What a crazy Life...

Q turns 2!

2011-08-25T09:15:00.001-07:00

I can not believe that my baby is TWO!!! Where has the time gone?

Quinten John VanDerMeide,

5 pounds 1 ounce and 19 inches long.

5 hour "natural" labor and we only counted to 8 and he was here!

One year old and as crazy as ever!

Little did we now the craziness was just about to start!

He was still very little but full of energy!

This is how Quinten was on his 2nd birthday morning (at 10 am)!

All sprawled out across moms bed!

Good thing he is stinkin' cute!!!

Happy Birthday Q!!!

We sure do love you!

Happy Birthday to you!

2011-04-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Today is Bridger's 6th Birthday! He is so big, I can't believe how time flies. So here are 6 things we love about Bridger!
1- He loves to snuggle, give hugs and kisses. He even came into the earth kissing the air (not really a good thing, but it was cute anyway)

2- He is a very obedient child.

3- He loves to be in his Chinese class, and actually asked if he could drop out of English!

4- He is a good little brother, and a great big brother. He will play with whomever.

5- He loves to smile, laugh and giggle. He is a very Happy child

6- He has passions. He loves things almost to an obsession. Some of his favorite passions are Lego's, Star wars, Indiana Jones, Zelda and Chinese.

We love you Bridger Maxx! Happy Birthday!

A little happy....a little sad

2011-04-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

I started to write this a week ago and just never got enough time to sit and write all of my thoughts down, so it is a little late. Sorry, better late than never, right?

One day,a very warm day in April, Brent and I were at my parents home fixing their fence that had blown down, again. I was so excited to be "out" not because of the cold winter but because I had been on bed rest for 10 weeks and I was finally able to get up and move. I was jumping on the trap, playing with my little siblings and frankly being tired of having contractions for 18 weeks. Yes, I wrote that right, 18 weeks having actual contractions. I was so excited to GET OUT!! I was also so excited to get to do my sisters hair for prom, and I was excited to see her in her beautiful prom dress. I was big and pregnant and miserable, but I was happy to be out.

As the day progressed my contractions that I had been having steady for about two days, turned hard and pushing. I was NOT going beck to the hospital, I had been there 15 times in a week and they kept doping me up and sending me home. Not what you want to do. So I sat on the floor, I took a bath, I even ignored them all together. Soon I could not ignore them any more. They hurt, I was crying, I was upset, but I was not afraid, I knew I could go through labor....if they ever let me! My mom told Brent "just take her in and get her checked out, maybe they can give her something to take the edge off." He chose wisely and brought me to the hospital, were they found I was 5 centimeters dilated and they were going to keep me! I have NEVER been so happy in my life.

Brent was happy because the Jazz were playing the Lakers and so he was content in front of the T.V. I remember thinking "I am having OUR baby let me watch something besides basketball!" I have now learned that basketball is a "need" not a "want". And in actuality the first four boys were all born after the jazz played the lakers!
Everything was going well until I was at a ten and my doctor was still at the Jazz game. He told them to hold me off until he got there, which in turned made the babies heart beat slow way down. Parker was born 15 minutes after the Jazz WON the Lakers, as I looked at the Capital wondering how my sister looked for prom. He was cute and little, and a BOY! We did not find out what we were having and Brent and I were literally fighting over what to name "her" until they said it is a BOY! Parker was a great baby, he loved to just be. He was happy just chillin by himself or hanging out with the family, he could be passed around or left alone. He was a great baby. He was a great toddler, a great kid and now he is turning into a great young man. He turned 12 on April 17, a Sunday and received the priesthood that same day. He got to pass the sacrament this last Sunday for the first time. It was like seeing him go off to kindergarten all over again. I was so proud of him for being such a "big" kid, but a little sad because my baby is 12!

He loves to point out that he WILL be taller than me (not a little bit surprised). That in 4 years he will get to drive, and wear a nice tux to prom (most likely on his 16th birthday). And that in 6 years he will be graduated from high school. But the one that scares me the most is when he says to me "mom in 6 1/2 years I get to turn in my mission papers, I hope I go to Africa!" Were has the time gone, I swear it was just yesterday that I was in labor with him, and now he is talking about a mission!

Maybe that is why it is so hard to be a mom, you only get them for so long, you hope you do your best and in the end love them anyway. I am so happy to be Parker's Mom, he has taught me so much. He loves me so much! He is a great big brother, a wonderful help and most of all a GREAT kid! I could not ask for anything more!

Happy late Birthday Parker! We love you!

Happy Birthday CORBIN!

2011-02-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that 10 years ago I gave birth to this cute kid! I was in labor for only 52 minutes, a couple of pushes and he was here. I even drove myself home from the hospital, Brent was way too tired. He has always been a little crazy but a ton of fun. I am so thankful to have him in our family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CORBS!

10 things we LOVE about Corbin

1- He loves pandas..it might even be an obsession. But because of this love he wants to be a zoologist when he grows up and he wants to work with the giant pandas.

2- He has NO FEAR, he never has, even as a toddler I found him on top of the fridge after he "needed a tweet" and climbed up the cupboards.

3- He has a testimony. Each fast Sunday with out telling any of us, he gets up and goes to the pulpit and shares his testimony.

4- He loves to sing. He will sing anything or sing any where. Many times I hear that Corbin was the only one who remembered all the words to the new song they are learning. Or that Corbin knows how to use his voice, he is load but in the "good" way.

5- He is super smart. Corbin loves to do well in school, he studies hard even if it is not needed, and he loves to learn about new things.

6- He can be a great helper. If I ask Corbin will do (most of the time), and usually with a smile.

7- He is very patient, his favorite thing is Lego's and if that is not having patience I don't know what is.

8- He loves Harry Potter.

9- He loves to be outside, he loves to camp he loves to play kickball and dodge ball in the backyard, he loves to go swimming and fishing and just the outdoors.

10- He is kind to others.

Everything but christmas....

2011-01-06T21:36:00.001-08:00

First of all I know it is a miracle that I am blogging anything. My goal is to be a better blogger in 2011, but we will see how that goes. As I type this I have a baby a sleep in my arms because he doesn't feel quite up to par, and it is 11pm. So I will try, but I am not promising anything. Also I know there are about a billion pictures, but I have a hundred kids and these are just the highlights. I hope to have the pictures of Christmas put onto this computer soon (see post below), so hopefully by the end of January I will have them updated too. I am not sure why all the pics are different sizes...and I really don't care at this point.

Second I have the best family connections EVER. My aunts brother is Lagoons vet. Lagoons white tiger had cubs, and didn't want to be their mama and turned against them. They were able to save these two cubs, Titan and Athena. My aunts brother and his wife are raising them until they are old enough to be on their own. So for Thanksgiving we ate a little turkey and then got to "play" with the two crazy tigers. White Tigers are my favorite land animal, so to say I was thrilled is an understatement.

Titan

Parker and Athena

Bridger and Titan

Brent and Titan

Moving on to other things. This is what we have been up too....

The Quilt a made for my bed.

Quinten fell of the chair and landed perfectly on his right side. I suspected he broke his collar bone. X-rays in the morning said I was right. He had to wear this wrap for three weeks.

First snowman of the year.

Halloween 2010

Quinten the screaming billy goat.

Annie Bannie the Bee

Not quite sure what Parker was. An 11 year old boy is all I can say!

Corbin the Ninja

Shark Noah

Sheriff Bridger

Pumpkin Picking at the Wilcox farm. The best ward party we have!

Quinten is so accident prone.
Quinten burned his hand and face on my iron as I was sewing a quilt.

Poor Baby!

Quinten's lip he burned on the iron.

A little bit of silliness....

My way cute Nephew Henry came to play all the way from Texas!

My very BIG dog Belle will jump on the tramp to get away from the tiny dog!

Quint will walk around all day like this....silly baby!

Annaka is SUPER SILLY! She thinks that to watch TV, we need a car, Ariel and Flounder, Dora and a Bus all in MY bed!

Birthdays and such.....

Annaka turned 3!

She got a pillow pet and loves it!

Quinten's first birthday Cake!

Happy Birthday Q!!

Isn't he Cute?!

little thought....

2010-11-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

So I have not posted in forever....we are having computer issues. Our "great" computer got a virus (thanks kids) and so we have hooked up our "good" computer. The problem is that I can not down load any of my pictures to my "good" computer, my camera is too awesome for it! So to get pictures on here I have to reconnect the "great" computer and download them, then send them to myself in email. Then reconnect this computer and download everything here. I am lame, slightly lazy and just don't want to do it. Maybe I will go to my mom's and do it there. So one day (hopefully before Christmas), I will put up Halloween.

So on to my thought....I hope it makes you chuckle!

My prince Charming!

2010-09-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Look at this handsome man.

I am lucky enough to be his wifey!

Happy 12th Anniversary baby! I love you!

I'm FIBE!!!

2010-09-13T21:35:00.001-07:00

Annaka thinks she is five, and will tell you so if you ask her. I can't believe that she is THREE years old. Annie is super cute, super smart and super spoiled (she is a daddy's girl)! Her favorite things are triangles, purple, orange and green, and Alligators. We are so blessed to have her little spunky spirit in our family. We love you Annabana!!

MY BABY IS ONE!!!!

2010-09-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

This cute little button turned one last week....wow how time has flown right by. Last year I sat and did jar after jar of tomatoes with a little tap, tap, tap within my belly. Now as I do tomatoes I have a little man pulling on my legs and wanting to be hugged all day. He loves to wrestle his sister, snuggle with me, and most of all he loves to run his fingers through my hair. He is super little only 16 pounds, but he is a huge personality. We are so happy little Q is part of our family. Love ya mister!

New York!!!

2010-08-23T12:34:00.001-07:00

Do I need to say anymore. We had a bast...we came home tired! We are so happy our good friends Bruce and Brenda could come with us. We saw everything...the good the bad and the ugly. We saw four Broadway shows, Wicked, Phantom, Mary Poppins and The Adams Family. We went to the Manhattan temple which is awesome. All in all it was a great trip and a perfect way to spend my Birthday!!

Customize a picture slideshow

Family pics

2010-06-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Fadela took our family pictures for us. She was wonderful at getting everyone to look so good. It helped her hubby was jumping up and down and making funny noises. All in all I think they turned out smashingly.

Quinten 10 months old.

Annaks 2 1/2 years old.

Bridger 5 years old.

Parker 11 years old.

Noah 7 1/2 years old.

Corbin 9 1/2 years old.

My kids are growing up way too fast. What is a mom to do?

Wedding crashers

2010-05-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if wedding crashers should be our real title but get six kids in a small building and something might come crashing down. My little sister Holly married John on May 12th, it was a rainy day to say the least, at least the company was great. The cake, I designed to look like their wedding invitations. I heard it was good!
Cute Annie-bannie, she thought my cousins were there just to have her own modeling shoot!

Quinten after he ate a Chocolate Chocolate-chunk cookie!

Four Generations, Grandma Kirby, My mom, Me and miss Annaka

Two cute cookie servers, Parker and our cousin Jacob.

Annie showing off her green finger nails!

My cute cute nephew Henry. We have a love/hate relationship.

I love him to death, he hates me about the same.

The Bride and Groom!

Congratulations Holly and John!

Happy Birthday Bridger Maxx

2010-04-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday buddy. I can't believe you are five!
You are my best Knight in shining armor!
I love you Bridgie!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!!

2010-04-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Parker is 11 years old. I swear it was only yesterday he was a little baby. He is such a great helper and a wonderful son. I can't believe that next year he will be passing the sacrament. Wow how time does fly.

Happy Birthday Parks we love you!

What's been shakin'....

2010-03-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

Okay to say life is crazy would be an understatement! We have been constantly busy (and I am afraid it is not going to slow down anytime soon) for the last month. March has flown by in a whirl wind and with it came fun, adventure, and a few new family members. So I chose my favorite few pics of the last month to prove to the world (or the three that read my blog) that we have been doing something.

This is Quinten at the temple. I love this Picture. He is growing up too fast. At his six month check up he was 13 lbs. 6 oz and 23 inches long. Yeah he is a chunkers. If being in the 1 percentile makes him a chunk! He can sit up almost, he rolls every where and he will be crawling before you know it. Slow down baby boy!

First I made a cake for the blue and gold banquet. It was very fun to decorate a cake that looks like the boys uniform. I heard it tasted good too.

Corbin wanted a Game themed birthday party, so I made a old school Nintendo for the cake!
I also made a farewell cake that looked like Tennessee, did I take a picture...sorry I forgot.

I refinished my Kitchen cabinets. This is in the middle of the process. The ones right above my sink are what they now look like. Now if only I could find a cheap way of redoing that ugly tile!

Pine Wood derby! Need I say more.
Parker "the cheeseman" with his wedge of cheese!

Corbin with his very scary, very fast car.

It is sponge-bob, no just Corbin after he had four teeth pulled. Noah had two pulled, but he is a crazy drunk and would not let me take a picture.

My little brother Ryan got married to the love of his life, Ann. We love her dearly and wished they lived a little closer. I also had two wedding cakes on their wedding day, theirs and one of my friends, too bad I again didn't take a picture.

Finally on Friday my grandpa got remarried to a wonderful lady named Sharon. She makes my Grandpa so happy. This is their wedding cake I made for their special day.

I can not promise to be a better blogger...

get me a nanny and a maid and maybe I would or could be better!

Just a side note......

I am going to NYC for my 30th birthday!

Thanks hunny!

Happy Happy Birthday Corbin Dear.....

2010-02-24T07:32:00.001-08:00

Happy days will come to you all year. If I had one wish then it would be, a Happy Happy Birthday to you from me! Happy 9th birthday dude, I sure do love you!

This is a test..only a test!

2010-01-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

I promise we are here with a lot of great Christmas stories. But with parents moving, new callings, a new puppy, and a science fair project due in four days (science fair projects suck!), we are temporarily unable to blog. The kids go off track on Friday so I promise a post by then. Just remember this is a test, only a test!

Happy Birthday

2009-12-21T14:28:00.003-08:00

Happy 7th Birthday to my best Christmas Present EVER! We love ya Noah!

Christmas Cheer!

2009-12-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

When I was little, my family used to go cut down out Christmas trees. It is a freezing but fun experience. When Brent and I got married we started to do this tradition. We usually go to Flaming Gorge, stay at a lodge and pay a lot of money for a beautiful tree. Well this year we got smart, and went to our Cabin and cut down two beautiful trees.

Kids Tree.

It was a bit hectic this year...but what's new! Brent drove his truck up and I drove up in my SUV, so that we had a way to get the trees back home. My sister Holly, her boy-friend John and our Bishops family came with us. There was 17 people in all. Annaka started to feel sick on Friday night, so at mid-night the Bishop and Brent went down to Spanish Fork to get Tylenol. They tried to hit a few deer, a couple owls, and almost succeeded in hitting an elk. Annie was not a happy girl the whole time, but she was a trooper as we hiked up the mountain. Sunday Morning the Watson's went home, we started to clean up and winterize as Holly and John went to the Scholfield branch sacrament meeting. I unloaded all of the trees, started to reload the truck and get the house cleaned. I sat down to nurse the baby and was hit with a wave of pain in my side. "Maybe I over did it with the trees" I said to myself. Then I could not control it, I was throwing up, laying on the deck, screaming for Brent. I told him that "if I didn't know better I would say I was in LABOR." Holly and John took my kids home (thanks again), and Brent drove our old truck as fast as he could down Spanish fork canyon and back to a hospital. Don't worry I was not in labor, just passing a Kidney stone, 1 down 4 to go! It sucked, I would not recommend it!

My Tree

Here are our family pictures for the year. I think I should send this one, crazy, blurry and missing three of us, but hey its the best we could do.

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! Stay nice and warm and enjoy the season!

peanut butter, silliness, growing,and a momnapping!

2009-11-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

Annaka loves Peanut Butter, I got out of the shower and found her watching "Dora" and eating Peanut Butter right out of the jar. In my room no less!
Annaka thinks she is pretty cute and loves to watch herself in the windows. She will dance and shake her bootie, she must be a Williams'.

Parker thought he would be funny and started taking pictures of himself. This is my favorite. His future wife WILL see this one.

Quinten is getting big, starting to smile and cooing. He is such a great baby.

Noah was worried that I did not have a picture of myself. If I ever get "mom"napped I need to have a picture to give to the police. So Parker took my picture so he would stop worrying.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween from this crazy bunch. No more are the days of all dressing the same. We all have a mind of our own! Bridger as Batman!
Who doesn't love Sponge Bob?

Corbin the Dinosaur or Dragon, you choose.This is what 10 year old is...super cool!

My newest little scarecrow. Isn't he cute?

Miss Dorthy showing off here little Toto!

Ward Pumpkin Party!

2009-10-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

One of our past Bishops is a farmer, and he plants one of his fields with pumpkins, for our ward pumpkin party. We get a great lunch, hayrides and HUGE pumpkins!

Corbin and his friends on the hayride.
Bridger's pumpkin

Annaka's pumpkin

Noah's pumpkin

Brent and Annaka on the hayride.

Parker's pumpkin

This is what Quinten thought of the hayride.

Thanks Bishop Wilcox! We scored 20 pumpkins!!

Bed head?

2009-10-22T16:11:00.001-07:00

We think she might have a case of "bed-head"!

Quinten

2009-10-15T14:39:00.001-07:00

So I decided that after I spent too much on a really nice camera, that maybe I should take some semi-pro pictures with it. So with the baby who could care less we did our own little photo shoot. These are some of my favorites.

This and That

2009-10-07T19:41:00.001-07:00

So pretty much this is what we have been up to...

a little bit of this and that! Quinten is getting bigger, at his due date weigh in he was 6 pounds 8 ounces. So I am sure he is about 7 and a half pounds now. He is a great baby, very patient and just cute!
Parker was needing attention, so he ran into the car door, and needed seven stitches! This time he was much better, not once did he call out for his lawyer.
We went to our cabin over conference weekend. It was so nice, but on Sunday the winds picked up and so did the rain. Winter has arrived at the cabin. Yeah! Time to break out the snowmobiles.
Here is Annaka and Noah on the swing.

Annaka getting ready for a very cold four wheeler ride.

Last but not least we had a small pumpkin disappear last Halloween, when spring came we found it growing in my front garden. Well I brought in the pumpkins today and made this little arrangement for my kitchen. Move over Martha!! My little pumpkin plant produced 32 pumpkins. Thanks Ms. Morton for the pumpkin it is the gift that keeps growing!

Best thing ever

2009-09-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that 11 years ago I married this handsome man!

Best thing I ever did!

Happy Anniversary Baby!

Blogging..what blogging!

2009-09-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last post. So I managed to put the last three weeks into three slide shows. We have been busy around here with a new baby, grandma and grandpa, and trying to get Andrew off on his mission. Now that Andrew is gone, grandma and grandpa are in Florida we are seeming to get the hang of our not so busy life. it is still busy, just not as busy as it has been. I forgot to post some pictures of the Peach days parade, Corbin was our pioneer, and again we won first prize. YIPPEE float days are OVER!!!

Heidi, Henry and a lot of fun!

2009-09-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

My sister Heidi and her little one Henry showed up to surprise me and my parents for Andrew's farewell and Quinten's baby blessing. Here is some of the fun we had while they were here! Baby blessing, Grandma and Grandpa and the Zoo! Henry is really a happy kid, except when I am around, so don't be fooled by all the tears, I was in the room!

Andrew off to the MTC

2009-09-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Annaka's 2nd Birthday

2009-09-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA-BANNA

2009-09-14T10:09:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that this cute little pink baby, has turned into a full of personality, two year old!

Happy Birthday little Miss Annaka,

We love you!

P.S. I have tons of other pics to share from the last three weeks, I promise I will blog them soon.

Quinten John

2009-08-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

Quinten came into the world on Tuesday August 25, at 4:09 pm. Weighing in at 5 pounds 1 ounce and 19 inches long. My water broke Tuesday morning about 5, but shortly after my contractions stopped. My doctor new it would be fast, and so he did not want to start my pitocin until after he was out of surgery. So at 2 pm they started my pitocin. I could lightly feel my contractions, even though not one ever showed up on the monitors, ever, the whole labor. At 3:30 I was at a 5 and could feel my contractions HARD! By 4:00 I was at a 10 and still feeling every single one, even if the computer was not showing any! At 4:09 he was born with one single push (they only counted to 8 and then yelled at me to STOP!!!). I finally had a baby that came out screaming and he even peed on my doctor. I got to hold him as soon as he was born, another first, and he NEVER went into the NICU, yippee. He is a wonderful baby and we are so happy he is here and healthy. They discovered after he was born that yes I did have intrauterine growth restriction, so it was better he came when he did or he could have had some major issues. We went to 36 weeks I am super proud of that! Here are a lot of pictures....sorry we kinda think he is cute. By the way we will be blessing Quinten this Sunday, I know we are crazy, but we are also doing Andrews farewell so why not kill two birds with one stone? If you would like to come it is at my church at 11. If you need to know how to get there send me an email or comment.

Baby update

2009-08-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

Nothing new. I went to the doctor on Wednesday and again he was worried, because I am now loosing weight. So he ordered another round of test, to measure amniotic fluid, and watch Quinten's heart rate and my contractions. It was very boring and slightly stupid, but everything was in the normal range. Low, but normal. I go back to have these same test done every Monday and Thursday until he is born. I am dilated to a 1+, and 100% effaced. We just have 4 more centimeters to go before the hospital will keep me. This could take a week or 30 minutes. I am resting while canning tomatoes with my Mom. We did 44 pints and 38 quarts so far. Thanks mom for the help! I will keep you all updated as we get closer to D day!

Too much information

2009-08-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

This may be a little too much information for those who have a queasy stomach or who have never given birth. But here is our latest update one the new little on coming soon to our family. I went to my Doctor yesterday for my 34th week check-up. For me this is when I get my group B strep test done, and a blood sugar test done (if my sugars are too low these could cause my contractions to be worse.) They also found protein and blood in my urine, so more blood work was done for that. My doctor then became a little worried, because I have been gaining weight as I should be (1pound a week), for the last six weeks, but my abdominal measurements have not changed. I am not retaining water, so we needed to find out why I was not growing. So I went back later in the afternoon for another ultrasound and an amniocentesis test. In the amnio test the stick a HUGE needle into your uterus through your stomach. Needles really don't bug me, but man did it hurt. The worst part was when it was all over my contractions got worse and I was really dizzy. I was a little nervous about this, especially because I could not get a hold of Brent, and did it all by myself. So the measured the baby, and he was measuring great, right where he should be. They also checked his heart, brain, the position and yes he is STILL a BOY! They tried to measure my cervix, but it was too thin to even register. But as long as I don't dilate too quickly I should still be fine. They also measured the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby to be sure they could do the amnio test. The doctors were checking to be sure I did not have one of two things, Oligohydramnios (not having enough amniotic fluid for the baby to survive), or Intrauterine growth restriction (when your uterus stops growing), if I had either one of these conditions they would send my to the hospital to get steroids pumped in me, and then to induce labor. Lucky for me both the ultrasound and amnio came back fine. We are guessing he is almost 5 pounds, and his lungs seem to be developed. I am not sure how they can tell this from the amnio test but they can. So I am doing nothing for 12 more days, when I will be 36 weeks. I just sew, read, and watch "Wonder Pets"....boring...but safe!

My next appointment is on Wednesday, my doctor will check me and hopefully I wont be too dilated. My mom comes in late Wednesday night, but I am really hoping to make it to the 25th. I'll keep you posted if my chaos gets any more chaotic!

Finally PINK!

2009-08-03T15:54:00.001-07:00

We have only had a girl for 2 years, and I finally gave in and painted her "NEW" room pink. I HATE pink to say the least, but she is our only girl, so we better be sure she has something girly. My brother Ryan gave me the idea for the stripes, it was a lot of work, but in the end it looks fantastic! So here are a few pictures to show it off.

The bed was my Great Grandmas, and at one time (about 2 weeks ago) it was very dark walnut stained. I stripped it down and painted it white. I only have the vanity and dresser to go. The room I would say is 95% complete. We are going to put trim along the ceiling and I have some vinyl lettering that will go above her bed.

Sorry Andrew, you now have a room mate and a very girly room! Good thing it is only for four more weeks!

Quinten's Room

2009-08-03T15:48:00.002-07:00

We finished Quinten's room as well. Here are a few pictures. Here is the window seat with new pillows and seat covers.

Crib.

Curtains.

Sheets, blanket, and bumper pads.

We are now only missing a cute baby to put in it....only a few more weeks to go!

PARADE !

2009-07-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

We had our first parade today (we decided to do Peach Days in September), and it was a great success. It was hot, but not as HOT as it could have been. The kids were on the float for a long time, we had to be there at 7 am, but the parade did not start until 9 am. Our float was number 86 out of 135, so needless to say it was a LONG parade. It was a blast, the kids looked great and we had a fun time. We also can say we are GREAT float builders. Our float won "peoples choice award" and the parade judges also awarded us "First Place" among all the entries. Yeah for us!!

Thanks Brent for putting so much time and sweat into a calling that you were not called too! I guess I will have to plan the rest of your elders quorum lessons for the rest of the year.

Jessica eating her watermelon.

Madi watering her garden.

Burk eating his watermelon.

Parker plowing his field.

Randomness...

2009-07-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

I feel as if we are doing nothing even though we seem to be running around with our heads cut off. We have such a list of things to get done before Andrew's farewell, but nothing seems to be getting done. I KNOW it is because I am "nesting", but we can't have the house in chaos can we?

I took my stress test at my last doctors appointment. And everything went smashing. They cause my body to have contractions and then monitor the baby for the hour. His heart beat dropped a little, but not outside the normal range. I have another test next Monday, so we will see how that goes. I am 31 weeks today, feeling pregnant and not ready for this baby to come. I have two more appointments and then my doctor says "it is a race to see who gets to the hospital first!" My normal delivery date is at 35 weeks...but I AM NOT HAVING THIS BABY UNTIL AFTER ANDREWS FAREWELL, so on August 30th after everything is done I expect to go into labor. I will be 37 weeks, and I have only carried that far one time before. So we will see.

I found my other memory card so here are some more pictures from Florida.

Annaka finding Sea Shells.

Bridger and Bampa in the Ocean.

Trying to snorkel like uncle Ryan.

Bridger in the bath tub.

Annaka in the bath tub.

Eating chips and relaxing at the beach.
Ryan, Bridger and Annaka.

Taking a bath in "bammas inside pool."

A float update...

2009-07-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

It is 99% done! Yippee!!! We HAVE to have it finished by Friday morning at 10, but it looks like it will be finished by Wednesday night. Brent and I finished our things on Tuesday, because Wednesday IS HARRY POTTER DAY!!! It has been really fun to work on the float and I have learned a lot. I will NEVER look at floats the same way again! Here is my corn, finally finished and up. Monday night the float committee head decided that we needed "real" ears of corn on the float. So in one day I had to figure out how to make them and then do it in one shot. Who knew you can make ears of corn with foam, yellow yarn and a swimming tube floaty thing. I think they look pretty good.
Here is the front of the float, where Parker will be plowing his wheat field. I actually had a professional florist come and talk to me about my wheat, because it was the most realistic wheat he has ever seen! Thanks Ry again for such a great idea!

A tomato plant.

The front of the two houses Brent made. It should be really cute when all the pumpkins, flowers and kids get put into place. I will post more pics when we are done and of course of the parade. If any one wants to see it in person it will be in the Ogden City parade on the 24th of July.

Florida and such...

2009-07-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

Okay I think I am officially BUSY!!! I am sure my stress test in the morning will prove it for sure. I came back from a Sunny, fun vacation and found a float in my driveway, a shed started, a wedding cake to be done and the last week of school for the boys! Yippee Skippy that is all over (mostly) and I have a minute to sit and update my blog. Brigder, Annaka and I had a blast at bammas and bampas in Florida. Bridger missed his brothers and begged for them to come to Florida soon to see him, he did not want to go home to see them of course. We swam in the pool, or at the beach, or both everyday. Now Annaka thinks she NEEDS to be in her swimming suit 24/7. The highlight for me was that while my dad, Bridger and I were swimming in the ocean we saw a Manatee about two feet in front of us swimming by. This would freak most people out, but Manatees are my favorite animal and you don't see them in the wild very often. It was completely AWESOME!!

Here is Annaka and Bridger at "sugar beach". They had so much fun.

Annaka loves this little boat. She would play in the pool with it, or the ocean (she is not afraid of anything, even really big waves), or just at the beach!

Bridger playing with his "diver men" at the beach.
He had to do some type of pose in every photo.

Here is Annaka and Bridger at the Denver Airport. We had a four hour delay at the airport, because of a "plane issue". We were supposed to be home by 11:11 pm, we got on our plane in Denver at 11:47 pm. Needless to say the kids were great, they slept the whole way home, and when we arrived at 1:20 am our daddy was waiting for us!

Bridger and Annaka had so much fun with Bamma and Bampa. We can't wait for you to come see us for Andrews farewell! We will see you soon!

Here is what we came home too....
Annaka's hair can now be pulled into pony tails, with lots of hairspray and cooperation from Annaka. Isn't she cute!!
A wedding cake for my brother-in-laws cousin, whom I have never meet. It turned out great for only chatting via e-mail.

FLOAT!!
Need I say more. Brent spent the week I was gone working on the houses between rain storms. This is it before it was hauled away to Ogden for the rest of the decorations.

My wheat field (thanks Ryan for the idea of how to do my wheat), where Parker will be plowing his "field" during the parade.

Speaking of Parades here is Annie at the Centerville Parade! Happy 4th of July!

Ready or NOT here we come...

2009-06-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

In the morning these crazy two and I will board a plan to head to sunny, humid, chance of hurricanes, Florida. Bridger is so excited he has counted down for the last month. I only hope we sit by a little old lady that is super kind, or Mary Poppins :)! My house is a mess, the float is no where close to being done, and I feel slightly crazy, but ready or not here we come.

What's in a name...

2009-06-09T09:05:00.001-07:00

Last night during family night we were talking about the new baby, how was he going to get out, why do babies have blood all over them, and most of all why were we naming him Quinten John. This was an interesting conversation to share with my children, but the fact that a ten year old and a four year old DO NOT comprehend things the same was even funnier. Anyway the boys had there own ideas for Quinten's name, I guess I really suck at naming boys.

So here they are...

Bridger says if the baby comes out with a light saber and breathing funny (like he was), then we need to name him Quinten VADER. If he comes out with a light saber I am definitely in trouble!!If Quinten comes out and is a girl, which is not going to happen, we WILL name her ZELDA.

If Quinten is born with a shield and sword we should name him Quinten LINK. Again I am a little nervous to give birth to a weapon wilding son!

Last but not least all babies come out wrinkly, naked and scary so we should name him Quinten GOLLUM. Need I say more!
I just hope he is born a healthy little Angel!

I hope they call me on a mission!

2009-06-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well Andrew received his call to serve in the LA California Spanish speaking mission last Thursday. He will be speaking in my ward on August 30th and leaving for the MTC on September 9th. He is very excited to say the least and we are super proud of him. When it gets closer I will tell you more details about the farewell. Yeah Andrew !

We are here...

2009-06-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

So I really did not fall off the face of the earth. We have just been super busy, and time to blog has fallen by the wayside.

My new calling is Parade Chair, what is that you ask. Well our stake is building a float for the days of 47 parade, and I am one of the people in charge of it. We are making a float that will look like a pioneer and modern day garden. So I have been making a lot of pvc pipe corn stalks and wheat made out of tubing. When I get my part of the garden completed I will take a pic and show everyone. But to say the least it has been very time consuming.

I would say I have also been "nesting", yes it is a bit early for people who carry to term but because I DO NOT, and I only have six maybe eight weeks before my Dr. says no more cleaning, you need to REST, I have my list of things to clean or get done everyday.

It may also help that in 15 days Annaka, Bridger and I are going to Florida, or that in the next couple of months I will have a farewell for Andrew at my house. Pick the reason, but we have been busy. So here are a few things we have been busy with.... Eating ice cream sandwiches.
My new bedspread, this did not really make me busy but I got it in the last few weeks.

Making Noah and Bridger's new basketball bedspreads, I also repainted their room.

We learned about Wayne County, and had to make a float to go with it. Do you remember what county you did? I did Morgan.

Planted our garden and put a picked fence around it. This way the horse-dog we have can not eat another peach tree.

Built a chicken coop for our chickens, Link, Zelda, Luke and Runner. and NO I did not name any of them. When you give boys the opportunity to name an animal it doesn't matter what sex that animal is...they will get names from video games or Star Wars!

Poured our first piece of cement.

So that is what we have been up too. To answer a few questions about our newest addition. Quinten is definitely a BOY! I told the ultrasound tech. I've seen those parts a few times before. I am due on September 22, so hopefully we make it to September this time. I think 9/9/09 would be pretty cool. But that would be a miracle. I feel okay, morning sickness is over, but my contractions have started. As I told Brent the other day if I never had a contraction I would think something was wrong. So they are just part of my daily life while I am pregnant. We started steroid shots in May, so hopefully his little lungs will be developed. Other than the normal junk that goes along with being pregnant I am doing great.

Introducing....

2009-05-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

ten more fingers and ten more toes,

big brown eyes and a cute button nose!

Quinten John VanDerMeide

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

I sure do miss you, and can't wait to see you soon!

I love you!

For Sale!

2009-05-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

In November we bought an Ford expedition, and it looks like it is finally time to sale our mini van. So if anyone knows of anyone in the market, please let them know. It is in great shape, has built in car seats and new tires. Hopefully we can sell it quick.

We have "piggies"...

2009-05-01T21:51:00.001-07:00

After 19 months Annaka finally has enough hair to have piggies. Isn't it cute? By the time she goes to kindergarten she may have enough to move up to a pony tail, we hope!

Happy Birthday BOYS!!

2009-04-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Parker is 10! He had his birthday while we were in Moab, and being the bad mom I am I completely forgot to post! Parker is such a great kid, and a great big brother. We love you buddy!!

Bridger was our little 4 pounder when he was born. I cant believe that he is FOUR! Wow how time flies. Bridger loves his little sister way too much. He is a great friend and our little man. We love you Bridgie!

We are going GREEN!

2009-04-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Maybe because it is Earth Day...

Maybe because Annaka loves to

listen to Wicked....

Whatever the reason Annaka is

GOING GREEN!

This pic does not show it good enough, she even colored her lips, and eyes.

Good thing crayolas are washable and non-toxic!

Arches!

2009-04-19T17:58:00.001-07:00

Brent and I decided that while our boys were off track, we would take them on an adventure. So we packed up the kids and drove down to the red rocks and sun and enjoyed four days in Moab. It was a blast! The kids even survived with no TV or XBOX, AMAZING! Everyone really had fun, even Annaka, but we are totally wiped out. This is why parents don't take their kids on LONG camping trips, four days of port-a-potties and you are ready to come home.
I can't wait to go back!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

And the OSCAR goes to.....

2009-04-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

PARKER!

For the best actor in a drama, "North Davis Hospital ER". Parker, Corbin and some friends were playing on the trailer (a HUGE NO NO) and the hitch part fell on Parker's hand and sliced it up pretty good. Neither Brent or I believed him as he came screaming "I'm going to die!" He cries wolf A LOT! But once we had a look at the bleeding mess we thought better, pawned the kids off at neighbors and rush our "dying" son to the ER. The car ride went like this:

Parker: (screaming) I am going to DIE!! Call the president so we can use his helicopter to get there faster,

P-L-E-A-S-E!

Mom: (trying to hold back laughter) We only live five minutes away bud, you WILL NOT DIE!

This went on for the entire five minutes, and when we hit a red light it was magnified.

When we got to the ER there was hardly anyone there so I figured 30 minutes waiting room tops! Every time someone would go in before us, Parker would wale, "Don't they know I am dying over here, I think I lost too much blood, I may die right now!" I think Brent and I were hoping that he may pass out so we would not have so much drama, little did we know his acting skills were about to go through the roof.

When the nurse came in Parker was quite skeptical of what she was going to do. But then it started, the minute she stuck him with the first numbing shot. He started to scream for his LAWYER. Brent and I had to sit on his legs and hold him down for fear of him jumping up and running away. He told the poor nurse that she "did NOT go to medical school, and that she needed to leave NOW!" To say the least we were mortified! The poor doctor was in for a treat. Parker yelled and screamed and again asked for his Lawyer (I have never said that line and have no idea where he got it, later he said it was from ICarly). Needless to say 2 hours and seven stitches later the hospital voted and Parker won the BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA.

I really hope he never has anything truly traumatic happen...he would just die.

He did apologize after the fact to the nurse and doctor. Good thing, his common sense returned afterward.

A girl and her SHOES!

2009-04-01T10:17:00.001-07:00

Annaka is slightly obsessed with shoes, okay maybe it is VERY obsessed with shoes. Any shoes. She even thinks that shoes belong with swimming suits, pj's, and if she could I am sure she would wear them to the bath. The funniest part is she is VERY picky about the shoes she will be wearing, and if they are not the ones SHE WANTS you will hear about it. I guess the cute black pock-a-dot shoes I picked out did not go with her dress and Annaka wore mine instead.

The best part is she walks all over the house in my three inch heals!

What are we going to do with her as a teenager!

OH HENRY!

2009-03-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

Because of Corbin's baptism Heidi and Dan came out and blessed their new baby Henry at the same time. He is so cute and we can't wait to see him again. Noah loves Henry and CRIED when Heidi and Dan had to leave.

Bridger and Henry!

The two special day boys, Corbin and Henry!

Corbin's Baptism

2009-03-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Corbin was baptized on Saturday March 7th by his dad. It was a really exciting day and I am so proud of Corbin for choosing to become a member of the church. It was so great to have all of our families here (not so much when all 75 of them were at my house, but my house survived).
Here is Corbin right after he was baptized, freezing but so Happy.

What a cute kid! Corbin we are so proud of you bud!!

IT IS GREAT TO BE 8

2009-02-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 8th Birthday

CORBIN RILEY!

I can't believe that 8 years ago, that Corbin was born. He was my only baby I got to hold at birth and was the only one that was doing GREAT from the start. He was such a great baby and is such a fantastic kid. I just am in disbelief that he is eight! I am so proud of him for choosing to become a member of the church, and can't wait for his baptism. We are so happy to have you in our family Corbs, WE LOVE YOU!

Can we PLEASE go...

2009-02-17T18:26:00.000-08:00

Bridger has worn his silly ears around for three days now, he wore them to the store, to go visiting teaching, and I am sure that if I would have let him he would have worn them to Primary. I asked him what he was doing with Mickey's ears and he simply told me "I'm waiting to go to Disneyland!" Well buddy you better wait, we are not going for a while!

Happy Birthday Baylee!

2009-02-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday cute girl we sure do love you!

New table

2009-01-29T12:36:00.000-08:00

So after ten years of marriage and a 25 year old table, Brent and I broke down and bought a new table. It will hold up to 12 people if we pull out the leaves. But for right now we have the four extra chairs around my bar. It has been super nice with everyone having their own spot. We love it. We can not wait for someone to come and eat over so we can set up all the chairs!

Jungle Gym

2009-01-29T12:24:00.001-08:00

Brent's parents bought the kids a HUGE climbing dome for Christmas. It was finally warm enough to build it (if 40 degrees is WARM), so let the building commence. Brent was sure it would take at least 2 hours, but it only took 30 minutes. Corbin is freezing and Parker is telling everyone what to do.
Almost finished!

Climb, Climb, Climb!

KINGS of the mountain! Our backyard has become the playground, when it gets warmer come on over and climb with us. Between the trampoline, swing set and the climbing dome we could have fun for hours. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma we love it!!

side note:

2009-01-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

I don't know where my camera has ran away to. I am sure my little one who loves to look at it and say "CHEESE", took it and hid it. I only wish she knew how to talk so she could tell me where she hid it. As soon as I find it I have some cute pics to share. Until then just imagine my new table!

Jesus wants me for a...

2009-01-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

SUNBEAM!!! I can't believe that Bridger is in Sunbeams. He woke up on Sunday morning and said "I am not a Nurswe..I am a SUNBEAM!" He was so excited, not to mention a little cute.

A NEW BABY!!

2008-12-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

Henry Petersen Shelton

12/26/2008

3:23 pm

6 lbs. 4 oz.

21 inches long

I just wanted everyone to see my adorable little nephew. My sister Heidi had her baby..what a wonderful late Christmas present. I can't wait to hug and kiss him. Congratulations Heidi and Dan!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH!!!

2008-12-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that SIX years ago, I was in labor waiting for my third little boy to be born. I was so scared because he was so early, and I hoped he would be okay. He was born Saturday December 21st at 1:28 am. He weighed in at a BIG 5 pounds 1 ounce and was 18 inches long. He was absolutely adorable from the first glimpse I got of him as they ran him to the NICU. Little Noah had to endure many a challenge that first week, but nothing, not even a spinal tap, could make him unhappy. He only cried when HE pulled out his IVs. The best part about coming so early was when on CHRISTMAS morning the nurse called and said "SANTA dropped off a present for you here at the hospital, you can come and get him as soon as you can!" Noah will always be my FAVORITE Christmas present!
Look how HANDSOME and BIG he is now!!

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY NOAH!

WE LOVE YOU!!

I've Been Tagged

2008-12-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

5 things I was doing 10 years ago...

* Being a happy newly-wed
* Trying not to throw-up (morning-sickness)
* Buying Christmas gifts for the first time
(with-out mom and dad's money)
* Trying to like my in-laws
* Picking up after my darling hubby

5 things on today's to-do list....

* Take Noah to tumbling
* Make 25 gingerbread houses
* Throw Corbin's Holiday party
* Buy Noah's Birthday present
* Laundry
* Get Andrew ready for Florida

5 things I would do if I was a millionaire...

*Pay off all my debt
*Travel
*Open a Theatre in North Davis county,
that would only preform my favorites.
*Get a MAID
*Build my dream home, "Montana land"

5 places I have lived...

*Kearns,Utah
*Fruit Heights, Utah
*Tooele, Utah
*Syracuse, Utah
*Monroe, Washington

5 places I have worked...

*Bowman's bakery
*University of Utah Medical Center
*Shriner's Hospital
*Target
*Mary Kay

3 people I TAG

*Becca
*Kayla
*Krista

MARY KAY SALE!!

2008-12-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

I just wanted everyone to know that tomorrow, DECEMBER 12th! I am having a HUGE SALE. Everything is 45% off. So fill your stockings! Call me, email me, stop by or the easiest way is to click on the link on this page. Merry Christmas everyone!

A little bit of nothing...

2008-12-10T09:39:00.001-08:00

I feel like I have been running around with my head cut off, but have NOTHING to show for it. The crazy thing is that it has not been with all the Christmas stuff everyone else is crazy with. I did make 60 Christmas cards, and I sewed all new stockings for my family (they are not as great as Becca's, but they will have to do). And hopefully I can finish Annaka's Christmas dress, and my P.J.'s today. Our Christmas has been done as of October 31st. I am all about getting things done so I can enjoy the Holidays. I don't shop at ALL the entire month of December. I HATE those crazy people in the mall.

I have just been crazy with Primary stuff, sick kids, parents from Florida my Grandma's funeral and plain and simply five kids. The only thing I have to show for all my nothings, is the cute snow suit I made for Annaka!

My sweet grandma!!

2008-11-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

My dear sweet grandma passed away on Sunday, the day after her 70th birthday. She was a wonderful lady, who always could find the good in anyone. She made homemade chocolates each Christmas. Each one of the grand kids and great-grand kids she quilted them beautiful baby blanket. She loved diet coke, snicker candy bars, and chicken noodle soup, and reminded us that she loved us more than any of the above. She was a spit fire, with a zest for life. I am so glad to have been able to learn so much from her. She was truly wonderful, and I will miss her more than anything.

I love you, Grammy!

Andrew, Andrew, Andrew

2008-11-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

I just wanted everyone one to see my very cute little brother. Andrew has been living with our family for six months now, to go to school and do a little skiing. He has been working real hard at school and at his job. The best part of Andrew being here (minus the "manny" part) is he is getting me prepared for teenage girls. I have never seen so many girls in my neighborhood, but when Andrew pulls in they come a runnin. Too bad he leaves for his mission in 8 months!!! Andrew earned his eagle scout and we will be having his court of honor the Wednesday before thanksgiving. He is also getting ordained an Elder on the Sunday after.

Congratulations Andrew! We love you

Haloween 2008

2008-11-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Annaka my little Witch!

Annaka loved the glow sticks!!

Like Mother like Daughter!

My little Mister Roo!

The human torch!

Sponge Bob !

Count Dracula!

We hope you all had a great Halloween and got as much loot as we did. Our neighborhood ROCKS!!!

Tag...I'm it.

2008-11-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here is my 4th pic from my 4th file... Bridger last September at my cousin Justin's wedding. We were waiting for pictures and he thought it was a lot of fun to climb in and out of the temple gates.

I tag Candice, Kayla, Lynsey, and Amanda

I LOVE MUGGLES !!

2008-10-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

For pack meeting this month the theme was "Books, Books, Books." So our pack chose to do it all around Harry Potter, and everyone was supposed to dress up. We dressed up as the Weasley family, red hair and all. It was so much fun, we had a sorting hat that gave out the awards, we had "Harry Potter" type cheers. My personal favorite was the "Mrs. Weasley" cheer, we all yelled "if you step on more foot out of line you will come right home", and then we all gave the boy a raspberry. It was so much fun, the boys had a blast and us leaders liked it too.

She has HAIR!!

2008-10-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

I was giving Annaka's new "HAIR" a trim, when she started waving her finger at me. I just had to take a picture of my cute little witch.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAMPA!!

2008-10-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Pampa!!

We love you. You are the Best.

We just wish we could give you a great big hug for your birthday.

10 years and counting....

2008-09-27T08:22:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that 10 years ago Brent and I were waking up for our first time as Husband and Wife. We were married on September 26, 1998.

We have had our ups and downs, scary times and struggles, but it has made us a better couple and family.
So for our anniversary we went (by ourselves) to the Happiest place on earth. The same place we went on our honeymoon. We also went up to LA to see "Wicked". It was so fun, but we missed the kids horribly. It is funny how 10 years ago we hopped from big ride to big ride, and this time we went on every ride and missed our kids. "Noah would love this one" or "wow I can't wait to bring the boys!"

Here we are at the Disneyland parade. Wow how we have changed, we LOOK ten years older! I love you Brent Shane and I can't wait for another 10 years. You are my everything! You are a wonderful husband, friend, boyfriend and daddy. To remember a line from when we were dating "You complete me!". I love you Baby!!!

Happy Birthday Annie-Bannie

2008-09-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Little Princess Annaka !!!
I can't believe it has been a year from the first time I got to hold you.

Hip Hooray it's your Birthday today. I sure do love you !!

Choking hazard

2008-08-12T08:48:00.001-07:00

I have five children and I KNOW what I should and should not give an 11 month old to eat. But I am all about breaking rules, at least if I am there to watch her choke. Annaka LOVES raisins and popcorn. Two very big NO-No's in the medical field, but she loves them and it is so cute to watch her dainty fingers pick the raisins from the box, or shove the popcorn in her mouth. Good thing I know the Heimlich remover.

First Day of School...

2008-08-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Just like in Finding Nemo, Noah was up at 6:15 because he was soooo excited for school. He even came into my room singing "first day of school, first day of school." All of my children were feed, dressed, had their chores done, and even vacuumed the basement by 7:30, an HOUR before school starts. Oh well, at least they are excited...right?
Parker is in fourth grade and has Mrs. Neeley, who he already loves. I asked what he liked best about his first day and his reply was "in 4th grade you can get seconds at lunch, isn't that awesome." You can guess what his favorite subject is..LUNCH.
Corbin is in 2nd grade and loves school, but was a little nervous about a new teacher. He told me his favorite thing is that he "is the very bestest reader in my class, and my teacher knew my name and didn't yell."
Noah was over excited and it was a very LONG day waiting for 11:15 to arrive. Little did he know that he only got to go to school for a day, and then we will REALLY start next week. Noah's favorite part was "making my birthday bag, and snack, and the movie, and ms. Morton, and ..." I think we get it Noah LOVED all of it.

Lazy days of summer

2008-08-06T07:51:00.001-07:00

I finally gave in and bought my kids one of those big pools. I just have to tell you it is the best 100 bucks I have ever spent. We have lived in the pool, if you need proof look at my beach bums post. We spend around five hours everyday out in the pool.
Noah is just warming up.
Dad and Annaka lounging on the float toy. I did not think Annaka would like it, but as long as she is not being splashed she is Happy.
Annaka in the bouncer, her second favorite place to be.
And the BEST part is, when we are all done swimming, the kids come in so wiped out, they crash anywhere.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOLLY DOLLY!!

2008-07-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 20th BIRTDAY to my beautiful, talented little sister. I am so lucky to have a little sis like you. Thanks for being such a great aunt and buddy.

We love you!!

What we do for smiles like these...

2008-07-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am completely in awe of how much stuff insurance companies don't cover. Let me first say we have wonderful insurance, and we even have a secondary for our dental plan. We picked the second up after Corbin cost 440.00 for two cavities to be filled.

So this is were my rant begins...I took all five children to the dentist this morning. My kids are always great, they LOVE Dr. Anderson (thinking of it my kids LOVE all their Doctors). So one by one one we go and get our pictures, and then one by one we climb into the big green chair.

My kids are awesome little brushers, because after two years of perfect teeth, we had only one cavity.

One of Corbin's other fillings had started to loosen and he got another cavity around the same spot. In my mind I think "$$$". Then the dentist tells me that he needs a bottom spacer so his teeth will come in better. Again "$$$" crosses my mind. Corbin is not going to be able to go on a mission, but he will have great teeth.

Dr. Anderson then explains that Parker has a big molar that we should have sealant put on...okay do it we don't want any cavities...right.

So then the cute receptionist comes out to tell me how much $$$ I am going to fork over at this trip. Good thing we only come twice a year. Corbin's total is 669.32, but because of my two insurances, I only have to pay 44.00 for the laughing gas. I love insurance!!

Parker's total for ONE sealant is 37.00, and I have to pay 37.00. What ? Apparently insurances only like it when you have holes in your teeth. They will not pay one penny of any preventative stuff. Okay a little STUPID if you ask me. I hate insurance !!

So once again my mind started thinking $$$.

37.00 sealant times eight teeth= 296.00 a mouth

5 mouths =1480.00

That is with out cavities, spacers, braces, retainers, or any other junk my kids need in their mouths.

I better go I think I should go sign up for Dental School.

What a ham...

2008-07-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I post a lot of pics of Annaka, but she is kind of at that everything is cute stage. Where she thinks she is hilarious, or she does things that crack me up. So here are a few of those moments. Annaka Loves to eat her hair bows (and be naked), if I let her she will tear apart her whole basket full of bows.
I promise I do feed her, she just really likes bows. Here Annaka is helping big brother Parker scrub the bathroom floors. We start them off real young around here.
Annaka thinks she is SO funny, it starts with a simple smile....
and then turns into this. The head back, full laughter smile. The best part is she knows she is funny, and she knows how cute she is. She has even started to clap at herself after she does this.

Tagged!!

2008-07-03T15:34:00.001-07:00

Thanks Heidi for tagging me.

Okay six things people don't know about me, here goes...

Brent thinks I am the Wicked Witch, just kidding, but this was my Mother's Day present. Because when I was pregnant I used to call Annaka, "Elfie", and when people would ask what we were going to name her I would say "Elfie". For you who do not know I am very obsessed with "Wicked', and Elfie is the Wicked Witch. That is the reasoning behind my gift.

I always wanted my name to be Elizabeth, and that is why Annaka has Elizabeth as her middle name. I used to even write E. Rachel on my school papers.

If I could be any place right now it would be here. On the "Bugs Life" ride at Disneyland, or the Peter pan ride, or teacups, or finding Nemo, or star tours, or.... I think you get the picture.

Sometimes I feel like this is my life, but I love my life and would not change it for anything in the world.

I really like to camp, hike and be outdoors.

If I could live any place in the world it would be here, looking out over the Bear Lake Valley.

Beach Bums....

2008-06-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

I just wanted eveyone to see my

little beach "bums."

This is what happens to my boys after a few times in the pool, my children turn hispanic. I always wanted to adopt a little hispanic baby, little did I know I just needed to wait until summer, then I would get four.

..but I wanted a llama....

2008-06-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Heidi!!

I know Heidi's birthday was on Sunday, but as hectic as things have been this month, she is lucky she got her present on time. Heidi is my wonderful, smart, beautiful little sister. She has had to battle more in her first 26 years then a lot of us, will ever have to. She is a wonderful sister and my Hero.

I hope you had a great day little sis.

For those of you who do not know Heidi and are a little confused by my header. Heidi LOVES llamas and I am sure she wanted me to send her a llama rather than her lame present. Sorry, Heidi, no llama this year.

My pretty baby

2008-06-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite shots from Annaka's 81/2 month photo shoot. I think she is pretty dang cute. When they put her in the bucket, she would not smile, she just has this look on her face like, "Princess do not belong in buckets." As soon as they took her out, she would not stop smiling.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!

2008-06-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday,

Brent Shane!!

To my wonderful husband on his birthday I just want everyone to know how wonderful Brent is. He works, goes to school, plays sports, teaches scouts, and makes time in his business to be with us. I know we are his top priority, and he is great at showing us how much he loves me and our kids. Thank you Brent for working hard enough for our family, so I can stay home with our children.

You are a wonderful husband, friend,

Dad and boyfriend.

I love you, Chickadee

My little jumping bean...

2008-05-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Annaka is very small for her age, she is in the 2%. I think she is small because this is what she does all day, everyday. Whenever she is in her exerciser she just jumps.

All day long JUMP...JUMP...JUMP!!!

Thank Heaven for little ones!!

2008-05-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

I just want to express my gratitude for all of my children. As I sat down yesterday trying to explain to my children why we celebrate Memorial Day. I felt so blessed. My children have never had to experience the lows of a funeral, we have had people we know pass, but not anyone my children have been close to. They have all their grandparents and most of their great grandparents. The closest we came was when my sister Heidi was diagnosed with cancer in 2005.

I also remembered my friend who in February gave birth to a still born baby and had only a short minute with her here on earth. I commented to Brent that we must be the luckiest people on the planet. We have had all our children early, and some of them were born with problems, but not one of those problems have lasted more than the week they were in the hospital. We don't have any disabilities from being preemie, that means we are in the 3% for preemie babies. Not to mention we have beaten the odds five times, to me is a miracle. We have felt our hearts yanked out of our chest as our children are wheeled into the NICU, given spinal taps or breathing treatments. I have cried each time they gave me a steroid shot, hoping that this time it might make their little lungs develop better. But I have been truly Blessed. I have never felt an ache that didn't go away, or a pain I can not comfort. I wake up every day to five smiling, joyful and energetic children, whom I love more than anything.

Some days as a mom I am overwhelmed, and sometime would like a moment to myself, but in those moments I think about what would I do with out my children. One day they will be out of the house and grown, they wont need their Mommy all the time. I will miss these days when they need me so much. I just want to express my love for each of my children and most of all Thank my Heavenly Father for sending my five perfect little ones to watch after.

Happy Mother's Day !!

2008-05-10T22:10:00.001-07:00

For Mother's Day my Mother-in-law Pat, gave me President Hinckley's book "My Dear Sisters." As I sat down to read it I thought that his thoughts are my thoughts about all my "moms" I have had in my life. "How much more beautiful would the world and society in which we live if... every mother regarded her children as the jewels of her life, as gifts from the God of Heaven, who is their Eternal Father, and brought them up with true affection in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord."
"You are the keepers of the homes. You give encouragement to your husbands. You teach and nurture your children in faith. For some of you life is difficult and even bitter. But you complain so very little and do so very much. How deeply indebted we are to you!"

"What a wonderful thing you have done as mothers. You have given birth and nurtured children. You have entered into a partnership with our Father in Heaven to give mortal experience to His sons and daughters. They are his children and they are your children, flesh of your flesh, for whom He will hold you responsible. You have rejoiced over them, and in many cases you have sorrowed. That have brought you happiness as no one else could. They have brought you pain as no other could."

Thank you Pat for being a great mom, mother-in-law and most of all grandma. You are truly wonderful.
To all my grandmas...Myrna, Marla, and Grandma Great. You are a real blessing in my life. Thank you for always loving us and for loving my kids as much as you do. Grandma Myrna "I love you more than a diet coke!"
To all those other "Mom's" along my way, Jan, Lisa and Sue. You have always loved me like I was one of your own, and now with my mom so far away, I am so glad that I have you all to call on when ever I need you. You are awesome...thanks! To my friend moms, Becca, Kayla, Becky, and Amy's, I don't know what I would do with out your support. You truly Rock! Thanks for being a shoulder to lean on.

Last but not least my own Mom. I love you! You are a wonderful Mom, Grandma, friend and example. You are always there to help answer my lame questions, or diagnose my kids over web cam. Even if we are far way, I know you are always here for me. I hope you have a wonderful day, you deserve it. Thanks Mom for all you do for me, I love You!

Life is not fair...

2008-05-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

I have figured out the very worst part of being a Mom, your babies grow UP way too fast. As I sat down to journal in Annakas' scrapbook and looked just how much she has grown in the last 8 months. It is just not fair. My grandma Myrna always says that if Heavenly Father made the first two years go as slow as the rest of your life, we would only want one baby. It is part of Heavenly Fathers plan to make them grow up so fast I guess. But I still don't like it!This is little Annaka, 2 days old and ready to come home from the hospital. Yippee for us we finally got our little girl.

The cutest little Tinkerbell. Annaka in her blessing dress at six weeks old. My Mom made this dress for me and my sisters to be blessed in. I love passing things down.
Annaka in Florida at 7 months, sitting up rolling over and trying to crawl, and catch Ivy.

Here is my little sunshine on her first ride in the wagon, she giggled and smiled the whole trip. Annaka please "slow down, you move so fast, you got to make these moments last."

a great site for moms

2008-05-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

One of my neighbors showed me an awesome site for all of us moms trying to save money. If you are so rich you don't have to save your money...then we can't be friends, just kidding. It has a lot of samples or clubs to join so you get things for free. I signed up to be part of the ocean spray clubs and today I recieved a 32 oz. bottle of grapefruit juice in the mail, with $14 worth of coupons. The sight is http://www.freebies4mom.blogspot.com/ It is a way cool sight, so go take a look, it can only save you money.

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY BRIDGER!!!

2008-04-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Bridger is three. He is getting so big and he is such a great brother. We are so thankful for Bridger in our lives...we wouldn't be as happy with out him.
Bridger loves to have fun and smile. He is a happy boy. We love you Mister Bridger Maxx. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Becca!!

2008-04-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my oldest friend in the whole world Becca. Not that Becca is OLD, just that she has been my friend for 22 years! I can still remember meeting her at the bus stop for the first time. We have sure had a lot of fun in the last 22 years.

We have gone sledding down her hill, fed baby lambs, ran from snakes, ran from boys, broke teeth and wall decorations, went through school, got married, had kids and just had a blast.

Happy Birthday Bec, I hope it is a great one!

Songs I love

2008-04-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Okay I figured out how to have music playing while you look at my blog. The first song is really funny so please listen to the whole thing, Brent is my "Taylor the Latte boy", except he brings me Dr. Pepper not coffee.

SUNNY FLORIDA !

2008-04-22T08:10:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY PARKER !!

2008-04-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Mister Parker! I can't believe you are nine years old, WOW how time flies. I swear it was only yesterday you were born.
Parker is SO lucky, he gets to be in Florida for his birthday. And Yesterday for his Birthday we got to go to the Zoo. It was so fun, we went on a jungle safari and got to see all sorts of animals we don't have in our zoo back home. Parker (and all the other boys) favorite part was feeding the birds. Here is Parker holding a bird in his hand while he feeds it.

I hope you had a great day buddy! I love you!

FLORIDA HERE WE COME!!

2008-04-13T13:45:00.001-07:00

We made it to Florida, in one piece. Everything went great...maybe a little too great. No one cried, not even for a second. Each of the kids were in charge of their own back pack and they each had a parent they were assigned to. The kids did awesome. We had to RUN in the Denver airport, to get to our next flight, and each child RAN with Brent and I, and we all got on the plane. I guess our Luggage did not RUN fast enough, because when we arrived in Tampa our luggage was still in Denver. It arrived about 20 hours later. But I can't complain the kids were wonderful and that is truly what mattered. Thanks boys and Annaka for being so good!! I love you!! Here is Noah on the plane, ready for take off. A little nervous but so excited!
Corbin was overly excited, he was spazing out a little, but once we got on the plane he was great.
Hooray for Parker...we are ready to go see Grandpa and Grandma.
Bridger sat by the window, but had to have the shade down, because he did not want the sun to "burn my eyeballs".
Here are the boys in Denver ready for take off...Florida here we come!

Nothin' much!

2008-04-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

We have been up to nothing lately....HAHAHA. As I sit here to update a little bit, Holly's laundry needs to be rotated, bags need to be packed and I am sure I don't have everything in order. In three days we, yes I mean all seven of us, are going to get on a plane and fly to Florida to see my Mom and Dad.

I do hope we get there in one piece. So I thought I would post a few cute pictures of Annaka.

Here she is just a smiling away. She now knows what a Camera is,

and what to do when she sees it,

SMILE !

If you can't tell by this picture Annaka has discovered her tongue.

She sticks it out at everyone, everywhere.

She can even twist it over, what talent she has. We are so excited to see Mom and Dad, Ryan and Andrew. We are counting down the days, yippee three to go. We wish the whole family could be together, but a few is better than none. So Andrew get practicing guitar hero, because we are ready to ROCK!!