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!