Yours, Mine, Ours, & Everything In Between

New Year, New Goal

2012-01-31T20:04:00.000-08:00

I am going to actually follow through on this goal. I am so sad at all the wonderful memories I am letting slip away because of my lack of journal writing. I want my kids to remember the good and bad. Here is to starting out a new year of blogging!

The Ant's Go Marching One By One!

2010-06-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

To start the story off---Aleah has no fear of spiders or bugs for that matter. The other day James and I were laying in bed talking about my recent trip to Bear Lake. Aleah came in and told James and I she caught a spider in her Hello Kitty purse. James trying to be funny took her purse and was squishing it teasing her he had killed it (During this time we didn't open the purse).

So Aleah left the purse on the bed and went off to play. A few minutes later she came back and said she had caught another spider this time in her fingers. I told James he had better go check what was going on. He checked her fingers to see what she really had. We decided she had an ant so James went to see where the ants were coming from. He couldn't see any in her room so we just figured it was a fluke. So James crawled back in bed to finish our discussion.

A few minutes later James jumps up and feels like he has bugs crawling all over him. There were ants all over his side of the bed. He grabbed Aleah's purse and opened it up to find she had candy in there covered in ants and now they were in our bed. We figured she must have left her purse outside and brought it in to tell us about her "spiders".

All night long James and I felt we had ants crawling all over us. Aleah sat there and just laughed. We learned that next time we need to look inside her purse instead of just pretending to kill the spider. The rest of the night we kept asking Aleah if she had ants in her pants. She just giggled everytime we asked her!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T21:12:00.001-07:00

A lot has been happening and I will fill you all in later with the SCARY details.

A New Year Begins

2009-08-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

It is always so nice at the end of the year to be packing things away in anticipation for summer to arrive. Then, July quickly arrives and it is time to start thinking about the new year! It is always a task putting things back into order, and always seems to take more to put it back than it did to pile into a corner. However, this year was especially fun because I got a new Kiva in my room. (Kiva=a bench students sit on----THEY ARE HEAVEN SENT!)

I will have to update with photos after we have been in for a few weeks so you can see the bulletin boards all put together with the kids work!

BEFORE

AFTER

Lots of stuff!

2009-07-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

A lot of stuff has been going on since school got out! Hold on for all the news!

Justin---He has been staying at my dad's since school got out. My dad has kept him busy driving tractor, tearing out walls, weeding, painting, scanning, and anything he can find for Justin to do! Justin has loved every minute of it and I am afraid he just might want to stay with with Papa! A big deal for Justin is Papa got him a phone. Justin has been dying to get one since "EVERYBODY" has one! Boo Hoo---Is all I can say! I didn't have a cell phone when I was his age! He hates it when I say that. He is also studying to get his learner's permit! I don't even want to know how much my insurance is going to go u!

The pictures below are right after Justin got home from Seven Peaks after going with the 9th grade and forgetting to take the sunblock I had bought him. He said no one brought any! It was pretty bad. We had to go and get some Lortab for him to help with the pain. Hopefully next time he won't forget! He even missed the last week of school and yearbook signing because his burn was so bad! If you look hard enough you can see the blisters (he had him on his face as well!)

Rachael---She is getting ready to go to girl's camp tomorrow! She has been busy playing with friends this summer and trying to talk us into getting her a phone! It sure is tough not being teh oldest! We told her when she is 15 and starting to drive we would get her one! She is now on the countdown! Rachael loves her sister Aleah and loves to take her everywhere with her! We will see how long that lasts! Rachael had to sing with the Young Women during Sacrament and Aleah kept yelling for her! We eventually had to take Aleah out because she was so loud!
Ozzy---What can I say about him but that is LOVES the girls! I can't get him off the phone or from texting them! I get so many texts on the land line (new tech for me) and on my phone! It drives me crazy! He is also a fish and wants to go swimming everyday or to the rec center. I am glad he is not a couch potato and likes to be outside! He also plays a mean game of Kings in the Corner and I can never beat him! He is such a kind boy and is always helpful in all I ask of him! He is SO excited to go to San Antonio in a few weeks to spend time with his grandpa and grandma! I hope they can keep up with him!
Ryan---Ryan is very active this summer! He stays busy playing with friends and entertaining his little brothers! He loves Scouts and can't wait until he is big enough to go on overnight campouts!
Kolby----Kolby, Kolby, Kolby---What can I say but he is the clown in our family! He keeps us young and smiling. The picture below is him in a baby cradle I had as a little girl for my dolls. He was very funny to walk in his room and she him squished inside of it! The things that boy will think of. He is so excited he gets to go to school with mom this year and he can't wait until I can be his teacher! SCARY! He just finished swimming lessons and did a great job! He was always watching to see if I was looking at him so he could wave! Oh the innocence of my little boy!
Princess Aleah---She is very loved and spoiled in our house. We all jump at whatever she does or needs. She is getting quite the personality and is constantly having us laughing. She is following in Kolby's footsteps in the entertainment department. She loves her big sister and is always into everything! I love the age she is and I was so happy when she could finally go into Nursery at church!

The world needs........

2009-06-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

....more messy spaghetti and less worrying about the stained clothes, dirty face, and disgusting high chair!

My Life in the Land of Oz!

2009-05-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

I often wonder why I behave and act the way I do? Is it genetics, environmental or a little of both? The answer still eludes me and as much as I try, I wish I could change some of my personality flaws and be a better person, friend, family member, etc. It's not as easy as it sounds----It takes a valiant effort to change! However, I had a chance to look a little deeper at myself the other day while watching the Wizard of Oz with my students at school.

As I was watching, I started thinking how I could relate to each character in the movie. The Tin Man in search of a heart, the Lion wanting courage, the Scarecrow needing a brain, Dorothy who is trying to get back home, and the Wicked Witch of the West who was miserable! They all had something I could identify with personally.

I could relate to he Tin Man in different ways. I felt "If I only had a heart" for some people I know or have known or just life in general. I wondered why I was so stubborn and could not be so forgiving of those whom I felt had wronged me or how my own self-serving attitude had pushed others away. Because of this I have lost out on relationships that could have been healthy and good for my own personal growth! I asked myself, "How do I find a heart?" I want a heart that looks at everyone and sees beauty, kindness, and has compassion for everyone and everything. That is especially hard for me when I get in a funk! I let things bother me and I can hold grudges. I do not like the feeling I feel inside and I have to make a conscience effort to be non-judgemental and forgiving. It just comes down to wanting to have peace with myself and others "all" of the time and not just when I am in a funk!

Then I thought some more----I have been like the Cowardly Lion. Many times I have been afraid to stand up for things I want, believe, and feel-- in fear of being offensive. I do not like conflict and will keep the peace as to avoid it. That is one personality flaw I dislike about myself. However, because of this cowardliness it all comes out in an volcanic explosion from bottling it up inside. I have to remember to have courage and stand up for myself, others, even when it is the hardest. I have had an experience the last few weeks when I have had to do this! I had to confront a colleague I work with because of something she said to my son that was out of line. She now will not speak or look at me. As a mother, I had to confront her but it was the hardest thing to do to confront another teacher who is a friend. It has been hard and it took a lot of courage. However, I have found I have gotten over it by having the courage and saying something!

Then, the Scarecrow was the one I identified with the most on a happy note. I love to learn and love school. I would pursue a higher degree of learning (Doctorate) but I have to many little kids at home. That is a dream someday I would like to achieve. Learning is a lifelong process and should never end no matter how old you are!

Finally, there is Dorothy----At the beginning she felt ignored and alone! Yes---I times I feel that way and wonder if I make my kids feel that same way too. Am I go busy to stop and answer their questions or just talk? Does work take priority over my kids? Sometimes it does as much as I hate to admit that! I have to stop when Kolby wants me to come and watch him jump on the tramp, or listen to Justin tell me who he likes at school. Those are the moments I am missing and sending a wrong signal to my kids. Do I want them to think it is better "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" or do I want them to think our home is the rainbow? Finally, Dorothy finds her way home after finding her way and herself. That is how I feel on my journey through life. I think I am much harder on myself than I should be! Yes, I would love to be the perfect mom, wife, friend, teacher, etc., but unless I look inward and change me I will never be happy!

(Sorry for this being so long!)

Easter smiles

2009-04-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Trying to get everyone to smile and look at the camera at the same time is a chore! Then you have the ones who always make funny faces (i.e. Ozzy!). I can't believe how grown up Justin looks in the picture! I wish I could slow down the time. This summer he will be 15 and old enough to start driving in the car. I think he knows exactly how many days, hours, and minutes until that time. He is excited to go to high school and I just wish I could keep the girls away! However, there are a few I approve of. Justin is a young man and is going to do many great things as he grows older!
Kolby and Aleah posing for the camera. Kolby has "cheezy" grins like his dad and Aleah would not sit still enough for me to take a picture. My "dear friend" Aimee sent her this darling Easter dress. There is a cute hat to go with it but she refused to keep it on long enough so we put in the flower! She loves the purse though and stuffed it with her smarties and other fun stuff for church! Love you Aimee and thanks for the dress! Do you like the nice bruise on her forehead? Very fashionable huh!

Chains of Love

2009-04-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

My poor kids have to listen to music I like in the car and they have to like it too! Therefore, we are always listening to Erasure, Depeche Mode, hair bands, and anything else I like (I love XM Radio1). So the boys decided to mock their mother and have fun in the backseat of the car! I must say I was very impressed and thought they were pretty funny! I love Justin's facial expressions too! (Sidenote: Justin looks better with his new haircut----photos to follow!)

As for the new song selections, they are curteous of Ozzy---He wanted me to write he thinks Lady Gaga is "hot"! Oh, what I am to do with him and his girl craziness?

Does This Diaper Make My Butt Look Big?

2009-04-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

James found this at Walgreens and had to buy it and then make her look even better with the do-rag! Need I say more? It's a James thing!

The Scowl

2009-04-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

Aleah has one mean looking scowl. We have trained her to scowl on demand because we laugh at her and think it is so cute! I am afraid it may stay that way some day!

Crazy Chickens!

2009-04-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

I tell myself every year I am not going to doing it again--KNITTING CHICKENS! What can I say I am crazy and knit these silly chickens for my students. (Granted this is the only domestic thing I can do!) What is even crazier is I always end up with bigger classes and I have to knit more. This year it was 50 chickens AAAAAH!!!! I still think they are cute and the kids love them-----Even the boys in my class fight over the colors! It is pretty funny!

I also changed my hair color again------I guess by the time I was finished with the chickens I had lost a few marbles! This time it is really dark with a maroon/auburn/brown color! What you ask is that color? It is really cool. However, my kids at school told me this time to quit coloring my hair. Every time I change my hair color they think there is a sub until they walk in the room and they realize it is me!

The kids are all doing great!

Today I got Justin all registered for high school. I can't believe he is going into 10th grade! I think he is an amazing young man and I can't wait to see where the future takes him! The girls think he is pretty cute too!
This is what Justin wore on St. Patrick's Day!

Ozzy is looking forward to turning 12-----All he wants for his birthday is to go to Papa's and hang out. He wants to take some friends too! That is a pretty easy birthday!

Rachael is doing much better---If we can get the issues with her mother taken care of I think she will be better. Her mother is still hurtful to her and Rachael is trying to move beyond that and I am proud of her!
Rachael, Aleah, and Justin

Ryan is doing well and loves to be outside on his skateboard.

Kolby------What can I say about the "wild one!" I love his spirit and boldness. He makes the whole family laugh. He helped me make the "shickens" by putting jellybeans in the eggs. I think he ate more than was put in the eggs. I have had him tested for speech and he missed barely for qualifying. I will miss the day when he doesn't say: "I dot a doal and da dame!" (I got a goal and the game!) or my name is "Tolby" (Kolby). It is funny when he tries to get us to understand him. He thinks by talking slower we will get it! I guess we are the dumb ones!

Aleah-----My little princess! She is very, very spoiled and boy she knows it! She has everyone wrapped around her finger! I love that she is getter more hair and it is getting curlier! However, she keeps pulling the bows out! I will teach her! I will just put more barretts and bows in :)

James is well. He keeps busy and work and doing all my "honey do" projects!

I am ready for summer to come! It has been a great year but summer is always a welcome sight! I have many projects and goals ready to get started for the summer! Much love,
Jen

Happy Birthday Aleah!

2009-01-12T17:24:00.001-08:00

My sweet little girl turned one (1) on Saturday. This was a bittersweet birthday for me. With her being my last child I will never have this moment again! However, it was a fun day to celebrate!
Aleah Joy Edwards weighed 7 lbs 10 oz. She was so beautiful. She is named after my sister and James' mom whose middle name was Joy. Rachael was able to watch her be born and Justin was behind the curtain listening to everything! It was a very emotional experience. We were so happy to finally have her here. Kolby was in love with her the second he saw her.
My 1st grade students were very excited to meet Aleah! They were so funny when I was pregnant. They were say "big belly coming through" every time they would line up. They would love to watch my stomach move during lessons while sitting on the carpet. They were even more excited to surprise me with a surprise baby shower. They thought this baby was their baby too! So when she was 7 weeks I took her to school and we had an ice cream party! They all got to hold her and they even sang her a lullaby.
Aleah is the most cuddly thing. She loves to snuggle and have her back rubbed. She has a million dollar smile and the most beautiful blue eyes. All I have to do is think of her smile during the day when I get sad or frustrated and it seems to make it all better!
Leah came down for a few hours to celebrate her birthday with us. Leah is so much fun and a very fun aunt too! We made her a cute black and pink tutu and had to get her all dressed up. She was not thrilled about us taking her picture though. She is the cutest thing!

Before we had cake she opened her presents. What was funny is that James and I went shopping separately and came home with the same present. Here are her birthday cake pictures! She dug right in and made a very big mess!

Thanks Aleah for blessing our lives with your JOY and SMILE everyday!

WHERE IS THE WARMTH?

2009-01-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

It is so cold here! I have the heat turned up and lots of blankets on the beds. It is just to stinking cold! I am ready for the warmth of the sun shining on our backs and being able to LOVINGLY scoot the kids outside to play. Cabin fever is not a good thing!

Amazing Ozzy

2009-01-02T21:29:00.001-08:00

Ozzy has a really weird talent. He can suck in his stomach and make a crazy shape! He is rather impressed with himself and wanted to post it in the blog! CRAZY boy I tell ya! I still love him anyway!

A few posts below!

2008-12-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry there are a few posts below! I haven't been organized enough to do it weekly! Thank goodness for a new year and new goals!

Grandma and Grandpa Schilling---Ozzy says "Hi and I love you!" He wants you to make sure you scroll down far enough and see his snowman picture! We hope all is well in Texas!

Leah Silly Banana!

2008-12-29T18:50:00.000-08:00

I have to pay a little tribute to my sister! If you knew Leah and I growing up you would know that we did not get along very well! In fact, we did not get along at all! We have horror stories to tell of our loving (did I say loving?) relationship from our younger days! If you would have asked me 20 years ago if I would name my daughter after my little sister I would have laughed in your face.

Thank goodness we are best friends now and can have a good laugh sometimes about the stuff we would do and say to each other. However, I wish I would have been a better sister and friend growing up----it sure would have made our lives a lot easier!

10 things I love about my sister!

1-She is very creative and has and eye for color and decoration. (She is my decorator every time I move. I don't put anything up until Leah comes over!)
2-She is a wonderful mom to her children. I never hear her raise her voice and she would do anything for her kids. (I aspire to be the mom she is!)
3-She is great at writing silly poems for me on the spur of the moment! (Have you heard some of her poems. They will make you laugh till you pee your pants!)
4- She is so much fun! She lights up any room and can bring fun to the most boring place! (Leah and I can get kind of obnoxious together sitting in a corner!)
5-She is BEAUTIFUL!
6-She is a great LISTENER! (She has a great shoulder to cry on and listens to my ups and downs with out ever complaining.)
7-I can trust her with my most secret of secrets and know it will stay between her and me!
8-Did I say she is BEAUTIFUL! I would love to have her complexion and FRECKLES! I think my kids got those cute freckles because I teased her so much as a kid! She has been kissed by angels many times over. That's why she was blessed with freckles!
9-She is a fun aunt. Kolby calls her "Fant Leah". Therefore in our house we have all started calling her "Fant Leah"
10-SHE IS BEAUTIFUL! (I would love to have those long legs and her energy!)

I could think of a thousand more things to write. Thanks Leah for being my best friend and putting up with me growing up. I am glad I haven't scarred you to much and you didn't turn CRAZY on me! You are the best little sister anyone could have ever asked for! I am also thankful I had a little girl I could name after you!

Love,

Jen

P.S. I hope my little Aleah is as beautiful inside and out just like her Aunt Leah!

We're going to DISNEYLAND

2008-12-29T18:39:00.001-08:00

Okay----I don't know if you all know this but I have the best little sister and brother in law in the whole world! They surprised Justin and Austin with a trip to Disneyland with their family from January 21 - January 25! What was fun was to see the boys reaction when they found out. First, Leah wrapped up some lanyards they were sent from the travel agent. On the back of the paper she wrote "3-day Disneyland pass" with the dates. However, when the boys opened the presents and looked at the lanyards they only saw the advertisement that was on the front. They looked at the gift and didn't know what to say. The continued to politely say "thank you" but was unsure why Leah gave them lanyards. Keaton and Parker couldn't stand it and screamed, "Look on the back!" The boys flipped them over and were in complete shock. I don't know who screamed louder---Justin and Austin or Leah and her boys! They are very excited and can't wait to go!

Thanks Leah and Todd and we love you all very much!

Justin and Ozzy opening their presents! (They just thought I was being a nerd taking pictures!)

Justin and Ozzy giving Aunt Leah the biggest hug!

Justin showing the front of the lanyard and Ozzy showing the back with the surprise on the back!

Tom the Snowman

2008-12-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

Ozzy is my child who loves the simple things in life. We are staying at Papa's and the snow is deep and perfect for building snowmen. Ozzy got all his geared gathered up from around the house and set out to build the perfect snowman. We were all impressed and surprised at the materials he gathered up to complete his snow friend. We were sad to see him melt towards the end of the day. I am sure Ozzy will be out tomorrow rebuilding Tom and making a friend for him.

Slacker

2008-12-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Okay! I have been so busy with the holiday season coming upon me very fast that my posting has suffered! I am not a fan of Christmas and feel the grinch in me peeking its ugly head out at times.

With that being said--Here is a breakdown of what is going on in our life!

Justin: We have the next Michael Jordan living in our home. He made the freshman basketball team and I am his #1 fan. Don't worry----I don't embarrass him! He has his own personal cheering section. He is growing tall and I think he just might pass me up! I can't keep him in pants.

Rachael: She is very kind and loves her sister. She has a kindred spirit with her and anyone in the house is lucky if they even get to hold Aleah when Rachael is around. She is getting straight A's and is doing very well.

Ozzy: What can I say, the sweetest spirit. He would take the shirt off his back for his family. He is doing well in school and loves to make sugar cookies. He finally roped me into making them this weekend and we had a lot of fun!

Ryan: Ryan is a very imaginative boy. He is a great reader and can be a big help in my classroom sharpening pencils and putting away papers.

Kolby: AAAH! I could pull my hair out sometimes with his sweet spirit. He is all boy and 4 years old. He loves his family and doing homework. He is doing well in school and can't wait until he can come to school with mom. He is looking forward to Christmas.

Aleah: Sweet, Sweet, Sweet, Sweet! She is so lovable and brightens anyone's day. She smiles at everyone and is very mobile. I love to hear her coo in the morning and rock her at night while she sleeps!

James and I are trying to survive it all! I will get some pictures of Justin's basketball and more pictures of the kids!

Love,
Jen

Love Hand Notes

2008-11-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

If life could be as simple as the love a 4 year old has for his family! I went in last night to give Kolby kisses after he went to bed. As I walked in I noticed he had his special Teddy in bed with him and was sound asleep! I was giggling at the way he looked. As I bent down I noticed marker all over his hand. I was rather upset at the thought it was permanent marker. Kolby lately has a thing for doing his homework ----- (Did I say it keeps him busy for hours! The babysitter is amazed he will sit at the table forever and write his ABC's according to Kolby!) So this morning I asked him what he had written on his hand. His reply was:

"I love Justin!"
"I love Racheal!"
"I love Ozzy!"
"I love Ryan!"
"I love Aleah!"

His love for his family is unchangeable. No matter how much he is teased by his siblings, he loves them unconditionally!

AARGH! My MAC crashed!

2008-11-19T14:38:00.000-08:00

Okay! Okay! Okay! I love technology but hate it at the same time. My hard drive went on the fritz and I finally got a loaner computer! I was freaking out because it started going and I didn't have anything backed up. I am talking my itunes, school files, family pictures, etc. My sweet aid in my class ran to Wal-Mart and bought a thumb drive and saved the day! Did I say----I LOVE my aids! Therefore, my posting has went to the wayside! I never realize how much I like my computer, email, etc. until I don't have it anymore.

Then, to top it all off----my cell phone is broken. I have been pursuing new phones on E-bay but keep getting beat out on bids. Humph! I guess I am just going to have to push the "Buy Now" button and get my phone here!

The fam is doing well and we are all healthy and strong at the moment (knock on wood!)!

Monday's Memories-Ryan and Aleah

2008-10-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today's memory only goes back 9 months. I don't have a scanner so until I get one the memories will be rather recent. Here is a picture of Aleah with Ryan when she was only a few hours old. Ryan wasn't sure he was going to like a new sister, but now he is always the first to go get her in the mornings and loves to take care of her! Aleah loves her big brother Ryan!

Monday's Memories-Holy Crap

2008-10-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

Every Monday I am going to try and post a memory and/or event of a family member. This week's spotlight is on Justin. Since deer season is in full swing I thought I would pay tribute to Justin's first elk hunt. It was named "Holy Crap!"

Two nerdy Wanna Be Hunters!

It was his right of passage with Papa Joe when he turned 12. Justin thought he was just going along for the ride with Papa and some of his clients. Little did he know it would be a weekend of a lifetime!

After a few days they spotted a spike elk and Papa told Justin that it was time. Justin was shocked. All he had done through the last few days was target practice and just watch everyone else. Justin aimed and fired and shot the elk. Out of Justin's mouth came, "Holy crap, did you see how far that thing pushed me back!" He knew he had injured the elk but had to go track him down. It took awhile but they finally got him. The guys there were so awesome with Justin. He gutted and did everything. Now we have a set of spike elk horns hanging on his wall that Papa Joe had mounted. Justin wrote an essay about his trip and tells the story much more eloquently than I. (We have also enjoyed elk meat!)

Another thing about the trip was not only was Justin thrilled to be there but Rulond Gardner was there with my dad hunting. He is the olympic gold medalist in wrestling. Justin was beside himself. He had fun playing around with Rulond and wearing his gold medal. It was a trip of a lifetime and I am glad Justin was able to have it with his Papa Joe!

Here is a picture of Ozzy on Papa's horse Misty!

FYI---This disk with the cool pictures with him and the elk is corrupted. So when I get the originals files from dad I will post them!

P.S. I am glad I have boys that love the wild !

Song Selections

2008-10-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

I have a love of music and so do Justin and Austin. They continue to tell me that the music I listen to is stupid (i.e. the 80's) Hey what do they know? I listen to the top 20 to on XM Radio! I probably know more of the words to their music then they think! Anyway, I thought for the playlist I would dedicate a song to each kid!

1. Justin Can't Touch This---He is at that stage were he thinks he is the bomb! I must say I have to agree! We have girls over at our house visiting Justin. (They say they are there to see Aleah, but I know who they are really there for!) He is so into his looks such as his shoes, clothes, sports, etc. He wants to make sure he looks very COOL everytime he leaves the house.

2. Ozzy (aka Austin) The Worlds Greatest and Fabulous----He gets 2 songs because I couldn't decide. First, TWG is for him because he is awesome! He tries very hard to do his best and is always willing to help and go the extra mile even when it is hard for him! Second, Fabulous because he can sing it by heart and do the actions from the movie and it is hilarious. I think I might be more excited for HSM 3 than the kids!

3. Rachael Crush----Okay! She has the boy glasses on. Her dad and I are beside ourselves trying to figure out how to keep the boys away and her from getting a broken heart----(Hummm! Anyone?)

4. Ryan Let's Hear It For The Boy----Okay! He is one who loves to be cheer on and loves the feeling he gets when he does what he should! Therefore, this is Ryan's "I Can Do It" song!

5. Kolby Wild Thing-----Need I say more? He is so fun and can brighten anyone's day with his funny Kolbyisms and big teddy bear hug!

6. Princess Aleah Catch a Falling Star----When I first heard this song on Never Been Kissed I loved it. I always think of "Josie Grossie, Josie Grossie" from the movie! Aleah is not "GROSSIE" she is PERFECT! Anyway, she is a falling star and when I am having a bad day or just need a smile all I have to do is look at her picture or imagine her smile and it makes the day much better!

Finally---We're All In This Together----is our family song! Blending a family is very hard and we have to remember each other's feelings and that it isn't easy!

Duh!

2008-10-18T18:23:00.001-07:00

Okay! For starters I am technology ignorant! I have tried and tried to fix the font below to match. I am a very OCD and having it look retarded is going to drive me nuts. I am also trying to figure out how to have the text wrap the picture. Oh well! I will just have to get past the fact I can't change it!

Country Farm Fest

2008-10-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

James decided the other day we were going to drive out to Payson and go to a Country Farm Fest----It was a lot of fun especially for Kolby. Kolby got to see a lot of farm animals and run around in the fresh manure filled air! His two favorite things were to get his face painted like Spiderman and jump on the trampoline and do flips. Rachael and Ryan also liked the trampoline! I couldn't resist getting Aleah's face painted. She was so good and the lady couldn't believe how cute she was! After that we went for a drive through Payson, Spanish Fork, and Springville. The only bummer is that Justin and Austin are with Papa for their vacation. Oh well! I know they are having A LOT of fun! I miss you boys!

New Goals

2008-10-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, really this time I am going to get this thing going. It is so fun to read what others are doing in their families and I feel bad I do not keep in touch with friends and family like I should.

This post is more of an experiment than anything. I am going to post a picture as a test. The picture of Kolby and me was Christmas morning 2006!

As far as what is going on in my family----School is in and we are busier than ever. I LOVE teaching 2nd grade. I thought I loved 1st grade but this is better. I have the cutest kids and have already taught half of them. Aleah is growing so big and she is BEAUTIFUL! I love having a baby daughter. She is everything I could have wanted. She is especially happy---Her middle name of Joy fits her well. Even better she is as beautiful as her aunt she was named after (I love you Leah!) All of the kids are doing well. They amaze me with their talents and wanting to be good kids. James is still really having a hard time after his accident. Hopefully we will start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

P.S. Heather, I am going to come and raid your home this week and have you take some cute pictures of my family and get them on here! You are the best at that---plus it gives me an excuse to come see you! Maybe after our quilting class we will just need to get a treat, too! Oh---that reminds me I have to do last months before Saturday! I just need your quilting skills and talents!

Oops! Another test! I have to see if I can insert Strawberry Shortcake! My kids think I am silly!

Craziness

2008-07-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has been to craziness at our house. First, I got a new car! James surprised me with a 2006 Tahoe to replace the family van. YEAH! We can now all go together instead of taking two vehicles. Plus, I hated that van. Justin now thinks when he is 16 he will get to drive it! Boy is he wrong. We always told him the van would be his. But alas, it is gone and we will just find him something cuter than the van! (HEE HEE HEE)

Second, Rachael went to girls camp and I just sent Justin off to scout camp. It makes me so sad to see him grow up. I kept asking him if he packed everything. He kept telling me "yes mom! I am a big boy and can pack myself!" Okay, so he can. But I still have to be his mother.

Third, James just got out of the hospital. He is still having issues from the accident and we are hoping that things will settle down. I freak anytime anyone gets on a 4 wheeler. Justin thinks I am a party pooper when I make him wear his helmet and slow down. Even though it was a freak accident you can't take life for granted!

Anyway, hopefully will school starting soon things will slow down. NOT!!!

Here We Go!

2008-07-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my "wonderful" friend Heather I have started a blog! I also have some family who have blogs and they are so fun to read! Since Heather added me as her link I thought I had better put up a post. I had my camera stolen and will get pictures posted soon. I hope you all enjoy hearing about my family and all that happens in our everyday lives. This is a work in progress so look for more coming soon!