The Street Family

What we've been doing!

2011-03-19T13:46:00.004-05:00

So this is what we've been doing. Starting on the right - we have our medical file from 2007, then next is 2008, then 2009 and 2010. That's what we've been doing. Going to the Dr. or some form of the Dr. that requires paperwork and our money - lots of money! Here's to a skinnier medical file in 2011!!!

My FOUR frog babies!

2010-11-12T11:58:00.005-06:00

I love frogs. Not the real kind, the cute fake kind. So of course my children all had to be frogs one year for Halloween. Aren't they cute?!

Jacob Halloween 2004

Madelyn Halloween 2006

Ella Halloween 2008

Abigail Halloween 2010

Happy Fall Y'all !!!

2010-11-12T11:30:00.005-06:00

Here is some of what we've been busy with! Here is Abby practicing her sitting in with the clean clothes! She loves it. Except she also LOVES to flop around. I was worried she was going to tip the whole basket over!!

Ella had the dirtiest face I tried to take a picture of. It didn't show up, but her face looks so much like Jennie's I had to include it in here.
We went to a pumpkin patch one night and tried to leave the kids there in jail, but they broke out and we had to take them home. Schucks !!! Jacob jumping off the hay bales. He loved it!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! Too bad you can't see all of Abby's face. Just captures their personalities so well. And you can see that even Abby had fun!

Madelyn's favorite!

All of our favorites!

Ella's favorite.

We even went on a hayride. The picture isn't blurry, ok it is blurry - it was really bumpy!

Ms Cinderella herself! I thought I did her hair quite good . She is one beautiful girl. This was at her school party.
The whole gang on Halloween. Jacob is Mario. Madelyn is Cinderella. Ella is 'the pink princess' and Abigail is a frog. We went to a community party where we played games and got prizes and candy. Then to the tri-ward trick or treat where we got LOTS of candy. The kids buckets were FULL. They didn't even miss not going door to door trick or treating.

Abby on Oct 28 - 11 months old!
Jacob got to do a first last weekend. His first motorcycle ride with Dad. He loved it. Keeps talking about where they are going next.
Had to include the closer up shot. They are so dang cute and all mine (ok, ALL OURS).

All about Abigail

2010-10-08T14:42:00.009-05:00

I figured I'd better get an update on Abby up here. We've had so many people praying for her (and us) and I am sorry I haven't kept you more updated. We appreciate all the prayers and fasting and concern for us. We still need it!!

Abigail is doing fairly good. She is now 10 months old. She weighs 16lbs 3 oz and is 28 inches long. She is a healthy looking girl, so it is funny that she is in like the 3rd percentile for weight and 10th for height (or something like that!!)

Her infantile spasm seizures have NOT come back - THANK YOU!!! She is still being seen by our neurologist. In fact we go back again in about a week and a half. He said it is now a wait and see thing - the spasms might come back, they might not. And the 'regular' epilepsy can start at anytime or not at all. So we wait.....

She started physical therapy 2 times a week. I didn't know what they would do and it isn't great strides, but it is nice to have someone help her and me know what the next steps are. She is working real hard at sitting up on her own and is making great progress. She is actually able to do tummy time now so that is leading to her using her hands more. Did you know that by pushing with their hands while on their tummy is where they start to figure out that they have hands and they can do things?? And Abby with her awful reflux could NOT stand to be on her tummy or even her back for that matter.

We have been working with Early Childhood Intervention. Each state has their own version of this. They had a long waiting list for any therapy's, so we just decided to do it on our own. But we do get a visit 2 times a month from our worker and once a month from a nurse.

Abigail is quite floppy, but then goes real stiff when she is over stimulated. She is spastic. So she can sit, but then instead of doing small movements to correct when she is tipping over, she will do a big correction and flop over. We have lots of work to do in her fine motor skills. But she is making forward progress so that is what counts. She does get overstimulated real easily. Which is common in neurologically damaged babies/kids. This leads to all the crying and screaming (like she did for the first 4-5 months of her life). At least I know why now!!! So we don't know how far to push her, how much to take her out, how much to expose her too.

She is also going to Speech Therapy. I know, sounds a little strange, but it is actually for some feeding issues. She doesn't have the same use of her mouth on both sides. You know how when you go to the dentist and they stick something in your mouth and your tongue goes right to it? Well, Abby does that great on her left side, but not on her right. There are exercises for that, if you can believe it, and she is improving greatly here too. She is eating much better, swallowing most all of her food. We are also transitioning her off the $450 a month formula (that our insurance wouldn't cover) to just regular, I can get it at Walmart formula.

Abby has the most beautiful, crystal clear, blue eyes. They look around, they dilate and constrict, they look perfect, in fact they are perfect. But they aren't sure what or if she can see. In fact we just found out Friday that her eye dr considers her legally blind. He didn't tell us that. We found out on a report he did for the Vision Services lady. Her eyes are perfect, but they think the problem is with the area of the brain that processes your vision which is in the back of your brain - an area hard hit with seizures and in preemies. So another wait and see.......So another person from Early Childhood comes - a Vision Services lady who has toys and touchy things, etc that will help us help Abby develop whatever vision she does have.

As far as talking goes, Abby doesn't say any consonants yet. She tells what we call stories. Where she will do an, aahhhhh. Sometimes she even does this squeak at the end. It is real cute. The therapists and doctors say it is a good sign that she is making at least those noises. There is hope she will talk! She does laugh and giggle. It is so cute!!!

She's been sick with strep 2 times, had an ear infection, got her first 4 teeth, gotten a cold. So we've struggled with all the normal baby things too. She hasn't been sleeping very well = I haven't been sleeping very well. She's been pretty fussy = I've been pretty fussy. I think I've probably cried everyday since June over something. Whether happy tears, sad tears, tears of frustration - you name it, I've done it.

Sometimes I go to "that place", the one I know I shouldn't go to. But I can't help myself yet and I go there more than I should. I think about the future and what it will be like. Will she see? Will she ever say my name? Will she walk? Will she ever hold her hands up for me to pick her up? Will she get picked on? How can I do this? How is this my life? Am I doing right by the other kids? Why? Why? Why? This is the hardest thing and it isn't a, "ok what do I need to learn so my trial will end" kind of trial. I just keep kissing on that sweet angel face and hoping we are doing something right.We really do appreciate the prayers for us. We can feel your strength. We thank you for loving us. Keep us in your prayers, we aren't done yet!!

Updates!

2010-04-27T22:55:00.001-05:00

I did a BUNCH of updates tonight - so read on. I'm only to April. More will be coming soon!!!

Baby Blessing

2010-04-26T22:26:00.004-05:00

We blessed Abigail on April 26, 2010 at our house.

Proud mom and dad!

Proud momma!

We were very happy to be joined by our old home teacher (bro ankeney), my dad (papa), the dad and babe, our bishop (runyon) and neighbor and friend (bro reed)
The happy big kids!
Look at Jacob's cute face. Sometimes it amazes me that they still LOVE her even though she has screamed her head off for so long!

Proud Nana and Papa! Thanks for coming!!!
Can you believe you held me like this just a few short years ago?

Here are a bunch of pictures of the sweet baby girl. I just couldn't decide which ones to put in - so you get lots!

One of my favorites! Somehow I caught her in the middle of a sneeze.

Mom, I did pretty good on the new shots didn't I? The dress is beautiful!!

We had a very quick visit with nana, papa and uncle gree! Thanks for coming to make Abby's special day even more special.

Rosie the Train

2010-04-17T22:18:00.000-05:00

It was the vehicle parade at Madelyn's school. We tried to talk her into being Thomas (you know, take the easy way out and use the costume we already made last year) She wouldn't hear of it - so we made her Rosie the Train!

Here is Thomas from last year. We are getting quite good at making trains. I could hire myself out for the right price....

Madelyn is FOUR!!!

2010-04-16T21:54:00.002-05:00

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL, my big four year old girl. This is one of my all time favorites of Maddie! Oh those ringlets! Those lips! Those eyes! What a face!!!

Helping Mom make the cake. She wanted chocolate with pink frosting.

Here she is going in for the traditional put your face in the cake on your birthday. Then Barry pushed her face in the cake. She was NOT happy!
We made dad do it too and then everything was OK.

Ella got a little into her cake as well. She just liked smooshing it on her lips.

Opening presents. Look at the joy on that face!

Her favorite Wii game. We can play for hours and hours......I think Uncle Greg might also like one, whom ever gets his name for Christmas (hint hint). He makes a GOOD princess!

The friend birthday party. We had a house FULL of princesses. They were so cute!

Jacob's School Activities

2010-04-13T21:41:00.001-05:00

Jacob's school held an open house where we got to go see the whole school and LOTS of work and art work by the students. It was really fun. Here is Jacob standing by one of his pictures. (It is the one above his head) It is him and Madelyn and Ella. And it says, What would he do in the summer? He would play with his sisters Madelyn and Ella.

Another day/night the kindergarten kids did a music program. Jacob's class had to be elephants. Here is what we came up with for Jacob. He is pretty cute if you ask me!!

He was fairly easy to spot amongst the kids because he had the biggest ears!

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T21:31:00.000-05:00

We had lots of fun this Easter.

Madelyn had an Easter party at school. LOTS of eggs, LOTS of fun!

Decorating Easter Eggs at home.
Finding our baskets in the back yard. We looked and looked but there weren't any eggs. We thought the Easter bunny had forgotten. That little sneaker hid them in the front yard. We hunted eggs with our neighbor friend Sawyer. IT WAS FUN!

I'm BAAAACCCCKKKKKK!

2010-03-30T21:17:00.001-05:00

I know, I know! I am way behind. I can't seem to do 4 kids and have a life. Here is to catching up. These are from March.

Could you just LOVE this face?

And this one too!!

Ella LOVES being a big sister!

Madelyn and all the squishy yo-yo's that Jacob bought them.
Ella fell asleep in the car one day, I woke her up to come in. She went and laid on the stairs and then I went to check on her - she was sound asleep. She slept there for over an hour. It was crazy! I guess she was tired!

Just some pictures....

2010-03-27T10:49:00.004-05:00

We've been all consumed with a very fussy, many times SCREAMING baby. I feel like I have lost contact with the 'real' world. Here are just some pictures since it's been so long. Abigail seems to be getting a little better! YEAH!!

In the middle of a smile!

Jacob hamming it up for the camera.

Madelyn loves to do her own hair. She has about 7 barrettes in her hair!

Ella playing the DS with headphones on.

OH my favorite time - sleeping!

Photos from TODAY!!

2010-01-25T14:54:00.004-06:00

HAPPY stinkin' VALENTINE'S DAY!!
So sweet! Weighed in last week at 7 lbs 6 oz

Trying to get the big bow Texas/Utah thing down! Her head is still so small the band part looks like something you'd put on after your bath. Really it is only about an inch wide!!

Chillin' on her blanket from Velda!

Ella turned TWO!

2010-01-21T15:02:00.001-06:00

She looks a little troubled that it is her birthday! Ella was so excited it was her happy day. She didn't really get it at first when we were talking to her, but she soon realized what it meant to have a birthday. The traditional face in the cake on your birthday.
Hardly messy at all! I dished up cake to everyone and Ella said, 'I want my cake.' I said, here it is and pushed her plate towards her. She said, no, I want MY cake and pointed to the big cake. What the heck - I gave it to her. She dug right in with her fork and loved it!!

Happy Birthday little sister!!

It's Miss Abigails "Birth"day....

2010-01-07T03:43:00.001-06:00

Abigail on her 'birth'day.

January 7th was when Abby was due. It was so weird to not have to still 'have' her. I went to the bathroom one day and realized, I am not waddling around, I don't have to go through labor, I don't have to wait and wonder when she is coming, don't have to worry if my mom will be here when she arrives to watch the kids - I AM DONE! Kind of a crazy arrival, but I'll take it. Abigail just went to the Dr again and weighs 6 lbs 13 oz. Little piggy gained 13 ounces in a WEEK!! She is almost the same size Jacob was when he was born. As a present to her and myself - I am no longer waking her up to feed her!! YEAH!!
Here is an update of the Abby and dolls shot. Look how big she is getting!

The BIG kids!

ALL the kids! WOW! Are we lucky or what?? (On the blanket from Aunt Gail)

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T15:09:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009!

Not sure why this one is blurry, but I still liked it. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.....

(minus Abigails which I didn't get done - sorry baby Kale too)

Here we are opening one gift on Christmas eve.

ALL the stockings were eventually hung by the chimney (a little late) thanks to Nana!!
Looks to me like the big guy has been by!! Before the kids came down.

Some happy kids on Christmas morning. They didn't get up too early either. I was up and was waiting and waiting. Almost went and woke them up!!
Jacob got spoiled rotten. (And was quite good at guessing his presents)
Madelyn got spoiled rotten. (And really liked this present!)

Ella got spoiled rotten. (I wish this vaccum really worked!)

We didn't even take any pictures of Abigail on her first Christmas.....oh dear! (Grammy did you get any?)

Miss Abigail's Latest Photos

2009-12-22T09:38:00.006-06:00

So here is the cutie patootie! We got this outfit from one of my Visiting Teachers. It is the first preemie 'outfit' we got (the others have all been sleepers) I think it is SOOOO cute! It really is like dressing a doll!!!

I really want to capture her size. She is growing so fast I know we won't remember really how small she was soon. When I showed Barry this picture I sang, "one of these things is not like the others, one of these things is not the same." He said I wasn't right?!

Here Abby is sleeping in her bed. Her color is a little weird in this picture (I was trying flash and no flash), but I wanted to put it in anyhow so you can see how small she is. Funny thing is - she isn't in a big crib - this is the small cradle that we have next to our bed. REALLY look how little she is!

Here with Big PROUD Daddy holding her!

In Daddy's arms.
These next two are my favorites. We have close up's of all the kids just born faces on our bedroom wall. So here are a couple that I took for Abigail.

Now as I look at these, I cry again. This time with EXTREME thankfulness for our healthy baby girl!! What a Merry Christmas this will be!!

Smarty Pants and Heavy Weights

2009-12-18T08:32:00.003-06:00

Jacob was accepted into the Gifted and Talented Program at his school. Way to go Big J! We are so proud of you!!!! He loves 'science' and doing projects - so I think this is going to be a wonderful opportunity for him. He's had a few days of being a little crazy at school and when we ask why, he says he is bored. It will be fun to see what they do.

At Abigail's Doctor appointment last week she weighed 4 lbs 6 oz. She went to the Doctor again yesterday and now weighs 5 lbs 6 oz - ONE POUND IN A WEEK! Way to go big girl!!!

Here are 'the first' pictures!!

2009-12-13T20:58:00.002-06:00

Here are some HAPPY kiddos getting to hold their baby sister for the first time. There were many smiles and giggles to go around! Is Jacob about as proud as a big brother can be?Abigail had the hiccups while Madelyn was holding her and Madelyn was laughing soooo hard. It was funny! Look how huge her smile is!

Ella is still trying to figure this all out, but she sure loves her little sister.

Our kids - we are SO blessed!

One big happy family!

ABBY IS HOME!

2009-12-10T22:01:00.002-06:00

It is a miracle.....we went in for our 'regular' visit on Wednesday morning and we were told that the Dr had written orders for us to room in THAT night. That is where I stay at the hospital with Abby and see how we do and then she goes home the next day. So after some panicking and scrambling (we weren't ready for her to come home yet) I headed back to the hospital to stay with her. She did great and we got to bring her home TODAY. Pictures to come soon.

The kids were crazy excited and just can't stop looking at her. They want to hold and touch and sing and dance for her. They love her already.

THANK YOU for all the prayers. Please keep them coming that she will continue to grow and develop as she should.

Abigail Update

2009-12-08T16:23:00.003-06:00

Sorry it's taken me so long to update this - we've been a little busy!! =)

Abigail continues to make great strides. I know it is because of all the prayers, blessings and the hand of the Lord!! I finally got to hold her (before I left the hospital). This first picture is from then. This is her in my arms. Look how sweet. She just snuggled right in and slept so soundly. I couldn't believe the feel of her in my arms. Oh how they ached for her!!

This is me trying to smile through the tears! I was happy I promise.

This is Barry and I the night (Thursday) I checked out of the hospital. WOW, was it hard to say goodbye. Luckily the other kids were there and a good distraction. I did shed a few tears though. But she needs to be there and the nurses and doctors are SOOOOO good, you can't be too sad! This is what it is and we are trying to deal with it the best we can.

I got to help give Abby a bath the other day (it might have only been yesterday, I can't remember!) She finally got the main line out of her belly button, so we could dress her and wrap her up. This is FANTASTIC because that means her sugars have leveled off and she can keep them up like she is supposed to. YEAH ABBY!!! This also means she doesn't have to be in the warmer bed anymore. So she transitioned to a big girl bed yesterday. She is able to keep her own body temperature up - another good thing! I also got to feed her a bottle. She is trying to get the hang of it. So they only have to feed her a little through the tube in her nose.

Trying to keep life semi-normal at home, we decorated the tree. We've had it out since Thanksgiving, but never got it done. Sure does look pretty in our house!

Barry is finally over his cold enough that he got to come back into the NICU. Here he is holding her for the first time. Happy times!

Barry got to feed her a bottle today. And she took the whole thing in 20 minutes! (They have a time limit of 30 - so she did good) And she was looking for more when it was done. They will increase the amount she is eating tomorrow and if she keeps doing as well with her feeds they will take the tube out tonight! It will be fun to go back in and actually SEE her tonight! She is still having some trouble with her platelets. The tests haven't turned up anything yet. Her levels are up higher and coming down slower, so that is all good - but she isn't out of the woods yet in that department. They won't send her home until they are stabilized. One last cute shot when Barry was burping her today - look at that face!

A Mother's Thoughts....

2009-11-30T07:37:00.006-06:00

As I sit by your bed, I cry. Big tears silently run down my cheeks as I talk to you, stare and marvel at your every move and love you. But I wonder, why? Oh, I know the whole hormones are a little crazy, this was a little unexpected, a little overwhelming, but why? When we have so much to be grateful for as we look at the other babies in the NICU.

I realized last night..........

You are my (our) last baby and I lost out on 6 weeks of carrying you inside me and rejoicing in your every kick and turn. I didn't get to work so hard to get you out and be almost the FIRST to see you. I didn't get to touch and love your slimy body as you were just minutes old. I wasn't the first to change your diaper or feed you or kiss your cute little cheeks. There hasn't been hours of snuggling close as we try to figure this nursing thing out together. Your cutest big brother and sisters can't even see you or meet you. For pete's sake - I haven't even held you yet.

So why do I cry - because of what I missed out on. This isn't what I pictured or dreamed of. But what I've got is better than that. I've got you Abby, safe and sound. Growing bigger and stronger each day. Being helped by angels who are (almost) as good as mom. So please just excuse the tears as mom is having some of her own growing pains.

PS I got to change a poopy diaper today! yahoo!!!

Our Early Christmas Gift from Above

2009-11-29T07:13:00.001-06:00

We are excited to announce - Abigail Ruth Street arriving 6 weeks early on November 28, 2009 at 2:28 pm. She weighed 4 lbs 2 oz and is 16 & 1/2 inches long.I was concerned about the way she was moving/not moving and decided to come and get it checked out. The placenta wasn't giving her the oxygen or food she needed so the umbilical cord was trying so hard to compensate that it had almost shut itself down overworking. Abby was delivered by emergency c-section just hours after I got to the hospital. She is in the NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) being very well taken care of. She has been breathing on her own since she was delivered (just needed a little help at the beginning). Her biggest battle is her glucose levels right now. They just won't stay up where they need to be. But she is starting to eat - the nurse last night said, "she didn't love the last bottle we gave her, but she ate about half." I thought that was a funny way to describe it.

They tell you to expect your baby to be in the NICU until their due date (Jan 7), but we sure hope she can come home earlier, but of course want her to get the biggest and strongest with the best care at the hospital!!

The kids are so excited. They can't come in and see her - so they are stuck with pictures and videos and our stories. But they are excited none the less.I think Barry and I are still in shock. I am sure glad he made it home from school. I had a dream before he left that I had the baby while he was gone. And I have to tell you - that little Abby looks just like she did in my dream. I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for helping me (and Barry) to know when to get to the hospital, for allowing Barry to be home, for good family and friends to pray for us and take care of us and for the safe arrival of Abigail Ruth Street. You are our gift from above and we love you already sweet girl.

Bumped Heads and Homemade Jam

2009-10-20T06:20:00.003-05:00

Jacob had a birthday party on Saturday night. He was having so much fun and his friend made him laugh really hard, he threw his head back and then just kept on going right off a bench. He has the biggest goose egg I have ever seen !!! I tried to take some pictures, but it does NOT do it justice. Luckily, he is OK. It is hard to see, but right there in the middle of the back of his head, right on the edge of his head where it is sticking out - BIG. I almost didn't make it myself. You may know that moment, you get a call on your cell phone from the kids parents and you think, what is wrong?! Thankfully Jacob has a really hard head, just like his dad (barry said it, not me!!)

Nana is HERE!! We are loving having nana here. We kept her busy yesterday, Christmas shopping and making batch after batch of homemade jam. I kept her so busy she didn't have time for any pictures, yet!! When Jacob got home from school everyone had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches - look at these HAPPY faces!!

Miscellaneous pictures

2009-10-13T16:54:00.002-05:00

Miss Ella Bella on her way to take the kids to school. Lots of times we have to wake her up to go. So she has to have blanket and hoo-hoo (Her monkey)

Jacob is playing soccer again this year. He likes it, but isn't having as much fun as last year. He is thinking he might want to try baseball next year.

Jacob's school did a fundraiser. If you sold so many cookie doughs you got a ride in a limo to lunch at McDonalds. So thanks to our nice family and friends, Jacob sold enough and got to go. It is a little hard to see him in this picture - he is in the light blue shirt behind the pillar in the back.

Here is the limo. Neither Barry or I have ever been in a limo. He LOVED it. Said they had a lazer light show and all kinds of stuff in there.

The kids and I made a paperchain to count down the days Barry is gone. We color coded it so we know the couple days he gets to come home, when Nana is coming and when Grammy is coming. They love ripping off a link each day. It is much too long in my opinion.

Madelyn's First Day of School

2009-10-13T16:42:00.005-05:00

Here is the princess Madelyn headed off to the first day of preschool. Got the good attitude going and all.This was the second day (but actually the first where they stayed by themselves) Aren't her and Ella cute. Holding hands and all.

Daddy and the girls on the steps of the school. (LOVE and MISS you B!)
In her classroom. Madelyn LOVES school as well. Every paper she brings home she calls homework and is quite excited to bring it home to us. She is making some good friends and has fun fun fun!!

She already is checking out what others look like and wear. She wanted me to do her hair like another girl in her class one day. She grabbed two chunks of hair and said she had two ponytails. So I put in two ponytails and she freaked out and said it wasn't right. So I finally came up with something that passed her inspection. Barry took her to school that day and I told him - you find out who that girl is and check out her hair. So he tells me when he comes home - she has LONG, STRAIGHT, RED hair. Hmmmmm.....Madelyn LOVES Little Mermaid - no wonder she loves this girls hair. Barry and I have been telling her - just have Madelyn hair - you don't have to look like anyone else. So one day she tells me, I want to have unicorn hair. OK!! Is she going to be fun as a teenager or WHAT?!

Jacob's first day of school & 6th Birthday

2009-10-13T16:22:00.004-05:00

Yup, it's catch up time. It isn't that I have any more time on my hands with Barry gone (less actually), but I feel like I have to stay busy or go absolutely MAD! So, catch up time it is!

Jacob's first day of school!

Welcome to full-day kindergarten. He has a sweet teacher and seems to really be enjoying himself. He is learning lots and loves everything they do and learn. He especially loves science. I can't believe all they do for kindergarten.

Here is the big SIX year old boy!

Grandpa Street made a great electric train table and brought it for Jacob's birthday. Jacob had a great time being an engineer all day long - his dream come true! He got to drive Thomas and Gordon all over (sometimes a little crazy too!!)

Here is the GREEN Birthday cake (we made Greg's pistachio cake recipe)

Seriously, isn't he handsome!Face in the cake - only allowed on your birthday.

The MOM'S are coming! The MOM'S are coming!!

2009-10-11T13:21:00.002-05:00

Barry left this morning for his 6 week school. To say I am a wreck would be an understatement. Why can't I just get it together?! And when will I stop crying at the drop of a hat? The kids are doing great, thankfully. We actually made it to church only a couple minutes late. I sat there in sacrament thinking, I made it, I am doing this, we are all dressed and looking nice and I am not crying. I actually made it the whole church without shedding a tear. Then it was time to go, when Barry usually picks us up (he has to run home early to get ready for work) and I lost it. I am trying to stumble out the door with the three kids in tow and not let anyone see my face. It is the overwhelming fact of how long six weeks is. Now I know others who leave for much longer (thank you military people), I don't know how they do it. I am hoping that most of this craziness is from being pregnant and a little kookie to begin with!

Now, some good news. The MOM'S are coming. Both my and Barry's mom have generously offered to come for a few days to help take care of me, oh, I mean the kids. THANKS MOM'S! The kids are so excited to spend time with their grandma's! They are counting the days till you get here.

I love and miss you B!

Think PINK & 6 weeks is a LONG time

2009-10-07T14:25:00.003-05:00

I don't think I even told my whole family - WE ARE HAVING A GIRL!!

I talked to Jacob the day before we found out and said, Now it might be a girl what would you do? He said, I'd go like this. And he crossed his arms and did a big mad grunt. When we told him, he was a little disappointed, but got over it quickly and told me he was just kidding and would love her. It was very cute!

Since then Jacob has been obsessing over names. He will list off all the names he can think of and ask me, what do you think? Is that a good one? Then he said to me the other day, what about a middle name? I said, I don't know. We haven't even thought of that. He said - it is HARD to name a baby. It was funny!

A long six weeks......
So this coming weekend, my dear husband is leaving us! Yep, you read right. He is going to a school for his work for 6 weeks. Why else would he leave a crazy 6 month pregnant woman by herself with 3 kids 6 and under? Wait, when I read that - maybe he WANTS to go?! hmmmm All I have to say is, I hope we all survive. Housekeeping please.......

We have some cute pictures that I will try and get posted soon.

I have a secret.....

2009-07-25T13:28:00.004-05:00

Aren't the kids cute in their big brother, big sister and little sister shirts! I love them and we get compliments everytime we wear them. There will soon be another LITTLE sister or brother added to our family!

SURPRISE!!! We are expecting baby #4, due January 7, 2010. We don't know if it is a he or she yet. I think, maybe this time, I can wait and have it be a surprise (I say this everytime!!) Barry and Jacob both want to know right now!

We hadn't told the kids yet and I went for the 1st ultrasound. We showed Jacob the pictures and he just looked and looked at them. Barry asked if he knew what it was? You could tell he knew he'd seen it before, just couldn't remember. I said it is something that is in here and pointed to my stomach. He grabbed the pictures out of Barry's hands and just yelled, You have a baby in your tummy!! Then Madelyn turned and looked at me and just whispered, There is a baby in your tummy? It was so cute to see their reactions and how excited they are. Jacob has already asked to be at the hospital when the baby is born. Uh, NO!!

I have been feeling rather yucky. Lots of nausea (thankfully no vomiting) I keep hoping that it is going to end soon. I am over 16 weeks now, but some days are OK and some are BAD! The kids have been great with a lazy mom who doesn't feel like doing too much. Barry's been even better entertaining the kids especially on his days off.

We are excited to start our 2010 off with such a wonderful blessing!

Our Trip to Maine

2009-07-20T14:54:00.006-05:00

Portland Head Lighthouse

We survived the 4 plane rides, the 6 different hotels we stayed at, the 1500 miles we drove - we did it and we had FUN!

The kids loved the beach, seeing grammy and grampy again, the harbors and boats we saw, meeting new family, the beach, learning how to fish, lots of playing in the rain, a little shopping, the beach, lots of good seafood eating and lots of other adventures.
The beach - wow! I love the beach!!! So did the kids. Ella even says beach and she gets this big smile on her face. It is so cute. We got buckets and shovels and dug and piled and ran in the water (it was COLD).

Scrappy, the crab that Jacob found in the ocean. Washed right up by his toes. Luckily didn't grab on!!

We did stop to smell the flowers along the way. The kids have a great way of reminding you of that!

We went to another beach inside of Acadia National Park and there were big rocks on the beach. Jacob, Madelyn, Barry and I climbed all over those rocks and dug and picked around them hoping to find some great treasures. (we didn't, but it was FUN!)

That is Barry way out there in the blue shirt/tan shorts. Those are the rocks we spent so much time exploring.

Got grampy's best side! ha ha!!

I can't remember the name of this place (inside Acadia). The water comes barreling into that little narrow way and makes a huge whoosh and splash.

We spent a day in Bar Harbor, even ate at the same restaurant we ate at 7 years ago when we went there on our way to our wedding reception. Oh the memories and three kids later.......

Way up north, we got to stay at a beautiful home right on the St. John's river. See across the river there - that is CANADA! The house is for sale, so anyone looking for a house in very northern Maine - this is the one for you. (thanks for everything Bob & Diane!!)

Jacob and Madelyn got to fish with Dad, Grampy and Uncle Bob. They thought it was the best thing ever, especially Jacob. He stayed one time to help Uncle Bob clean the fish to get ready to cook them for supper. When I saw him later I asked him how it was (wondering about the blood and guts) and he said, AWESOME. So I said, did you actually see/help Unlce Bob clean them out? Was it bloody or gross? He said, Yeah I watched him and it was AWESOME. What a boy!!! I love it! We've got to find us a fishing hole here in Texas. We had a wonderful time seeing family again. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality and kindness. We were well loved, well fed and well visited! We miss you already and hope to come back again sooner than 7 years!!

These tractors were in someone's front yard. He moved them around, had the years on them. We thought is was quite neat.

Had to get a picture of a potato field for my dad! They've had LOTS of rain so I am sure they are NOT as far along as they would like them to be.

We had a great time surprising Memere for her 80th Birthday! She knew we were all there, she just didn't know we were all there for HER!!

Memere and her kids.

Memere and US!

All the grandkids and great-grandkids.
The great-grandchildren.
Jacob and his new best cousin, Josh. They are both 5 and love Thomas (and all things boy). They were sure happy to have eachother to play with. Everyone kept giving Madelyn their balloons at the party. This is what we ended up taking home! The kids were so sad in the morning.....

Chillin' at the last hotel before we head home.
And this shot explains it all......fast asleep with a cookie in her mouth! I got the cookie out (didn't want her to choke) and she was soooo mad. Think she might have been saving it!

Great memories and great fun! Can't wait to do it all over again!!

Do you SEE this girl???

2009-07-19T14:50:00.005-05:00

Do you see this little Ella Bella?? She went to nursery class today at church for the first time! Since when has 18 months been so little still??? She did great, stayed in there the whole 2 hours, no fuss or muss. She has big sister Madelyn to watch, protect and play with her. I almost didn't know what to do with myself for that long alone!! (She has pigtails in this picture, you can barely see)

Oh the places you'll go......

2009-06-26T12:05:00.005-05:00

This is what it is like where I live.......

94°F -RealFeel 105°F and very high humidity!! Oh yeah, that isn't the high for today - that is the temperature right now at noon!

This is what it is like where we are going on vacation #1.......

73°F RealFeel 78°F

I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

We leave tomorrow morning for our vacation to the Maine Coast and waaaayyyy up North to visit Barry's family. We are so excited and can't wait to start vacationing!!!

Oh the things kids say.

2009-05-11T11:44:00.002-05:00

Jacob and Madelyn were playing outside. It had recently rained and they found Madelyn's gum boots, they dumped some water out of one of the gum boots. Then they run in to tell me that it smelled like gazelle pooh. I said Jacob, how do you know what gazelle pooh smells like? He says, Oh mom, I know.

For Mother's Day at church the Primary children made these cute cookie flowers. Jacob shows up in Relief Society with just a smear of chocolate on his lips. So I asked where my cookie flower was and he said, I ate it. I tried to save you some, but I JUST COULDN'T!

There was one other doozie, but I didn't write it down, so now I forgot!

A little yard work.....

2009-05-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

The happy hubby hard at work. We scraped up all the old mulch stuff and pulled all the weeds. It looks so very nice!

Jacob and Madelyn planting their flowers. We each got a plant and made a little flower area.

Ella was in on the action too - she was in charge of clean up!

MADELYN'S 3rd BIRTHDAY

2009-04-26T15:13:00.000-05:00

Here is the troop on Madelyn's third birthday with all the loot! New dress, new shoes and new princesses. She has since become obsessed with Ariel (from Little Mermaid) She likes to have a dinglehopper (fork) with her at all times and she likes to sing the songs from the movie. It is pretty cute!

Happy Birthday our beautiful Madelyn!!

Easter, Easter EVERYWHERE!!!

2009-04-25T10:18:00.002-05:00

I am still behind - so here are pictures from Jacob's preschool Easter Party. It was fun- lots of sugar, lots of energy. All the kids waiting to go outside for the easter egg hunt.

The hunt!The after shot of the whole class.

One of the moms' at church invited whom ever wanted to meet at the park for lunch and then an egg hunt. Each child had to bring a dozen eggs. It was really fun.

There were LOTS of people there.

Before the stampede of children.

After the hunt with the sweet rewards. Aren't they cute!

Our Easter 2009

2009-04-24T10:26:00.000-05:00

Decorating the eggs. It was one of 'those' kind of days, where if Jacob asked me one more time to color the eggs, I was going to go insane! We finally colored them and lived to tell the tale!
The Easter bunny was so nice and came after church. Here are some candids of hunting for eggs and finding the baskets. Fun was had by all!!

How lovely we looked on Easter morning for 8:30 AM church!

How we REALLY felt! (She really didn't kick Jacob!)

Seriously - aren't they cute!!

MY FAVORITE!!! We are so blessed!

Our family - Easter 2009

A good MOM day!

2009-04-23T12:54:00.002-05:00

We had a moment today, this boy and I.

Just Jacob and I went into the bathroom to do hair and teeth. Jacob has a toothbrush that plays music. So he turns it on and then turns it right back off. Then he wispers to me, "Mom, when I am quiet I can hear the Holy Ghost!" The chills ran up and down my body and I immediately felt the Spirit, REALLY felt the Spirit - it was strong. I LOOKED at him and whispered to him, "You are right. What does it feel like to you when you feel the Holy Ghost?" He whispered, "I feel proud and good." I told him how I feel kind of warm and tingly in my chest. He said he felt it too. He went on and brushed his teeth, I combed his hair. When he was all done, he looked at me again and whispered, "Mom, I can still feel the Holy Ghost." I can too buddy!

WOW! What a way to start my day. I remember that a couple weeks ago we were at the dinner table and everyone was crazy (the usual). Then we all got quiet for some reason. It was real quiet, no one was making any noises, the house was completely silent. I told the kids then that when we are still and quiet that is when we can hear the Holy Ghost the best. When we are loud and crazy or mean, we can't hear or feel Him very well. I guess my dear Jacob was listening - to me and the Spirit. Thanks for teaching me every day my big boy!! I love you.

Jacob's Vehicle Parade

2009-04-22T10:08:00.004-05:00

Jacob's school had a vehicle parade. You had to make a vehicle out of a cardboard box. We (of course) chose THOMAS! Here is the finished product. I think we did a pretty good job.

These are some of Jacob's class and his teacher, Mrs. Emily. Can you spot Ella? She saw Jacob and had to go right up to him and say, "hi, hi, hi" and wave her cute little wave. She sure loves her "J"!

Some happenings of late....

2009-04-22T09:48:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted in awhile and we've been busy. Here are some of the highlights! Jacob and Madelyn figured out how to BOTH ride Madelyn's bike! Who wouldn't love a lift from your older brother!!

We visited the Children's Museum in Fort Worth. They are re-doing it so there is a small area set up in the Cowgirl Museum. Here is Ella doing a little shopping.

And was Madelyn in heaven in the Cowgirl museum or what??!!

Jacob's new cowboy hat - couldn't let Madelyn out do him!

We love hanging out with DAD!

And our huge dirt piles thanks to AT&T having to do some repairs. We somehow ended up with TWO of the utility boxes in our yard. Luckily, with many phone calls and some nagging they got it repaired and filled in rather quickly!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

2009-03-30T15:42:00.007-05:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to us! It was seven years ago today that Barry and I tied the knot!

This was then....

This is now....

Just as happy and even more in love. Thanks for seven great years - only 73 more to go!!! I love you sugah daddy!!!

Things that don't mix...

2009-03-12T12:48:00.001-05:00

Daylight Saving's time and 8:30 AM church. We almost made it on time, I was quite proud of us!!

First day of school, part 2

2009-03-01T15:50:00.000-06:00

Jacob started a new preschool last week. His other teacher is having a baby so she had to close school early. We found another great place to go and he just started. He loves it!

I did three posts today - for all of you who've been waiting for an update - read on my friends.

We have a soccer player

2009-03-01T14:53:00.001-06:00

Introducing #5 from the Keller Broncos - Jacob Street

Jacob started soccer. He is on a 3 on 3 league with no goalie. They had their first practice and game last week. It was quite funny to watch. Jacob almost scored a goal - it bounced off the goal post.

It was freezing cold for both of the games so far. The kids actually wore their winter coats - and we were still chilly. We have turned into wimps!

More visitors!!

2009-03-01T14:46:00.001-06:00

February was a wonderful month of visiting friends. We have LOVED IT!!

The two princesses! Maggie and Maddie!

The big kids creating a train track over the whole playroom. Jacob was in heaven. This is Steele, Cole and Jacob.

And Miss Jade on the train table.

We had our good friends from Winnipeg, The McDonalds come visit. It was soooo fun and the time went waaayyy too fast. Thanks for coming. My only shot of baby Ruby - buried under her blankets - it was COLD at the zoo!!

Then we had Alphy and Elaine - who we also met in Winnipeg but now live in Tennessee stay as they passed through. (Also too short of a visit and no pictures!)

I got a new camera!

2009-02-26T22:42:00.002-06:00

Thanks to my dearest hubby, I (we) got a new camera for Valentine's day. This is the main reason I haven't updated the blog. I haven't dowloaded the software so I can download my pictures. I've got some cute ones coming!!

Ella's Favorite Place

2009-02-08T15:49:00.003-06:00

Ella's favorite place to sit. She throws the shoes off the rack, climbs up and

looks very proud of herself!

Best Friends Forever

2009-02-07T13:08:00.008-06:00

We had Jacob's best friend (Dawson) from Winnipeg, Manitoba come and visit us this last week. (And Dawson's mom, Stephanie and little brother Landon).

(Sorry Stephanie! I never took a picture of YOU!! from the front)

Jacob and Dawson played so good together, only one fight one day when we were at the playground. Dawson said that the President of the United States, President Obama controlled the skies and Jacob did NOT think this was true. So they decided to not be friends anymore. Stephanie explained that the President may control airplanes, rockets etc in the sky but he doesn't control the sun or moon or stars. The fight was over and they were back to being best friends. I thought this was the funniest thing ever - first of all Dawson is a Canadian and then 2 five year olds fighting over politics already?!! WOW!

We went to the Ft. Worth Wildlife Center and Refuge, the Zoo, the park, played in the back and front yards a LOT, rode bikes, played with the neighbor, splashed in puddles, braved a trip to the store, had a movie night!

We tried having the big boys sleep in the same bedroom, but the first night Dawson was too scared, the second night they were up till after 10 PM and the third night/fourth morning they got up at 6 AM. So we had to split them up so we could ALL get more sleep and be a little happier.

I didn't know that you could find your best friend at 3 years old - Jacob and Dawson met at preschool and it was instant friends. They love to be together, don't fight, talk all day long (about what? - I don't know), use their little imaginations to create and do such fun things and they crack each other up.

Notice how they both have Shark shirts on, yep - they even coordinated their clothes!!

Thanks for a great visit!!

I don't want to make you jealous.....

2009-01-27T13:59:00.005-06:00

I really don't want to make you insanely jealous....OK, yes I do - YES I do, YES I DO!!

Look at what my fantasticly talented mother gave us (Barry and I) for our birthdays.

A beautiful handmade quilt. Stitched with LOTS of love. THANK YOU MOM! We love it - now we just have to get some curtains and I am thinking I still don't love the green walls. hmmmm Atleast we have a wonderful starting point to match everything to.

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-01-23T13:55:00.000-06:00

My assortment of cards and playdoh shapes! Lots of love for me! No pictures, because we were hardly home. Kids went to a friends in the morning, Barry took me to breakfast and then shopping. I got myself a little freezer and LOVE it already. Then pick up kids, home for lunch, I had a Dr appointment for my foot - it hurts!! Home from that, go to pick up the babysitter, Barry took me to try a new Mexican restaurant and then we walked around a bunch of stores (our favorite - half price books!!) What a day! Thanks for the calls and well wishes.

Happy FIRST Birthday ELLA!!

2009-01-21T15:24:00.005-06:00

Wow! One year old! Where did the time go?! We love you sweet Ella.

Thanks for coming into our lives and making us so happy.

You didn't quite know what to do with your cake. But after watching Madelyn have some bites, you licked your fingers and said, 'mmmmmmm.' It was so cute!

I will let these next couple speak for themselves!I pushed your face in the cake - just a gentle push, but you did NOT like it!!

You did recover and enjoyed your birthday cake.Thanks Grammy and Grampy (she looks shocked you got her this book)Thanks Nana & Papa for the gifts! She LOVES the elmo. (I forgot to take a picture of the cute outfit! maybe next time she wears it)

Happy Birthday my wonderful husband!

2009-01-20T15:22:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday my dear husband! Thanks for being such a great guy and coming home to all our craziness everyday. We love you lots and hope you know it!! (Amy did write this!)

More photos!!

2009-01-18T18:50:00.010-06:00

OK - I almost got all caught up, but now we've had have Barry's birthday ( mom Street's too), Ella's FIRST birthday and my birthday all this week. Stay tuned for those!

Here is our lovely Madelyn who thought it would be a good idea to use the marker to put on some make-up. Just like mom. Now do you see why you haven't seen me in any photos on this blog?? Barry said to make sure and save these so we can show her if she decides to do a goth phase in her later life.

I thought this one was great! Our main train engineer with his side-kick studying at his side.

This is how Ella woke up one morning. She wasn't upset with the PJ's like that - she was mad I was making her sit still for the photo! How did she get her arm out?

New church clothes from Grammy and Grampy. Doesn't Jacob look handsome?! He wore this last week to church too as he had to give a talk in Primary. He did AWESOME!!

The girls wouldn't cooperate quite as good as Jacob, but you can see them in this photo.

Barry and the neighbor went on a toy run this year. It was COLD - like in the 30's. Barry was a COLD boy by the time he got home. Said it was worth it with all the 50, 000++ other bikes - WOW!

Yes, my friends - that is ice! We had one day of rain/ice. It was quite slickery - so we stayed home.

Nana and Papa Sandberg

2009-01-12T18:37:00.003-06:00

What fun is had by all when Nana and Papa Sandberg come for a visit! Papa started walking Ella around and she loved it. She would crawl over just to Papa and grab one thumb, grab the other thumb and then start pulling to get him to stand up. She walked and walked and walked. Jacob jumped on for a ride this time.OK - I wish I had a video of this, but we were laughing too hard to think straight. Madelyn loves running around and around on her horse, so Papa decided to join her. Can you see the GRIN on his face?! It was the best.

Nana - in her glory. Rocking and loving one of her babies!!

Making cookies with the big kids.

Reading books to the baby!

Thanks for being such wonderful parents to me and fantastic grandparents to my (our) kids. We love you and appreciate all that you do for us. Come visit us again -please!!!!

Blogger rampage!!

2009-01-11T18:40:00.000-06:00

I am on a blogger rampage - I have soooo much to catch up on there are going to be LOTS of posts!! Keep on reading.

Our Christmas Best!

2009-01-10T18:31:00.000-06:00

Here are the cutest kids in the world in their Christmas best!

I love this one - look at their cute smiles!
I thought this one was funny because they all three have their hands in their mouths. Why? Who knows??!!

The girls!!

Cowgirl Madelyn

2009-01-09T12:34:00.000-06:00

Nana and Papa got Madelyn the much wanted and needed PINK cowgirl hat. She is now a complete cowgirl and has made many laps of the main level of our house. Good thing we live in Texas now.......

YEE HAW!!!! That is Pinto her horse.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-01-08T12:29:00.007-06:00

We had a full house for Christmas - although there was room for more -we missed you Ehlerts, Hansens and Sandbergs.

Nana, Papa, Uncle Greg, Aunt Sally and Uncle Brian all came to celebrate with us. It was fun having people all over the place. I think we did pretty good and not driving each other too crazy.
We got spoiled rotten as usual and loved every minute of it. Jacob got many more fun Thomas things - I knew Santa had done a great job, when Jacob was off and playing and we hadn't seen him in days.

Madelyn got some beautiful princess clothes, shoes and jewelry -and she has to wear them daily. She is a girly girl!! She also got her own scooter! These outside pictures were on Christmas day - look at us - NO COATS!!

Ella Bella got some great recycled toys - which her brother and sister love as well (why didn't they play with them this much when they were theirs??)

Early Merry Christmas!

2009-01-01T12:28:00.000-06:00

We had an early Merry Christmas with Grammy and Grampy Street. The kids LOVED it! Who wouldn't LOVE opening presents early!

The children were THOROUGHLY spoiled and loved everything they got. Thanks Grammy and Grampy!

Random Photos

2008-12-10T09:09:00.001-06:00

This was Ella's hair one morning when she woke up. There were three spikes of hair sticking out. You can't quite see the third. It was so cute!
Here she is later that day - we still had the main hair spike going. She has no hair on the front of her head. I decided that I could do a comb-forward (not comb-over) and it would look like she had more hair. She really looks like a baldy with the bow on the top!

We got Madelyn some PINK cowboy boots. She LOVES them. Here she is riding her horse Pinto. Now she just needs a real cowboy hat and she'll be set!

The future Texas Rodeo Queen with her admiring brother and sister looking on!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2008-12-09T23:38:00.004-06:00

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.......(Jacob said he was folding his arms like at Church)

Ella was napping, but here she is all dressed up for church. Isn't she CUTE?!!

In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there......

We got the kids their own tree this year. As kids, we always had our own tree in the basement that we could do whatever we wanted to with. Thought I needed to pass along that tradition to our kids. They LOVED decorating it.

Happy BARFgiving

2008-12-09T23:37:00.004-06:00

It was a rough Thanksgiving this year. Madelyn, Ella and I all had the flu - the real yucky kind. Barry stayed home and did big time dad duty! It took Madelyn almost a week to get over it all. Ella and I were better a little faster. Glad that is done for the year.

We did finally have our turkey dinner on the weekend and it was GOOD! Not sure if it was really good - or if we were just so happy to be well that it tasted extra yummy. My turkey rivaled Martha Stewarts, could have been on the cover of a magazine I tell ya!

Barry carving the beautiful beast!
I carefully followed the directions on the cranberry sauce can and 'slucked' the cranberries out - whole and complete. I set that little puppy on a plate on the table (I was quite proud it came out so complete) When it was time to eat, Jacob came to the table and gasped and said, "Are we having roast can for supper?" I thought Barry and I were going to die laughing! It was great. Came to find out - Jacob LOVES cranberry sauce. We had to encourage him to eat other things besides the cranberries!

MY 3 Frogs!! (OK - OUR 3 Frogs)

2008-11-19T09:25:00.000-06:00

Anyone who knows me and my love of frogs, knew that I couldn't pass up this costume. And of course all my children have to wear it!

Our 1st frog - Halloween of 2004 Our 2nd Frog - Halloween of 2006.
Our 3rd frog - Halloween 2008.
Will there be anymore frogs.......?

This is not an announcement of any kind, I just like to scare Barry every once in awhile!

I'm sure you are wondering.....

2008-11-19T09:16:00.000-06:00

You're wondering - who fixed your computer right??!! It was ME! I am a genius - let's just leave it at that!

More pictures.......

My matchy girls. I don't know why but I don't have many matchy matchy dresses. But these were just too cute to pass up. Aren't they cute?! And getting so big. It appears Madelyn has a little boyfriend in nursery class.....hmmmm. The nursery leader told me they always have to sit by eachother and they play together all the time. I told the leader that she had to keep an eye on them for me. She laughed and said - you thought you had a couple more years before you had to worry didn't you?!

My BFF got to come visit!! Aren't I lucky?! I am not sure how much of a vacation it was for her - left her 2 kids at home to come visit my 3! But I loved it. It was so nice to have someone to talk about everything with - being a mom, the struggles, the joys, recipes, our husbands, our callings, etc etc. THANKS for coming Steph and thanks for sending her Steve!!

Here are some pictures!!

2008-11-19T09:01:00.000-06:00

Here is UNCLE GREEEEE! Isn't he cute and such a good uncle!!

The annual carving o' the pumpkins. The kids and I got all the guts out earlier in the day and dad and the kids did the faces when he got home from work. Barry was having LOTS of fun!!!

You've got to have the front step picture with the pumpkins!! They were so excited! Somedays I wish I was still excited over the little things - no wonder the scriptures tell us to be like a little child.

On our way to the community party! We couldn't walk fast enough to keep up with you two!

Halloween

2008-11-08T13:28:00.000-06:00

I know, I know - it is almost Thanksgiving - where are the Halloween pictures. Well, just keep asking yourself that. I am finally ready to post them and we are having a little computer trauma. Like sledgehammer kind of trauma. I think I will have to call one of my geeks, I mean brothers to find out what is wrong. Just picture in your mind as you read and as soon as I figure out what is wrong, I will post the pictures to go along with these posts.

Halloween - We had a great night. Our community had a little party and then the ward did Trunk-or-treat. Jacob did NOT want to go. He said Trunk-or-treat was no fun, but we lured him there and he loved it!!!! He said that was his favorite part of the night.

We had ourselves a very handsome builder, not Bob and not Manny - just a builder. A beautiful princess - need we say more and an adorable frog. Fun was had by all.

Barry decided that for next years trunk-or-treat he is going to take the motorcycle and pass out the candy from his saddlebags. I think we will be the most favorite 'trunk'.

ENRICHMENT IDEAS - I need them!!

2008-11-01T22:08:00.000-05:00

So.....I got a church calling. Then before I was even sustained, they called and asked if they could switch it - I wanted to say NO, but I didn't. So I am the new Home, Family and Personal Enrichment Leader. Yahoo! So now I need your ideas - what have you done that you liked, loved, hated, etc. Classes, crafts, food - what makes you want to go?? I would love all ideas - if you don't want to post them here - e-mail me!!

Thanks everyone - I love ya! amy =)

These are the days of our lives.....

2008-10-25T21:06:00.000-05:00

We've had some fun times lately!!! So here is my short synopsis of them - the fun times!!

Here we are at the pumpkin patch for Jacob's school. It was quite the fun place. We don't get out that much, but from what I've seen and read there are these places EVERYWHERE! They had those blow up bouncer things, animals, hayride, tons of places to run and explore - it was a fun day. And it was actually a little chilly - thus the children in the jackets. It was the first time we had to wear coats.That is Jacob and Madelyn waaaaay up there. I want to buy one of these for the backyard. It is the best energy using, tire the kids out thing I've even seen!

Then we went and saw the real live Thomas. The kids LOVED it of course. It was in South East Texas and it was beautiful, the people were a little thick accented - it was an experience!
They even had a little petting zoo there. Every time Madelyn turned around this little goat was right next to her. It kept scaring her. Barry and I were laughing soooo hard. You can see her giving it the 'eye'.

Uncle Greg is here for a visit and we are LOVING it and HIM! (Still need to get a picture to insert here!) We did the funnest thing today. We went to Texas Motor Speedway and took the tour. For EIGHT whole dollars we got to tour the whole stadium, see a luxury suite, go on Victory Lane and WE GOT TO DO A COUPLE LAPS ON THE ACTUAL TRACK! It was a hoot!!! The kids were laughing their heads off. We went about 80 miles per hour (no, we didn't get to drive - the tour girl did! She did awesome) I could NOT imagine driving at close to 200 mph. It was fun fun fun! I actually would like to go back again already.......hmmmm
There is a race here next Sunday - so here is Victory Lane.

The start/finish line is right behind the kids.

The pictures just don't do the track justice. It is a 24 degree incline for the corners. It felt like the van we were in was going to tip over.

This is Pit Row. Jacob loves #43 and he said - if I worked for #43, I'd have to jump over that wall and work on his car.
You can still see the peel-out circles from past winners. This was the view from one of the suites. Pretty nice - only $100,000 per year and you have to own it for 3 years. Anyone want to go in and buy one with us??

HAPPY CANADIAN THANKSGIVING

2008-10-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian family and friends! We love and MISS you all!!!

Ella's new habbit

2008-10-07T22:24:00.000-05:00

Ella has recently started a new habbit, as seen in the photograph.

She loves to suck on her arm. She uses the other hand to pull the favorite arm over to be able to suck to her hearts content. This morning she was sleeping in so late, so I tip-toed into her room and there she was laying in her bed, wide awake and sucking on her arm. I have such a well behaved baby, instead of crying when she wants to be nursed she quietly sucks on her arm. It really is cute!!

General Conference at HOME!!

2008-10-06T22:18:00.000-05:00

See us - don't we look happy?! It is us at home on Sunday morning watching General Conference in our PJ's and loving every moment of it. This is the 1st time in years, we've had conference on our TV.

Here are the kids chowing down on our 'treats'.

I did love conference as usual. Sunday morning President Monson's talk was perfect. We were sitting in our living room scattered with toys and an overflowing laundry basket and knowing that one day we were going to miss these little fingerprint leaving children, so we need to enjoy every single day!

To FLU SHOT or not to FLU SHOT?

2008-10-04T12:27:00.000-05:00

That is my question?? What are all of your opinions about the flu shot for kids? Do you get one each year? Why or why not? I can't decide how I feel about them. AND do they really work?

Ella is EIGHT months old!

2008-09-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

Here is our little 8 month old Ella! Boy does time fly when you're having fun. Her first top tooth FINALLY broke through the skin. She sure has been having a hard time with those top two teeth.

She is so funny. I really wish I could explain her little sense of humor she has - but it one of those, you've got to see it. She loves music. When you put a song on with a beat, she starts jamming out to the music by rocking back and forth. Tonight she was even humming along. Too cute!

THE BATHROOMS GOT TILED

2008-09-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

Here are some before and after shots of the bathroom. Our master bath had carpet in it (YUCK) and the other two had good ole line-o. It is all gone, replaced with our beautiful tile.

This is the nasty carpet. Although it doesn't look too bad in the picture!

The after shot, just of our master. It looks so nice.

I am still alive!

2008-09-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

And I can even lift my arms. Tonight it is a bit of a struggle to move my legs though. We did legs tonight! It is a good hurt though. I am going on week two with the trainer. It is still great. I do love it and the kids still like the kids play area. So what more could I want?! Except to have lost 100 pounds already! One day I will have fabulous before and after pictures to post! Just you wait!

Now I can barely lift my arms....

2008-09-17T18:25:00.000-05:00

OK - I can feel the burn, real bad. Today was day two with the trainer. I am hurting a little, sure wish we had a hot tub! I feel good though. Glad I am actually doing something for myself.

Also - so far, no call for Barry to go to Houston. I am happy about that. I am sure he is a little sad -he is all about adventure and excitement!! Too bad he is married to his not adventuring wife -ME!!

Kids are calling - got to go!

The damage we 'sustained' from Hurricane Ike....

2008-09-14T09:05:00.000-05:00

That's right - you are looking at it. Our damage.....

NONE! It was a rainy day with a little gusty wind. THANK GOODNESS! We stocked up on gas, water, food, batteries etc etc. But I did tell Barry that I was leaving town if the power went out and I had no air conditioning. You know I have to have some standards.

Thanks for all the concern from everyone!

Where is Ella??

2008-09-12T16:57:00.001-05:00

We had Ella sitting on the couch playing when she suddenly started disappearing. She was slowly sinking in the couch behind Barry. She is a doll!!

Jacob's #5 Birthday

2008-09-12T16:55:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday big buddy! We sure love our Jacob and love love love the boy he is!

He had a great birthday with some new Texas friends. He even got a call from his best friend in Winnipeg, Dawson.

Jacob's first day of School 2008

2008-09-12T16:53:00.000-05:00

Here is the clan on the way to Jacob's first day of preschool. His third year of preschool mind you, but he loves it non-the-less. He missed the cut off for school by four days!

Day two of blogging.....

2008-09-12T16:47:00.000-05:00

I got some pictures so we can look cooler, like all of you!

Here is Miss Madelyn in her halloween costume. I know it's a bit early, but we had to get it. She was looking at herself in the mirror and said, "I am a princess and I live in a castle." It was great!

I caved to the pressure......My first BLOG!!

2008-09-10T21:05:00.000-05:00

Hello to all my newly faithful blogger buddies. I have enjoyed reading your blogs and can stand it no longer, we had to have one.

So here we go. I am at the computer with no pictures at it so this first one will be real boring.