BYU Football

Yes!! It is finally here. For anyone who doesn't know, I am an ardent fan of all kinds of football but especially the Y. Go BYU!!!

However, I am not such a crazy fan that I can't tip my hat to the Utes for beating Michigan in the Big House. Man, I love college football season!!!!! Well, I love football season period!!! The only time of the year that the kids don't get to watch cartoons on Saturdays. They aren't too happy about it but I don't care, it's only a few months out of the year. So here's to a great season.

Journal 5

Outside My Window: Sunshine. It's actually starting to get pretty warm today.

I Am Thinking: Of everything I have to do today.

I Am Thankful For: The fact that my husband will be home for R & R in two weeks (or there about).

From The Kitchen: Haven't decided yet, that would be one of the things I have to do today and hence one of the things I am contemplating.

I Am Creating: I am on to my last baby blanket, well at least for now. Can everyone I like stop procreating for like a couple of months, please!!! LOL.

I Am Going: It's hanging around the house for me today.

I Am Wearing: Purple and gray striped polo shirt and jean capris.

I Am Reading: Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox.

I Am Hoping: That Porter is on the mend.

I Am Hearing: Music and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Around the House: Lots of cleaning for the sabbath.

One of My Favorite Things: Blogging.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week: Monday- BBQ at my brother and sister in laws. Rest of the week- school, exercising, preschool for Emma.

Here is a Picture Thought I am Sharing with You:
Well today it is Porter. He is such an amazing little spirit. So obedient, even though he is finally entering those "terrible 2s" and he is going to be 3 at the end of September. He is my snuggler. He is so photogenic. He is so tolerant. So kind. So strong for such a little one. He loves his brothers and sister so very much and he loves his mommy and daddy with all his heart. His laugh will make the room light up and his cry will tear at your heart. I love my little Porter Joseph and am so thankful to have him as part of our little family.

Little Hyrum

Okay so I'm waxing sentimental but I was going through my pictures and I came upon this video of Hyrum when he was about 2. It was right after Joe had gone to Germany for one of his two week things. It was so cute seeing Hyrum like this that I just had to share. Sometimes it's hard for me not to see this little one whenever I look at the young big boy he is really now. He has grown so fast. I can't believe he will be 7 on his next birthday. It seems like only yesterday that I was bringing him home from the hospital. I am so proud of my little boy and I am so fascinated as I see the man he will become beginning to emerge. I am so lucky to have him as my son.

Journal 4

Outside my Window: Sunshine. It's a really beautiful day.

I Am Thinking: Do I really have to do everything on my "to do" list today.

I Am Thankful: That Hyrum had such a wonderful day at school yesterday.

From the Kitchen: Probably leftovers for me and Mac 'n Cheese for the kids.

I Am Creating: A baby blanket.

I Am Going: To pick up Hyrum in an hour.

I Am Wearing: white capri pants and a red blouse.

I Am Reading: The Book of Mormon and Inkheart.

I Am Hoping: For some great news from my hubby tonight.

I Am Hearing: Jerry singing opera on Tom and Jerry.

Around the House: A lot of toys and the kids taking a break watching Tom and Jerry. Laundry that needs folding that I don't want to fold.

One of My Favorite Things: The color Dark Red.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week: Volunteer in the daycare, school for Hyrum, workout, get the blanket done and start on another.

Here is a Picture thought I am Sharing With You:
This was sent to me as an attachment one day. The title "When God paints." I just love the serene calmness of the picture. There is nothing like looking on a scene such as this and feeling the love that God obviously has for us. He gave us such a beautiful world in which to live. I hope we each can treasure that precious gift and desperately seek to preserve it. Oh how I long to walk along this path and feel the peace that would come. My life has been so hectic lately and sometimes I feel so alone, so it is so calming to look upon a scene such as this and feel God's love.

First Grade!!!

Today was Hyrum's first day of first grade. We were very happy to have school start but then on the way, I got so nervous for my little boy. Afterall, it is a new school and it's the first time Hyrum's been gone all day long. I really missed my big helper. However, I think we all faired pretty well and made it through the day. And, Hyrum had a WONDERFUL time!! He loves his new school and all the new friends. He loves getting 2 resesses this year and eating lunch at school. He's very excited that he will start having homework almost everyday this year (oh if only that excitement over homework would last. . .)
This is the outside of the school as it is right now. The nice new building ran into some building delays so rather than postponing the start of school, they decided to use an old elementary that was no longer in use until the building is done. In the middle of the school year the kids will have three days off so that they can move. Even though it is an older building, it's not so bad inside and they have really put the space therein to great use and it's really great for the kids.
Obviously called Venture Academy and I am so excited for this opportunity for Hyrum.
Here he comes after school. I love the way they release their students. It may take a bit longer, but it's a lot safer. Depending on where we live, we have different pickup zones. Then we have to have a zone sign with our student's name on it. The monitors read the tags, get the kids, and release them to their vehicle. I like that he doesn't have to wander about trying to find me or running through the parking lot and people not paying attention in his effort to get to me. It's definitely more calming for me.
Happy boy. Once I saw that smiling face, I knew it had been a great day!!
So handsome in his school uniform. That's another thing I really like. I love that he has to wear a uniform. Their philosophy is that it helps to maintain the focus on education rather than on the latest hot clothes and who is wearing them and who isn't. I'm all for that. He loves it because if he wants, he can wear a blue shirt every day. However, I hope he will sport the red or white one on occasion.

I am so proud of my big little boy. I can't believe that he is 6 1/2 and in the first grade. I am so happy that he loves his new school and had such a wonderful day. I love him so much. Here's hoping for a wonderful new year.

Journal 3

Outside My Window- truly don't know.  Blinds are shut again.  I would have to say parked cars and lights.

I Am Thinking- not much right now, just trying to stick to some goals.

I Am Thankful For- being able to talk to my husband everyday so far.

From The Kitchen- well it was leftovers for me, Hyrum had ravioli, Emma and Porter stuck with hot dogs.

I Am Creating- still working on that baby blanket.

I Am Going- to bed.

I Am Wearing- a red button down shirt with silver lines and black yoga pants.

I Am Reading- The Book of Mormon.

I Am Hoping- that tomorrow goes quickly.

I Am Hearing- the dishwasher running.

Around the House- Quiet.

One of My Favorite Things- chocolate covered peanut butter.

A Few Plans for the rest of the Week- Visiting Teaching, School starts, Getting our new routine up and running.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with You-

Dan Paul, my little adventurer.  Loves to get out and crawl in the grass (and of course eat it too). He loves to bite his bottom lip as he explores the world around him.  You can actually see the wheels turning with this one.  I love his spirit, his laughter.  I love his energy, his passion-even so young.  I can't believe he's nine months old.  I am so thankful for his sweet spirit, that he's a part of our little family.

Journal 2

Outside my window- Don't know, don't care.  I have my blinds closed tonight.

I am thinking- How much I miss my husband.

I am thankful for- The fact that I was married for time and all eternity and am able to keep an eternal perspective for the most part when it comes to this deployment. 

 From the kitchen- nothing right now, it's nighttime.  I cooked sloppy joes for dinner, and just finished cleaning the kitchen.

I am creating- another baby blanket for another friend.  So many people having babies or getting married this summer.

I am going- well to bed here before too long.

I am wearing- black yoga pants and a burnt orange polo shirt.

I am reading- well I just finished Pillage today and I'm thinking perhaps of rereading Inkheart.

I am hoping-  for a wonderful Sabbath tomorrow.  I hate that I have afternoon church but hopefully we will still all be in the spirit by then.  I'm also hoping for a good night tonight for the kids-no more nightmares please!!!!

I am hearing- the clock ticking.  I love these new bedroom arrangements for the kids because now when I put them to bed, they actually go to bed and fall asleep instead of playing all night long and coming in and out.  It's so peaceful now in the evening, something I am definitely enjoying.

Around the house- well I think I've got it all done for tomorrow.  I cleaned the kitchen counters and sink, put away the dishes, loaded the dishwasher, took out all the trash, vacuumed downstairs, cleaned both bathrooms, got the kids bathed, and folded laundry.  I actually have a clean house for Sunday.

One of my favorite things- the smell of lilacs in full bloom.

A few plans for the rest of the week- well technically I think this week is at an end.  Tomorrow is Sunday so obviously we are off to church.  Monday, visiting teaching.  Tuesday, first day of school for Hyrum, he's off the the 1st grade and we are all very excited.  Get the new computer set up and Hyrum's desk built.  I don't know.  Probably grocery shopping in there somewhere and hopefully Emma's preschool program will be here before too long and I can get her going on that.  Plus, there is the gym everyday, including another day of volunteering in the daycare on Thursday and man am I hoping for a better one this week with half those kids in school--30 kids (4 of which were infants), 2 adults, not a good mix!!!

Here is a picture thought for you:

My bella daughter.  So beautiful and innocent.  She is one of my biggest trials in this world and one of the most amazing people I know.  She is so full of passion and love.  She is so sweet and strong.  She is scared of every imaginable bug (even the imagined ones).  She whines, she cries, she laughs, she sings, she dances, she pouts.  She is emotion.  At the end of the day. . . I can't thank the Lord enough that the ultrasound was wrong for this little one and my life was blessed with the daughter I never knew I wanted.  I love her so very much.

Reception Preperation

I had to help my mother put the reception all together.  Danny was so good being at the church all day.  However, once the table clothes were out, he started to get into trouble.  Plus, I had to build the backdrop for all the pictures and when you are trying to hang cloth with pins, it's really not beneficial to have a 9 month old tugging at the fabric.  Anyway. . .  I had built him a cage to sleep in in the Relief Society room and it worked so well for that, that I imported it into the cultural hall.  We even left it so that he had a place to play during the actual reception.  He absolutely loved it.  He's a cutie and a weirdo.

A Wedding

Well this isn't in front of the temple but I'll get those sorted through eventually.  I just wanted to say congrats to my baby sister.  Her and her sweetheart were sealed for time and all eternity in the Nauvoo Temple on Wednesday the 13th of August.  I am so happy for both of  them and wish them a lifetime of happiness.

Journal 1

Well I figure since this is a journal for me, I would try something that I saw on someone else's blog. Just a way to have a daily look at my little world.

Outside my window--All I can see is blue skies and trees swaying in the wind.

I am thinking--Well honestly, I'm trying not to think too much. Done way too much of that this week.

I am thankful for--so much: my sweet husband, my children, to be in Illinois right now, to be going home in a little over a week (I miss my space), all the help my family has been. . .

From the kitchen--nothing right now. My mother is the main cook around here.

I am creating--a baby blanket for a friend.

I am going--to Nauvoo today and also Dairy Queen (it's treat for Children's Miracle Network day today, so all proceeds go to the hospitals)

I am wearing--jean capris and a striped polo.

I am reading--mainly my scriptures, but I am trying to read Pillage.

I am hoping--that my life could be a bit more planned.

I am hearing--something on the tv, not sure who's controlling it in the other room.

Around the house--not much, it's my parent's house. But currently, I'm in my dad's study which is also my sister's room while we are here and man is it a mess.

One of my favorite things--hearing the birds sing around here.

A few plans for the rest of the week--Friday I'm going to help my mom with her cell phones, get some more of my projects done. Saturday Kerrin is getting her endowments so that will be a very full day.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:To give one perspective. You think they are so small, but someone is always bigger and looking up. Think about who is looking at you today. Are you doing what you really want others to see and remember. . .

Peoria Zoo

Well we are here in Illinois visiting my folks. Saturday was my dad's only day off so we wanted to spend the day as a family, and in our family this is as close as one can get. We all went to Peoria. Dad, Kerrin, Travis, and Will went to Borders; My mom, Keith, me and the kids hit the little zoo. Then we all met up and went out to the Olive Garden to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday. Actually, it was a really fun day, just wish that everyone was more into being together even if it means doing something they don't overly want to do, but oh well.

The kids had an absolute blast at the zoo, but then again, if you know my kids, that's not overly surprising. It was definitely a tiny zoo, but that's okay.

Danny just chillin' in his stroller. He was pretty hot, soaked in sweat by the time we were done, and he had the easy job.
Hyrum in front of the meerkats. Those things were big compared to the ones in the Hoogle Zoo.
Keith and Mom resting. The kids had to stop for a snack.
Brother and sister. Can you tell we are related? I don't know, he's kind of goofy looking, but I loves me bro.
Porter LOVES the zoo!!!! This is him and the capabera (that's not spelled right, but oh well). When we were getting ready for church yesterday, we were all ready and Porter heads to the door and goes, "okay we go zoo!" That kid would live there if I let him.
Emma rides the camel. Emma had a trying day. You enter the zoo via the gift shop and then into a big tunnel to see some of the animals. We were just going into the tunnel, when all of a sudden something started screeching. It startled me. It TERRIFIED Emma. That girl bolted!!! She was screaming crying, and wouldn't go in the tunnel again. Keith had to carry her on his shoulders. That got her in there, but she still was terrified. It turned out to be the spider monkeys at the end of the tunnel screaming at each other. They were sure loud, and they made it quite the adventure with Emma in tow.
This is the second terrifying experience for Emma that day. Yes, that is a squirrel. It got pretty close to us while we were snacking and that girl was wiggin'. It ran off when I first tried to get it's picture and then every time it turned and looked at her, Emma would start screaming crying. That girl is WEIRD!! But it sure did make me laugh.
Mom and Emma. She's so beautiful, even if she had a tough day.
Me and Dan. That was the best I could get with him. If my head is near his, he takes to grabbing.
Yup, Keith carrying Emma so that she would even go into the zoo.
Me and my Hyrum. He's such a big helper, and he had so much fun.
Me and Porter. The first time I tried this, he screamed at me, so I figured, I'll placate him with food and then take the picture.

All in all it was a great day. It wasn't near as humid as it had been so even with the heat, it was a tolerable day. I was downright exhausted by the end of the day. Dan has had me up at 6:30 a.m. or earlier the whole time we've been here. I usually go walking with my mom though so that's been nice. Kind of miss that this week because she's gotta be at work at 4:30 this week, but oh well.

Also, sucky thing that's happened!! Dan has thrush (for anyone that doesn't know, that would be a yeast infection in his mouth). Now in and of itself, that's not horrible, but I am nursing (that would be all Dan's fault too), and as a result, he gave it to me and so we were passing it back and forth, and nursing had become absolute torture for me, so yesterday we had to go to the ER here and have a doctor look at it all and get on medication. I have to say, it's amazing how fast those medications work!! He's happier, and I definitely am!!