A Christmas tradition

Grandma and Papa Phippen brought a gingerbread kit with them so the girls could do one with them. I think they did a superb job on it. Grandma helped, but Kate really did great with the frosting. AND Sarah and Abby even held back on eating all the candy so that there could actually be candy on this gingerbread house! It has been touch and go in the past. You all will not believe me when I say that I didn't even mean to dress them the same that day. Really it wasn't just for the picture with the gingerbread house. Promise. muchos gracias Papa and Grandma

Merry Christmas

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! And that you party it up this New Year's Eve! :o) Ya know, Mormon style.

Christmas 2008

Our tree this year:

I would be lying if I didn't admit two things about Christmas this year. It was Grrrrrrrreat! It was wonderful to not get in a car and load the presents both for family and for kids, the stockings, the snacks, the clothes, the mittens, the gloves, the coats, the kids, the pillows, the sleeping bags, the diapers, the wipes, the EVERYTHING but the kitchen sink. That was one of the really great things about Christmas. I know our families are deeply offended by this. But WAIT. My next admission will make it all better. The LAME part of Christmas was not getting in the car and seeing family! We missed you all terribly! We missed the UT snow, the AZ sunshine and clear blue skies, we missed aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters and parents. We missed my Mom's homemade soup on Christmas Eve and the beauty of Mt Timpanogos in falling snow. Now don't get me wrong, like I said we had a wonderful Christmas. It just would have put an extra sparkle on the day to have spent it with family. We are very grateful that Darin's parents swooped in and saved the season by coming to visit us on the 29th. We had a mini Christmas again the night they came and it really was great!

One of the highlights of December for us was doing a 12 days of Christmas for a couple in our ward. I don't mention this to make ourselves look good, instead I share it because it definitely made Christmas SO FUN. We chose a couple that we love so much who are amazing. They weren't giving each other gifts at all. They were taking the money they would have spent on each other and spent it on a family in need. So we decided to give a little cheer to them. The kids had a blast taking turns ringing the doorbell and running. In fact, Sarah asked me today if we could do it again tonight. I hope this will be a tradition we ALWAYS do every year.

Other highlights of the 2008 Christmas Season:

1. Darin's work party at the Lamplighter Inn. It was actually fun this year. And we went to see Twilight afterwards. I LOVE DATES WITH DARIN!

2. Making granola. We had fun delivering it this year to friends and neighbors (although they fall into the same category).

3. Eating all the goodies. Especially Taija Stagg's plate. It is something to look forward to all year.

4. Abby and Sarah's Christmas parent day at kindergarten. Darin got to go!

5. Shopping at the last second. I got myself a douzy of a kidney infection right before Christmas. So I was just getting to my shopping two nights before Christmas. It is a highlight only because I want to remember to never, ever wait that long again. :o)

6. Grandma and Papa Phippen coming

7. Getting Christmas cards from family and friends. Wahooo! Great job everyone, especially those we haven't heard from in years! We won't mention names of those we STILL haven't heard from. LOL!

8. The Christmas tree remained standing. Although the poor thing was torturized this year by little girls building tall slides with the couch cushions while Mommy read "The Host" in bed on a Sunday afternoon. We won't mention that Daddy was snoring in the same room and didn't hear the poor tree moaning as it was the designated home plate. Duct tape and super glue might be the only way it still stands next year.
9. Christmas Eve and the story of Jesus Christ's birth.

10. Caroling with Ellie. She said, "Merry Christmas" so CUTE this year. And one night in the car while we were looking at lights she said, "Santa says, Ho Ho Ho!" It was darling!

The gang waiting to see the Christmas tree and presents on Christmas morning.

Santa really did come!

Sarah and Abby are sporting their capes that their cousins sent. Sarah and Jill, you are so creative and talented!!!!! They are so dang cute.

We hope your Christmas was just as eventful and just as fun!

Eeeee Gads!

Holy cow! Holy cow! Holy Cow! How did it become December? Yikes! (that is one too many exclamation points in one line, but hey I FEEL the exclamations!) I am not panicking. I am not panicking. If I say it one more time does it work like it does for Dorothy?

Last night was our Young Women in Excellence. You can tell from the way my house looks that this event has consumed us since Sunday. It would appear that either A) a bomb went off B) the washing machine exploded C) a tornado ripped through D) all of the above It is definitely D! But hey at least the clothes all over everywhere are mostly clean. We just get dressed out in the living room every morning instead of our rooms. Who needs clothes in dressers? I was so grateful for the help of all of the young women leaders. I feel so much support from all of them. It feels so good to know that we can call on each other at anytime. What a blessing! Heavenly Father really knew what he was doing when he formed presidencies. And I truly feel that the Lord inspired these certain women to be leaders for these girls in the Visalia 1st Ward at this exact time. They are amazing women. The night went well. We had all but one girl bring a project to display a value experience they accomplished. I was THRILLED. It took a lot of reminding and work to get these girls to be prepared, but in the end they all came through. They are fabulous girls. Their projects were varied and so awesome. I forgot my camera so I hope that a father with a camera will remember to email me pictures. We even had a laurel get her young womanhood recognition award too. We had her last YW president speak about her, we gave her a picture of the Fresno temple, and then the bishop awarded her the medallion. She then spoke. What a great job she did! I don't know how her parents contained their pride, because I felt so proud of her! All of the speakers did great and WHAT A RELIEF to have it done! Now on to New Beginnings. And now maybe I should focus on my family. I still don't even have a tree up!!!!!!!! This is totally going against all Amy rules. I am fanatical about holidays and decorating. I feel tired this year. I need to snap out of it. My kids are going crazy that we are not decorated. I don't blame them one bit.

Thanksgiving was one of those I don't want to forget. We so enjoyed having Darin's sister's family here with us from Heber City, UT. They have 6 of the most fun, well behaved, kind, helpful and sweet kids ever. Our kids are still lamenting their departure. We really enjoyed talking, playing, visiting and of course EATING! I was impressed that we actually had dinner only an hour later than planned. :o) It was delicious. I dare say that I have never heard of the turkey being cooked like the Rhees family cooks it, but it was darn good. A new turkey tradition! I have yet to download pictures so look for some.. . . . .later. And yes we did hit Black Friday. We had to! We didn't have hardly any presents yet for Abby and Sarah! And Black Friday was their birthday. It was crazy, but not too bad. We mostly bought clothes. I know, boring. But we can't go around naked can we? Well Darin wouldn't mind if one of us did. Hee hee. (he is going to kill me when he reads this! Ha, we'll see how long it takes for him to read it. If I die soon you'll know why!) And by the way, all my racy comments are for you Darren. Well not for you, but in honor of you. I learn from the best.

Well this has been super duper quick. Homework has got to be done. And dinner. If my kids have to have soup again for dinner there might be a revolt. They love soup, but even they can hit overload. Someday I'll read all your blogs too. I am light years behind. I miss you all.
Take care!!!

Birthday Fun Times TWO

Having twins is a phenomenon. It is fascinating, inspiring, exhausting, troublesome, fun, exciting, worrisome, indescribable and most importantly it is a job that is doubly rewarding. I hope that Sarah and Abby or Abby and Sarah (I have to say it both ways, since they both want to be first) will always love being a twin. They love it now and I hope we find ways to help them always love having a sister so close in so many ways.

It is hard to believe that 5 years ago today I was in Phoenix, Arizona, laid out in a bed dying. Okay not dying, but well yea kind of dying. I had gone into the hospital on November 26th for a routine stress test. It was the day before Thanksgiving and I had left the house in disarray, but with plans to return, make my portion of Thanksgiving dinner and enjoy the holidays. Well I knew something was uncomfortable, but at that point I was uncomfortable all the time. I felt so TIGHT. There seemed to be no way my stomach could stretch anymore. Abby and Sarah agreed! I was contracting every minute and dilated to a 3. I was told there was no way I was leaving. Sarah was breech and Abby was transverse. No hope for a regular delivery for me. I was on magnesium immediately. There is nothing else like it either. For 48 hours it was pure torture. Nausea, vomiting, double vision, blinding headaches, loss of appetite, and complete loss of motion. I was a beached whale. I couldn't even lift myself to turn over. Darin sat in the corner freezing to death (magnesium makes you HOT!). It was funny Darin ate dinner with the family at home and then ate my Thanksgiving dinner at the hospital! He had to do something besides roll his wife over and over. Oh and well try to help me use the bed pan! Can you imagine??? I couldn't hardly lift my arm, let alone my gargantuan belly and bum! LOL! By Friday evening, my body was at toxic levels of mag. I couldn't process it out fast enough. There was nothing to do but take me off. It was the most peaceful hour of sleep I had. And then BAM, we were having an emergency C-section. I was contracting too fast and too hard. I can still remember lying on the table contracting so hard I was involuntarily moaning. At 9:39 and 9:41, the most beautiful babies were born. I was so relieved to hear crying! Sarah came first, weighing 4 lbs 13 ounces. Abby came next. She was NOT happy to be taken from her nice warm home. She scowled! But it was a good thing, she was small at 3 lbs 10oz. We needed her to be a fighter! I got to see them and then off Darin went to be with them in the NICU. I felt so much relief. And so excited to have them out. We were blessed to bring them home just two weeks later. They were 6 weeks early and we didn't have to intubate them or even do oxygen cannulas. It was still a little scary at times, but all in all we felt the Lord's blessings flow without end. And to this day the love we feel for these two beautiful girls is without end.

Our Sarah

1. Loves to smile

2. Loves to shake her hips (she has some moves! I am not scared. Yet.)

3. Loves to write and read

4. Loves to wear skirts
5. Loves school

6. Loves markers

7. Loves animals

8. Loves soccer

9. Loves Jesus

10. Loves food

Happy 5th Birthday Sarah! Hugs and kisses for you! We love you so very much!

Our Abby

1. Loves to ask people their names

2. Loves to answer the phone by saying "I'm Abby what is your name?"

3. Loves to read

4. Loves to smile and giggle

5. Loves dessert. Loves dessert. Loves dessert

6. Loves to get in bed with Sarah or Mom

7. Loves movies

8. Loves to be friendly, even to perfect strangers. (I am AFRAID. :o))

9. Loves to dress up

10. Loves Jesus

5 Big Birthday hugs and kisses for you Abby on your 5th Birthday! We love you so very much!

Good Article

Do I know how to do this? My Mom sent this to me and I wanted you all to be able to read it. So here it is:

Moms_have_no_time.jpg (image)

Quick Change of Heart

I thought it hilarious that after I wrote the post and said I was going to enjoy the journey, that it was but a mere 4 hours later that I said, "I hate this job." LOL. I am laughing at myself now! It makes me laugh. I suppose I am only human. But it was good that I had written that because I was able to remind myself to smile and love my girls. I have decided that when you write something down it has a greater impact on you. I had shared with ya'll that I was going to be happy and darn it, I am. (I sound convincing don't I?)

I also must admit that I love my family doctor. He called last night to see how Kate was doing. Yes, he called me at home! He has me hooked! Now if only Kate really was better. She started having diarrhea this morning so that is not going to help the dehydration. She just got a blessing (mucho gracias to Bret and Ryan) so I hope that is the beginning of the end! We have faith! (aren't you glad to know all about the bodily functions going on at my house??!?)

Laundry is calling. Of course it is ALWAYS calling. I have unfinished souper Saturday crafts to do too. And by golly for once I am going to finish them. No more unfinished enrichment crafts at this house! :o)
A random picture of Ellie at 6 months. My personal reminder that they really do grow up too quickly!

Enjoy your weekend my friends!

Happy Birthday David

Happy Birthday David! I am a day late and a dollar short. But we love you still! Hope you had a great day!

Moving forward

Grr, I know I am lame. You should see my real journal. I should feel really bad about missing all of the days I had committed to post. And I do feel a tad bad. But in all reality, I tried and just couldn't fit anymore in the last few days. I have come to accept that my life is not my own right now. I belong to four little girls, a hunky husband, 28 young women, 6 leaders, a fabulous ward, ooodles of brothers and sisters and oodles of nieces and nephews, a school PTA, my kids' classrooms, friends, RS sisters, the washing machine and dryer, the vacuum and various other household appliances, some of which should get more of my attention. Amazingly so, I am okay with that. Am I going a little nuts? Sure. I love nuts. :o) But I am okay and will be okay. I can make it. And I am just plain going to remind myself on an hourly basis that EVERYTHING just plain won't get done. It is an impossiblity. All I can do is my best. And if I can't live with that fact, then I better figure it out quick! I am going to ENJOY the journey!

Natalie, I haven't read everything, but I am so impressed and have so enjoyed keeping up with you. You are doing a great job, and I think it is awesome. You are my inspiration!

Prayers for Katie girl who once again is under the weather. We must need to pump more vitamins in her. She has had a 103.5 fever, sore throat, and nausea. The scariest part, was she almost fainted in the doctor's office. She was dehydrated. We are pumping her with more gatorade! It seems to be helping. Prayers for Regan too. And for the Patterson's, the Wilson's and the Reynoso's. We pray for jobs for all of you!! And for anyone else I am missing!

Oodles of praise for my kiddos. They did so great on their report cards. I was not worried about Kate, she is a super student and cares so much about school. She did great with not a single 2 and lots of 4's and 3's. Yahoo! Abby also surprised us with 4's on her writing and reading. Way to go Abby! She works hard and we'll be sure to push that hard work towards her listening skills as well! LOL! Sarah also passed with flying colors in Math and Reading. I was so worried about how the twins would do, but they are not only holding their own, but doing great. It felt good to walk away from all three conferences with teachers who seem to really enjoy having them in class. They are great teachers! We are so grateful for their patience and love. :o)

And a shout out of gratitude to my new leaders that were called on Sunday. It feels good to get working, and to do it with Elizabeth, Jill, Brenda, Kristi, Cyndy and Mandy. (I have to say their names, so that I can remember in 50 years who I first served with, although I can't imagine forgetting women that you work so closely with) Thanks so much for your willingness to serve. I will be forever grateful.

A little note of love to my family. I haven't gotten a chance to write an email either so this is my I love you Mac and Phip. families! We miss you all!

Lastly, Go Cougars! Knock them Utes DOWN this Saturday!

For the record

My Mom is worried that you all think we are fighting. Since I said I miss you and call me in one of my posts. No such worries. We are not fighting nor do we ever. :o) I just hadn't talked to her in a few days and was going through withdrawals. It's all good folks.

PS does this post count for tomorrow? LOL!

Ahhh Shoot!

Ugh! Failed, again! I tried. Really I did. I was up half the night on Saturday and still didn't get everything done I needed to. Obviously, since I didn't blog! I need a day to last 48 hours instead of 24. Would that help me? I could cheat and post date these . . . . Okay okay cheaters never prosper. Hee hee.

Well back on the horse. We did have a good weekend. Kate didn't score, but they won. She got her trophy and was named MVP of her team. I am sad that they chose to have her soccer party on a Sunday. So she got her trophy at the end of the game. She had a great season and we had fun watching! Sarah and Abby both played great too. Sarah scored 3 goals! And Abby danced for her and cheered. LOL!!!! I am laughing because Abby danced around the field and played with her ponytails more than she kicked the ball, but at least she was out there. She did great in practice, but when it comes to the game, she doesn't really care who wins. All day Sarah said, "I scored 3 goals!!" And Abby said, "I had 0 goals." But she said it so matter of fact it was funny. I don't think she really cared one bit. Maybe next year. And maybe we should get her in dance classes instead. Hee hee. Sarah did great. She has great offense and defense. She even let some of her teammates score! In the past, she would the ball from her teammates and score "for them." She did a good job of not stealing and still scoring. It was great. And now we can actually do something around this house on a Saturday!

The primary program was yesterday. Each of our girls did great. We could hear AND understand each of their parts. We were proud! I did find it funny that we only had Ellie on the bench and you would have thought we had all 4. She was a stinker. Crying, pouting, shouting, whining, and general grumpiness! She kept saying, "I tired. I tired." Really child, I never would have guessed. Next year, I am sending Ellie up on the stand and keeping the other three. :o) The only cute thing she did was say, "All done." After almost every song the kids sang.

A final warning. Don't drop a frozen tub of cool whip on your foot. It would seem that since it is fluffy soft and white that it would feel like nothing landing on your foot. But frozen, it turns into a rock solid weapon. Ouch!

Bits and Pieces

1. Abby in her prayer last night: "Bless the bald eagle. It protects of us from the Statue of Liberty. And bless Mr. Bush who lives in the White House."

2. I love Fridays. NO HOMEWORK! I am bad aren't I? I should not admit such terrible truths. But let's face it, we'd all rather hangin' out with our kids doing fun things. And yes that just might include something productive like reading! Shhhh don't tell my kids or their teachers I said that homework is the pits. :o)

3. Bob and Camille, could you just get here already? I slipped and told the girls that you are coming for Thanksgiving and their birthdays. What a loon I am. What was I thinking? Today they said it is November 7th, are they on their way??

4. Thanks again Melissa for the award. How do I link?? HELP!

5. Mom, call me. I miss you!

Challenge that has already failed

Natalie, It has been so busy that I have fallen away. I just got a chance to catch up and read your blog. Man, I had missed so much! And you put a challenge out to write everyday of this month. Well I have failed already, but my goal is for here on out. Why not? I love to talk. Endlessly. :o) And I am sure I will have such profound things to say that you will all go crazy with anticipation until you get a chance to read my rantings. Okay enough snickering. You all know it will just be a miracle if I write everyday, let alone something of value. LOL!

So my first quick wandering thoughts. I can't adequately express my gratitude that Prop 8 and the other props all passed. There really is good left in the world. You should have seen me on election day. I was going crazy. We were driving around leaving door hangers and knocking on doors trying to ensure that every voter got out. We were on the phone until 7:30 at night offering rides to polls. I had one hand stirring dinner on the stove, one hand directing children, and a phone between my chin and shoulder. It was a mad house. We spent hours and hours on this. HUGE CHEERS TO RALPH JORDAN AND GEOFF HORWARD. (I just know you've earned yourselves an extra big mansion in heaven someday, just for your efforts. Lorile, YOU TOO!!!!) I am so grateful the Lord blessed our efforts. Our county was the highest voting county in CA for prop 8. What a great effort our local churches (many of them) made and what a great city we live in. There still are morals and values to be found and treasured.

Sarah. Poor Sarah. Back to UTI problems this week. Abby seems to be better, but Sarah, what are we to do. The urologist is out of town. There is a down side to living in a smaller city, nowhere near a large metropolitan area. My medicine cabinet is full of medicines that are so far not helping as much as we would hope. We are switching back to a previous one. What a mess. Prayers for her little bladder and for her heart. I realized today how much she is personally struggling with this on an emotional level, and my heart hurt for her.

Today, when I put Ellie down for her nap, she kept telling me, I luv vou Mommy. Over and over. It just sent the good feelings flowing. She is a tender mercy amongst the storm.

Over the last few days, I have noticed how much Abby loves to read and act. She has such intonation in her voice when she reads. The other night she was quoting a movie and I was so impressed by her rendition. Maybe we have an actress on our hands. It is so cute. Sarah was telling a story about school, which of course involved going to the bathroom. Bodily functions are so fascinating at this age and we have such malfunctioning bodily functions, that it is a common topic at our home. :o) Sarah said, "I went to the bathroom and potty came out in the toilet. " To that Abby said, "Oh good gracious!" I don't even know if that is funny to you all, maybe it is a "you had to be there moment.". They are just so silly. Just the WAY they say things makes ME almost wet my pants. They are a HOOOOOOT.

Kate had her last soccer practice last night. I am so proud of her. She has had the season of a lifetime. She scored at least one goal almost every game. Way to go Kate! This Saturday is her last game as a "Lady Shark" and we can't wait to cheer her on. It has been way fun too, watching Sarah and Abby. Sarah has an intesity that I didn't expect. She is crazy about getting the ball. We have had to tell her not to take the ball from her own teammate! Abby on the other hand, was suprisingly scared to death of soccer. Even after watching Kate for years now. But she has gotten over some of her fear and even scored a goal. We have seen such an improvement in all of our girls. It is a blast! Now, don't get me wrong I won't be too sad to have my Saturdays back though!!!!!!

See, I have babbled. But I am seriously going to enjoy reading this in ten years. I am so glad! Just skip past the next time I write and just look at pictures. Oppps I didn't even include a picture. Too funny! Here you go: A picture of my Grandpa Macdonald and my girls. He would have had such a strong opinion on this last election. He was so informed and so proud of America. If he could I think he would be writing Barack Obama right now to voice his opinion! I love you Grandpa and miss you and Grandma. I think of you often. I am stopping. Really I am.

Vote Vote Vote

And Pray for Prop 8!

Monday Monday

The beginning of a crazy week. Or maybe it is the continuation of a crazy life. :) We have abeen running like mad trying to keep up with EVERYTHING. How do I summarize? This weekend alone included:
Halloween- we had Fun! More pictures and details when I find a moment to spare
Hanging door signs for Prop 8
BYU Football Game praise be, they won by the hair of their chinny chin chins
Kate's Soccer game
Sarah and Abby's: cancelled
Calling for Prop 8
Church
Teaching a YW lesson
Darin - 3 meetings on Sunday
Laundry
Folding clothes
Folding Clothes
and you guessed it- FOLDING CLOTHES

Why so many clothes to fold? Because this week was so crazy, I had been washing but never folding. It led to the whole house being COVERED in clothes. Couches, ottoman, recliner, chairs, and yes even the floor. I guess at least it was clean. We are trying to think half full, not empty. And guess what? I did more laundry than we had time to fold. The couch is STILL covered. What can you do?
Hence the reason this had to be short and boring. I just plain have to find a way to catch back up even if it is only for a millisecond.
Why record how crazy it is? Because when I am 55 and have "nothing" to do, I want to read this and really RELISH and SAVOR a life not quite so consumed with laundry.
Belated birthday wishes to my sister-in-law, Melinda and my niece Whitney! We love you both!

Sleepless Night

I couldn't sleep last night. In all reality, that doesn't happen very often for me. I am lucky. I am usually so tired I sleep pretty soundly. Thankfully. But last night I was plagued with all kinds of worries. I couldn't help myself. I was drowning in my worries. On Saturday, I had a Mom point blank ask me what I would do if prop 8 doesn't pass. What would I do about school? I thought all about how Abby was complaining it hurt to go to the bathroom. I couldn't help wondering if I am doing something wrong as a Mom if I have yet another child with a UTI. How can that be? And I thought about how we were told we can't refinance our house because the market is so down that we might actually owe more on it than it is worth. Even though we put a consider down payment on it. How can that be? We have a year and a half to figure that one out. It is amazing how your mind goes wild in the darkness of the night. But the thing that worried me the most was my interview with the bishop yesterday when he asked me if I would be the Young Women's president. HOW CAN THAT BE? Now that WORRIED me. YIKES! Overwhelmed is hardly the words to describe my feelings at this moment. I loved being the secretary. I was behind the scenes of sort. Now I am responsible for all of these sweet beautiful young women. I am excited to work with them. They are fabulous girls. I know that I will certainly learn more from them then they will from me. I do wonder how a bishop or a stake president or even an apostle get over feelings of inadequacy? I should know. They rely on the Lord. There are times when I feel like am not even standing on my own, I am leaning so much. Now is one of those times.

My Birthday Boy

Darin, my love, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

To this day, I can still see your face at my apartment door with egg in hand. Maybe I should explain for all those who don't know. Our great grandchildren need to hear this story. I had seen you around our BYU ward, in fact, we had sort of met on the sidewalk while Christmas caroling. We were walking as a group and you and your roommate were trying to catch up, so we waited for you so you would know where to go. It was a little scary, since it was dark and your wacky roommate was wearing a black trench coat, but we waited none the less. It was a little hard to talk since we were caroling. It wasn't until a late night in January that it really all began. It was probably 9pm at night. I had pulled in from grocery shopping and you walked up offering to help me carry groceries. Since I lived on the third floor, I gladly accepted. You took several bags and then dropped them! I wasn't too impressed. I probably thought you were a klutz. Ha ha. Really, I don't remember. I DO remember that one bag happened to have my eggs. Luckily only one broke. Well actually I am so glad at LEAST one broke, because it wasn't too much longer, that you rang the doorbell and I answered to find you with the cutest grin on your face and an egg in hand. You were so CUTE! You had the biggest smile and the curliest brown hair. And the biggest brown eyes. We talked and flirted. Then that night, I said to my roommate, " I would love to go out with Darin." A few days later you called. My roommate answered and said it's Darin! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!!!! I am telling you, wishes like this never came true for me! We went to the Wok Right In in Pleasant Grove and then to the Hale Centre Theatre. We saw Beau Jest, a romantic comedy. We talked to so easily, laughed, flirted, it was heaven. I even told my roommie Allison, when I got home that it was the best first date I had ever been on. You even dragged yourself out of bed the next morning to play basketball with my at 6:30am. I should have known then that it was love eternal. :) Despite all this, it took me awhile to decide to get married. (I had that DARN missionary, what his name again? Oh yea, David.) :) LOL LOL LOL! And well I was 19 on our first date. I had always said I would be 21 when I got married. How dum was I? I had no clue what I was doing. But anyhow, you stuck with me, had faith in us and now 11 years later, I find myself still flirting, still wishing you were home from work earlier (4 kids helps that too), still loosing myself in your big brown eyes, and more in love with you than ever. You are 37 today. And smarter, more kind, more understanding, more faithful and more loving. You are a father- a fantastic one. You are more than I could even invision for you. You are beyond my wildest imagination. YOU. Man, I love you! I hope you never doubt that you are my everything. My whole life revolves around you. Here's sending you the biggest, loudest Happy Birthday ever.

PS You are still rollin' towards 40 baby!

PPS To Darin's Mom. How could I celebrate Darin's birthday without celebrating you a little today too? After having given birth, only a Mom knows how much of oneself you give to bring a child into the world. Thank you Mom. For giving birth, for giving life, for teaching, loving and making Darin who he is today. I cannot thank you and Dad enough. I love you!

I need my kids

During scripture study, I was going to tell a story about Peter and Christ. I had just Sarah and Abby since Kate was sick and already fast asleep.

Mom: Sarah and Abby, do you know who Peter was?

Abby: Yes, He's the pumpkin eater!

During dinner we were discussing what is healthy and what is not.

Abby: Fish is healthy

Dad: Yes it is. (those of you who know Darin, know he would DEFINITELY promote fish!)

Sarah: Fish is very healthy for our bodies. BUT not the skin, or the head, or the tail, or the Eyeballs or the bones. Just the chicken off the bones.

Mom and Dad: rolling with laughter

I need my kids, so I can LAUGH.

Prayers for Katie girl who can't seem to kick this stomach bug she has. She seems to have a UTI to boot.

And as always, prayers for CA voters. And AZ voters as well.

I am off to be a Mom. I am a blog junkie. Time for a Little withdrawal. :) Love ya all.

Kate is in Love

Kate is home from school sick and we are on the computer looking for pictures for a timeline she has to turn in. Man, second year in a row she has had to do a timeline. When she saw this picture, she started laughing. Ooo la la! This is Kate smackin' it with her cousin Grant. She said ah no big deal he's my cousin. Oh oh. How do I take that? Are you in love Kate??? Maybe it is Jonah instead. Oh oh she is laughing even harder. Or Garrett. Oh oh even harder now. She is on the floor now. Giggle Giggle. She's says I'm weird. Fun fun. Hee hee. Now I hope these boys don't read this. . . . or their mothers. LOL! I know you don't love boys Kater. Back to the picture. This is in honor of Kate and Grant. Now both baptized! Congratulations Grant! We love you! She is still giggling. . . .

Lessons Learned

1. Do not allow your children to help you shred papers. It seemed oh so safe for the most part. Have had kids do it many times. Great way to have them help. Eeks. Not good. I think I about pulled Ellie's finger out of the socket yanking it out. Don't know how she got it stuck in the paper. It didn't go anywhere close to cutting, but it was being sucked down. Luckily I was sitting right with her. Grandma's just erase the image out of your head and forget I mentioned it. You love me still. Right?!?

2. Sarah and Abby make me laugh. The other day, Sarah came home with a paper. On the bottom was a graph that was not finished. At the top it read, "Incomplete. She ate the Fruit Loops before she finished the graph." I got mad at her and told her how she had to finish her work, follow directions etc etc. Then I open Abby's folder and wa la. SAME THING. ABBY!!!! SARAH!!!! Don't eat them! I made them sit down and I opened our own box of Fruit Loops. The second they were done. "MOM, NOW can we eat them?????" Man you'd think I don't feed them. LOL!

3. Last night, Darin and I called on Prop 8. We commented that we can't believe we are even having to call about this issue. How, in our lifetime, did we get to this point? How did it ever become an issue? It used to be a dah thing. Who else gets married besides a man and a woman? Satan is having a hay day with this. I wrote many of you an email about this. But I know I missed many of you. Here is a link that will knock the socks off of you. It is becoming a true knock out drag out fight to teach our children, right and wrong. I pray for the strength to do it and do it well. And California voters, please don't make it so I feel I have to pull my children from public school! http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/11/MNFG13F1VG.DTL

Ooooodles of Fun

This blogging thing so awesome. I have reconnected with friends from my youth, neighbors, friends from college, friends in other wards, women in my ward, new sisters, women I have met along the way and lost, and family. The list could go on and on. I am SO glad. You are all so special to me. It seriously WARMS my heart. I just love it. Although, I do think I am getting to be addicted. I am constantly pulled to your blogs. I can't even keep up. What a great thing! Mostly. Hee hee. Ask my kids. Ooopps. I just have to exercise moderation and control. It is hard to do when there are all of you incredible women out there! Thanks for writing, reading and being a part of my life. Love you all!

PS Becky, welcome! So glad to have you back! I don't know if the Morrow's have a blog, but I have an email address if you want it. And Janessa, welcome too! I cried through your blog! What an adventure you have been on. I am looking forward to getting to know you even better. Heidi, thanks for the call, I WILL call you back!.

Tagged, Times Two

Okay, so I guess if I want to become a true blogger, then I have to follow through. Tagging. We should call it something else. :) It makes graffitti come to mind. Or is it called something else by kids these days? I might be old school. We should come up with a new blog term. Something funky. Come on creative ladies, let's change the blog world. Any suggestions? Anyhow, on to what I am supposed to answer. I got off track. Again.

I am supposed to upload the picture from my 6th folder and the 6th picture. Did I say that right? :) So here it is:It is a fun one! This is my sister Shelley and her hubby Darren, on top of a little cliff right on the Pacific Ocean in Lincoln Beach, OR. And with the victory sign no less! Wahooo!

My second um er tag is:

8 TV shows I watch:

Disclaimer: These are show I sometimes watch, but mostly they are ones I WOULD watch if I had more time.

1. CSI: Miami

2. American Idol

3. Bones

4. House (back when it was decent)

5. The Office

6. CSI

7. CSI: New York

8. Numbers (is it even on anymore?)

8 Favorite Restaraunts

So hard to decide. I LOVE FOOD!

1. The Gateway (over looking the river!)

2. Black Angus (somebody please build one here!)

3. Tahoe Joe's

4. Red Lobster

5. Orange Blossom Junction

6. Macayo's (oh how I miss thee)

7. Baja Fresh

8. Red Robin, In and Out, Islands, BT Burger (places with good shakes and to die for hamburgers-my favorite food)

8 Things That Happened Yesterday

1. Called for Prop 8 VOTE YES!

2. Picked up a sick Kate at school, poor girl. I spoke too soon.

3. Helped kiddos with homework

4. Drove kids to school

5. Took a shower, must make mention, it doesn't always happen

6. Laundry

7. Talked with my Mom

8. Watched a 17 month old set of twins and had a friend over with her kids. Love ya Laura, thanks for listening!

8 Things I am Looking Forward to:

1. Darin's birthday. I love to celebrate the love of my life

2. Voting on Prop 8. YES ON 8!

3. Halloween and carving the pumpkins. Who doesn't like fall?

4. Thanksgiving, the Rhees family is coming! We're excited!! My first hosting of a Thanksgiving Dinner. It's about time!

5. Christmas. I swear I am leaving the lights on all over the house until Valentines Day this year. I hate the darkness of winter.

6. The weekend. BYU football, and watching my girls play soccer

7. The day when TV goes digital. We don't have cable or satellite. Maybe we'll just go dark and turn it into a fish tank. :O) LOL!

8. The rest of my family getting blogs. SO I can see my nieces and nephews that I miss so MUCH!

8 Things on my Wishlist

1. A pair of tennis shoes

2. Some skinny jeans. Ok so I need to do more than buy the skinny jeans

3. Get on a regular exercise program

4. More trees for the backyard, and plants, and flowers, did I say I like anything growing? Er, take that back. NOT WEEDS.

5. A new dress

6. Potty trained children

7. Sick free house

8. Prop 8 passing

8 Friends I am Tagging:

1. Heidi - what comes around goes around

2. Mississippi Melissa

3. Sarah

4. California Melissa

5. Janessa- my new friend and fellow twin Mom

6. Carla :)

7. Lorile (you haven't written in ages, miss hearing from you!)

8. My Madre (you just have to start a blog too) :)

The week of weeks

Last week is difficult to sum up in words. It started out on Monday, (that is not unusual, I know)with it being picture day for Kate. I forgot to send Kate with the money for picture day and forgot to send the note for Sarah telling her teacher she was having her little operation the next day. I ran to the school, dropped off the note, dropped off the money, reported Sarah's absence for the next day and ran to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. The pharmacy was closed. 45 minutes after it was supposed to open, it was still closed. I was in the drive thru and there was no note or anything. I drove around, ran in and was told the pharmacist called in sick. Ugh! They had no idea when they would get one in. So while I was out, I decided to run to WinCo. I ran around figuring meals in my head, great planning I know, and wheeled Ellie and all the food out. I was piled so high that I had to put stuff on the bottom. I hit those darn yellow bump thingys out front and my bags on bottom began tumbling. Only I didn't realize it until I could not move and realized I was trying to run over my food. Yippee. My popcorn kernels were ripped open by the wheels of the cart and spilling all over. I just found out why they have those yellow bumpy things outside of the new stores, it only softened me a little towards them. My Dad says they are for the disabled. I feel guilty, but I really honestly have to say: I HATE THEM. Mostly, because I am always overloaded and it rattles the cart so bad, I almost always have something fall out! I ran home unloaded, tried to put away, made a sack lunch, ran to the bus stop, picked up kids, tried to explain to Sarah why she had to go to the dr. and ran to the dr office and had lunch in the van, in the parking lot. Meanwhile, Sarah is screaming in the back that she has to have her blood drawn. I prayed with her, pleaded, begged, hugged, kissed and every other means I could think of to calm her. She went in nervous, but still willing. That is until she had to sit in the chair and do it. The nurse and I tried to no avail to convince her that if she held still and stopped crying we could get it over with. I finally wrapped my arms aournd her middle, both legs around Sarah's legs, looked at the nurse and said, "Just do it!" I did say it nicely really I did. I had to use super human strength to hold her down. I had prayed we would make it and eventually we did. Gratefully, the Lord was mericful and Abby didn't scream, which they usually do when one or the other is under distress! We headed to the dr and made it through that too. Upon getting home, we started in on homework. I laid Miss E down for a nap. She had been crying off and on all weekend, so I was beginning to worry about her too. She woke up during her nap, crying every time she swallowed. I said alright something IS wrong. I called the dr. (yes a different one) and they said be here in 15. Ha! No problem. Kate walked in the door and I started yelling, everyone find your shoes, grab your homework, out the door. GO GO GO! After Ellie screamed her way through the appt. and once again I found myself restraining a child so he could look at her, it turned out she had an ear infection. Man all my girls have lungs on them! So off to Walgreens AGAIN. This time we actually got meds after waiting for 30 minutes in the parking lot again! By this time it was 4:30 in the afternoon. By the time dinner was done I was BEAT! Darin, thankfully, whipped out FHE and the day was done. How naive I was, when I thought that would be the last of the bad days. Tuesday was a bright and early day with Sarah's procedure at 7:30 am. I felt HORRIBLE leaving her. She was devastated. I had to carry her to the OR doors and then the nurse had to pry her away. Poor thing. I felt like I had abandoned her! But they found her bladder to be in pretty good shape, so we are now on constant antibiotics to see if the UTIs will quit. By evening, she was laid out complaining of a horrible headache and Ellie was running a fever! Then by midnight she was barfing (Miss E). It continued until 4am. Yep. Me and Ellie on the recliner for hours. After just 2 hours of sleep, I ran her to the dr and he said possible UTI (urinary tract infection), keep her on the antibiotics and it should clear both the ear and UTI. The week just kept going like that. With me in charge of YWs on Wednesday night, Stake Leadership on Thursday, and then my cousins wedding in Sacramento on Friday night. Which I got home from at 2am, but am so glad that I was able to go. Lane married such a cute girl! Welcome to the family Jillian! Thanks Kelli for making it possible by watching my kids!!!!!! And thanks Darin- my lifesaver! (you know I mean literally :)) It was good to see family! Saturday was soccer, more soccer, baking cupcakes, and the ward Halloween party. Somehow we managed to throw together a fairy, Raggedy Ann, a lady bug and a cheerleader. Phew! Luckily, Darin let me have an hour long nap or I never would have made it. I AM TIRED! Three doctor visits, one operation, one barfing and ear infected child, and all else thrown in was enough to send me loony. But as my friend Laura and I have decided: We'll be tired until the last child leaves for college. And even then, who knows?!? Thank heavens for health now for my kiddos, some sleep, and the joy of family. The job of parent is never easy, but definitely worth it.



SarahEllieAbbyKate
All my gals

Sarah Sayings

Sarah: "Mom, you have the treadmill down!"
Mom: "Yes, I was exercising."
Sarah: "That means you are going to have a baby!"
Mom: "What?? Why do you say that?"
Sarah: "Because if you exercise then you have a baby."

Dr.: "Do you want to listen to your heart with my stethescope?"
Sarah: "No."
Dr. "Don't you want to be a dr when you grow up?"
Sarah: "No."
Dr. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Sarah: "A big kid."
Dr. : (While laughing) "That sounds like fun."

During Kate's baptism:
Sarah: she started to cry, "Mom I am going to miss Kate."
Mom: "Why, Sarah?"
Sarah: "She's getting married and I will miss her!"
Mom: "Sarah, Kate is getting baptized, not married."
Sarah: "She's not leaving our family? She gets to stay?"
Mom: "Oh, yes Sarah. Don't worry she gets to stay with us."
Sarah: "Oh good!"

Funny Sarah. You make me laugh. :) I love it. And I love you!

GREAT Grandparents

How do I find the right words to say thank you to these four wonderful people? I hate all those cards in the store that say, I know I don't say it often enough, but I really do love you. They are lame. I really do feel I try to say I love you as often as I can. But how do you ever thank your parents enough? I need to especially thank them for coming to see Kate baptized, for coming for birthdays, and for helping me SOOOOooooo much to be organized and ready for the weekend. How do I tell them thank you enough for the wonderful gifts of the Gafina doll, the dress, the beautiful set of scriptures and for writing cherished testimonies in Kate's memory book? Their love and example are some of our most cherished gifts. Thank you so much Mom and Dad and Mom and Dad. :) You are GREAT!

My Three White Dresses

My sister Sarah gave me this idea. It has Kate's blessing picture, her baptism picture and a picture of the temple, where we hope her last white dress will be worn. I love it! And so does Kate. Seated next to the frame, is a Gafina doll. It is from the Dominican Republic. They are handcrafted and this is the Baptism figure. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Mac.

The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel are

First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Second, Repentance

Third, Baptism by Immersion

Fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

September 27th was a great day in Kate's life and in the life of her family. She has already shown such great faith, a desire to repent and be clean and now she has been baptized, confirmed, and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This proud Mom is crying even as I write this.

The day dawned beautiful and hot. We couldn't pass up going to the girls' early soccer games in the morning. Kate even showed off and scored in front of both grandparents. Then Sarah kept up the traditon and scored one too. And Abby got on the field and played!! We had all three be winners that day!! It was fun and I think we all enjoyed it. We hurried home and amazingly enough we were at the Church 45 mintues early. It was a record. I have to mention that so I remember that I really can be on time for an event. :) My aunt Vicki and her husband Jim came all the way from Sacremento and the Toomers came all the way from Bakersfield to join us. We love them all so much and are grateful for the extra effort they both made to attend. Heidi was gracious enough to be the official photographer as well as play the piano. Sister Ware and Sister Howard had made the programs and they turned out so nice! The inside cover had Kate's testimony written in it.Many of our good friends came and supported us. We so appreciate the love we feel from our ward family. You are our family away from home. It meant a lot to us to have you be a part of such an important event. THANK YOU!! Brother Wittwer conducted and did such a nice job. Both Grandpa's said the prayers and Grandma Phippen spoke on baptism while Grandma Macdonald spoke on the Holy Ghost. All four of the Grandparents did a wonderful job. The talks were so sweet and personal, just for Kate. They were amazing. It was supposed to be the stake baptisms and we were so lucky that no one else decided to be baptized on that day. I secrectly wanted it to be just for Kate, and how blessed we were to get our wish. There is something about having grandparents participate and such. Darin and Kate even sang a musical number. It was touching to watch the two of them, just before the baptism. Darin was incredibly calm and did such a nice job baptizing her and confirming her. I had some fun moments with Kate. I realize that as a Mom of all girls, I get to be with each of them after they get baptized and are changing into dry clothes. What a little extra special time to be with them, just me and them. It was so fun to be with Kate as she changed into the jumpsuit before the baptism. She got so excited and said, "It really is happening! I'm getting baptized!" Her smile could not have been bigger. I will never forget it! And then after the baptism, I got my skirt all wet because I didn't want to let go of her and she didn't seem to want to let go either. We kept hugging!!! We were both so excited. Kate was as beautiful as I anticipated. She wore a dress my Mother made for her. The Macdonald tradition has been for all the girls to wear this dress my Mom made in 1978 for my oldest sister's baptism. Each of my 4 sisters and I wore the dress, and now the granddaughters are wearing the dress. It turned out beautiful. Kate also wore a locket that we all wore too. Her eyes sparkled and she shone. Her little spirit was radiant. Several of the people in attendance, bore their testimonies the next day and mentioned the spirit that was there. It was one of those perfect days, with perfect moments scattered all along the way.

Ellie Baby

Ellie Baby! I can't believe you are two!!! As your Mom, it is hard to believe my baby is no longer a baby. I know, I know, I have said it a million times. I just might have to say it a few more times before I'll actually realize it is true. I was so scared when I found out you were coming to our family. We had Sarah and Abby, TWINS, that were only 2. And we had never been able to get pregnant without surgery to fix me up. (that is for a WHOLE other post). I follow in the footsteps of Grandma Macdonald in that we get very sick while pregnant. I didn't know how I was going to make it through. I think our Father in Heaven wanted to challenge us to our absolute most, because it was even worse than we ever could have imagined. I was so sick with you Ellie! Someday I'll tell you all about it. Ellie, I want you to know that Heavenly Father blessed us with the most amazing friends and wards members and the most caring and sacrificing family. It was a time when we our faith grew and our reliance on Jesus was the only way we made it. When you were finally born, it was nothing short of a miracle. And you still are our miracle. You have brought such happiness and light into our family. Being so sick with you, made you all the more special and the sacrifices everyone made to get you here, means you have a very important and special reason to be here on this earth and in our family. Your mission MUST be great. I am excited to see all that you will become!

Tidbits about you

As you turn 2

1. You always say hi. Even when I come back in from taking out the garbage or after going down the hall and coming back. It is so SWEET and it makes me feel like a million bucks.

2. You give the sweetest hugs and kisses.

3. You can count to 10. Holy cow, girl, slow down and don't grow up too fast! :)

4. Ellie, the way you say I wove vou , is something I don't ever want to forget.

5. You say "opps a daisy" too. Except it is "oopy a daise". It is DARLING.

6. You love to sing. Songs from nursery, songs from primary, songs from high school musical, songs from Ellie's dream world. It is so cute. Your nursery leader says she has the kids sing head shoulders knees and toes every week, because she wants to watch you!

7. You can't stand to be talked over. You get especially chatty during scripture time and the lesson in FHE. I am sure someday I'll miss it.

8. You love the tramp, your sisters, going for bike rides, your grandparents, birdy fly with Dad, and soccer. You have a good kick sweetie! Watch out in three years!

It was so cute. Ellie, you were afraid of the candles. You said, "hot, hot, hot!!" I had to sit with you in your chair before you would blow them out. Her new red robe from Papa and Granda Mac. I had to put this on. She says, "Its COZY!"Happy Birthday Ellie girl!!! We love you MUCHO MUCHO!

Kate's 8th Birthday

We had a fun day celebrating Kate's birthday. She was lucky to have Grandpa and Grandma Mac here with her when she got home from school. Papa, Sarah and Abby made her a sign for the garage wishing her a happy birthday. I think she was surprised. Then we enjoyed a candlelight birthday dinner of her favorite dishes: barbecued chicken, angel hair pasta, green bean casserole and last but not least white cake and white frosting. She got all kinds of fun things, including some EARRINGS. Ahhhh! It is true we have consented and once soccer is over she gets to have her ears pierced. Now that will really make her Mother feel old. :) But in honor of her birthday, I have to share my top 8 reasons why Kate is such an incredible daughter and amazing young lady.

1. She is an excellent student. She listens and follows rules. I love that she loves school.

2. Kate exercises her faith all the time. She never hesitates to pray in any situation. One time she dropped a heavy #10 can on her big toe. She cried like CRAZY and then said, "I'll be fine if I just say a prayer." Off it school she went and never complained again.

3. Soccer is a passion of hers. Darin and I LOVE to watch Kate play. She has so much determination and works hard at it. And she is FAST! She never lets up. It is the BEST!

4. She loves her sisters. I am so glad that she has no problem telling her sisters when she has had enough of them. But thankfully, that is hardly ever the case. They are great buds.

5. She still lets me hold her hand. I thought this year, she might be too old and too cool to hold my hand. But she is sweet and gladly will walk with me hand in hand. I SAVOR that.

6. We had so much fun taking her baptism pictures. She is so photogenic and it was great to have one on one time with her.

7. She has a great understanding of the gospel. We had to explain to her what Prop 8 is. She wisely said, "Mom, if men marry each other and women marry each other, then there will be no more children and the world will end." Ah, the wisdom of a child.

8. Kater is a reader. I mean a devourer of books. I think reading is one of the best things you can do and it is great to see her curled up with Little House on the Prairie books.

Kate, We love you so much and hope you had a spectacular birthday! love you! Mommy and Daddy

Time slips by

Man, I can't believe that time slipped by me so fast. I have so much to say. It is going to take me days to catch up and many posts. I am in fact, supposed to be on the tread mill. With two birthdays and a baptism, there was a little bit of cake hanging around this house. It taunted me at every turn and I caved in and indulged myself on a daily basis. In fact, it was sometimes after lunch and dinner, that I had some of my Mom's amazing Texas Sheet Cake. Ah, the cake of all cakes. But when you can't button your pants, then it is time to have smaller scoops of ice cream, since you can't cut that out all together, and to maybe get eating more veggies and fruit. And get on the bike or treadmill. And since the treadmill was so dusty, I thought I would actually get on it. What a waste of money it has been! So since I WANT to blog and I NEED to exercise, I figure I had better do that task first and pleasure second. It will motivate me! So now you know I am not dead, but have been eating cake and livin' it up. Soon you will find out all the other juicy details of the last two weeks. :) Hee hee

One of many steps to baptism

Today after Church, Kate had her baptismal interview with the Bishop. Last night, we sat down with her and asked her questions and prepared her for what it was going to be like. She said she was nervous and we tried to calm her fears. She was excited too! We met together with him, to fill out her form. Then I left and she continued on with the interview. At the end, Darin and Kate did a mock baptism, so the Bishop could make sure they knew how to do it. Then we got a cute picture of Kate with Bishop Hawkes for her memory book. When we walked out of the Church, she was ALL smiles. She said, "It went great and there was no reason to be scared." I gave her a big hug, okay so I gave her several big hugs. I couldn't resist. I asked her if he had asked if she had a testimony of Jesus. She said, "I told him that I did and that I couldn't wait to feel the Spirit when I am baptized." She and I both cried a little, the Spirit was there and we both felt so happy. I told her how proud we are as her parents that she has chosen to be baptized. She looked so at peace and confident. That is an odd choice of words, but it is hard to explain. But I saw in her that having to proclaim her testimony to her bishop bolstered her up, strengthened her. I hope I can always remember what she looked like today. She glowed. She simply GLOWED. I can't wait for Saturday. She'll be brilliant!

I love you so much Kater!

Things I should be writing down somewhere

I have things that I just need to record and since this is my "journal" I will bore you all. For instance, Sarah went to the dr yesterday for yet another UTI. It is crazy how many we have had lately. She is constantly on antibiotics. She has been on them more then off of them. I haven't been keeping track of them and am determined to do so. That way I can say DR. she has had ___ UTIs in the past 6 months. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. So for the record this was UTI #2. She had #1 just two weeks ago. Poor girl.

Abby still doesn't want to play in the soccer games. This time she practiced at least. So we are making progress. Maybe this Saturday will be the ticket. I never would have guessed she would be the one to be afraid. Sarah didn't score any goals, but she thought she did. She is loving it. Kate didn't score any this week, but neither did any of her teammates. They fell 2-0. I think Kate was the only girl who even got close. She is a determined player and she works so hard at it. She is like her Mom, INTENSE about sports. I love it. Ellie, loves to kick around the soccer ball during Kate's practices, so I think we have our 4th player in the works.

Abby is doing so much better in school. She was never doing bad, but she was a little too talkative and boisterous. Hard to imagine. Hee Hee. Now if I can get her to stay focused. Both she and Sarah are making great strides in their reading and writing. Which in comparison to the kids they ride to school with, they need to make strides. Then again they are geniuses, so I try not to compare. :) LOL. Luke and Amber can READ so well. It is amazing. Sarah and Abby love school and for that I am eternally grateful. I pray that love stays with them. I am still so grateful for their teacher as well. She is the perfect mix of stern and sweet. I am working in their class every Thursday and I enjoy it. I also am working in Kate's on Wednesdays. It is so great to be in there too. You get such a better sense of what your child is learning, the expectations from the teacher, what the teacher is like and how your child is doing with friends. Her teacher is great too. Kate was student of the month in August and a Who's Hoo or is it Who's Who? WHO KNOWS??? :) It is an award they had out on Fridays at the school. They are the Oak Grove Owls. Get it- Hoo Hoo?? Ellie continues to be a screamer. I had a friend over and she was shuddering every time Ellie screamed. I realized then how immune I have become. Now don't take me wrong. It is still ear piercing and annoying, but I think I have had some hearing loss and therefore it is not as potent as it once was. She is learning more and more words, so the screaming is a little less, at least on the days when she is not grumpy. :O) She is the best kisser, hugger, and is always getting my shoes for me when it is time to go. This morning she said I love you to Darin. She has said it before, but it was always kind of her version and today it was as clear as a bell. Oh so sweet.

This morning when I went in to wake up Sarah and Abby I found them in the same bed again. They have bunk beds, but we often find them together. It is always Abby who joins Sarah. They are two very good friends and they really do watch out for one another. One can't get in trouble without the other feeling awful about it too. It is like I have a voodoo doll. I am disciplining Sarah and poking Abby's doll and she is crying just as much if not more then Sarah. Or vice versa.

I can't believe that Kate and Ellie have birthdays next week. Kate will be 8 and Ellie 2. Sometimes I long for more, but know that it is physically just not going to happen. So I am trying to love it all. It is hard to have them grow up. I especially need to learn to love it at 5 pm everyday-that is when it all falls apart. DINNER TIME! UGH!
I'll let you know if I can make it today with a smile and no screaming. It's my goal. :) And by that I mean no screaming on my part. Well or the kids. But especially me. :)

Announcing. . . .

We are estatic that Kate has chosen to be baptized. We are so excited, as is she. I am amazed by her everyday. We hope you'll join her on her special day.

Birthday Boy

Dad,

You've had a birthday shout hurray, we want to sing to you today. One year older and wiser too, Happy Birthday to YOU!

If we could only be with you tonight. If we were together I know we would have been barbecuing steak, eating baked potatoes, and enjoying some delicious cake and ice cream. Ahh those were the days when we celebrated together in the AZ sun. Man we miss you. I know I have said this a million times, but it is hard to be separated on days like today. When you have tasted of the sweet, it is hard to leave it. We miss the celebrations!

Dad, I have thought a lot over the years about something you once said to me. I hope you don't mind, if I reminisce with you. I remember I was about 15 years old. We had gone to the church and there was a meeting going on. I wanted to go with you and play basketball while you were in the meeting. At the time, I was talking to one certain boy on the phone a lot. Should we name names?? Okay so it was Naka. :) We had met at Youth Conference and hung out at dances and things. I remember you walked in and said you wanted to talk to me for a minute. You asked me what my relationship with Naka was. I remember being so surprised by the question. I explained that we were friends and that yea we liked each other, but we were not dating or anything we weren't supposed to be doing. I recall being grateful that I could answer honestly and not be afraid to share my feelings with you. I think it made me feel so good that you had come to me and asked me on such an adult level. We continued to discuss it for a bit and then you went back to doing something at the church and I played more ball. I never ever forgot that conversation. It made me want to be good. Made me want to be my best. And I never forgot it when I eventually turned 16 and started to date. I knew that you and Mom cared. I knew that you wanted me to be clean and pure. I knew from that day, that I wanted to be clean and pure for myself and for you. And now today, as a Mom, I hope for that same relationship with my daughters. I hope that I too can turn to them and talk with the same respect and love that you did Dad. This is just one experience of many that I have had with you Dad that has changed me for the better. I hope that on this day, your birthday, and everyday, that you know how much your loved and appreciated. You are my Dad, and how grateful I am for that. You are my Dad for always and forever. YES!!!! I love you Dad. Happy Birthday!

A shout out

Last week for our school carnival, I was assigned to seperate tickets into bundles of $5.00 and $10.00. We had 20 rolls of tickets. Each roll was 2,000 tickets. YES- 40,000 tickets. I immediately turned to the sisters in our neighborhood whom I love. They are Oak Grove moms and dear friends. We had 8 women come last night and I was amazed we actually were able to finish them ALL. I would never in this lifetime been able to do it alone. Thank you dear friends for coming to my aide and make an insurmountable task fun and easy to finish.

A shout out of thanks to Jeanette, Regan, Elizabeth, Britny, Christie, Kelli and Shadley.

What would I have done without you??

PS-Heidi you were thought of last night. :) I know you would have been here in a flash.

PPS-Extra little thank yous to Liz and Ryan for the paper clip runs! You rock!


One of 4 bags of tickets!