Temple Square

We enjoyed a short visit to Temple Square because Taylor had really wanted to see the Christus. The kids love learning about the Church History and we never seem to get bored of seeing the same things over and over.

Great Grandparents

We were able to take a trip down to Utah and stay a night with Mark's grandparents. The kids enjoyed being with them a short time, but I'm sure we wore them out. It's good to spend time with them because you never know when it will be your last.

Gardening and jumping

Don't you love how the kids help in the garden? They all pulled out their chairs to watch Mark work. Poor Mark - when he goes out to work the kids make a huge mess with all their toys and it's twice as hard for him to keep his eye on them and then get them to clean everything up.
We got out the Johnny Jumper for Joseph. His head is barely strong enough for him as long as his siblings don't come bounce him, or twist him. His weak little legs don't do any jumping yet.

General Conference

I have some catching up to do and a lot of pictures - sorry.





These are the kids during and after general conference. They thought it would be fun to conduct the music while the Tabernacle choir was singing. Sam decided he should be the only one doing it. What a great mom to be filming it and not stopping it. Afterward we went to visit the grandparents and they had prepared an Easter Egg hunt for the kids. Overall it was a fun day.

The boys

Here are the latest pictures of the boys. Joseph had had enough by the end so we didn't get a decent picture of them together.

Happy Birthday Sam!

Sam had a birthday last week. We just had a simple celebration with our family. I don't think the little ones really understand what's going on anyway and I'd rather keep things as simple as possible if it makes no difference. The cake was also simple as you can see from the picture. He got a tricycle, tee ball set, fire truck, golf set, garden set, and one package still to come. He's already hit those terrific twos and we're all working on patience around here. He has some of the funniest facial expressions and has been nicknamed "Smiley" by several.

He did it!

Oh how we've waited for this day! Mark passed his test! After several set backs (which are still continuing) three years of sacrifice has a purpose. Mark has already been offered a job at St. Alphonsus which he has accepted. Unfortunately he has to wait to receive his certificate which could take up to 90 days. After waiting so long just to get permission to take the test, we're a little frustrated. He should have been practicing last month and things keep getting delayed. He was also supposed to get two certificates - one as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, the other as a certified Nurse Specialist. We are still trying to work things out, but it appears the CNS will not be happening unless he wants to put in another 500-800hrs of clinicials. It's not worth it! I'm just excited to have my husband back - no more studying - yeah! Although he keeps bringing up something about a doctorate. Not anytime soon, I say!

Sam has been sick (and of course passing it on). I just thought it was cute how I find him sleeping sometimes.

Taylor gave her first presentation in school on Peacocks. She did a good job. Sorry the picture is so dark.

I'm playing with toys and trying to talk

You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit

Any of you who know me well, know that I try to pinch every penny and am always looking for a good deal. So when I heard about free haircuts, I thought, "how bad could it be?" I decided to take the girls to get a new look. Dani's hair is so thin that we wanted a short, cute layered look and so I found the picture and showed them what I wanted. Her hair is still long and there is no layer. Oh well, it's still decent looking. Taylor wanted to cut her hair short, but wanted to donate her hair to "locks of love." She was told her hair wasn't quite long enough, but if she got a trim this time, in 3 months it would be long enough. When she was younger I decided it couldn't be that hard to trim her hair so I attempted to do it myself. It wasn't easy, she has such thick hair and I wasn't completely satisfied upon finishing. I figured the "professionals" could do a much better job and a lot quicker. We took her to one of those especially for kids places and they really didn't do any better of a job, so from then on I did it myself. Why spend the money for the same product? I decided we might as well give it another shot this time around. For some reason the salon's think the best way to cut hair is to get it wet first, but it's been my experience that once the hair dries the natural wave causes the lengths of each hair to change. This must be what happened Friday. I just could not believe the butchered job Taylor received. She must have cut off at least 4 inches. I took one look once it was dry and decided I could do better myself (and I'm not very good). I ended up cutting off probably another two inches to even it up. So much for the donation any time soon. It's probably hard to see in the pictures, but the first picture is after the salon cut it and the second was my attempt to fix it. Hopefully it looks better to you now, otherwise I suppose I'll have to take her to a real professional (does anyone know one)? Anyway - lesson learned. Sometimes you get out of it, what you put into it. You have to be careful what you try to get for free.

All Dressed up

Boys

Our baseball twins, daddy (because he doesn't get enough pictures on the blog), Gonzaga baby and camo baby.

1st trip to the Emergency Room

We've managed to make it this far, but I suppose it had to happen sooner or later. Last night Dani came crying into our bedroom about 1:00am barely breathing. She was very raspy and coughed like the bark of a dog. She had eaten quite a bit of big chunks of chicken for dinner, so my initial thought was that there was one stuck in her throat. She tried to vomit several times, to no avail. Then we wondered if maybe she had been allergic to something she ate, inflamming her throat. We gave her Benadryl and then decided we had better take her to the ER. Who knew that there was a croup epidemic going around and that there are usually no symptoms leading up to it. Dani was the classic case - no symptoms, wake up in the early morning unable to breathe. I had no idea what croup even was. After a breathing treatment, steroids, and a popsicle she returned home and has been almost good as new. We're just blessed to live close to medical facilities and to have good care around here. Since it's extremely contagious, our next challenge is to keep it from the others kids, especially Joseph.

Homemade giveaway

The first 5 people to respond to this post will get something homemade by me! I know what you are thinking....."do I really want something made by Stacey???" But you might just be surprised what I can do!


Like any good giveaway, there are restrictions and limitations, as follows:


1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. I get to choose, you just get to receive!
2. What I create will be made just for you......one of a kind!
3. It will be done this year.....hopefully sooner, rather than later.
4. The gift may or may not be edible, wearable or recyclable!
5. In order to be a winner, you must repost this on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me you did will receive one FABULOUS homemade gift by me! After I choose the winners, you can send me your mailing address!


Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you receive it!

Welcome Carlie

Mark's sister and brother-in-law were able to adopt a sweet little girl on Friday, so we are excited for them and welcome Carlie into the family.
Sam has found a new hobby. He does pretty well too - as well, if not better, than the girls.

Blessing Day

Luckily we were able to make it back in time from our trip to keep our scheduled blessing day for Joseph. It was a nice day where lots of family were able to attend. I was excited to get pictures of Joseph where he was smiling.

Funeral in Canada

I haven't posted in awhile because we took an unplanned trip to Canada. My grandma who has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years was able to return to her deceased husband and infant daughter. We were saddened by her departure but are grateful she is pain free in a better place. We were fortunate enough to make the trip up and although we were worried about the roads, we didn't run into any major problems. The four day drive up and back did take it's toll on us, however, especially Sam. So did the -16 degree weather (brrr!!). It was good to see our family and say our goodbyes to my grandma, but we're glad to be home.