Who would have known that things wouldn't slow down after we moved into the new house? It has been crazy around here. We still have wrestling practice everyday after school but now it for both boys, until Kody is finished at state. Lexie is still taking violin and has a play day about once a week to keep the both of us sane. I am still holding three callings(the old people in our ward are saying they have done their time. Like it is a prison sentence) Hopefully Jared is pushing hard to get the scout one removed. Maybe he has a little pull in those bishopric meetings. We have been trying to get some of the shopping done, getting the House decorated, Finishing up some of the outside things before the real snow shows up and just life in general. The girls had their Christmas program on Thursday. They were so cute. Cami is always nervous and when she gets nervous she wants to throw up. Not such a good combination considering you are standing in front of hundreds. Hailey is always up for being the center of attention. Lexie can't go 10 minutes without thinking she is going to starve to death and can't understand why I don't pack snacks to every event we go to. Elli is just full of PISS and VINEGAR. WOW I never thought one little girl could be so full of mischief. She really is ending our family growth with a BANG! She is 18 months and she takes off her diaper at least 2 times a day. We have tried to put her in onesies to make the diaper a little less available but she end up completely undressed and who knows what kind of a trail she is leaving behind. She has already written on the older girls wall her own dresser and wall, her sheets in her crib. Where do all these writing utinsils come from? She is also the funnest thing ever. I almost have to laugh out loud sometimes. Maybe it has something to do with knowing that she is the youngest.
I really am looking forward to the holidays. I love to have my family around and to know that we are here for a much greater purpose. I love having that knowledge and love that my kids are beginning to really love it too. Have a Merry Christmas!

Hip Hooray!!!! We have finally moved into our new house, We actually moved in 2 weeks before Halloween. There are still things I would like for the house but Christmas is coming. Moving was a little challenging without Jared's help. He had a 45 ft log land on his hand when they were delivering a log roof system over in Jackson. He is now able to use it some but he is still not able to grip much.
Tyler will be turning 16 this week. HOLY %@^: I am getting old! :( I really don't feel old though. I enjoy having teenage boys, so far.
Jared was just put into a new calling. That should be a great learning experience. He has served in this calling before but only for a short time and he wasn't really committed to it. I guess that is why he is getting to do it again.
I truly am a blessed person.. I enjoy being a Mom and I am having fun with my church callings. We are all happy and healthy. We have great friends. What more can we ask for.

Sadness is on the air.

This morning, as I finally got to sleep, our alarm went off 6:00 am and I was literally holding back the tears. Wayne Richards from KLCE passed away while vacationing in Hawaii. Jared and I have been waking up to him ever since we have been married. I never met the man but it felt like one of our close friends has passed away. It is funny how we love those we don't even know. I am a very emotional person, anyone who knows me knows I will cry over spilt milk. I will miss hearing his voice on those mornings when I have to pry my heavy eyelids open. It was hard for me to get out of bed most mornings because I didn't want to miss what he and Liza were going to say next. Liza has went into work this morning, taking calls and playing songs that are in memory of Wayne. I will keep her in my prayers. She teased that he was her work husband. She will be reminded of her friend everyday when she hears one of the commercials with his voice, has someone new in his seat and experiences things in her life that he would have been the one by her side.

Big mistake. BIG!

I don't know what I was thinking. I was just mindin' my own business this afternoon. Layin' on the couch, cuz that's what I like to do on Sunday afternoon and next thing I knew I had drifted off into dream land. Big mistake. BIG! Now I am up posting on my blog cuz I can't sleep. I have been layin' in bed for an hour and a half. Why else would I be up at 11:33? I should be gone....
I was asked to take another calling in church. I am now the primary chorister. This is very new to me. It has been about 8 years since I have even taught in primary. I think I am going to enjoy this job. I love kids, I like some kids more than others but I really do love them all. I love music. I only sing in the car or when I goof around with my kids. My husband thinks its quite amusing to know that I have to sing in front of people every week now. Maybe it will help me get over being so nervous in front of people any way. I feel like I am back in high school bringing up all those insecurities when I have to get in front of crowds and let them hear my voice, whether it be singing or even speaking. What the hell?
I am still the wolves scout leader too. I really am not sure what to think of that job. I was only put in at the end of school last year. We didn't do much scouting except for day camps, but so far I think it is a pretty fun job too. I told them if they couldn't find a replacement I would be happy to stay. I am planning to do a fair theme for our next pack meeting. We will do a pie eating contest, maybe catchin' some chickens, silly stuff like that. I don't like to go to those events and be bored and embarrassed by having to make those stupid cheers when you feel like you are the only idiot doin' em'.
Our cabinets were installed on Wednesday and Tony came to measure for granite. We figure we will be moving in about 3 weeks to a month. I am very excited about that. There is still a lot to do but it really is a reality we will live there soon.
Well I am going to see if I can get some sleep. I took an extra allergy pill. You know the ones that say not to exceed the dose recommended because they may cause drowsiness. I sure as hell hope they do cuz I need some freekin' sleep. Sorry there have been no pics lately. I will try to get some in tomorrow after the cabinet guys put all the fronts on the cabinets. I took before pics and now I will take after. Goodnight. (Hopefully)

Sorry!

I know that I have already posted today but I am trying to figure out how to link things like my recipes. I know that they are good ones, that means easy and that children will eat. Also places I shop and so on. If you want to share with me how I would appreciate it. Also I have tried to do a slide show. I am such a tard sometimes. HELP!!!!!!!!

Fast and Testimony Meeting

I don't know if I am going through a mid-life crisis or what. I feel like I am always in a whirlwind of emotions. Oh how I wish I could get a grip on my life sometimes.
Cami is still home from school. She has staff infection under her nose and is highly contagious. She went back to the doctor yesterday and is now on an antibiotic as well as a cream that has to be applied three times a day. Elli has had a horrible cough for the last month. They say is is a virus and she will just have to fight it off. They did prescribe a good cough medicine so I might be able to get some sleep. Elli sleeps just fine but when I hear her start coughing my instinct is to jump up and check on her, so that is what I do. I usually end up on the couch with her asleep on my chest. That way I can hear her breathing. Maybe this is why my emotions are on edge. I am definitely not getting enough sleep.
Tyler has been busy peeling logs after school with Dylan and TJ. They can make about $30 to $40 in an hour and a half. Not bad for a high school job.
Kody has been begging me to let him back to football practice. I told him when he can run on it without limping then I will let him. He slipped his meniscus (can't spell) in his knee. If he injures it again I am sure he will have to have surgery.
Hailey loves being in Mrs. Johnson's class. She is every one's favorite teacher. She always has the best stories. She has almost finished reading one of the Harry Potter books. I can't wait to move on to another one and I have threatened her with her life and everything in it, if she reads another one of those ridiculously long books. She looses interest too fast and would rather read some girly book.
Lexie is taking violin from Melanie Moulton. She is a great teacher and Lexie is always excited to see her. We are going to start working on letter sounds. She really wants to learn to read.
I will have to post some pics next time of our house. We are so close but it seems so far away. I love this house. It is not my dream house but I love it.
I really do need to be so thankful for a great family. Especially my parents. They are such a great support for me. They act as though I am the best mom ever and that my kids are perfect. I hope that I will think the same about my family. I truly love being a mom. It makes me want to run away on a daily basis but for the most part I love being with them more than with any one else in the world. I am also thankful for old friends who are still very dear to my heart. I never feel like they are judging me for the kind of clothes we wear or the kind of house or car that we drive. I love them even though I don't see them often. I am also thankful for being able to serve in my church callings. I need to serve others because I know I have been blessed beyond any of my comprehension. WOW! what just got into me. It sounds like fast and testimony meeting today. I truly am blessed. Ta Ta!

First day of school! Yipeeeeeeeeeee!

As you can see today is the first day of school. Don't they all look so adorable? Well I think so. It is going to be great! I think they were more excited than I was though. They were up and ready before my alarm went off at 6 am. They got ready had pancakes and eggs, brushed their teeth and off they go.

I can't wait to have only the two little girls. You don't understand the looks I get when I walk into the grocery store with the 6 chitlins' trailing behind, asking for everyhting under the sun. I could choke the life out of them, in a loving way, of course. I might actually see my house clean for more than 10 minutes at a time and the baby might be able to lay her little head down for a nap without some sibling screeching for mom because someone touched them, looked at them wrong, or was in their room without permission. This could be my heaven on earth:)

Now let the routine begin.

My little clown!

We have been honestly been trying to go through all the $%*! we have accumulated through the years before we start moving. In one of the boxes that we had set aside Elli found this cute clown hair. She is always full of so much energy. Once she got the clown hair on I was trying to take a picture. She thought it was pretty fun game to get close and then dart the other direction just before she would get in reaching distance. She loves to tease us all, especially when it comes to giving kisses.

The perfect surprise

Saturday we threw my Dad his surprise party. It was pretty exciting. My brothers took him out to shoot some of their favorite guns and we all showed up and went to town, setting things up and getting the food ready. We had a lot more people show up and that made the day even better. All but one of my Dad's brothers and sisters made it. My Uncle Bill made the trip from Portland, picked up kids in Boise and went to Logan to pick up my Aunt Susie and his son, Bret and his 2 kids. All together there were over 85 people there for my Dad. I am very relieved that it all came together so well.

Sleep over at Grandma Nora's

Friday we all got together and went to Ucon to see Jared's mom and Billy. We had ribs and lots of other good foods. The kids all played so cute together and we all had fun playing volleyball. My neice Chelle and I have this little competition when it comes to volleyball so we have to make sure we are not on the same team. So far she, her team, has not been able to beat us. She will be trying out all this next week for the team. Hopefully she will make it. She has the perfect body for the sport(tall with long arms). She makes me laugh.

All our kids stayed the night there and Nora and Aunt Michelle took them to Rigby Lake on Saturday and they played in the water. They love to be with their cousins.

Well here is a little more info on my family.

Tyler is 15 and driving. He just bought himself an old truck with some of the money he earned this summer. He loves being in high school, mainly because of the girls. He loves to ride his birt bike, play football and wrestle.He is a great big brother to the other kids. He and Kody are the best of friends.

Kody is 12 and has a side of him that is very mischievious. He loves to tease and sneak up on you to scare you. He did a great job in wrestling and will play football this year. Kody is a natural piano player. He can read notes very well but also has an ear to pick up the tune. He loves to ride his horse, Zeus, and now has his own colt to break. There is never a dull moment when he is around cuz you better be on your toes.

Hailey is 10 and is all girl. She doesn't like to get dirty, doesn't like bugs or anything else that crawls around on the ground. She loves to sing and plays the piano quite well. Her softball team tied for first place this year and she loved being one of the pitchers. She has a little crush and we love to tease her about that. She loves to watch Hannah Montana and hopes to go see her someday. (Really all my girls lover her) She likes to babysit and has done a lot of it this summer. She likes the money she makes too.

Cami is 8 and our little tomboy. She likes to ride her four wheeler all over the place. She and Lexie like to catch bugs and tease Hailey with them. She is a real dedicated piano player. I never have to get on her about practicing so she is advancing very quickly. She very intersted in learning about things in the outdoors and does very well in school. She is an easy child, always entertaining herself.

Lexie is 4 and has the funnest personality. She always has a smile on her face and has the cutest dimples. She wants me to teach her how to read and can count very well already. She really loves being outdoors and catching bugs and playing with the cat, Razzy. She misses her kitten that came up missing this winter. She is mom's little shadow. She wants to go everywhere with me. She has a little bit of the red-head temper though when you get her upset.

Elli is 13 months and the sweetest baby. Our family would not be the same without her. She gets spoiled by everyone. She is walking everywhere. We call her an orangatang. She walks with her arms out and it is so cute. She has the cutest "hi" and says it when she sees someone come home or when she wakes up in the morning. She loves spending time with her Daddy. He needed sweet little girls to soften him up.

Well that is the scoop on the kids right now.

Dutch oven Chicken

Our favorite food to eat in the summer is dutch oven chicken and spuds. This is the ONLY time you will see Jared cooking, only because I cannot lift those heavy sons a guns out of the fire. I know that it is so full of fat but what the heck, we only live once. I have no will power to diet.
Lexie loves to be outside scoutn' for bugs. She found a caterpiller and thought it was pretty fun to watch it crawl all over her hand. She has learned a lot about butterflies and moths. She can actually tell you which one is which. She also can tell you that butterflies come from a crystalis and moths come from a cacoon. She likes to know about that knid of stuff. Pretty smart for a four year old.

Today was the day to set up at our county fair and I got nominated to set up our booth for our ward. I had a lot of great help from Trixie and

Joan. They are the best RS Presidency. I did not realize how small town we are until I realized that most of the displays at our fair are from the ward members in each ward. Our booth turned out pretty cute.

Baby with a cough

Today I stayed home from church because Elli has a bad cough. I am really liking the blogging thing. It will be a great way to keep a journal of things that are going on in our lives, Plus I get to add pictures and I Love to take pictures. I am going to try to get my house clean while everyone else is at church (I know I am not supposed to do that) It has gotten very neglected while I work on the new house till the sun comes up till it goes down. I cannot wait to move in though. I love so many things in our new house but so far our bathroom (the tub and the shower) are my favorite. Maybe you will like them too.

Dad's turning 60

My family is planning a surprise party for my dad's 60th Birthday. I really hope that he hasn't gotten any ideas that it is happening. I made invitations and sent them to all my brothers and my sister, to my aunts and uncles and also all of their close friends and neighbors. I will post pics later.
I am a very lucky daughter. My parents are always very happy to have us around, in fact they beg for time with that they can spend with their grandkids. They are GREAT! It will be good to see them.

Today is a sad day :(

I have been super busy lately. We are trying to finish our house and get moved in before is starts to snow again but I have felt a little under the weather today and stayed in the house to try to get better. While I was killing time I looked at my best friends myspace page and saw that her boyfriend had passed away. She is like a sister to me. I never see her because she lives in Florida and I am here in Idaho. She knows more about me than any one else that I know. My heart breaks for her. She is a very strong girl and I know that she will make it through but she has been handed a difficult deck of cards. I love her and her kids and hope their hearts will heal soon.

Easter was a lot of firsts

I will have to fill in the pics later. I have them on my camera still. I felt a little old on Easter. My youngest son passed the sacrement on Easter Sunday and I weened Elli Saturday so Sunday was my first full day not feeding her. Easter was great though. We went and did an Easter egg hunt at my Mom's on Saturday. I am very blessed to have parents who can't wait to see my kids and who do any thing to see them. I also got to see my whole family except my neice who was on vacation at the Oregon coast. It was also the first time Nathan had seen Elli and she is 8 1/2 months old.