Johnny Jump-up

We borrowed this Johnny Jump-up from Kara to get Kaebryn to start putting weight on her legs. I am convinced that she doesn't bare a lot of weight on her legs because of her neck and head issues...but that's my opinion. She liked it for a few minutes then decided it wasn't great anymore. I am sure that Tevan, swinging her and hitting her head on the door frame, had something to do with it. We returned the jumper and found a jumperoo on Craigslist for 20 bucks. Now the brothers cannot hurt her. We traded Kara the jumperoo for the exersaucer until she loves jumping. Jace loves it so he was happy with the trade.

Sickness fills the air

Forget about smells of fall, I have completely different smells at my house.

Monday was pretty chilly outside. After lunch Daeson called Troy to tell him he was not feeling well and that he had thrown up on Jada (a girl in his class). It was just her shoe thank heavens! When we asked if he was feeling sick he told us he just threw up because his lungs were cold and he coughed so hard after he ran. So we left him at school but told him to call us if he felt sick again. He never called and the rest of the day acted fine and played fine. Tuesday morning he said he was very tired but wanted to go to school. He didn't have a fever, so I sent him. I help in his class on Tuesdays, so as I sat reading to the kids, I watched him. He was definitely not himself. So I took him home with me. At 3:00 I had an appointment for Kaebryn. When we got there I inquired about flu shots. A little boy in Daeson's class tested positive for H1N1 and missed weeks of school. They took Daeson's temp...104.8 degrees. He was burning up! So hie was not allowed to get a shot.

Tevan, however, was able to and you would have thought we were torturing the poor kid. He wailed so loud the entire office could hear him!!! Then it was all over with.

Now, Kaebryn was the reason we actually went in. She has not felt good for almost three weeks so I took her in. She has an upper respiratory infection and got an antibiotic for it. I also had him look at her head...again. This is an ongoing thing. He is very worried about it. She is 5 mo old and soon her head will be fused together and it will be too late. She will have her deformed head forever. So he set me up an appointment with a Plastic Surgeon. He is very good and he works at Primary Children's. Luckily he comes here a couple of times each week. So on the 18th we see Dr. Morales. He will most likely set her up for a helmet and do some Botox injections in her neck to help her little muscles. After three months of physical therapy and spending a ton of money and time on this Torticollis problem, we are finally getting somewhere. I told the PA that I wanted to get it all taken care of right away since we have met our deductible. I hope to see results! I would hate if she had her deformed head forever!!! I am a bit upset that it took this long to take care of it. I have been in to the Dr four times already and was told just to watch it. I watched it and it did not get better. She turns now, and that is an improvement. I love our Dr and I trust him. He is one of the most requested Drs in our area. I just wish we could have done this earlier!

This morning Kaebryn puked all over me. We are talking everywhere. It was all I could do not to throw up too! We got her cleaned up and I got her to sleep. Tevan and I ran to Sam's and Target and had a call from Troy telling me to get carpet cleaner because she had just pooped all over him and the carpet. I hope she isn't getting the stomach crap on top of the respiratory junk! Poor girlie!

Polka dot cake, spider cake, butterfly

The polka dot 6 in double layer round is funfetti with vanilla buttercream and fondant accents. $22.00

Spider cake is an 8 in double round vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream and black fondant spider accent $22.00

Butterfly shaped vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream $18.00

Playin with doh

I came home from my Tuesday helping with Daeson's class to find Tevan and Troy playing with play doh. He was having a blast, and Tevan was too! Troy made Gumby as per Tevan's request and Tevan made...well, I am not sure. But they had a good time and I was glad to see them playing together.

Happy Hallowen!

This year we kept it low-key. It was very hard not to have our huge Halloween party, but it was kinda nice not to stress out! We went to the Trunk-or-Treat with Hailey and Jax and I handed out candy with Kara and Jace. Isn't he so cute?? After,we had pizza, and I took the kids around the neighborhood. It was a blast. The kids were so cute skipping around and singing little Halloween songs. Our neighbor girl, Rachel, went with us. We had a great time! Daeson was a knight, Tevan was Thomas, and I had a witch hat on. Troy didn't dress up and either did Kaebryn. We tried to get her to wear the bee costume, but she screamed so loud we felt like we were trying to punish her!

Happy Birthday Adalyn!

For my niece's 7th birthday we went to the straw maze in Archer. It was a blast. The kids had fun and the adults did too. Troy and Sissy stayed home, they had a bit of a cold. Richard, Daeson and I made it out first...it was a very tricky maze! Daeson was able to lead us out. Then the rest followed. Thank you, Adam and Kayla, for a great night! Daeson spent the night with Adam and Kayla and had a great time. I love being close to family and I love that we have kids the same ages!

Rice cereal

Kaebryn finally got some rice cereal. She likes it, but hasn't quite figured out how to eat it. But I am sure this is going to be fun!!

Cakes

New cakes: Smurfs, 1921 US Postal Stamp and Happy Halloween.

Funfetti 8 in round double cake with vanilla buttercream frosting: $22.00
US Postal Service sheet cake with edible image: $32.00
Happy Halloween 6 inch round with fondant covered coffin cakes: $35.00

Halloween carnival

This year's Halloween carnival was super fun. I have not taken the kids before to this specific one, but we had a great time. I worked the fortune-teller's booth for an hour and a half, my kids ran wild most of the time, and Kaebryn slept in the stroller. I was so glad she was such an angel!! I donated a cake to be auctioned off...I was told it had the most tickets in the raffle box! I had 30 business cards placed by the box and they were gone in 15 minutes.

The kids had fun. Tevan thought it was great to be able to do what he wanted to do. Daeson was a great big brother, too! He helped Tevan and kept an eye on him for me. Jana, my friend, also helped with my boys while I was serving my time at the booth.

Another family update

She rolled over the other day! She is growing so big and strong. She is doing better on her left side and she is getting stronger. She looks to the left now on her own, but we are still working with her. She really favors that right side! Her head is shaping out more now making the flat left side less noticeable. She is such a happy baby!!

Daeson is loving school. I get to observe him on Tuesdays and I love it. He is reading now, not to the level I would like him to be, but considering he just started in September, he is doing well. He has a lot of friends and he is really liked by his teacher. He is a good boy!

At the moment, Tevan is crying in the corner. He has this sassy little attitude that gets him into trouble...I have NO idea where he got that :). He gives us ultimatums all the time, and ends up loosing. He is a bright boy, and very cute. He plays the cute card waaaay to much...but he also knows we can't resist it sometimes. Can't blame the kid for trying.

Troy is busy with school. He is very bright and is working hard. I am proud of him. Since school is what he is doing right now, there is not much to say about him. We sold one of the Mission routes and the sale of the second one is pending. We are hoping to be done with them by November.

I am staying busy with projects. Christmas is fast approaching and I am excited. I skipped Halloween decorations this year and just put up fall. We usually go all out for Halloween, but this year things are very busy and low key. My parents are coming in November so we are excited for their visit. A year ago, I was sick on the couch...pregnant. I am glad those days are behind me! Whew! I am trying to get the cake business going again. I have a cake for Saturday, one for Halloween, one for the 29th and one for the first of November. I am very excited to be playing again. I need to practice all I can. My friend and I have started going to the temple once a month @ 4:30 a.m. It has been a great experience and I am so glad we get to go. It is early and makes it a loooong day, but a great day. Things go so much smoother when I go. I told Kara that I have used my recommend more the last two months than the last two years! I am grateful that we are in a position to go. Such solace and peace come within the temple walls.

We started remodeling in January of last year, if you remember. Well, the trim is finally being finished. The crown moulding is almost finished and the trim and doors will be put up on Saturday. My house will almost be complete. I have plans for a kitchen remodel, but I am afraid school is coming first. Maybe in the next few years. Now if I can just take the time to get everything organized and put together. I just developed 560 pictures and I am working very slowly on the scrapbooks. I am in September 2008 at the moment. I want to get 2008 finished and 2009 started before 2012 starts. I also need to get Troy's mission stuff finished. I started it once upon a time and had no idea what the pictures or activities were. Needless to say I took a little break. I haven't even uploaded my pictures that I recently took. We went to SLC and saw our new niece Oakley...adorable and so tiny! Kaebryn looks like she could eat her! She is a fourth of Kaebryn's size...just five pounds! We had a great time with Dani and Toddly. Pictures soon to come.

Our Salt Lake Sunday

We made a mad dash to Salt Lake to see Dani and Toddly. It was super fun and I am so glad we went. Kaden came with us, too. I think he had fun and we enjoyed his company. Our new niece, Oakley, is adorable! Saide, Ryker, Daeson,and Tevan had a blast playing. What cute kids we have :) We then went to some Gardens and they have a Witch Festival. So fun! After the visiting and the witches, we went to the Mayan. I know it was Sunday, but we did. The kids had a blast watching the divers and the hanging-on-the-pole-lady. She kind of looked like a pole dancer, so I am not sure what to call her. We had a great time. Thank you Dani and Toddly for dripping everything and hanging out with us. We love you!

Kaebryn's four month check...

We went to the Dr for shots and a check-up. This is what we found:
16 lbs. 12 1/2oz 91%
25.75 in. 93%
16.25 in head circumference 70%

The Dr said she was healthy and the only concern is her head shape....Yup. That's why I have taken her to the Dr so many times. I guess now he thinks it is an issue. So, we work hard everyday to reposition her head. She now sleeps on a wedge to keep her on her left side. We still do stretches and we work with her. She is atleast now starting to turn to look to the left. It is a start!

Kaebryn is trying to sit up all by herself and can do it supported.
She loves the Elmo overhang toy.
She loves when she is talked to.
She loves looking in the mirror and kind of gets shy.
She loves her brothers.
She looks for the voices she hears...toward the door, sitting on the couch.
She drinks 8 oz bottles and eats in the morning about 8:30, plays,takes a nap for about three hours, eats again, plays, takes another hour and a half nap, eats again, plays, eats again, baths, eats and goes to bed about 8:00 pm.
She only fusses is she is wet, tired, or hungry.
She loves to rock with her dad.
She eats better for Troy.
Her favorite toys are: rattle ball, pink rattle from Aunt Kayla, Elmo overhang, round teether toy.
She "gives kisses" or sucks on your face :).
She tries really hard to roll over.
She definitely prefers the right side.
She sucks on her thumb and fingers.
She likes to play peek-a-boo.
She loves me to hum Amazing Grace and I Need Thee Every Hour.
She likes to watch TV with her brothers...Baby's First Club.
She is officially too big for her swing...it barely moves with her in it!
She does not like to wear hats, headbands or anything on her head, but I make her wear headbands if we go out.
She likes to go on short walks outside if there is no wind.
She smiles when you talk to her and tell her she is pretty.
She loves her baths and kicks up a storm! It is so fun to watch her.
She tries really hard to blow bubbles.
She "talks" and gurgles. She giggles and it melts my heart!!
She gets sad when she is left in the room by herself.
She wakes up happy...smiling and talking.
She is sleeping on a wedge now. We are trying to get her head shaped back to normal.
She loves to grab onto hair.
She doesn't spit up too often, but when she does it is a lot and stinky.
She eats Sensitive formula. We are trying rice in a couple weeks.
She is very lovey and affectionate.

We love our Sissy!! She is a joy and a blessing to our family. I just cannot believe she is getting so big and strong already!

Our will

I was writing our will the other day. The boys asked what I was doing, so I explained to them that sometimes mommies and daddies die before the kids are grown-ups and we have to write down where our kids will go and what things need to be sold, etc. So they proceeded to tell me the things they desired to have. Soon, Tevan brought out the bathroom scale and asked if he could have it. Out of all the things, he wanted the bathroom scale!! Everyday Tevan weighs himself as is so excited when the number is different. If I only weighed 30.8 lbs, I would weigh myself everyday!!

The kids now are obsessed with Troy and I dying. They say things like, when you die or if you and dad die...

It is hard to decide what to give away and how to divide things. Having a girl makes it a little easier to divide...I know I have things the boys will not want, like the totes upon totes of Barbie dolls. The boys mostly want silly things right now.

I hope to live a long and healthy life and I hope to enjoy my children and their children. I however, am a bit nervous for the future. I am not sure what this world will become in the near future. I feel like it is all falling apart.

Daesonisms

I wanted to record these funny things before I forgot...

D: Mom, can you show me how to make a bottle for Sissy?
M: Why do you want to learn?
D: Cause if you and Dad ever die, I can take care of Sissy.
M: I can probably teach you one day.
D: Yeah, I really want to know. I like to help you.
M: If you learn how to help me, when you get married your wife will be very glad you know how to do things.
D: Yeah, and I hope she's a hot one!


I was holding Kaebryn in one arm and trying to sweep the kitchen...
M: Daeson, you know what would be really nice? If you could play with Sissy while I sweep. Or you know what would be nicer? If you sweep the floor for me.
D: Yeah, that probably would be nice! (As he walked away)

I love Daeson! Sometimes he says the funniest things.

Snow

It is snowing. Not just light snow, but covering-the-ground-and-slick-roads-snow. Blech! It is only the 6th of October!!!

Teddy Bear's birthday

Tevan wanted a birthday party so badly for his bear. So, I gave in. I whipped a cake up, got out some party hats, and we partied. He thought it was great! Teddy even got a Littlest Pet Shop toy. Thanks Kara and kids for coming over to make Tevan feel special!

Lookin' back

I have been able to scrapbook again, something that has been put on the back burner long enough! I have all the pictures scrapped of Kaebryn and now I am working my way back to 2008. As I was scrapping the pictures, three years behind, I got a reminder of what the boys were doing. Tevan's first haircut, ward swim parties, horse rides at Grandma and Grandpa's...it feels so very long ago, yet when I look through the pictures, I feel as if it were yesterday. I am so grateful for my family. I am truly grateful for the trials, hardships, blessings, happy times, and for the struggles that have made us stronger and better parents. We are very close, my little family, and I am so blessed to have such wonderful kids...though at times they can be trials. Nonetheless, I am so very glad they are mine for all eternity. Here are some pics from 2008

Dr apt update

Okay, so I never posted the results of her doctor's apt. from last Tuesday. She is not broken (insert sigh of relief). She just has a very severe neck kink and she favors the right side a bit too much. The Dr. stretched her neck...to the point of her screaming again. This was very hard to see her scream and not to be able to do anything! However, he helped it a ton. Already she is doing much better and her head is even looking better. I am glad I didn't wait any longer to take her in...I think we got it nipped in the bud now. She still favors the right side, but she will atleast look to the left now. And, she doesn't act like we are killing her when we do her physical therapy. Thank heavens! She is now in 6-9 mon clothes and she is a whopping 17 lb. She is a happy baby and she is beautiful! I will get more pics posted soon!

First laugh

Kaebryn laughed five times today...full out laughed! Troy and I were so excited to hear the first two yesterday morning before church. Then in Sacrament Mtg and then again last night while getting ready for the tub. She is so sweet and she makes me so happy! We just love her so very much!

Family update

I have several people ask about the Fred Meyer bakery position. They called last Monday and told me the would set up an interview Tuesday or Wednesday. I have not heard back and I have about decided that it is okay. We can try to hold off for a while.

Also, I have a dr appt for Kaebryn tomorrow at 9:15. I am going to insist on xrays of her neck and then go from there. I will post what happens.

Christmas 2011

It's time again to get ready for the holidays! Here are the lists of who everyone has:

Adam........Troy
Kla.........Kaden
Troy........Brad
Jandy.......Adam
Dani........Kayla
Toddly......Jandy
Heidi.......Todd
Brad........Danielle
Kaden.......Heidi

Adalyn......Sadie
Mieley......Ryker
Tora........Tevan
Ajay........Kaebryn
Daeson......Mieley
Tevan.......Adalyn
Kaebryn.....Tora
Ryker.......Daeson
Sadie.......Ajay

Grover limits: $5.00 kids. $15.00 adults

Justin......Troy
Hailey......Jaden
Troy........Carlie
Jandy.......Hailey
Jesse.......Jandy
Carlie......Justin
Jaden.......Jesse

Jaxon.......Tevan
Daeson......Jaxon
Tevan.......Carson
Kaebryn.....Brooke
Brooke......Daeson
Carson......Kaebryn

Smith limits: $5.00 kids $15.00 Adults

Happy Birthday, Babe!

Today Troy turned 33. We kept it very low-key and had a nice Sunday. I wanted to do a big party...if you know me, you know I like to throw a party for any reason. But, I restrained and did a very small birthday. Richard, Kaden, Adam and family, Grandma Grover and cousin Jayden came for steak salad...YUMMY!! It's a Food Nanny recipe. Then we had zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting, it was yummy also. Kara and Jaimen and Dave came to have a slice...and then Troy distributed some more cake. It was nice to have good weather and it was great to have Troy to ourselves all day. He is officially done working now and we see him a little bit more. Also, I have to announce that the average on the Biology mid-term exam was a 69%...Troy got a 98%!! WOOOWOOO! So, I will honor Troy by listing some of my fave things about him.(in no particular order)
1. He loves me.
2. He loves our kids.
3. He is smart.
4. He is kind.
5. He is a hard worker.
6. He would do anything for anyone.
7. He honors his Priesthood.
8. He hasn't missed a Sunday going to church for over two months.
9. He lifts me up when I am down.
10. He is good with tools and making things.
11. He likes to laugh and tell jokes.
12. He is honest.
13. He doesn't say bad things about anyone...even when I do.
14. He loves his family.
15. He makes people feel special.
16. He is working his bum off so we can have a great future.
17. He He loves that I stay home and be a mom.
18. He is really good with the kids and explaining things to them.
19. He makes up stories and tells them to the boys...Teddy and Rastus is a fave
20. He reads to the kids and gives each character their own voice.
21. He is a great brother, son and uncle.
22. He will take Sissy for me when I am tired, even if he is dog tired.
23. He has more patience than I do.
24. He likes cartoons.
25. He will watch a chick-flick with me even when he doesn't want to.
26. No matter what time it is, he will help a friend.
27. He likes to pick out clothes and had fashion sense.
28. He laughs at my jokes...and I cannot tell a joke!
29. He teaches by example.
30. He is strong willed.
31. He will rub my back and play with my hair at 2 am if I cannot sleep.
32.He is thrifty.
And the thing I love most about Troy...
33. He married me!

Friends

I know that there are some people God puts in our lives. I don't think that it is all by chance that we make the friends that we make. There is a time and a season for everything and everyone.

A few years ago I was sitting in a Relief Society meeting. It was outside...I believe at the Ward's home. We were chatting and having a great time. We all had to write on papers. I am not sure exactly what the activity was but we wrote something about ourselves and we had to guess who it was. The only story that I remember was about a girl who was changing her oil one day. She was a college student at BYUI and she had talked to her dad and he proceeded to tell her how to change the oil. She did. She was excited but didn't know where to put it. She dumped it if I remember correctly and got into trouble. I remember sitting in that meeting listening to this story and thinking, I need to get to know this girl. She seems super fun!

I did get to know her. I developed a strong, very strong respect for her. I have grown close to this amazing person over the last few years and I have watched her triumphs and struggles. I have laughed and I have cried with her. I have been blessed to have her in my life and she has helped me more than ever. More than she will ever know. Tonight I had this girl and her wonderful family consisting of five beautiful little girls and a great husband over for dinner. They are moving Saturday. A very very large piece of her will stay here with me. I am so sad to see her move. It literally breaks my heart. However, my season with Rachel has passed for now. She will touch so many lives in her new town. She will help so many more sisters. And, I know that we will see each other off and on. This is not a permanent separation. I know God sent her to me. I know I needed her to help me in my life. I know that the Lord chose her to pull me and help me and comfort me in this season.

I know Rachel that I told you tonight how much you have helped me. But words are not enough. Through conversations and service and actions, you have helped me become a better person. You have shown me that it is okay to not be able to do everything. It is okay to put things on the back burner and wait. You cleaned my very gross and dirty house when I was sick and pregnant. You brought sweet Violet, a baby herself, and you pregnant to spend the entire afternoon scrubbing counters, toilets and dishes. You brought me delicious food on an afternoon that I could not function. You have listened to my sob stories and responded to the silliest posts. You truly are a daughter of God. He loves you and I am lucky enough to have had you in my life. I love you Rachel so much. We are truly eternal friends and I know that you are a gift to me from our Heavenly Father. I will miss you and your beautiful girls. Girlies, love your mommy! You will learn so much from her. She loves you more than life itself. Nels, you are a great husband and daddy. I have been inspired by the stories Rachel has told me about you. You are perfect for each other. Be safe. Sandpoint is so lucky to have your family! You will continue to inspire me and I know you will inspire others. I love you!