Thank goodness for sisters

I have been in vacation mode lately. I can't get moving, and I've watched more tv (on the internet, I don't actually watch tv) than is good for anyone. I haven't put up Christmas decorations yet, which is really starting to annoy my children. So yesterday, I watched Mari's girls while she went to help at Don's school. When she got back, we were both griping about how we're not getting anything done, and it's terrible, blah, blah. We decided to join forces. She spent two hours helping me clean out Evin's room, which had gotten to a terrible state. We find legos everywhere. Then we went to her house and sorted clothes that she's been avoiding since October. Ran those to the storage unit, and came back to my house and cleaned out the boys' room. More legos everywhere. I've never been able to clean out both rooms in one day. Thank you Marilyn! Maybe I'll actually put up Christmas today!

The first final

I have to say, it's been a lovely semester. The first "real" semester since I started back to school. I don't think the first one counted as much, they were such dumb classes, and it was summer. Last night I took my first final. I'm not sure it counts much either, since it was for the class I despised with all my soul, (except for sitting up in the back with Rob and another lady named Donna and griping about how dumb the class was!) Plus, is an open book final really a final? I did get a cramp in my hand from answering such questions as, what three things did you learn about the nursing profession or nursing school from this class that you didn't know before? Honestly? Not much. Now tomorrow's finals, that's a different story. I live in dread of identifying muscles. My hope is that they don't put that many on there.

I'm glad I've made it through this semester. I think Marilyn and Derek are glad I made it through this semester. Next semester isn't exactly going to be a picnic, (Microbiology and Physiology) but I can probably survive. I just won't dust or vacuum instead of just not dusting :)

Ah, the sounds of boys annoying each other. Let the day begin.

Because we need more fun . . .

One of the charms of living in this lovely house is the way the pipes try to freeze when it gets too cold. So the last three nights Derek and I have been leaving water running. Apparently last night, we forgot. So at 5:30 I was getting ready for my 7 am class when I realized, we have no water. I won't begin to describe the things that came to my mind at that moment as I woke my poor husband up. Derek drove to work, got the shop heater and aimed it at the general direction of the pipe, as well as plugging in a pipe heater thing and attaching to the actual pipe. I think. It took until 11:00 am, but we did finally get water back. Then of course, we learned what happens when children discover the water doesn't work in the bathroom and leave the faucets open. Derek was downstairs, the water was running upstairs, and it may have leaked a little into the downstairs bathroom. Fortunately, it would have hit the wall that's already been damaged once, if not twice, so who cares? (It really wasn't that much.)

Isn't life fun when you're already so busy? On the plus side, it was my last day of classes. I have three finals, and then I'm done. I'm quite proud to say I've survived a real semester of college, going to class pretty much every day. We haven't always eaten the best, or cleaned enough (when did I do that before anyway) but the boys are still handling it well, and are going to miss Wednesday mornings with Daddy. I'm not going to miss practicing on Saturdays. There will be no more Saturday practicing! Hooray!

I'm starting to really get in a Christmassy mood. I'm working on my lists, making sure I have everything I need, and planning stuff for me and the boys to do. I even listened to radio Christmas music. Two weeks until Christmas!

Almost done

My last blog was the first day of the semester (except for my happy notice that Keith and Heidi were home). It's been so crazy, every week I think I'm going to write something, and every week I don't. I have loved going back to school. I'm also done with my intense anatomy class, which I loved, and my dumb Intro to Nursing class, which I hated. The only good thing about that class was sitting up in the back row with Rob and a charming lady who lives in Springville, and griping about how dumb the class was. The teacher was fine, but it was a pointless class. Whatever. Anatomy was not pointless at all, just very time consuming. I wouldn't want to take another 7 am class again either, that was not very fun. I have my last one this Wednesday, and I'm just hoping my lucky streak will last and I won't have to drive in the snow at 6 am. I'm getting up extra early.

I finish school a full week before the boys do, and they won't know what hit them! Their bedrooms are getting a full clean out. I have been waiting and waiting for the time to get them done. They are full of trash, toys mixed up, and things under the bed. I also plan on finding my desk, and cleaning off my dresser. Those two horizontal surfaces disappear quickly these days. I'm also going to do some serious investigating into the art of freezer dinners, I think. That and more variety of crockpot recipes. The cooking in my house dove to new depths. I don't think the boys really minded; they got more pancakes and waffles and cold cereal than they should have had.

The boys have had a really crazy fall. Evin got his lesson shifted around (and it will again) so he could start an after-school program that he loves. Isaac and Kaleb are both doing well in school, nothing stands out in my mind at the moment. Although they apparently have girls chasing them at recess. Ian loves preschool, but occasionally throws tantrums that I don't take him. I think Aunt Marilyn gets somewhat exasperated with that. He's always happy when I pick him up though. He's learned all his capital letters, most of his lower case, and a lot of the sounds. I'm so glad he can go to kindergarten next year, he's so ready. I have to admit, I live in a small amount of terror that they'll change the date from Sept. 2 to Sept. 1 and I won't know what to do.

Ian also is doing very well on his little viola. He can play all the twinkles now, and French Folk Song, and is starting Lightly Row. Most mornings he willingly brings me his viola to practice with him, although other days he simply refuses. Isaac is learning the last song in Book 2 (the dreaded Minuet in G) which I simply love listening to. Yick. He and Ian have a Christmas group recital December 15th. Kaleb will be doing his Book 2 recital over the Christmas break when mom and dad are here. He played I Am a Child of God in church a couple of weeks ago, and was a big hit. He played so well in tune, which made me very happy. Evin is in Book 5, not very far and not moving very fast, because we're trying to fix some big technique things before the books get too difficult for him. Some days he tries really hard and makes progress. Other days... But he got a new violin, and it is so much nicer to listen to than the old one. He likes it better too, because he can make it do a lot more of what his teacher wants. And it sounds cool.

Derek, is of course, busier than ever. He's also moving this month, which popped up last week suddenly, and has to be done by the first of the year. It's a good thing in the long run, but a bad thing in the short term. And extra stuff simply will not get done this month (or probably next month) while he gets everything moved. I cannot imagine the time and effort it will take to move his office stuff, his motorcycle stuff, the stuff on the loft, the shop stuff, the lift, Gavin's office and shop space (he's moving too) and all the vehicles. I'm hoping nothing else too big comes up that we don't know about. I'm very grateful that his church calling is on Sunday. It works well for him, not having to get back for another thing during the week when he already is home early a lot of nights for me.

So there's a three month update. Maybe someday I'll see if I can find any pictures. After finals.

Ah . . . . . .. .

the sweet sounds of the bathroom fan downstairs. We missed you, Keith and Heidi. We're so glad you're back!

Ah, the chaotic schedule

Today was my first day of school. I owe Marilyn big. Or at least I will by the time the semester is over. I left for school at 6:30 leaving breakfast for my boys. Derek played with the boys and got them ready for school and dropped them at Marilyn's at 8 am. I was in class from 7-9:50, and 10-10:50, and then home again to get Ian. Then pick up the kids at 2:30, Evin went to Grandma-Great's with the carpool, and I took the other three to lessons. We finished at 5:30, ran home just in time for Derek to take Evin, Isaac, and Kaleb to pack night, and Ian and I went to his preschool open house. Then home again, home again, home again James, for showers, dinner, and games with daddy before he went off to the airport.

Yikes.

And tomorrow is worse. Would you like to hear? Too bad.

Up and dressed, practicing, out the door. Run carpool, run back in time to watch Marilyn's charming children (except Don!) babysit for about four hours. Try to do homework, maybe, we'll see. Then life gets interesting. After school: Isaac and Kaleb go to Grandma-Great's with the carpool. I pick up Evin and take Ian to Terry's house. Evin and I go to violin lessons in Highland. Then on the way home, I meet Rodger and pass off Evin like a football :) and simultaneously, Issac and Kaleb are ready for soccer and being picked up by a friend with a boy on the team. Rodger takes Evin to soccer by 5:40 we hope, although he may be late. Terry and Ian go to my house and await the return of the two soccer boys finishing first. I go to class at six and hope no one gets lost. By 8 when I get out of class, hopefully everyone has returned home where they will be fed, showered, and stuffed into bed. (Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!). Then I get home, say goodnight to anyone still awake, and crash into bed. Hopefully.

I would ask how life got so complicated suddenly, but I already know. And actually, it's a lot of fun. I love school, anatomy may kill me, but I love learning it, so we should get along. Ian's starting preschool, and is so excited. He met his teachers tonight, and marched right up and said hi, my name is ian, what is your name? I'm three, and my birthday is next week. Then the teacher shook his hand, and he said I'm glad to meet you! I about fell over, it was so cute and grownup! He's definitely ready for school. The boys love soccer, and though it is a trial having the boys all have games on Tuesday in two different places, and least it's only two days a week instead of four like last year, and they love it, and it's good for them. So we persevere on!

First day of school

Ah, the long awaited first day of school. The boys were all so excited, they love school. Evin's starting 3rd grade, in a multi-age class with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. They have an hour and a half or so with their own class, and then do rotations for math, reading, science, etc. I'm excited, I've heard a lot of good things about it. He's actually in a class with his friend's older sister. His friend is in a different multi-age class, and he'll probably be in groups with him sometimes. Kaleb and Isaac are starting 1st grade, and have been waiting to eat lunch at school FOREVER! Kaleb has a teacher that was recommended to us, and Isaac has Kaleb's teacher from last year! She only taught a half day last year, and now is teaching 1st grade so she can teach a full day. She's a wonderful teacher, and I'm sure Isaac will do well. They all ran off with not a look back, and came home happy and still excited to go tomorrow, so I think they did allright.

Ian and I are by ourselves now for another ten days until he starts preschool. I think the weirdest thing will be having lunch by ourselves every day. Today Sabrina was here while Nicole had a doctor appt., so that kept us entertained. After preschool starts, we may have to invite Don over some afternoons to play.

And we're off and running for another school year.

Reasons I love my husband:

Random post, more for me than anyone else. To be quite honest, I was cleaning my bedroom tonight and starting thinking while I cleaned.

1- He never complains when I don't cook.
2- He never complains when I don't clean.
3- He got me a treadmill, a rather large one, when he didn't want to put one in our bedroom.
4- He never tells me that my desk is a horrible mess, even when it is most of the time.
5- He never laughs at me when I play a computer game all day once every six months.
6- He appreciates me practicing with the boys and lets me complain when they're driving me crazy.
7- When I need more money, he can usually come up with it. (I'm not that greedy!)
8- He's letting me go back to school and watching the boys more so I can.
9- He has never yelled at me. Ever.
10- He helps me find clothes that I like. He's better at shopping than I am.
11- He does surprises for me when I'm out of town, even while watching the boys.
12- And for an even dozen, although it's kind of silly: he buys cool music. Most of the time.

A day of children!

I am sitting here typing this after a very full day of children. I got Marilyn's children at 10:00 a.m. We played and had lunch and went and took naps at Mari's house. The kids were really good and didn't create too much mess, either. We came back to my house about 4:30, followed shortly by Marilyn with Melia and Josh. We played, had popsicles, and had dinner with nine children at my kitchen table. It was really fun. They all actually ate, for the most part, and we had chocolate pudding for dessert, which Ehlana decided to smear all over herself. Then she started to cry, and it was time for them to go home! I should have gotten a picture of her covered in chocolate pudding, but I didn't think about it.





After dinner the boys (and even Shiara) played with Isaac and Kaleb's new star wars game. It kept them occupied, and they even picked up toys in between turns. I love watching these kids growing up. Remember trying to deal with all the two and three year olds? I told them after chocolate pudding that it was time for showers, and four little boys went and showered without almost any help from me! It is a new era. Melia let me give her a bath and get in her pajamas and get ready for bed.

Marilyn and I were most nervous about little Melia. We've never done a sleepover with her (or Josh, actually, but I wasn't worried about him!) and we were slightly afraid she's yowl and howl at bedtime. After hearing about how Matt had to stay with her even at Grandma Gayle's house, we were concerned. So when I announced to Isaac, Kaleb and Ian that is was bedtime, she surprised me by saying that she was going to sleep right by Ian in his room with Isaac and Kaleb too! We moved her bed in there, the boys gave her about 10 more stuffed animals to sleep with, and she was so cute, surrounded by her "friends" and several more from the boys. We put on a cd, and I haven't heard a peep. Aunt Pammy's house is truly a magical place. :)



Now Josh and Evin are playing Battleground, and Evin wants to sleep on the floor with Josh. We'll let them stay up late and do something special and then throw them in bed! Matt and Emily can go away again without feeling guilty!

Isaac and Kaleb birthday pictures

More pictures

Kaleb with his new guitar.



In Liberty Park with Emily



Isaac, Kaleb and Ian in the "lake" at Liberty Park



Climbing at Liberty Park

Swimming with Lynnette

Trying to drown Derek while jumping off the diving board





Isaac

Random pictures from the summer

Kaleb with his "guitar" that he used for the kindergarten program. Funniest thing I've ever seen.



My boys in the car on the way to Arizona.




The most gorgeous complete, double rainbow in Arizona during one of the fantastic rainstorms we got to see. I tried to take pictures of the torrential downpour one night that about flooded the back patio and all the streets, but I couldn't get anything good in the dark. I thought it was letting up so I ran to the car and to grandma's, but just getting from the car to the door I was wet enough grandma got me a towel!



The puddle at the corner where you turn onto the mine road. Impressive for Arizona, isn't it?

Isaac and Kaleb's birthday, part 2

Friday was the boys' actual birthday, so we continued their birthday celebrations. We met Marilyn, Emily, Nicole, and respective children at the children's museum at the Gateway. We spent about 3 hours there letting the boys roam. I know most of the little girls liked downstairs more, and my boys liked upstairs more, so we tried to accommodate all of them. The children's museum is always a fun place to go.

After the children's museum, Nicole went back home, we went to Wendy's for lunch, and were very proud of how our children behaved. It's so nice to go places with them when they're acting so good! Ehlana decided she didn't like her frosty, so I got to finish hers. Who doesn't like a frosty?

Then Marilyn went home to get ready for camping and Emily and I went to Liberty Park. It's such a fun park, and shady in parts! They have a sort of representation of the canyons in Salt Lake Valley all running into the lake (pool). It's basically a bunch of channels, pools, and waterfalls with paths between and tons of places to wade, float things down, or try to make dams. It was really neat. I don't want to think too much about the condition of the water, but they had a blast, and then we brought them home and threw them into the shower.

After dinner we had the rest of the boys' presents. They were so cute, they kept giving Derek hugs after they opened each present. Poor guy was feeling a bit mauled. They each got a personal cd player so when Ian picks suzuki violin book 2 for the four hundredth time, they don't have to listen to it. They got some lego things and some games and some clothes, and Kaleb got his new bike (Isaac managed to win one in the last drawing at the school in May). They were appropriately pleased, ate ice cream, and went to bed. I spent most of Saturday putting stickers on lego cars. Very exciting.

Isaac and Kaleb's birthday, part 1

Sunday we decided to do part of Isaac and Kaleb's birthday just in case Daddy was gone helping uncle Miles and aunt Natalie move here (we're all hoping!). So we did their cakes and a couple of presents from us and relatives. Then on Friday we'll do the rest of their birthday. I, of course, forgot my camera, so we have to figure out how to get pictures off of Derek's phone. The cakes were decorated with transformers. We're running out of ideas for cool decorations. Toys are always welcome however. The boys got to open a couple of shirts for school each, and Isaac got a star wars set and Kaleb got a guitar (it's so cute) and they got these nerf type swords to fight with that are actually quite fun. Grandma Terry and Papa Rodger got them a rocket set that I haven't quite figured out yet, and they got candy and yo-yos from aunt Nicole's family. They had fun, and we have fun things planned for Friday as well.

24th of July

We had a fabulous 24th of July. I wish I had remembered to take pictures, but I didn't. Matt was smart and brought his camera, so we'll have to beg pictures from him.

We started, as usual, with the always popular Spanish Fork parade. We actually stayed for the entire parade this year, start to finish. We missed Uncle Keith and Aunt Heidi, but still had fun. After the parade we had a barbecue (using Uncle Keith and Aunt Heidi's barbecue, thank you) at Marilyn's house, and made fabulous homemade strawberry ice cream. I'll be exercising next week. Grandma-Great was able to have lunch with us and read Ehlana a lot of stories.

After ice cream we relocated to my house for a change of scenery and toys. For some reason, the boys were having a hard time getting along. They've done very well lately, but maybe the heat was going to their heads. Who knows. We played games, played with toys, and Matt and Emily helped me pick half my apricot tree. I'm not sure Emily took enough home with her. I'll be making jam today.

Emily and Matt went to another family get together about 5:30, and Marilyn had already sent Don and Shiara to meet their dad for a work party, so she and Ehlana stayed and had dinner with us. Everybody in bed at about 7, and a quiet evening followed!

The best part of my 24th was my big surprise from my charming husband. He managed, as always, to find an amazing deal on a camping trailer for our family. When I find my camera, I'll take pictures. It's lovely, needs a litle work, but useable as is. I'm so happy, I don't have to sleep in a tent anymore!

Summer, on and on

I am finding it hard to believe that summer is moving so quickly. We're in the middle of two weeks of swimming. We have one week after swimming and then it's Bright Ideas weeks (2 weeks every morning, 8:30-12, a program for kids to think more creatively) and then the 24th of July, the month of birthdays, and school starts. It's going to go by very fast.

I've almost finished one class, have to take the final today, will get an A in that class. If I don't, I'll be very surprised. That's nutrition. Then I have two more Saturday classes and then the final for the psychology class. I'd better get an A in that class too, this teacher hands out extra credit like candy. I've really enjoyed school again, and having 100 level classes has been nice, I haven't had to concentrate too hard this summer. Good way to get back into it.

Ian started viola lessons this month. He's (of course) exceptionally cute. We're working on keeping the bow on the string. Or on one string at a time. Silly boy. He loves to practice (most days) and brings me his viola after he finishes his breakfast. It makes me happy to watch him, and also happy that this is the last time (we all hope) that I'll have to get through the twinkles.

Isaac switched with Ian to a different teacher. Linda Duncan teaches viola and violin, and that saves me so much time. Three teachers are enough, I'm not sure how I'd do four. Isaac is such a detail person, he makes any teacher happy, so they're getting along well so far.

We're trying to do the library reading program this year. So far, we're reading some, but I forget to have them mark it off and then we can't remember what we've done. Evin, of course, has pretty much read enough for the whole summer. We have to check on him a few times at night until it's too dark to read.

We try to stick our fun stuff on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. We haven't done a whole lot this summer yet, but we have plans!

Homework, anyone?

I'm learning that I like going to class, but I don't like doing homework. It takes a lot of thought for me to stick it in my daily routine. I"m also learning that I can only listen to music while I study psychology if I don't know it. So anything familiar is out. Part of my brain starts humming along while I'm reading, and it doesn't work so well. I've also discovered that late at night is not a good time to read psychology. For example: "To manage its complex activities, a special part of working memory - called the central executive - directs the flow of information." Or perhaps "Explain how cohort effects can affect the findings of both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. How do sequential designs reveal cohort effects?" At 10 o'clock in the morning I can usually figure it out, but after 10 at night, it becomes a bunch of gibberish.

The boys are bringing home the contents of their desks and cubbies from school. We are beginning to overflow with nametags, pencils, crayons, workbooks, and papers. Isaac and Kaleb really only have two days of school left, since Friday will be just their program and then I take them home.

And my morning today

Today was such a fun Monday morning. I forgot I hadn't changed the boys' clock back from "weekend" time, so after 7, they still weren't up. I apparently slept through all THREE alarms on my phone, as well as Derek's. So up we jumped, running around like crazy. Made oatmeal for breakfast, and as I called the boys for breakfast and reached up to get the brown sugar, the honey toppled right into the oatmeal. I had oatmeal behind the counter, on the counter, on the wall, on the cabinets, on the mixer, on the floor. And we all know how fun oatmeal is to clean up. I still have some behind that stupid cupboard that is pulled away from the wall. I'll never get to that. We'll just call it new texture.

I got bit again on Saturday. I may start paying people if they can figure out what is biting me. Me, not Derek, Evin, Isaac, Kaleb, or Ian. It's becoming extremely unsettling. Derek and I took apart our bed yesterday, looked it over carefully, flipped it, remade it, and are washing pillows and blankets. But if it's our bed, why isn't Derek getting eaten? All I know is they hurt!

Five more days of kindergarten, and 10 of school for Evin. Yikes.

And all three boys

And a video of Isaac . . .

Finally we have video of Kaleb!

The dentist

Since we finally have dental insurance again, we've all been going to the dentist. The four boys went last Thursday, and they were so good! The game machine in the lobby didn't hurt to keep them occupied. It was Ian's first appointment (I don't want to talk about it) and he did fantastic! He let them do all the x-rays, and clean his teeth and everything. And I was very relieved to know that none of my boys have cavities! I will always make appointments during the hour that Tom and Jerry is on the cartoon network, because they just laid there and let them do whatever to their teeth. It was wonderful.

Then Derek went this morning, and lo and behold, no cavities! That was especially impressive, since it has been a REALLY long time since he's been. Tomorrow is my appointment, and I'm hoping our streak lasts, and I'm not the only one with cavities!

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe . . .

So yesterday was Friends Day around here. My poor children don't get to play with friends a lot because we have such a crazy schedule. So Fridays are the day for them all to go away or bring a friend home. Yesterday, I decided they could all invite a friend to come after school. We ended up with 12 children by the end of the day. Evin invited Tate, Isaac invited Kyler, Kaleb invited Bryson, Ian was sad so we called Don. Brooklyn and Mylie from across the street saw the fun, and being in Bryson and Kaleb's class as well, asked to come over (why not?). Some little boy that is friends with Tate hung around for a while after the bus left (hope his mother wasn't wondering, but it wasn't too long before he left) and eventually Marilyn brought Ehlana and Shiara down. The miracle was, the house was not destroyed, and it didn't take very long to pick up the toys! I think next week we'll see who can go other places!

Easter Sunday

I'm still waiting for the pictures from Marilyn's and Derek's cameras from Kaleb's cello recital a couple of Sundays ago. So cute! But until I get those, we'll have to be content with the incredibly cute pictures of my boys from Easter Sunday. Derek always buys them a new Sunday outfit, and they are so adorable!

First my Evin, in his very first little suit. Although he's not so little, and he looks about two years older like this. He was very happy, and felt like big stuff!



I have to say, my favorite outfit was Kaleb's. I love the colors!



But Ian is a very close second.



And Isaac, looking very handsome, as always.





We got lots of compliments in church. The boys looked so handsome and charming! Except for when Kaleb and Ian wouldn't go to class because they were so tired and worn out and grouchy. But they eventually went, and I even sat in Sunday School for a whole five minutes!

In other news, I am registered for 6 credits for both Spring (really summer) and Fall semesters at UVU. I think I'm almost used to calling it UVU instead of UVSC. I'm getting very excited, and ready for going back to school! I can't believe I start in less than a month! This week is spring break, and I'm hoping we can just relax a little! I feel like I've been running for a very long time, and I need a break. We're hoping to go to Salt Lake and do something with Emily and Josh and Melia. Housework would also be good.

Catching up . . .

I haven't posted in a while, but I found some pictures when we cleaned off our camera that are just funny.

First we have little mister Ian, who was so happy to help with Daddy fix the light when it brought Daddy straight up out of bed one very early morning with bad sounds from a light fixture. Flipped the breaker, fortunately, since it was on its way out and had started to burn. I think it scared Isaac a tad. I've been trying to get them to turn out lights before we leave the house, and the other day he was turning them off for me and said "We have to turn the lights off so we don't start a fire!" Silly Isaac. But anyway, Ian got to help daddy fix it, and I just loved him standing up there on his chair by Daddy's legs, holding whatever he was holding.



Then we have the messy bedroom story. Apparently, I was very tired a few weeks ago, and didn't make the boys pick up their toys. Four boys can get out a lot of toys, and they had done an exceptional job of making a fabulous mess. We just let it go for a few days, and then one morning I decided it was time to clean them up and clean them out! I spent the whole morning tossing toys, putting some in storage, and cleaning up the rest. But I'm glad I took before pictures. It makes me laugh to see it such a mess, especially when we just shoved enough aside so the boys could practice!

A tired Monday

Well, it's the start of a new week, and all I want is a day to recover from the weekend. I worked hard all week last week, so we decided that the weekend was for playing, especially since Derek was going to be gone. Friday the boys all got to play with friends, and new friends at that, so they were excited. Then after dinner we went to Carl's Jr. and got chocolate chip cookies (.89) and a fry to share. The boys played on the playground and had a lovely time. Next time we'll get two chocolate chip cookies to split and a drink since they were so thirsty.

Saturday we intended to go to the Bean Museum. We drove up to BYU and were stopped by the hordes of people going into the Marriot Center for a basketball game. Apparently during games, they take over all the close parking lots for special clubs and such. The thoughts of parking in the conference center or law parking lot and hauling to the museum was just too much. So we went home and played video games and got the boys haircuts and got ice cream instead. They all look so cute! Especially Ian, who has now grown up at least six months.

Yesterday was my first choir rehearsal for stake conference. I was so pleased with the songs and how willing everybody there (57!) was to figure out the songs, especially the one actually written for SSAA! It is already sounding beautiful, and next week we'll pound some more parts and get some more phrasing in. Even if no one else comes, it will be a beautiful choir.

Today is clean out the toys day. The boys haven't really picked up toys for about three days, and then they got up this morning apparently trying to find something and their room is a complete disaster. It was heading that way anyway, and today it just reached the breaking point. So hopefully I'll get my regular work done quickly and tackle those bedrooms!

Last week was pack night, and Evin got his Bobcat. First award for cub scouts!

Oh, what a week

I did not post anything this week, because it was far too chaotic. Every day was an adventure in exhaustion. Friday is usually a slower day, and turned out to be one of the worst. Saturday was better, but still a mess! And Sunday is never a day of rest.

Isaac did have Suzuki graduation on Saturday. He graduated from the last piece in book 1. I'll be very glad to not have to make him practice that one quite so much! He played well, forgot at least a third of his circle bows (which he knew perfectly!) and looked very cute. I was a little sad that Evin didn't graduate. He should have graduated from Book 3 and Book 4, but with switching teachers it was just too much to ask the boy to do. Maybe next year we'll be able to convince him to do it.

Isaac getting ready to play



Isaac bowing (cute little curly head!)


Don was standing in a dark spot, but he still looks oh so serious and cute!


Hopefully this week will be a little calmer, although we have pack night and regular lessons and make up lessons and piles and piles of laundry. Onward we go!

Another day, another cold

You would think after several colds, sinus infections, and other various and assorted diseases, that it would come to an end. No. I have yet another cold, probably thanks to Ian, who still likes to be picked up when upset and coughs all over me. Yick. This one is not helping my voice any, and I need it! I have things to do!

This morning's song was "In Humility, My Savior". Not a bad song, except it was only the last line of the song. Took me a while to figure out exactly what song it was.

Last night Mari and I were ready for a change. Derek wasn't home yet, so we started a Charles Wysocki puzzle, but when he unexpectedly got home earlier, we left! Grabbed Keith and Heidi and ran to Ruby River, where the four of us ordered four things and split them. The appetizer Sirloin Stick things are really good! I needed a break from my four day schedule from you know where. By Friday I am pretty beat. So now it's Wednesday, and we'll be hopping along like usual.

Another day, another song

This morning, after a not so long sleep, I awoke from a blissful rest in my warm and comfortable bed to the sounds of loud obnoxious goats. The boys were bleating (best word I could come up with) at each other. Oh by the way, it was not yet six o'clock. The wrath of mommy was swift and not so nice. Then, since it was too late for me to go back to sleep, I decided to check email instead and listen to the song of the day. Today's song is . . . "Weep You No More Sad Fountains" from Sense and Sensibility. (I had to look up the title.) Another day.

The song of the day

So a while ago I realized that I wake up with a song in my head every day. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don't. So I'm going to keep track for a while and see what's in my head.

Yesterday morning was a Carrie Underwood song, I believe it was "Wasted". This morning it was a children's song, "Follow Me". Very annoying. We'll see what pops up tomorrow morning!

A very long week

Last week turned out to be a VERY long week. There was just so much going on. Derek had to go to Blanding and Monticello for a couple days, which always adds to the chaos and diminishes my ability to deal with too much. Then he was gone again on Saturday to Mesquite. Sunday I had meeting after meeting, Derek spoke in church, and Ian and Kaleb are developing another cold. Evin had a recital on Thursday, and played very well, but was extremely nervous! Poor kid. Then you add the regular my teaching, kids lessons, scouts, school, and normal errands that pop up, mom and dad being here (which was good!) and Grandma's surgery, you get a very hectic week! Yesterday I looked at my calendar for the week, and was thrilled to see a nice white space. Except for my teaching and the kids lessons, of course, which take up every afternoon Monday through Friday.

Evin's baptism

Today was a wonderful day, Evin's baptism day. We got to the stake center actually on time, so Evin and Derek could get ready for the 9:00 time. Evin was one of three boys to get baptized, and we were last, so we waited and sang songs in the chapel. Grandma Terry and Papa Rodger were there, and Uncle Gavin and Aunt Nicole, Uncle Rob, Zack, Abi, and Sabrina. Grandma Gayle and Papa Randy came, and Aunt Heidi and Uncle Keith, Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Whosit, Don, Shiara, and Ehlana, Aunt Emily and Uncle Matt, Josh, and Melia.




Evin was just a little nervous about getting baptized. He hates getting water in his ears and eyes. So he resisted a little when daddy tried to dunk him, and ended up not getting the top of his head under. So daddy tried again, and again, didn't quite get that top of this head wet. Derek told him he wasn't getting his head under, and the third time was the charm! Our little boy, who's not so little anymore, got baptized.




We crammed into a classroom for the confirmation. We almost didn't fit! Derek confirmed Evin, and gave him a wonderful blessing, reminding him of being an example to his brothers, friends, and other people he may not even know.

After the baptism and confirmation, the Fulwider family clan had other obligations and things to do. The Becraft side headed back to our house (and others) to change out of Sunday clothes. We played for a while and talked, and then headed to Chuck-a-rama for lunch. The boys ate more ice cream than any sane boy should, of course, but that's okay. The rest of the afternoon we played with the kids, sang together (Mari and Keith and Emi and I and Mom), did puzzles, played games, and the kids created a disaster zone in the boys' bedroom. They were so good and well behaved, I think we only had problems a very few times, and 2 of them were when Isaac and Ehlana each fell off a chair!



Evin got to go to a birthday party too today, so he got home about 8 and was VERY TIRED!!! He opened Grandma Terry's present for him, and loved the idea of a journal. We looked through some of my old journals, laughing at some of the silly stuff I wrote when I was seven. He tried to write some, but was so tired he got too upset when he made a mistake. He's a perfectionist, and wants everything to be just right. Then he stubbed his toe hard and ripped his toenail and made his toe bleed. He decided to just go to sleep.

We had such a good day, it was a wonderful day to remember. Thank you to all our family that came for Evin.

Evin's first pack night

Wednesday was a crazy day for me. Mornings are ALWAYS crazy until the three go to school. Then I helped Grandma Pratt go to the doctor, ran home, lunched the three little boys. Then off to Kaleb and Isaac's lessons, home around 5:30, and at pack night by 6. There was dinner in there too, by the way. Yikes.

But Evin was so cute and big sitting up there with the other big boys all in their scout uniforms. It was fun to see him take part in the flag ceremony and figure what a cub scout does. I can see a long line of pack nights stretching in front of me . . .

Arizona trip

It's been a while since we actually got home from Arizona, but it has been so crazy around here I haven't had a chance to post anything. So here we have a bunch of charming pictures from Grandma's house, Lynnette's, and hopefully Mari will give me (pretty please) the pictures she took or that I took with her camera. Ian was so cute with Lynnette's animals, but my camera ran out of batteries!

So we have:




The charming children playing marbles on the floor at Grandma's house. Shiara insisted on having all the pink marbles, so then Ian insisted on having all the yellow marbles, and then everybody wanted a color, which started out bad, but then turned out nicely, everybody with their own color and no arguing once we got the colors straightened out.


Of course we have the necessary popsicle row of children. That is an essential part of any Arizona experience.


This is one of my favorite pictures. I was so grateful Mari decided to come with me. I don't think I could have driven all 14 (ARRRRRGHHHH) hours by myself. So we took my four boys and Don and Shiara and left the yelling banshee at home with her Daddy. We didn't have enough seatbelts for her anyway, and somebody had to stay at home, and Mari and I didn't want to listen to yelling! So we have the six kids singing to a tape of songs we brought. So much fun! Isaac and Kaleb helped Shiara, Evin was in charge of movies, and Ian and Don had to sit together or they would have been mad. We had fun. Mari and I had an ipod with headphones!


Uncle Don and Aunt Kathy had those kids entranced from the minute they walked through the door. This was the tarantula picture. Everybody wanted to see the tarantula. Silly kids.


King of the mountain. Need I say more?


Mari and I spent a lot of time just soaking up the sun. It has felt much colder back in Utah since we got home.


The kids spent a lot of time playing robots. Kept them very happy most of the time.

I have the most pictures from the first of the trip, hopefully I'll get more from Mari. We had so much fun, it was a wonderful trip, and I was so glad to get to see Grandma Bee and spend time with Lynnette and her kids at church and their house. We loved the food at the Becraft Bed and Breakfast, and would highly recommend it!