A Better World

16 very short years ago, the world became a better place. A happier, funner, more complete place to be.

The date was November 2, 1993. It was a crisp Autumn morning with bright blue skies and happy, chirping birds. And, most importanly, it was my first day as a mother to a darling baby girl.

Kiersten was born at 2:14 pm. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 7 oz. and 20 inches long. She was the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen. My labor with her took just over two hours and when I saw her, I fell in love. She had just a few pieces of very blond hair, long feet, and the cutest lips, nose and chubby cheeks I have ever seen! I couldn't quit kissing her.

Kiersten is such a great girl. We've watched her go through so many stages of life already. She was quite shy in her younger years and would hide behind my legs when someone new approached her. She was also very into Barney, the big Purple Dinosaur!! One afternoon when Kier was about 3, I laid her and Sam down for a nap. Usually they would put up a fight and cry, but this day they just laid down and it got very quiet very quickly. I was congratulating myself on what a great mom I was until I started to hear little giggles coming out of their room. I peeked in to check on them and was so surprised at what I saw! Kiersten had found a purple (permanent) marker and had colored her whole body (and Sam's!) purple so they could look more like Barney!! That was Kiersten first attempt at art - and what a masterpiece it was!!

As the years went by, Kiersten became a little less shy, quite a bit better at art and the funnest daughter I could ever hope to have. She is energetic, smart, kind, helpful, loving, a good friend and daughter, and a spiritual daughter of God.

I love you so much, Kier. I'm so glad you're my daughter and growing up to be so beautiful, inside and out! Never forget your goals in life and remember that you have so many family and friends that look up to you and love you.

Have a fabulous day and a great year, my love - you deserve it!!
xoxo

Off to School

Today was our typical Monday morning. The boys got up, got ready for school and were almost out the door. Until I realized that we had a flat tire. I called my neighbor and she said that she would take them to school.

Normally, I drive my boys and some of the other kids in the neighborhood, but today the boys walked down a few houses to catch their ride. Watching them walk there together made me smile. They left the house with smiles on their faces and a skip in their step. They ran down the sidewalk skipping (sort of skipping. Our family is seriously rhythm-challenged, so it ends up looking more like a run/seizure/skip thing) and pumping their fists up and down in the air. They were just so happy to be outside, going to a friends house and getting to go to school. It made me happy just watching them. Oh, to be young and excited for school again!

Want to be - Like Bree

I've decided that I want to be like Bree. She is such a cute, happy, and VERY friendly baby. Goes to bed with a smile, wakes up with a smile. The only time that she ever gets really sad and angry is when the chocolate is gone (aren't all women like that??).

The other day I was outside doing yard work. I wasn't necessarily happy to be doing it - I had lots of other things that were way more important, but my yard has turned into a jungle. It HAD to be done.

Bree came out with me and was just happy as a clam - especially when cars would drive past. She would turn and wave - with both hands high in the air and a smile. It made me smile. Then I started noticing that it was making the drivers smile, too. What could be better than having a cute, chubby baby (with dimples, might I add) wave to you with a huge smile on her face?

I decided to make a goal. I want to be like Bree. Do I have to know someone to be friendly, wave and smile? I don't think so. Some days we could all use a wave and a smile. So, if you see me outside waving and smiling, just know- I'm happy to be trying to be like Bree

Parent Teacher Conference

Yesterday was Parent Teacher Conference for my boys. The boys were excited for me to go and I was hoping that I would get good reports from all of their teachers. But, it didn't happen.

I heard GREAT things about them!!!

I don't normally brag (okay, sometimes just a little!), but these little men of mine are just fabulous!!! Bradyn has three fabulous teachers: one for music, one for science, and a core teacher. How did I get so lucky to have all great teachers? I don't know...but I'm not questioning it. All of them told me how amazingly smart my boy is. But that was not the best part of the report. EVERY ONE of his teachers repeatedly told me that not only his he very smart, but so, so kind to everyone - even the girls. Do reports get any better than that?? I don't think so.

Next was Joshua. Same thing (but only from one teacher - music teacher was gone) as Bradyn. Great student and a VERY nice boy! Such good reports. Such a fantastically happy mom.

Somehow, somewhere, in the midst of all my shortcomings and setbacks as a mother, my sons have still managed to learn good manners, being kind and helping everyone that they can - even the girls. I'd like to take credit for this, but I can't. It's just how they are. They are the nicest, smartest, funnest, funniest, most handsome boys that this planet has ever seen. I don't know how I got lucky enough to have them sent to me, but I'm grateful every day of my life for them.

Way to go, boys!! Keep up the good work! Love you tons - Never change!!

Happy Birthday!!

I love having a big family. I love the movie parties on the big couch. I love waking up in the morning with at least two parents, two kids and a dog in the bed together. I love the noise (usually....okay, only sometimes), and I love that we have a birthday almost every month of the year.

Sam turned fourteen yesterday. She is such an amazing, incredible, beautiful, talented, smart young woman. I have so many fond memories of her. Sam was born early in the morning via c-section. She was premature and weighed only 4 lbs. 12 oz. She was so tiny!! Tiny toes, tiny fingers, tiny little body....but BIG personality and a great BIG heart with so much love to give. One of Sam's best qualities is to see the best in people. She has a christlike love for so many, and forgives so easily....It is my goal to try to be more like her in those areas.

As Sam has grown up, she has become even more beautiful and fun. I'm so lucky to say that she is not only my daughter, but one of my very best friends. She can make me laugh, cry, scream, tear my hair out, and feel like my heart is going to burst open from all of the love that I have for her. I cherish every moment with her, the good and the bad. And luckily we have much more good than bad.

I know that as she grows up, we're going to have some growing pains. She's wanting to spread her wings, and I'm wanting to hang on to her for dear life. I have a quote in my room that says "It is the wise mother that gives her child roots and wings." I want to be that wise mother. I want to see her grow up into the beautiful woman that I know she will become. I want to skip over all of her future heartache for her. I want to protect her forever.

It's starting to become clear to me just how much Heavenly Father must ache for each of us when we leave his presence. He knows the trials that we will face. He knows that we have the ability to do great things in life. But how hard it must be for Him to watch as we make mistakes and falter. And then, how great it must be when we turn to Him and let Him wrap us in His arms and love us unconditionally. I want to be like my wise Father in Heaven. I want to guide, to teach, to allow her to make mistakes, and have confidence that she will, with guidance, grow into the woman that Heavenly Father intends her to be. She has her roots, and hopefully they get a little deeper every day. Now, I just need to give her just a little bit of room to fly.

Sammy, I love you. I want you to know that I love our Heavenly Father and our brother, Jesus. They are both always there for you no matter what the problem. I know that the Spirit will help to guide you and will be there for you in times of need. And I want you to know that you will always and forever be my little Sammy Wammy! I am always here for you as well. We might not always see everything eye to eye, but my love for you never weakens. It grows stronger every day. You are a fantabulous young woman and I'm proud to have you as my daughter!

I love you forever xoxoxo :)

Time Flies

We just recently celebrated Bradyn's 8th birthday and his baptism. I can't believe how fast time flies. Eight short years ago, I was pregnant with this cute little boy who was so active that I would hold my stomach tight, trying to get him to settle down. He would turn, kick, wriggle and squirm all over the place - bounding into my ribs, bouncing on my bladder, definitely my most active baby!! He was larger than life back then, and he's gotten even better over the last eight years.

Bradyn is an absolute joy to have in our family. He is funny, intelligent, energetic, and very most importantly...he is kind. Don't get me wrong....He's not perfect. Nobody, at least in our family, is. But he's dang close. He is so sweet with his little sisters. A big helper for his mom and dad. A thoughtful grandson. And, now, finally, he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

His baptism was such a beautiful day. It was on Saturday, August 1st. He was so excited. He had practiced with Dad what was going to happen and how they were going to do it (Bradyn's not a big fan of water in his face, so practice was essential!!). He got up that morning, ate breakfast, took a shower and went to get dressed. He came out of his room dressed in a black suit, white shirt and red tie. It brought tears to my eyes. He looked so handsome and so much like a junior version of a missionary that it just took my breath away. The baptism went well and we are all so proud of his decision to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.


We love you, Bradyn. We're so glad that you're in our family and we love you so much!!

SAM'S HOME!!

hi everybody!!

I got home two days ago!! it's so good to be home!! I came home and the first thing i notice was how utah smells! it smells sooo amazingly good!!!

Oregon was a fun place to be for a little while but i hate not being home...in oregon we hiked and went camping and stayed at home...when we hiked we went to a waterfall and we were so high up i couldnt believe we had hiked that whole way!! its so good to be home!!

Cant wait to see everyone again!!

Adventures in San Diego

David and I decided it was time for a family vacation. The boys are very into Lego's right now, so we decided to go to the San Diego area and see the beach, SeaWorld, and most importantly - LegoLand! We left around 8am on July 5th. Our GPS (Lola) told us it would take about 10.5 hours to get there - Boy, was she wrong!!

Sophie is potty trained, and we're SO happy about that, but it makes traveling a little bit...well, llonnggerrr. Before Las Vegas, we had already stopped several times, including gas, lunch and breakfast, so it was taking quite a while. But after St. George we were really staring to make great time - cruise control set at 80 mph, MJ blaring on the CD player, happy, smiling kids. And then it happened. Construction in Vegas. We were suddenly down to 8 mph (sometimes zero mph) for an hour and a half!!! Could this have happened in a worse area??!!?? Two very inquisitive little boys looking all around outside with curiosity at the (horrible, vulgar and downright trashy) billboards that were VERY slowly passing us. This is the only time in their lives that I have wished that they couldn't read. We told them to get their gameboys out and play a game, and luckily, they never looked up again.

Finally, we got out of the construction mess just in time to take a wrong turn (Dave thinks we took a wrong turn. I think Lola has a wicked sense of humor). We ended up taking a scenic drive to our hotel. In the dark. With hungry, cranky, tired kids. And a REALLY cranky momma (sorry, Dad!!). Not a good start to our vacation. But, we finally arrived (almost 15 hours from when we started) and got settled down for the night.

Our hotel was great. Marriott Residence Inn. Bedroom upstairs with a bathroom, another downstairs with a full kitchen. We loved it. Oh, except for the stairs. Here's where the adventure continues.

Sophie got up Monday morning and was so excited. She ran upstairs to see Grandma, went potty, and then we were all off to their continental breakfast. As soon as we were done, Dad went to print off our tix to the Zoo and Grandma, I and the kids went back to the room to pack a bag and get ready to go. Sophie had gone upstairs to see Grandma and the boys. She was walking downstairs and somehow her feet got tangled and she took a LONG tumble down 14 stairs. I heard thump, thud, WHACK. And then the scream. Not just an ordinary scream. The "I am really hurt and need help!!!!" scream. I went running, smacked my hip hard on the edge of the dresser and got to where she was laying and screaming at the bottom of the stairs. I knew she was hurt but was hoping that she was more scared than anything. Not so. She was REALLY hurt. After an hour she still couldn't put any pressure on her left leg. Dave went to the store to get Ibuprofen and I called the pediatrician. The doctor told us just to watch it and give Ibuprofen. They don't like to do anything for 48-72 hours until the swelling goes down. She had calmed down by this point and was yelling at the stairs, telling them how naughty they were, so we decided to try to go to the zoo. She couldn't walk but we had a stroller for her so off we went.

We got to the zoo around noon and Dave dropped all of us off at the front. Then he went to park. He took FOREVER to come in the zoo. And he had a look on his face. A look that said "don't worry, it's going to be okay". Not good. Apparently, after dropping us off at the front of the zoo, he hopped back in the van to go park and we had no brakes. He went slow enough to get into a parking spot and then made some phone calls, finding out that we had a major repair to look forward to. Since we were already there, we stayed for a few hours and then began the next journey of trying to find an auto repair shop. Long story short....new front brakes, $700, Rental car for the next day $80. Lucky us. But seriously, we felt so blessed. What if that would have happened in the middle of all that construction in 113 degree heat?? It happened at the best time (if there is a good time for this to happen). We felt very blessed. Also, our hotel ended up being only a mile or two away from a dodge dealer and the car rental place, so it worked out as well as it could have.

Sophie was a trooper. She hardly ever complained. We gave her Ibuprofen for the first 48 hours and then she didn't seem to need it anymore. We went to the zoo, SeaWorld, to the beach and visiting relatives, and then to LegoLand and on Friday we came home. Her very favorite was the beach. She loved it. She was shivering and so cold, but she would just cry when we made her get out to warm up. I can't believe how tough she is - she did all of that with a hurt leg. When we got home, we immediately went to the doctor and they took x-rays. Her leg is broken and she gets her cast (from her toes to above her knee) next week.

The boys and Brielle had just as much fun as Sophie. Their very favorite was LegoLand. They loved the rides, building with Legos and their souvernirs. All in all it was a great trip with lots of Adventure!!!

Baby Steps

I love the milestones that come during baby's first year of life. The first tooth, the first time sleeping through the night, first smile....so many firsts. I love them all. But I have to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with one of the firsts - baby's first steps.

Brielle has finally started walking. She actually started about a month ago, but didn't really get it mastered until now. Today she has been walking all over the house. And part of me is SO happy and excited!! My back doesn't hurt today. I've been able to use both of my arms today instead of just one. I only had to make one trip downstairs carrying groceries because I didn't have a baby to carry with me...All of these are good things, right??? Yes, they are. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

There's just this other part of me that really doesn't like it. In fact, this part of me hates it and wants her to stay little forever. I love picking her up and cuddling her. I love that she's my little buddy that just lives on my hip. And I love that she WANTS to be carried and that I'm able to carry her wherever her little heart desires.

But, the two of us had a talk. I'm letting her grow up. I'll let her learn to walk, talk and feed herself. Maybe I'll even someday let her go to school. And in return, she just has to make me the promise that she'll live with me forever. That's not too much to ask is it?? Maybe I'll change my mind at some point in the future and let her move out, but not for the next two or three decades. Baby steps for her, baby steps for me.

Two is NOT Always Better Than One

I've always heard that two is better than one. Two dollars - better than one. Two donuts - WAY better than just one. But two kids in diapers - NOT better than just one. NOT AT ALL.

Sophie has been interested in sitting on the potty for about six months now. But actually using the potty - not so much. I had put her in undies for a day or two before, but she had an accident and we threw them in the garbage (I'd WAY rather throw out a pair of undies than rinse poop out of them. How did people LIVE without disposable diapers????). Since then, she showed no interest in wearing anything other than a diaper. Until she saw the swim diapers in her closet. They're just like a pull up - decorated cute and pull up and down like real undies. She loved them. But then, she found out they are very different from a diaper.

Early this week, she got up, picked out a swim diaper to wear and was off and playing for the day. Then, something went wrong. She came in the kitchen screaming, crying and doing the strangest little dance (similar to the hokey pokey with a look of horror on her face). She had pottied in the swim diaper and, since a swim diaper is good at holding in solid things but letting anything else out, her legs were "all wet and icky". I gave her a bath, then we had a good long talk about why all big kids wear undies, and then we put a pair of undies back on her. She hasn't had an accident since. I'm so proud of her. And in this case, only have one baby in diapers, is way better than two.

M&M's and Teeth

It seems to me that my children are some of the youngest to get their teeth, and some of the oldest to lose them. Bradyn is almost 8 and has only lost two teeth (and those were more than 6 months ago). I checked about a week ago to see if any were loose, and not really anything. One on the top was a little bit loose, but nothing was going to happen anytime soon.

Well, Bradyn went over to play at one of his friends house and when I went to pick him up he was screaming, dancing, and very, VERY animated. I thought maybe he just needed to potty but he came running into the van saying (screaming) "I lost a tooth! I lost a tooth!" I didn't immediately believe him, but then I took a second look and something looked a little bit different....Sure enough, he lost a tooth on the bottom right side. I couldn't believe it. Here's how it happened (in Bradyn's words). "We were playing and throwing softballs at eachother and I got hit in the forehead, but not in the mouth, so that wasn't what made it come out. Then, we were eating M&M's and I put a bunch in my mouth all at the same time and I started to chew on something hard. When I pulled the hard thing out of my mouth, it was my tooth!! It bled a little bit, but it didn't hurt at all!"

How exciting for my son - and for me. One of my most dreaded tasks is dealing with pulling teeth. It just grosses me out and makes me feel queasy. So, from now on I'll be stocking up on M&M's and let them do the dirty work. I figure if the teeth won't come out on their own, maybe I can rot them out.

Hello, World!!!

It's finally time....time to get with everyone else and join the blogging bandwagon. As I'm writing this, my two oldest girls are laughing their heads off about the way I talk (or write). They shake their heads, look at eachother, roll their eyes, and giggle, giggle, giggle. I'll admit it....I'm not the best writer in the world. Sometimes I'm just plain boring, and yes, a little strange. So, if you can bear it, come back and check out what's going on in our world. You never know....the atmosphere in our house could be bright blue skies, thunderstorms, or a tornado. And the weather changes VERY OFTEN!! Hang on, sometimes it's a wild ride.