Wow, could it take me any longer to post?

Things have been so busy that I haven't posted in quite a while. This week I helped the Cub Scouts make glitter pine cone ornaments for pack meeting. We had to work outside because the gym floor was being refinished. We couldn't find any lights that were functioning outside so we were wroking in a very low light situation... therefore, no pictures. Most of my cubbies got awards. 3 of them earned their Wolf, 2 earned their Bobcat and then many of the others got beads. Yay!

On Wednesday I got to go to Natalie's class. They got to make snowman ornaments. I wasn't able to get any pictures there because my hands were covered in paint! (I posted directions last December on my craft blog if you want to see how to make them.) Natalie said she and her classmates had a lot of fun doing that.

On Thursday Drew and I went to his preschool Christmas party. He made us late again. I don't know what his deal is, but whenever he has a party for school he just seems to shut down and move more slowly than a turtle. I got him up an hour early so that he would not be late, but to no avail! (At least he didn't insist on riding his bike this time.) Anyway, we got there and he got right to work on crafts. He made a Christmas necklace, read a Christmas story with Miss Judi, got to visit with Santa and then did a gift exchange. He had a blast.

Today I got to go to the school for a while to make corkboard gingerbread ornaments with Trevor's class, and to hang out with Natalie's class during their lunch. Drew was in a mood, and insisted that we leave after just a few minutes.

Quick update

So things have been super crazy lately. It started in September with Justin's birthday. We were busy every single weekend in September, October and November, so we finally had his party on Veteran's Day. In September we had the talent show. That was a huge undertaking again. It takes so much work! I forget until I have another activity to plan and then it all comes back... kind of like having a baby...
In October I got to help in Natalie's class for the Halloween projects. A friend and I got together with our girls and did crafts. I think I posted about it? We also had fall break with our quick trip up north.
November started out being busy just because it's just a crazy month. Kent and Justin went on a scout camp out. I was home with the other 3 kids, and woke up feeling sick. I went to Urgent Care because I wanted to stay on top of it. The doctor there totally blew me off and then I ended up getting worse and losing my voice for 2 weeks. I had to have antibiotics followed by 10 days of a mega dose of steroids to get control of my asthma, allergies and voice. It was so frustrating because had the urgent care doctor paid attention I think it would have been avoided. Grr... As I was getting better, Natalie, Trevor and Drew all got sick. Drew and Trevor had colds. Trevor got better pretty quickly, but Drew still has the lingering effects of the cold. Natalie, however, has been so sick. She's finally turned a corner, but that's because I took her to the ER at 1 a.m. on Tuesday. We were there for 18 hours. They ended up giving her 2 bags of IV fluids before they released her, and they were unsure of whether or not they were going to admit her. She's finally started to turn a corner and get better. I think she might even be able to go back to school tomorrow.

Natalie actually got some sleep so she did great when she got her I.V. Her nurse was great, and she was giddy.

Natalie got to sleep off and on in the bed. I tried to sleep in the chair, but didn't have much luck.

Tomorrow is our Christmas program. My committee and I have been hard at work getting everything ready. We're lucky in that another ward is coordinating with us. Our program is Friday night, and theirs is Saturday night. I put the program together after reading a few other program ideas I found online. The theme is A Night in Zarahemla. It's the story of the birth of Christ as told from the perspective of the people in the Americas. It should be good. After that's over tomorrow I think my life will be a lot less stressful... until I decide to get busy on my Christmas cards, newsletters and pictures. Oh, and goodies for the neighbors... mustn't forget those!
More later...

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving was at my mom's house this year. I made apple and pumpkin pies and mini cheesecakes. My kids actually ate some this year! When we got up that morning Natalie was sick with a stomach bug. She was pretty upset about it because she "only want(ed) Mommy!" But because it was at my mom's Kent and I decided that I would go to Thanksgiving dinner, and he would stay home with Miss Thing. My mom, her friend, my dad, his wife Ann, her daughter Erica, Allan, Melia and the boys and I were there. We ate a yummy dinner followed by dessert.

Drew with his mini meal. Melia ate more than him, which is very unusual!Justin, Trevor and Allan really love meat. Me, Justin and Trevor. Yes, Trevor did have a mohawk.

Erica, Jim, Susan, Don and Ann ate at the adult table. Allan and I were relegated to the kids' table. Who do you think had more fun?

Then the boys (minus Drew) decided to have their shooting contest with each other. Justin and Trevor brought their air soft guns, and Allan had his too. He provided the box, targets and prizes. They take this thing very seriously, I guess. My dad, Allan, Justin and Trevor all competed. We watched and thought it was hilarious that the boys were so into it. I think Trevor was the overall winner, much to Justin's consternation!

The boys shooting while the women watch them.

After dinner and the shooting contest everything was clean enough to go see a movie. I even called Kent to come meet us there. He got the plates of Thanksgiving dinner I brought for him and Natalie, the pies and other food I brought for them. I offered to let him see a movie with the kids so he could get out for a bit, and I would go back home with Natalie, but he said he wanted to go back with her. (I guess he didn't want to see New Moon with the boys.) Allan took Drew to see Planet 51, while Justin, Trevor, my mom, her friend and I went to see New Moon. When Drew's movie was over Allan brought him to us to watch the last few minutes of New Moon.

We went home after that, and Natalie was thrilled to see us. She was feeling well enough that she was wrestling with Kent when we got home. (Do your daughters do this or is it just because mine has 3 brothers and no sisters?) He had taken her go Sonic to get a drink to help settle her stomach.

We spent some time together before the kids went to bed. Usually I'm a lot more organized than this, but I didn't start plotting my Black Friday shopping until Thanksgiving night. I think part of me didn't want to go because I hadn't had a voice for a week and a half at that point. I had been on antibiotics, and was on a mega dose of steroids to feel better and help my voice return, but I still didn't feel 100%. I couldn't sleep so I left about 3:30 to hit the stores. I went to 3 stores (one of them twice). Then I came home just in time for breakfast. Natalie had fallen asleep on the couch the night before, and had just woken up to use the bathroom when I got home. She thought I had woken up early, gone out to the garage and come back inside while she was using the restroom. LOL!

This was Natalie's position from 5:30 p.m. until about 7:30 a.m.

It couldn't have worked out better! I got her set up with something to eat and drink, and went to bed for a few hours. When I woke up Justin and I hit the stores again. It was great having him with me so he could stand in line while I went shopping. He got rewarded with lunch for his help. (Really, that's all he wanted.)

Fun night out

Kent and Justin went on a Boy Scout camp out last night, so the kids and I got together with Jennifer DeTemple and her 3 younger ones (her oldest was on the same camp out). We took the kids to see Astro Boy and then went to Denny's for a late dinner. The kids had a blast. As an added bonus both Natalie and Drew fell asleep before we got home. Natalie was so tired that she even asked to go to bed. I can assure you that does not happen!
Yesterday morning, before our fun night out, Natalie, Justin and Trevor all got to go on field trips. I think that's the first time they've all gone on field trips. Justin got to go to Schnepf Farms for an American History tour. He got to touch MP4's (I think...) which was really impressive to him. Trevor got to go to the Halle Heart Center. He was not at all excited to go on it, which really surprised me because he's so interested in scientific things. He learned how the heart works and how to make it work more efficiently. He said he'd "give it a really good report because it told him a lot, and taught him a lot." Natalie got nominated by her teacher for the Character Counts Celebration. She and one other boy from her class won. They had to be to school by 7:30 a.m. and they got bused to another school where they had parties, games, hot dogs and all sorts of fun stuff. Her favorite thing was the clowns that balanced things on their noses.
I was unable to attend any of the field trips because I had my activities committee meeting yesterday morning. We're planning on doing Christmas in Zarahemla. It's a lot of work, but it's coming together nicely, and I'll post pictures when it's all said and done. I think it will be great.

Halloween Night 2009

Natalie was a witch. She started out with a green face, but then she decided she didn't like it after I took the pictures. She wouldn't let me put the makeup on her neck, ears or anything else so she said she looked stupid. I had to wash her face off, and then she was happy again. She let me put black lipstick and eye shadow on her, but nothing else.

Drew was a vampire. He put the teeth in after I did his makeup. I expected that he would take the teeth out within a few minutes because they were one size fits all for adults. That boy left them in for 3 hours straight! He couldn't talk or really even open his mouth with them in so as he passed out candy, he'd talk with his mouth closed, and when he went trick or treating he couldn't say anything either. When he came home I took them out and all the saliva he'd had in his mouth during that time came out. It was so gross! (But I have to admit I also thought it was pretty funny.)

Natalie and Drew passing out the candy.

Trevor wore a black robe, black shirt and a hockey mask. I'm not sure what he was, and neither was he. But he chose it all out and liked it. He went to his friend Robert's house. Robert moved into the Seare's old house. He's in Trevor's class at school. He's a really nice boy from a great family and he's in a wheelchair. They went trick or treating together, and then came back for pizza and to pass out candy. When Robert's mom called me at the end of the night she said that they met some friends from school while they were out. The friends tried to get Trevor to ditch Robert and come with them. She said that Trevor politely declined and stayed with Robert. She said that he's had friends before that would play with him until someone "better" came along. She was so pleased that Trevor chose to stay with Robert, but was able to be nice about it to his other friends. Wow! I'm so proud of him.

(Top) Trevor in his costume. (Bottom) Robert and Trevor

Justin went to the stake youth conference. After that he came back, changed his clothes, and went to the Buhrley's house with a bunch of boys. They got to watch movies and eat pizza. Justin said they were disappointed that they couldn't go trick or treating, but that he was glad he went to the conference because it was a lot of fun and they learned a lot. Then they got to have fun hanging out together afterwards. I'm so grateful for good friends that make good choices.

Mom, Katie and Melia came after the kids left with Kent. Mom and I stayed and passed out candy while Katie and Melia joined Kent, Natalie and Drew while they were trick or treating.

Natalie, Maryann, Drew and Susan. For some reason Mom was freezing cold. She's wearing a heavy winter coat and I had to get a blanket for her too. I thought it felt great! I am not made to be a desert dweller!

Katie and Melia came dressed up. Melia was Snow White and Katie was a biker chick, not Bret Michaels from Poison as I originally guessed... I made chili, cornbread and brownies for dinner. My kids didn't eat until they were back. I'm so glad I rushed to make it for them so they could eat before they left!

Kent ended up wearing Natalie's witch hat at some point during the evening. It's good to see him get into the spirit of things!

Natalie's Halloween Dance Performance

Natalie is on the performing dance team at her dance studio. On Halloween day the performing and competitive groups got to perform at Schnepf Farms. The girls have been performing together for 1 1/2 years or more, and they are working together so well. Each group performed a tap and jazz routine for the show. Natalie's group, the Rockstars, got to perform Born to Be Wild for jazz and Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend for the tap routine. They did a fantastic job, and looked so cute in their costumes. Natalie in her jazz costume. If you can't tell the skirt has swinging fringe on it. The belt and top are a shiny velour with red and orange.

Here are a few of the Rockstars before the performance. Gracie, Mikylah, Callie, Halley, Emily, Gabby, Jillian, Natalie and KatelynThe Rockstars performing Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend.

After the performance we joined up with Nancy and Valerie Lambert. We rode the train around the farm, then stopped at Bahama Bucks for a treat.

Helping in Natalie's class

Friday was a crazy day. First off I got to go to school and be a chaperon on Natalie's field trip. The first graders got to go see a play at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts to see Strega Nona.

These are the girls I was responsible for: Natalie, Gabby and Kylie... Such cute girls!

After the field trip, I ran home to eat lunch and get my supplies so I could do a craft with Natalie's class, help with their party and then watch the parade.At the end of the day at school Mrs. Dede turned on some Halloween music and the kids all started dancing. It was so funny! I wish I would have videotaped it because it was so cute.

Korbin Hall is one of my favorite kids. He keeps up a running commentary whenever I'm in their class, and he's smart as a whip. He reminds me of Trevor.

Adam. Justin, Anna and Gabby. Justin is a funny little kid. In every picture I took he tried to give the people next to him bunny ears.

Adam, Justin, Natalie and Gabby... Justin's doing the bunny ears again!

Only the K-3 grades are allowed to dress up and participate in the school parade so the other kids get to sit out in the hall while the younger kids have their procession. We got to see Trevor and Justin waving at us as we walked by.

I got pictures of a few friends too. Here's Anderson Pillion....

...And Caleb Lamoreaux. I always snap his picture because he always tries to hide. He's so cute.

Drew's Halloween party

Kent took Drew and Kendrick to their preschool Halloween party at Miss Judi's house. I came a little later, after I finished at my doctor's appointment. I love these Halloween parties! It's sad to think that this is Drew's last year of preschool. He's going to be 5 in just 2 1/2 months! Where has the time gone? They were dressed as a vampire and Ben 10, respectively. There was so much fun stuff to do. They got to color their treat bags, play games, jump in the bounce house, have their pictures taken, listened to a story ready by Miss Judi and finally go trick or treating. The kids all looked so cute and they had a great time.

This was one of my favorite pictures. Kendrick and Drew were deep in conversation about something. It is hilarious to see what they might look like in 20 years!
Here they are trick or treating at the last house. I got a smile from Kendrick!

Kendrick, Sarah, Miss Judi, Kimber and Drew. Drew is doing his best not to smile because "vampires don't smile."

Drew's class playing games with Candace.

For a minute Drew forgot that he wasn't supposed to smile...

Halloween Costumes 2009

Here's what we're planning to do for the 2 little ones, minus their hair and makeup being done.

Natalie is going to be a witch. We couldn't find a costume that she liked in a size that would work so we got her a fancy leotard that resembled the costume she wanted, and the witch hat matches it. Then we got her the striped stockings because they made the costume pop. Her face will be painted green, and she gets to wear makeup. She'll have her hair in two low ponytails tied with matching ribbons. Drew is going to be a vampire. He'll have a white face with "blood" around his mouth. And he isn't smiling for the pictures because he told me "vampires don't smile, Mom." Well, don't I feel silly? Natalie and Drew in their costumes, while Trevor peeks from behind.

Halloween Decor 2009

The top picture is how my front door looked with the cheapo witch, Halloween sign, the spider web, pumpkin garland and pumpkins. There are orange Halloween lights around the door that don't show up in the picture. The front door after I made a new Halloween wreath. Everything else is the same.
These are the terra cotta pots I spray painted with black glossy paint. Since this picture was taken I added Halloween garland around the outside, and moved the raven to the top. After Halloween I'll remove the garland and the raven and use it for Thanksgiving.

Here is my new pumpkin table runner before I laid it out on the table. It seemed to take forever to cut everything out, but now it's done, and I'm glad!

Here's the table runner with my sticks that I spray painted black, my black roses and a couple of spooky votive holders. The felt candy corn pillows I made are in a jar by the front door. I put my new BOO letters in front of the jar. I think it turned out cute. (If you want to know how to do those projects just check my craft blog. There's a link on the sidebar.)

I also have several votive holders and wood Halloween figures around the family and living rooms. Apparently I didn't take pictures of those, but you can look at last year's pictures if you really want to see them!

Cabin Fever

During fall break we went up to the cabin for a few days for a little R & R. Kent hasn't been with us for the last couple of trips so it was fun to have him join us.

This is Kent's idea of R & R... rest and relaxation...

This is the boys' idea of R & R... wRestling and Recreation...

I brought several books thinking that I could get a ton of reading done. Instead I cleaned, cooked and went on nature walks. I also worked with Drew and Natalie on their fall break homework. Justin, Trevor and I watched shows on the Discovery Health channel. They really liked the Real Stories from the E.R. Kent and I even got to spend time together and talk without many interruptions since our cell phones didn't get reception at the cabin.

Natalie on our nature walk. She loves going on walks with me, and loves looking at plants.

Here I am wearing my beautiful Broncos hoodie.

Natalie, me and Drew got a lot of time together. Drew thought it was hilarious to close his eyes and smile for all the pictures.

Another tradition we kept was feeling the animals the peanuts. We were visited by 6-8 blue jays at a time, and several squirrels that would let us know when they were ready for more food. Drew took may of the pictures of the animals this time.

Kent took the kids fishing, and they didn't even get a nibble. I think the bears came to the lake and wiped out the supply so they could hibernate. The kids had fun fishing, though and want to go again.I got scared half to death at one point. Kent took the kids to DQ to get ice cream so I was alone. I was sitting on a chair right next to the sliding glass door and noticed something move out of the corner of my eye. I had my backpack right there so I thought it tipped over. I stood it back up, turned back to my book and almost immediately I saw something and heard some scratching. That's when I noticed the gleaming green eyes that belonged to a fat raccoon. Whew! I was worried about foraging bears, wolves or coyotes. I can deal with a raccoon! The next night that raccoon came back with her 3 babies. The kids thought that was awesome. Our last night at the cabin was movie and Smores night. We lit the fire, melted our marshmallows and had a fun time watching the kids see who could get the best browned marshmallow. Then we watched Snow White. I loved that movie when I was younger, and was happy to share that with my own children.