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What's New?

Well today should have been the day that I took Emmalee to Primary Childrens Medical Center to be fitted for her helmet but I just couldn't bring myself to do that. I am still fighting myself because I know that it is something that is more easily fixed right now than say in 6 more months but I just don't want to be doing something to her that she can't fight me on. I think that if I have to do something as horrible as make her wear a helmet every day all day than she should be old enough to fight me. I know that sounds crazy - especially to you moms - but it is like with Brooke when we fought her all the time to take her seizure meds I know get to tell her that it was for her to make her not have anymore seizures. I didn't like fighting her but she now knows that when she is given medicine it is to make her feel better and she has never fought us on taking her meds. I know this helmet thing is different but I still feel like my daughter should have a say. She may not win her fight but atleast she will get the chance to voice her dislike. I just realized I haven't told most of you what we found out. At her six month check up I was told that all of her sutures were not closing the same which is the reason that her head is growing lopsidded. The only thing that the Dr. said could happen is that one side just won't close by itself causing them to have to go in and surgically help them close. What they would do is re-open the closed sutures and then put a helmet on her head to help them close the same the second time around. But the only reason they would do the surgery is if they noticed that the brain was being affected by the shape of her skull. I didn't understand it all but I guess basically if you don't have enough room in your skull parts of the brain won't develope. I don't understand how that would be affected but we are told to trust the Dr. right?!

I also talked to her Pediatrician (the one who has been with Emmalee since her initial problem in the hospital when she was born) who agreed to let me wait. He said that he could see a difference from her 4 month charts to her 6 month charts (so who knows maybe it will close itself. I will have to take her back in for a CT scan in 2 months and if there isn't a change then she WILL have to go be fitted for a helmet. We will let time tell us what to do I guess. Still two months won't put her old enough to be teachable about how this is for her good.

Tag....

I am: A Daughter of a Heavenly Father, who for some reason, has entrusted me with five beautiful children. Some days I wonder if he made a wise decision and then others I am eternally grateful for the chance to be a mother, especially in these last days.

I think: I am lucky to be a mother in these last days. It is amazing to see how brilliant my children are and how spiritual they are. I know that they were saved for these last days because of how strong they are.

I know: That the Church of Jesus Christ is the true Church and that we are so blessed to be apart of it. I know that by us living the gospel we will be saved. I know that the trials that we have here on earth are only here to make us stronger. (it is easier to believe when we aren't going through trials!)

I want: To be able to afford so many things for my kids. But realize that the most important things to give them are my time and my love. I want to be better at both of these things.

I have: A wonderful Husband who puts up with major roller coaster rides with my emotions even though roller coasters usually make him motion sick. He is so forgiving and so loving. He would do anything for me if I could just figure out what it is I need him to do.

I dislike: VEGETABLES!!! Which is probably why I can't lose the weight that I would LOVE to lose.

I miss: My parents!! I miss the feeling of being security with finance and such things. They did a really good job hiding any financial problems that we might have had growing up. And now that is my biggest stress! I miss hearing their testimonies they would bear to us. I miss having them close to me.

I fear: That my daughters have already been cursed with the awful depression that lurks around me quite frequently. It has already shown itself with Brooke and she is only 7. I hate to see her come home from Church or School upset about something that to anyone else would be nothing but to those who have depression or any other mental disorder it is HUGE.

I hear: Jayden playing with Emmalee, making her coo and laugh at his silly faces. I hear Cora snoring on the love seat. I wish I could join her but Brooke gets out of school in 20 minutes. I hear my Instrumental music that I play all day to help keep my mind calm!! I hear the wind blowing - which is normal up here in the Mountains. I even hear birds... they are scrounging for the night crawlers in our front lawn. At times we have had up to 60-70 birds in our front lawn.

I smell: Apple Cinnamon Spice Febreeze. I have to squirt it a couple times a day (after each poopy diaper I change). I smell my Lasagna cooking in the oven and can't wait for supper.

I crave: My Mom's cooking. She really is the BEST cook!! I only wish that some of her talent had rubbed off on me. I also crave Grandma Nelson's Chicken Noodle Soup and Hot Homemade Bread!!

I cry: Nearly every day lately. With all the stresses that each of us face it is amazing that any of us are sane anymore. I cry with my children when they have been hurt by someone. I cry at movies and books (but it was Tyler who cried during "Rudy" not me!!). I cry when I get happy and when I see sweet things from my children. Yesterday I caught Cora singing "In My Daughters Eyes" to Anna (watch for later post! I am trying to get it on the computer) and couldn't help but cry. Even watching the video that I got still gets me. It was such a sweet gesture and Anna was there telling Cora she was doing a good job. What is an already emotional Mom supposed to do?!

I usually: Catch up on everyone else's blogs and then am so tired of sitting at the computer that I don't update mine as often any more.

I search: The cupboards for chocolate that used to be there but when shopping tell myself not to get anymore or I will never lose weight. Now that I am done having kids there is no more excuse to not lose the weight.

I wonder: If money will ever catch up to us or if the expense of things will just keep going up. I wonder if it is possible to be TRULY happy. I get happy about certain things to just turn around and find that those things are usually what I worry about the most.

I regret: A lot of things but mostly I regret that I might have lost my relationship with my family. I regret always having a list...I know my kids will grow up detesting lists because mine always means there is work for them to do. But that is how I evaluate myself most days...by what got done and what is left for tomorrow.

I love: Living in Dutch John. It is so calm and beautiful. There is not very many days that I hate it out here, only when I HAVE to go grocery shopping and DON'T want to seeing how it is an hour away. I love being IN the mountains and getting to see right up close God's hand in all this beauty.

I care: About what people think of me. I always want to do my best and get upset with myself when I don't.

I always: Have a list for everything. I have started listing everything that has to be done during the week. I always love having our friends come over for supper. I love the time we get but also the food is always better when you are sharing it!!

I worry: Constantly about finances and whether or not we will make it past today.

I am not: Always easy on myself or those around me. They say we are our own worst critics and I can agree to that (not easy to do but I agree!), my older kids can attest that I always crack my "Fingers" (I don't believe in whips!) when they are doing something they know better at. Some people would call cracking my fingers snapping but cracking just sounded better. I can remember when I was on the phone with Amber Kelly and was telling her about how all I need to do is snap my fingers and it gets my kids' attention. Well I snapped my fingers and guess what Cora and Anna (who were very innocently kneeling on my bed looking out the window) both looked at me to figure out what they were doing wrong.

I remember: Growing up and all the one on one time that I got to have with my Dad. When Mom would go to Grandma Nelson's house and he had to stay home I would stay home with him. I didn't like to see him be by himself. I remember him going to Blimpee's and getting sandwiches and we went to a park in Ogden and had a picnic just the two of us. I remember going to Church and having to sit with another family in the ward so I wouldn't be by myself since Dad was in the Bishopric. I LOVED those times and only wish that I had done the same thing with my Mom. I think I learned my appreciation for him earlier than I did for my Mom because of the one on one we got. I now appreciate my Mom more than ever because I know first hand how hard it is to be a good mom and still get the job done!! It is not possible to be the nice mom all the time when there are things you are trying to teach your kids. I do love them both for the mere fact that they have put up with me all these years.

I believe: That people make mistakes but should be given the chance to make it right even if it takes them a long time.

I dance: With my babies while watching "Ellen" I dance with them when they are fussy and I have to stand with them (it is amazing the muscles that get worked just by swaying back and forth!)

I sing: With my kids as often as I can. We love to sing!! Especially to "Josh Groban, Celine Dion, or any Disney" songs. Brooke can sing "You Raise Me Up and a LOT of the Disney songs. Cora can sing "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride and very well if you ask me. But don't ask either one of them to sing to you because they won't. They only do it if they think no one else is watching or listening to them.

I don't always: Say my prayers and read my scriptures (There you now know!) I find it is hard when the dark days come and they come more often than I would like.

I argue: With anyone who will put up with me because I will argue until my point get across and then it is great to see how many people I get turned to my opinions. (Question for Mom and Dad - In Amys' blog she also says that she will argue, and I have seen Crystal do it as well so I am wondering who we got that from!!) I got to be the Foreman in Jury Duty earlier this year and got to use my arguing skills to turn the Jury towards my point on one of the counts. (If you haven't heard about it yet let me know! I love reliving it. In fact I have decided to go back to school in Criminal Justice when the kids are all in school!)

I write: Whenever the chance presents itself. I am trying to write a book right now and find it is harder than I thought. Reading books make it seem like it would be so easy but its not!! But then I also have chosen a harder topic to write about - maybe that is my problem.

I win: At Skip-bo when I play JayDee. That is one game that he can't figure out how to win. It is all luck and then knowing when to play your Skip-bo cards!! I got plenty of practice at it growing up. I had to teach him though so I wonder why he didn't pick up on my tricks?!

I lose: About every other game that JayDee and I play. I have told him that I will NEVER play Mastermind with him again because he slaughtered me. That game is pure strategy!!

I wish: That Money Grew On Trees...but then I would have to wish that we had a tree in our front yard that I could get it from!!

I listen: To music every night as I go to bed. My brain chooses bedtime to replay everything that went on during the day and then try to figure out what is going on tomorrow but if I have my music then I can drown myself out and focus on the music. We do the same thing for our kids too.

I don't understand: Why our President Bush gets so much grief about EVERYTHING when there isn't anyone that I could picture doing better except maybe our dear Prophet because of the help that he gets from above. Here in a couple months we are going to have a new President and what do you bet that whoever it is won't be able to do any better!!

I can usually be found: Reading Twilight series (yes I am slow getting through the fourth book!), playing with the kids or trying to entice them to get the house cleaned or taking a nap so I can have more energy when the kids wake up from "Quiet Time". But if I had my way I would be Scrap booking the 1100 pictures that I just had printed off!!

I am scared: Of going further than our yard at night. Not because of who I am afraid I will run into but WHAT!! I really don't want to see what would happen if I were to cross the path of a coyote!!! And we have plenty of them around here.

I need: A way to get past the stresses that I encounter every day. I need to be more easy with the kids and more loving to my husband. They deserve so much more than what I am giving right now.

I forget: ...What!!! I never forget!!! Just ask JayDee!! LOL!

I am happy: When I get to see the sweet moments with my kids, when I am near my husband, when I hold sweet little Emmy in the rocking chair, when Anna climbs into bed with me at night (I have told JayDee that if she is to wake up to let her in bed because she is the BEST snuggle bug!!) I am happy to see my kids grow and see how smart they are. I am happy to be living where I am and with the people that I am living with.


I tag: Mom (Yes this is so you can get started on your blog) Dad, Chad, Amber and JayDee

"OOPS, I Did it again!!"

I think I did a pretty good job at cutting Cora's hair. After cutting Brooke's hair last spring I have not cut anyone other than Jayden's so even if I do say so myself it looks pretty good. Cora got up one Sunday and said that she wanted me to put her hair in a ponytail and cut it off just like I did with Brooke. So that is just what I did. Maybe this time it grows it will be a little thicker! That is if Cora will let it grow out. She loves her short hair.


This Sunflower started out as a seed last spring and now look at it!! I have decided that it might be fun to get more growing in our front garden and let them get this big again.

My precious little ones. They are so beautiful!!

First Field Trip

The 25th of August our little Elementary loaded up the little yellow bus with all the kids and headed out to Antelope Flats with a train of parents following behind with all the other younger kids who wanted to be apart. Even JayDee got to get off work to go. Because he was going I found a way to get Cora to go (not too hard since swimming was involved!). Leaving me with Anna and Emmalee. Well, I guess I did have Tim and Gary as well. But they were so busy fixing our pipes that I think they were plenty entertained that they left me alone for the most part. Other than the occassional moment when they let me know what was going on. But really having just the two littlest ones was really nice. We went up and cleaned the guest house - I even got Anna to help me take the sheets off of the beds and then drag them to the washer, I even found her trying to load the washer for me. Too bad the red sheets would have turned the white ones pink - otherwise I would have left it the way she did it. We headed home and had lunch, she fell asleep - I got rid of the two extra kids (Tim and Gary) and put Emmalee down and had just sat down to read from the scriptures when the other kids (mine plus JayDee) walked in. They were about 45 minutes earlier than I had planned but with the threatening clouds and the thunder and lightening they had to leave the lake. And then all the fun of finding out all about the trip began. I was first told all about how cold the water was but that didn't stop them from swimming. Jayden was so excited because he and his friend Kelly went and looked for Dinosaur bones. Brooke told me all about this weird looking creature. I still am not 100% sure what it is but think it is a Crawfish. The kids on the trip kept saying it was a Crawdad but I know from growing up what crawdads look like. They may look just as creepy but quite a bit different. They actually got to see antelope. Each time we have gone out there have been none (go figure! From the name I would think they would be in great numbers). The beach is so full of rocks that they had to bring them home with them. Soon after this trip both Jayden and Brooke came home with rocks that they had painted on. Grandma Nelson had her garden of rocks that weren't as colorful as these so I have decided I might have to take her idea and change it just a little. The kids sure had fun picking just the right rock and then coloring on them. After the excitement of the trip wore off the kids all laid down and watched a movie and all fell asleep they were so tired!! Thank you for all that helped with this trip! I know that my kids (JayDee included) had a great time!!

Emmy's First....

Play on the grass. She wasn't too sure about it but then she decided that it was okay. She would put her foot on the grass and then hurry and pick it up and if you notice her hands...she wouldn't touch the grass with them until she rolled to her tummy.

"Please pick me up!! I don't like it this close to my face!!!" Every time she would put her face down she would cry. She didn't like the grass tickling her nose. Go figure right?

After all that we brought her in and just put her on the floor so we could get the other kids in bed. JayDee came out and found her sprawled out on the floor asleep. All that work out on the grass wore her right out!!!

More Tampoline Fun...

We have finally gotten Emmalee to be apart of the fun the older kids have. She wasn't too sure of the whole bouncing motion but she didn't cry so that is good!!

Here Little Anna is trying to get the kids to all fall over. Yes, JayDee is a kid as well!!

The kids love it when they can get dad to go out and jump them. Anna usually only lasts one or two times before it is too scary for her. I don't blame her. I sit and cringe until they are done with the jumping. I am one that worries about injuries but don't want to be the one who always is telling them to not do something because they will get hurt.

Second day of School...

On the first day of school JayDee and I wanted to take them over so they didn't get to ride their bikes to school. Jayden was super bummed. He had looked forward to it since he got his bike. Both he and Brooke got new bikes this past summer and both wanted to ride to school. So here we have the two of them coming home from school on their bikes. Now if only we can get the weather to hold out for them to enjoy riding to school. We have had a few COLD days so we will see!!

First day of Second Grade

Okay so here is my little Brooke who isn't so little any more. She was excited to start school again because she said she will get to play with her friends every day. I thought she played enough this summer but I guess not!!! I asked her which subject she was looking forward to the most and to my surprise she said both Math and Science (both are my least favorite classes!!). Good thing she has her dad!! He is great at both these subjects and he makes them fun for her. After just a couple days of school I started to notice that she was coming home and would spend the rest of the day not really saying anything. I asked her why and she told me that she didn't like school anymore because the work was too hard this year. I told her that it meant she was getting smarted and she told me that she wished she could do the same thing Jayden gets to do. In their Elementary school the K, 1st and 2nd grades are in the same class. They just get different assingments so Brooke gets to see what the younger classes are doing and yes they are easier. But she has not brought home a bad assingment yet so I know that she will be able to handle it she just has to get used to it. I love her so much and I am also so proud of her and all that she has accomplished so far. I get so excited watching her excell in all she does because I know that she is going to have many chances to do what she wants.

She was too busy watching all her friends come in that she wasn't paying attention to me who was trying to get her picture in her class room.

Brooke is a great friend to Jayden and watches out for him. Believe it or not we do have some bullies on the playground and has had Jayden upset a couple of times but each time he says that Brooke comes and tells them to be nice.

First Day of Kindergarten!!!

YES!! I know I am a couple weeks behind! I honestly thought I would have more time to do these blogs and catch up on all 6 of my scrapbooks but haven't found any time for anything but housework and kids lately. Between my calling as Enrichment Counselor and everything else that happens with the school I don't have much time for anything else. If by chance I do get a minute or more I have a hard time wanting to blog.

Anyway - on to the first day of Kindergarten...Jayden is SOOOO happy to be in school every day. He loved pre-school but on the off days he was always asking when he was going again. SO now he gets to go every day. Just not all day. But I think it is perfect for him. He came home the first day a little upset though. I asked him if he had a good day. He said yes but he said it a little relunctant. I asked him if he had had problems with anyone at school. He said no, so I asked why he was sad. He said because he didn't learn how to read yet. He has his big sister Brooke that reads to him all the time and he so wants to be able to read as well. I had to fight not laughing because then he really would have been sad. He is eating everything up. He has come home with so many "Supers and Wows" and even a couple "Super Wows" on his work. He has so much to say and he is even out growing his temper that we had so much problems with after he started Pre-school. I am so proud of him and happy that he finally gets to experience school. He has already gone on one field trip out to Antelop Flats to go swimming and dinosaur fossil hunting. He had so much fun. The school has a trip planned to Salt Lake on the 18th of September but I think we will keep him home. I am not sure he would do too well on the long bus rides plus they would want JayDee or I to go with him but I can't with the other three unless we drove but then Jayden still wouldn't get to ride the bus, and JayDee has to work. The school tries to do trips in SL every other year so he will get another chance at that when he is a little bit older. That is the fun thing about this school. They are so few in numbers that it is easier to go and do these trips so there are many that they do during the year.

Here he is hanging his bag on his coat hook.

Anna's First Day of School...

Okay as most of my family can attest I had a hard time going to sleep the night before school started. I would be too excited. Well, Jayden feel asleep after only two times of JayDee and I telling him that he needed to go to bed. Brooke stayed on her bed and we didn't hear from her so I don'g think she had any problems. But as for Anna - she couldn't sleep. She was up until JayDee and I went to bed around 11 and then around 2 am she came in and got into bed with me. She always has to snuggle right up against me (which I love - most of the time!) and usually she will just go to sleep and I am able to go right back to sleep, but of course not this night!!! She must have been so excited to have Brooke and Jayden gone again that she couldn't sleep. She kept kicking me and pushing me further and further off my pillow. As you can see here she is taking over my pillow. Of course I am not willing to go sleep in her little toddler bed or even the couch. My bed is much too comfortable so I just laid there wondering when the night was going to be over.

The thing I hate about these nights are that Anna will more than likely fall asleep during the day but wait...I don't get to. I might get a little nap but not enough to make up for a sleepless night!! Boy I am just a little scared for what may be coming my way when she actually does make it to school!!



Notice how sprawled out she is here!! Notice how she has left me a little less than half of the pillow to sleep on!! We might need to get a new system figured out soon!! I definately need my beauty sleep!!

No news yet...

Just an update - not that we have much to go from yet!!

I got a call from Dinosaur Pediatrics this morning. The technician that did Emmy's CT scan a week ago said that he isn't sure if there is a reason to worry or not. He said that her sutures haven't closed all the way yet and so he is afraid that when they do close they will close the way her head is shaped. Our Dr. suggested that we have her film read at PCMC and see if they think it is necessary for more testing or even to have her head reshaped (not too sure on how they plan to do that). So now we are doing more of the waiting game. We have to see what PCMC says and go from there.

I was also informed this morning that Cora may need to go to PCMC to have her feet casted. She has really bad pigeoned toed feet. They say that children usually outgrow the problems but it is usually shortly after they start walking in shoes. Well hers hasn't changed so they would like to have her feet looked at to see if it is more than what they can see.

Still trying to get into the swing of things. Give me a little more time and I will post about the kids and school!!

Well Child Check Turns Into....

....MORE THAN WE ASKED FOR!! Last Friday we were finally seen for Emmys' four month well child check. Between ours and the doctors schedule we got behind a little. We walked in thinking all would be just fine as usual and walked out with an order to go have a CT screening done. The Dr. said that as she was feeling her head and even just looking at it she noticed that one side of her head is sticking out further than the other so it makes her head look lopsided. As the Dr. is pointing this out JayDee voices that he has noticed it as well. Funny since I am with her all day every day I have never noticed it so she must have had it all along and just got worse with time. I am curious to know how many others have noticed this!?


I took her to Ashley Regional Medical Center (Vernal Hospital) yesterday afternoon which was a big mistake. I found myself holding back tears so the Tech wouldn't see me cry. I wasn't nervous or even scared because I don't think there is anything to be worried about, but just the fact that I, being the mom, had to stand there and watch her be slid into this test was enough to send anyone to tears. She looked too small to be there. They could atleast come up with a smaller tube so that these poor moms don't get too upset!! Then everytime the tech would get the scan going the sounds would scare Emmalee so she wouldn't hold still. I eventually got her to go to sleep and then she held still perfectly. But next time (hopefully there isn't a next time) JayDee gets to go and I will stay home with the other kids. I would have thought that I had learned my lesson with Brooke but I just can't help it. I want to be there with my babies!

We should get the results from the test on Thursday or Friday of this week so we will keep you posted. But don't worry (I'm not yet!) I haven't found anything wrong with her growth or development so far so I don't think there is anything wrong other than maybe the way the bones have fused together. But it never hurts to have extra prayers so please remember her in yours!!

Like father....

Like son!!! I found this hilarious and had to share. This past week both Brooke and Jayden have been counting down the days until school starts (from today it is 3). Well last Thursday I woke up and came out to the front room and found Jayden already dressed (including shoes and socks) which is not usually the case before breakfast. I didn't think anything of it. Well I walked over to the computer and as I passed the front door I found he had hung his back pack up. I asked him to put it away and he told me he couldn't because he was afraid that he might forget it. I told him that he still had 6 more days until school started. He hung his head and went and took it off the door handle and then turned around and said, "But Mom, I have it packed and ready. What if Cora 'undoes' it?" I told him that Cora had her own back pack to play with and then asked him what was in his pack. He came and showed me. There was his snack and his show and tell. At DJ Elementary the kids all get to have snack time at their ten o'clock recess. They have found that it helps the kids to keep on task until lunch time. Of course it has to be a healthy snack though! And his show and tell happened to be his spy gadget (a happy meal toy from when Grandpa Guymon took him out to lunch last weekend)! He had the most important things to him packed. The kids here don't have to supply any of their own paper or pencils so he doesn't have to worry about them just the fun stuff (that he already had packed). Since his snack was a pack of animal crackers I told him to just keep them there and he would be set for Wednesday. He was happier then to go put his pack away for now!!

The reason I say like father like son is because his Dad was the same way for school (College at least!). A couple days before school would start he would pull out his backpack and fill it to the brim with all his books and his notebooks and even a small case with his pencils and pens. Most of the time he did it at night after the kids were in bed so they weren't doing their version of helping (unpacking) with him. So I have no idea where Jayden got it. It must be in the genes!!!

I love both of them so much and am so happy that they both have something to get so excited about. Me, I never could sleep the night before but that was all the excitement I had. Not a week before school started like these two. I think Brooke has my syndrome unfortunately. But good thing the first days are light and easy!! She can come home and sleep before the next day starts!!

I don't know what we are going to do for the next two days to keep little Jayden busy so he doesn't think too much about school!! Hopefully something will come to mind!

What's going on....

With this weather? For the last two days I have had to heat rice bags up too many times to count. We had stormy weather on Friday but only had to heat the rice bag twice before going to bed. Then yesterday (Saturday) we woke to more rain and even colder temps. I am not sure how cold it got during the night but at nine in the morning our thermometer said 51 degrees outside. I am not sure but I remember hearing from a seminary teacher that one of the signs of the times would be that the seasons would be all messed up. I sure think we are headed that way. We had HOT weather for only a month this year when I know for the last couple years atleast it has been hot from May all the way through September. Here we are the middle of August and I am cold. We have not had to open the windows at night in order to cool the house down. I even pulled our comforter out and put it back on the bed. The last two nights I have woken and found JayDee curled up in a ball completely under the sheet. He only does that when he is really cold. If you were to ask him though he would tell you that only his feet were cold. I think he is trying to be so tough!! I have had to check on Emmy and Anna a couple of times before going to bed myself to make sure that they are covered (they are the only ones who don't understand the concept of putting a blanket on when cold)! In fact both Emmy and Anna have colds right now. Not too common for us during the summer months. But hey, maybe this means that we won't be hit so hard this winter like we were last year!! That would be nice!!!

I am definately not complaining about the coolness it is just weird to me and funny how fast things can change. I love that here in Utah we usually get all four seasons so we get breaks from the cold cold and the hot hot! I am a little afraid that if we don't start warming up a little we may be in for a long winter out here! We need the water but if only we could get that in the form of warm rain instead of the cold snow!!!

She threw her first tantrum...

Okay for those of you who haven't heard this story I will share it with you. I think it was the funniest tantrum I have seen. We were in Vernal (an hour away from home) grocery shopping and soon after arriving Emmalee brought to my attention that I had forgotten her blanket. She loves her blanket and won't go to sleep without it. This was going to be a very long trip if I didn't figure out something. I had to go to the baby section for formula and diapers and found this blanket buddy. It is a rabbit head sewn to an eight inch square of fabric. I handed it to her to see if she would quiet down. Instantly she did so I thought we would carry it with us until we were done and then put it back but she then had to taste it so there went that idea. She was so

content that she fell asleep while shopping. I was happy because it meant one less kid asking for something...isn't that how it always goes...you go shopping and it is always "Mom, can we have this?" or "Mom, we need this soooo bad." And I am bad because I want them to stop I usually cave in on some of them and they unfortunately have learned that trick. Anyway back to the original story...We finally get to the check out stand and had to pry Emmalee's hands off her blanket buddy. As soon as I did she started screaming (literally). The cashier hurried and scanned it and back in her hands it went. Again as soon as she had it she was happy. She talked in her carseat most of the way home. I would like to know what it was she was saying to her bunny (probably all about how her Mom gave into her and plotting what she can do next!). We got home and still she wouldn't let go. She played on the floor with it, went to bed with it and now goes everywhere with it. I never thought it would be worth it to spend $8.00 on an eight inch square of blanket but I can honestly say it was the best $8.00 I have ever spent!!!

Happy Happy Birthday....

Brookie Baby!! I can't believe that another year has come and gone!! You are absolutely beautiful!! I love you so much! I thank my lucky stars that I have you for a daughter every day. You are such a great help to me and your siblings. I know that some days it may seem like your brother and sisters couldn't care but I know one day they will be so happy to have you as their sister! I love how much help you give me with Emmalee. Sometimes it is hard to do everything that a mom has to do so it is so nice to have my little "mom" to help me. Thank you for making the bottles and just being there to hold her and make her happy. I know that Anna is loving the time that she gets to "snugga" you. Every night she asks if she can go to bed with you so you will "snugga" her. Cora loves that you know how to read her books and Jayden loves being able to ride his bike with you. But he says you need to wear your helmet when you ride and I couldn't agree more. You now have a big bike and not quite sure how to ride it so get that helmet and pads that Grandma and Grandpa Welch gave you a couple years ago for your birthday. We want you to be safe.


Brooke and Jayden really are good friends. I think it helps that Brooke is somewhat of a "Tomboy" and likes to do the same things that he does. Here they are at the bottom of our hill after sledding down. Yes there isn't snow clothes 'cuz this was in September of last year. My kids love sledding no matter what time of the year.


Even with the whacked out hair-do Brooke promises to be drug free. This was one of the fun days they did during last years drug free week.


Brooke,
You are growing into such a beautiful young girl. As your parents we are so happy with you. You have a testimony of our prophet and of the Book of Mormon. It makes my heart so happy when I get to hear you bear your testimony. I hope that you will take every chance that you get to bear it to anyone who will listen.
I love to go through our scrapbooks and see how much you have grown. It doesn't seem like seven years ago that you were just a baby like Emmalee. You weren't able to do anything for yourself and here you are doing so much for your siblings. I thought it would be fun to post some of your pictures from the previous years...

Here you are two months old - on your blessing day. The funny story about that day is that Mom and Dad both had been asked to speak in church and so we decided that we would do your blessing on the same day (not too wise now that I look back on it!). Dad was quite nervous about either speaking or giving his first name and blessing. When it was time for him to go and give you a blessing he walked off without you so I had to take you to him. And then when the blessing was over your dress (that was my blessing dress) got stuck on his suit coat button and he nearly threw you to the front row. But even with all that it was a very special day for all of us. You were blessed that you would be happy and I can say that the promise has come to past already.
Here you are eighteen months old and just as happy as ever. This was at our Welch (big Welch family) Christmas party at the Rock church in Farmington. Dad wasn't there because he had to work that night but you didn't seem to mind - you had other cousins to play with.
Here is my big three year old and boy you look like you could be going to school!! This was after Aunt Crystals mission farewell talk in Church. She served her mission in Argentina. I always wanted to serve a mission but your dad caught me first. But now we will be able to serve together when you kids are all grown. I hope you will always know that you are able to do anything you want to do. No matter what anyone else thinks you just do it!!!
This picture was taken by Aunt Amy before she became so famous for her picture taking. This was at Grandma and Grandpa Welch's house on Christmas Eve of 2004. Grandma always make a wonderful meal on Christmas Eve so while we lived close we would go over there to partake. Maybe one day her talents will rub off on me and we can start some of those good traditions!
And here you are at five years old. This was the last day of Kindergarten for you and I had asked you what it was that you loved learning at school and you told me it was learning how to Curtsy so here you are showing me and the camera how you do it. I think you do it perfectly!!

I am so happy you are my daughter and I love you so much. I hope you continue to grow strong in the church and love to learn the teachings. There are so many things that you can learn if you just listen and do. Both Dad and I are so pleased with how much you are learning in school. You are so smart. It amazes me how much you know just after two years of school. You are so lucky to have the teachers that you do. They have told us how much you make them smile at school and how much they love that it is you who welcome the new students no matter who they are...boy, girl, older or younger. Your Dad and I have had many conversations about how we get scared how you are not afraid of anyone. We worry that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a good stranger and a bad one. But to hear this from your teachers makes me happy to know that you are a good friend.

I could go on and on about all the things that I love about you because there is so much but I think you get the drift and if ever you forget you just come and find me and I will remind you!!!

We love you so much!!!
Love,
Dad and Mom

Hello, this is JayDee trying to blog. First of all note the spotted glasses on my face. This picture was taken right after we went through 1 of 2 rapids on the "A Section" of the Green River below the Flaming Gorge Dam. Monica and I thought back to the days we ran the rapids on the Snake and Salmon Rivers and these are little rapids.

It was pretty gutsy on my part to take out the camera while going down the river, but I wanted to make sure that we got this trip on film. I wanted to make sure Monica and I would remember our 8th year Anniversary. It was a fun, relaxing, and at time adventurous trip in the inflatable canoe. I would like you to enjoy the scenery that we enjoyed all the way down the river.

We owe a big thanks to Phil Lopez for the shuttle and the Jones' for the canoeing equipment. They helped us out so much to pull off this adventure on such short notice. Oh and we can not forget Johnita and Ruby Morton for watching the kids too!

We hope that these pictures will entice you to ride the river with us free of charge later this Summer! :)

Read at your own risk....

The last week and a half has been a real roller coaster of emotions for me. Some of you may understand. I don't want to go into a lot of details because these blogs should be a fun way to update you on our ongoings. But what you do need to know to understand this blog is that I have had a strong feeling that I could lose someone close to me. I have been scared of this and not sure what to do. One day of feeling really stong feelings I came across this blog http://adailyscoop.blogspot.com/2008/07/call-me-junior.html and it all came back to me - the plan of our Heavenly Father. Stephanie lost her 14 month old baby girl this past June in a drowing accident. As I related to JayDee I don't know if my testimony is as strong as hers. She took this tragedy and has turned it into a missionary experience. She says that she is grateful for all that read her blog and for the messages that get left so feel free to read her blog. I did and have found a sense of peace with my feelings. I know that none of my loved ones will be taken away unless they are needed on the other side. I know that it will still be hard to deal with but the knowledge that we all can see them again should be a comfort to us all. I am grateful for our Savior and the ULTIMATE Sacrifice he paid for all of us.

24th of July Celebration

Here comes the Flag!! Always at the beginning of the parades. Just where it should be. I love to see the flag and hope to be able to teach our children the importance of the flag. As the flag came up the street. I asked Anna (her, Emmy and I watched the parade while the rest were in it) to stand and put her hand over her heart. Even after the flag went by she kept her hand on her heart. I told her she could take it off and go get the candy that everyone was throwing (with not many viewers of the parade those who do usually end up with all the candy). She told me no because she could still see the flag. I found it amazing that my 2 year old knew the importance of saluting the flag until she couldn't see it any more. As soon as it went around the corner she went after all the candy!!
Anna got front row seats for the Parade and didn't have to fight for Candy!
Here comes my little buddy. The first day that he got to ride his new bike & he did a great job! Here is Brooke and her Best Friend Morlie Hayes. These two are inseperable at times!!
Cora still had to ride her little bike but she didn't let the size slow her down any. She was nearly in the front of the Parade and the kids were usually in the middle of the Parade. When the vehicles stopped she would go right on by. Good thing that the rule out here is that you watch for the kids not the kids watch for cars because then I would really have a reason to be scared.

The kids had so much fun and look forward to this event all year round. I know that it doesn't top Oakley parade and rodeo but it is so fun and personable here.