Pictures

Okay, here we go. This is a short recap of our trip. I haven't been able to get on till now because we were settling back in to our routine and the kids were sick for a week. That sucked. But now they are better and I feel more at home so, here we go.

This was the fam not letting my dad sleep in. My brother and sister are here too. Poor grandpa.

It's snow!! Jared actually wasn't very enthused about the snow. He thought it was pretty to look at and talk about playing in, but not actually doing it.

Jacob enjoyed the snow. He and Dell (my nephew) hada snowball fight. I showed Jacob how to make snowballs but he wanted me to do it.

This was our snowman. YOu would think with all the kids we could have made it bigger, but I was running herd on them and trying to make a snowman. We'll make a bigger one next time.

Ammon and I took the kids to Temple Square. It was really cool to be there after som many years of not seeing it during Christmas. The boys really enjoyed all the lights. Well, I did too.

I really liked all the statues, especially this one. I like that they put it in the reflecting pool. It's a really cool image.

I was really pleased with the way this one turned out. I am getting a 5x7 and framing it. I love going to Temple Square. There is something about just being there that calms my spirit and gives me peace.

The last time the four of us were together was 2 years ago. I guess that's not too bad but it felt like it had been forever. My sister lives in Kansas, my older brother in Utah, and my younger brother is joining the Marines. He goes off to boot camp next month. I pray that he will do well.

Ellie is so adorable. SHe is getting a baby brother next month and so was practicing her big sister skills with Sarah. I think she'll be great.

Jacob and Ellie had lots of fun together. Jacob was whacking himself on the head and they both were just laughing so hard. It was way cute.

This is a trick Sarah picked from who knows where. She did it the whole we were at JD and Willow's house. It was hilarious.

I took the kids to the Train Museum in Ogden. They really enjoyed seeing the model trains that were set up and they had a little rookm with a train track set up that the boys could play with. That was their favorite part. We also took them to Air Base Museum but apparently we didn't get any picutres this time. Oops.

Jared decided he needed decorations on his face and took a header down the stairs outside the church. Ouch.

This is one of my best pals, Jesse., and his fiance Kiersten. They are getting married May 16th. They had failed to consult me on this decision and therefore I won't be able to go since Whit graduates on the 15th. Rude (hehehe). By the way, I realized that shirt is not very flattering on me in pictures.

Another pal of mine, Natalie. I am really glad I got to see her since I hadn't since beofre I moved to Az which was like, 7 years ago. It was great to see her even for only a couple of hours. I hope they take me up on my offer and come visit. Next time we go to Utah I will make sure and let her know ahead of time so we can kick it.

Our next stop was Las Vegas where we spent four relaxing days with Cassie and her crew. I really enjoyed that time. Cassie and I get along really well but we have never spent consecutive time together. So that was nice to have a chance to talk and dwell in each others' space. Thanks, Cass!! Oh, this was Sarah's first time in the swing. therefore, the picture.

At one end of The Strip they have Town Square which is a bunch of shops and this play area for the kids. That was really nice. The kids loved it. This is Brielle, Jacob and Jared. Cute kids.

Jared did not want to sit on that unicorn but hey, the pic is more important than your child's feelings right?

We went to the MGM Grand to watch the Lion feeding. That was really cool. I got some pics and some video. the boys that it was awesome!

Brooklyn was also practicing her older sister skills since Cass is due June 20th with #3. Congratulations!! That was also my due date with Sarah, by the way. It's a lucky due date.

All five of these munchkins in one house. They actually did very well. Aren't they cute?

Cass, we are awesome to survive three girls and two boys. I love you. I can't wait to visit again!

Our last stop was my parents' house in Pine, Az. I took the boys to the creek and they found joy in throwing rocks into it. Who knew.

I was able to see my old drama teachers, the Silers, while in Az. It was really great to see them. You ever have those dreams of being back in school? Well, I am hoping now I had a chance to go back and see some old haunts, I won't have those. They're really irritating.

Sarah figured out how to climb the first stair. At least she didn't start walking on the trip. Whitney would have been really sad if he missed that.

My friend Adrianna and I. I haven't seen her since I got married. It was really good to see her and meet her fiance. They are getting married on Thursday. Congrats A'!

On my birthday we took the kids to the Phoenix Zoo. The boys loved all the animals. They always enjoy the zoo. Sarah enjoyed her stroller. That was the extent of her enjoyment.

My boys are so cute. We had fun on all the rocks and various stones and statues. They make great picture locations.


Sarah loves her grandpa. And he is kinda sweet on her too.

And finally, this was us that the Zoo. Whit, we wish you could have been with us on our trip. I missed him a lot but I am really glad we took this trip. I enjoyed the time with my family and appreciated more the time I get to spend with Whitney. Thank you all for the support you have given us. He is halfway there. Yeah!!!!

Retarded

Ok, so it's more than a couple days since my last post, and still no pics. Here's the thing. Apparently my parents hadn't considered the possibility that I would need to upload pics from my camera to one of their computers at some point when I would be visiting them in AZ and not have access to a different computer, since none of their computers have SD ports, and I can't go through their camera because my sd card is bigger than theirs. How retarded is that?! So, I guess I will have to wait until I get home to upload pics, but there will be a slew of them. Here's a quick update: While in Utah, I took the kids to the Railroad Museum in Ogden. That was nice. They enjoyed seeing all the trains. They have a room where a mini train track is set up and kids can play with the trains. That was their favorite part. We left last Wednesday and drove to Las Vegas where we spent the weekend with Cassie and Jake. That was fun. I know Cassie thought it was boring because we werent partying every night, but I really enjoyed the time we spent. The boys really liked spending time with Brooklyn and Brielle. Congrats again, Cass. I am so excited for you and Jake! It will be fun to get together again in March.
While there we took the kids to the Town Square, which is at one end of the strip and is a square block of shops and a kids' play area in the middle. The kids had a blast. Then we went to the MGM to see the Lion feeding. They really liked that too. Next time we are going to go see the fountains at the Belagio. That will be fun.
Monday we left and drove to Pine, Az. I have enjoyed being back at my parents' house. I hadn't been back since our wedding reception, so this has been nice. Yesterday we went into Payson and I visited my old work and stopped at the high school to see my drama teachers. That was really nice. WE probably visited for a half hour and we took some pics. Other than that it has been pretty low key. I feel like for the first time on our trip I am able to truly relax. It has been wonderful to be with my siblings and all their kids, and Cass and her kids, but there's always extra stress when you have extra kids. Here, mine are the only kids in the house. Thanks to all my family for letting us crash at your homes. It has been a great trip so far. I am almost ready to go home. I miss Whit and I wish he could be with us. I know he misses us lots too and that gives me comfort; to know he misses me as much as I miss him. I don't think he expected it to be so hard being the one home all by your lonesome. I love you, babe!!
We will be here till Friday, then spend the weekend with Diana ( I still need to verify that), and head home the following Monday. We might take our time going home though, and cross to Carlsbad, then work out way up the coast to home.
Oh, for those I haven't told, we are having a Graduation party for Whit the weekend he graduates (May 15th or 16th). We hope you can make it. I haven't worked on details but when I have them I will send out the word. Put it on your calender. WE love you all and can't wait to see some of you when we get home!

Snow, snow, snow

Well, I am in Utah and there is a ton of snow!! THe kids love it, well, Jacob anyway. He has been so excited to play in the snow. It was fun to have my parents and younger brother here. They left on the 2nd. It was also nice to have my sister here. She left yesterday. It was great to have a chance for all of us to be together. That hadn't happened for a couple of years. I wish Whit could have been here too, though. I know he is busy when he's at the academy and that he spares a thought or two for me. I am glad though that he was alone this last weekend so he could get some much needed rest. He was trying to recover from being sick and it would have been much harder if the kids and I had been there. I have been taking pics and I will upload a few in a couple days.

Ho, ho, ho

I just wanted to say to everyone, have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! We love you all and hope you are doing well.

On a happier note

I know after last night's post it might seem like nothing good has happened lately, but that is not true. Sarah has been exploding in the development stage. Just this weekend, she started pulling herself to her feet against the furniture. She can flip herself out of her Bumbo, she can go from a stink bug position straight to her booty, and according to Whitney, she said "Dada". It was more of a "thatha", but Whitney wanted to count it. I wasn't going to shatter his illusions. Jacob and Jared love Sarah so much. They love having her in their room to play and have a bad babit of waking her up when she is sleeping. They are good boys(for the most part) and they are good big brothers.

The kids playing in the leaves in the front yard.

Sarah joining the boys.

My cute kids.

My strong boys. We took family pics too, but I didn't like any of them enough to use. We are taking more this weekend.

ALways a first time

So I realized that I was feeling pretty smug about how I have been handling Whitney in the academy. I thought, oh this is not as hard as everyone says. So he's gone all week. At least I get to see him on the weekends.
I was already used to having him gone at night from the night shifts he worked. But it was not seeing him at all that was hard, and I was handling it pretty well. And then came Friday. I swear, everything the kids did that day just drove me nuts. But 3:30 I am watching the clock because I know in an hour and a half he will be starting his leave and on his way home. Then what do I do while he is home? I spend the next 12 hours criticising everything he does as pertains to the kids. What is my problem? I couldn't wait for him to be home, then I'm stressing because are making me insane, and then I get upset and frustrated at everything he does. No wonder he was pissed at me Saturday morning. We worked it out and are fine, but I felt like such a shrew. I have decided it will be good for me to get away for a few weeks. I think I need the break. I could tell he really didn't want to go back tonight, and as he got in the car with Jimbo, I started crying, but I didn't let him see. I didn't want him to feel bad. He already felt that our Christmas will be a lot less than we planned because his check was a lot smaller than we thought (hoped) it would be, but there's nothing to do. We will have Charlie Brown and always remember it. It will give us a chance to really focus on the Savior. And that is so easier said than done, gosh dangit.
Wow, talk about emotions. I just feel like I am getting worse every week. I feel more stressed and tense with each passing day. I pray and ask the Lord to help me but I still feel tense and stressed all the time. What am I doing wrong? Why can't I be strong like everyone thinks I can? Why can't I stop snapping at my kids and feeling like a horrible mom? Why can't I just be better? How am I going to make it another 23 weeks?
Okay, I am going to go to bed before I soak the keyboard. thank you all for your love and support.

Week 1

Wow, has it really been a month? I am BAD!! Well, three important things have happened. One, Sarah has two teeth. TWO!! She is 5 months old! But she has only bitten me twice whie nursing and I'm sure she is very sorry. She is such a sweet baby. And so dang happy!! Except, of course, when she's not. Two, Whitney started the ACADEMY!!! I am happy and frustrated at the same time. He just started week 2 today. Week 1 went well. He said it was better than he thought it would be. But when you're expecting hell week, I guess anything is better than that. However we have heard that it's actually going to get worse, if you can believe it. He's tough; he'll do well. I thought it would probably be easier if he had done this while still single and I told him so. He said he would have no motivation. I asked him what he meant. He said that when he was on the floor, thinking he couldn't do one more push up or one more crunch, he would think of the kids and I and remember he is doing this for us. I have no doubt that he could do this on his own, but it is nice to know that he needs me just as much as I need him. Sometimes I feel like this need is more one-sided. I prayed last night that nothing would happen to him. I know that the Lord knows best and we will do his will, and I pray that whatever happens I can accept it with all my heart, but I pray for him, everyday. I know there is not much risk while he is in the academy, but once he is on the road, anything can happen and I pray every day that the Lord will protect. I never want that phone call or have to sit through a funeral where they give me a flag.

Sorry about that. I guess it's on my mind, just a little bit.

Okay, third thing that happened is that between Friday night when Whitney got home and Sunday evening when he left, Sarah is now crawling all over the house. She can barely sit up!!

She goes eveywhere now. NO place is safe. However the boys have been wonderful. They have wanted her in their room while they play. They never hit her or push her away. Sometimes in their enthusiasm there might be cause for concern but I know they would never do anything to hurt her. They love her so much. I love seeing it.

This picture Jacob took. He's taken some good ones. As to last week, Sarah got thrush and is now feeling better. Jared threw up Friday night, twice before Whit got home and 3 or 4 times after. And so far this week (it's only Monday, mind you) Jacob is now throwing up. Oh, the glamorous life we mothers lead. I love my children and my husband and I know all of you are supportive and reliable shoulders should we need them. Thank you. If I don't post before Thanksgiving, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!