Lets rewind, shall we?

I know all of my pictures are way out of order, but at least they are there!

I know, long time, no post once again. I didn't even take advantage of my parent's computer and post pictures as promised. Sorry. You have probably guessed by now that we are home- back into the decent temperatures once agin, although I must say, I am still freezing! (The only time I'm not freezing is from June-November when I am in deed roasting!) A lot has happened between last post and now, but I'll only fill you in on a few fun things. First of all, the snow. By now you may know that I don't care too much for it other than looking at it, but holy cow! Cauley and I both agree we got over 2 feet- yes my friends, 2 FEET of snow while we were at my parent's house! That is not official, but it's pretty close to what we (and yes, that means I actually went outside and helped too- pictures and a video to prove it!) shoveled while we were in Idaho. It was lovely, as long as we didn't have to go out in it. (which we did.)

Christmas Eve is always fun for the Ruth family. We always go over to my Grandma's house (Grandma Ruth) and have a BIG party. It may not seem like a lot of people for those reading this, but when you add all the young kids into the mix, it can be hectic. I actually think things went rather smoothly this year! Dallin got to be Joseph for the annual Nativity story reinactment thing, but he wouldn't open his mouth to talk. Afterward, instead of the Christmas elf, who usually leaves new jammies or Christmas socks or slippers for everyone, Santa came and joined us! It was hilarious, and I have to say, this "Santa's Helper" really livened things up! He brought everyone a santa hat and candy. Then it was time to head home to get the little ones ready for bed.

Christmas morning was nice. Cauley and I pretty much had to wake up the kids to open presants. We opened our family stuff up down stairs in my mom's basement where we stay and then headed upstairs for more presants. It's a tradition since we've been married for us to have cinamon rolls, orange rolls, and donuts for breakfast on Christmas. This year my dad bought those huge donuts for Cauley and Luke (Jeni's husband) which were supprising delicious for how big they were!

This is where I am going to end, as Tyli's birthday is the day after Christmas so you will have probably already read about that.

A great reminder!

I stole this from my friend, Kira's blog. What a great reminder!

This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.Pres. Howard W. Hunter, Dec. 1994

Oh, Baby, I am COLD!!!!!

Well, we made it. It was one of the longest car rides ever- 18 1/2 hours actually, but we are here. Flagstaff had a lot of snow, Knab, UT had even more, but the rodes were ok which was a big blessing. We did have consistent fog from Paige to Knab, but it wasn't horrible. We made excellent time until we got to Provo where we got stuck behind our first wreck. A truck and trailer had jack-knifed up onto the median wall. Then we moved well through the Valley until we came upon what we later found out was multiple wrecks that stretched on for about 6 miles. After spending an hour on the freeway stuck in the traffic, we were diverted off the freeway about 3 miles East for another 2 hours of going 5 miles an hour or less. (Mostly we just sat not moving at all.) No fun- not at all!! However, I do have to say that our children were AWESOME! No, whining, fighting, or crying- the entire ride! We did make an extra "pit stop" in Tremonton, UT once we got moving on the freeway after the big wreck because the kids hadn't been to the bathroom in over 6 hours, but we didn't mind. I think we all needed a break from the car for a few minutes. Anyways, instead of pulling into my parent's house at 5:30. we got here at 8:30.

The coldest we've seen so far is 3 degrees- near Flagstaff. It's a toasty 23 outside right now, and guess what- we woke up to TONS of snow! School has been cancelled in all local areas, and many people are staying inside today. My dad said there was at least 12 inches in the roads- only about 8 inches on top of things. Cauley pulled into my dad's parking spot in the driveway while my dad's at work so when the snow plow comes by we don't get buried.I am so happy to have a white Christmas! It is really beautiful outside. I am even happier that we don't have to stay here forever- I only love to look at the snow! Cauley and my boys went sledding at 8:00 this morning and had a great time. We learned yesterday that Tyli doesn't care for the snow so much so she stayed here with me in the nice, warm, dry house. We have to beg Dallin to come in- he could play in the freezing white stuff for forever. I wonder how much more we'll get before we head home- the forecast is for snow showers through next Sunday!

I will try and post pictures this wee- my parents don't have dial-up internet like us so it will be a lot easier!

Are You Smarter Than a Kindergartener?

My son is a genious! He really is smart. Just like me, he is very interested in Sudoku puzzles. Dallin loves to watch over my shoulder as I work on them, telling me what number he thinks I should put in the next box. He's come a long ways from about a year ago when he would tell me to write a 17 or another number I knew didn't fit. Anyways, I was just about done with another puzzle book the other day and was going through it, making sure I hadn't left any puzzles unsolved when I came across one that Dallin had filled out the top three boxes to. At first glance, I was mad. That was my puzzle book and he had no right to ruin it. After looking at it for a few moments, however, I was intregued. It looked as if he had really answered it correctly- no numbers repeating in each row. Wow, I thought, and quickly set to figuring out the rest of the puzzle. To my utter astonishment, he had indeed filled out the entire top three boxes correctly. Talk about one proud mamma! I called him over as I wanted to see just how his mind went about solving those boxes by himself. "It was easy!" was his reply as he ran off to play before answering my question. I really couldn't believe it! No wonder he is in the gifted program at school! I had to know more so I made him come back and show me how he did it. "Look, Mom. You always do it the hard way. Let me show you a faster way. Do you see this number right here at the top? If you turn to the back of the book, just find that same number. Then, be careful to match each number in the right spot, and you win!" Yep! I have one smart 5 year old!

I'm still here, just taking another break

I am so sorry for those of you who keep asking if everything is ok. I am doing well- just busy. Life seems to get busy really quickly and once I start getting a hand on it, life gets even busier! We have all been well, for the most part. I think my whole family is trying to catch a cold, but so far we've beat it. I thought Dallin had pink eye again when he got home from school yesterday, but either we got the drops in fast enough, or it was just a cold in his eyes because he's got no symptom of it today. Everyone keeps sneezing and coughing sporadically, but you can never tell with my family because we all get allergies really bad about this time of year.

We've had a lot of fun lately as a family. Cauley is done hanging Christmas lights (YAY!!!) and so supposedly he could be getting home before 2:00 p.m., but we haven't seen him till at least 4:00. (which is still a few hours earlier than when he coached football, and about 5-7 hours earlier than when he was hanging lights!) We've been riding bikes, doing crafts, shopping (always nice to have him to help with the kids), playing, and watching Christmas Movies. He even took me out on a date last Saturday for my birthday! (thanks, Steph and Brad for watching our Bambinos!) I have been really busy when he isn't here with laundry, preschool (planning and prepping), dishes, scout stuff, laundry, primary stuff, dishes, trying to get Christmas bought, laundry, getting us ready to go to Idaho, and dishes. I still have TONS to do and probably won't get it all done before I go, but that's ok.

Cub Scouts has kept me really busy lately. I have been planning, planning, and more planning. I helped plan this month's Pack Meeting because our Cub master has been out of town. Then I had to start planning next pack meeting for other reasons. Oh yah, I am also planning the Blue and Gold (banquet) which is in February. Can I just admit in the open that I don't really know what I am doing still! (Help, Susan!) On top of all this we have a bunch of trainings in January that I am trying to get all of the leaders from my ward to get done. I think maybe after February I might be able to breathe again. By the way, didn't I tell you I got released from this calling?:)
Primary has kept me busy too, but not like scouts. I am the counselor over scouts, so that is why I am still doing a lot with the cub scouts. My new calling is just doing little things here and there, which I find is a nice change from being so consumed with scouts!

I never knew that being a mom of older children (ok, mine are still young, but hear me out!) gets more and more tiring! Dallin has me running every which direction right now. I take him to school (for L.E.A.P) at 8 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, pick him up at 9:25, and then he's back at school for afternoon K. until normal time. I feel like I run around all day just for him. That's just for school! I can't even imagine adding an extra curricular activity to that! And, he's just one of my children- what is 4 years going to bring? Lucky for me I was able to get him switched into the morning class next semester so I don't have to go to the school so many times a day.

Tyli is a handful. She's adventurous and has a keen sense of knowing when I haven't had any adventures in a day. She likes to make BIG messes for me to clean up- especially ones that she can eat while making like dumping an entire large package of uncooked spaghetti on my living room floor and jumping on them because they make "crunch" sounds, dumping out a newly opened box of baking soda from Costco (which she LOVES to eat!) all over my kitchen floor and rolling around in it, or climbing onto the bathroom counter so she can get into the medicine cabinet and get the "hidden" toothpaste out to eat. Lucky for me it's beginner toothpaste, but still! Never a dull moment with her around!

McKade is still just as adorable as ever. He has been very bored lately, which leads to whining which I can't stand. He did find exactly what he wants Santa to bring him though- a silver truck with a black trailer carrying a light blue tractor. Why? I think he is a little obsessive about trucks that can pull trailers and he happened to find something with the exact qualifications(colors). He also hasn't stopped talking about this particular truck since he found it. Everytime we go to Walmart, or any store for that matter, he has to go check and make sure they have "his" truck. Today he sat and held onto it for almost 20 minutes- just staring at it! (Like I said- obsessive!)

Well, I hope you understand why I haven't written in forever. I didn't even tell you my schedule for this week alone, how I was gone every night at either a group FHE, presidency meeting, Enrichment, or other, and that my days were even more filled with a dentist appointment, preschool, getting my oil changed in my van, and many more "adventures" that also included the every day stuff like trying to be a good mom and wife. Hopefully when I get to Idaho I can upload some pictures because my parents don't have dial-up like we do and I won't have to wait an hour to publish this post. Maybe... But if you don't hear from me until then, don't worry, we're good.

What a fun birthday!

I have always kinda resented having to share everything my whole life with my identical twin- especially my birthday. It was never sung to just me and for some reason, everyone always had to say Jeni's name first. (probably because she's older? smarter? prettier? WHAT?) Don't get me wrong- I totally love, love, LOVE my sister, but can't a person have a special day for herself? Well, since I moved here almost 5 years ago (In January!), I have always had my birthday as MY day. I must admit, everytime someone sings "Happy Birthday" to me, I still sing Jeni's name in my mind.

Well, yesterday it was my special day again. yay for me! I woke up to the outside of my garage decorated with a sign and balloons (RS people?), ran Dallin to his L.E.A.P. program at school, came home and showered, and went and picked him up. Then I took all the kids to the Q.T. and bought us all a big fountain slushy drink. (an Icee basically) My kids think that they are the best treats ever and that is why we call them Drink Treats. We only get them on real special occasions, so my kids were really loving this! After the Q.T., we ran to the post office (I can't wait until QC gets a new, bigger post office!) and then ran Dallin to Kindergarten. The 2 younger ones and I had fun going shopping at Walmart and they both found presants that they want for Christmas, and then we made some thank-you's we took over to some good friends' houses. Then, for dinner, I took them to Sonic and we got Wacky packs for dinner. (Did you know that every Wednesday night @ Sonic you can get your choice of kids meal which also includes fries or tots, a drink, and a toy for $1.50?) My kids wouldn't stop hugging and kissing me and saying "I love you so much, Mom. Happy Birthday. I am so glad it's your birthday." Cauley even made it home before 8:00 last night which was an added bonus! (He's hanging Christmas lights for people right now- you can read about it on his blog, I think. crazyclarkclan.blogspot.com) Anywyas, I had lots of phone calls from awesome friends, and of course most of the Clark's called and sang to me (Jeff, did you forget? j/k) and that is always fun, and my visiting teachers stopped by with a gift as well as the Relief Society presidency with my birthday sucker. It really was a wonderful day! Saturday we are celebrating more by Cauley hanging more lights on our house and then Steph is watching the kids while we go see Twilight and go out to dinner. I can't wait!

They said it would be a three year calling...

I was so sad last Thursday when Brother Masitis came over and released me as the Cub Scouts Committee Chair. I really asked him to leave so I could cry. When I was called to this position in late July, I was told it would be a three year committment so mentally, I wasn't prepared for his visit. I have really put a lot of time (if you've ever been in cub scouts before, you know what I mean) and effort into that calling, not to meantion I had just got over all the "crazy pshyscho's" who make going to to Roundtable a real treat. It wasn't until our meeting was about over that he extended a new calling as 1st counselor in the Primary to give me an explanation of my release. I may have only said yes because I get to be the counselor over cub scouts, because as crazy as it sounds, I actually love the Cub scout program!

I've lost my voice! (and my mind)

Please don't call me. It's not that I don't want to talk to you, but I can't. I have never lost my voice like this before, and am barely able to whisper out a NO! to my kids. I think it's Heavenly father's way of telling me I need to speak "softer" to them. As for being sick, I am not. I feel great! I haven't accomplished much because at this point, if a child needs something or I need to communicate with them for any reason, I literally have to go over to them, put their face in my hands, and yell (which comes out barely less audible than a whisper) whatever it is I need. This is occupying all the time in my days. Any suggestions? Most of my kids can't read, so writing it down doesn't help. (Dallin can read a few words, so he's no help either.) It doesn't help either that I am teaching Sharing time on Sunday!

My kids say the funniest things!

Tyli keeps us laughing, ok, I can't lie- ALL my kids keep us laughing! (I used Ty's name because she's the first I'm going to write about!) We could really tell what kind of a football season Cauley had when we listened to TyTy watch football on TV on Saturday. She walked into the room and clapped her hands saying, "Yay, bootball (football). Go Knigh(t)s, go! Oh shoot!" The funniest part was that the game hadn't started- they were just warming up so nothing was happening. As we continued to watch the game, she continued to say "Oh shoot!" at the end of each play.

McKade woke up the other day, and after a few minutes, he said "there's a cricket in my nose!" I didn't get it at first, but after trying to listen to what he was really saying, I heard his little whistling boogie too, and yes, it did sound like a cricket!

My kids like to complain that they are either too hot or cold whenever we get in the car. Dallin likes to roast, while the other two would rather freeze. As we were driving to Costco the other day McKade exclaimed that he was "hot, cold, fuzzy, and cozy!" (I wonder what that feels like!)

Now it's Dallin's turn. I realy should write these down in the little journal I started specifically for these moments, but I don't so right now I am drawing a blank except for this one instance the other day. Someone stuck a flyer through our door for Qwest. Dallin ran over and got it, showed it to me and I told him to put it in the garbage. "But Mom, don't you want to 'get in the loop'?" I'm also getting frusterated because he's learning to spell/read everything. Tonight after dinner I asked Cauley if there was anymore j-u-i-c-e left because Ty was asking for more. "Yah, dad, is there anymore juice left?" The little turkey wasn't even in the room when she asked, so I have no idea where he learned that. Do they teach that kind of reading in the 1st semester of Kindergarten?

Hadley isn't one of my children, but she is one of my preschool kids. This month we are talking about healthy bodies and I asked everyone to show me where their body was. Hadley quickly jumped onto her chair, turned around, grabbed her bum, and, while shaking it, yelled "Here it is!"
Later that same preschool day, we were talking about the Word of Wisdom. Toward the end of our class I asked everyone what we were talking about (just to refresh memories) and Becca raised her hand. When I called on her, she said "It's something like the Word of White Gum?" She was clearly confused- good thing 4 year olds don't need to know what it is called, just what it means.
There have been way too many other hilarious moments at our house, so this is my vow to write things down!

How the...

Yesterday, we were all busy around the house doing various things, when I heard a gigantic THUD in the bathroom. I knew that Dallin had gone in a few moments before and was wondering what he was doing when I heard him crying. Cauley and I both reached the bathroom at the same time to find Dallin lying on the floor holding his forehead crying. We found no marks, and told him to "suck it up!" His explanation as to what happened was he was sitting on the toilet and was trying to take off his pants so he could be "more comfortable" and he fell off the toilet and hit his head. He finished up and was told to go back to his room and finish cleaning it. After about 10 minutes of cleaning/playing with the stuff under his bed, he walked into the kitchen and this is what I found! His eye was almost swollen shut (from hanging upside down off his bed) and was really black and purple! I wish I had taken a picture today, as it is REALLY super black today, but thanks to a loving, caring dad who cleaned his room for him while Dallin iced his eye, the swellings gone down a little. Really, people, his eye is not a pretty site and this picture Cauley took does NOT do justice! I am a mean mom, as every time I, looked at him yesterday, I laughed- out loud. How do you fall off a toilet like that? I'm awaiting the phone call from the school- there's no way they'll take him serious about how he got the nice shiner! (I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't been one of the first on the scene!)

WARNING!

Warning: Gross Picture ahead!

I wish I could say that the brown stuff on the wall was pudding, mud, frosting, or even melted chocolate, but no, my friends, it is not.

Is it me, or does Satan try and defer you from attending the temple too? I was literally packing my temple bag when I hear Ty's sweet little voice say, "Poo on my hands! HELP! Poo on my hands! EWWW!" I went running and found minimal damage- just two spots where the walls looked like the above picture and a larger spot on the carpet. Needless to say, it got cleaned up and I even have time to blog about our "adventure" before I need to leave to drop my kids off to be supervised so this doesn't happen again. I must meantion, however, I had a wonderful cheerleader while cleaning up the mess. Tyli was very happy to stand by and point out anything I hadn't yet got to, and then when it was over, she clapped and said, "Yay! Mommy got it ALL cleaned. Good mommy!"

Update

It has been a long time since I've posted again, but I've kinda been out of commission here. Sorry. As I told you before, I had another miscarriage. On Sunday I started cramping and bleeding real bad so Cauley took me to the ER. After an exam and ultrasound, I was once again told to go see my dr. for a follow-up. The next day in his office, I was told what I had is actually called a missed abortion. (I REALLY hate that term!) It is very much like a miscarriage, but the baby never formed. There is no explanation for this, but most people who have miscarriages can have what I had and not even know it. On Wednesday I was hurting a lot and so I tried to ease my pain by taking a shower. I made the mistake of looking down only to see I was losing LARGE amounts of blood down both legs. I got out of the shower, got dressed, and prayed as hard as I could. I knew something wasn't right. I called the dr and he set me up with an emergency D&C for first thing in the morning. (I was NOT to get up until then.) So, Thursday morning at 4:40 a.m., Cauley I were on our way to surgery. I was nervous, of course, but Cauley seemed real calm about everything. The surgery went great, but when I woke up I felt as if something bad had happened to my bladder. The nurse kept asking if I was in pain, and since I was still out of it, I would yell, YAH! She gave me 2 shots of morphine before I could ask if I had a catheter which was killing me. "Oh, it must have scratched you or something." was her reply. When it came time to go home, I found I could barely walk because of the pain from my catheter. It wasn't until later that afternoon/night that I decided I needed to call the Dr about this problem. The next day I drove myself (which I was later told by the pharmacist that I was NOT supposed to do!- in Cauley's defense, I told him I thought I would be fine and for him to stay home with the kids.) to my dr.'s office and they confirmed that I have "a REALLY bad infection in there!" Duh! The bad part is that since I am already on some meds from my surgery, I can't have the nice orange medicine that numbs everything down there and turns your urine orange- just antibiotics. I can't even think straight with all these drugs in me! (You should see how long this is taking me to type!) Anyways, I know this is all jumbled and very straight forward, but for those of you who have called and I haven't called back I hope it is enough explanation as to why I haven't called back yet. I am feeling a little better today so maybe by tomorrow I'll be up running after my kids again. Until then, I think I'll put in another movie and take a nap!

Why?

If you are near my little Tyli, you will probably be hearing the question "why?" after anything you say. It is her newest, and most very annoying saying ever. I know she doesn't really care why, but uses it to sound mature- I think. Maybe it's just easier to say than most other words available. On the other hand, it is a question I am now asking myself.

Some of you may know, others did not, but after my last miscarriage we waited the allotted time of 6 weeks, and then guess what... we got pregnant again! I was so excited and could tell everything was going well, the hormones were SURGING! Plus, my identical twin, (yes, we are identical even if I don't think we look that much alike!) Jeni, discovered she too was pregnant. (A lot further along than I though.) A friend asked me if I was scared, since my miscarriage had happened not too long ago, but my reply was, "No, I am paranoid!" I was so excited as I passed the 6 week mark that i miscarried at last time, and then on past the 7th week mark as well. Then it happened. Last Friday I started "spotting" again, but after being checked out by my Dr. on Wednesday, I was told everything seemed normal, but to call if things got worse. By the next morning, I was sure the spotting was over. Things seemed absolutely fine and regular Thursday night so imagine my horror when I went to the bathroom Friday morning during my Preschool Halloween party only to discover I was indeed miscarrying. Luckily for me, the moms helped out with the end of the party, but things only got worse from there. My Dr. wanted me to go into Labor and Delivery if things got worse, but I know what to expect and look for, and will wait until it is absolutely necessary this time before we go. This all leads me back to Ty's favorite saying; why? I know Heavenly Father wanted me to get pregnant again, but in a lot of ways, I feel as if it is a cruel joke! Why? 2 miscarriages in 3 months? And to have received an answer so clearly. I am emotionless right now, but along with this, I feel faithless. I really don't know if I will ever be able to put my faith in Him and try and have another baby. It is such a hard thing to go through emotionally, especially so close together. I just can't even explain the feelings I have right now, which doesn't help my endless ramblings to try and make myself feel better. All I ask is that you'll pray for me- that I can handle this again. Thanks

A first- and probably a last!

A few weeks ago, I was blessed by the sale at Fry's! I was able to purchase an entire 3-month supply of food for me and my family in just a little over $100! Most of it fit in my huge pantry, and for once, it looked a little full. It didn't last long, as I used a can of cream of chicken soup and it threw off the whole balance! Oh well. I just need to keep building on it, which is my goal for the next few months and then for forever! I was so proud of my full pantry I actually cried. Yah, I'm crazy, but at least we have food!

Our First Field Trip

Hadley, Becca, and Dallin
Parker, Dallin, and McKade saying hello to a fireman all dressed up. I asked them to do this so the children would know what they look and sound like when they come into a fire in case a child is ever trapped. They look and sound scary, so we made sure the children know that they aren't a scary monster- they are our helping friends who are there to save and help us! (Some of the kids still wouldn't go near him though!)

Brad, Parker, Jake, Aiden, Dallin, Becca, Hadley, Ty, me, and McKade with all of our Firemen Friends! The kids thought this was so cool- sitting on the bumper of the fire truck!

October was deemed "Safety Month" by me for my preschool. I thought, why not- we'll be talking about being safe for Halloween anyways. We learned about Stranger Danger, water safety, Fire safety, dangerous things that could be around our houses that we should NOT touch, phone numbers, addresses, and all about 911! The kids had fun, and to top it all off, we went to the Queen Creek Fire Department for a field trip. All the kids were "shell shocked" and didn't ask the million questions we discussed before we left. They were cute, and we were lucky to have my brother-in-law, Brad, who works for the Parks and Rec for the Town of QC and Steph, and their boys join us. I could tell Parker thought it was neat! We got to see everything in and on a fire truck (the kids got to sit inside), we saw their clothing, we saw the inside of the fire station and it was funny listening to the kiddos as they discovered that the firefighters each had a bed to sleep in like they did at home and a kitchen, and a TV. The kids got coloring books and crayons and stickers. (That was the end of the tour for them, as they all sat right down to color- not hearing another word!) It was a great time overall, and I look forward to next year's field trip there. Oh, did I mention that, once again- for the second year in a row, I have the most amazing parents to these preschoolers who are and were so willing to come and help out?

WAYYYY Behind!

I have to appologize to you all, as I have not posted anything in so long. I am still here- barely ticking it feels like. I have MUCH to post about, so look for some upcoming posts. Till then!

I'm an Aunt (again)!!!!!!!!

Yay, He's finally here! Tye Christopher Johnson came into this world early this morning, uping my count of nephews to 7 (nieces 1). I couldn't be happier for Ryan and Jenn, and would like to wish my sister-in-law a speedy reccovery. I am told she did awesome (what doesn't she do that's not?) and am proud of her. I really would like to see a picture though (hint, hint!) but I understand it was a long night with MANY more to follow so I'll cut Ryan some slack. Besides, they live in the Eastern part of our country where they currently have no gas, so a trip home just to send us some pictures might not be feasible. Tye clocked in at 7 .13 lbs and 19 1/2 in. long. I can't wait to meet "TC" and niether can my Ty. (She is excited but soooo confused when we tell her, "no, Ty Ty, not you, but Aunt Jennifer's baby Tye was born today. The look on her face is priceless!) We love you guys and thanks for giving me another nephew, making me an aunt again!

It's here!

Did any of you feel it last night? I sure did! I mean, who could miss it after a very HOT, long, Arizona summer? I am talking about that really cool chill in the air- all night long! We finally were able to sleep with our window open last night, and I couldn't sleep because I was too cold! (YAY!!) Cauley frowned on me as I asked him to get me a blanket while I lay in bed earlier this morning. Autumn is my most favorite time of year. I have been in anticipation for it for about a month now, but finally experienced it these past 12 hours. I am (un)patiently waiting for my Scentsy order to get here with all my fall scents I ordered about a week ago. I love the fall, and here is why:
*The air gets cooler- you know, the chill that starts creeping in, like when we were little and would be waiting at the bus stop with as thin of a jacket as we could find so we didn't sweat to death bringing it home.
*It's football season! I know, girls aren't supposed to like football, but I always have. Plus, it brings back memories from High School, which are fun to remember sometimes. (The football season here would be a lot nicer if I didn't sweat to death at each game early on in the season!)
*The leaves change color- this I don't really get to see here in the Valley, but I can drive about an hour or less and catch the whole experience!
*Halloween- my kids favorite holiday. They have all changed their minds about what they are going to be about 53 times each already, but it's fun to hear all of their interesting choices.
*The smell!!!! This one is my favorite! There are so many smells of autumn that I don't know where to begin. First, there is the smell of the football games. Next, the smell of cooler air. Then there's the heavenly baking smells that accommodate this time of year. Finally, there is the scent of what the cooler air is going to be bringing- the Winter Holidays!

My New Background

A BIG thank you to my awesome husband for helping me make my new background! As most of you know, I can never make up my mind!

This is my husband. This is my husband wearing bling. ( and a really tight under armor shirt.) Any questions?

Preschool is in session!

Jacob, McKade, Hadley, and Becca Missing: Aiden

Preschool has started up again. We started the 3rd week of August, (due to unfortunate circumstances!), and have been going strong ever since! I feel so blessed to have such awesome students and parents who attend my preschool!

Higley's Beat The Heat 5K

My sister-in-law, Stephanie, and I decided to participate in the 2nd annual Higley High Beat The Heat 5K in August. No, we weren't in shape, and no, we didn't train for it, but we anticipated the date with lots of talk about how our goal was to not come in dead last! We arrived just in time to load up the kiddos into our strollers. (McKade and Parker rode in mine and Bryce rode in his Mamma's while Tyli stayed home with Grandma Kathy and Dallin "helped Cauley" out being the "official" time keeper.) It was hot, and we were all sweating very badly just standing there before the race began, but once the gun went off, it started raining real hard, so I was expecting some relief, but it only got worse. We were only about 1/2 mile into the race when it stopped raining, leaving it more humid than I think I've ever experienced in my life! The race was fun, but hot, and after it was over, Cauley showed me that I pushed a stroller with 2 flat tires. I think the theme for the race for Steph and I was "It's building character!" We laughed a lot- almost too much for what we were supposed to be accomplishing. My favorite quote of the night came from Stephanie as we were running over to get ready to start the race (we were still trying to get kids in the stroller when they were trying to start) she said, "Hurry, take a picture! This is the most running you'll see from us tonight!" One lady laughed, but everyone else looked at us like we were crazy. Good times! Oh yah, I almost forgot, I set a new PR- ok, so it was the first time I have ever done a 5K, so that counts, right? And by the way, we did NOT come in last place- by about 30 people!

WAAAYYYYY Behind!

Sorry! I really have been gone from the blogging world for quite a while now. I'm still here, just been busy. I will be doing a lot of catching up, but don't know where to start, so bear with me, K? It also didn't help that my slow speed dial-up Internet (dial-up being the key words, or maybe it should be SLOW for the key term!) wasn't working very well with me for about a week, so that is why I couldn't leave many messages on your blogs. I'm back, or so I hope!

And yet, another trip to the Dr!

When my children say they're sick, I don't pay much attention until the throwing up or anything unpleasant starts happening. Two weeks into Kindergarten, Dallin came home from school one day with his eyes practically glued shut telling me not how his day of Kindergarten was, but how much his eyes really hurt. It only took a few days and lots of drops for all signs/symptoms of his pink eye to disappear. Then, last night he didn't eat very well, and was unusually quiet before bed. He was up a number of times for silly, trivial things like to get a drink but returning to bed without actually getting a drink and so on. When I got up (way too early) this morning, I found him lying on the couch "freezing." After taking his temp., I decided he might not be going to school today. It only took a few minutes before he started saying his ears hurt. I gave him some motrin and he started feeling better, so we went ahead with preschool and I sent him on to Kindergarten. When I picked him up, he started crying as soon as he saw me and told me his ears really hurt. Hmm. Off to the Dr? Yup. (They couldn't take any more patients for the rest of the day, so I had to go to Twilight Pediatrics.) I ended up dropping off the two younger ones to Cauley as he ended his football practice and took Dallin to the Dr. After a 2 hour wait, and YES, it really was a 2 hour wait (we got there a little before 6 and got out about 20 after 8!), we were finally seen. I felt so bad for Dallin as he sat in the waiting room holding his ears and either moaning or just letting the tears fall because he was in so much pain. I think the only thing that got him through was I promised him he could go get whatever he wanted to eat when we were done. The only things he wanted was a Diet Coke and ice cream. (He must be my son, eh?) Anyways, the dr. ended up giving us the "strong and very expensive" stuff, but hopefully it works. I am praying that this isn't a preview of what is to come this cold and flue season!

With the rain comes much laughter!

Our summer monsoons have come back, but not without the funny comments made by my now 3 year old! The other day we were at Fry's (a grocery store right down the street from my house) in the afternoon. It was thundering and lightning outside, and just as we were going down the cereal isle a big clap of thunder sounded, "shaking" the big building we were in. McKade screamed out "We're all going to die! Run!" and kept repeating this for about a minute. Everyone on our isle and the two surrounding us were laughing hysterically, and one lady even had to come over and tell me how McKade had made her day. Then, this morning as I lay in bed listening to the downpour outside and giving a prayer of gratitude for the rain, I heard my boys up looking out their bedroom window. McKade comes running down the hall to announce that it was raining in their room. I quickly got out of bed and he asked me "Are you coming to save us?" Needless to say, I couldn't help but giggle at his serious and innocent question. That is, until I found out that it wasn't raining in their room, the window was leaking and the water was running in between their window sills. I turned to go get a cloth to clean up the mess only to find McKade with the biggest bucket he could find in his arms to "catch all the water." I love his innocence!

Happy, Happy Birthday, McKade!

If you ask McKade, he will tell you his birthday is "August 23rd." He's right! Saturday my big-but-still-my-little-boy turned 3! He was so adorable and excited for his party, which he chose to follow his big brother, Dallin, and go to peter Piper Pizza. All the kids had fun playing the games and going down the slides, and we all enjoyed the pizza. McKade was so excited to open his presents, which included monster truck after monster truck (which is all he said he wanted!). His favorite presents though came from Grandpa Ruth which was a truck with a trailer carrying a tractor and Grandma Kathy gave him a spider man car jumping thing. (kinda hard to explain.) Anyways, he hasn't put the truck/trailer down yet, except for bath time of course! I just had to include this picture of Parker blowing out the match in his cupcake like a candle. He wanted to keep doing this and it was so funny!

Today McKade had his 3 year check up with Dr. Jones. (I really, really like this DR.!) He is 40 inch. tall (70%), weighs in at 29 1/4 lbs. (20%), and is doing great overall. We did find out today that he has what is called an innocent heart murmur. I was getting worried as Dr. Jones kept listening to his heart, lying him down to listen, making McKade crunch into a sit-up position to listen, and then repeating this for about 10 minutes without saying anything. I guess it is common in really skinny small children, and it is nothing to worry about, but as his mother, I am still worried. They will check it next year to see if it has gone away, and if not, we may be sent to a cardiologist. Other than that, Dr. Jones was very impressed and said McKade is the smartest, best behaved 3 year old he has ever seen. (As his mother, I don't quite agree with the best behaved all the time, but he was very good at the Dr. today.) McKade wouldn't stop spouting off random facts about himself, which was funny like when his birthday is, how to spell his name, what color of shirt everyone in the family wore today, and how long he sat on the toilet yesterday before church because "he had a lot of poo." I for once, couldn't get this child to stop talking!

I am so grateful to have McKade in my life. He is such a blessing, and I learn new things everyday just because I get to be his mother. I love you, McKade, Happy Birthday, Buddy!

I...

I am: totally in love with Cauley, and have been for 9 years now!
I think: way too much
I know: The Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints is the only true church on earth today
I want: only the best for everyone, especially my family
I have: 3 beautiful, energetic, smart, and absolutely wonderful children
I wish: there were 6 more hours to each day
I miss: having all 4 seasons- here we have hot and hotter!: )
I fear: losing my family in an accident
I feel: hot- what else can you feel while living in AZ in August?!
I hear: my kids playing (nicely for the moment)
I smell: my scentsy candle (coconut lemmongrass) mmmmm
I search: ponder and pray : )
I wonder: what tomorrow's going to bring
I regret: Not being close to my identical twin, Jeni
I love: that Cauley loves me so much
I care: too much about what others think, but for some reason i don't do anything about it
I probably should: fold the clothes in the dryer
I always: sleep on my right ear because I'm deaf in the other and then I don't have listen to Cauley snore!: )
I am not: patient- at all!
I believe: in fairy tell endings
I dance: with Ellen every day on her show- my kids like to join me too!
I don't always: bathe my kids regularly, but don't worry, they ARE clean
I fight: my urge to buy junkfood constantly
I write: what's on my mind
I lose: my patience too easily- ok really, what patience?
I win: monopoly every time Cauley and I play, which we don't anymore because he can't win!
I never: get up early to make my husband lunch, he'll just forget it!
I listen: to primary music in my car, and to all my kids singing it which makes my heart melt
I can usually be found: with food spilled somewhere on me
I am scared: of spiders!
I need: to be hugged on a daily basis
I am happy about: life- I have been VERY blessed!
I tag: all of you- it's fun

Nothing

When children come home at the end of the day,
The question they’re asked as they scurry to play
is, “Tell me, what did you do today?”
And the answer that makes you sigh with dismay, is… “Nothing, I did nothing today!”

Perhaps nothing means that I played with blocks,
or erased my chalkboard with socks.
Maybe I painted a picture of blue,
Or learned that bears can have birthdays too.
Maybe I played out in the heat,
Or enjoyed a Zero Hero treat.
Maybe today was the very first time
That my scissors followed a very straight line.
Maybe I learned a song from beginning to end,
Or played with a special brand new friend.

When you are young and your heart has wings,
Nothing can mean so many things!
(Author unknown)

He did it!

I'm sure, since most of you are parents who read this blog, that you too have delighted in the accomplishments your children make in life. I am almost jumping with joy at Dallin's latest accomplishment. His homework this week includes practicing tying his shoes. (5 times today, 3 more tomorrow, etc.) I was a bit worried because Cauley has been working with him for a few months now when he gets his Sunday Shoes on, and I get frustrated watching. Well, I bit my lip and told Dallin that since the rule is that he get his homework done right after school before he can go play, I would (reluctantly) help him today. First time, a little shaky. Second time...HE GOT IT! (ALL BY HIMSELF, as I went to get Tyli out of trouble!) Of course I made him practice his last three times, but he does such a great job! I told him he could show daddy when he got home but he insists that no, he practiced 5 times and that's all he has to do! I am so proud of you, Dallin! I love you!!!

Our Last few days

Have you ever felt like your world is being shaken upside down? These past few days I have! It all started on Tuesday when I picked up Dallin from Kindergarten. He said his eyes hurt, and after inspecting them and all the ugly goobers that were "sleeping" in them, I determined he might have pink eye. Great. We had a lot going on that night, so Cauley ended up taking him and all the kids to the Twilight Pediatrics at around bed time (8:00) to find out for sure. I had a Cub Scout Committee Mtg. that I needed to be at. (for my new super fun calling of Cub Scout Committee Chair!) Cauley himself wasn't feeling well, and still has a really sore throat, aches, and I think the chills. They got home a little before 10:00 with eye drops for Dallin and all of them covered in what was once a chocolate sundea from McDonalds.
That same night I started spotting (By the way, I was pregnant!) It continually got worse until my Dr. had me head to the ER yesterday morning. After blood work and ultrasounds, they determined they didn't know anything (but we'd still have to pay all the bills!) and to go see my Dr. on Friday. Waiting in limbo was stressfull until last night when the cramping got stronger, bleeding VERY heavy, and nausea went away. At least I feel at peace knowing what is happening now. I will have more questions answered tomorrow at the Dr. (hopefully!) So, with three of us mostly down and out right now, I feel frustrated and worried about what else can go wrong. I can't exactly say that our last few days have been blissful, but I am greatful for the experiences!

My turn- again!

Rules, copy and paste on to your blog. Answer all the questions. When you are done, tag at least five more people. Have fun!Place an X in the ones you have done.
(x) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
() Been to Canada
() Been to Florida
(x) Been on a plane
(x) Been lost
() Been on the opposite side of the country
() Gone to Washington , DC
() Swam in the ocean
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robber
(x) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only (Dallin thinks that's how you HAVE to pay at Chic-Fil-A!)
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
() Made prank phone calls to a boss
(x) Laughed until you cried
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x)Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about (Thant's how Cauley and I got engaged!)
(x) Blown bubbles
(x) Gone ice-skating (after schapperoning a high school winter formal w/ my hubby!)
(x) Been skinny dipping outdoors (Jeni, why did you say anything?)
(x) Gone to the movies
1. Any nickname? Mom
2. Mother's name? Debi (or Grandma Ruth)
3. Favorite drink? Caffiene Free Diet Coke- from the fountain!
4. Tattoo? ask Cauley :)
5. Body Piercing? ears (1 hole in each)
6. How much do you love your job? tons-of course!
7. Birthplace? Pocatello, ID
8. Favorite vacation spot? Going to Idaho to see my family
9. Been to Africa ? No
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Can't say- I know Cauley's reading this!
11. Ever been on TV? Yes
12. Ever steal a traffic sign? no, but I have stolen a for sale sign out of a yard, but felt too guilty and returned it not even 4 minutes later! (During a YW activity nonetheless!)
13. Ever been in a car accident? yes- apparently while in labor
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 doors
15. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch- the creamier the better!
16. Favorite pie? banana creame or coconut cream
17. Favorite number? I cheer for the whole team- no favorites
18. Favorite movie? The Sandlot
19. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
20. Favorite Song: I am A Child of God
21. Favorite food? homemade pizza
22. Favorite day of the week? Friday
23. Favorite brand of body wash? Dove
24. Favorite toothpaste? Crest
25. Favorite smell? fresh cut grass, lemmons
26. What do you do to relax? read a book, go for a walk
27. Favorite gift ever given? my children
28. How do you see yourself in 10 years? getting older!
29. Tagged? Stephanie, Laurel, Andrea, Cori, Marie, Melissa, and Kira

Birthday, Kindergarten, and Loads of Fun!

Tate Pratt, Dallin, and Brett Bunker on the first day of school.
These are some of Dallin's new friends who are in his Kindergarten class. The picture below is of Dallin looking like a punk on his first day of Kindergarten. He wouldn't give me a good smile- trust me, this is the best out of several pictures!

We have been having a blast this summer. After our trip to Idaho, I kinda fell off the blogging planet and so I'm trying to do a quick catch up for all of you. Sorry about the crazy order of pics and narrating- I can't quite figure it out. First, we celebrated Cauley's 30th birthday! I got up early with the kids and we made him homemade blueberry muffins, which were very yummy! This was his first year he didn't have football school (camp) on his birthday so we celebrated by him taking the boys to the movie "Speed Racer" which was at the $ theater. Later that evening we went to Seth and Jane's reception here in AZ- such a beautiful couple! This is how I did Tyli's hair. Isn't it cute? It's REALLY easy, but takes a little longer than 3 minutes, so getting her to sit still to finish it is pretty tricky. I find skittles work well. It wasn't like this for the reception because the little stinker pulled it out in a moment of frustration before we got there. Oh well.

My sister-in-law, Stephanie, called me last week and asked me if I wanted to go to The Cheesecake Factory with her for lunch. Apparently it was the Cheesecake Factory's 30th birthday so all their cheesecake was only $1.50 each (slice)! The food was delicious and our company which consisted of me and my three kiddos and Stephanie and her two tiny ones was good, until the end when everyone proved to be a little much to handle. We made it through though, and now I can actually say I have been to the Cheesecake factory! Thanks, Stephanie for inviting me- I would say lets do it again sometime, but maybe we should get a sitter first.:-)

I just want to point out these SEVEN pieces of cheesecake on our table. I love cheesecake, but only one of them was for me. The other six were for Stephanie. You see, she REALLY LOVES cheesecake! Just kidding- she took them to friends and family. Dallin took this picture as he thinks he's a photographer. He wants a digital camera for Christmas.

Last but not least, this is us playing at the Johnson Ranch Splash pad. My poor kids have been couped up because of the heat, so last Friday we headed over with Stephanie and her kids. We all had a BLAST running around and getting wet. What a great way to beat the heat! If only I could get my kids to stop drinking the reclaimed water!

Potty Talk

HE DID IT!!!!
After a few accidents and a lot of frustration on my part, McKade has finally gone poo in the potty! I knew he was scared to do it in the toilet so I got out our little potty chair that sits on the floor (the old fashion kind) this morning. We sat together for over an hour this afternoon, but nothing. Then for an early Family Home Evening activity we watched a movie before dinner. Towards the end, he announced he had to go and ran in and sat down on the little potty and went. YAY!!!! The best part is that he now does everything by himself. No more asking and prompting, he'll just go whenever the need arises. Every kid is different, and my boys proved that with this potty training thing. I'm just glad it's over. (well, the tough, frustrating part is anyways.) He hasn't wet the bed yet, and proved he'll get up to go like he did in the middle of last night. So it wasn't completed in a day, but I'll take 4 days over a few weeks or more! I didn't post a picture of the afterword celebration because he was being too shy for the camera.

PT

Yup, it's that time. (Well, according to my pediatrician, we should have started at 18 months!) Potty Training Time. McKade's time to "grow up." Since we potty trained Dallin just before his 3rd birthday, we decided to do the same with McKade. Tyli will probably loose the diapers at or before 2, as she is wanting to be potty trained more than McKade.
We started yesterday, following many of the guidelines from a book we bought on line called Toilet training in Less Than A Day. So far, so good. By noon yesterday McKade was going by himself and using the toilet, all except for #2. He has so far refused to do that. I have a friend who's little boy would hold it, but eventually he got the hang of it, so I'm not too worried. Any tips? We've been accident free for almost 24 hours (except for a little incident that just occurred because Dallin refused to get off the toilet to let Mckade on!) and I am so proud of my big boy! Tyli stands at the door and says "go pee pee" the whole time McKade is occupying the bathroom. (Which is making McKade laugh like crazy.) He has really good aim, and does better standing than sitting, which is nice. I love watching him celebrate afterword by jumping up and down in a circle with his underwear still around his ankles. Now if only we can get him to go #2...

My children are growing like weeds!

We just got home from Dallin's 5 year appointment and Tyli's 18 month appointment. It was fun. Actually, it was better than usual because I had Cauley there to help out. McKade kept wanting to talk with the Dr., and Tyli was her usual happy self at the Dr.'s and cried any time anyone looked at her. Dallin was just nervous. Anyways, here are their measurments for these ages:

Dallin: (5 Years old)

Height: 45 1/2 inches (90%)

Weight: 46 lbs. (75%)

BP: 106/70

Tyli: (18 Months old- actually almost 19 now!)

Height: 35 1/2 inches (97%)

Weight: 26 lbs. (70%)

Head: 19 1/2 cm (97%)

They're still big, but not as monsterous as before. (thank goodness!) At least Ty has hair to cover her huge melon!

Dallin's has decided he likes the tooth fairy so much...

Before we left for Idaho, Dallin got his first loose tooth. It stayed in during our trip, despite the fact that it laid down ready to fall out the whole time. (my mom says he was just to scared to loose it in Idaho.) He lost it the first night we got home. The next morning Dallin woke us up to inform us that he had indeed been visited by the tooth fairy, but only got 4 quarters. Anyways, three days later, he has his second loose tooth, leaving me wondering if he's going to have any teeth left in his cute little face for when he starts kindergarten in 2 weeks!

Happy Anniversary, Babe!

Eight years ago from today Cauley and I were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Does it seem like that "long" ago? Depends who you ask! (Just kidding.) Happy Anniversary, Babe! I love you more and more each day!

Having so much fun...

We are in Idaho right now visiting my family. I always have so much fun when we get a chance to head north out of the heat. So far we have had many adventures, starting with our first ever family hotel stay. (well, with our 3 kids that is.) I want to show pictures, so I won't give away all our fun times, but we are sure enjoying being with family and friends here in Idaho and Utah. My highlight so far was being able to be at our good friends Seth and Jane's wedding in Bountiful this last weekend. They both looked amazing, and I couldn't be happier for them! There is more planned for the family to accomplish within the next 3 days, including family pictures- which are always not so much fun!, so I will have to post about everything once I have more time.

Growth

When Dallin was born, I remember holding him all the time, loving his "scent" and looking into those beautiful, mysterious eyes. About a month later when the "severe" case of colic started setting in, life wasn't so pleasant. Two days later I found myself telling him "I can't wait until you're older!" Time passed, and so did the colic and chronic ear infections.

Dallin grew quickly, almost too fast for some of his clothes. He was introduced to friends like Cooper and Logan. Oh how I wanted him to crawl! We were so desperate we would bribe him with phones or fruit snacks if he would just "inch" toward them. He crawled, of course, on his own schedule. Walking was much the same. I should have had him figured out by then that he does everything on his own timing. He's as stubborn as his mom!

Still, he grew, bigger and bigger. His words changed from "ewok talk" to real words, and eventually sentences. Even though my college education was in child development, I never had to encourage his vocabulary skills much. This part came natural, and he was able to communicate very well by 18 months of age. I loved this time we shared together, and wondered what the future would hold.

With each passing year of his life, I found myself becoming more and more strict. I would "make him obey" and be quiet in public while other kids would be running around screaming and hitting their siblings. I restricted who he was allowed to play with because I didn't want him picking up bad habits like fighting, fowl language and being spoiled by getting whatever it was that he wanted. He has ALWAYS been expected to say please and thank you, two of the most important words that much of society today lacks, and respect his elders, even at a very young age.

As his mother, I thought I would always know what was best for him and when. He proved me wrong from almost the time he was born. Today is no different. Cauley and I had decided earlier this year to wait on sending him to Kindergarten next fall. He would be bigger, older, more mature, and smarter. Plus, that way I could spend one more year with him, influencing his life the way I would like, the way Heavenly Father intended. Truth be told, I wasn't ready to let my little guy grow up, to let go of his innocence.

For his 5th birthday last month, both of his grandma's gave him easy reader books. He was so excited! That night, we sat down on the couch and imagine my surprise when he read me the first book, with help on only a handful of words like "wheels" and "night" and "highway." I excused myself to the bathroom where I cried, knowing that I was only holding back my little boy from the life he deserved to live.

Yesterday marked a big day for me. I actually filled out the paperwork for him to start Kindergarten this fall. He was so proud, marching up to the school, leading the way. The school, unfortunately was closed, but Cauley got the enrollment forms from the district office. He acted different, knowing he's going to school with the "big kids" and that means getting to grow up. He tried to be too much of a big brother by carrying his sister around the house and I even caught him trying to change McKade's stinky diaper, which I would have let happen if I hadn't seen the mess that had already started! He even keeps asking if I have any laundry that needs folded.

Lucky for me, he still wants to be a kid. He rode in the basket part of the shopping cart at the Fry's Marketplace Grand Opening this morning, begged for cookies and popsicles, and even sang songs with his brother to pass the time. When we got home, we all reveled in a game of "Duck, Duck, GOOSE!" and hide and seek before I claimed I was tired and needed to fix lunch. I am glad that he is still little, and loved kissing his cheeks which still had his pizza he had for lunch on them!

Yet another first, to add among thousands, for our family!

BIG title, yah, I know. I was just way excited for this. I guess you could say I've been looking forward to it for about um, 18 months now! Have you guessed what it is yet? Cheater! I saw you read ahead! That's right- Tyli is now officially in Nursery! She has (very UNwillinginly) been going to nursery for a few weeks, which has always resulted in me ending up with her because her nursery teachers love the sound of her screaming as much as I do, but today was her actual "legal" day to go, so I opened the door, placed her on the floor as I grabbed a toy from the toy bin, shoved it in her hand, and RAN! OK, so I know my sister-in-laws are thinking, "I always knew she was a mean mom!"-I'm only kidding Jen and Steph! I guess I am mean. She is so stubborn that she would NEVER go, and she needs to learn a little Independence- TRUST ME! She REALLY needs to be away from her mom- even if it's only a little under 2 hours a week at a time. I have to thank Megan, who had to endure the screaming, and another big thanks to Lindsay who ended up holding her the whole time. I just hope next Sunday she will let me plop her down again without magically sticking to me. Today was big because I actually got to listen to ALL of my Sunday School and combined meeting lesson for the first time in almost 3 years (no joke!), which I really needed.Really Megan, thanks!

Dallin Had A Birthday, Shout Hurray!

I can't believe my big boy is 5 already! He looks 5, according to him, and I agree, but it hasn't really been 5 years since I had him, has it?

The kids and I had a great time looking at Dallin's scrapbook and talking about the day he was born. He loved seeing pictures of him from that time and the year following his birth. I think we spent a little over an hour doing this, but it kept them occupied. McKade thought every picture was of him, and Tyli just kept saying, "baby!" I loved looking at this almost more than they did.

Dallin is a very strong, opinionated boy (just like him mom!). He was convinced we HAD to go to Peter Piper Pizza for a party. Since it was his year to not have a party, we were hesitant, but decided to take our family and have fun. Brad and Stephanie and their boys joined us, and we all had a great time together. Dallin sure loves his cousins and was so excited to see that they were there. (Aunt) Stephanie bought him some tokens for his birthday, so the kids all enjoyed playing games and riding the rides. Dallin liked a video game the best, and the most wonderful part was that for some reason, he was playing off someone else's tokens and played for free for about 20 minutes! He even beat Steph and I at Air Hockey (well, kinda- the score said he won, but you know, it was his birthday!)

After dinner, we headed to Grandma's house for brownies and ice cream. Dallin was so excited for his presents, it was fun watching him try not to look at them. He absolutely loved everything he got, and was feeling pretty overwhelmed towards the end. I snuck out and got his new bike Cauley and I surprised him with. He was hesitant riding it at first as it is MUCH bigger then the one he had, but he got the hang of it and was riding up and down the sidewalk before too long. It was cute watching Parker and McKade run after him. All in all, he had "the best birthday ever!" I love him so much and can't believe that 5 years has passed so quickly!

Turley Family Reunion

Our family "hike" lead by Uncle Grant.

What a weekend! We all loaded our cars and headed to a secluded spot outside of Show Low, AZ for the Turley family reunion. We "camped out" in a very old church, which fit our family very well. We had plenty of rooms for everyone to sleep in, giving every family their own room, and everyone had their own bed. The "Relief Society room was changed into our "dining room" and provided enough space at the table for a majority of the people to eat. The cultural hall was my kids' favorite, providing loads of fun with ping pong, a pool table, and enough space for all our crafts, games, and running around. There was even an area (chapel maybe?) where we had couches and a big screen TV with satellite cable! This was where we all would meet for family time, which included games, meetings, and, of course, laughter and tears. My personal favorite area of this old church was the old baptismal font which had been changed into a big shower (which I don't think anyone used!). Our kids had so much fun running around this huge building with cousins old and young! I had a wonderful time chatting with Aunts and Uncles and had a great time with my two nephews, Parker and Bryce. My mother-in-law planned a lot of the reunion, with help from Aunt Gerry, and I must say they did a phenomenal job! I love spending time with this side of our family, and am grateful for the opportunity to go to our reunion again this year! (A BIG thank you to Aunt Gerry for everything!) I can't wait for next year!

Grandma Kathy (my mother-in-law) and McKade outside "exploring."

My kids taking their bath Saturday night in an old tub.



A fun family moment at a park in Show Low.

Brad and Bryce

?Thankful Thursday?

I know, I am pretty weird some times, but I just wanted to say how thankful I am to be helping out the primary lately. For pretty much the past 3 months now, I have substituted EVERY week by filling in as a teacher in either the nursery or primary. Either I am called during the week from a teacher who won't be attending that week or "searched out" as soon as Sacrament is over by a very desperate primary president, and willingly give up my seat to Sunday School to help out. Having been a primary teacher for the past 8 years of my life now (mingled with other fun callings, of course) I feel right at home sitting in singing time with 2-3 kids sitting on my lap while belting out the primary hymns. I pretty much have the lesson manuals memorized, and have a few "tricks," or time filling games I have learned. I love teaching these little ones and learning from them more than I could ever teach them. I am very thankful to be able to help out, as I have depended on others to fulfill my calling a time or two in the past.

*This is an absolute disclaimer, that in NO WAY am I wanting to be called AGAIN as a primary teacher (for the time being anyways). I am just happy to help out, that's all. But, I know the call is coming- it's just a matter of time. I think my purpose in life is to go every Sunday and teach either primary or nursery.

Happy Father's Day, Cauley!

I am not the sappy type, so, following my usual, I just want to say Happy Father's Day to the most wonderful husband ever, Cauley. (aka Daddy, Mr. Clark, and Coach Clark. ) I am so thankful to have you in my life. You are a wonderful example to me and our kids and I love watching you teach and play with them. It's no wonder our boys want to be just like you when they grow up, and if they are, I will be one VERY happy mom!

Tyli goes swimming

As I was cooking dinner the other night, I heard Cauley yell "Jami, bring the camera!" I quickly did as I was told, trying hard to figure out where he was. I heard him say, "No. Sit down!" and realized he was in our bathroom with one of our kids. To my surprise, I saw Tyli sitting in our toilet with a huge grin on her face. When she saw me, she said, "I swim, mommy!" I quickly turned on the video camera and we had a nice little conversation with her on video, then I turned it off and snapped a few pictures before we let her get out of her new swimming pool. (Just kidding about her new pool!) I hope we got the message to her about not getting into the toilet again!

Our New TV

I will not bore you all with details of this very interesting story, so if you want to read about it, please go to our other blog. (* I will not try and hyperlink this because none of mine ever work anyhow- just click on it under my fantastic family links.) Anyways, The first TV picture was returned, the second picture is of the TV that is now sitting in our entertainment center waiting for us to watch it! (Just kidding, we have used it PLENTY already.)

Swim Lessons

Living in Arizona, there is no other option other than putting your kids in swim lessons so they can learn to swim. Our swimming season here lasts about 5 months a year, and most of that time the temperature outside is much higher than the average body temp., so the most comfortable way to live is to swim. It is not easy to keep comfortable in the water while watching 3 small children who are fearless of it, however, so , like any wise person should, I enrolled my kids in swim lessons. Jennifer, my sister-in-law, taught my 2 oldest last year and I have to say, she did an AMAZING job! This year proved to be a little more difficult, as Jennifer is now living very far east of AZ. Aunt Jeni got the honor this year, and my kids loved it! (ok, so McKade screamed for the first week every time he had to go under the water, but since then begs us to go swimming!) They loved the fact that at the end of their lesson, Gavin, Cauley's cousin, would bring out each kid an otter pop. (Tyli even snagged a few!) I, however, sat outside for an hour or so everyday, watching and wishing I could be in the water cooling off with my boys. I think the only thing that saved me was good company (Megan, Jenn, and all the rest of you who shared in our dread for listening to our children screaming!) and giving my non-swimming kiddos a spray bottle filled with water so I could "keep my cool!" Overall, I am sad we are done with swim lessons with Aunt Jeni for the summer. Cauley is going to take over now that he has a few (VERY FEW!) extra minutes and he has experience teaching swim to small kids. (He worked at Swim Kids USA like Jennifer and Stephanie for a summer.) I just love watching Dallin swim under the water, as he LOVES it, and McKade "monkey walking" around the pool, which makes him VERY happy-acting like an orangutan. Tyli, I am afraid for her, as she hasn't had swim lessons yet, but has absolutely NO fear of water, and will willingly walk off the side of the pool or steps. If any of you need a good referance for swim lessons, please call or email me.

Daddy's gone!

Cauley and Jeff (Cauley's younger brother) are off in New Mexico (Mexico if you ask my kids!) having fun. Ok, really, they are having a great time, but Cauley went to coach one of his track athletes in the Southwest National Meet. (The guy who won the state decathlon when I was at home with food poisoning!) Anyways, I was, and still am, determined to make the most of it- especially when I am the one needing a vacation away from my kids. (I will take 15 minutes away- any takers? They really are good kids, I just need some kind of a break.) Anyways, Cauley left early Friday morning and the fun started with Tyli waking up shortly after and running into our room to see "Daddy." The poor thing was heartbroken that her "Daddy" wasn't there. I bargained and after some cereal, milk, and a "crackah," she was ok. Friday went pretty smooth overall. The kids and I spent a few minutes over at Cauley's parents before heading off to Costco to meet up with Brad and Steph. They were really good through Costco, and even made it home without falling asleep. After some lunch, Tyli took a quick nap and the boys helped me clean up. Then we had pizza for dinner. (I bought one at Costco for our "fun" dinner.) We had a movie night, watching "Finding Nemo" again and eating popcorn. They even went to bed good! Then they woke up.

Dallin seemed determined to make everyone scream today, including myself. Tyli found her Independence and is turning out to be a little more than difficult, and McKade just wanted to be loved ALL day. (Nothing wrong with that, I just can't sit and cuddle all day.) Anyways, Tyli was found in the boys' room ripping off the border (wallpaper) where she could reach from Dallin's bed while I washed dishes. Then, about 15 minutes later, after putting "Finding Nemo" back on as a babysitter, I finally got a shower. I should have stayed in. I had just put my shirt back on when I hear Dallin yelling "Mom, Tyli's stinky but doesn't have her diaper on!" (quick check to remember if I had put one on, and I remembered putting one back on and the shorts on as well.) I run to the living room thinking she's in there. No sign of her, just her shorts she had taken off and a stinky diaper in the middle of the floor along with evidence that she had headed to the boy's room. (When I say evidence, I mean I followed the trail of brown stinky stuff on the walls and carpet!) Tyli was not in there any longer, but had definitely been been on the boy's beds again! I followed the trail into her room and found she had climbed into my rocking chair, the baby bouncy seat, and there I found her bouncing along on her zebra my mom gave her for Christmas. BATH TIME! It was a pretty big STINKY mess, but I somehow managed (with help from a package of dried fruit and her booster seat I can tightly strap her into!) to clean everything up in about 45 minutes. No time for a nap, we had to lather up in sunscreen for our ward party. That was a lot of fun- no really it was. I only lasted about an hour, running after all 3 of my kids at a neighborhood park that had kiddie pools set up every 3-4 feet and slip and slides for my kids to stand in the middle of whenever someone came running toward one. I could tell we were all getting burnt, despite my use of half a bottle of "sun lotion." So I put us all back in the stroller and we walked home, only to get even more burnt. Try explaining to a 4 year old why gas costs so much so we have to walk the 2 blocks instead of driving when it's 105 outside! After dinner, we had a great time going shopping for a Father's Day present and then off to Sonic for "Date Night." (Dallin has been asking me forever to take him on a date, so since my husband isn't in town, why not?) We went to Sonic and each of the kids got a milkshake, which are on sale right now for 99 pennies! We had a great time sitting outside, once again, in the HOT weather eating ice cream and playing McKade's favorite game of "I Spy." When we got home, all three were ready for bed, but since it was only 6:30, we read books for an hour before I gave in and let them go to sleep. So, here I sit, feeling very proud of myself that I have survived yet another day without my husband here to laugh with me at our comical children. One more day to go- and this is the real test as tomorrow is the sabbath and I get to go husbandless with my three amigos to church- and yes, we are going the full 3 hours! I just hope he's home when we get home, so maybe I'll be able to make dinner without the help of 6 unhelpful hands!

Thank You!

I was trying to think of what I have really been thankful for for my Thankful Thursday post today, and have decided to "Thank You!" Yep! I read your blogs and am so grateful for the perspective it gives me with my own life and crazy kiddos. My kids come running to the sound of me laughing out loud as I read some of your blogs like Megan, and the meanest mom, and Melissa (and lots others!). Dallin always wants to know what was so funny. They always love to sit on my lap and look at the pictures that you post, as opposed to me who doesn't have time to wait an hour per picture to load on my dial-up connection. Stephanie, Andrea, and Anne do a great job putting up tons of pictures (as well as most of you!) and I am thinking of hiring you guys out (or at least your computers) to add a couple of pictures to my blog every now and again. Like I said about four months ago, I love reading all of your blogs so I can keep in touch and see what you and your families are up to. I especially love finding old high school friends like Tami, Kira, and Courtney and am so excited when I find my college roommates like Melanie, and Annie. But really, thank you for being honest and real, allowing me to feel bad when I'm not being a fun mom or feel good for acheiving something off your list of goals! Thanks for giving me something to read that helps me deal with life's everyday situations. Who better to get advice and laughter from than friends like you?

* Just a little sidenote- I love all of your blogs and am sorry if I hurt your feelings by not meantioning you, I just picked randomly off the top of my head. Maybe, if you REALLY got your feelings hurt, post me and I'll meantion you in one of my next posts!

The promised pictures

I know I said I would post some pictures of our fun "adventures" from last week, but Cauley beat me to it. To see them, please check out our "other" blog here.