Ridiculosnesses of life

Don't worry all, I'm pretty sure 'ridiculosnesses' of life is a real word.

So the other day after a long day, I was rubbing my neck and felt something stuck to my neck. So I went to take it off, which hurt a little because it was stuck to the tender parts of my hair. I couldnt' tell what is was, so upon taking a closer look, it turned out to be a BOOGER! And not mine either. Ah, to have kids with a runny nose. Shyla said this was nothing to whine about. I think it's disgusting. She said, I could easily flick it off and get on with life. hmm

This morning I had to laugh at my life. Danny and Annie both sick and in bed with, not that that matters for Danny, he's always in bed with us, Eddie and I are always trying to get as much sleep as we can. So as not to disturb the children and make sure they are comfortable we have gained some ridiculous habits. Like this morning, Eddie and I were both at the FOOT of our bed, huddled together practically in a fetal position whilst Annie and Daniel were laying on our comfortable pillows, taking as much room as they want.

Our little Annie has not been feeling well. It's kinda a joke that she is spoiled and gets whatever she wants. She is kinda prissy. So this morning, I was sleeping in because Danny was up every 40 min. or something last night, and Annie came into my room 2X. So being the great mother that I am, I got up to see what she needed. I followed her to the couch where she said "I need a pillow." I said, "Annie why didn't you just get your own pillow?" So I got her pillow, then she said, "I'm cold, I need a blanket." I should have anticipated this, but still. It actually leaves me speechless.

snow, Snow, SNOW!!!

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I know we are not the only ones who enjoyed the snow in Mesa!! Ok, well you did have to travel a bit to get to real snow, but still. It was awesome. Over the break we went to Mount Ord. There was a small hill that we played on for a bit. Are you wondering why there are only pictures of Annie? Everyone else only lasted 10 min. and they were huddled in the car. Ridiculous I know! Annie however, we had to pull her away. She had so much fun sliding down that little hill and I admit I had a good time as well. Esp. with Robert pushing us down the whole way (crazy Robert). And we got pushed on a real sled, not the lid, if you were wondering.

Swinging from the tree

We have this awesome tree with a rope in the front. The kids have never played much with the rope much because it was too high for them. Recently, they have been creative and this is what they have come up with. (I'm so proud!)

First you have to roll the garbage can over, then climb up anyway you can, because I'm not going to help do such a crazy thing.


Then you wait patiently for someone to toss you the rope, sometimes this takes a long time. Don't be fooled by the pictures, it's a bit higher than you think.


Then off you go.

McCormick Park with Aunt Shyla

My sister Shyla likes to do fun things with the kids. She heard about McCormick Park in Scottsdale by where she lives does this cool train ride in Dec. and wanted to buy tickets for the kids to go. So we went. It was really fun. While Shyla and I were waiting in line, Shyla got htem tickets to ride the carousel too. When Eddie told me some of the kids were all scared, it made me glad my kids weren't wimps (btw, if you are reading this and your kid cries on the carousel, I dont' think he's a wimp) Where is Johnny you might be asking, he got an offer to spend the weekend with Jackson, Rusty's son, and just couldn't refuse. But he missed out!! The kids had a great time! Whoo hoo!

New Family Pictures

It's true, we survived another photo shoot of family pictures. I'll admit we all got a bit grumpy. But Beth was great and has such an eye for pictures and took them in places that I never would have thought would turn out and they were darling.

(A above, B below if you are voting)

This year we hopped on over to the Rowley's. Sentimental reasons. Bro. Rowley is a plumber and my dad was a plumber. I have the fondest memories of my dad driving a backhoe, having one at our house on occasion and playing in it, being the lucky one that got to actually drive around with him in it, and him lifting us up in the scoop and bringing us back down.
They were so great to let us come and take pics there and to move their back hoe out for us. Of course the one that turned out the best we are sitting on her front porch, but I like these back- hoe ones too.

If you guys remember Annie's last year, they typified (is that a word?) her personality. Not smiley, 'reserved', well this year she really out did herself. Check it out...






















These are some other ones that I liked. Thanks again Beth, we wouldn't have these AWESOME pictures with out you!!





























If you feel like it tell me which fam pic you like the best, I can't decide which one all my family should get a copy of. It has to be one on the back hoe. Maybe just the kids?

Halloween

Our Halloween was fun. The kids looked great and had a great time at the ward party.
I know there is no Daniel. He cried for an hour while I was doing the kids hair. I finally had to give in to feeding him and he was asleep.

This would be the infamous Auntie Hannah in the white dress (my old prom dress. See I knew there was a reason to hang on to those), Mary sporting the 80's, Steven as a zombie. They all looked fabulous!! I'm glad some people enjoy dressing up!

This is Teila and Dallas Palmer. Teila says that she is going to marry him and all this night, he was her 'boyfriend'. Which I hate and discourage, but he is so sweet with her and handles her well. I just love him.

Just in case you couldn't figure out, Teila- hair dresser (thank you Auntie for the use of your apron), John- Harry Potter, Joe-Batman, Annie- Tinkerbell.

Spirit Week for Teila

Spirit Week at Emerson.
Sports Day first then of course Crazy Hair Day.
Now I don't claim to be the coolest mom, but I'm at least scoring some points with these!! And more importantly Teila was very happy.

West Virginia to visit TEGAN!!!

Tegan recently had her 6th baby!!! Little Sydnie Maxine Sherwood. She now lives in West Virginia where Nathan is doing his residency. My mom of course went out to see the baby and flew me out with her. This of course is just a glimpse of how pretty it was. The primary song about it being autumn sprang to mind (either that song or I just made one up that says "it's autumn time, it's autumn, there's ..... all around." to the same tune as another primary song,..anyway)
Needless to say it was beautiful to see trees leaves actually changing colors...



and fog in the morning waiting for the bus stop that was almost tangible.

It was simply beautiful!!

So let me first tell you about little Sydnie's arrival. Tegan is always induced, except for Brennan, but those were special circumstances that we feel certain God had a hand in. Anyway, she was going to be induced late Sunday night. Friday night she started feeling contractions. Nothing new for her, she has Braxton-Hicks for like a month. She was starting to get kinda uncomfortable after about 2 hours and decided to go down stairs to time them, only 10 min. apart. It wasn't long after she got comfy on the couch that her water broke. She paged Nathan to come down because it was 5 in the morning, he quickly assessed the situation, called the lady from the ward, then the paramedics. To no avail, they didnt' make it. By time Nathan really got the situation under control Sydnie was crowning and Tegan, still in denial about not having meds, was ready to push. 1 1/2 pushes later she said, Sydnie was here!! All I can say is it's a good thing Nathan's got skills!! She was 8 lbs and both mom and baby were doing wonderfully by time the paramedics got there. For immense pain that I myself have never felt, it's good it didn't last long. She's like a pioneer woman!! She did great!!

Back to the trip- you would think that I would have managed a picture with all the kids, but we were busy and it never seemed like a good time and then there was no time. Ridiculous I know! Never the less I got some cute pics. These are some favorites.

Brennan holding Sydnie.
At the bus stop: Brennan, Kate, Kenzie, Creighton, Me

The only one missing besides the baby, is Samuel/Sammy. He's almost 4.

Another one at the bus stop: Me holding Creighton, Kate, Kenz

Creighton wanted some marshmallows and took matters into his own hands when he was denied such a treat before dinner.

Kenzie playing soccer. At one point during a drill a boy was just standing there so she kicked her soccer ball right into his shins and then I heard a slight giggle as she dribbled her ball away.






Kate is a sweetheart!


























If you consider flying to WV to work to help your sister organize her house, cook so she can have easy meals, shopping for new organizers and this and that, clean up the basement where you throw everything you don't know what to do with, (mine is an office) then we had a good time.

If you consider visiting a sister that you love so much it's bringing tears to your eyes right now just typing this and having to leave, not being sure when you'll get to see her again that it makes you cry 30 min. before you leave, and you enjoyed spending every second you can with her!... then I had a perfectly wonderful time on my trip to West Virginia!!

I love you Tegs and your little kiddos that feel like my kiddos!!