07T10:39:00.001-07:00

I really believe that a main key to get through life is to laugh! I am really blessed because not only do I have a great sense of humor (ha ha), but I man married to a man that keeps me laughing a lot! Luckily, I can tell the kids are becoming little comedians themselves.

Yesterday, I felt so good! I jogged for a little over 2 miles, I was able to get some cleaning done and I made two batches of chili (my regular chili and then some White Chicken Chili). It was so good! I took my first bite of the WCC and I tasted fall! Eating chili always reminds me of my favorite season, Fall! So anyways, we eat our chili with Frito's and the kids had me cracking up! I look over and Tyler and Emily and they both have a Frito hanging out of their mouth and they looked at me and said, "I am Nanny McPhee may I come in?" Nanny McPhee is some Walt Disney family movie. Oh, it was hilarious. I am still laughing about it. I guess you had to be there or just know the kids. So cute!

Another funny, today at church as we walked in the door and took our seats I placed the diaper bag down on the floor and noticed that I had on mismatch shoes. One black sandal with a strap over the middle of my foot and one brown sandal that has a special "big toe holder" (as I call it). I start cracking up laughing! I tell Sean and he laughs and wonders how I ever did that. Definitely an Alishia move. So funny but so embarrassing! I was a little foot conscious today.

Ya Gotta Laugh!

Sickies

2008-09-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, everyone is getting better so we won't have to quarantine ourselves.

Last Wednesday Ethan started with fever and throwing up (hey, there is no way to sugar coat that). It only lasted for a couple of days.

Last Tuesday Emily had a cold. It kept getting worse. By Friday she kept coughing uncontrollably to where she threw up. She missed school and went to the doctor. Friday afternoon she started having an asthma attack. We tried getting her breathing calmed down, but it just got worse. We ended up taking her to the Emergency Room Friday evening and they admitted her to the hospital. So, Emily and I had a sleepover and some bonding time. ;) She is definitely my child because she likes the hospital. She did really good. They gave her some more breathing treatments, steroids, and an IV in her arm. She didn't even cry! Of course we did have to bribe her to be brave and promised her a small fortune. :) I was very pleased with my baby girl on how she good she was for mom, doctors and nurses. I was also sad that she has to go through this trial. I know the Lord is pleased with Emily and her patience with her illness and her sweet spirit. She really never complains, but does look forward to the time she won't need to be on breathing treatments.

Isabelle was complaining of having a headache for most of the day yesterday. I was switching back and forth from Tylenol and Motrin. Then, this morning she wakes up crying because her head hurt. I went give her a kiss and felt she was warm. Off to get the thermometer and Motrin. Yep, just she as running one-100.8. Not too bad, but I had to call into work.

I am grateful that I can work part-time and get to be with my kids. I am grateful that my works TOTALLY can relate and understand the call of Motherhood. I am also very grateful for the doctors that help my children. I blessed I am to live in America with wonderful doctors and medicines to help us through our sickness.

First Day of School

2008-08-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school. The day went good for Tyler, but not so good for Emily.

Emily needed a breathing treatment the night before, which kind of had me worried. Early this morning she was coughing continuously so I woke her up before she got sick everywhere. She said she needed a treatment. After the treatment she said she felt good and was SO EXCITED for her first day of school. She ate her breakfast and took her vitamins. All was well.

We all hurry out the door and headed to school. I was following behind Sean. He wanted to go and see the kids off on their first day of school, so Emily and Tyler rode with him. Poor Emily got sick in the back of the car. Sean said she kept coughing and then it all came up. Emily was of course was crying because she was afraid she was going to miss her first day of school.

Well, the kids were a few minutes late after I got Emily all cleaned up. I explained to her teacher that she was having some allergy issues and she wasn't really sick. Her teacher said she could stay. Around 10:30am the school calls. Emily was coughing again and got sick. I went to pick her up and the poor girl is in tears because she has to leave and didn't get to paint with her class. I felt so bad for her. What an awful first day of Kindergarten! I explained to her that she will relax the rest of the day and go to the doctor and hopefully she will be healthier tomorrow.

I took her to the doctor so it will be and 'excused absence'. The doctor said she was fine. Her lungs sound good right now, but she needs to stay on her treatments for about 3 wks. He said she has a little cold and with the drainage it was causing her to cough and get choked up. He said that she is fine to go back to school since the school has an inhaler for her.

After the doctor we spent the remaing time running some errands until it was time to pick up Tyler. He had a great day at school. I think his favorite part was the 'no homework' tonight except for mom and dad. We were sent home a couple of papers to fill out and sign. Homework is the main reason I dread the kids being in school. There is always hope that this year will be a good year with Tyler WANTING to do his homework-yeah right, or at least not putting up a fight. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Happy Back to School for Everyone!

July Pictures

2008-08-13T14:01:00.001-07:00

Can we say late....

Kids say the Funniest Things

2008-08-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

I try writing down funny things the kids say before I forget because I use our blog as part of my journal.

Here is a conversation Tyler and I had last week. Here is some background before reading this- My parents are divorced. Growing up my dad wasn't around very much so, all of the kids had a lot of responsibility. My older brothers kind of helped my mom disciplining, so Tyler heard that Uncle Stephen (my oldest brother) would spank us.

Tyler- "Mom when I am big can I spank the other kids?"
Me- "No, because when you are big then they will be big too."
Tyler-"But Uncle Stephen got to spank you all."
Me- I explain to Tyler that my parents got divorced and why Uncle Stephen had to do that.
Tyler-" When you and dad get a divorce can I spank them?"
Me- "No, Tyler. Mommy and Daddy aren't getting a divorce we love each other. We were sealed together in the temple. Do you know what sealed means?
Tyler- (sarcastically)"Yes, it means we are stuck together as a family."
Me- lol
Tyler-"Well, when Dad dies can I spank them?"
Me- "TYLER!"

What a crazy child!!

Here is some of the conversation I had with the girls last night. I was getting the girls and Ethan into jammies.

Isabelle- (in a real whiny voice)- "I want another baby."
Me-"Well, we aren't going to have any more babies. Ethan is our baby."
Isabelle- (still in the whiny voice mode)-" I want Ethan to be a baby girl."
Me- "Ethan can't be a baby girl because he is a baby boy."
Isabelle- "Well, when Ethan grows up he can be a girl."
Me-"No, Ethan will never be a girl. Ethan is a boy. Girls have girl parts and boys have boy parts."
Then conversation went into a little more detail for a 3yr. old and 5yr. old and I am not going to type the rest here, but it had me cracking up laughing.

I would love to be able to open up the kids minds and see all they they think in their heads.

Last Days of Summer Vacation

2008-08-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

These past few days were spent at the store shopping for school clothes, more school supplies, and food for school lunches. I can't believe I am typing this, but I am done with shopping for now (well, at least for school supplies). ;)

The kids are VERY excited for school to start. Tyler is excited because his best school buddy is in his class again! Tyler is also excited because he is almost done with his Summer work packet. The school gives the children in 1st-5th grade work to do over the summer and if the children finish it all they get to go to a big party at the park! Tyler went to the party last year and it was lots of fun. The parents are welcomed so Sean and I attended and helped with the kids.

Emily got a haircut on Friday. She loves getting a haircut. She sits so still and straight. I am just not sure about the cut. Basically, the same cut she had, but with some layers. I am just not sure the stylist did the greatest job.

Today was Emily and Tyler's last day at the daycare for awhile. Isabelle starts her preschool class at the daycare tomorrow. She is excited. I think I will pack somethings in her little backpack. After work we went to a little park by our house. I was really impressed with how nice the park was. The weather here as been absolutely beautiful and the kids needed some sunshine. They had a good time!

Doctor Visit

2008-08-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I took the kids to the doctor. I had to have a formed filled out for the school allowing Tyler and Emily to have medication at the school and to allow the school to give them the medicine. Anyways....

Tyler's was very fast. The doctor signed the paper and done!

Emily's was a little more time consuming because of her allergies that bring about asthma like symptoms they are giving Emily an inhaler to take to school. So, there was a bit more time involved in explaining all the details. BTW, Tyler only has a two pound lead on Emily. He better watch out Emily is right on his tail! ;) It is so funny to me because Tyler is a little on the small side and Emily is tall for her age which leads people to ask me if they are twins. Tyler usually gives me this look like "what?!?!"

Since I already had to schedule a doctor's appt. I thought I would thrown Ethan into the mix for his 18 month check up (we're just a little late). While we were waiting for the doctor the nurse had Ethan undressed to his diaper. He loved it! He was dancing around, kicking his leg up in the air, and running around the room like a wild child. It was pretty cute and hilarious! I was happy he was able to have some fun before the SHOTS! He did good though just a little screaming! ;) Ethan is on the small, skinny side. What is up with my boys? Ethan is in the 10th percentile for weight and 25th percentile for height! Come on boys, Milk does the body good!

Camp Kindergarten

2008-08-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

I met with Emily's teacher yesterday, Mrs. Smith. Wow! She seems like an amazing teacher. She is doing home visits with all the kids in her class, but we chose to visit with her at the school.

She played learning games with Emily while I filled out some questionnaires for the classroom. She was very impressed with how much Emily knows. I told Mrs. Smith how much Emily LOVES to learn. She begs to do school work at home. She also plays school at the daycare with her cousins. Mrs. Smith said that the time and hard work has paid off because Emily could teach the class. ;) I was very pleased with how Emily used her manners and wasn't shy talking with her teacher.

I know Emily is so excited to go to school. She has always been very independent. I am very excited for her to take this huge step, but also kind of nervous and sad at the same time. I love you so much Emily!

All I want to do....

2008-08-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

I love this new song from Sugarland! It is such a catchy tune, but what I love most about it is listening to it in the car and watching the kids from the rear view mirror sing it. They are so dang cute! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSyeto050ZU

Reserved Seats

2008-08-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Today was our first Sunday at our new ward. I was very excited. It seems like the older I get the more excited I am to meet new people. Interesting. Anyways, on the way to church I started to get nervous because this thought came to me- what if we take some family's pew that they have been sitting in for years. I grew up in a ward that it was understood (that is not the word I am looking for) that so and so sat here. Any 2nd Ward readers out there remember where you sat at in the Ward? I can still remember, for the most part who sat where. Anyways, it was silly but I was really nervous about this. I guess I will remain nervous until the next Sunday because we didn't sit in the chapel, we sat in the Relief Society room. Sometimes we sit in there if Ethan is extra crazy that day or we are late. Well, today it was a combination of both reasons.

All weekend long I was explaining to the children that we are going to a new ward. So, when I pull into the parking lot this morning Emily says, "This looks like our church building." "Yes! It is our church building, but we won't see our friends here today we will meet new friends. Grammy and Grandpa won't be at our ward because now they go to this building at a different time now.", I try explain. I guess it is a little difficult to explain the whole ward concept to little kids.

They were all a little nervous, but did good going into their new classes. Isabelle's class went out side and she made friends with two little girls both named Ella. Emily said her class was fine, but she is used to her teacher giving them treats and her new teacher doesn't do that. Tyler said the kids in his class were INSANE! (I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.) Ethan doesn't like nursery to begin with, but I think this nursery is a little overwhelming with 16 toddlers! Needless to say I stayed in nursery today.

Cousins

2008-08-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

This summer has been a lot of fun with the kids getting to know their cousins better and developing stronger friendships with them.

Earlier in the summer their was a Bosco Family Reunion held at a local park. That was a lot of fun. I hadn't seen some of my cousins for a years!!! It was exciting to see so many Boscos' in one place. There was a big baseball game put together of little kids and "older kids". It was fun to see my kids, my brothers, my nieces & nephews, and my uncles all out there playing baseball. I got a kick out of how competitive my family is at sports. I was joking around and told my dad that someone came walking by and said to me that they thought it was so nice that we took some old people out of the nursing home for some exercise and sunshine. He didn't think that was very funny, but I was cracking myself up!

A month ago we went to Steve and Tammy's house for Dustine's B-day Pool Party! I can't believe how big the kids are getting, which means how old I am getting! All cousins had a blast with Uncle Phil and Uncle Jeremy slamming and throwing them into the water.

Last week Vanessa and Uncle Cot Cot were in town. The kids were so excited! Ethan of course, had no idea who they were, but he was a good sport about it. Tyler was able to see Vanessa everyday because she came to pick him up from Soccer Camp and they hung out for a few hours each day. To finish how her stay Tyler and Emily spent the night with Grammy, Grandpa, and Vanessa.

It really makes me happy to see the kids love their cousins and have a strong friendship with them. It is a blessing that we live so close to family!

Slacking

2008-07-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

The poster card made to go with Mrs. Eberle's gift. She is such an awesome teacher. I hope Emily gets her for first grade.

Addison, Tyler and Dalton. Addison was Tyler's second crush in the first grade. That boy is so girl crazy!

Tyler with his first first grade crush, Rachel.

Tyler with his best pals.

Tyler with his favorite teacher, Mrs. Eberle and the assistant, Miss Allen.

My beautiful little sis and her adorable twins at the zoo. This was the first time I saw the girls. I was so happy they came out to visit, but I would be even happier if they were to move here. ;)

Isabelle at the petting zoo.

Emily at the petting zoo.

Tyler at the petting zoo.

Same zoo trip, but with a picture of our friends!

Taralynn, Jessica and I with all of our kids. I am so glad that the cousins are close with each other.

Ethan about to go down the slide.

Here is crazy haired, Ethan at the zoo!

Keeping up with the blogging world so hard in the summer with all the different activities going on. Here are so pictures from a few months ago. I have some pics from the Fourth of July that I will post later, but this ought to hold you guys for a while.

Long Story- SHORT

2008-06-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

No, we still aren't in the house. Monday we should be in, though. It is just one more thing. I am so excited though! It has been extremely fun for me to clean, unpack and figure out just where I am going to keep things. I am sooooo HaPpY! I am also VERY grateful for EVERYONE who has helped us along the way. We are so blessed to have wonderful families and terrific friends who are always there for us.

Sean has been working very hard working on the house. Thanks babe! I really appreciate EVERYTHING you have done and will do for me. ;) He also has been working hard at Sleep Outfitters and has been placed as manager of the 2nd best store in the area! Sean has wonderful people skills and selling tactics! What a blessing!

I have been working at the daycare, working at the house, and packing up all of our belongings at Sean's parents house. And my new hobby- keeping up with the politicians. I never new I loved and hated politics so much. I think I will start blogging my opinions and thoughts on my own personal blog.

Tyler has graduated from 1st grade with TERRIFIC grades! He was very sad to leave Mrs. Eberle and his friends, but he is excited for the summer. He also finished the season of soccer. On to soccer camp next month. I am glad he has found an activity enjoys and is very good at. Great job Tyler at school and soccer.

Emily she loves going to the daycare and playing with all of her cousins. She is alittle nervous for school to start, but also excited. She has also found her beautiful singing voice. She knows all the songs on the radio. She is so cute!

Isabelle also loves going to the daycare. She also is following in big sisters footsteps with the singing. Isabelle truly sings about EVERYTHING! I will have to tape her while she is singing one of her songs that she has made up- too cute!

Ethan is a little under the weather today. He has a ear infection! :( He is so active! He also likes going to the daycare. EVERYONE caters to the child. EVERYONE thinks he is so cute, which he is ;) , but he is also very mischievous! Hope you feel better Ethan.

Update

2008-05-08T21:06:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was The Kentucky Derby. Since I am from KY and since my dad practically lives at Churchill Downs I feel like Derby fever is running through my blood. I think if my dad could have gotten away with it he would have tried to name all of kids names of horses. The man breathes horse racing. Anyways, it is such a beautiful and fun time of year around here in Kentuckiana.

Well, Phil got out of rehab on Oakes Day (the day before Derby). His progress is UNBELIEVABLE!!! He now walking with two canes. He does physical therapy 3 times a week. I am just so pleased with his motivation and determination! He is so happy to be home too! So, on Derby day my mom had a Welcome Home Phil/Derby Party to celebrate. It was fun! Food (always a must a Bosco get together), swimming, and just hanging out. I really love my family. Just fun, down to earth people, and we ALWAYS have a good time together. It is fun to see all the cousins playing together too.

After the party Emily started to have breathing problems, which got worse through the night and into Sunday morning. After several calls to her doctor we decided the best thing was to take Emily to the ER. There I was informed Emily had an Asthma flare-up and some serious Bronchitis. She was admitted to the hospital for 2 days. Let me tell you the hospital is NO PLACE for sleeping! Besides the lack of sleep it wasn't too bad. Emily was in wonderful care! One good thing that came of this was Emily and I were able to spend some good quality time together. Sean was great with the kids at home and my friend, Sarah was a major help watching Isabelle and Ethan! Oh yeah, let me not forget Sean's parents for watching all the kids!

Well, that is all!

I love my kids!

2008-04-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write down some funny things the kids have said and stories about the kids before I forget them. ;)

Today Emily asked Tyler if he knew how old mommy was.
Emily- "Tyler try and guess how old mommy is?"
Mommy- "I am 29."
Tyler-"I already know that. Mom, you quit growing, right?"
Mommy- "Yes, I will never be older than 29 yrs. old."
Emily- "You will never grow again?"
Mommy-"Never."
Tyler- "Emily you will never grow past 29 either, because girls stop growing at 29."
I have to laugh at this. They are so cute and believe everything we say. I guess that makes me a bad mom for telling fibs to my children.

Emily is so cute and such a WONDERFUL helper. She really does help me out tons! She always wants to be around Ethan. She is like his miniature mommy. She is always calling my mom or my dad. She will spend hours on the phone talking with them. One time my dad hung up on her and she called him right back (she has their numbers memorized) and when he answered she said, "you better not hang up on my again, I know your number." He still gets a kick out that story.

Isabelle, what can I say about Isabelle? She loves to be a princess. Whenever we are home Isabelle is always wearing her pink leotard. She loves singing and dancing. She has the best laugh. When we are out in public and she starts really laughing I have had several people walk over to me and tell me that her laugh puts a smile on their face.

The best Isabelle story was this past December. We were shopping at Wal-Mart buying food for the Christmas dinner. This man in a wheelchair wearing and eye patch wheels right past us. Isabelle points at him while shouting, "That man thinks he is a pirate for trick or treat!" I hurry and cover her mouth. I was very embarrassed, but had to laugh because it was so funny!

Ethan has ZERO fear! He climbs on top of tables. He can pull the oven door down and climbs on top of that- talk about scary! He WON'T turn around and go down the stairs, NO he has to go down the normal way. He almost always falls on the stairs and almost always gives me heart failure. He can say, "dada", "mama", "stop", and "uh-oh". He is so cute! He used to not be affectionate at all, but now he gives hugs all the time and kisses. He tackles two of the little girls at the daycare and has them screaming till someone rescues them. Crazy boy- You better learn soon that no means no. ;)

Less is More

2008-04-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

This week seemed alot less chaotic compared to last week, but then the weekend hit. I was so tired last night driving home, that I was falling asleep. I stopped off to get gas and I picked up a bottle of water to wake me up. It reminded me of paper route days Some mornings I would be so exhausted I would fall asleep at the wheel and sometimes have to pull off to the side of the road. I guess I am just getting old and can't handle all the excitement of one weekend. ;)

Friday afternoon Sean met with the plumber that my brother told me about. Holy Cow! That first plumber gave us an estimate of $900!!! This guy is going to do MORE work and charge us $210!!! My brother, Steve says that this plumber is VERY good and VERY fast! Steve has had him do work on his house so I know he must be good! I am so happy for this blessing! We are at the bitter end of moving in!

Friday night my dad watched the kids so Sean and I could go out on a date. Our wedding anniversary was April 10th, but Sean wasn't feeling well then. So, we were going to try to go to T.G.I. Friday's, but the wait was way too long to waste precious babysitting time so we ran to Lowe's and Home Depot to look at bathtubs. We found one! Yay! It was getting late, so we settled on Qudoba's to eat at. Yum! We went and picked up the kids. I am glad my dad was able to watch them. He seemed very excited to spend an evening with the kids. They ate Happy Meals, played games, colored, and watched AFV. The kids were having a great time when we arrived.

Saturday was a busy day. Our stake had a Personal Enrichment Saturday. It was good. We were served breakfast and lunch and were able to choose from some classes and babysitting ws provided! Tyler had a soccer game, but Uncle Greg was going to take him. I felt guilty for not taking Tyler, but I am glad I took a little time out for myself. During the PES I went to change Ethan's diaper and the diapers were out in the car. Well, I ended up locking the keys in the car. So, waiting for the Pop-A-Lock person to show up took up some of my class time.

Later, I picked up Tyler. His team won and Tyler scored twice, again! We hurried home and changed for a baptism and a birthday party all at the church. Tyler's friend Abby was getting baptized. And Sean' uncle had his surprise 47th b-day party.

Came home had a few snacks and off again to Home Depot to pick out tile for the bathroom floor. Sean and his friend, Steve actually laid the floor last night. By the time, we purchased things and went back and forth picking items up the guys didn't get started until 10:30pm. They finished around 1am! At least it is done. Thanks Steve!

Church today. I helped out in nursery today. Ethan was so cute playing with the bowling ball set and the bubbles. I can't believe next week he will "officially" be in the nursery.

How do they do it?

2008-04-20T11:32:00.001-07:00

How do the parents with children in so many different activities getting everything done? I only have one child in a couple of activities during the week and I am struggling for energy and time to get done everything on my to do list. Well, here is what the family got accomplished this week.

Taxes are done!!! What a great feeling it is for this task to be marked off. I am also pleased with the refund we will be getting. :)

Soccer practice. Tyler is doing pretty good in soccer this season. I REALLY like his coach (he is the same from last season). He knows the game and is good at teaching the kids.

Took the kids shopping. I let the kids spend the $ they have been saving, minus their tithing. I was trying to teach the kids about saving. First I wanted them to pick an item from the store and really work hard to save their $ for something they really want than to buy something they didn't really care about. It was difficult at times for them to pass on candy or dollar store things. Emily is pretty good at keeping her eye on the target, but Tyler likes to spend money. I wonder where he got that from? Anyways, they worked hard so I let them have their reward. Tyler had $12 saved. He bought Pokemon cards. Yes, he has ventured into the Pokemon World. :) Emily had $20 saved. She bought a Hannah Montana video game. Isabelle had $5. saved and bought her baby doll some diapers. Everyone was happy!!! :)

Fun day at the zoo!!! We met up with family and friends at the zoo. The weather was beautiful and the kids were great! It was so nice that we were able to spend some time with Aunt Jessica and her girls, Gabby and Kennsy. I will post some pics later. After the zoo, my dad took every one out to eat at Olive Garden. 9 adults and 15 children. The kids were very good. We also had a very good waiter so that was a major help. I ate waaay to much, but it was so good! Thanks dad!

More soccer practice and scouts for Tyler.

Oh yeah, let's throw in an earthquake. Yep, we had an earthquake! Actually, IL had an earthquake 5.4 and we had a little quaking of our own. The kids slept through it, but we told them about it when they woke up. Tyler ran to the window and said, "I don't see any gaps in the ground." I think they have watched The Land Before Time too many times. ;)

We finish the week off in victory with Tyler's soccer game! His team totally stomped the other team!! Tyler was on fire! He played great defense and offense. He scored two goals!!! I need to work with Tyler on dribbling the ball down the field. I was VERY impressed with how well the Tyler's team did! It was so cute, after the game Tyler said, "Mom do you know who helped me make those goals?" My reply, "No, who?" And very sweetly Tyler said, "Heavenly Father, because I prayed that I would score." Tyler has such a wonderful testimony of prayer for such a young boy. I love that!

Friends + Family + Fireworks= FUN!!!

2008-04-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was Thunder Over Louisville. For some people who don't know what that is, Thunder Over Louisville is the kickoff event for the Kentucky Derby Festival. It is the largest annual firework show in North America!! There is an airshow too! Anyways it is alot of fun!

This year our really good friends invited us to hangout with them at their office. The office is practically smack dap in the center of all the festivities. We had a really good time hanging out with friends, munching all day on yummy snacks, and watching the planes and fireworks. The weather this year was a bit on the chilly side. I wasn't as brave or tough as everyone else, so I mostly stayed indoors.

Friday Sean had to work until 8:30pm, but we still hung out at our friends house. The kids played and the adults just talked, but it was nice. I really needed that. We haven't hung out with our friends in such a long time it seemed like so even though it was really late, I enjoyed it. Sorry, Sarah we kept you all up late. :)

Saturday was the big day. It really was so much fun! Sean requested Saturday and Sunday off of work so it was very nice to have some family time with daddy!

When the alarm went off this morning reminding me of church, it was so hard to pull myself out of bed. I guess we were real party animals this weekend so we were hurting in the morning. We made it to church, alittle late.

After church we all laid down for our Sunday nap. I LOVE naps! I felt so much better for taking one. Jessica and Will are in town until Thursday of this week and we were going to get together tonight, but Gabby is really sick. I was kind of bummed, but hey kids getting sick can't be helped! I totally understand! We will get together before they leave.

So, I dropped Sean off at the house and he did ALOT of work there organizing! I took the kids and myself to see Phil. He looks so much better. He seems to have made some progress. He got up to use the bathroom and he walks with a walker. You can tell is legs are very weak, they were shaking when he was trying to get into his bed. He still needs prayers to recover completely. He will be fine, but only with the Lord's help and he needs to realize that!

We came home and Sean and I made dinner. He was doing all the cooking, and I was just getting the table ready. It was a nice little treat for us that daddy cooked. He is such a great cook- Fajitas. YUMMO! Thanks Babe! ;)

That's our weekend!

Rain

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

I don't know if the rain is causing my children to act insane because they haven't been outside since forever. I could be wrong, but I think it is supposed to rain all weekend. I don't care if it does rain all weekend I am just happy it is Friday. The kids (especially the girls) have been bouncing off the walls. I am glad that we get to sleep in tomorrow morning. I am kind of glad to, in a way that Tyler's soccer game is canceled. More time I have to do the stuff that I need to get done. I love rainy days ONLY when I don't have to go out in the rain. I love to stay home and bake or clean. Imagine that staying home baking, doesn't that sound nice. It probably won't happen, but it sounds nice.

Anyways, yes we have had a crazy amount of rain lately. On my way to work there was a road blocked of because the street had turned into a lake. I couldn't believe how much water was on the road. Then I REALLY couldn't believe that a car was stranded in that lake. Who on earth drives into that much water on the road. The car was almost COMPLETELY covered. You could barely see the roof of the car. If it wasn't for the police man taking pictures I would have never noticed that a car was in there. I hope who ever was driving was safe and insured.

Today Tyler had a Family Friday Presentation. His whole class wrote what Springtime meant to them and they had to stand in front of the whole school and read what they wrote. Talk about EMBARRASSING! Tyler was very nervous, but he did GREAT! Then after the children read their paragraphs they sang two springtime songs. They looked SO adorable up their. I got a little teary eyed watching my baby boy up there. He is getting so big!

Ethan started saying the word "stop". That is great. He can say the word stop, but he can't say momma. Thanks alot kid! I guess he hears me saying that word all the time. "Stop Ethan! Don't climb up there.", "Stop Ethan, don't get into that." "Stop Ethan! That is yucky." It never ends with that boy. :)

Well, we might go to the library this weekend for a puppet show and to return books. We are also going to see Uncle Phil at the rehab center. Also General Conference is this weekend! How exciting we get to hear from our new Prophet!

Family Update

2008-04-03T03:25:00.000-07:00

Lots has been happening here!

Early Easter morning my little brother got off of work and ran out of gas in his car. He was pushing his car home and almost made it into a parking spot at his apartment complex, but at the very end slipped and fell on his back. He wasn't able to get up. He called out for help and a couple in the apartment complex heard him and came to his rescue calling 911 and my mom. He was sent down to University of Louisville. He had tons of scans, xrays, and test and we found out last Monday that he suffered a spinal cord injury. He has had two surgeries. The first surgery the doctors went in the front of his neck removing his C2 and C3. The second surgery the doctors went in the back of his neck and the secured what was done in the first surgery with metal brackets and a bone graft using bone from his hip. He was released from ICU a couple of days ago. About two days he will be transferred to Frazier Rehab.

Phillip can move his legs a little, but they are two weak to walk or stand. He can move his arms, but his hands are very weak. He can't grip anything. He has a burning/tingling sensation running through his upper body. The doctors say with time they feel he will be able to walk again. With lots of hard work they gave us a time frame of 6 months to a year.

He has lots of people fasting and praying for him. Phillip is in good spirits most of the time. We know this has happened for a reason. We know the Lord loves Phillip and will keep him in his care.

Other than the Phillip accident on Easter, our Easter was very nice.

Spring Break was this past week. Tyler described his Spring Break to a tee, "This is the worst Spring Break ever!" I couldn't agree more. We all came down with the flu, except for Sean and Isabelle. It was horrible, fevers, headaches, migraines, achy body, runny nose, congestion- the works. We were sick from Monday through Friday.

We did go the Fun House at the very end. (The Fun House is like Chuck E. Cheese) The kids loved that. We also went to our cousins house to fly kites and hang out with them. That was fun, too. So, maybe Spring Break wasn't completely ruined or the WORST, but it was pretty bad. ;)

Also, during Spring Break I turned 29! I am in shock. I was looking at myself in the mirror and asked Sean, "Do I look like I will be 30 next year?" Of course he said no it was my birthday and I was sick. ;) THIRTY next year!?!

Spring Break

2008-03-21T13:47:00.001-07:00

Even though we aren't "going" anywhere for Spring Break I am so excited for no school, no packing lunches, and NO HOMEWORK!

Hope everyone enjoys their break! :)

Career Day

2008-03-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today at Tyler's school was Career Day. Tyler wanted to dress as a scuba diver-no surprise there he loves the ocean and marine life! He loves learning about sharks. Sounds way to scary for mom! Sean didn't want Tyler wearing his scuba mask and snorkel, but with alot of promises from Tyler that he would take EXTRA special care he was allowed to wear Sean's flying headset. So, Tyler was Captain Brown, a pilot just like grandpa. I told Tyler if he really wanted to be like grandpa and fly for UPS then he should wear a white shirt and tie. Well, Tyler decided that he didn't want to look exactly like grandpa so he went with a polo shirt and a pair of jeans.

Well, Career Day got me thinking of what I would like to be when I grow up. ;) Of course I am living my dream of being a stay at home mom so I can mark that dream accomplished when the kids are grown. But, what would I like to be next? Here is what I would love to do (in a perfect world where money and time were no objects and I go back to college.)

1. A Cook. I actually would LOVE to go to some world famous culinary school. I would LOVE to have my very own cooking show on Food Network.

2. I would love to be in the movies, not an actress but be the voices or do sound affects for some animated movies. How cool would that be?

3. I would love to be the story hour lady at the library. I LOVE to read to little kids.

4. I would LOVE to be a Kindergarten teacher. I think Kindergarten age is the best!

Parent Teacher Conference

2008-03-18T11:41:00.001-07:00

I met with Tyler's teacher this morning to discuss progress, problems, and typical parent/teacher stuff. Tyler always has really good grades so I wasn't to worried. Tyler also is a BIG TIME daydreamer- always has been. I am constantly on him to stay on task and finish his homework, so I can only imagine what he is like in school if the teacher isn't constantly on him.

Well, his teacher figured out Tyler's problem. "Tyler is in love!" she announced. No surprise to me since I hear all about the many girls Tyler is in love with when he gets home. He loves Naomi, Rachael, Addison and I am sure the list could go on if I had is class list in front of me. I was told Rachael and Tyler were holding hands the other day. What?! I just laughed. If love is Tyler's problem than I am happy that he is such a sweet, lovable and funny little guy. Just no more holding hands or kissing until you are married, Tyler!!!

The grades are EXCELLENT! I guess the extra time and hard work I am putting in with him is paying off! I was so pleased with him after reading his report card!

I came home and told Tyler how pleased I was for all the hard work he has been doing. He just smiled! I also told him that I heard about the hand holding thing with Rachael and him. Tyler covered his head with his hands and said, "She told you about that?"

I love you Tyler! I love your sweet smile. I love your contagious laugh. I love your sense of humor. Great job Buddy!

Hopefully it is over!

2008-03-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

The winter weather that is! This past weekend we were "snowed in". It snowed a little over a foot so no school or work. I did make the kids do some type school work to earn computer time. What a mean mom. ;)

Sean and I were able to spend a little time together with only two children. Wow! Two extra kids really do make a difference! We went to Home Depot to get ideas of what to do with the bathroom in the house. I am so sick of the house it is not even funny. Actually it isn't the house it is me. I can't get out of the mood I am in. Anyways....

Sean took Tyler, Emily, and Isabelle tubing and four wheeling in the snow with Uncle Greg and Aunt Debbie. Isabelle came home the earliest. She was so cold! I asked her if she had a good time and her reply was, "Yes, but in the morning I don't want to play in the snow." Tyler had a good time until Aunt Debbie put snow down his shirt. Emily surprised me, she stayed out the longest and didn't return crying.

This weekend was also a movie weekend. Sean and I watched, Apocalypto- That movies was so intense! I only watched 40 minutes of it. I was so scared when it was time for bed! I watched, Stranger Than Fiction- It was SOOO SLOW, but I actually enjoyed it. The family watched, How To Eat Fried Worms-Dumb. The last movie, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events- Okay.

What is this?

2008-03-06T15:17:00.002-08:00

Maybe Tyler is going to grow up and be in the military and become a Drill Sargent. He was on a roll drilling me with questions in the car today. Just a few that I can remember-

Can Jesus fly?

Does Heavenly Father have a father?

Mom, did you know it is not good for your eyes if you look into the sun?

Can Jesus sit on the sun? What will happen to him?

Does Jupiter have clouds?

Is Pluto the coldest planet?

What planet is the driest?

Do aliens live in outer space?

Mom, did you know if dad was up in space and he took off his helmet than he will die because he wouldn't have any air?

Is gravity what makes things fall?

I was so tired and all I really wanted to do was listen to the radio and unwind. Tyler just wanted his questions answered. Too bad, I couldn't answer them all.

Story Hour Day

2008-03-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

Story Hour at the library. The girls have been waiting for this day, Isabelle more so than Emily because she can now go in the class. :)

What a tease!

2008-03-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

That dang Mother Nature! Yesterday topped off at 70 degrees. Today was in the low 40's and rain showers. Freezing!!! I really didn't want to go out today in this nasty weather, but I had two errands that really needed to get done. Well, at least now I can check those off my never ending to do list.

Sean has been working all day.

Tyler did his homework without complaining, much. ;) He even read for an extra 20 minutes!!

Emily and Isabelle played princess dress up.

I don't think Ethan is feeling very good today. I think he is getting more teeth and that is giving him some problems.

I just put a Stouffer's Lasagna in the oven. I feel so unmotivated today. I also feel like I am walking around in a daze. I can't wait for Sean to get home and we can watch a movie and spend some time together.

Spring is in the air.

2008-03-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

Well at least for two days Spring has been in the air. Sunday and today the weather was so nice.. Yes, it did rain today, but the warm weather was WONDERFUL! It was 59 degrees when I left this morning. I didn't have to put winter coats on the kids or make sure every body part was completely covered. It felt great to get out the door so quickly. I love the Spring and Autumn seasons- definitely my fave months.

Anyways....

Today at Tyler's school they celebrated, Read Across America. Something having to do with Dr. Seuss (maybe a birthday). The kids were allowed to dress up as one of their favorite characters in a book. Tyler dressed as Skippyjon Jones. If you haven't read the Skippyjon Jones books I highly recommend them. Too cute! Well, Tyler wasn't completely Skippyjon Jones, but more of a REALLY toned downed Jack Sparrow.

I headed off to work after taking Skippyjon Jones to school. Well, it was Monday at the daycare and here is a funny thing about kids. They are like little calendars. So far I have only figured out two of their signs for the days of the week, but I am sure with spending a little more time with them I will figure it out. This is what I have, the sign for Monday is nonstop whining and the sign for Friday is bouncing off the walls! So, today is Monday can you guess how I knew? ;)

Later I dropped lunch off to Sean, went to go get Tyler, and on to the bank when exhaustion hit me. I was and still am SO FREAKIN TIRED! and hungry I might add. No rest for the weary I head to the library. The kids have been dying to go and get some new books and movies. While we were at the library I ran into my high school Geometry teacher, Ms. Psycho. That is her REAL name and was she ever psycho! I was very polite and reintroduced myself. I thanked her for putting in extra time to help me pass. She was VERY DIFFICULT, but she was actually nice to me. I was one of the few she was nice to, but I wanted to let her no that I appreciated her effort to help me learn Geometry. Sad that I never really learned how to do it, but by the grace of God I passed that class. And maybe a little help from my YOUNGER sister's homework. ;) Anyways seeing her was a frightening reminder why I never would want to relive high school years.

After the library I headed to the grocery storeS! Yes, that is plural. I love grocery shopping, but only during the early morning or late at night. I had to make TWO trips to Wal-Mart because I forgot the main dish for dinner tonight, chicken. I love Wal-Marts low prices, but I hate Wal-Mart customers!! Do you have a brain people?!!! I guess I should leave my ranting and ravings for my own personal blog. Sorry Family! :) Anyways, yes Wal-Mart twice and then to Aldi's. Love Aldi's! We buy our can goods from that store because they are marked so low. Great food storage store.

Finally home, hungry, tired, and frustrated from my Wal-Mart experience.

Waay Too Long!!!

2008-03-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

We have been extremely BUSY with fixing up the house, life, and jobs, but the REAL reason I haven't posted in about a MONTH AND a HALF is because I am a lazy slacker!! Here is another thing I have been horribly lazy on- taking pictures! I didn't take one picture in the month of February!!!! I don't know how moms that work outside the home get things accomplished inside the home! Well, probably they know how to prioritize. I really think that is the real key, (I must have lost my key). Well, here is a little update.

Sean has been staying busy with Sleep Outfitters, Custom Computers & Consulting, moving all of our shiz into the "new" house, and fixing up the "new" house. Thanks babe for all the work you have been doing! I LOVE IT!

I have been busy with work. I LOVE working at the daycare. I really had no idea that I would like working there so much. I thought I would dread going into a place with more kids, but I LOVE IT! When you love something it really makes it easier to go and get the job done.
I too have been trying to be of some help getting the house ready. I have been having lots of fun visualizing how I want each room to be decorated. Only money is holding me back which happens to be a major factor! Oh well, I can hold off on somethings and save to get what I really want. It has been really fun!
At the end of each day I am so tired that I haven't been doing the things I love like, watch Law and Order, scrapbook ( I really need to do this, but it all comes back to the fact that I am lazy.), blog, or check my email ( I have like 1300 new emails! What the....?)

Tyler has been doing good in school. We just signed him up for his 4th season of soccer. I am glad he likes some type of outdoors sport. I think it is very important that kids get plenty of exercise whether it be running around outside or involved in an organized sport. I am excited to see improvements from last season!
Tyler has also been on a Pokemon kick. He doesn't own any of these toys, but he has been drawing and cutting out his own. I love watching him do this activity. I love when kids use their imagination.

Emily is growing so fast and becoming more beautiful each day! She is such a help to me with EVERYTHING. With Emily I only have to ask once and she USUALLY jumps right up and helps me out! Thank you, Emily!
She is in love with a little boy at church, Matthew. So, funny.
She still adores Hannah Montana, but has also jumped on the Pokemon bus with Tyler.

Isabelle is so funny! She copies everything Emily does. The other day Emily was whining that Isabelle was coping her and Isabelle got up in Emily's face and was totally doing the head thing and said, "That is how I learn." You go Isabelle!
Isabelle is so funny on things too! She is definitely a girl who knows what she wants. I can usually hand the other kids their clothes for the day without complaints, but not Isabelle. She knows exactly what she wants. I love that about her!

Ethan is a walking terror! He is so dang cute that it throws people off. I have now learned the cuter the kid the harder they are. ;) He is always climbing on top of EVERYTHING!
He has started giving kisses and he is so cute when he does it, he grabs your face and plants one right on your lips. So sweet!
He loves his siblings. He loves when Isabelle chases him around. I am glad that our kids are so close in age so they can be close friends with each other.
He has also started folding his arms for the prayers. I love seeing this.
He still doesn't say much, but I guess with his older siblings always towering over him he doesn't really have to.

Well, that is us pretty much. I am going to try to do better.

First Day on the Job

2008-01-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first day working at the daycare. I knew that I would be fine because everyday of my life is like running a daycare. :) Well, let me tell you those women are DANG BUSY! You were constantly doing something, changing a diaper, working on crafts, listening to the kids, and picking up toys. (just to name a few). I think I did well. Only one thing that got to me, changing other kids diapers. Yuck!! I don't like changing my own kids, so this task REALLY grossed me out!! Guess I need to get over it. I was afraid that adding more kids to my daily schedule might put me going crazy in to high gear, we will see. ;)

I think a few of the kids liked me too! One little boy asked me if I would sit next to him at lunch. And one little girl said she liked my name. "I like that name. I think I am going to name one of my________ that". ( I thought it was going to children. The girls is only 8 so maybe she likes to plan for future, but I was wrong.) "I like that name. I think I am going to name one of my stuffed animals that." You know you are doing good when you reach the Stuffed Animal Level. SCORE!!!

Anyways the time went very fast that is always a plus! Another awesome thing is that Tammy gave me TONS of clothes for the girls when I was leaving! She totally hooks me up with nice and "gently used" (i love that term) clothes! So yesterday Emily put on a fashion show for Daddy and Grandpa. She had me change her into ALL of the dress. There were about 15 dresses! Emily loves clothes just like her mom! Thanks Aunt Tammy!

I helped Tyler with his 100th Day of School project. Watched a few Hannah Montana shows with the girls. And to top of a Great day we had Bearno's Pizza with the WORKS! Yummo!

Update

2008-01-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

We have been crazy busy with getting everyone well, Scouts, school, and just life. So here is an update.

We are buying Sean's younger brother's house. I am VERY excited!!! It definitely needs some TLC. My dad has begun painting. It was fun picking out colors! Sean has been painting closets and fixing lights with the help of a friend. The house has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and a finished basement. The house is not much to look at right now, but has MAJOR POTENTIAL! What a lucky girl I am to have a dad who is a professional painter, and 2 brothers who are construction workers! I need to take before and after photos. What needs to be done before we move in March/ April- paint, MAJOR CLEANING, redo the bathroom upstairs, new front door, new door to the downstairs (for Ethan's sake), and have the air ducts cleaned (Emily is highly allergic to cats and dogs and since Uncle Greg had dogs in the house....). Anyways, I am way excited! The house isn't gigantic or beautiful (yet) ;), but it will be ours for the time being. I am excited to have a place to call our own and for all our belongings to be. What a blessing!!

Besides the house Sean has been staying busy with work and working on Tyler's Pinewood Derby car. Yesterday, was the big race! Oh man, the parents go crazy about this stuff! Well, I am happy to announce that Tyler placed 4th over the whole pack and 1st in the Tiger Scouts! Way to Go!!

I started babysitting for a friend this past Tuesday and Thursday. She has a daughter that is Isabelle's age so all the girls play nicely together!! Tomorrow, I will start working at a daycare. My sister in law is in the process of buying it right now from her mom, but they need some help and I need some money! I also get to bring my kids. I am excited for the opportunity, but pray that my kids stay well. :)

Emily is excited that she won't be going to "Mommy's School" for Kindergarten, but to "real school where Tyler goes". Since, I will be working at the daycare now, I won't have nearly enough time to teach Emily all she needs to know and give her the attention she needs to meet all of her Kindergarten requirements so I am going to place her in school. I will still work with the kids in the summer and on the weekends as best I can.

Emily and Isabelle are still in competition with each other over who is Hannah Montana. It is so cute to see them sing and dance. They are true little divas!

Ethan is finally well!!!!! When I took him in to the doctor this past time for his rash the doctor said that he thinks Ethan had a virus since he ran a fever for two days on his antibiotics. The doctor said that he COULD have had an allergic reaction to his medicine that he had been on for 7 days, but his gut feeling says, virus. This week I am supposed to give Ethan one dose of his old antibiotic and see if Ethan breaks out! Wow, what a fun experiment this could be! ;)

That is all that has been going on with us!

Ethan still sick

2008-01-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

Well last night Ethan woke up 3 times screaming like he was in tremendous pain. Then he was fine during the day until after lunch. He ate his lunch and then when I went to change his diaper he had broke out in a rash all over his neck, torso, and back. Crazy! He hasn't had anything out of the ordinary. The doc wants to see him tonight. I hope everything gets figured out!!

What I am Reading

2008-01-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

Okay I love to read, but seriously lack the time. Another New Year Resolution of mine is to try and read at LEAST 4 books this year. I figure I can do a book every quarter. ;) How pathetic! Anyway I have attempted to read this book 3 times now. I really have enjoyed and agreed with everything I have read so far. The book you ask? The Potentially Sane Mother's Guide to Raising Young Children.

What is up?

2008-01-07T15:12:00.001-08:00

What is up with Ethan? He is on antibiotics for his ear infection, but now for the past 2 days he has been running a fever. Please get better. Please get better. Please get better. I feel bad for him, because today he has been alittle more attached to me than normal. You can tell he doesn't feel good.

Tyler had is doctor's appt. for a urine recheck. A few weeks ago at the doctor's they had tested Tyler's urine and found protein. They wanted to recheck it because they said that protein in the urine can lead to kidney disease. Well, Tyler is all good. The doctor said that sometimes when the kids get dehydrated than that can show signs of protein in the pee. Thank goodness that was all it was. Prayers were answered!

Emily is doing well. Lately she has just been playing on the computer or with her Barbies. Oh, lets not forget her fave thing to do, watch Hannah Montana. Maybe I will regret admitting to this, but I actually like watching Hannah Montana too. It is hilarious!

Isabelle is Miss Personality!!! She loves her lipstick and loves to sing Hannah Montana songs with her blue microphone.

This weekend I have been on a roll organizing and getting rid of old paperwork! I think I have some good news to share- I'm getting a house! And you all thought I would say that I am pregnant, didn't you? I said good news. Which I guess being pregnant is good news, but for right now that wouldn't be in my good news category! Yes, more details to come on the house. Keep us in your prayers! I'm excited!!

Well, I am going to go help Tyler finish his homework. Ah, yes the holidays are over, back to work.

Some pictures from December

2008-01-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Ethan's puppy cake. The kids chose the puppy cake for Ethan since he is always getting into the real dog food.

I think I would be safe to write that Ethan enjoyed his cake. ;)

Ethan the Curious! What could be in the box?

Ethan excited to try out his new wheels!

Sorry the picture is a little dark, but here are the boys with the Yerf Dog! Proud of how dirty they are!

Tyler- not a happy mudder! He was FREEZING! His hands hurt! And he got mud in his mouth!

Celebrating turning five with dad on the phone singing "Happy Birthday" and the store bought cake. :) We held off on opening presents since dad wasn't there, but we watched Shrek the Third. Happy Birthday Emily!

Emily's second Birthday cake with her fave celebrity- Hannah Montana! That dang sticker cost me $10!!

Here we are celebrating Emily's birthday for the second time now that dad is back in town. :)

We are still alive-barely!

2008-01-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

We had a Wonderful Christmas! It was great to get together with family and friends. The kids received Way Too Many gifts! Oh well, it was a good Christmas.

But ever since Christmas we have been battling the flu, colds, and ear infections. I am starting to wonder if I will ever see Ethan healthy again. ;)

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Things here have been quite busy, hence the no posts. What have we been up to?

Sean- Work, work, work, and a little Christmas shopping.

Alishia- Cleaning, organizing, getting rid of things to make room for new things to come on Christmas! ;) I didn't think it could happen, but I think I can honestly say that I am shopped out!

Tyler- Trying so hard to be good for Santa. We don't want a stocking full of coal.

Emily- "Convinced" ;) Tyler to take down the ornaments from the tree like the Grinch does in the movie. :)

Isabelle- Very excited for the presents that Christmas will bring her.

Ethan- Is climbing on top of EVERYTHING!

Primary Program Sunday

2007-12-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

Today was the Primary Program at church. It went REALLY well. Tyler and Emily were very good sitting up in the seats with the other children. I must admit I was a bit worried, especially for Emily. That girl is the sneaky/funny type. But everything went well. Tears came to my eyes one time while I was watching the kids. I am so grateful for the gospel and raising my kids in the church. I love hearing them speak of Jesus and sing songs to praise him. Great job Tyler and Emily!
After church we headed home. It was such a yucky rainy day. Today Sean was leaving to go to West Virgina for a few days so I packed his bag and got him on his way. Then the kids and I ate dinner and played a game of Balloon Lagoon. I LOVE Cranium games! We had ice cream and headed to bed.
I love relaxed Sundays!

Picture Update

2007-12-09T21:40:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

Helping decorate Grammy's Christmas Tree

Ethan waving bye-bye.

If looks could kill....

He loves his Star Wars Legos!

I can't get over that Tyler is seven years old now!! He was thrilled to have a Optimus Prime Cake!

Poor Ethan got in a fight with an Oreo and by the looks of it he lost! :)

Isabelle definitley had the vision. She LOVES this dress up dress so she wanted to be a green, fairy princess. She is so funny.

Emily was going for the Rockstar look, I guess we kind of accomplished our goal. She is just from the 80's era.

Homemade Halloweens are the best! Tyler's costume took me some time drawing the bones and cutting them out. It was fun for me to make it (sort of). ;)

Our little puppy. We can actually can retire this costume now. We won't have anymore babies wearing (at least not from our fam).

Yes, I am behind. Oh well.

Happy Birthday Ethan!

2007-11-28T14:46:00.001-08:00

It is hard to believe my baby boy turns one today. It makes me kind of sad to think how fast the kids are growing up. It makes me happy to know that I won't ever have to go through labor again.

It has been a fun day. Tyler woke up this morning so excited that it was Ethan's birthday. He asked me if Ethan can talk now. Being the mom I am I said, "Yeah, when Ethan wakes up he is going to say Good morning Tyler, it's my birthday." Tyler smiled so big. I had to tell him I was teasing. Tyler whined, "But he is one, now." "Yes, but most one year olds can't talk." I replied.

Today was off to school for Tyler. I took the rest of the children to the library for a playgroup outing. Next we went and saw Sean. While we were visiting with Sean, Isabelle peed in her pants. I must have forgot to cross some toes or something. I actually think that the potty at the library terrified her so she held it until she could hold it no more. The potty at the library flushes automatically and not just a little flush but a huge, Niagara Falls flush. She screamed, "I am scared!" while sitting on the toilet. I guess I would hold my liquid too if I thought mom was going to put me back on that thing. ;)

Well, I am going to go decorate the Birthday cake. Emily and Tyler decided on making Ethan a puppy cake. Here goes....

Getting back into the swing of things.

2007-11-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving. I love getting together with family. I love playing games, talking, and reminiscing about old times. Getting together with family always reminds me of a "Full Moon Night". Growing up my mom would always comment that the crazy people come out on nights when the moon is full. Well, I think that holidays bring out the crazy in some realtives. I guess that makes the holidays memorable-family drama. ;) It really was a nice Thanksgiving and the food was amazing! I always say the best thing about Thanksgiving is the LEFTOVERS! I can't pick a favorite food they are all so good, but if I had to chose one....Hmmm....cornbread stuffing? sweet potato casserole? HOMEMADE rolls? pumpkin pie?, No Wait this year I would have to give the award to PECAN PIE!! Yum!
So, yes we had a great Thanksgiving. Great food, great company and a great times!

Update-
Tyler's 7th birthday was the day before Thanksgiving so he had his a couple of his cousins and a friend over. Sean took the boys to the dollar theatre to see Under Dog. The boys liked it, but Sean didn't, go figure? Tyler had a good day- Transformer cake, presents, and a movie.

Emily started getting sick which lead to her having breathing problems. On Sunday morning I was up until 4am talking with the doctor and giving her treatments. I really like the children's doctor, so I am grateful for that. Emily is doing much better, now.

Isabelle is (knock on wood & cross all fingers and toes) POTTY TRAINED! All it took was some mental abuse on my part and some Princess Ariel underoos. Not really abuse, but I just explained to Isabelle that when she goes to the bathroom in her diaper than Santa can't bring her big girl toys for Christmas. When she goes to the bathroom in her diaper that is being a baby. Now when she goes on the potty she smiles and asks in her cute, little voice, "Christmas is going to bring me big girl toys?" (She calls Santa Christmas.) She has done extremely well! I am so excited! Yay Isabelle!

Ethan has been trying to cut the naps out in his life so lately he is a tad on the cranky side. I can't believe he turns 1 year old tomorrow. This morning I told Tyler that tomorrow is Ethan's b-day and he will be one. Tyler was so very excited and said, " He will be able to think now!" I started laughing. I told Tyler that Ethan can think now! It was so funny! I guess the kids think that little babies walk around everywhere they go in a daze- duh! Oh how I love little children's conversations. :)

Where does the time go?

2007-11-13T14:09:00.001-08:00

Another one of those days when I look at the clock and say, "It is already 2:00?" Hmmm....what had I done by 2:00? Laundry, school with the girls and assisted Sean in taking unwanted music off my MP3 player, and I got caught up on emails.
Today I blame me being unproductive self on waking up at 4am. Ethan woke up screaming and throwing fits. I think his tummy was hurting. Around 6am I finally got him to fall asleep. So, I am a little tired. My other enemy of time is the computer. Yes, it is helpful at times, but it do think I spend more time on it than I realize.
I picked Tyler up from school and treated him to his free cheese sticks from Domino's Pizza. He had perfect attendance last semester so he was rewarded! He was so nice to share with his hungry little sister and brother. :)
Well, off to change not one diaper, but two! Man, it must be my lucky day!

Tagged

2007-11-12T11:16:00.001-08:00

So, my good friend Christine has tagged me. I must write 6 things about myself and then tag 6 other people. So, here we go!

1. First things first. I have to go in order on things and can't just start something in the middle. Even when I pick out my clothes to wear for the day I can't grab something from the middle of the closet or drawers. I HAVE to wear what ever is first in the category. It is really strange I just hate getting out of order.

2. I love when I vacuum and have vacuum lines.

3. I LOVE making lists. I make lists for EVERYTHING!

4. I dislike the Summer season. I hate being hot and sticky, plus my hair doesn't do well in these months. ;)

5. I LOVE food! I love reading cookbooks, cooking, baking and trying new recipes.

6. I like to clean except for a few chores- ironing, mopping, and cleaning the bathroom.

Hmmm.... I don't know who will read this, but here goes the tagging. I tag Jessica, Stephanie, Ivy, Megan, Meredith, and Sarah P.

A new week

2007-11-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Starting a new week with new goals can be exciting and overwhelming. Today I am moving right down the list. 1. Balancing the checkbook- done. What a depressing task, but it needed to be done. 2. Did schoolwork with Emily and Isabelle. I feel like such a crap mom. I didn't know Emily knew all the letters of the alphabet, but she does and she knows MOST of the sounds. When did she learn those? What mom doesn't know these things about their children. Um, that would be me. Isabelle was doing a great job on identifying shapes. I was impressed she remembered the shapes, oval and triangle. Great job girls.
3. Washing laundry. Almost done, just one more load to go.
I better get off here and fold the laundry now.

Our new residence...

2007-11-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

I think I am going to ask the doctor's office if they will be willing to rent out one of their rooms to my family because we are seriously at the doctor's all the freakin time!! Oh my gosh, I think we have been to the doctors office FIVE TIMES in TWO MONTHS!!
Yesterday morning Emily woke up not feeling well. This past weekend she sounded like she was catching the cold that has been being passed around from child to child, but with Emily and her breathing problems I never can be to careful. I had a presidency meeting yesterday morning so Sean took Emily. The doctor checked her over. She has nothing but a nasty cold, but the doctor told us to continue breathing treatments as needed. We asked if she has Asthma, but she told us "no". She said Emily suffers from allergies which causes her to sometimes have Asthma like symptom, but since she doesn't use the nebulizer everyday than she doesn't have Asthma. They did give Emily an unexpected shot- the flu shot. Emily went crazy, Sean said. He had to hold her down for the nurse to give her the shot, but once it was over Emily started laughing. When our kids get shots we always take them to the Dollar Store and let them pick out one item. It always seems to "heal" their pain. ;)
I really didn't get much accomplished yesterday. I paid a few bills, did some laundry (only wash and dry, no folding), made dinner ( I cooked all last week) and helped with homework. Huh, sounds like a normal day, I guess I don't get much accomplished any day then. It is so sad when I am busy all day long and exhausted at the end of the day, but I look around and I think to myself, "what did I do all day long?"
The missionaries stopped by last night. They seem like a hardworking pair of missionaries. I love it when the missionaries are so excited about the work that they are doing and then that helps me get excited again. Not that I don't care about preaching the gospel, but life gets so busy and other things take priority. Last night I was trying to think who I could talk to about the gospel. Such a hard thing for a couple of reasons- 1. It will definitely make me come out of my comfort zone. 2. All I hang out with for the most part are members of the church. I need to be a better member missionary. Sean is going out with the Elders tonight to help teach a family. I am sure he will enjoy that.

September and October Pictures

2007-11-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Tyler's big day!

"Look Ma, no training wheels!"

Time to lose the training wheels.

Isabelle with some of her birthday presents.

The much anticipated pretty, pink, castle cake requested by Isaboo.

The fam with the birthday girl.

Isabelle on her actual birthday. No, she didn't get ripped off on her cake, but her birthday was packed full of activities that we weren't able to celebrate the way we wanted to. We chose to celebrate the following Sunday with her pretty, pink, castle cake.

Isabelle so excited we are singing, "Happy Birthday to Isabelle."

Isabelle flower picking at the park.

Ethan enjoying birthday cake.

More Ethan and more cake. :)

Emily strumming the strings of her guitar. Maybe, to the Happy Birthday song? :)

The Big 33 year old!

The cake I made for Sean on his birthday. It's a golf course cake! I had alot of fun making it! :)

Another view of the course.

Halloween

2007-11-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

Pictures are yet to come. Yes, I know I am slow.
Well, everything went smoothly. Tyler did stay home from school that day because he was coughing through the night and in the morning when he was getting ready for school he sounded horrible. I thought he was getting the croup stuff that Ethan had, but he didn't. I took Tyler to the doctor and his diagnoses was a bad sore throat. The doctor told me that if he goes out to trick or treat not to stay out too late because the cold air won't be good for him. Lucky kid! No school AND gets to go trick or treating. ;)
For dinner and trick or treating that night, Sean's sister, her hubby, and their cute little boy came over. We all had a great time! The kids got PLENTY of candy to last ummm....about a week. ;) Roll call for costumes were a butterfly fairy, skeleton, rock star, a puppy, and Tigger. We were blessed with fun times, great weather, and safety!

I wish potty training was this successful!

2007-10-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Today was a memorable day for Tyler. He learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. I was actually dreading having to teach him this lesson in life. I was in visioning the falls that would happen. The crying I would have to hear. The scrapes, bruises, and cuts I would have to band-aid up. But it was a success!!! We took the necessary precautions, knee pads, elbow pads, helmet, and gloves. I told him over and over, "Now you will probably fall off the bike and you might get hurt, that is part of the whole learning to ride your bike experience." He listened and was a little nervous, but he did great! I was very pleased with how quick he caught on. I was reminded of my memory of learning to ride my bike without training wheels. If I remember correctly I wasn't so quick. My little sister actually learned before I did-on MY bike! :) Great job Tyler!

Today was a day I actually was able to check things off my oh so long "to do list". I made calls for the computer business. I was dreading that too, because I feel like I am soliciting. I guess I am kind of. But at least I am a nice solicitor. I am not trying to put people on the spot or weasel them out of money. I am simply just letting them know about the services which are now available. I am actually doing them a favor. ;) Ha! But I know that it is still annoying! :)

I am going to get my visiting teaching done for the month. Wahoo! All that I have left to do is drop of the lesson and some goodies to two sisters. Yes, sadly I won't be able to actually visit with them, but at least they will get the lesson. I have one sister who is just a letter only so I don't feel guilty about that.

I have been really thinking about the HFPE activities that are going on now. I think I am going to change them around a bit. I just don't feel what we have going is good right now. I am not comfortable with how things are set up and if I am going to be in charge of it I want it to be WOW! I want the sister to be actually improving themselves at these activities. If they are going to take time out of their busy schedules and time away that they could be spending with their families I want the activities to be worth it. I have a vision, but it is just bringing that vision to reality.

Tyler had a soccer game tonight. At first Tyler was being his usual self at soccer wild and crazy, but then the coach had Tyler play defense and it totally clicked. Tyler was awesome! That must be Tyler's area. He did a great job at defending the goal. The girls had a great time running around and chasing after the extra soccer ball that we brought. Ethan was enjoying running around outside, too! A couple of times I had to run after him because he ran on to the field. He is so cute!

Tyler did a great job finishing his homework quickly. I am not bribing him, but motivating him. ;) He wanted to watch the Halloween Charlie Brown show. (I don't remember what is was called.) So, Tyler quickly did his work. :)

I am glad I was able to teach Tyler how to ride a bike today and spend some quality time with him. Sometimes I feel like when he gets home from school we are always in a rush with activities to do or homework that I don't have very much time with him. So, I am grateful for the time I had today with him.

I just wish Isabelle would catch on with going to the potty as fast as Tyler caught on riding without training wheels. :)

Holy Cow!

2007-10-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

We have been busy! I am not going to play catch up here, but we have been doing tons! Soccer, Scouts, Zoo Halloween Party, Ethan getting sick, Trunk or Treat, Weenie Roast/ Trunk or Treat II, Pack Meeting/Halloween Party, Isabelle's Third Birthday. Needless to say October has been super busy for us.
I will post some pictures later. We are all doing fine now, no one is sick. :)

Pictures

2007-10-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Look how big my baby is! Ethan likes to push things around while walking. He is growing way too fast!

Watch out for Ethan! Don't let him fool you with the toothless grin he can gum hard! OUCH!

Here is Isabelle the morning after the Princess Party. We had to spend the night at our friend's house because I locked the keys in the car.

Emily AT the Princess Party!

Another beauty in the morning! Emily is showing off her princess wand she made at the party!

Daddy and Tyler heading out for the Father & Son Campout. Ready to have a fun night of camping and shooting!

The girls getting ready for the Princess Party!

On the go Monday

2007-10-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a pretty good day all and all. The kids pretty good most of the day, all except for that rock incident. What were thinking throwing rocks across the street?!

In the morning we had some errands to run. Children in Circuit City don't mix well.

Around noon we headed over to a friend's house to eat lunch and do school work. We have been trying to do a weekly little preschool with the kids, but life has just been so busy that we have only been able to do "school" twice. Sarah read a couple of Halloween stories to the kids. My kids LOVE having stories read to them. Then they colored the letters in their names, cut out the letters, and laced the letters on to a piece of yarn to spell their name. The next worksheet was coloring a pumpkin and then choosing a face to cut out and paste on the pumpkin. The girls really do love to color.

Next we were off to pick Tyler up from school. Yay! He kept his green card for the day! (Green card = good behavior) At school Tyler had a Boosterthon assembly. Dang school! They have Boosterthon -Fun Run going on. Tyler needs to find people who are willing pledge money on how many laps Tyler walks/runs around the track. Just another annoying thing for me to do! I know how my mom must have felt when we came home so excited to sell all that crap the school would send home. Poor lady! She always had at least 3 of us wanting to sell the chocolates or the gift wrap, so we could win the cool light up phone or the "boom" box. Ha! Ha! Oh the memories. Anyways, I haven't decided if Tyler is actually going to do this. The run is during school, so maybe. He is begging me, because he wants to win one of the prizes. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree after all. :)

After a short break at home we were off to soccer practice. Emily stayed at home. She didn't sound very good breathing wise. I feel so blessed that I don't suffer from allergies or what ever she seems to have, but I do feel bad for her. At soccer practice, Isabelle, Ethan and I went for a walk. She talked to "baby" grandpa on the phone (my dad). She is so funny. I honestly can't remember why she calls my dad baby grandpa, but she does. Maybe one day he was pretending to cry. I don't remember. Tyler was acting strange at soccer practice. The coach seemed annoyed with him and another little girl. At first I had mixed feelings about Tyler's coach correcting him, but I think it is good that Tyler knows that when he acts weird it isn't acceptable. This way he doesn't always hear it from me.

Off to Little Caesar's again to pick up pizza. The employee there is very nice. She is always giving the kids toys. Last night they got some Halloween bags with a toy and glow stick in them. The kids were thrilled!

I am exhausted at this point in the day. 7:30pm and I could fall fast asleep. How pathetic! I am only 28 yrs. old and I am wiped out by 7:30pm?!! How in the world did Abraham and Sarah raise a child at 100 and 90 years old? Maybe little Issac ran wild in the wilderness while they did their parenting from their beds? :) Hopefully when Heavenly Father blessed them with Issac he also blessed them with the a mountain of strength and energy. Interesting....

Anyways, at dinner I was weak. I couldn't pass up my favorite pizza, but my mouth totally paid for my loss of will power. My mouth is so sore from chewing my food and having my wisdom teeth removed! After dinner we had homework, bathes, prayer and scrips.

Whew!

The weekend

2007-10-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

The days are just zooming by! I still can't believe it is the middle of October!!
Well this weekend was a blast. ;)
Friday- I had an infection in my mouth caused my wisdom teeth, so I took an unplanned trip to the dentist. I decided then I was going to have my bottom wisdom teeth pulled! The whole procedure was done in NO TIME FLAT! Seriously, I was done within 15 minutes! What an awesome dentist!! So, the rest of my Friday was spent changing my gauze pads, but I was thrilled that that was all behind me. I won't have to worry about any more infections.
Sean was a major help on Friday for me. He watched the girls while I went to the dentist. He picked Tyler up from school. He took the girls for me in the evening. Thanks babe!
When Tyler came home from school I took him to go and drop off cookies to a friend's house that was from the Family Home Evening "Phantom". He did such a great job and was so excited to play the phantom role. We dropped of cookies to someone else's house earlier in the week and Tyler wasn't able to participate so he was thrilled when it was his turn.
Later that evening we ate dinner, or should I say THEY ate dinner. I drank mine. ;) We watched the Fantastic Four the Rise of the Silver Surfer again, but this time with the kids. It is so corny, but hey it is a comic book story. Then later on we watched, One Night with the King. It is the movie about Esther. It was okay. I fell asleep so I will have to watch the ending later.

Saturday- We woke up and got ready for Tyler' s soccer game. When we got there the other team had to forfeit the game, because they didn't have enough players show up. It was a good lesson for Tyler to see why it is important to do your part when you are playing on a team. I told him that his team won the game, because the other team's players didn't show. When you play on a team everyone counts on each other to do their part. I guess it sunk in to his head. All I got out of him was, "I know Mom." I can totally her myself as a child in that boy. :)
So, the kids used the time to scrimmage each other. Tyler needs to work on alot of things. He needs to practice dribbling the ball down the field. He needs to have more control of the ball. He definitely needs to kick it up a notch on speed. And stay out of La La Land. :) He is pretty good! I would like him to stay with soccer. He has great potential and I don't want him to throw all his hard work down the drain.
After the game we spent the rest of the day at home. It was nice to get caught up on laundry. Sean has been a major help with that as well. He has been in charge of switching out the washer and the dryer, but I fold the clothes. Good lil' teamwork going on. Thanks again, babe!
I have been recovering EXTREMELY well from my wisdom teeth pulling. I am a little sore, but not too bad. I have been recovering without any prescribed pain medicine. I am taking Tylenol around the clock, but that is it! I thank Heavenly Father for that. I do feel very blessed with how good I feel.
For dinner I made some grilled cheese and heated soup from a can. Note to self: Can soup is disgusting!! I did try and eat some grilled cheese. That was a little painful. My mouth is still tender. I made some Prune cake. It taste So Much better than it sounds. It taste just like a spice cake, but it has prunes (duh?), but you can't really taste the prunes.
Later we had FHE. Sean gave the lesson on the Good Samaritan. We voted on the activity and watching the movie, Elf won! That movie is hilarious!
Sunday- I woke up and my mouth was sore. I stayed home from church today because of the teeth thing. I let Tyler and Emily sleep in. Emily was running a small fever last night and has a sore throat, so I thought they could use the extra sleep. I went upstairs and got Ethan, Isabelle, and myself some breakfast. I washed dishes and cleaned out the microwave. I don't know why I have so much energy, but I do and I am actually enjoying cleaning right now.
I came down stairs to get the kids and myself ready for the day and then Emily and Tyler woke up. Then, Sean came walking through the door. He left church early to help me out. I feel bad for him because he fell yesterday and hurt his leg. He took some pain medicine, but then a couple hours later he almost had a stomach spasm. Poor guy. His dad gave him a blessing.
The kids have been EXCELLENT today. We read Halloween stories, they played with Play-doh, and now they are making Halloween cards for aunts and uncles.
Well, Ethan Finally fell asleep so I better get off her and go and change Isabelle. AAAHHH!!! Dang that girl! Potty training SUCKS!

Special Person

2007-10-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were invited to Tyler's school to celebrate "Special Persons' Week". This week is for the students to invite the special people in their lives. We invited Grandma Wellings, Sarah, Adam, Rachael, Jackson, Grammy and Grandpa Brown and of course mommy, daddy, Emily, Isabelle, and Ethan. Tyler had the most people BY FAR! Tyler should definitely know he is loved and special! It was nice of everyone to take time out of their busy lives to come to Tyler's school, too. Thanks everyone! I could tell it meant alot to Tyler. The school had refreshments and they took pictures of the students with their "special persons".

It was nice to see Tyler in his environment. He was excited to have everyone there and to show them the library. I was able to talk to Tyler's teacher for a few minutes. She is so nice. I am glad Tyler has her for a teacher. She said that Tyler has a really good memory, that he remembers EVERYTHING! She said he raises his hand and will say, "My mom taught me that the e and y make the long a sound when they are together." I just laughed. His teacher said sometimes she lets Tyler teach the class. So, I am thinking I am the mother of one of those "know-it-all-kids". He must get that from his father. :) Ha! Ha! Actually it makes he happy that Tyler raises his hand and voices his opinion. I am pleased with that quality, as long as he does it in a humble and respectful manner. Well, Special Persons time only lasted for about 40 minutes. Tyler wanted us to stay, but of course we couldn't.

We came back home and got a snack. The girls watched some cartoons, I made some phone calls and Ethan napped. Then it was time to pick Tyler up from school.

Later on we all headed to the park for Tyler's soccer practice. The girls rode their bikes, played on the playground and we went for a walk, while we waited for soccer practice to end. After practice I took the kids to Sonic to get a snack. I must have been starving, because I really don't care for Sonic and I thought their food tasted delicious!

We came home and started the bedtime routine-bath, scrips, prayer and bed!! The kids are doing really well on saying their personal prayers. I guess the charts are working. We also are working on memorizing the scripture for the month. This month is Matthew 5:16.

Sean and I stayed up and watched Fantastic 4- Rise of the Silver Surfer. It was o.k.

The weekend...

2007-10-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

Nothing special really to report.
Friday- Tyler had school. I helped out a friend and watched her kids for a couple of hours. We headed over to some friend's house and had dinner and just hung out that night.
Saturday- No soccer game. Hooray!!! General Conference this weekend. Hooray!!! Sean went to the Priesthood session that night and then we went to our friend's house, again. It was such a late night. Never again that late. The kids get so cranky! We watched, The Astronaut Farmer. Weird move. I didn't care for it at all.
Sunday- Conference. Loved what I heard from all of the speakers. We played two rounds of Balloon Lagoon game from Cranium. It is a fun game! The kids really like playing it. I made a some charts for the kids, and Sean printed up some new family goals. I love the new attitude we always have after listening to the speakers at Conference.

Another Day

2007-10-01T20:28:00.001-07:00

Woke Tyler up, dressed, breakfast, and off to school without any problems. It can be done, folks!! Good thing I write this down for proof that he can be a sweet little boy.

Ethan is feeling much better. The poor little guy had 2 ear infections from teething! The Amoxicilin is working wonders! Today I got a call from the Target pharmacy. They were just checking to see if Ethan was feeling better. How sweet! I never had that happen to me. I just thought that was very caring of them to do. He is a much happier baby and is taking better naps! That makes me a much happier mommy and a clean one too! I took a shower and got ready for the day during Ethan's nap.

I did a little bit of school with Emily during the day. Then, we headed off to Sean's cousin's house for a little spur-of-the-moment, surprise, birthday celebration. Kelby turned 31 today! He and Laurie just bought a nice house. They still have a bit of work to do on it, but it seems like fun. I think he was surprised that we showed up and I think he enjoyed it. Emily and Isabelle were extra cute. Kelby and Laurie have 3 big dogs. They have a St. Bernard puppy so, he is a big dog! Ethan loved the puppy. Isabelle said that Ethan said that he wants to go for a ride on the puppy. I have a feeling that, that is not what Ethan said. :) The girls enjoyed the dogs somewhat. Poor Emily had a hard time with them, breathing wise. When we came home she had to have a breathing treatment. I would say that I can safely say that we won't have a dog in the house.

I picked Tyler up from school, switched clothes for soccer practice and headed to Target. Target has all of their backpacks on clearance for 75% off! So, I got 3 backpacks for the kids 72 hour kits. Yes, we are just now getting started on this, but better late than never!

Off to soccer. The coach was 15 minutes late. I was so hoping that practice was going to be cancelled. I was so tired! Oh well, the coach made it so they had practice. The whole teams needs the practice so good!

Little Ceasar's pizza tonight, of course. Dinner, homework, shower, scrips, prayer and bed. Yay the day is over!

Fast and Testimony Meeting

2007-09-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

I stayed up almost until 1:00am this morning doing laundry! So, when Sean got up for his early morning meetings at 5:30am wondering where his white shirt was I was alittle confused. Was I imagining washing the white shirt? Well, I wasn't imagining washing a white shirt, but the white shirt that I did wash was Tyler's. Oops. I was racking my brain wondering what I did with Sean's white shirt. I finally remembered that Sean went to the temple this past week and never returned it to me. So, I just took it out of the temple bag and ironed it. There he went to his meetings with a not so clean shirt. He seriously needs to invest in at least one more church shirt.

After Sean left I folded some clothes and got the kids clothes laid out. I got ready and then started to wake the dead. :) The kids did good getting up and dressed for me. The only problem that we had this morning was Tyler being bossy and teasing his sisters. So really nothing new.

Well at church the kids did well. Sean got Ethan to sleep during Fast and Testimony meeting. Isabelle was a little on the cranky side. I knew that I really wanted to bear my testimony. I hate giving talks and I dislike bearing my testimony, but I felt the spirit so I knew that it had to be done. I was trying to talk my way out of it, but there was such a LONG and awkward pause that I knew it was my turn. So, I stood up and carried Isabelle up there with me. I didn't want to chance her screaming for me and waking up Ethan. So, as I am bearing my testimony I see people smiling and laughing a little. I am thinking to myself, "i don't think i am saying anything funny." I look over to Isabelle and the girl is totally digging for gold while I was holding her! Eeewww!!! How embarrassing!

I was asked to help with nursery the first hour. Sure. Okay we got a little spoiled down in Florida. The nursery was so clean and the kids were actually fed food, not just animal crackers. I am sure budgets are different every where. The nursery needs a major makeover in the toy department, too! Broken toys, missing pieces to toys. Also Florida's nursery was so well organized and ran right down to the minute. That totally makes a difference for the kids and the adults. Maybe it isn't always like how it was today. It was probably a little chaotic because lack of teachers and it is the 5th Sunday combined meeting. We shall see.

Tyler had a talk to give. He did such a great job standing up there and repeating everything I told him to say. I think Tyler is now past that stage. I think he is to the stage were we can sit down with him and help write out his talk and he can read it at the pulpit next time. I think it will mean more to him. But for today he did a great job!

The last hour of church was combined. The topic was about unity in the ward. I wasn't able to hear all of it, but what I did hear I completely agree with. We also talked about being prepared in case of any disasters. I know that is is good to be prepared and that to be prepared things like this need to be discussed, but it does frighten me. I want to be prepared in case that something does happen, but I pray that nothing ever will happen.

As I pulled up to the house after church I could see that the home teachers were already here. Makes sense, last day of the month. :) I really do enjoy when the home teachers come, but I with living arrangements right now I don't want to have any. Way too stressful!

After the HT left it was on to two of our family's favorite Sunday activities- Lunch and Quiet time. Oh my gosh! I took a 2 hour nap and it felt fantastic!!

I woke up and went on to another great Sunday activity-dinner. Tonight was leftover night. Chili was our leftover from last night when I made it for the GRS broadcast. It tasted so good! It is funny how dinners are at our house on the Sabbath. It is either feast or famine. Some Sundays I really go all out and make a great meal or some Sundays nothing is really planned it is every man for himself. Nothing usually in between.

Well we ended our Sabbath with creating our family banner/Title of Liberty. The stake is having a some activity next week and every family was asked to decorate a handkerchief and make a banner representing your family. All other wards in the stake received their handkerchiefs in August, but we got ours last week. Ours isn't the cutest, but is what we came up with. Maybe I will take a picture of it. Maybe not. It is super ugly. Oh well the kids had fun decorating it.

Tonight we also read our scriptures and Isabelle was so funny. I would read something and then she would repeat a couple of the last words I would say and cheer. So I read, "Herod was a wicked king." Isabelle, "Yay Herod." I read, "Herod killed his wife and 2 sons." Isabelle, "Yay Herod." I stopped and said, "Isabelle, Herod was wicked." Isabelle, "Oh." (with a big grin on her face.) Silly girl.

Sean and I are working on two things, kneeling during family prayer. I think that is very important and sadly we have never really made the kids do this. The other thing is having the kids be responsible and say their own personal prayers. I think that is very important. The kids usually do say there personal prayers while they are laying in there beds, but I want to make sure they are doing it every night and I would like them to kneel and make them meaningful. I think I am going to create some prayer charts for them.

Well, that is about it.

Saturday

2007-09-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

We woke up hurrying around the house. We slept in which felt wonderful, but it left us pressed for time to head to the bank before it closed and before Tyler's soccer game started. Mission was accomplished, we made it to the bank. :) We got to Tyler's game and was set up to cheer him on. The first half of the game Tyler was so slow and in La La Land. Finally he snapped out of the spell he was in and did really good the second half of the game. Tyler's team, the Sharks won!! We were thrilled about the victory and Tyler was happy that he SCORED!!

We head home for some lunch. While I was making lunch the kids were arguing with each other. Okay that has got to stop. I can't stand the bickering back and forth. DRIVES ME CRAZY!! Well they didn't just stop the arguing, but they stepped it up a notch. AAAHHH! After they ate lunch they played for alittle longer, Sean got Ethan to sleep and I jumped in the bath! It was so nice to be by myself even if it was for just 10 minutes. The kids were still really restless so I tried to calm them down by making them sit down and watch a cartoon. That only works for alittle bit. It did give me enough time to almost finish making chili for dinner and the General RS Broadcast, tonight. Well, the rough housing ended with a bang. That would be because of Isabelle. She ran into grammy's coffee table face first. She busted her lip, bruised her chin, and scraped her chest. That is when dad stepped in! Needless to say all the kids were sitting down again watching a cartoon afraid to move a muscle. ;)

I headed to the store to pick up a few items for dinner tonight and for tomorrow. I just had Ethan with me so my trip to the grocer's was quick. I hurried home, dropped off the groceries and headed back out the door with the MIL. We were headed over to a sister's house in the ward to eat, visit, and watch the broadcast. We were having a potato bar. It was very good and the desserts that were brought were good too! It was nice to be able to visit with the ladies in the ward. I am glad I went. I loved the talks that I heard tonight as well!

I glanced around the room at each of the ladies and it is so nice to know that no one is perfect. We were gathering and listening to our leaders as sisters. We need the love and the support of each other. Everyone's trials are going to be different, but we all know that everyone has some sort of trial. No matter how big or small it may be you don't have to master it on your own. I just think that is beautiful. Heavenly Father is there for us right along with our sisters' in Zion! I feel truly blessed for the wonderful visiting teachers that I have had in my life and the visiting teachers that I have now! I feel blessed to be a part of such of wonderful program called Relief Society.

After the broadcast I came to a happy home filled with happy, clean kids. I am so happy that Sean had bathed the kids. So all I had left to do was to make sure they brush their teeth and have family prayer and scriptures.

Dang Computer and mail man!

2007-09-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

Tyler was sent off to school in a grumpy mood. Talk about moody! What is his deal? On the way to school I asked him if he would say the prayer. The only thing he said or asked for was "please help my mom be nicer." After that I told him that he needs to lose the attitude because it will get him in trouble at school and he said, "I am not mad at anyone else, just you." I seriously don't know what to do with that boy. I guess I can look on the postive side at least he is praying and at least he is honest. Any suggestions on dealing with a grump? Can't wait for teenage years. Yipee! (NOT!)

I called the doctors office today to see if I could bring Ethan in for a sick visit. I think he is getting an ear infection. Well, since I just switched new doctors, I need to go into the office and fill out paperwork and then it will take 24 hours for them to process it AND THEN I can make an appointment for Ethan.
So, I hurried and got cleaned up, canceled my visting teachers to come and see me, and give the girls a bath. Well, I got through to one of my visiting teachers, but the other one wasn't able to be reached until she reached my door. I let her give me the lesson. It was short. I hope she doesn't think I was rude, but I was in a hurry. Sean had finished giving the girls bathes for me and I got them dressed.

I knew it would happen, but my the time I got the girls dressed and fed it was time to feed Ethan, then feed the girls lunch and so on and so on. So, I wasn't able to make it to the doctor's today. I will have to do that tomorrow.

Today was JaNae's b-day and I made her the funniest card. I laughed so hard! It was off of JibJab.com. What a fun site!

I picked Tyler up and he was in a better mood. He told me that he got in a fight at the playground. I had to pry the information out of him and this is what I pieced together- The girls were out numbering the boys so Tyler and a couple of his buddies went and started spanking the girls on their bottoms. WHAT? He said his teacher talked to him. I didn't jump all over him about the incident, because I want him to know that I am here for him when he makes mistakes and I will always love him.

I ventured off to Sam's Club. Oh my gosh the kids were so good. I got talked to by a Sam's Club employee about how smart I am for having my kids so close together. I was surprised how interested this man was about my children and the age difference between them all. Luckily for me the kids were so well behaved I didn't mind having people talk to me at the store.

Came home, ate dinner, homework, and bed. Sean went to the temple tonight. I could have gone as well, but Mrs. Procrastinator procrastinated and doesn't have my new temple recommend. I am very happy that Sean was able to go the temple, next time for sure I want to go with him!

Emily's allergies seemed to really be acting up, too. Her sneezing is out of control at times. She had to have a treatment tonight. It has been almost a month since she has had a treatment. Poor Girl.

Isabelle is very good at playing the game, "Monkey see monkey do" If she coughs she thinks that she will get to take the treatment medicine that Emily takes, WRONG!

Well that is about it. It seems like I wasted the day on the computer or waiting on the mail man. Tomorrow is filled with all the stuff that needed to get taken care of today. Fun! Fun!

Finally!

2007-09-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

I finally have a moment to type something. We have been crazy busy here. The weekend was packed full of fun so we are still recovering from all the partying we did. We are doing well. Well, everyone but Ethan. He is cutting his bottom teeth and hasn't been feeling so good. I am off to go through Tyler's backpack and folder, sweep the kitchen and get ready for soccer practice. :)

The Key to a Great Day!

2007-09-17T19:24:00.001-07:00

What a great day today was!

Sean stayed home and studied. He also made a couple of phone calls that could REALLY help business. Definitely pray and keep your fingers crossed for us.
I was able to clean, do school work with the girls, take Tyler to soccer and pick up Little Caesar's Pizza for dinner. *( Maybe that is the key to a great day. Make Monday nights pizza nights.)* When Tyler woke up this morning he was not grumpy. He was not grumpy when he came home from school. He did his homework in less than 30 minutes WITHOUT complaining. He did great at soccer practice. He wasn't too resistant at bedtime either!! Holy cow! I can't believe I am typing this!
Emily was such a big help today!
Isabelle was alittle on the cranky side, but hey since I was in a good mood I could handle her.
And lastly Ethan didn't even fall down the stairs head first. Oh my gosh talk about scary. I put Ethan down in the living room and I ASSUMED (we all know what happens when we assume) that Sean was watching him. I was unloading the dishwasher and I went to check on Ethan. I was terrified to see that Ethan was seriously head first down on the first step of 14! I bolted over to get him and in my mind for that second it seemed as if I was running in slow motion and wasn't going to get to him in time. I prayed thanking Heavenly Father that he didn't fall. I felt so shaky and sick when I picked him up. Well I learned my lessons. Don't assume and don't let Ethan out of my sight.
See what great day- no kids were harmed, lessons learned and I didn't have to make dinner.