Rabner Family Reader

Santa Fe Part 2

2012-01-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

I could have titled this Jon's Birthday Party but it was in Santa Fe so Part 2 works.

We went bowling at the Casino on the reservation. It was nice- you almost did not know you were in the casino. Also you could bowl by the hour- 6 people per lane for $20 including shoes.

Grandma such a nice form!

Lily had a massive blowout- huge!

My dad took a bowling class back in his BYU days and he still knows how to roll a good score!

Go Jonny Go!

Jana and her cute family!

This little Peanut had a really good time.

Then we headed back to the hotel for lunch, cake and some gifts.

We had confetti poppers too!

We went to some Native American Ruins- Pecos. Some of the findings date back to 800 a.d.

Don't let the snow deceive you - it was actually warm.

Beautiful views!

Franciscan Monks came and built a church and taught the Native Americans. They taught them how to make adobe bricks. This chapel was made of 3,000 40 lb bricks. It was amazing how much of the original building still stands - very little of what you see above is restored.

Down in one of the Native's dwellings.

Arabella sporting the lid to our new Cranium game- it has the texture of a brain. So silly!

We had a great time!Thanks for making the drive Grandma and Grandpa Bird and Clegg Family.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-19T19:53:00.000-08:00

I could write captions for each photo but really they speak for themselves.

Christmas Eve Pajamas

(He really was just scratching his nose.)

I had to work hence the scrubs.

This has become Peter's new favorite shirt.

Now for Christmas Morning- we opted to just enjoy the Santa gifts until after church.

You might think that this toy lasted Sasha a really long time but she destroyed it before the day was over.

Peter was really excited about these new tools- adjustable ratcheting wrench and a set of serious cake decorating tips. That's my man - well rounded!

That is a bag of bones Peter is holding- he asked me after Halloween this year when I was going to let him do the really fun decorations outside our house. I did not realize he wanted skulls and headstones and such so I found 2 bags of bones on clearance and he was so happy!

Blurry but you can taste the excitement.

Girly toys - so fun!

We finished our day off having dinner with our friends the Ostermiller's. I am sad I did not take pictures. Last year we had oriental/chinese food and so this year we went to Germany. Chad Ostermiller served his mission there so he helped us have some authentic food. It was so delicious! I am thinking next year we will head to Peru for our menu.

I love Christmas day because it is a day of family, relaxing, playing and love. I especially love Christmas on Sunday-we had a beautiful musical meeting. Thank you to everyone who sent our family gifts! The kids have played and played and been so happy!

Date Nights

2012-01-17T01:41:00.000-08:00

When I saw that Beauty and the Beast was going to be in theaters again, I told Peter he was taking Arabella. He did and she loved it! After we told her she was so excited to go to the movie "peater" (how she says theater) and get a drink and buttery popcorn. They did just that and she felt like a princess. She fell asleep on the way home even though it was 7 pm- too much excitement for one young little princess heart!
Jon, wanted to know when he would get to go on a date. I asked him what he wanted to do on a date and he said go shopping for toys- hmmm. I said no to that but that he and I could go to dinner. He liked that idea and he liked it even more when I told him we could go some place that serves shrimp. I talked it over with Peter and Saturday night Jon took me to dinner. I drove of course and my date had to ride in the back seat but he did pay (with money from Peter). It was supposed to be his surprise that he was paying but while we were waiting for our food he suddenly got panicked and said wait, I did not pay and reached for his pocket. I told him it was not time yet and then he was sad he had ruined the surprise. I told him I was still surprised and explained how it works at a sit down restaurant and taught him how to say "check please" - which at first he thought meant they would bring him money and in that case he wanted "a hundred dollars no a thousand dollars." It was really funny. Thank you TGIFridays for having a 2 for $10 special that we each got and so we enjoyed a 3 course meal. And walking around Toys R Us is the perfect end to a date with a 6 year old. Jon was a great little date and it was really good to have some one on one time with him.
Peter and I talked it over and we decided that we will rotate and so each month one of our children will get to have a date with one of us or both of us and we will get a baby sitter. I hope we can stick to it. Jon was ready for another date today! Silly kid.

Warm Park and Freezing Zoo

2012-01-13T02:57:00.000-08:00

So last Friday, it was in the upper 60's and gorgeous so I picked up the kids after school and we headed to the park! There could not be a better way to spend a day in January.We even had friends show up -unplanned- and so it was even more perfect.

Then it rained for days off and on and became really cold. I had promised to take Arabella to the zoo Tuesday and so even though it was drizzling/misting and you could see your breath, we loaded up and headed to Fort Worth Zoo.

A fair number of animals were inside but we found a few and since we were 3 of only about 12 patrons there that day I think the animals were glad to see us too.

Cheetahs

Kangaroo statue (the real ones were out)

Lily stayed warm zipped up in my coat and though she has a scowl I think she had fun.

We ate lunch by one of the windows in the cafeteria that is also a wall to an aquarium like pond and watched the turtles, gharials and fish. I also learned something new:

Did you too learn something new?

Santa Fe Part 1

2012-01-13T02:45:00.000-08:00

I am way behind. The month of December pretty much was a total blur and I was holding on for dear life.

I will eventually get Christmas on here which was amazing but for now I will post some pictures from our trip to Santa Fe that we went on right after Christmas.

We left Monday (26th) and headed to Amarillo where we stayed the night and enjoyed dinner at Chuck E. Cheese- Happy Birthday Jon! The kids loved it.

Here the kids are dancing with Chuck E. himself and the workers threw out tokens or tickets- I can not remember now but the fun!!

Lily was there helping me take pictures. Little miss grabby hands.

Joey hit the Jackpot on one of the ticket games- 151 tickets!

Lily enjoying a ride too!

Tuesday morning as we left Amarillo we saw the Cadillacs planted in the ground.

There were some leftover cans of paint from previous visitors and so we added our names to the "appropriate graffiti" (that is what a website called it and it was).

The boys both got paint on them- oh well they loved it.

We made it to Santa Fe on Tuesday afternoon and ate at a yummy restaurant and then saw the trains.

We played at a park for a bit and this odd bench was there.

Arabella in the spinner seat- see video.

I have more pictures to post from other things we did but they are on another card so you can now look forward to a Santa Fe part 2.

Grandma reading to Arabella and Trevor.

Lily plain tuckered out from all of the fun.

Santa Fe was a fun place to go. Peter called it a yuppy, tree hugging, organic hippy place. Yes- it is true that as we were looking at different places to eat there were a whole lot of them that were organic or locally supplied. The restaurant we had lunch at on Tuesday we sat next to 4 people that were discussing ways they could revitalize the "occupy" movement in Santa Fe. At the park, there were several tents set up with some signs posted- they were protesting building of some sort.

Spinning video from the park.

This is a video of how Lily spent a good part of her time in the car. She really got in to the lion toy. I love seeing babies discover new skills.

There was snow, family, a swimming pool, a movie theater and good food so all in all it was a great time!

Nativity #6

2011-12-25T01:30:00.000-08:00

The Baby Jesus

He came to earth and lived a life just as each one of us. He did not come down in adult form but came as a baby so that he could be raised, taught, loved, and so he could know what this life was about. Somehow I feel this gives him even more compassion and understanding of our needs, trials, joys, and experiences. And then when he went through the atonement He had his own life experiences to draw upon that I feel allow for even greater compassion.

I imagine that Jesus was a very good baby and as a young child knew his purpose and was filled with wisdom likely beyond his years. His birth marked a great change in the world of religion it was the beginning of the end of the Mosaic law. It was fulfilling the Father's plan.

I had a coworker ask me if we believed in the Holy Trinity. I responded by reciting the first Article of Faith. And as I tried to explain to her why we knew that to be true I knew I was not convincing her. I have done some additional contemplating and thought of several things. First, if they are one and the same then God would have been absent from the heavens while he was living on earth as Jesus- that just does not seem to make sense to me. Second, when Jesus was baptized the Father spoke from heaven and the Holy Ghost descended as a dove- all three present at the same time in 3 distinct ways. Third, when the Savior suffered in Gethsemane he prayed to "Abba" - daddy. He was not praying to himself, he was praying to his father. And finally, as he hung on the cross he again communed with his Father- asking for forgiveness for those that were crucifying him and also telling him that it- the Atonement- was finished. He was not speaking to himself.

I know that there is a Heavenly Father that rejoiced at the birth of his only begotten son Jesus Christ because his life would lead to the redemption of his children and I know this by the witness of the Holy Ghost- 3 different beings but with one purpose.

I know my Savior lives and I am grateful for this holiday season where we reflect upon his birth and in doing that reflect upon his life and his teachings.

In closing I share these words of President Monson from this year's Christmas Devotional:

"Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.

Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.

Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.

Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.

Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.

Because He came, we are gathered tonight to worship Him, in bonds of brotherhood and love.

May His precious Spirit be with us, and may He ever be the center of our celebrations and indeed of our very lives, I pray in His holy name, amen."

Merry Christmas!

Nativity #4 and #5

2011-12-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

So I had intended to make each of these a separate post but so goes life.

Mary and Joseph-I have thought a great deal of these two over the last few weeks.

Mary

So young, so kind, so patient, so faithful, so pure, so loving- truly a queen among women.

I posted a song for the wise men and here I am posting one for Mary too. This is a song by Faith Hill and I don't know if I had heard it before this year but when I heard it, it really hit me.

Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what's to come
A baby changes everything

Not a ring
On her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she's never touched
How will she Keep his trust
A baby changes everything

And she cries, oh she cries

She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can't stay
A baby changes everything

Lyrics www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/faith_hill/
She can feel it's coming soon
There's no place, there's no room
A baby changes everything

And she cries and she cries O she cries

Shepherds all... gather 'round
Up above... a star shines down...

Choir of Angels say
Glory to the newborn king
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, every day
Hallelujah

My whole life is turned around
I was lost but now I'm found
A baby changes everything

I really thought a great deal about how young she was, that she traveled to a city she had possibly never been to before, she was about to give birth and she would not have the women of her family around her to help her in this process. In my heart I hope that the Savior's actual birth was not terrible hard for her and in my heart I know that the love she and Joseph had for each other helped her. I am thankful for her righteousness and I hope that as I strive to be a better mother I can reflect some of what I think the mother of the Savior must have been.

Joseph

I was thinking of him and I remember once many years ago calling him Jesus' father and being corrected. It is true that he was not Jesus's biological father. I also believe that Jesus had a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father than any of us (okay maybe not the prophet) but there are countless ways that I believe Joseph was a father figure to Jesus, almost like a foster or adoptive father is. He loved Jesus and taught him- Jesus was called the carpenter's son by many. Joseph was obviously faithful and righteous. I believe he was a hardworking and loving man and understanding. There are two songs I love that are focused around Joseph. First, "I was not his father, He was mine" by Michael McLean from the Forgotten Carols and second, "When Joseph went to Bethlehem" from the Children's Songbook.

(2nd verse)

"I think there at the busy inn that he was meek and mild and awed to be the guardian of Mary's sacred child. Perhaps all through the chilly hours he smoothed the swaddling bands and Jesus felt the quiet strength of Joseph's gentle hands."

(3rd verse)

"And close beside the manger bed, he dimmed the lantern's light and held the little Jesus close upon that holy night."

I don't remember when I had this thought but I remember a time when it occurred to me that Joseph would have needed to be equal to Mary in faith, righteousness, and love. They were a good couple- loving and dedicated to one another and to their family.

Nativity #3

2011-12-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

"We three kings of orient are..."

I feel the wisemen carry with them an element of mystery.

It is not known where they came from or how they were connected. It is thought that there were scholars of some sort most likely astrologers- they had to have known a great deal about the heavens to have noticed the new star. I also believe that they knew of the revelations about the coming of a Messiah so that when they saw that new star they knew what it meant.

I admire their dedication and commitment to have traveled for about 2 years to get to see the Savior.

When they came thy brought valuable gifts the like of which Mary and Joseph had probably never seen in their lives nor ever see again. They knew that they were seeing the King of Kings and wanted to bring gifts worthy of Him.

Even more wonderful is that they did not return to King Herrod but went another way to protect the young Jesus.

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/christmas_carols/we_three_kings.html ]
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Myrrh is mine: it's bitter perfume
Breaths a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/christmas_carols/#share

Nativity #2

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

We had Stake Conference over the weekend and Elder Russell M. Nelson was our visiting authority. On Saturday night, at the adult session he asked if he could take the opportunity to speak to us about the Savior's birth. As if any of us would have said no. It was wonderful. In fact before I delve into the shepherds I want to add something to the star that he shared. He said that the time of the Savior's birth was known exactly because God would have had to put things into motion so that the star would be revealed to the earth at just the right moment. We know that it can take light years for the light of a start to reach the earth and so the day and time of the Savior's birth was known long before that night came. He also said and I agree that it proves "there is order in the universe". Cosmic events are not by happen chance.

Now for the shepherds, Peter asked the question "why those shepherds?" the other night when we were watching the First Presidency Christmas devotional. It is a good question. I believe they were close to where the Savior was born and that they would believe the words of the angel and act upon what they were told. They went and beheld the baby Jesus. They then went and testified of it to all. This was important. We know that there have been others that have seen angels and been told to do things by angels and not done them (I am thinking of Laman and Lemuel primarily). The Lord wanted the birth of his son to be announced and so he needed witnesses.

Elder Nelson also pointed out that the announcement of the Good Shepherd's birth was to shepherd's and the Good Shepherd became a lamb.

For me, I look at the shepherd's as men (maybe women too) who were humble enough and faithful enough to be trusted with this great news. Also, the Lord did not only tell royalty, wealthy, or powerful about the birth of his son. The savior was for all men.

I have done some other reading about the nativity and it has touched me to think of what that night meant for all of God's children. I would like to think that I was in that host of angels that sang to the shepherds - hallelujah which I learned from Elder Nelson means praise to Jehovah.

Jon is 6!

2011-12-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

It is Jon's Birthday- finally!

He likes to start talking about his next birthday the day after his birthday!

We love our Jonny! He always has something funny up his sleeve.

Jon has done a lot of growing this year and learning and we could not be more proud.

Jon is helping me to be a better mom by presenting me with the chance to learn new parenting skills.

Jon still loves dinosaurs and so this is his cake. I was going to decorate it and when I woke up yesterday Peter was nearly half done. Jon loves it!

Jon loves to play on the I touch. He loves Angry Birds, Cut the Rope and Where's my Water? as well as watching Netflix on it. If you are stuck on an Angry Birds level just ask Jon, he'll tell you how to beat it.

Present time this morning: Sonic is another favorite of Jon- he wore this shirt today.

Thank you Bird Grandparents for UNO Attack- he was really excited to see it. Shooting cards at people is right up Jon's alley.

Jon has wanted the Nerf disc shooting gun. I decided to get him two because then whoever he is shooting at can defend themselves. Peter reminded Jon that since he has 2 hands he could shoot both at the same time. Thanks Dad!

I will have to post pictures later of the birthday dinner - shrimp and ravioli- every 6 year olds wish, right?! It will be delicious. Jon chose to forgo a party now so that we could do something special over Christmas Break with his cousin Sadie. Peter and I have another surprise in store for him as well.

We love you Jon and hope you have a fun filled day!

In other belated news, Lily is 4 months old. I really can not believe she is growing so fast.

I know those eyes just melt your heart- right?!

She is really getting strong as you can tell in this picture. She rarely just lies back- she is always trying to lift her head up and can kind of sit up with help.

Jon still loves that she looks like him.

Loving family!

I forgot to get a picture at 3 months but here it is again. You can also see some of the chunka on her legs- I love it.

At her 4 month check she was 14 lbs 4.5oz and 24 1/4 inches long. Growing beautifully!

I wanted to share these pictures Arabella took of her baby!

She is such a good little mom to her Baby Alive doll. She is a girly-girl 100%.

(Final nativity posts will be coming.)

Nativity #1

2011-12-03T00:27:00.001-08:00

Thursday night we stopped at a Community Nativity Presentation that is being held at the Carrollton Stake Center. It was amazing and a perfect way to start my December. They had over 700 different nativities set up in the cultural hall, including a live Mary and Joseph. The curtains were open to the chapel and there was music being performed by different churches from around the communities. The spirit was wonderful and it helped remind me what this season is really all about. It caused me to reflect to more on my Savior and the importance of that night to mankind.

So I have decided to try and make several posts related to the Nativity and the "characters" in it. But who to start with, the shepherds, the donkey, the innkeeper, Mary or Joseph. I believe I will start with the star.

The star was the physical sign given to all of the world by our Heavenly Father to honor the birth of his only begotten son. Coincidentally, I am reading in 3 Nephi right now in my scripture study. In chapter 1, the unbelievers were ready to kill those that had believed in the signs that had not come for so long and the day before Nephi "cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people". Then in v. 13 he gets a most glorious answer: "Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the times is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets."

And then the sun went down and yet it did not get dark, it was light all night long. "the sun did rise in the morning according to the proper order;" (v. 19). Verse 20: "And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets." And then there came a new star. This cherished sign that brought hope to so many among the Nephites. And it was a sign noticed by the shepherds and followed by the Wise men.

I love the primary song "When He Come Again": "I wonder if one star will shine, far brighter than the rest. Will daylight stay the whole night through?" It is really the second verse that causes me to wonder if I will be eager like the Nephites and the others who saw the sign: "I wonder when he comes again, will I be ready there to loo k upon his loving face and join with him in prayer?...Then when that blessed day is here he'll love me and he'll say, "You've served me well my little child; come unto my arms to stay!"

I am thankful for the star and the chance it gave to all of the world to know that the Savior was born!

She is 3!

2011-11-21T19:37:00.001-08:00

After Joey was born we said that if we ever had a girl she would not have red hair and here you came with dark hair and a lot of it. You have been such a joy and blessing in our lives each day!

You have a way of knowing when I am happy or when I am not and you will ask:

"Mommy are you happy?"

When you first started to ask this I would answer quickly and then I realized that if I said I was not you thought it meant I was not happy with you. I began to ponder more regularly when you would ask this question if my feelings of frustration or anger were justified and that you would be sad if I were not happy.

I choose now to be more happy and less flustered because you make me happy (and really there were many things that I came to realize were not worth being upset over).

I love that you love to sing!

I love that you love Lily!

I love that you love pink and princesses!

Daddy is our Hero and made this amazing princess cake for you!

Birthday breakfast of Dad's famous camping pancakes.

Arabella and Jon had a good time playing barber shop (that is what Jon called it) with your new Cinderella doll (you used to say Cinderbella).

You had 3 friends from nursery come over to play and eat cake and ice cream. You were so happy to play!

We gave each friend a ring pop - which you were so excited about.

I repeatedly asked you what you wanted for your birthday dinner and all you would say was Strawberries. We had those with spray whip cream and you agreed to pizza which we all loved!

Happy Birthday Peanut!

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T19:04:00.001-08:00

We have been talking about Veteran's Day quite a bit around our house. The boys have done various activities and projects at school related to Veteran's. They wore red, white and blue to school today. Also, Joey has been learning the National Anthem for cub scouts and their upcoming pack meeting.

In thinking about the words of that great song while teaching it to him.The flag of the United States was so important to those fighting during the Revolutionary War. They were fighting for freedoms they had not known but yearned to have. They were fighting to establish a system of government that was not well understood but was "for the people, of the people and by the people." You did not have to be born to the right family to have status and the chance to be a leader. The fact that they could still hear the "bombs bursting" and see the "rockets red glare" gave them the courage to continue to fight for their cause because the flag was still there and the fight was not finished.

This makes me think of the movie "Glory". At the end of this film as they are fighting different men step up as the man before them dies to carry that flag so that those that follow would know the fight continued. And then the flag is down and they lose that battle. But for those black men that flag had meant freedom from slavery and freedom to choose their own paths and careers even to gain an education.

I watched NCIS this week and it began with a military plane going down and it was carrying the bodies of some soldiers that had died in combat. The flag that was draped over one of the coffins had started to be displaced and the soldier stood and fixed it so that it was just right to give that honor to that soldier. All of us has been touched by seeing that flag, that symbol of freedom, draped over a coffin while 21 shot are fired and then it is so carefully folded and handed to the empty and longing hands of loved ones. It was what that flag stands for that their loved one had been defending and they had died doing it.

I am so grateful for all of the soldiers and their families who have fought so many times in so many lands to protect what we hold so dear to our hearts! I pondered what I would do if someone tried to take my freedoms away and if I would be willing to die for them and yes I would. I would lay down my life for my family, for my religion, for my lands- it is much like the Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty: Alma 46:12 "And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it-In memory of our God, our religions, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children- and he fastened it upon the end of a pole." We have the same desires as that people of long ago. I did not join the military but I give my support, love, and appreciation to all of those men and women who answered that call.

Happy Veteran's Day!

State Fair 2011

2011-11-05T01:20:00.000-07:00

When we had family in town for the baptism and blessing we knew we wanted to take them to the State Fair.

Before the fair we went to a park to play and have some lunch.

Above Grandpa Rabner and Joey trying to touch the clouds.

Arabella trying to keep up with Kennady or the "big girl" as Arabella kept calling her.

The kids learned about farm life. Carson is doing great with the cows.

A picture of me- I was not in charge of the camera.

Kate heading to market with her goods and Kennady is below.

Arabella striking a pose.

I am not sure what is going on with my picture but there is our family with Big Tex.

Derick and Tammy with Big Tex and oh, yes, that is Jon. He wanted to be in their family picture.

Loving the Fletcher's Corn Dog

This longhorn won enough money in prizes to put the owner's son through college (over $40,000).

I know you are all thinking she is the cutest thing in the world and she is.

I had a lot of people comment on how cute she was while I was carrying her around in the carrier.

I think the State Fair is a fun place to walk around. I love the craft building and we saw a baby joey in his mother's pouch. His legs and head were poking out-way cool!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-03T01:06:00.000-07:00

Halloween festivities started for us on Friday.

After school we carved pumpkins.

My kids did not want to use their hands to scoop out the guts so they tried to do it all with those orange carving scrapers- hands work better.

Angry Bird design for Jon- he loves angry birds

Rhinoceros design for Joey- he wanted a power ranger zord and we saw this which there is a rhino zord so this was good enough for him.

She wanted a girl. There are bows that you can not see very well but she was happy!

Friday night we attended a Taekwondo party.

Here is Princess Arabella aka Sleeping Beauty.

(I made her costume. It turned out and I learned a few new things along the way.)

I was Dora and Lily was baby jaguar.

Wolverine- Jon

Power Ranger-Joey

It was a fun night! Peter had a campout-he was missed.

We don't have trunk or treats in our stake and so we decided to organize one on our own for our ward on Saturday night. It was not too much work to plan but a bit long in executing the day of. We had a really good turn out and there were some great costumes. If I decide to do one again next year I have a few ideas of how to make it better.

My favorite costumes of the night were: Flo the Progressive girl and her husband Mayhem; a lab rat and her husband was the Pied Piper with bagpipes and a kilt; and Jack from Jack in the Box the restaurant.

I did not get many pictures because I was running games and such but there was good food and fun!

Finally, Halloween night came. We ate Halloween Mac-n-cheese, thank you Kraft and Peter took the older 3 out to get some candy.

I had a good time passing out candy and Lily helped.

An added bonus to our Halloween fun was that the boys had a contest at school to see which grade could bring in the most candy on Nov. 1st to be sent to the troops. Brilliant! I let the kids pick 30 pieces and the rest went to school!

Happy Birthday Peter! (Late)

2011-11-02T00:53:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite picture of you.

We were at Joey's birthday party at Legoland. I had left you with Arabella and Lily while I was doing something and when I came back you were here. In the pink lego girl area with Arabella singing away on the microphone. She was in heaven and you were happy to help create that for her.

I hope your 7th anniversary of 26 was great! I hope you have at least 26 more!

I love you!

Lily's Blessing

2011-11-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

Lilian Grace Rabner was given a name and a blessing by her dad Peter on October 23, 2011.

We were blessed to have family here to enjoy her special day with us.

Grandma and Grandpa Rabner- thank you Grandma for the BEAUTIFUL dress!

Grandma and Grandpa Bird

Aunt Tammy and Carson- we were so thankful they made the trip to Texas for this special weekend.

Proud mom and dad.

Oh those eyes!

The blessing was wonderful- she fussed a bit but was overall really good. Joining Peter in the circle were: Grandpa Rabner, Grandpa Bird, Derick Bird, Chad Ostermiller, Bishop White,

Joey Webster, and Steve Ford- all great men!

How many pictures do you have to take to get a good one?!

Not ready

Jon- look at the camera and don't pull on Lily.

Kids look at the camera

Jon hold your head straight

Let's just say cheese instead of fuzzy pickles.

Jon look at the camera!

A moment captured and what a wonderful moment (day) it was.

Thank you family for traveling far to be with us!

Beat Down and Uplifted

2011-10-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have several things that I have been meaning to post and pictures to share with whoever reads this blog like Lily's blessing and our trip to the Texas state fair or the first 2 halloween parties we attended (one of them we hosted) but today I had a bit of a beat down.
I should not let things get to me the way that they do but I do. I am the relief society president and as such I have realized that there are things that I can and can not do as just a woman because someone may get their feelings hurt or feel left out. This may seem silly but it is something I have discovered. Today it happened again despite my best efforts and after this conversation my day seemed to go from good to horrible- a steep slope.
Satan is good. It was mentioned in one of our meetings today that he will find the smallest crack and drive a wedge in so that there is a gaping hole. I had a great time at ward council- we discusses specifics and worked on how we can help the members of our ward as a council and not so much as individuals. Really good! Then sacrament went suprisingly well considering we forgot our bag that has coloring books and Friend magazines to help the kids maintain reverence. Then several things took place that left me feeling defeated, overwhelmed and tired. A crack and then with each new occurrence that wedge was hammered in.
I did what most women do and I talked it out with Peter, one of my counselors, a friend and then my mom. All reminded me that I should blow it off and I will (or at least keep trying).
My day had a few silver linings that reminded me of just how blessed and loved I am. I worked on cub scouts with Joey including helping him make dinner for the family- sloppy joes. He did great! Peter and Joey did the clean up so that I could go make a visit. The visit was a very good one- a wonderful contact with 2 set possible follow ups. My kids happily went to bed and I enjoyed an evening with Peter. I worked on a few fixes for some of the issues that came up during the day. I feel that the wedge is being pulled out and the crack is closing.
Finally, I watched a little video tonight and was given that final reminder I needed to focus on those wonderful blessings I have. I was reminded that Heavenly Father really does know me, He know my heart, He knows my intentions, He knows my limitations and He knows how to push me so that I can grow. I am not perfect and He does not expect me to be. He asks that I do my best each day and remember the covenants I have made with Him. I love the concept of a covenant and I cherish the testimony I have that His promises are sure. With that, tomorrow is a new day and I believe my crack is nearly gone. I will make tomorrow better and strive to remember all day that I am loved and remind those around of that same thing.

Baptism

2011-10-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day!

Joey was so happy and so eager.

Peter was ready - a worthy priesthood holder and father that has taught Joey so much that helped him to be ready and to make this wonderful decision.

We were so happy to support him. We had both sets of grandparents, my brother Derick with his wife Tammy and there three kids (Carson, Kennady, and Kate), the Larsen Family came up from Houston, the Ostermiller's who are like adopted family, and the Websters, the missionaries, the Nelson's (Joey's primary teachers) and the Bishop.

Grandma Rabner spoke on Baptism and Grandma Bird spoke on the Holy Ghost.

The water was warm and

Joey was baptized and it was great!

He really did look different afterwards- he was glowing.

I am so proud of you Joey and your choice to be baptized.

I promise it will be the best thing in your life. You will come to cherish your membership in this true church and the companionship of the Holy Ghost will guide you throughout your life and provide you comfort and reassurance that you are a child of God.

We love you!

Before I forget...

2011-10-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

A few conversations with my kids that must be recorded.

Jon: Mom you are wearing a belt.
Me: Yes I am.
Jon: Girls don't wear belts. Well rockstar girls do. So you can just be a rockstar girl.
Me: Thanks Jon, I will.

Me: Arabella, I am so proud of you. You did great at your first dance class. You are a great dancer.
Arabella: I am proud of you too mom. You are a good dancer.
(Arabella had her first Mommy and Me dance class last week.)

Joey: Mom, is there anything I can help you with?
Me: No, not right now but thank you so much for asking.
(Unsolicited help from my children is a new thing for me.)

Joey also made us the most sweet thank you card. When I can make my computer (either one) and my camera happy with each other I will post a picture. It told Peter and I that he was thankful that we loved him and his siblings. He really is a thoughtful boy!

2 Months

2011-10-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

To mark her 2 month birthday, Lily slept through the night: 11 pm to 7 am.

She could not have thought of a better gift for her mommy!

These 2 pictures were taken a few weeks ago. She was awake and looking at me, so no silly side of the head shots. Now she is more awake each day and more interactive. I can tell she is noticing and trying to figure out the world around her.

She will take a bottle and Joey loved being able to feed her the other night.

We have a whole lot of pictures of these sisters. I hope they always love each other like this.

Arabella sneaking in for the hug around the neck.

(I really like the passed out Jon in the background. He was up and playing one minute and out like a light the next with one leg and arm hanging off of the couch.)

She is so sweet when she is sleeping.

Conference Sunday

This picture is a bit off but it is a bit tricky to capture a smile when you have to make some silly faces yourself to get one. She has great smiles!

I meant to take a picture of her next to something when she was little to use as a comparison as she grew but never got it done. I remembered that Peter had held his thumb up to her foot the day we left the hospital and her tiny foot was the length of his thumb and now it is just past it.

At her appointment on Monday she was:

11 lbs 5 oz and 22 inches long

Yes, that is 5 lbs more than her birth weight exactly!

Eight is Great!

2011-09-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Joey is eight and he is loving it. When you are eight you don't have to ride in a booster seat anymore. You get to go to Cub Scouts. And of course you get to be baptized.

Joey is such a wonderful boy. He is very obedient and follows rules as long as he knows what they are. He is very tender hearted and does not want to be left out or forgotten. He is an early riser and loves routine. He can eat as much as me and has even eaten as much as Peter before. He will try just about any food, in fact he wanted sushi for his birthday. He did not actually like it all that well but at least he was willing to try. He loves power rangers! He received a Megazord and three other zords that all fit together to make an ultimate megazord!

He loves reading. He loves legos too and so he got to take 2 friends to Legoland for his birthday on Friday. He is still in Taekwondo and is doing really well. At a tournament on Saturday, he won 3 gold medals. Yea Joey! He is also taking piano lessons this year.

Joey has always liked jumping and will go out on the trampoline or in the play room and bounce for 30 minutes at a time. It is like his release. He is happy and loves to help people. I love that he has a sharp mind and is quick to memorize things. I am thankful that we have been able to get him into therapy and work with the school resources to help him understand this world and his way of seeing it better so that he can continue to have success in his life. I could not have asked for a better first child. Joey I love you!

Joey wanted a red dinosaur and we had a hard time getting the color just right and it came out a bit fuschia. Peter and I noticed a slight resemblance to a certain children's show character. Maybe it is the green leaves that are like his green belly. We decided this is an angry or possessed version- he does not love anyone. Joey loved it and that is what matters.

"When I am Dad's age..."

2011-09-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

I asked Jon a few months ago when he was going to learn to ride his bike without training wheels. His answer was "when I am dad's age." He has not wanted to learn this skill.

But there he is - no training wheels and no mom holding on!

He lucked out and we did not really force the issue during the summer because it was stinking hot and I could not help due to my pregnant state.

This is his skid mark that he is so proud of. He has the brakes figured out.

I'll push you and...

you push me!

Lily slept during this exciting time. The beauty rest is obvious!

The following videos are:

1. Jon riding his bike!

2. Jon at his Hip Hop Class (he is the one in the white shirt).

3. So you can get a kick out of the boy in the green shirt getting down! Sorry about the crazy filming I was holding Lily and helping Arabella.

My Girls

2011-09-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

I love having 2 beautiful daughters!

Peter captured these great pictures of Arabella at the temple the other day.

It was our stake temple day and so we took turns going to the temple and switched the girls in the parking lot so I could feed Lily one last time. Peter then took the girls to lunch and then picked up the boys from school. It was a great day and absolutely beautiful! We then went to the park to play as a family. I love the temple and the wonderful feeling I get when I go there. I also love my family!!

Yes, she is adorable!

Ta da!

I love when she says, "Oh Lily, Lily!"

This picture is of my sweet new girl! She is 6 weeks old and I can not believe how big she is getting already.

She will sleep for 4 hours at night and then another 2-3. I feel quite rested.

Alas, she is a spitty baby too but I still love her. I have also found that I am not as shocked by the spit- unless it goes down my shirt like it did yesterday.

She is a very mellow baby and will be one tough cookie from all of the love she gets from her brothers and sister. They love to shake her arms and tug on her feet and Arabella will often go up to her and try to hug her while she is laying on the floor. This may or may not contribute to some of the spitting up.

She still looks a great deal like Jon. He has been telling people that she is his twin.

My favorite Joey and Lily interaction is when he sings, "Calma, Calma" from Dora or Diego (I can not remember which) when she is crying and either gently shakes her hand or gives her her binki.

I love being a mom to 2 great girls and 2 great boys!

Labor Day, "Sonic", and Fire Insurance

2011-09-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Today, as I was driving home from the library I noticed smoke in the air. As I drove closer, I realized the smoke was very near my neighborhood. Then while driving into my neighborhood I passed a police car and a fire chief's truck. Passing by the streets towards my house I could not see any fire trucks and I was beginning to realize the smoke was above my street (but was nearly gone).

I pulled into the alleyway to get to our driveway and I saw some neighbors standing at the end of it by the train tracks. Apparently a tree across the tracks caught on fire and some sparks came over the tracks and caught the deathly dry grass on fire. No houses were damaged but the pictures below were taken from my driveway and the black patches are the burned areas. I am just saying that fire was a little too close for comfort- I am glad I have fire insurance.

The tree in the middle is the one that appears to have caught on fire. The other side of it is very black- believe me.

Really, we are talking a matter of 30 yards or so!

On to a happier time. 2 Sundays ago Jon and Arabella set up restaurant Sonic on the landing at the top of the stairs. They made famous eggs and steak and strawberry drinks.

They carted a good portion of the play food and the toy grill into Arabella's room from the play room so that Sonic could exist. It was really funny!

The above pictures were taken today of Arabella twirling! I love that girl!

So we had planned to take the kids to the Fort Worth Zoo yesterday but when we got there the line to get into the parking area was literally a mile long. So, we used the GPS and found a place to go miniature golfing and enjoyed the marvelous 85 degree weather!

These pictures are simply for your enjoyment of our adorable little Lily. She is getting so big it seems but I realize she is still only about 8 maybe 9 pounds. She gets a lot of love at our house.

All dressed up for Sunday!

First Day of School (and final summer days)

2011-08-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of school and these boys were excited!

Jon had become nervous about school and so that made me more nervous than I remember being for Joey's first day of kindergarten. But by the time I picked them up yesterday Jon acted like a school pro!

This bag was on the table. It had the word new on it already- Jon added his name and the word bag without any help and he was so proud of himself - he needed a picture.

For our final days of summer, we loved on sweet Lily,

played on the swing set (and changed our own clothes),

had some pictures taken of Lily,

swam one more time at the Bishop's house (The boys swam twice a week with Lindsay and Emily White who helped them become much better swimmers. Arabella and I tagged along at least once a week.)

Took a few naps.

Enjoyed her some more! She had an appointment yesterday for a 2 week check- she weighed

7 lbs 10 oz and was 21 inches long. You grow girl!

Peter was great on the last Saturday he: mowed the lawn, helped with a move, adopt-a-spot clean up, bountiful baskets pick up, washed the cars, and washed the dog all before noon.

Finally, here are two videos for your enjoyment. First, Jon swimming- at the beginning of the summer on our first day we could not get Jon off of the step even with his life jacket on. Yes, we are so proud of his progress. Second, Joey had karate testing. For him, it was a midterm. In two months he will test for his black belt recommended belt and then 4 months after that he will test for his black belt. This is the form he will do for that testing. He is making good progress but still has a few things to perfect. We are very proud of his hard work.

11 Years into Eternity- and Loving It!!

2011-08-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Many of you are wondering who those two kids are?! We wonder sometimes ourselves.

If you can see the date stamp on the side you will see that it was taken Aug. 22, 1997.

Peter and I had stopped fighting our destiny and been dating for a few weeks.

This photo was taken on a camping trip with his family.

Aw, now Peter is home from his mission and we are more accepting of our destiny but must have one last battle before deciding if eternity is really for us!

Yes, eternity is most definitely for us!

This picture was taken August 19, 2000. What a lovely, young couple!

And here we are 11 years later and still smiling!

I am so grateful that years ago this amazing man was willing to give my stubborn heart and mind another chance to be by his most amazing side! He was so cute, sincere, honest, and spiritual (truly this is one of the things that caught my eye- spirit might be a better word- first) that I was humbled to be with him. We left the rest up to the Lord and so far things are working out splendidly! The rest of Eternity will be a great adventure!

I love you Peter! Thanks for the great week of surprises!

Love,

Missy Magoo

A Birth Story with a Man's Perspective

2011-08-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

(Warning: this is long due to me wanting to get it down for posterity's sake.)

The chain of events in photos.

Description below.

Above: Thursday night as I was checking in.

Below: Me in the final stage (minutes) of Labor- I did not know this was taken.

Lily's birth has a unique story as does each child's but the above picture is the way Peter has described her entrance into this life.

Joey was my first and so I did not know what to expect. I was induced the day before my due date and spent 4 1/2 hours off and on pitocin. I got an epidural and Joey was born 15 minutes la

ter by the doctor. For a first timer, it was pretty quick and gave me valuable knowledge to tuck away until the next delivery.

Jon, I had been having contractions all day long off and on. It was getting later and so we headed to the hospital to see if it was real. My contractions pretty much stopped but Jon's heart rate dropped low after one last contraction so we stayed. I got antibiotics and then they broke my water and started pitocin and 1 1/2 hours late he was born without the doctor. This time I went all natural because I had almost made it the first time so I knew what to expect.

Arabella, due to the previous speedy deliveries I was a bit nervous about making it to the hospital for her delivery. Again, I had some contractions during the night, headed to the hospital for them to stop and get sent home. I slept. I had a good hard contraction about 1:30 and had one about every 20-30 minutes until about 3:15 when they got a little closer. At 4:05 my water broke at home and we made a mad rush to the hospital where the nurses did not believe I was ready to deliver until they saw the head was crowning and I was ready to push. If anyone ever tells you to just keep your legs closed I encourage you to laugh in their face. Anyhow, Arabella came into the world at 4:54 and was caught by a nurse wearing one glove that was only about 3/4 of the way on.

Now Lily. Her pregnancy was complicated by my anti-phosphlipid syndrome (clotting disorder). Due to this, my OB and my peri-natalogist did not want me to go over 39 weeks so I was induced at 38 1/2. I had to stay overnight at the hospital where I was given some cervix softener and antibiotics (strep positive).

About 6:30 am I was started on pitocin and my doctor broke my water about 7:00 at which time I was only about a 1 1/2 to 2 cm. It did not seem like a whole lot was happening and so they kept increasing the pitocin. About 9 am they had me roll on to my side and that seemed to do the trick. I began to have stronger contractions. About 9:56, according to Peter, I started to really complain of pressure. I was a 5 but would go to a 7 with a contraction and I was nauseated which is an indicator for me that the end is near. I asked them to call the doctor and they gave me some Zofran for the nausea. My doctor showed up about 10:15 and checked me, I was an 8. She told me not to push yet- good advice but begins to get tricky when you are getting medications that causes your uterus to contract on its own and you don't really have control over that muscle anyways.

My nurse (who was training a new nurse) came in and I told her that I was really uncomfortable and did not think I could make it any longer. She said okay, put on a glove and opened my legs to check me and there was no stopping the inevitable. My doctor who had stepped into the hall came in and saw the head was about 1 inch out, turned to put on her gloves and missed the delivery. Yes, that is right. The picture above is how Peter described what happened "A great white shark launching out of the water". I asked if he could not at least call it a whale (it seems more majestic), he said, "No it really was more like a great white."

Now, mind you I did not push- except for what my body was doing beyond my control. So, basically once the head was out past the widest part, Lily "launched" into this world and almost landed in the nurse's lap. (The new nurse said later that she was really glad she had not come in to check me because she did not think she was ready to deliver a baby. The nurse who delivered worked in California where apparently it is not unusual for doctors to miss births and so she had done dozens.) My doctor was stunned to say the least and after checking me said, "Now, Miss Lily you could not have waited for me to get my gloves on."

It was quite the experience. I was so relieved she was here and healthy! We both were healthy-

I did not have any major bleeding which was a risk due to my blood thinners but I was in great hands. Lily came out wanting to eat- she is still a good eater but initially she lost weight. We came home on Saturday night and she weighed a mere 5 lbs 13 oz. (A whole pound lighter than any of our other kids.) She is filling out though- by Monday she was back to 6lbs even.

Lily and I ready to go home and her foot is as narrow as and as long as Peter's thumb.

My parents came on Thursday night and stayed until the next Saturday. We loved having them here. The kids had a great time with grandma and grandpa. Jon and Arabella cried when it was time for them to go- as did I. I love being with my family and having the extra help was wonderful. It also helped that my dad has an i-pad with angry birds and my mom has an i-touch with angry birds and a few games for Arabella. My boring non-gaming phone just can not compare.

Lily gets held plenty by all of us. Jon is especially doting. He will just wonder over by her and give her a kiss or rub her hair. She looks most like him. I think she is going to be a blond. Her hair now reminds me of Peter's baby pictures and he was very blond as a kid.

Our life is an adventure and we are trying to make the most of each day-with these 4 kids!

She is here!

2011-08-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

Lilian Grace Rabner arrived this morning at 10:26 am quickly (not unusual for our children).

She weighs 6 lbs 5 oz and 19 1/4 inches.

She has a good amount of hair and it is lighter in color with a slightly red tone to it; more like Jon than Joey. The kids have only seen her through the nursery window but will see her again tonight. We will post pictures of all of the sibling love.

She is adorable and we are so relieved she is here and healthy!

Proud dad!

A little skin to skin time to keep her warm.

Checking out this bright new world.

So peaceful!

Counting Down the Days

2011-07-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

At my appointment on Monday, my doctor scheduled me with the hospital for my induction.

I need to be at the hospital next Thursday night at 8:00 pm. I will be monitored all night long due to me not being able to take my blood thinners that night to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. No blood thinners means an increased risk for baby so I will be monitored during the night and the induction will begin Friday morning.

It is here! This experience seems a long time in coming.

She is a blessing and I am so excited to meet her! (I am also intensely curious to see how big she is and what color hair she will have- red, brown or something new?)

The kids are doubly excited because Grandma and Grandpa are coming and the baby is finally almost here.

Peter is just amazing- he has completed the to do list and is now working on a few other things that I wanted to get done before October when we have more family coming for Joey's Baptism and Lily's blessing. I am such a lucky woman!

One week- hurray!

Baby To Do List

2011-07-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

So I have 17 days until I deliver this baby but who is counting!

As with any other pregnant woman in the world, I am nesting. I have done my usual cleaning of things but a little more extensively and I find myself wanting to do some odd things. For example, the other day while in the shower I came awfully close to deciding that was the day to replace the caulk around the shower. I did not do it because it is better to have Peter do it, I may have done something wrong and he would end up doing it again anyways.

Anyhow I am sharing a few of the things on my to do list with you:

1. Stay cool by eating lots of popsicles and shaved ice!

2. Keep the kids happy and cool by playing with the hose in the yard and swimming at friend's pools regularly.

3. Play at the zoo or museum or Bass Pro Shop to see the fish for something different to do when it is 102 or higher outside.

4. Lose a tooth- well that was on Jon's to do list. For me, I needed to get him to the dentist to get a chipped tooth fixed. Peter ended up being the lucky one to take him and the other two kids while I was at 2 doctor appointments of my own.

5. More staying cool when it is too hot!

6. Eat ice cream when it is hot and share with Sasha if you are Arabella.

7. Get Arabella a big girl bed. She loves it and has done really well going to bed in it. She has not taken a nap since we got it but oh well.

8. Paint the boys room. This was a project that took a week but we are all happy with how it turned out.

9. Have a baby shower. We had a duo shower for me and my 1st counselor who is delivering a boy 3 days before me. So much Fun!

10. Fulfill traditions. We have eaten at a new restaurant just before the births of each of our kids. This time we ate at Hard Eight a delicious BBQ place by Peter's office. Yummy!

11. Wash baby clothes.

12. Pack diaper bag and my bag (this is not completed yet). I am taking both outfits to the hospital because I can not decide which to bring her home in.

13. Organize Arabella's closet- including sorting several bins of clothes .

14. Peter built and installed the shelves on the left in the girls' closet. They will be so handy!

15. I still need to finish organizing this room - although since taking this picture it has already had some work done. I still have 2 bins of boy clothes to sort and food storage to put away that I bought today.

16. We will be cleaning carpets this afternoon and evening.

17. I will be making freezer meals this week.

18. Peter and I will be going on a date Friday night to see Harry Potter.

19. Get out the car seat, swing, and bouncer and wash them (this is one that Peter has reminded me he could take care of if the baby did come earlier than already planned-he is the BEST!).

20. Continue to enjoy being pregnant, in case this is our last. I am trying to love my swollen feet. I do love feeling her kick and move- that is a great feeling.

Well, there you have it and I am glad that so much of it is done.

4th of July

2011-07-15T07:30:00.001-07:00

What is sad is that I do not have any pictures from the actual 4th of July.

What is not sad is that we had a great extended weekend of fun!

Saturday our ward had a pancake breakfast with bike parade. The pancakes were plentiful and yummy with all sorts of baked in treats including: gummy bears, chocolate chips and various fruits. Decorating bikes was a great deal of fun, so was riding them. Jon only wanted his decorated- he did not want to ride. Peter had pulled Arabella in the trailer and the boys rode their bikes to the church. It was a true test for Jon and Peter. They made it though!

After the kids rode around there was shaved ice. We have tried to find block ice here and have been unsuccessful so we bought some molds and have made our own. We stockpiled and shared in the shaved ice goodness with the ward. Of course, everyone loved it!

Does she look good or what!

Peter the master of ice mutilation. Although, the kids and several members of the ward were impressed to see that I could make a decent shaved ice.

Joey decorated all by himself and is a great rider. He rides his bike almost every morning when Peter takes Sasha for a run.

Arabella's favorite part was having little girls to play with!

We simply enjoyed the rest of Saturday and Sunday.

Monday, we had Peter's sourdough pancakes with Magelby's syrup for breakfast- Jon says they are dad's super special secret recipe pancakes. Then we went to a friend's house to swim and grill and yes we took the shaved ice machine. We swam for almost 4 hours. It was wonderful! The kids had a great time and Jon did some superb swimming. We through some ice blocks in the pool and timed them to see how fast they melted. It took about 6 minutes. Thank you Ostermillers for the funnest day. Finally we stuck with the tradition of the past few years and went to see a movie. When you live in places where it is blistering hot it is nice to do something cool and air conditioned. We saw Cars 2 and it was enjoyed by all. As we left the theater, the fireworks in various cities were going off and we watched them over the trees as we drove home. All in all it was a great day! This is a great country and I am so grateful I live here.

Rangers Game and a Storm

2011-07-07T04:40:00.000-07:00

On June 20, we were lucky enough to go to a Rangers game. It was really fun and they won!

Peter's boss gave us 4 tickets. We took the boys and left Arabella home with a babysitter, which at first Jon thought sounded like more fun- he changed his mind after we got there.

Joey eating his frozen lemonade- he loves them!

Happy to be out to a game!

This is the treat that Jon chose and made him very happy. Yes, that pretzel is bigger than Peter's hand. We all enjoyed it and it was a mere $12.50.

A bit of a funky angle but we were having fun!

Our tickets were on row 20, third baseline- GREAT seats!

We only stayed until the bottom of the 7th and then it was late enough so we headed home.

On the way home, we noticed a great deal of lightning over the Lewisville area.

About 2:30 in the morning, that lightning turned into a full on storm.

The rain was pounding so hard that it woke both Peter and I up. The kids slept through it due to the direction the rain was hitting the house- their windows were not getting pounded like ours.

We headed downstairs to check out what was happening- that is hail and Sasha's bowl that had been empty was full and overflowing with rain and hail.

Peter showing the size of the hail. It rained so hard, so fast that it flooded into our garage and the road in front of our house was a river.

Our garden took a beating. It was looking so nice and then it looked as though it was destroyed.

Those were cantaloupe and watermelon plants. You will be relieved to know that much of the garden is making a come back. We lost a cucumber plant.

Joey really wanted to help clean up. He swept our neighbors driveway. I also took this to document the squash plants that had grown up and over and down the fence, in case they did not survive. These plants are still alive and the vines that are on the ground have started to take root- crazy!

I posted a picture of my lilies a few weeks ago. They looked so sad and still do not look so great. Almost every leaf was broken or torn. They survived a freeze this last winter so I have not given up all hope.

I feel this need to get caught up on my blogging- it could not possible have anything to do with a baby coming very soon (4 1/2 weeks)!

Child Champion vs.Critic

2011-07-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

I have a friend that has told me that all parents will have that child that will test them to the max. If you tell them not to pierce or tattoo themselves when they are teenagers they will end up with a tattoo or piercings. This is not news to me. I can think of many families where that child is visible to anyone that knows the family. I believe that even in those families that don't have an obvious "difficult child" there is one. They question their parents a little more and push the boundaries as far and as often as they can. Parents don't love these children any less in fact the love for these children is hard earned and deep rooted due to many experiences.

Right now we have 3 children and each of them has a distinct and wonderful personality. I am grateful for each one of them. Each child's way of viewing life and living it is teaching me something new as a parent. I have a child that will listen to the rule and then test me to make sure I really meant that this was a rule and that indeed their will be a consequence that is enforced. It makes me think more about exactly what rules matter and what threats, I mean consequences I am willing to carry out. I have also found that consequences differ with each child for the same rule because what matters to each is different.

Today we had a trying experience with one of my children and Peter. Peter was the one to endure the challenge longer than me. I reminded Peter to be patient and use positive encouragement because this child, though regularly trying, responds best to the positive. So, as I was leaving the situation I thought about what we are and will face with this child and had the thought that there will be plenty of people in this world quick to criticize my child. I also realized that I will at times be my child's critic and hopeful the best critic. Children will need correction and direction in their lives and that is best given with love. So, who better to give it then their parents who love them more than anyone else. I will also find myself being my child's champion. I need to defend, uplift, encourage, praise and patiently guide my children through their lives. Parenting is not for the weak of heart. I also am not foolish enough to believe that I will be a perfect parent or always know the answers. I am beyond grateful that my parents are still alive for me to turn to if I have questions. But I am even more grateful that I know I can turn to my Heavenly Father who is the perfect parent and ask for guidance and direction anytime. He loves each one of us for our individual needs, desires, challenges, obedience and even our disobedience. He loved us enough to give up His only Son to given us every chance to become all that He knows that we can become.

I love my children and what they are teaching me. I look forward to the arrival of another sweet baby, knowing that she too will come with her ups and downs. I also that I can use her arrival and the changes it will bring to our family to help me become a better mother to my other 3. I am also very grateful to have Peter by my side. We help each other remember what really matters and support each other in the discipline of our children.

So tomorrow morning when I face a new day filled with endless possibilities, I pray that I may look for the opportunities to be my child's champion and critic if needed. Above all I hope I can do it with love and patience in my heart and mouth.

Shower in a Box

2011-06-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

I feel spoiled and this sweet baby girl is already spoiled!

I got this delightful box last Monday night from my family! It was a baby shower in a box. Oh the fun I had opening the different pink and purple bags, each containing pieces of this treasure trove of baby girl things. The Hot Tamales and lotion are for me- yea! It would have been more fun to live close enough to have opened these gifts in person but this was so much fun too!

The box also had a Father's day gift for Peter and a shirt and flashlight for each of the kids. The boys' were head lamps with a red light feature. They have been walking around flashing their "laser beams" at each other.

Here are a few other things that have arrived in packages from Peter's parents.

I wish you could feel how soft the blankets are- use your imagination- soooo soft.

She is going to be one fashionably dressed girl! I love all of the pink, lace, and ribbons. When you look at how tiny some of these clothes are it is a reminder of just how small these precious babies start out.

Thank you so much to our families for all of their support and love!

Summertime

2011-06-23T03:47:00.000-07:00

Yep, that about covers it! Although a picture of popsicles and shaved ice would really complete the picture.

Fort Worth Zoo- 1st Trip

2011-06-23T03:27:00.000-07:00

Last year we had a pass to the Dallas Zoo and had a great time using it. This year we decided to get one to the Fort Worth Zoo. It is a really nice zoo. Last week we made our first passholder visit. It was great! The kids were troopers and stayed by me really well that makes for a really nice time for all of us.

Joey, initially, was fixated on the map and figuring out where we were going and where to find the dinosaur displays. Yes, they have dinosaurs on exhibit throughout the zoo and we found all of the dinosaurs.

Arabella wanted to see the elephants most.

Dinosaur!

Dinosaur- a relative of the triceratops.

Arabella not wanting her brothers in the picture of her on the turtle. This is outside the MOLA (Museum of Living Art) or the reptile/amphibian house. It is one of the nicest zoo buildings I have ever been inside. Jon found his favorite animal here-the king cobra.

The mighty T Rex!

I had to add this picture since it turned out we had more pictures with dinosaurs than with animals but we had a great time.

The dinosaurs were animated and made sound effects so there is a video of the T Rex below. All of the dinosaurs on exhibit have had remains found in the state of Texas

Ward Campout

2011-06-23T03:04:00.001-07:00

The Fathers and Sons' Camp-out was cancelled due to weather and was rescheduled as a family camp-out for the 17th and 18th.

So, when it has been about 105 during the day and still 102 at 6 pm what would we do but go camping of course. It really was fun just hot!!

Ready to Roll!

We camped at Murrell Park at Grapevine Lake and so there was swimming. I stayed on shore and took pictures. One family brought the above inflatable raft and there was an island about 50 yards or so from shore. This boat was powered by Peter and Parker (Webster) power.

Arabella and Parker on the island with Joey clambering over the rocks.

The adventurers (l to r): Parker and Brody Webster, Peter with Arabella on his shoulders, Jon and Joey.

Peter helping Arabella float. She loves her daddy and trusts him to keep her safe.

Yea for water on a hot day!

Landon Webster striking a pose.

We got to watch fireworks from the shore that were let off by Grapevine City. We of course roasted marshmallows and Brother Ostermiller made 2 great dutch oven cobblers. Peter brought glow sticks and shared them with all of the kids and they were so happy.

Sleep was rough; our air pump battery was dead so no air pump; it was windy so the breeze was nice but it was 95 degrees at midnight. I finally slept in the truck with the windows down and the passenger seat reclined.

Jon does not look it but they all had fun. They each have sticky dirty faces from eating those giant marshmallows the night before and syrupy pancakes for breakfast.

This picture is simply to prove that I was really there.

Last Days of School, Red Belt and Apricots

2011-06-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well, the end of school has come and summer has begun.

Jon's last day was May 25th and the last day was a field day. This is a picture of him with his great teacher Ms. Ban. She really knew how to work with Jon. He gained confidence and she never saw him as a problem or a challenge just a boy with a different way of approaching life. She took his strengths (that others may see as challenges) and used them to his and her advantage.

This is Jon with Ms. Leake, the class assistant. She was a huge help as well. Oh CCDC we will miss you but plan to send all future preschoolers from our house to your preschool.

Joey had a great last week of school but being the nerd that I am, I did not get any pictures of him with his teacher or doing any of his last activities.

The second to last week of school they had Camp Valley Ridge. They did camping like activities but at school: roasting s'mores, watching parent trap, discussing fire safety and how to build a fire when camping, and double recess!

The last week of school they had a game day, ice cream sundae party as a reward for learning all of their addition facts, an outdoor play day with pizza for lunch and lots of fun and not as much hard core school work.

Joey's teacher was Ms. Laird and she too was fabulous. She really cared for him and was a big part in helping us get Joey diagnosed and getting the things he needs to succeed.

This is a photo to mark a hair achievement for Arabella- french braid! It did not last too long but it held better than I thought.

Joey has made it to another level in Taekwondo. He earned his red belt. He has worked so hard and I don't believe I have ever seen him so proud of himself.

Above and below he is doing his weapons skills with his bo staff.

Peter was so wrapped up in watching do his great brown belt form that he forgot to get any pictures or video. Just know that it is impressive. I especially like the ultra serious face Joey makes while doing it. I think he is trying to convey power and strength.

Joey is the one kicking. He has become better at sparring and we are proud of him.

At first they tried to put a new brown belt on Joey and he kept ducking. The sticky note had his last name on it but really it was supposed to be Jon's - he did not pass everything off to test so he did not get his new belt.

When the right belt came, he was more than happy to accept it.

This was just moments after he turned and gave us a double thumbs up. He has learned so much through ATA and not just about punching and kicking. I am glad he enjoys it.

Finally, on Saturday, I picked up my produce co-op purchase. I had ordered a case (yes, a case) of apricots. They are so good and the kids have really loved eating them. I used about 1/4 of the case to make two batches of jam- not even freezer but the cooked processed kind.

I have also made an apricot coffee cake and given some to a friend but I believe I will make fruit leather with some of them today.

Doesn't that look pretty?!

What a man...

2011-06-02T01:13:00.000-07:00

What a man, what a mighty good man!

This post is dedicated to my amazing husband Peter.

Over the Memorial Day weekend Peter did this: killed squash bugs, sprayed for the same bugs, watered the garden, pulled weeds, mowed the lawn (and the drive belt was broken so he had to push the mower), redid some of the edges I had done, helped two different families move for a total of 6 hours, sanded wood blocks for my Relief Society meeting this Thursday night, picked up a produce co-op order with me, bathed Sasha, ran with Joey, Jon (on bike) and Sasha, installed the new ceiling fan in the boys room, fixed the broken toilet that led to fixing the broken valve in the shut off knob (the water that attaches to the toilet), rubbed my swollen feet more than once, took the family to get shaved ice, helped Jon teach family home evening, substituted in primary, worked on cub camp archery awards, helped make dinner on Sunday, folded laundry with me, did some home teaching, went to Sam's with the family (I had a list and I stuck to it so it was not that bad), proved to be a great Wii player again much to our boys amazement as we played together on Sunday night, and cut the boys hair.

Hands off ladies, he is mine.

I let him sleep in on Sunday morning until 9.

You may think, what was I doing? Well, I helped him where I could and had my own list of things to get done but there is no denying he is "a mighty good man". I am so grateful for a husband who works by my side to keep our house running and in order and more importantly helps me raise our children. Yes, I feel so very lucky to have him.

Peter, I love you!

Things that have been growing

2011-05-23T18:59:00.001-07:00

We have had some good rain and it has been spaced nicely so that the garden is really liking it.

And yes, that is a picture of me and I have been growing nicely too, which means baby girl is growing (and she is a mover)!

Sadly, about 1/3 of the bean plants you see in the picture below were dug up by Sasha- urgh!

It was one of those times that she knew she was in trouble and did not yip, bark, jump but just sat with puppy dog eyes trying to act innocent.

Below the zinnias (pink flower) on the left were planted from a store bought pack of flowers and the really tall just starting to bloom zinnia on the right was planted from seed by me.

Again, the cucumber plant that we have vining up the twine was planted from seed by me in my garden and the one in the forefront came from a 4 pack of plants I bought. It is the only one of the four that is still alive. The crazy ferny stuff is our asparagus.

I took this picture during the rain today. All of my calla lily plants came back and all of them have flowers on them. They are doing much better than last year. I love them. Maybe it is an omen since we are planing to name this baby Lilian or Lily for short.

The next four pictures depict other growing beings at our house: Joey, Jon, Arabella, and Sasha.

And now this last picture is to help you appreciate the power of rodents. We bought the edible tunnel on the right about 4 weeks ago and it looked like the one on the left when it started. And thus behold the power of 2 guinea pigs. If you have been lucky enough to never have a mouse in your house then this will give you an idea of the kind of damage rodents can do. (The gogurt wrapper is to give a measuring reference.)

We are happy, busy, and amazed at how fast time is moving. Jon finishes school this week and Joey has 12 more days of school (he is counting). When Joey is done with school I will have 2 months until I deliver- my doctor agreed to deliver me early so the first weekend of August! I am glad because I will have a few weeks to get back to feeling like myself before the boys head back to school. I promised the boys that we would try to do something fun each week like go to the zoo, museum, or at least the park. As the heat and humidity are descending and my feet are swelling some, this seems like a bigger deal than it might if I were not pregnant. I will be so happy to make the memories with my kids though and I am sure a trip to Sonic for cold drinks during happy hour will be a regular occurrence as well.

Mom, why...?

2011-05-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

I will start with two stories before I explain the pictures.
First, Jon asked me today, "Mom, why didn't you name me Dan? I like the name Dan."
Me: "Well Jon, we liked the name Jonathon better."
Jon: "Well, I really like Dan because then I could be Dino Dan."

Second, Joey and I had this conversation on the way to school.
Joey: "Mom, did you marry dad because he is the strongest?"
Mom: "Yes, and he was smart, funny, spiritual, nice, made good choices and wanted to be a missionary."
Joey: "Oh, I think girls like it when boys are strong."
And that was the end of the conversation.

And now for a Mother's Day post (a week late).
I had a great Mother's Day. Jon gave me these beautiful beads that he made in preschool a few days early- he just couldn't wait. It is hard to tell in the picture but they are rainbow.

Joey had made several things at school- cards and such. One of them he used a code to write me a note and I had to figure it out. He did a great job!

Arabella made cute hand prints and had a stem of daisies from nursery. I love that other women are so thoughtful on Mother's day.

Peter took me on a date on Saturday night. We ate at Rock Fish (so yummy!), then Barnes and Noble to get a few books we wanted, I took him into Children's Place and we bought a few things for the baby, and finally, I took him to Yogurt Story. It is a self serve frozen yogurt place that I had taken the kids to during the priesthood session. They have been wanting to take him there so I told them I would take him. It too was yummy! If you come to visit we will take you there.

Sunday, I slept in, ate a delicious breakfast and then off to church. Peter always gets me a corsage and this year was no different. Although, I wish I had a before and after picture for you because it became my badge of motherhood. It was a complete and beautiful orchid before church. During sacrament meeting Jon had to touch the middle of the flower a few times before he was convinced it was real. Then Arabella, while giving me one of her big hugs, smashed her head against it. It was smashed a few more times before sacrament was over. By the end of church the bottom half of the center part was gone as well as one outer petal and another was folded in half. Proof that I was a mother. I loved it and I love Peter for getting me one.

Now for dinner, Peter made me herbed pork loin chops and mashed sweet potatoes. But dessert was the best part. BYU mint brownies! He found the recipe from BYU online. They were divine. I am pretty sure I ate at least 1/3 of the pan by myself. This is a photo of the last brownie. They need to be made only for special occasions- too good for one's health (at least dietary but emotionally they may be considered therapy!)

Thoughts

2011-05-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

I have had a lot going through my mind the last week or so. I figure that if this is like my journal I will put some in here for posterity's sake.

Dogs with diarrhea are no fun.
Peter is great because he got up with the dog both nights while she had diarrhea.
A puppy can take up all of your patience. This is a problem because then you will feel bad because you may snap at your kids when you would not have normally.
Worrying that your neighbor will complain to animal control about your dog barking again is nerve racking. (Even if she did way over exaggerate the times she supposedly heard the dog barking.)
Trying to teach your boys ages 5 and 7 how to scoop dog poop is an experience. Especially if each of them nearly threw up while doing it.
Potty training can be long especially if you feel like you are the one that is trained to take your child to the potty instead of them going themselves.
Today Arabella had 2 accidents because she told me when it was too late. So, I would not let her watch Diego today. Then, I found her a few hours later on the potty going all by herself- go figure.
Also, I find it ironic that she can stay dry all night long but struggle during the day. I am not complaining though and we still put her in a diaper or pull up just in case.
Peter helped me make 13 pints of strawberry freezer jam last Friday night. It was almost like a date. We talked, the kids were in bed, we watched Bones reruns while we worked, and we were just together- wonderful!
Why do people always think Joey is so much older? His karate teacher thought he was 11. I could maybe go for 9 but 11?! I agree that Joey should show a little bit more self control in class at times but maybe the teacher will have a new perspective on his behavior knowing he is only 7.
Never let a crayon get melted in the dryer.
I love my produce co-op I have joined. We have had some great dishes the last few weeks because of the produce we have had on hand. The pineapple was so good!
Jon's new favorite game is Book of Mormon Battle. It is a card game. We don't play with the special power cards and so it goes basically like the game war. The good people in the Book of Mormon vs the bad people with point values ranging from 100 to 10,000. He has taught Arabella how to hold the cards and turn them over and he is able to determine who wins. She feels cool and I am proud of him for teaching.
The Out of Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz is a great book if you wondered why some children are the way they are. (It is about Sensory Processing Disorders but can give insight to why your child only likes this type of food or hates tags or likes this type of activity.)

Joey has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

We began to have him tested in October due to some peculiarities that he has exhibited for some time now but has not been cause for concern (because it did not interfere with school or daily life too much) until this year.

He likes to jump/skip back and forth and could do this for an hour straight, if we let him. He usually makes sound effects while doing this.

He will stare off into space and rock in his seat and kind of moan to himself. (This is not your typically staring at something look.)

He gets really anxious about missing things: i.e. going to a dentist appointment during school he may miss some part of a week long project at school and will fear that he can not make it up. This usually results in tears. He has cried off and on for 2 hours before at school.

He does not play with kids but plays along side them (parallel play). When I drive past the school at recess, I see Joey jumping and not interacting with any kids.

He does not pick up on social cues- holding doors open for people, helping someone up if they fall down, taking a joke, showing interest in what someone else is talking about, realizing that not everyone wants to talk about Power Rangers or Ben 10 for 30 minutes straight.

He gets fixated on things. For example, Peter mentioned on Sunday to Joey that in January he would get to participate in the pine wood derby as a scout. The next 2 days when I picked him up from school the first thing he began to talk about was how he had designed the car and knew what each of us would do to be a part of it.

We met with the school diagnosticians last week and they are going to arrange for him to have counseling and occupational therapy at school next year. We will continue to do his occupational therapy outside of school and hopefully now that we have a diagnosis we will get the insurance company to cover more than 20 visits. He will be able to stay in mainstream classes and they predict that he will be able to be out of the special education program within 3 years. I am hopeful! They also recommended that we consider putting him on anxiety medications. This is where I am struggling. I know medications work great for a lot of people and I would hate to deny Joey something that would make his quality of life better. I just feel like maybe we could try working on some coping techniques first or something.

It is an interesting feeling to be relieved that your child has now been labeled with something that does not always have a great connotation. But, I feel like if this is what is needed so Joey can get the help he needs to continue being the happy, smart boy he is then I am thrilled. Joey is really smart and is doing really well in his schoolwork. He is very helpful when we ask him to do things around the house or for his siblings. He is highly affectionate and has the most inquisitive little mind. I find myself often looking at him and wondering what is going on in his mind. It seems to be constantly going a million miles a minute. I have read the one book I mentioned above and it helped me to understand some of what Joey is facing and how I can help. I plan to continue to educate myself and most importantly pray with Peter to be inspired to know what to do for him.

My greatest dreams for Joey are for him to be happy and to be able to serve a mission.

I love my Joey and as I look back on his life I know it was not by coincidence that he was my firstborn. He needed that extra time and attention that a first born can get because they are the only one. I am still hoping that my inexperience as a parent will not have caused him more harm. I know I have Peter by my side and a loving Heavenly Father watching over us as parents and Joey, so all will be well.

Crafts

2011-05-04T22:43:00.001-07:00

So we wanted to do a small crafty night for RS and so I needed to come up with some ideas. Thank you to vinyl and my cricut this is one of them. I think they turned out cute.

I also made some tiles with the words Joy (a flower instead of an o) and be happy on them.

For both Joey and Jon's teacher appreciation week at school, they were to bring something each day. It has been a week of remembering what was to be sent with who on what day. Both kids had a sweet treats day and so I came up with this idea below.

I bought a 3 pack of small flower pots at the dollar store, I added some 100 cal. pack snacks (almonds, milano cookies, and lorna doones) and a small bottle of water. I put a picture of one of my boys in the middle of a flower and on the note I wrote: Thank you for giving me the things I need to learn and grow. They signed them. I then attached the note and flower to a green craft stick. Each teacher may not have received her favorite sweet treat but it is the thought that counts and they will all enjoy the water at least.

Jon's Spring Carnival

2011-05-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Jon had his preschool's Spring Carnival. His class did a little performance at it. A few videos of the songs are at the end of the post.

Peter had a scout training that morning but when he got home we headed to the zoo. It was busy again but we had a great time.

If you push on this elephant in different places it makes various elephant sounds. It does appear that Jon is hugging it's hind end though. Really he had made a running start to get enough pressure behind his hit to make it trumpet.

Lions! I have not seen them this well since last summer.

We rode the train, since Peter had not done that before. Of course the kids wanted to play in the water. There were a ton of kids. Daddy and Arabella hanging in the giant nest.

Arabella wanted our picture in these eggs. They are not really adult size, especially if you are trying to hunch over a pregnant belly.

Brothers running, running, and running.

If you watch the first video, which is the longest you will see do something truly great on stage! If only every parent could be so lucky as to have their child do that.

Sorry you can not hear the words very well. I put the last one in because you could tell Jon really enjoyed the hand gestures. He has a great preschool and he is a super great preschooler!

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T09:22:00.001-07:00

Easter went something like this at our house: Joey was bound and determined to catch the easter bunny. I set my alarm for 5 so I could make a special treat and make sure the bunny came. Ah, the best laid plans- Joey was up at 4:58 and never went back to sleep. Joey stayed in his room until 6:15 when he came down with Peter who had to write his talk for sacrament. Sasha ran up the stairs and woke up Jon about 6:30. I told the boys they had to wait until 7:15 to collect any eggs then I would get Arabella up. I then had to stipulate that she got to find 4 eggs before they could pick up even one because they had figured out where most of them were.

And so the hunt!

1st Egg found

Peanut's basket with princess dolls.

Joey got his basket down before I could get a picture but the squirt gun was great even without water.

Jon found his and was loving his water gun! (They played with these until it was time to get ready for church and there was no fighting. Yea!!!!)

Reach for those high ones!

This was the elusive egg! Last egg found.

Bunny Buns! (Recipe found in the Friend April 2011 issue) These took almost 4 hours exactly from start to finish (they really take 2 hours to rise). Delicious!

Easter picture! (Thanks mailbox for doubling as a tripod.)

They may not have smiles but they sure look good. Joey got his first actual tie- tie, now we can both learn how to tie one. And yes, Arabella is wearing mardi gras beads- she and Jon had been playing dress ups and it was not worth fighting her to take them off.

It was a great Easter! Peter did a great job on his talk even though he ended up with 1/3 the time he was supposed to get. The kids were on a sugar buzz all day, I got a nap in the afternoon and we had 2 sets of missionaries for dinner. I listened to Conference while I was in the kitchen and it was wonderful. I am so grateful for that time in the kitchen by myself when I could hear the testimonies of apostles and reflect on what Easter is all about. I am so thankful for my Savior! Oh the wonderful power of the atonement and the blessing of the sacrament. I am so grateful for the resurrection and knowing that He lives.

Jon's teacher greeted me at preschool this morning with the exclamation: "He is risen!" I echo her sentiments. I often feel that the last week of Christ's life was dark- betrayal, beatings, pain, agony, the atonement, crucifixion- and yet I love the picture of Christ appearing to Mary outside of the tomb. The picture (standard church one) is full of light and he is whole and his purpose fulfilled. He is risen! I am so grateful for the restoration and my membership in this great church. I pray that each day I may strive to live more like Him.

Earth Day at the Zoo

2011-04-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo on Friday because the kids did not have school due to it being Good Friday. Well, I figured there would be a good number of people due to many schools being out but I had not thought of the field trips for those that were still in school or that it was Earth Day. We made good time to the Zoo but getting parked and into the zoo took forever. Oh well, we had fun and the kids did a really good job staying by me with the crowds.

"But mom this hole is so much more interesting the birds flying over my head."

My monkeys playing with the gorillas.

I have mentioned this animal to many of you and I wish the picture was better but here it is...the Okapi. It is the cousin to the giraffe due to its longer sloping neck and 12-18 inch long tongue. But yes those hind legs have zebra stripes. I think this is so cool!

"Please keep your hands inside of the monorail car due the pelican family (there were about 5 this close) sitting practically on the track." Yes, pelicans will bite fingers.

I have never seen an elephant with its legs crossed but there it is.

This is a harpy eagle but I always think of a hippogriff when I see it.

Jon is standing by a huge toad and I managed to capture a slightly toad like face.

This was the biggest hit! We only ended up with 30 minutes to play but they played hard. In fact I could no hardly get a picture of Jon he was moving so fast. That is him running off to the right of Arabella.

Joey going for a big jump!

Arabella and I sitting in the giant nest on the playground.

Zoo keeper Jon

Zoo keeper Joey

Zoo keeper Arabella!

We have one week left on our zoo pass and we may try for a last trip on Saturday with Daddy!

Silliness

2011-04-21T00:29:00.001-07:00

Kids do not try this at home because you should not put things in your ears but if you do happen to put Mr. Potatohead parts on your ears and mouth please leave them there long enough for your parent to take a picture. Then you will have to listen to them tell you why you should not do this or encourage brothers/sisters to do this. (But really don't they look so silly!)

Our air conditioning was not working so I had let the kids play in the pool earlier in the day. I was busy trying to get dinner made and get ready for a presidency meeting. Sasha was being difficult- jumping on the kids, breaking into the garden and digging, etc. but she kept barking when she was in her kennel so I let her out again. After about 5 minutes I heard Arabella giggling with delight and this is what I found.

Sasha and Arabella (fully clothed) playing in the pool. Well really Arabella using a shovel to dump water on Sasha. She was loving it and Sasha did not see to mind to much actually.

I had to pause during my 45 minutes of chaos to capture an adorable moment of childhood!

Moments to be cherished when the chaos is forgotten!

Arabella'a Achievements

2011-04-21T00:20:00.001-07:00

Arabella woke up with a dry diaper last Monday morning and so I decided to try the potty training thing. I had the week off and she has shown signs of readiness. Also, it was either now or wait until after the baby comes and that seemed like a really long time to keep changing diapers for her so we went for it.

So when she goes in here she gets...

a sticker on here which when filled leads to...

one of these. Princess Tiana has already been won/awarded. She is doing well and the last few days has been better about telling me when she needs to go and not just me taking her every 1-2 hours. We are proud of her and I think I have more patience this time around, which makes me feel sorry for the frustration I felt towards the boys during their potty training. Oh well, I guess as parents we live and learn. I would also like to give a thank you to Dora the explorer for having underwear that Arabella wants to wear and pull ups that have flowers and butterflies that disappear when wet- this adventure would not be the same without you.

City Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-21T00:10:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we took the kids to an easter egg hunt put on by the city.

We went last year and the kids got a ton of eggs so we decided to go again.

The kids had fun playing in the mini ambulance above and exploring the fire truck below.

The park has 4 baseball diamonds and each of the kids was on a different field doing their hunts at the same time. I went with Arabella and she did well getting 9 eggs. Peter took Jon whose bucket was nearly overflowing and Joey was brave and went alone. He had just under a full basket of eggs. Each egg had a piece of candy in it which is nice. We went out to lunch and then realized we had enough free sandwich coupons from a vendor at the event to go out for dinner. (I was glad since I had worked the night before and did not sleep until 1 that afternoon so cooking was not high on my list.) Happy Easter Egg Hunting!

This and That

2011-04-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is Sasha (sideways). She is still very much a puppy but is becoming more calm and we are enjoying her in our family.

This is Sasha and Rusty getting to know each other. Sasha spent a few days very carefully observing these guinea pigs but now she is not as interested.

This is a photo taken by Arabella. This is what happens when you leave the camera where the kids can reach.

This is Jon's picture of Arabella. They were filling my closet with the balloons from Peter's announcement that our baby is a girl!

This is Arabella's "tent" turned to hear the prophet speak during conference. We loved General Conference Weekend at our house. I hope you did too.

This is Arabella at Karate testing and I am not sure where she got the clover glasses.

This is Joey intensely doing his midterm testing. He has to go another 2 months before he gets his red belt but he is doing better.

This is Jon doing his testing. He got really nervous and had some trouble with his form so he will finish testing on Monday. We are very proud of him for the work he has been doing to get ready. I think the whole family almost knows his form with all of the practice we have been doing.

This is at the park we pass each time we take Joey to therapy. After his last appointment we decided to stop and play. There is a park and botanical gardens. BEAUTIFUL!

This and the picture above are what I got when I said sit closer to each other and act like you love each other. Arabella grabbed their heads. So silly.

This is Jon posing with the coy fish.

This is me and Joey in the shade enjoying the flowers.

This is the park portion and that is Joey and Jon at the top of the big spider web ball thing (true name I am sure of it.)

This is our new pool! Yes, small but it will be great to soak my swollen feet in. It was a bit windy on Saturday but I finally let the kids play in the sprinklers. They had so much fun!

This is the trampoline, 3 kids, and a hose with running water- I think you get that there was much laughter and happiness.

This is a picture I took at a preparedness fair we went to on Saturday afternoon. This huge flag was blowing majestically in the wind at the top of a very tall fire truck ladder. It was a great day!

I went to the temple on Saturday morning and ended up in the Tongan session. That was interesting. I of course wore the interpretation headset. It was really interesting to hear some of the words of the ceremony in another language while hearing them in English and knowing that it is always true- no matter what language. I love the temple! I love the gospel and I love that it is for all of God's children no matter where they are from or what language they speak.

That was awesome! Jon's preschool had a talent show Wednesday and I found out on Monday. I asked if he was going to do his karate and he said no he wanted to sing. I asked what and he said "I am a Child of God". Parents were invited. It was conducted by the music teacher and so all of the kids sang songs. They all sang songs they have been learning over the year. Most of the kids were really shy and the teacher helped them get started. Jon's turn came and she asked what song he was going to sing and he told her. She said I don't know that one and he said that he did not need help. And no he did not. He sang it with gusto! As a parent I was so proud of his confidence. I hope that his confidence was not only because of his personality but because he knew that what he was singing was true. Needless to say it was fun to hear those precious words echoing in the halls of a Methodist church.

It's a.... (really this time)

2011-04-03T11:49:00.001-07:00

GIRL!!

Peter way out did himself this time. He decided to text as many people as he could and arrange for them to text me at 9 pm and tell me the good news. At the same time, I was let into my room where I found this...!

I went to a baby shower for a friend and the kids helped to decorate the room.

Oh, the fun the kids have had with all of those balloons. I found them all in my closet on Saturday morning when I went to get dressed; they had been on the floor still when I woke up.

We are so very excited! Arabella still has not quite figured out what is going on but we figure it will make more sense the bigger I get. I am looking forward to matching dresses for my two little girls.

It's a .....

2011-04-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Healthy Baby!

I was so relieved to see a healthy, living, moving baby that it does not bother me too much that Peter has yet to tell me whether this sweet baby is a boy or a girl.

Yes, for the last two kids Peter gets to find out the sex of the baby and then tell me. I figure this is fair because I know I am pregnant first and get to tell him the good news- plus I get to feel the baby move first. This way he gets to know something that I don't for a period of time- usually a short period of time like a day. Hint Hint dear!

I will go back to see the perinatalogist in 4 weeks and have another US to make sure the baby is growing as it should be. Apparently my condition can cause the baby to be small or stop growing. I am so thankful for good doctors and modern medicine/science. I found out today that doctors did not know that my condition existed 20 years ago. Again, I feel so blessed!

Spring Break in Utah and 32

2011-03-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

We spent Spring Break in Utah and it was fabulous!

We flew out on Thursday night and the kids did fairly well for the flight. Arabella hated her seatbelt which made for a long taxing and take off. Gratefully all 3 kids fell asleep during the final approach and landing.

We did not know what weather to expect but it was beautiful and sunny the first few days we were there. My sisters Carla and Jana came over with their kids on Friday and the playing began. I think most of the sand ended up outside of the sandbox before the day was done.

My parents got a hot tub; something my dad has wanted for years. My sister Malisa and her husband were out of town and so her kids were at my parents for the weekend. It was so much fun to talk and visit with them. They are getting too big!

I love the picture below. First it is really cute of Peter and Arabella but Josh is looking good in the background.

We spent Saturday with Peter's family.

Arabella walking the baby dolls with grandma.

We went to the Bean Museum at BYU and the kids loved it. They have made some great improvements. The Butterfly above is made of butterflies and moths.

Jon and Arabella beign predators.

Joey was quite nervous about this picture but he did it so it would look like the shark was eating his head.

Grandma, Arabella, the doll Arabella insisted on bringing and the Elephant.

After the Bean Museum, we headed to the creamery for ice cream and mint brownies, double yummmmm!!!

Saturday night we headed to the bowling alley. So much fun!

Look at that form!

Don't let this face deceive you- he beat us all quite nicely!

Joey did pretty well- thank heavens for bumpers.

A few of Jon's balls went a little bit slow down the lane.

Arabella and I shared and she thought she was the best!

Arabella had some of the best bead head I have ever seen while we were there. Nice?!

We spent Sunday with my family and then Monday we went to Nickelcade (Nickel City now). This is Jon with his noisy bug buzzer/whistle thing. We had a great time playing games and winning tickets. Joey used some of his tickets to get me a plastic dolphin- he is alway

(L to R: Me and Arabella, Heather, Ray holding Hana, Lora Jean holding Elizabeth, and Wendy)

Tuesday afternoon we went to Salt Lake to have lunch with 4 of my room mates from BYU. It was so much fun to see how big everyone's kids have gotten and meet some new ones. These girls are so amazing. They will always be my dearest friends (we missed you Paula!).

We played at the park on Thursday and it was great fun!

We played hide and go seek and I managed to get pine sap in my hair- yuck!

Grandma Rabner gave Arabella this beautiful skirt and a fairy wand that she called her wings. She had a petty skirt once before and screamed anytime it came near her so we exchanged it for a lovely dress. She is now all about the ruffles and pink.

Friday night we spent in Salt Lake. We went to the Church History Museum which had some great displays that are new. The kids area was so much fun. See the video below.

We also went to Temple Square and visited the Cristus statue. I love the spirit there.

Saturday was my birthday. We ate breakfast at Magleby's Fresh and then spent the day with my family. We saw the movie Tangled for th first time and it was so good. We had family pictures - because we were all there. The girls above are sporting the colors we wore. I am excited to see how they turned out.

We ended the evening with a family meal at my parents house and cake for all of the March Birthdays- me, Randy, and Parker.

Our visit was so much fun. I wish we did not live so far away but I am grateful that we have been able to make a few visits so far. We know our next visit will not be until at least next year with the baby coming and all. But, we have family coming here in October for Joey's Baptism so we will look forward to that.

And yes, Peter made me his divine German Chocolate Cake again- sooooo goooood!

What is in a name?

2011-03-25T11:01:00.001-07:00

So there has been quite a bit of discussion about names at our house what with a baby coming and all. But we had a new reason to discuss names and she is below.

Yes, we are dog owners now.

She is a 4 month old chocolate lab that we got from a friend's mom who is a breeder. She is mostly crate trained and we are grateful for that.

As for the name part: When we told the kids Monday that we were getting a dog on Tuesday, we asked what should we call it. Arabella immediately said "Pink"- naturally a great dog name- right?! I don't remember Joey's first response but he will join the story soon. Jon simply said, "I want a turtle." Yes, that is from the boy that for 2 years has been asking if he could have a dog for his birthday. Peter wanted Annie and I said no but he liked the name Sasha too.

By Tuesday afternoon the boys were thinking Diamond was a good name and Arabella was still set on Pink. This is where Joey comes in- he suggested Pink Diamond and both Jon and Arabella were on board. Peter came home from work and I told him and he just shook his head saying, "I just don't think I can have a dog named Pink Diamond." I took the boys to Karate and the dog came while we were gone and Peter got Arabella set on Sasha and so Sasha it is.

She is a good puppy but she is a puppy so she has her moments. I am sure you will hear many more stories of Sasha and see her cute face often. (Oh and just so Arabella felt even better about the name change, Sasha has a pink collar, leash and toys.)

New Orleans- The Big Easy!

2011-03-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

Peter said he wanted to do this post but he is busy, we are leaving tomorrow for Utah and I need something to keep me awake at work.

We headed out for New Orleans Thursday the 24th and stayed the night in Alexandria, LA. We had an early breakfast and hit the road- I do love that my kids are early risers.

We made it to New Orleans about 10:30 and met Peter's parents, sister Lindsay and nephew Ryker at the Audubon Zoo. Wonderful zoo!

It was super sunny and warm enough to feel hot at times so the first thing we did was get the kids hats. Great souvenir and it kept them from getting burned. Did you know that a turtle can feel you touch it's shell? I learned that.
She loved riding on Dad's and Grandpa's shoulders.
Is Ryker not so adorable?!
Jon took his notebook in so he could draw pictures of all of the animals. He did about 5 and they are really good. He was funny about it.
The petting zoo area. This picture does not show it but Arabella is about to pull her upper and lower lips apart and making a goat sound.
They had these combs that you could use on the goats- the kids loved it.
Yes we are one good lookign couple!
The Carousel was a huge hit!
I love that Joey!
Jon is always ready for some action.

The picture above is of the male gorilla. He exuded control- you could just tell he was the one in charge.
It was feeding time for the gorillas. We had a great time watching the zookeepers (standing just in front of Peter, Joey, and Grandpa) throw all sorts of veggies and fruit to the gorillas.
There is a huge old (like planted around 1800) tree at the zoo. You can climb it really well. The kids all loved it. We only let Arabella goe as far as I could easily reach her.
I have never seen Joey climb a tree so high without getting freaked out.
That night we had an early dinner/late lunch and it was delicious. I wanted seafood and I got it! Crabs, crawfish, and shrimp bought and eaten by the pound. DELICIOUS!
Jon is huge into shrimp and so he was in heaven. Joey and Arabella had some fried fish.
The whole crew!
Van is the man that started Peter and his family in the shaved ice business. His shack was still there and Saturday morning we ran into him at the parade. We had shaved ice on both Friday night and Saturday morning and it was so good!
Really bad picture of a pretty cool float in the Cleopatra parade.
Awesome Indians!

So the people who ride on the floats have to apply and even pay money to be on them. They also pay for all of the stuff they throw out to people. It was one of the most fun things I have ever done.

And to dispell any myths: the parades we went to were not in downtown and I did not see any flashing for beads. They were quite family friendly although there was still plenty of alcohol consumed along the parade route. Drunk people can be funny! The guy sitting next to us would catch beads and then come and give them to us- as if we did not have enought ourselves. Jon was really good at saying "Hey good lookin' throw me something!" And he got it.

Between the beads and other goods being thrown and the great music from the bands, I think Jon thought he had died and gone to heaven!

Joey did quite nicely too!Rockin' my beads!
Ryker got a great hat!
We rode the ferry on Saturday morning. It was pretty cool!
Jon got this sword the night before and it is still being played with a ton at our house!
Joey and Grandma on the ferry.
Oh what lovely masks. This is at the parade on Saturday morning. (Choctaw)
Joey wanted to get more beads than Jon Saturday and he did a pretty good job!
Check out the beads that Peter got for me. I saw this size the night before and I really wanted some and Peter did it! He begged some off of a float person!
We could not get her to smile for the camera but she really was having fun.
Does this given you any idea of how much stuff we got! We had a black garbage bag full of stuffed animals and other various toys. We have a copier paper box full of beads! It was like going to a fair or carnival and getting the prizes without paying money to play rigged games- really does it get better than that. Even better is that I will be donating all of the stuffed animals. And the beads will be put in plastice easter eggs for any easter egg hunts we go to and may be given away instead of Halloween candy.
This shows all of hte beads stuck in the tree and I wish I had turned the camera just a little so you could see them hanging from the phone lines.
The weight of the beads.
We rode the trolley down to the French market and then walked to Cafe du Mond for bignets-YUM!. There was a man making balloon art and the kids were begging. I said no but guess what he was closing up shop and gave them his last three creations and his hat.
Bignets for breakfast! YUM again!
Jackson square- so beautiful. There are street artists and vendors all around the square. I even bought a painting to hang in my entry. It was titled Golden Spring and it reminds of the light coming into the sacred grove so I plan to hange part of the first vision scripture story next to it.
And we had to go to Bourbon street at least for the photo!
My husband is great!

If you should ever decide to go to Mardi Gras, go the weekend before the weekend of; definitely go to a parade but not downtown unless you want to see some flesh; if you can go with someone who has been there before and knows there way around a bit; eat bignets, seafood, and the breakfast at Cafe Fleur de Lis was excellent! I would definitely go again!

These two movies are to show one a small portion of the great bands that were in the parades. They awere huge bands and really got into it! The other is Jon who could not resist getting into the beat and grooving.

Sigh of Relief and JOY!

2011-03-04T11:02:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share how yesterday was such a glorious day!

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday morning and all was well. I was bigger (I already knew that; I was just glad to know it was not because I had been eating to my hearts content lately) and the baby had a good, strong, and easy to find heartbeat. :)!!!!!!!

We are officially further along than last time and could not be happier.

I scheduled my next appointment and ultrasound for April 1st. It was wonderful to be able to feel openly excited without fear of the worst and know that all is going well. I feel so blessed!

Joey is a Brown Belt!

2011-03-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

Joey had belt testing a couple of weeks ago and he did awesome!

I have not seen him this excited about getting a new belt. I think it is because he is getting so much closer to his black belt. He only has two belts to go but the testing process is longer so he should be getting his black belt next February! We are excited too!

Showing off his skills!

Look at his concentration and still he has a smile. He has had this form down for a while now and so we had to work on him doing it more slowly and not just race through it.

He is the one kicking! He has been working really hard on kicking more and higher and it is paying off.

Just after getting his new belt tied on.

The pure excitement! What a silly boy!

We are so proud of Joey! He is facing some challenges but he is happy through it and is always trying so hard to do his best!

Mardi Gras and King Cakes

2011-02-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

It's been 18 years since I was last in New Orleans and I'm excited to be going back. When we moved to Texas, I thought, "we're only like 8 hours from New Orleans, we're so going to Mardi Gras." And so we are next weekend. I thought that it would be fun to take the kids to see some real parades, we are going the week before Mardi Gras. You see, in New Orleans, the parades start 3 weeks before Mardi Gras, so we're going for the second weekend. My mom and dad are joining us from Springville, UT and my little sister is coming over from Atlanta. Needless to say, everyone is excited.

We're going to see 2 parades and go to the zoo. The zoo in New Orleans was awesome and my kids love the zoo, so it'll be a lot of fun.

One of the traditions with Mardi Gras is the King Cake. It's basically a big cinnamon roll braided and made into a circle. You can get plain or they can be filled with anything. The tradition is to hide a plastic baby inside the cake. Who gets the baby will be "King" the following year and gets to throw the Mardi Gras party. At school, getting the baby meant you brought the king cake the next week.

So to get ready for our trip, we tracked down a King Cake. The King Cake isn't as nice as the ones in the Big Easy (New Orleans) but it was OK. Jon said that he wanted the baby Jesus when he saw it. Do you see the baby at the top on the huge crown. The baby was molded to the crown so we couldn't put it in the cake. I was highly disappointed. oh well, we'll get a real cake at Gambino's in New Orleans.

Shellie's really excited too, to be able to see the city that my family has talked so much about. We truly did enjoy our years there.

The King Cake that we got served another purpose too.

Can you see it? Look in the middle. There's another baby there too. That's right, we're expecting number 4. Shellie is due August 16 and we are really excited.

*Addition by Shellie to Peter's great post: We are very excited and anxious as can be. Peter has been so good to calm my nerves on a daily basis. I should add a picture of a needle to this becasue after the last baby my doctor did a ton (like 14 tubes worth) of blood work. It was found that I have a clotting disorder. So, I take a daily injection of a blood thinner. My belly, where I give the shots is now covered ironically in green, yellow, and purple little bruises from the shots. I am thankful for a good doctor and modern medicine. We will continue to pray that all will continue to go well and that we will continued to look forward with the peace and hope we have felt so far.

Wood Badge Beads

2011-02-12T21:39:00.001-08:00

Friday night was the Blue and Gold Banquet which Peter has been quite excited for mostly because he was going to get his Wood Badge Beads. His Wood Badge course seems so long ago (May 2009) but he worked hard and finished his ticket items even with a move that changed some of what he had originally planned.

We were able to join in the presentation. Brother Woodwell from our stake came to present the beads and award.

He brought a Kudu horn which is blown during the Wood Badge course.

After I took off his old neckerchief, Joey got to place his beads around his neck and Jon checked to make sure they were really cool!

I was lucky enough to put his new Wood Badge neckerchief and knot on. Peter may have to make an addendum to this to correct some of my terminology or explanations.

So happy and so proud! I am so proud of him too! He loves scouting and because he does our boys do already. I am so grateful for the skills and knowledge he has gained through being a scout and being a leader. FYI: the average length of time that an LDS scout master holds that calling is 82 days! Peter reminded our bishop last night he wanted to be in for at least another year so he could get the cubmaster knot.

After Peter's award, the party began. They did a knights of the round table sort of thing. We had turkey, potatoes, corn, beans and an amazing dragon cupcake cake.

Then there were catapults (yellow things on the tables) to play with, wooden swords, a real suit of armor to play with, jousting as seen below and they could try to make some chain mail if they wanted too.

Great food, great scouts, great husband, great friends, great night!

Unsure Heart

2011-02-10T23:38:00.000-08:00

I knew this week and day would come.

For the most part I have been able to keep my mind from focusing on it too much but it is hard not to remember that you were supposed to be delivering a baby this week and won't be.

Joey asked on Wednesday when the baby was supposed to be born. Peter and I looked at each other and I told him it would have been this week. It was actually good to vocalize it somehow.

Joey has on more than one occasion asked when he would get to meet the baby. It has provided for several great opportunities to share with him the greatness of the plan of salvation, testify of eternal families and the importance of temples, as well as what the resurrection means and how it will provide the opportunity for them to meet someday.

Jon has asked when we were going to have more kids to fill the empty spaces on our family home evening board and then why we could not use the baby. He has tried to understand but I think it is a bit hard for a 5 year old to understand how one can be alive but not born and then die without being born. Again, opportunities for love and testifying.

I was proud of myself and my ability to keep it together as a took a meal to a sister in our ward who delivered a baby last Friday and I held her sweet baby girl. It made my heart long for the chance to hold one of my own again.

Today was the day that I shed some tears though. I spent the morning with 2 sisters from other wards putting away some new dishes in our church kitchen. They were discussing how many kids they have; one had 4 in 6 years with a bonus 5 years later and the other 6 in 10 years. It is not that I am not happy for other people who have wonderful families but it did make my heart ache for the baby I have lost and will not see for many years to come.

I have had this internal debate about whether or not it was okay for me to have tears and sorrow this week as I have seen and known this week would come. I decided it was okay and a necessary part of the healing process. I remember feeling anxious when Peter switched our calendar to February a day early- it was as if I did not want it to come any sooner because I would have to face this. I also debated about sharing this on my blog but I wanted it recorded and knew I would not likely get myself to sit down and write it in my rarely used paper journal.

I am still grateful every day for the bounty of blessings that I have. I am so grateful for the three kids I have and the great joy they bring me. As I have said before, I am most grateful for the chance this experience has given me to feel closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior and to strive each day to exercise increased faith in His plan for me. But, I think I will still have a bit of sadness in my heart today and that is just fine.

I'm a Mormon

2011-02-07T02:19:00.000-08:00

I have added a new button to my page and I am proud of it.

So if you did not know there is a website mormon.org and it has become a great missionary tool for the church. The January issue of the Ensign has a detailed description about it and urges members to get on a make a profile. Well, I did it.

Mormon.org was a pilot program in Las Vegas when we lived there but there were not profiles then, at least not that I knew about. It is really interesting to see the many faces of Mormonism.

It is my wish that if you have not already made a profile on there that you do it. It was actually a really thought provoking experience for me. As I typed my answers, I tried to think what I could say briefly enough to keep interest but profoundly enough to convey my true feelings for this church I love so much. Why am I a mormon? Yes, I was raised a mormon but why am I still a mormon. Then you can answer some questions about gospel principles that are frequently asked about our church. It was great trying to share answers that would make sense to someone who does not know mormon jargon or may not even be a Christian.

So my friends and family, make a profile- you may just have a really good spiritual experience. And you can do what I did and use an older picture of yourself because it is better than any of the more recent pictures you have (although I had another one and it came out really pixelated on the website).

Oh, what do you do in the wintertime?

2011-02-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

...when the roads are iced over and the metroplex does not have snow removal equipment.

These are a few of the things we have done at our house over the last 2 days since there has been no school due to this lovely monster storm and freezing temperatures.

Fires in the fireplace. (Peter's favorite thing the other night was chopping firewood in the freezing cold. Crazy, yes but I love him!)

I should have a picture of hot chocolate too because it has been a staple.

Made sugar cookies yesterday. This kept me and the kids happy for quite some time. Glad we did it yesterday because we had no power when we woke this morning for 2 hours.

Arabella stayed in her pajamas all day on Tuesday. I figured they were warm.
Taken care of a sick Jon. He has been smiling through most of it. Fever and cough since Sunday and I would have gone to the pediatrician today but they were closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Motrin, tylenol and apple juice have been great!

Joey was thrilled to go out and move the snow (yes that is a shop broom). He managed to sweep the snow off of the 1-2 inches of ice underneath but he had fun. No school Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday- I am guessing not Friday either. He has loved watching movies and playing at home.

The backyard Tuesday morning. It was a serious storm during the night. Peter and I had a hard time sleeping through it.

I am not sure why he decided to sweep the snow on the grass but he was having fun and had been sweeping the gutter.

Rear-ended

2011-01-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

Joey had an appointment this morning in Grapevine about 30 minutes away at 7:45. We left our house at 7 so we would not hit too much traffic. Well about 7:09 I was rear ended while getting on to the freeway. The girl said she was sorry and I said I was too because I needed to get going so not to be late. I called Peter who roused the other kids and met me at the accident. We swapped kids and he got Joey to his appointment just a few minutes late. An officer came and made a report but all accidents in Texas are civil so I needed to call my insurance and let them deal with it. It turns out we have the same insurance carrier- USAA. After the officer was finished I went to get her name and number and it turns out she is one of my "mystery sisters"- inactive and most of them unknown by any leadership in our ward but on our list and hard to track down due to poor information or just avoiding us. She said her name and I am sure my jaw dropped as I blurted out "No way!" I promised her I was not a stalker but asked if she lived off of Castle Rock (a road in my neighborhood) and sure enough it was her. I told her who I was and that I had seen her name on my rolls and it was nice to meet her although in not such great circumstances. I doubt she will be at church on Sunday but I hope that she now knows that the Lord is still trying to keep track of her even if she is a "mystery".

Oh and the damage was not too bad. I will likely need a new back door for the van and maybe a new fender. Nobody was hurt and her license plate was bent in and that is about all. What a day that is all I can say?!

Finally!!!

2011-01-21T10:58:00.000-08:00

Today, after 14 months, we finally signed the papers to sell our house in Las Vegas. We have had multiple buyers and gone through the process of trying to get the bank to agree three different times. We have had lawyers ($$) helping us since I think it was February after the first sell did not go through. They were not too helpful at first but Peter is really good at bugging people until they do what they are supposed to do because we paid them to do it. Congratulations, to the lady who bought our house. She is paying $60,000 less than it was originally built for (which was obviously less than what we paid for it).

After signing the papers, we headed to the back to make the wire transfer of the money we had to pay for the sell. The man looked at us funny when we said we were selling our house and needed to transfer the money. He had to clarify that we had said selling and not buying. We made a deposit of cash and the teller asked if we got it at a bank- that is usually where money nicely wrapped in papers with stamped amounts come from. Peter had to verify his employment which is funny because most of the money paid came from what I made over the last year. Anyhow, all in all I could have bought our van again-in full. The joys of a bad economy. My heart aches for all those out there who are facing what we have been through or in the middle of it. I pray people will be able to find jobs and save their homes.

We are so grateful to have the home we do now and good jobs. We are grateful to be moving forward and we hope that this will never be something we have to face again!