SHAYLONDON'S SHINING STARS!!

back to blogging

2010-04-23T17:35:00.003-07:00

So I've just updated my blog layout, and now I'm hoping to get back to blogging in all my spare time. I do so many things on FB that I've forgotten about blogging. So, here's to giving it another try!

April Fools

2009-04-01T13:17:00.004-07:00

APRIL FOOLS!! I'm not really pregnant. It was believable though wasn't it? Admit it, you thought I was crazy didn't you. That's ok. I love you anyways.

I did FINALLY fool Grayson though. I left it on his voicemail, and he called back and said (in a whisper) "serious?" I couldn't help it. I started laughing and told him no. He's usually so hard to fool, but I got him. hee hee. He said it's going to backfire on me and I'll end up really being prego, so I'm going to buy a test to prove him wrong.

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!!!

Welcome Baby #7

2009-04-01T09:37:00.003-07:00

I wanted to post a picture of the most recent addition to our family. I'm 14 weeks right now and they think it's a boy. We haven't told the kids yet, but will soon. So we'll have 3 girls and 4 boys.

Happy 6 month b-day Aidan

2009-02-10T12:03:00.008-07:00

OK, so I know it's been 6 months already since he was born, but that's why I'm putting these on here. Aidan had his six month birthday on the 6th and I can't believe it's been that long already. He took the longest of the six kids to get here (26 hours of labor or something), and ended up in the NICU. My water had been broken for about 4 days we figured and so they had to keep him there on antibiotics. It was the worst experience I've had with having a baby. All the other kids were easy, quick, and stayed in my room with me. They never left my sight or Grayson's. So to have Aidan on the other side of the hospital wing was very difficult.

So this is me at my diaper shower. Since I already had 2 boys before him, I didn't really need anything except diapers. If anyone is having a baby and already has everything. I definately suggest having a diaper shower. I still have not bought a pack of diapers and he's 6 months old. That's how many packs of diapers I received. It was AWESOME!!!!

This was after he was born, they let me hold him for a few min. Then they had to take him and give him oxygen because he was grunting.

Gray got to hold him first too. Have you ever seen a more proud papa?

Here they are giving him the oxygen and pounding on his back. It didn't help, so they sent him to the NICU.

This is how he looked the next time I saw him. I cried and cried. The thing on he head is a c-pap machine. It was basically forcing the air into his lungs so his lungs could rest and not use up so much energy. He also has a heart monitor, and an IV, and a blood pressure cuff on his leg, and a tube going into his stomach to let out any goup, or gasses, or something. I can't remember.

This is how he looks today. Happy, and healthy. Happy birthday Aidan Leo.

Long time away

2009-01-08T08:38:00.002-07:00

So I guess it's been a while since I checked out my blog. I am up on facebook now and check that more often. So if you're interested check me out there. I'll try to add more here when I can though.

6th Grade wax museum

2007-11-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

So, Brooklyn's 6th grade class did a History Hall of Fame Wax Museum. All the kids picked a famous person from history and did a report on them. They also did a power point presentation, and actually made a wax museum. All the kids dressed up as their person, and were the wax figures in the museum. Brooklyn chose Queen Nzinga from Africa. Obviously she is dark skinned and so I put foundation on her to make her skin black. The picture below shows that we forgot to do her hands...Don't worry, we fixed it.

Queen Nzinga

George Washington (Brooklyn's best friend)

Mary Kay Ash

The guy who invented the I-pod

Cesar Chavez

Sacagawea

Natalie Coughlin

Dian Fossey

Pat Tillman

Susan B. Anthony

Samuel Morse

Benjamin Franklin, see the kite??

Betsy Ross

Queen Nzinga

Queen Nzinga eating at the Golden Spoon

Authentic African decorations from my friend Tsige

Not sure what the white pole is for...but, ok.

This is Brooklyn's skin color normally

Stitches

2007-09-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Well, Monday night we got to the hospital. Captain Jack (4 yr old) got them in his hand. Basically Tootie got a hold of scissors and Cap'n Jack was trying to be a good big brother and take them away. Well, he grabbed the blades and Tootie closed the scissors on his hand. He screamed!!! I was checking my email at the time and so I got up to check on him. I saw all the blood and ran his hand under the water. That's when I saw the fat under his skin and knew he'd need stitches. So I wrapped his hand in some gauze and an ace bandage (that's all I had), and we headed to the Urgent Care Center. Well, it was 9:15 or so and night, (I don't have insurance right now which is why I chose Urg Care), and BOTH Urgent Cares by my house closed at 8pm. I was SOOOO mad!!!!!! I did NOT want to go sit in the hospital for hours on end; I had to work the next day. Plus, I was 99% sure he needed stitches, but was afraid to go there cuz it would be my luck that we stay for hours and hours and rack up a huge bill just to find out he doesn't need stitches. Well, we went to the hospital anyways, cuz I knew he'd need stitches. We waited for 3 hours before we got called back to a room. The doctor took one look and said he needed stitches. So they gave him a sedative to relax him and then went to stitch him up. Well, the lidocane wasn't working, so they had to give him more 2 more times. Finally it was numb enought to stitch. He got a whopping 3 stitches in the palm of his hand where the loose skin is by your thumb. So, next Monday, I'm going to see if he'll let me take them out. He cries and pulls away when I change the bandage, so I don't know if he'll let me or if I will have to take him in to my work and have someone else take them out.

So, I'm still recovering from getting home at 2am. I'm still exhausted, and I am going to bed now. So good nite all!!

NREMT

2007-09-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I took my NREMT test 3 weeks ago. I passed!!!!!!!! I am now a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician. Now all I have to do is register with the state by sending in the paperwork. Then I can go ride with the Ambulances.YEA!!!! I am so proud of myself! Especially since I finished the class in December last year. I read the 700 page book the week before the test. Yes, in one week I read the whole book. That was insane!! Plus I am still working full time ( 4-10s)

So with my EMT, once I go work for them, they will pay for me to become a paramedic. Like the police dept pays recruits. Then I'm sure I'll have to sign a contract for a year to stay with them. But after that I can go to school for 1 year and become a nurse. After that I can become a Nurse Practitioner and make lots of money. YEA!!! So there's my long term goal. I'd really like to work in the baby nursery, NICU, or OB/GYN. That would be awesome.

Anyways...That's my news. I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yea me!!!!

Another sweet angel

2007-07-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is the story of our friends who just lost their little girl. She was born with heart problems, and has had many operations. They have a website at Isons.org where you can learn more about the heart operations and see more pictures of her family. Please pray for them throughout the day; They need support more than we will ever know, and I know Heavenly Father is carrying them right now.

What Happened to our little girl

I will do my best to tell the story of the last few days of Annika’s life and how she returned to our Heavenly Father. Much of the early part of this is taken from accounts given by Stephanie and other family members that were present.

Stephanie and the kids were attending a family reunion in Fountain Green, Utah. Friday June 29^th, Annika was out and about in her usual fashion (high octane). She was playing with cousins, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and anyone else she could find. She was acting just as normal and active as she has been for the last 18 months. She went into the trailer to play on the beds and was there for only a few minutes when she started crying to Steph that she was “stuck".

By the time Steph entered the trailer she found Annika face down on the bed not moving. Steph tried to get her to roll over, but when she would not move, she picked her up and took her outside. Annika alternated between being completely limp and writhing, and complaining about her stomach hurting. Steph thought maybe she was over-tired because of the late nights, or possibly something she had eaten. After about 20 minutes it was decided that they should take her to the medical center in Nephi.

On the 20 minute ride to Nephi, Annika started to become less coherent. While at Nephi, Annika “coded” (she stopped breathing). The staff performed CPR and put a tube down her throat to help her breathe. They were able to revive her, but quickly realized they were in over their heads due to her heart condition and medical past. They contacted Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City and had a helicopter sent to take Annika there. There was not enough room for Stephanie to ride in the helicopter so she and my dad jumped in the car for the 2 hour drive.

On Monday (June 25) I had left with my Venture Scouts for our Super Activity of SCUBA diving in Catalina, CA and beach camping. My dad got a hold of me on Friday while they were in Nephi to tell me that Annika was not doing very well. I was able to get a ticket for 5 pm that night from LAX to SLC. I had to wait the longest 4.5 hours of my life waiting for the plane to leave. I arrived in Salt Lake at 8 pm Friday night.

By the time I got to the hospital, things had pretty much calmed down. Annika was on a respirator (a machine that helps her breathe) but seemed to be overriding it with her own breathing (a very good sign). Steph was holding up pretty well (largely thanks to my dad) but was visibly shaken. Annika was sedated and there was nothing to be done until the next morning, so my dad headed back to the reunion, and Steph and I went to the Nelsons house to stay. (Russ was a mission companion and college roommate. Without their help we would never have been able to make it through this)

That night Steph told me more about the day and the situation. The doctors believed that Annika had a “heart-block” and that is what caused the “sick” like symptoms and earlier issues. However they were concerned about possible brain damage due to the lack of blood flow and her current condition. We talked about as hard as things have been the last few years, brain damage was something we were not prepared for. We even talked about how we would almost rather loose Annika than see her confined in a body and mind more broken than she already had. But at that time we believed the chance of brain damage was slim.

The next morning we got a phone call from the hospital telling us that we needed to get there soon. We got to the hospital as fast as we could, calling my parents to get the boys and bring them to the hospital. We did not know how severe things were, but we thought if anything was wrong we needed our entire family there. When we reached the hospital Dr. Ventry told us that she had done a CAT scan the night before and the results were not good. Annika had experienced a "devastating stroke" and there was severe brain damage. The entire right side of her brain was damaged, and the left center of her brain was severely damaged. The injuries were irreversible.

Apparently when Annika experience the heart block, a blood clot (or multiple) formed and went to her brain cutting off blood for major sections of the brain (a stroke). With this type of injury, the brain starts to swell and continues to swell for 72 hours. We were less than 24 hours into Annika's injury, and already the swelling was reaching a critical state. It was just a matter of time before she would die. The machines that were keeping her alive right now would not even be able to prevent her death. There was nothing we could do to save my little girl.

Our first response was to tell the doctors that they needed to keep Annika alive until the boys made it to the hospital. They were out of cell phone range and we had no idea where they were. While we waiting my friend Russ, his wife Britney, and his father Elder Nelson (a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) came to see Annika and give her a priesthood blessing. The things that Elder Nelson said and the blessings he gave meant so much to Stephanie and I. It was at that time that I found piece with what was happening with my daughter. The experience we had at that time is very sacred and cherished by Stephanie and me.

A few minutes later Stephanie's mother and sister arrived. They started driving up from Flagstaff, Az on Friday when they heard. Not long after that, my parents, Ethan, Carter and my sister arrived at the hospital. We talked to the boys before they came into the room, and I am so proud of how my boys handled themselves. It took a little while, but they each told their sister goodbye and gave her hugs and kisses.

As a family we spent the next few hours preparing for what we knew we had to do, and getting things ready. The hospital made plaster impressions of her hand and feet. Stephanie combed and fixed Annika's hair, painted her toe nails, and cut off a lock of hair to keep. The boys picked out a blanket from the hospital for her. We all had the time to do what we felt we needed to do.

At 1:30 pm Saturday (MST) the boys left the room (their choice) and we took the tube out of Annika's throat. Stephanie held her in a rocking chair for about 10 minutes, and then I had a chance for about 10 minutes. As I held her, her breathing started to become more sporadic and shallow. I gave Annika back to Stephanie, and I sat as close as I could as we watched our little girl take her last breath. It only took about 30 from the time we stopped the respirator.

The experience was much more peaceful than I could have imagined and I am confident she was in no pain. She just seemed to "go to sleep". Annika's grandparents and aunts held her for another 30-40 minutes until we all felt like we could leave. Stephanie and I wrapped her in her blanket and laid her down on the bed.

I know there should be more but right now this is where I need to end...

2007-07-01T20:40:00.001-07:00

Last month my niece Alyssa died in her sleep. She was 6 weeks old. Here are some of the pictures of the funeral and viewing. Her mom, (Meatgrinder's sister), asked me to take pictures of her at the viewing. She looked so sweet.

She looked just like a porcelain doll.

This is the bear the mortuary gave her mom.

It was so hard to see such a tiny casket. As soon as I saw it I had to leave the room to gain control. I just was not prepared for that sight.

This is mom and dad.

My kids wanted a picture with her. I tried to get Brooklyn in the photo, but she was crying too much and didn't want in it.

These are her sweet little hands.

Here are pictures of the luncheon after the funeral. It was so nice seeing all the family and friends.

Grandpa is on the right

This is dad's family. Grandpa is on the left, with dad's brother in the middle with the girl.

Here's mom standing up with dad, talking to her mom, Grammy.

Blossom, Miss A (Alyssa's big sister) in the middle and Tinkerbelle.

Blossom, Triss, Stinky, Miss A, and Tinkerbelle.

Ang, TootsieBella, and Grammy.

It was such a horribly wonderful experience having Alyssa die. She was such a sweet prescious spirit. She was here for one purpose, to bring joy to her family. She did just that and so much more. When she passed, we all had the opportunity to witness the pure love of Christ for her mom and family. When we went into the hospital room after she died, there was such peace in there. We were all extreamly sad of course, but it was a peacefull grief. It was full of joy in the room and not a heavy sorrow. It's hard to describe, but it was so very peacefull, I didn't want to leave the room. It was like a piece of Heaven was in that room. She was surrounded by family and friends that loved her and were witnessing to her of the Plan of Salvation. We had many great talks, her mom and I, about what happened, why it happened and where she goes from here. She grew up in the Church, but had left it temporarily. This experience has brought her back to church, she's taking the discussions and wants to be with Alyssa for Eternity. I had many opportunities to bear my testimony to her of Christ's love for her and Alyssa. It was hard watching dad go thru this because he doesn't have the gospel and the knowledge that we have in the church. He wanted to have Alyssa baptised, but we all knew she didn't need to be because she was and is perfect. I am so glad I have the knowledge that I do about the Plan of Happiness and the Plan of Salvation. I know that alot of people reading this, may not have the same beliefs that I do. But I know that Christ died for us and was resurrected, and we will all live again and be together again. I know that with all my heart and soul and I know her mom will get the opportunity to raise her again. I bear you this testimony with all my heart, that Christ did live and die for us and we will all have the chance to see our loved ones again that have passed before us.
www.mormon.org

Dynamic duo's b-day

2007-07-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

So, Stinky and Tinkerbelle had their b-day this last weekend. They had a lot of fun. It was a luau at the community pool. There were a lot of kids and everyone had a lot of fun.

Here's the Spongebob pinata. All my kids LOVE Spongebob. Especially Tootie.

There's my Tootie boy!!! Don't you love those dimples??!!!!

Dad was wearing a lava-lava from his sister.

Here's Grammy with Stinky's favorite shirt. It's a pirate skull that says "a pirates life for me"

He LOVED this bow and arrow set, but unfortunately the arrows broke the same day. When his sister shot them, they hit the window and broke. He was very sad.

Here's the cake I made. This isn't one of my better cakes. I made the drawings up myself. Ok mostly. I had Meatgrinder draw me a shark and then I copied a shirt that had a picture of a hawaiian boy, and turned it into a girl kneeling. Then I put them both on a surf board. So I kinda made it up.

Here's Brooklyn's best friend. We don't have a nick name for her yet.

The girls were stuffing their faces

They had a lot of fun at the party. We swam from 10-4 (the party was till 2 ) Thank you to everyone that was there and gave presents.

Tootie's sick

2007-06-26T21:41:00.001-07:00

Tootie got sick. It was so sad. He projectile vomited on me while I was at an appointment.I was covered head to toe. It was disgusting. Then for the next week he vomited and had the runs all day long. He couldn't eat anything without puking. So finally we took him to the hospital and he was given an IV with fluids cuz he was dehydrated. Then the next day he broke out in this rash that covered him head to toe. It was so bizzare. I know these pics don't do the rash justice; he looked horrible. I felt so bad for him.

This was in the room before he got hooked up to the IV.

He's all better now though.

Christmas

2007-01-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it's been a while since I posted. Sorry... Life has been so busy lately with the holidays and things.
Christmas was very good to us. Santa brought a lot of gifts. This was Santa from the kids school. It was so nice not knowing what the kids were getting for a change. I was just as suprised as them.

This is our Christmas picture of the kids. We took it before church and before eating, so they were all clean. yea!! Here's the kids' names again...

Brooklyn 11, Tootie 1 (on Brooklyns lap), Blossom(wants to be called Belle) 6, Stinky 3, and Tinkerbelle 5.

Hope your holiday's were just as good as ours. I'm going to try to post more often again.

Christmas story

2006-12-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

This is a true story I found. It is a great story for Christmas.
I hope we can all remember the real meaning we celebrate, and not let the presents overwhelm us.

"Many years ago I found myself as part of occupation troops in a
foreign land just at the end of a terrible war. It was not long after we
arrived in this country before we developed a great love and concern for
the people we were there to watch over. This was especially true of the
young people, the children. Many times we would find them scavenging in our
garbage cans looking for food to keep themselves alive. This deeply touched
us, and we wanted to make a more substantial contribution to them. We
raised what money we could and found a local religious group that was
willing to open an orphanage for them. We donated as much time as possible
to improve the facilities and provided them with the operating funds they
needed.

"As Christmas approached, we sent letters home to our
families asking that, instead of sending gifts to us, they send toys for
the children in the orphanage. The response of our families was
overwhelming! Toys arrived daily from our homes.

"We found a tree
suitable to use as a Christmas tree, but we had no traditional decorations
for it. A lady taught us how to make little birds by folding square pieces
of paper, and these became the major part of the decorations for the tree.
The presents were wrapped mostly in discarded Stars and Stripes newspapers.
I'll never forget Christmas Eve with those children. I am sure many of
them had never seen a Christmas tree in their lives.

"We sang
Christmas carols to them, but we weren't very good at this. They had
been rehearsing for weeks so they could sing a song to us in English. It
was not a Christmas carol, but it was beautiful. They sang, 'You Are My
Sunshine.' We were deeply touched with the spirit of the children that
Christmas Eve, especially as they opened the presents sent from our
families. I suppose some of them had not had a toy in many, many
years.

"This is a Christmas I'll never forget because we were
learning the true meaning of this great holiday season. The greatest joy we
can receive in life is giving--to bring into the life of someone
else a little joy and happiness."

L. Tom Perry, "A 'Sunshine' Christmas," Tambuli, Dec. 1990, 12

EMT final

2006-12-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

So Wednesday we took our final exam for the class. I studied a little bit, I just didn't have time since starting my new job. Oh, yes, I got a job. I work from home doing patient confirmations, entering information, and verifying insurance. It's nice being able to work from home, but I had to put the boys in daycare. It's just too hard to do my work, and stop to take care of them. Tootie is 1 now, and Stinky is 3 1/2. The daycare that I got them registered in won't take Tootie until he's walking though. So I'm gonna have to figure out what to do with him until he's walking.

Anyways, we had the final test Wed, and I was so nervous! One of the other students said her friend (who's taking the class Tuesday & Thursday ), was getting a 95 in the class, and got a 75% on the final. That really freaked me out. Well, guess what I got........

I got an 86% on the test. YEA!! I was hoping to get in the 90's, but I'm happy with it. I also found out that I have the highest over all score for the class. I have a 95% WOW!!! Can you believe that??!!! ME??!! I am the "smart kid" in the class!! There's one guy in the class who everyone knew he was smart and getting the highest grade. He always knew all the answers and everything. Well, he had the highest grade, and then I passed him up. WOW!!! That is just crazy to me. I mean, it's not like I was getting 70's on my tests in class. I was getting A's, so I knew I had a good grade, I just didn't know that I was the second highest, and now the highest. I am SOOOOOOOO excited!!!! I never got good grades in high school. I was on the other end of that line; towards the C's.

So my mom got me a mini sleigh full of body rejuvinating products. When I describe it like that, it doesn't sound all that exciting, but it is SOOOO cool!! It has all these expensive professional (as in dermatologist professional, not AVON or Mary Kay[not knocking those companies, cuz I love them both]), body scrubs, washes, lotions, creams, moisturizers, candles, eye creams, etc... I LOVE it!!!

Talent show

2006-11-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

So, we only have 4 more classes before the final exam. Then if we pass the final, and we have an 84% or higher in the class, then we can take the national registry test. It now costs $50 to take the test. So we'll take the practicals, and then if we pass that, in January we will take the written exam. This is the first time the test is being given on the computer, so we are the guinnea pigs for it. Yuck!
So far I have a 94% in the class which I'm psyched about. I didn't get good grades in high school, so this is really empowering knowing that I can actually do it.
I'm getting nervous about taking the practicals. I know what needs to be done, but actually getting up in front of somebody and faking it just to show I know what I'm doing, is nerve wracking.

Tinkerbelle did the talent show. It was so neat. She is such a star. She would practice at home and do all the facial movements and smiles and everything. It was great. As soon as she got on stage though, she looked like a deer in the headlights. It was hillarious. I had Brooklyn take the pictures, and unfortunately there was a microphone stand in the way. So the pictures aren't the greatest. I did get video of it though so as soon as I can figure out how to upload from my video camera to the computer, I'll post it. I think I'm missing some cables.

13 things about Stinky

2006-11-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about Stinky

1. He was born June 28,2003. The same day as Tinkerbelle just 2 years later.

2. He is the first boy.

3. Like his sisters, his real name, (not Stinky), is a city name.

4. He loves to make people laugh by acting crazy!!

5. When we go to church on Sundays, he runs to nursery. He loves his teachers and playing with the other kids. I can't believe he'll be a Sunbeam next year. UGH!!! Where did the time go??

6. He consideres himself and Tink twins. The both have blond hair and big blue eyes and were born on the same day. So if we shaved Tinks head, or let his hair grow out, I think they'd look like twins.

7. He LOVES his little brother Tootie. He tries to wrestle with him, but can't since he's only 1. He is great at making him stop crying. He'll jump up and down and make crazy faces at him till he starts laughing.

8. He is super skinny like his dad was. He is 3 1/2 yrs old and only weighs about 29 pounds.

9. He gives the best hugs. I just love them. He'll wrap his arms around my neck and just hang on. It is so sweet.

10. He likes to sing with his sisters, and wrestle with his uncle Kaynos.

11. When he was a baby, he would projectile vomit after every feeding. I nursed him for 14 months and felt great about that. I just couldn't wear any clothes cuz he'd puke all over them.

12. He always wants to help me cook, or do dishes. He wants to put the food in the pans and stir it, or flip it. He has a great time washing the dishes by hand with all the bubbles.

13. He is such a joy to me. I love him so much and hate not being with him. He is always trying to please me and make me happy.

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Halloween

2006-11-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here are all the pictures from Halloween. It was Tootie and Fussy Lou Who's first and I think they had fun. Fussy Lou was able to walk up to a few doors. Tootie is still lazy and won't even stand by himself.

Meatgrinder and Fussy Lou Who

Blossom at the school halloween parade

Stinky on Halloween as Batman

Tootie as a puppy and Fussy Lou Who as a purple monster

Tinkerbelle as....yep Tinkerbelle, and Stinky as Tigger at the ward trunk or treat

Tinkerbelle and Blossom as princesses at our neighborhood party

Brooklyn and her friend H, and Tootie as the monster at the neighborhood party

Stinky was so excited to go to the Trunk or Treat, when it was time to go, he fell asleep while I was putting his shoes on.
Brooklyn's friends weren't at the party yet.

Em, Tinkerbelle, Blossom, and Li, at the ward party
Blossom and Tinkerbelle at home carving our pumpkins

Here's our puke pumpkin and bats.

These are just cute pictures!!

Glycolic peel

2006-10-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

WARNING!!!! THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS ARE GRAPHIC AND DISTURBING!!! SHAYLONDON DOES NOT LOOK LIKE THIS NORMALLY! PLEASE BE KIND!!! YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COPY THESE PHOTOS AND REDISTRIBUTE THEM,(COPY/PASTE). THIS IS MY FACE AND I DON'T WANT THEM SHOWN WHERE I DIDN'T PUT THEM. THANKYOU FOR YOUR SENSITIVITY.

I went to a salon on Saturday and had a day of relaxation, basically. I got a pedicure, a facial and a full set of pink and white acrylics. The lady asked if I wanted to get a glycolic peel, and so I said yes. (Later that day I got a 1 hour full body massage)

She didn't ask me if I use salycilic acid on my face, (which I do). So she put this peel on my face and told me it might burn/sting. I thought I was going to die. It felt like someone was holding fire on my face. Well, now I know why. I have second degree burns on my face. Wonderful huh! Apparently you're supposed to be off it for 2-3 days BEFORE you get the glycolic peel done.

You can see some of the discoloration on my face. The pictures don't show the true color. My face was about as red as the shirt I'm wearing here. My face is shiny because I took vitamin E capsuls, opened it and put the gel on my face. This is day 2. It's looking better than day 1.

My skin was so tight I could barely open my mouth to talk and/or eat. I tried putting lotion on it to soften it up, but everything I tried burned my face more. Thank heavens the vit E didn't.

You can see the one spot on my right cheek that got the worst. It's the light spot on my cheek. That is all the puss leaking out. Yep, gross huh!! Oh, and it gets better. My face swelled up a little bit. Not hugely, but enough that my right eye was swollen underneath, and my whole right side sagged down.

These pictures really don't show the extent of damage that was caused. I have all these tiny blisters all over my face too. Day 3.

This is my better side, but you can see the discoloration.

You can see here the white puss on my right cheek, and also how the right side is droopy and swollen ever so slightly. My mouth and chin show it the most. I look like I have jowels, (like a dog). UGH!!!!

This photo shows the best coloration. My cheeks were purple from bruising, and red from burns, and white from puss. So, I was quite beautiful during this.

This is what I normally look like. See how much better I look. Those are just horrible photos. If you have any suggestions on what I can put on my face, or if I should do anything with the lady that did this to me, I'd appreciate it. My brother said I should sue. I guess I look that bad. lol. I just hope there aren't any scars from the burns.

Thursday 13 about Tinkerbelle

2006-10-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things about Tinkerbelle



 1. She LOVES Tinkerbelle!!! Can you tell by her name? She dressed up as her last halloween.

2. She has the most stunning, bright blue eyes, and long black eyelashes.

3. She LOVES to sing all the time. She wants to be a singer when she grows up. She will sing at the top of her lungs holding anything that resembles a microphone. She used to go into the backyard and perform for the trees, and also conduct the trees to sing too. It's so cute

4. She has started wanting to do everything I'm doing. If it's breakfast, she asks which cereal I'm eating, then she picks it.

5. She just tried out for the talent show at school. She is going to be singing and signing a song. It called "What are you feeling?" from Signing Time. She knows all the signs for it, and did a great job. She was scared while she did it, but was excited afterwards. We'll find out on Monday if she's in the show.

6. She loves to take care of her baby brother Tootie and her cousin Fussbucket.

7. She loves to wear makeup and put it on when I'm doing mine. She knows how to put mascara on now.

8. She was the student of the week last week in Kindergarten. She got to bring Bernie the Bear home to spend the night with her. I also went to her class and read the book Popcorn to the class. We made a poster of pictures of her to display.

9. She has cut her hair herself twice now. The first time was her bangs. She cut them about 1 inch away from her head. The second time was just recently when she cut the tangles out of her hair. It is down to the middle of her back, and now on the right side, it's at her jaw line.

10. She loves sparring with her uncle Kaynos. (not his real name by the way). They will get into fighting stances holding their fists in front and she'll do spinning roundhouse kicks at him. The first time she did it, he was totally off guard and surprised that she did it. They have so much fun together.

11. She is very close with her sister Blossom. They are only 13 months apart, and have been best friends. They are just getting to the point where they still like each other, but want some independance and different friends.

12. She loves to make people laugh. She is especially good at making the babies laugh.

13. She has the sweetest spirit about her. She loves to say the prayer and it is so sweet. She blesses everyone, and thanks Heavenly Father for the angels around us to protect us from the fires and accidents. I haven't heard a sweeter prayer ever, than when she prays.

14. She was born June 28, 2001; 13 months after her sister Blossom was born.

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Update on us

2006-10-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's some updates and pictures. I've been so busy lately with school and taking care of the kids/working, that I haven't been able to post too often. So...here goes.

Stinky is trying on Kaynos' helmet.

Sassy, Stinky and Tootie wanted to get on it.

Tootie and Fussbucket are just chillin'

They were laughing at Blossom

Ok, have you ever seen a black widow? I hadn't. That is until I went out in the back yard and cleaned off the kids motorized jeep. (we had a storm and leaves were EVERYWHERE!!) Stinky saw it and yelled that there was a spider. It was HUGE!!!!!! So dad got the bug spray and sprayed it and then we put it in a jar to show the girls after school.

This is when it was on the jeep. I know...not a very clear picture. My camera doesn't focus very well when I zoom in.

Here it is in a baby food jar. So you can kinda see how big it is.

This is a close up. UGH!!!! It was so wierd seeing the hour glass on it's stomach.

These are just some cute/funny pictures of Fussbucket over at my house this last week.

I was fake laughing in a deep voice, you know the really forced HA HA, just really fast. They were cracking up!! It was so funny!!

Here she is chillin' wit da homey's. lol.

Tinkerbelle decided that she needed to cut her hair. Can you tell? It's right at her jaw. She was trying to brush her hair and there were too many tangles. So instead of coming and getting me, she decided to just cut it out. AAAAAAHHHHH!!!! I was so mad!! It took so long for her hair to grow that long. I haven't cut it to fix it. You can't really tell most of the time, which is good. I guess it kinda looks like bangs growing out. So I'm just going to leave it.

School test

2006-10-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, we had another test on Wednesday for school. It was over 7 chapters with 100 questions. Kaynos and I studied and did the workbook together this time. I liked that way better; hopefully we can study that way again.
So when we got into class, our instructor told us to all line up against the wall. He then paired us up with a person who has a similar grade as us. He told us we were able to take the test together outloud. That way we could discuss the questions with each other. So, we took the test and I only missed 4!!!! 4!!!!
I was SO excited!!! I got a 96%!!!
Kaynos missed 21. oops, so he got a 79% He was SO MAD!!!!
So that's our update for this week. I am totally enjoying school. It gets me out of the house with adults and I'm learning something I actually enjoy; instead of like in high school. I didn't like most of my classes in HS.
So this is such a fun experience. I did find out though that if I want to be a paramedic, I have to be an EMT for 1 year or 1000 hours before I can go to paramedic school. ugh!!!!BUT, after I'm a paramedic, if I decide to be a nurse, there's a program now to do it in a year if you're a medic. That way you don't have to take classes on stuff you already know. SWEEEEET!!!! So I might be going that route.

Anyways, that's our update. Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend.

Thursday 13 on Blossom

2006-09-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about Blossom

 1. Blossom was born during the Y2K scare. May 17, 2000. She got a free pair of shoes from Payless because she was born in 2000. Cool huh!!

2. She is 5 years younger than Sassy, and 13 months older than Tinkerbelle.

3. She has the most contagious laugh ever!! You can't help but laugh when you hear it.

4. She loves to give people hugs, even at school. She will go up an hug our neighbor who works at the school.

5.When she was 3 years old, she was outside in the front yard trying to get our dog Charley back in the house. Charley was an English Shephard and very, VERY fast. Charley ran to the end of the street and then turned around and started back when she heard me calling her. She was still running full force when she plowed right into Blossom's legs sending her in the air. She did a flip where her feet went into the air above her head, and her head slammed into the concrete. I was about 20 feet away from her when it was happening, but it was one of those slow motion movies that you just can't move fast enough. I could see what was going to happen if Charley didn't slow down/stop or change directions. It was all slow motion though and I couldn't get there in time. When I got to her and picked her up she already had a HUGE golfball size goose egg on her forehead. My roommate stayed with the rest of the kids and I rushed her to the hospital where she got a CT scan. I was sure she had broken bones in her skull or something, but there was nothing. She had a concussion, bleeding under the skin and that was it. She ended up getting 2 black eyes and now has a dent in her forehead. Her skin actually goes in where the scar is. Whenever she draws a picture of herself, she includes the goose egg.That was the scariest day ever!! We don't have Charley anymore.

6. Her dad taught her how to tie her shoes in one day. She now ties them every morning and I don't have to help her.

7. She is going to be a great mommy when she grows up and gets married. She loves babies and helping out taking care of them.

8. She is VERY stubborn!! If she doesn't like what you've told her to do, she'll argue and cry. Then she'll sit in time out or on her bed till she's done crying. As soon as she's done crying and screaming she gets up and acts as if nothing ever happened. She's as happy as can be and will even do what you wanted her to do that caused the tantrum in the first place. It's kinda funny.

9. She is very shy when she first meets people, but when she warms up, she is a crack up!!

10. She loves her cousins, Fussbucket, LeeLee, BooBoo, Dozer and Ash.

11. She is scared to try new things like riding her bike. She has training wheels on it still and doesn't like to ride it. She doesn't like how it wiggles back and forth.

12.She loves going to church every Sunday, even if I can't make it. She will go with Nana and have a blast.

13. She is such a happy, sweet, huggable, loveable, adorable, cute girl. I love having her in my family and can't imaging life without her.

14. Ok, it's the T14 today.... When she was 6 months to 18 months old she would get fevers every month. They would be high fevers up to 105 degrees, around the same days every month. It was like having a period. I knew when the fevers were coming plus or minus a day or two. She had numerous blood tests and urine tests and nothing was found. We even had her tested for cancer, and thank heavens it was negative. It was very frustrating. Then we started going to the chiropractor as a family. We told him about the fevers and within about 1 month of seeing him 3 days a week, the fevers stopped. They haven't returned since. She still gets regular fevers when she is sick, but not like before.

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First Test

2006-09-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

YEA!!!!

My brother and I had our first test in our EMT class last week. It was on the first 5 chapters in the book and 140 questions total. I studied my heart out, highlighting, re-reading, writing notes, etc... and I got an "A". YEA!!!! I only missed 10 questions. My brother, didn't take notes, didn't highlight in the book, and barely studied. He read all my notes and got a "B". UGH!!! Totally unfair that he did that good and didn't even study!! I wish I didn't have to work so hard to study to remember things. lol. I am so proud of him for getting that grade. It was a hard test and he did awesome.
We have another test on Monday over one chapter; it is a 40 page chapter though on Airway. I'm worried about that one, cuz we have to know how to put in the NPA and OPA, how to use the oxygen tank etc...
Anyways...
We're doing good so far in the class.
Oh, he just came and told me he got accepted to be a connector with the Fire Department. He'll ride in a little truck, not the fire truck and he'll help people with non fire emergencies. He's not sure exactly what it entails, but it's 20 hours a month for a year.
I'm so proud of him. I can't believe he's my little brother!!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-09-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things about Sassy

 1. She was born on July 20, 1995

2. She is the oldest of five kids; 3 girls and 2 boys.

3. She is 5 years older than Blossom, 6 years older than Tinkerbelle, 8 years older than Stinky, and 10 years older than Tootie. WOW!!!

4. She just got her first boyfriend 2 days ago, and can't even talk to him. She's too scared. It's so cute!

5. She loves to cook and wants to be a pastry chef when she grows up.

6. When she gets married, she wants to have 2 boys and 2 girls; I can't remember all the names, but one girls' name will be Brooklynn, and one boys' name will be Roman.

7. She is such a good big sister and loves her siblings. She takes good care of them when she babysits.

8. She just started playing the alto saxaphone in band, and learned Hot Cross Buns on the first day she got it.

9. Her cousin Fussy Lou Who will ALWAYS reach for her when given the choice between me, her Nana, or Sassy. Sassy is like her second mommy.

10. She has the most beautiful, exotic cat eyes!! I'm going to have to keep the shot gun loaded when she starts dating!

11. She loves animals, and still has the bandana from our dog Charley that we gave away 2 years ago.

12. She learned how to ride a bike in 1 day!!!! She is a fast learner.

13. She is getting 100% on all her spelling tests.

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James Andrew Gadiel

2006-09-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

Honoring James Andrew Gadiel

October 17, 2001

James A. Gadiel began his career as a trader's assistant less than a year ago, moving from his father's Kent, Conn., home to the Battery Park area.

The 23-year-old Kent native was working in the equities department at Cantor Fitzgerald when the first jetliner struck Tower One. His office was on the 103rd floor.

Gadiel's goal was to become a trader someday, said his mother, Jan Gadiel, of Kent. A fan of the Mets and the Knicks, Gadiel loved watching sports and enjoyed talking politics, she said. "He was quiet, but he was the type of kid that when he said something, everyone listened," she said.

Gadiel was a graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village. He graduated last year from Washington and Lee University and continued to be active in the Sigma Nu fraternity. (source)

Tragedy -- the death of his mother when he was 12 -- was not what made James Gadiel, 23, an assistant trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, so sensitive to others.

He just seems to have always been that way.

When he was seven and, at the time, the largest boy in the class, Jamie Gadiel would pal around with the smallest boy in the class.

One day, the short kid slugged his big, best friend. The slugger's mother explained that it was the first time her son had ever felt emboldened to hit someone. And her son knew that Jamie was a safe target, because Jamie would never dream of hitting someone smaller than he.

Mr. Gadiel was the solicitous middle child, soothing his siblings. When his father, Peter, remarried, the boy bonded eagerly with his new siblings and their mother, Jan.

Although Mr. Gadiel came across as subdued, when he was with friends -- male and female alike -- he unleashed a dry, rip- snorting humor and a stubborn delight in debate.

He was politically conservative. His best buddy, Matt Schullery, is anything but. Genial Mr. Gadiel didn't mind.

He believed most differences could be set aside during a Saturday afternoon, watching a game together, hot dog in one hand, beer in the other. (source)

	May 4, 2006
	I lived on the same street as the Gadiels in the mid-eighties. My younger brother and James used to play together and I remember the time vividly. My deepest condolences go out to the Gadiel family.
	Carlos Santos (Boynton Beach, FL )

	July 8, 2005
	Hi Jamie, We don't know each other, but I'm sure you know my son Carl. I have been working with your Dad for over 3 years now, so I feel I know you a little. Your Dad is working very hard to keep this country safe from another attack like 911. He is a wonderful man and you should be very proud of him. He talks about you with much love and great sorrow. I know well his feelings. Because of this horrible attack, I have met and made many new friends ( and as much as we like each other, we wish we had never met.) I'm honored to have met your dad and become friends/ working partner with him. Life for those of us left behind is hard. What keeps us going is the love we have for our sons. Jamie, I wish I had had the chance to meet you. Know that you are missed and loved very much.
	Joan Molinaro

	February 2, 2005
	James, as a boy always stood out because of his smile. His whole face lit up. I always admired James for standing up for what he thought was right and following through on a task well done. Surely he and Ellen are hand in hand - memories of them to guide us in our daily choices. The tragedy of the horrors of 9/11 magnify day by day. Although I haven't seen James since he was a teen he is thought of every day and he is sorely missed.
	Cheryl McDowell (Kent, CT )

	September 11, 2004
	James was one of my first friends at W&L, and I am thankful for his kindness, friendliness, and his great spirit. I will never forget all the fun we had in the freshman dorms, and throughout our time in Lexington. God has found a wonderful angel in James.
	Erika Cassutti (Northport, NY )

	March 2, 2003
	I read your description of your son as having been "a terrific human being...a gentleman and a gentle man." I saw a picture of Jamie, which captured his smile and conveyed the kindness in his eyes. Words simply can not convey the sorrow I feel for you and your family. You have my deepest respect and my promise that your son will never be forgotten.
	Donna Cisz (Meriden, CT )

	September 12, 2002
	Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gadiele, I had the pleasure of knowing James pretty well.He spent a lot of time at my home with my son Scott. they were great friends in high school. All a part of the Clan.James was a wonderful and very respectful young man and I will never forget him. My heart goes out to you and your family.A more kind and caring family I have never had the pleasure of knowing. Not only were you there for your own children, but you were also there for mine. I hope someday to be able to repay you for all of your kindness. My thoughts and prayers are always with you all. Fondly, Patricia Aeschlimann
	Patricia Aeschlimann (Canaan, CT )

	September 12, 2002
	Jimmie always made me laugh, I never met a person like him. He was my brother's friend and he made always made me feel included with "The Clan". I will never forget him or the crazy things he used to do.
	Sabrina Aeschlimann (Canaan, CT )

	September 12, 2002
	I didn't know James very well, but from what I did know of him, he was a wonderful, caring and fun person. It is very difficult to lose someone that you love - especially someone so young with so much of his life left to live. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
	Michelle Dunn (Canaan, CT )

	September 10, 2002
	I didn't get to know James very well untill after high school. He was such a wonderful person, so fun to be around. I am so sad that he is gone, and I am so sorry for your loss.
	Angel Martin (Southington(formerly falls village), CT )

	September 10, 2002
	I miss James alot, more than I thought I did. I think of him almost everyday. I use him to make myself a better man and friend. James was the most unselfish person I have ever had the priviledge to meet. Thank you Jimmie
	Scott Aeschlimann (Hartford, CT )

	I never had the privilage of meeting young James. I wish I had. Everything I have heard about this young man makes him sound like a person I would have liked to have known. God bless him, his family and friends.
	Paul Cortesi (Torrington, CT )

	September 2, 2002
	I recently participated with a project to memorialize victims of terror over the past 30 years. I crosstiched an 8" x 10" square with the WTC on it. It was to memorialize James and bears his name. There are no words to express the sorrow I feel for all of the victims, but I hope that it may lift your spirits that someone somewhere was thinking of James and saying a prayer for his family. Sincerely, Mary Dunn
	Mary Dunn (Valparaiso, FL )

	June 19, 2002
	James was an outstanding friend and a remarkable young man in so many ways. Darrick and I miss you so much, but are so thankful for the good times that we had with you. Suzy Alford, W&L '00
	Suzy Alford (Durham, NC )

	April 26, 2002
	May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in his loving peace..........
	Angie Campbell (Denton, TX )

	April 3, 2002
	Dear Jan and Peter... I wish that James had been able to come and stay with us while he was in San Francisco and we had known him a little. You are both wonderful, loving, caring people and my heart goes out to you both. I don't understand why the kindest most thoughtful people have so much tragedy in their lives but know that I care deeply about you both. Love Kathryn and Jim
	Kathryn Bondoux (Incline Village, NV )

	March 25, 2002
	Peter and Jan, What a wonderful and touching tribute to your son. Having come to know the both of you, I know that he, too, must have been a very special, kind and caring person. Bless you all.
	Judi Stokes (Poughkeepsie, NY )

	January 19, 2002
	DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON JAMES ANDREW GADIEL AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS. HE WAS TOO YOUNG TO DIE...THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN...GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN

	January 7, 2002
	Gadiel Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember you often in prayer. J.Stec W&L c/o 1996
	Jenn Stec (Columbia, SC )

	January 1, 2002
	America Cries We see your sorrow- and our hearts cry.... We can not erase your pain but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we- -the American people- are beside you. We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort, the strength that gives you courage, and the words to lighten your spirits. And when we are left speechless may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts to ease your sorrow. May you find healing through our nation's strength as we- -the American people- face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn Dixon, IL
	Teresa Jahn (Dixon, IL )

	December 5, 2001
	We just wanted to give our sympathies and let you know that you are not alone during this time of tragedy. May God be with you, and we wish you a Merry Christmas! You will never be forgotten!!
	Musser Hall @Ursinus College (Collegeville, PA )

	December 5, 2001
	May God be with him and his family in this time of sorrow.
	Robert N. McDowell (Kent, CT )

	October 30, 2001
	My prayer for his family and friends; that the Lord Jesus will watch over, protect and comfort them during their time of sorrow.
	Alta Ford (Albuqueruqe)

	October 18, 2001
	My prayers are sent up everyday. May the angels surround you.
	Kim Slater (Kent, CT )

To my friend James: I can't remember the exact moment we met, but I do remember all of the fun we had: Christmas Weekend freshman year, Lip Sync (remember that skirt?), hanging around the SNu house, introducing you to my "little sister," and spending hours in the C-School. You were always the life of the party and always a good friend. I already miss you -- your smile, your laugh -- and I can't wait until we meet again. Until then, I'll keep you in my heart and I thank you for all of the memories.

Erika Cassutti, college friend

Saturday Photo Hunt

2006-08-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

This weeks theme is youth

Here's Stinky sleeping. I was leaving to take daddy to a doctor appt and he wasn't awake yet, so I kissed him. That way he'd know I kissed him goodbye.

Friday's feast

2006-08-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer
What color is your car?

Well, we just lost our van, but it was white. We also have a Blue Crown Vic.

Soup
If you could wake up tomorrow with full training in another occupation and a job in that field, what would it be?

I'd be a doctor, and a teacher. I would love to be a pediatrician at an office, I just don't want to go to school for another 10+years. I'd also love to work in the ER, and be an OB nurse, or a nurse in the NICU. (how long does that one take...?) I'd also like to be a teacher so that I can have the same hours as my kids and not lose time with them while I'm working and they are in daycare. I'm starting EMT school on Monday at night and that is only 4 months. That's about all I can handle right now.

Salad
How many times in your life have you had the flu (or something similar)?

I've been sick at least 2 times every year since I had kids. Before that I wasn't sick very often.

Main Course
What is something that has happened to you this week that you didn't expect?

Our van got repossessed, and it's humiliating. I am NOT proud of it, but under the circumstances, there was nothing we could do. We didn't get a letter from the company or anything. Yes we were late in 2 payments, but didn't expect that to happen already. So I had to make arrangements to get our personal belongings back, and we got them.

Dessert
How old were you when you had your first kiss?

Well, I think my first kiss was when I was 5 or 6 by a boy named Shawn. But my first real kiss was when I was 14. We were at a church dance in Texas(I was visiting my dad) and we walked around the outside of the church. Then he put his arm around me and we kissed. After a few min. I got nervous and suggested we go back inside and dance. So we did and we danced to the Robin Hood song....oh what's it called? The one with Kevin Costner as Robin Hood....by Bryan Adams I think it is....
UGH!!! Anyone remember the name of the song???
Anyways, his name was Michael P. and I though I was in love after that. Not really, but I liked him a lot. Unfortunately I had to come back to AZ. The next time I visited, he pretended like nothing had ever happened. :(
Oh well....that's my first kiss

Thursday 13 #3

2006-08-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things about my hubby, Meatgrinder

1.He was born in Livermore, California 2. His parents have been married since 1970 3. He was a tow head as a child, but now has grey/brown hair. 4. He is an instructor with the Game and Fish Department. 5. He is an Eagle Scout!! (do they make those anymore?) 6. He was engaged before we got married. YUCK!!! 7. He tried to hook me up with his best friend Charlie, but HE got me instead. 8. He is an avid firearms specialist. He can tell you how many grains of powder are in each bullet casing, and how fast the trejectory is...blah, blah, blah. 9. He broke his neck while on his mission in Bilbao,Spain for The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. 10. He is an amazing chef! He is the kind of cook that can just add a pinch of this and a dash of that, and it turns out wonderfully!! He doesn't have to measure things if he's making the food from scratch, which he's good at doing. (I have to have a recipe and follow directions). He makes these amazing steaks, and hamburgers, and he can even season the bagged Ore-Ida french fries to tast better. ugh!! How does he do that!!?? 11. He loves football, (what guy doesn't ...wait, neither of my brothers do), and played all during high school. 12. He has 3 sisters and no brothers, had 9 bunnies, and 2 dogs total growing up. 13. He loves me. Ha Ha! does that count??? He is great at telling me I look great, cat calling, whisteling, and saying, "hey sexy", and "hey beautiful". It is so nice to hear that even though I don't feel it. He even says it when I haven't showered

So there's my list. I'm late in getting it up. I actually forgot about it being Thursday already. Wow the first week of school is almost over.

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First day of school

2006-08-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

So, today is the first day of school, and I think it was harder on me than it was on the girls. Tinkerbelle was so excited for her first day of Kindergarten. Last night the kids layed out all their clothes.

They practically ran to the bus stop.

These are 2 of their friends, kids of Dr. "Pain in the Neck" The youngest one is the one we went to Sunsplash with.

The bus is here!!!! They all got in line to wait to get on. Stinky wanted to go on the bus so BAD!!!!

This was right before the bus got there. He has been so excited to go to school I don't know if he really realized that even though we've been talking about him going to school, that he wasn't leaving the house like the girls.

Daddy and Tootie watching mommy go crazy. The t-shirt says, "Rolling Victory Fast 2006 Eat this, Cindy"
It is in response to Cindy Sheehan's stupid fast that she's doing where she says she's fasting, but is still eating and drinking all kinds of foods. Check out tankerbrothers site to join in their fast FOR victory, FOR supporting the troops in all they do. My day to fast is Aug, 25, and I'll post that day about the troops. Meatgrinder's day is Sept. 17th.

Stinky got on the bus to see what it was like and didn't want to get off. He was so excited to be on it, he wanted to ride with the girls. This is going to be a LOOOOONG 2 years till he goes to school. Ugh!

When the kids got off the bus, there was a man there calling all the Kindergarteners to stay with him. He then had them follow him to their side of the school. They follow the yellow line on the floor.

She made it to her class and playground, and found her best friend Emily. They aren't in the same class, but I think they'll get to play on the playground together. That'll be nice.

She didn't even care that we were leaving, she was so enthralled with what her teacher was saying.
That was TOO easy!! She was all ready to leave me. She's not supposed to be that comfortable yet. I wanted her to come running back to me and say, "don't leave me mommy, I need you". But she didn't do that, and I didn't get a call from the school saying she was crying for me. How depressing is that. Of course you want your children to be ok when you're not there, but I just wanted some kind of showing that she'd miss me. Is that too much to ask for???!!!

Then we walked Blossom to her playground and she couldn't find anyone to play with. So she stayed right with us until the bell rang.

Then we walked to her class and she hugged me goodbye, which was more that Tink did. Yea!

New teeth and a visit

2006-08-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Isn't he SO CUTE!!!! I can't stand how cute he is, I just want to eat him up!!!

Ok, Tootie has now gotten 4 teeth in all at once. He has a total of 6 teeth now and is so cute, but he looks like a redneck baby cuz he has a space inbetween his top 2 teeth. I know, I know, Blossom, Tinkerbelle, and Stinky all had spaces in their teeth and now they don't. It just kills me everytime. So here he is with his new teeth, laughing at Blossom, while getting his diaper changed.
Oh, and he got the same thing in his diaper rash area that Fussy Lou Who did.

Tootie has also learned to climb the stairs. Now we have to keep the gate up all the time.

Kaynos and Tinkerbelle were playing on the stairs. She got scared that he was going to drop her.

Thought bender, Nellie, and Fussbucket came for a quick visit. We had just gotten back from church, that's why daddy is dressed up.

D-backs game again

2006-08-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Actually some good pictures of me, that's why there are 2.

So, Meatgrinder and I got to go to the Diamondbacks game ALL. BY. OUR. SELVES.!!! It was crazy. I don't think we've been on a date for a long time. It was kinda wierd not having kids with us. When we got out of the car and were walking inside, I said, "Are you sure the kids aren't with us and we just left them in the car?" He laughed and said he felt the same way. We went back and checked. Luckily we hadn't left our parking garage floor yet, cuz we were on the 5th floor. We got great seats from Nana. She works for a doctor that takes care of the D-backs, so she can get tickets all the time. They were so close too. We sat about 30 rows above the dugout by 3rd base. They were playing the Marlins and unfortunately lost 4-1. We had a good time though being without kids. When we got home, the kids were asleep all over the house in various positions. It looked like a bomb had gone off. All in all, it was a great day.

Here's Baxter dancing on the top of the dugout. That's how close we were. Thanks for the tickets mom!

Here's my favorite player, Louis Gonzalez.

SAFE!!

Earlier in the day, I had gone out with the girls for school supplies, and when I got home, Stinky was crying and daddy was holding him. He had fallen down the stairs and got a nice burn on his nose, and that was all. Kaynos, (my brother), said he had seen him at the top of the stairs and had the thought that he was going to fall, but didn't do anything. Then less than 10 min later, he fell down and it sounded like thunder pounding. He's ok now. He just goes down the stairs very carefully now.

Friday's Feast #3

2006-08-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Friday's Feast#3

Appetizer
Tell about a toy you remember from your childhood.
I don't remember a lot of toys, but I do remember my FAVORITE book growing up. My mom said I made her read it every night. It's called Popcorn, by Frank Asch. I just found his website, and it has him reading the book. So click on the link to see my favorite book. Here's another look inside the book on ebay. The price is ridiculous, but you can see the inside of it.

Soup
If you could make one thing in the world absolutely free for everyone, what would it be?

I have a few things I'd like to make free. I think the most important one is food. There are too many children that go to bed hungry everynight because they don't have food in their homes. We have struggled ourselves with money and been low on food. It is no fun having to go hungry so your kids can have the good food. Now granted we have always had food, it's just not been actual meals. Like a can of beans, or pears, or stuff like that. Just odds and ends.

The other thing I'd make free is medical insurance. There are so many people suffering with medical conditions that they can't get treated because they don't have insurance.

Salad
Approximately how many times per day do you think about your significant other?

Well, seeing as he's in the house all day....I think about him all day long. All the things that he could be doing right now, instead of being in pain on the couch.

Main Course
What is something you believe in 100%?

I believe in Heavenly Father. I know without a shadow of a doubt that he lives and he loves me. I have felt his presence in my life on too many occasions to doubt that he lives. I know that he loves each and every one of His children on this earth. Even when we are having struggles in our lives, that is when He is with us the most; we just don't realize it.

Dessert
Name one thing you have done this week that you would consider a "good deed."

Sassy and I cleaned my mom's car last night, (she paid me so that's not the good deed). Afterwords, daddy had told her to go to bed, and she was sad. Well, I got out the last 4 scoops of Carmel Cup Icecream and shared it with her. Then we went to bed. She had such a smile on her face, it was great to make her happy.

My Wonderful Family

2006-08-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

My Wonderful Family!!! (some of them at least)

Here's Meatgrinder getting ready to go in for his epidural. The picture is kinda at a wierd angle so it looks like he's in the mob or something. He was ready to get some pain relief....5 days later now and he still has pain. He is getting his second shot on Monday, so we'll see how that goes. If he doesn't get any relief, then I think we'll have to do surgery. Ugh!!!

This was at our friends b-day; this is the b-day girl herself doing the limbo. Can you believe how bendable she is??

Here's Tootie kissing, (at least it looks like it), Fussy Lou Who when she was visiting us. How cute.

Thought Bender just doesn't know what to do with babies. This is the first time he'd held Tootie, (If I remember correctly). He likes them when they get older, like 3+.

See, much better with Blossom.

And it even looks like he's enjoying it. Here he is with Sassy and Tootie.

Ok, this is hillarious. I have always said Meatgrinder (daddy) can fall asleep anywhere, and that Blossom got that from him. This is just ridiculous though. She is actually asleep in this position. I just love my kids!!!They are so funny and bring a smile to my face all the time. I can't imagine my life without any of them.

Thursday Thirteen

2006-08-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Sites &/or Blogs I like to visit regularly....(#2)

 1. A Sage Moment
this is my dad's blog...oops I don't know if I want to claim him.

2. Overflow
this is my sis-in-law's site about Christ

3. Fussbucket
this is her daughter Fussy Lou Who

4. Children and Cheerios on the loose
this one cracks me up and makes me smile

5. American and Proud of it
this blog tells it like it is about America. He says a lot of things I wish I  could say.

6. Butterfly Kisses
this is my sis-in-law's best friends blog, and I love reading her thoughts

7. Reverberate-My Echo
this blog is just beautiful and she does great things with pictures; like before and afters....how do you do that???

8. William Joseph
this is my AWESOME cousin. He is an amazing pianist and everyone should stop right now and visit his site and then buy his cd. Let me know if you buy one. Then I can tell him I'm helping make him some money. lol

9. Signing Time
I've said it before. I love sign language. We have most of the videos on this site and my kids love to watch them.

10.Jovial Threnody...my brother used to have this blog to write his thoughts, poems and stories, but he deleted for some reason. So you  can't visit it.  I don't know why my computer is underlining everything, and I can't figure out how to stop it.

11. The Fairy Brat  my daughter wanted her own blog, so we started this one.

12. Michelles Sweet Cakes is a great site if you live in the Phoenix, AZ area to get wedding cakes. This is my other cousin and Williams sister. She is awesome.

13. LDS Church
this is a great site telling all about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can listen to songs and read stories and information about everything.

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Wordless Wednesday

2006-08-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS
WEDNESDAY #1

Don't worry this is NOT my belly. I am NOT pregnant. Family can all relax now. I just love this picture, and seeing as today is Wordless Wednesday...... here it is.

Monday Madness #2

2006-08-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

This is my #2 entry.

1. Are you working on any big projects around your house right now?

Just keeping up with my 5 kids is enough of a project for me.

2. If so, tell us about it; if not, do you have any plans to do so in the near future?

I'd love to be able to clean out the garage. Since we moved in it is completely packed. There is a 3-4 foot aisle down the middle.

3. How do you generally pay for merchandise at your local store? Debit, credit, check, or cash?

I usually pay with debit, but am starting to pay with cash. Then I can keep track of how much I'm really spending.

4. Which month of the year seems to go by the fastest?

December!!! I love the holidays and they just go too fast. Plus I always think I have more time then I really do to buy gifts.

5. Which day of the week seems to go by the fastest?

Saturday. We always have so many things we want to do, but just never even get half the list done.

6. Have you taken up any new hobbies lately?

Blogging is my new hobby, but my greatest hobby is sign language. I absolutely love it and would really love to start taking it in college. Tootie is already signing (8 months old) milk when he's hungry. It's so neat.

Update on the fmaily

2006-08-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here goes with the updates.... Fussy Lou Who came for another visit this weekend, and I couldn't find my camera. I thought I had lost it and/or left it on the other side of town at a friends house. So I couldn't take any pictures at all. And she was SO CUTE TOO!!!! She had a great time despite the fact that her bum was burned. Yep, ouch! She had eaten something unknown at home and it burned her bum. So we had to spray her with cool water to rinse her after diaper changes. It was so sad. She would shake from the pain if we used a wipe. Luckily she wasn't bleeding though. Any suggestions to get rid of it??? I know...you'd think since I have 5 kids I would know, but I never have found anything to work fast enough for me.
I finally found my camera. I had put it in Sassy's purse at a b-day party at my friends house, so I wouldn't forget it there. YEA!!! so glad.

Tootie has gotten more teeth. He is now 8 months old (this picture is at 6 months) and 20 pounds. He is just the CUTEST thing ever. Each of my kids get cuter, the more I have, and my first one is absolutely beautiful!!! She reminds me of a porceline doll. But then most moms are prejudice like that.
Anyways, Tootie now has 5 1/2 teeth. The top 2 front teeth have a huge space in between them, so he looks like a hillbilly baby. It's hillarious!! He is Pulling himself up on things and has even started to walk the length of the couch, holding on of course.

I got the kids registered for school this last week. Sassy will be in 5th grade, Blossom in 1st and Tinkerbell is starting Kindergarten. OH WOW!! I'll only have the 2 boys at home. Well, when I registered, they said that Tink was in the pm class. I told her I had wanted all day and had told the principle that. She had even written me down for it. Well, the front lady, Mrs. D., told me it was a first come-first serve basis. I had gotten the paperwork last week, but didn't take it back in until this week. She said that if I had taken it in last week she would have been in all day kindergarten. I was SO MAD at myself. Tinkerbell is SO ready for school. I tried to register her last year when Blossom started Kindergarten, but they wouldn't let her. She is ready to go all day. Well, Friday I got home from running errands and Daddy told me Mrs. D had called and said we could put her in. She said someone had backed out and there was a spot open if we still wanted her in all day class. So of course he said yes. YEA!!!!! I am SO excited!!!! She is going to love it. My three girls are going to be going to school all day; 8:00-3:00 and even riding the bus.Ok, that part is scary. That means Sassy is going to have more responsibility in making sure her sisters get on the bus. I'm not sure if she's ready for that. I know she'll do it, it just makes me nervous handing control over to someone else. It actually causes me anxiety.

I love this picture. I think I actually look cute! lol

Lastly...daddy is going to be getting the epidural steroid shot tomorrow morning. We go to the hospital at 8:20am and his appt is at 9:30am. We should be done by 10:30-11am I think. They said it doesn't take long. So I'm leaving the 3 little ones at "Dr. Pain in the Neck's" house with his wife. They have 4 boys and the youngest is Blossoms age. So Tink Blossom and T like playing together. Stinky will go over there too. Then Sassy and Tootie will be at the house by themselves. He is not feeling too hot right now and needs a lot of personal attention. (What 8 month old doesn't...right??) He has a mild head cold with a low fever...101.5 deg F. So he just wants to lay on me and be held. He doesn't want to play like he normally does. So this way Sassy will be able to devote 100% attention to him.
Anyways, I hope everything goes good with this epidural. We have got to get daddy back working. We have no income right now and it is KILLING us!!!!!! So we'll see how much relief this gives him. Please pray that he'll get the most benefit from it. Thank you!

Computer is DEAD MEAT!!!

2006-08-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Computer Malfunction
Ok, so my brother was trying to fix my computer for me. He is great at fixing computers and he didn't even go to school for it. My computer has been going really slow lately and I just wanted him to speed it up however he could. Well he deleted files and unused programs and things, and when he was almost finished, the computer kinda crashed. There was a blue screen that said basically the computer is not going to work right now. So, he turned it off and said I could use his computer until he fixes mine. Basically now he has to go in and reload all the programs. He said he doesn't think I lost my stuff, just the main programs need to be re-installed. I REALLY hope I didn't lose any of my stuff, cuz all my pictures from my digital camera are on there. I can't afford to print them out yet, so I was just saving them on my computer until I could get a CD made from Kodak. Well, that means that I've also deleted them from my camera to make room for more pics. I will be so upset if I have lost them.
I also had a ton of images saved from the internet, like blinkies, banners, blogger graphics, etc... I'd say I have spent a good 24-48 hours total in finding and download those graphics into my computer and then photobucket. ...Wait, if they are in my photobucket account, AND my computer, does that mean I still have them in my photobucket...I think it does. Oh, I hope so.
Anyways, I don't know when I"ll be able to get back to the computer again. I'm not sure if he'll let me use his computer everyday until mine gets fixed. My mom said the same thing happened to her and she had to buy a new hard drive. UGH!!! I don't have money to be buying a new hard drive. Meatgrinder still isn;t working yet.
Anyways...I'll update in another post about the family.

Friday's Feast #2

2006-08-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

Fridays Feast #2

Appetizer
Name an actor or actress you think is totally underappreciated.

I think Mike Meyers is underappreciated. I think he is hillarious. We need more kid friendly movies with him in them.

Soup
Impress us by using a big word in a sentence.

My brother has a blog called A Jovial Threnody. He posts all his poems and songs and stories there. Check it out it's pretty cool.

Salad
What is something inanimate that you've given a name to (such as a pet rock)?

hmmmm. let me think....oh, I got it. We have named our van. I thought it was strange, but my husbands family all have names for their cars and talk about them as if they are alive. Like...Morty was really fiesty today and tried to cut someone off on the highway...
My kids didn't want to be left out, so we named our van Tristan. I love the name and wanted to name one of my sons that, but my hubby says no. So at least I got to name something Tristan.

Main Course
What color would best represent your personality and why?
I'd love to say Red would represent my personality, but I don't think it does. It's just my favorite color. I think Blue most represents my personality, because Blue is a calming color and I like to think I can remain calm in most situations.

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: ____________ is so ____________.

Tim McGraw is so SEXY!!!! I just absolutely love him.

My first Thursday 13

2006-08-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

 
Thirteen Things about Shaylondon

1. I was born in Mesa Arizona
2. I moved to Texas and lived there for 10+ years
3. I wish I was still in Texas
4. I have 5 beautiful kids
5. I LOVE sign language. I'm teaching myself and kids signs as I learn them. I'd love to go to college and get a degree in it.
6. I am going to be starting an EMT class with my brother at the end of August.
7. I have red hair and green eyes
8. I have factor 5 lyden. It's a blood disorder that I have to take care of only when I'm pregnant. I can get blood clots easier than most pregnant women.
9. I had a pulmonary embolism after my 3rd child. They found it on a chest x-ray. I was admitted to the hospital. My husband and a friend gave me a blessing that everything would be ok. Afterwards the doctors did all kinds of tests and said I didn't have one. It had disappeared.
10.I have been married for 6 1/2 years to Meatgrinder. We met in church 16 years ago and even went to the same high school. We lost contact with each other and then he found me in 1998 by chance and church.
11.I love to sing and have been told that I have an amazing voice. I am terrified to sing in front of people though.
12.I love to go camping with my family.
13. I love to go to the shooting range and shoot a Berretta .22 LR handgun. That one is my favorite. I shot all 6 rounds of the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum "Dirty Harry" handgun, into the gong at 200 yards!!! Everyone told my husband he had better stay in line.

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Pain clinic visit

2006-08-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

So daddy (Meatgrinder) went to the Pain Clinic today. It was a good visit. The doctor is going to do an epidural steroid injection on him next Monday. I'm not sure what exactly it is, but he said it could get rid of his pain for up to 3 years, or it could not give him any pain relief. I REALLY hope it gives him the longest pain relief. Sage do you know more about these types of epidurals??

Another visit from Fussy Lou Who

2006-07-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

OK, so we got another visit from Fussy Lou Who. It was so much fun. She was so playful and happy. She is such a cute baby.

The three little girls had matching dresses for church. It was so adorable.

Here's the play by play of Fussy Lou taking Tootie's binkie. He wasn't too happy. We were laughing.

SHHHH!! Don't tell her mom we drugged her. Just kidding. These are just funny. I don't know what she was doing. Tootie was blinking when I took the pic.

Here she is with her daddy Thought-bender. It was so sweet to see them playing together.

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-07-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

Ok So something happened to some of my pictures and links. I am in the process of fixing the blog. All the links to blogrolls that I had on my sidebar I have to redo. I am in the process of doing it, but it takes a while and I have 5 kids. So, I'll try to get them all back up no later than tomorrow. Thanks.

update. I think everything is fixed now. If you find something wrong, please let me know. Hope you enjoy your visit.

Monday Madness

2006-07-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

Monday Madness

OK, so here's another blogroll I just joined. It's called...., Monday Madness. They post questions for you to answer to learn more about each other. Enjoy!!

1. Do you have a photo blog? If so, feel free to share the link with us!

This is my photo blog. You can look at all my pictures of my family here. I don't know what a photoblog is.

2. How many pets do you own, and what are their names? If none, have you had a favorite pet in the past?

I have a dog named Blue. He's a Corgi mix,(what he's mixed with we don't know).

3. How many times a week does the carpet in your house get vacuumed? No carpet? How many times a MONTH do your floors get mopped?

I have hardwood floors downstairs and they get vacuumed everyday. Otherwise you step on stuff all day long. Upstairs is carpet and I vacuum that 2x a week. Mondays and Thursdays.

4. Which room in your house do you spend the most time in?

The living room. It has the TV, computer, and couch to lounge on.

5. Have you read any good books lately?

The last book I read was...the 10th book in the "Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites" series. I'm waiting for the 11th to come out. They are great books.

6. What is your biggest source of news? (Newspaper? Television? Radio? Other?)

My husband. He is always listening to talk radio or watching the news. When I do get a chance to watch the news I tell him what I've learned and he says, "Oh yea, I know, and also...." then he tells me so much more than I saw on the TV.

Saturday Photo Hunt

2006-07-30T17:43:00.000-07:00








Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.

Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

Ok. So I just joined the Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt. Every Saturday (that I can) I'll be posting the picture from their theme. This weeks theme is Pets/Animals.

This is my brother's cat Cyan. Isn't this hillarious? She is really sticking out her tongue!!

Friday's Feast

2006-07-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

This is a new post about Friday's Feast.
It is a new fun way to get to know more about each other.

Appetizer
What's the funniest dream you can remember having?

I don't remember any funny dreams. I actually can't remember any right now.

Soup
If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why?

I'd love to be an Australian Shephard. They are so fun loving and loyal, yet very protective of their family.

Salad
Continue this sentence: "I get confused when..."

What?? Oh, ok .... My husband tries to explain math, chemical dilutions, and firearms calibers. He is so stinkin' smart, I just can't follow his thinking sometimes.

Main Course
Name two things that need to be done, but you are procrastinating in completing.

Registering my kids in school. I just don't want to get in the car to drive there. It is too hot and humid right now.
Filling out paperwork to get a house. I don't know why I'm not doing it; maybe I'm scared to have my own house.

Dessert
When was the last time you tried something new, and what was it?

I went down the waterslides at Sunsplash. They were scary cuz one was pitch black and then had lights blinking, and the other one had crazy twists and turns. That was about 3 weeks ago. I loved it.

My Grandpa

2006-07-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures. It was taken about a year before Grandpa passed away. I miss him so much. Grandpa and Grandma have helped me out so many times. They let Sassy and me live with them while I was going to school, before I got married. They babysat Sassy for me while I was at school, and when I'd go out with friends. He is the greatest grandpa ever. He was always doing something for someone else. He was always in his woodshop working on a new carving. He was an amazing woodworker. Their house is full of wood carvings. Each grandchild got to pick one after he died. Now that each grandchild has one, the greats get to pick. So all my kids, and myself have a carving from Grandpa. I'm sad that they won't know him more than they do. They won't get to grow up with his positive influence in their lives. He lived life to the fullest and was always doing something. He didn't waste his life away sitting in front of the TV, or complaining about life and family. He always looked to the positive about everyone. Even when the positive was buried way deep down. He loved everyone to the fullest, and made sure you knew it. I can only hope that I can try to be that kind of person. We miss you Grandpa. We love you.

Sassy babysits

2006-07-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I leave the kids with Sassy to babysit. AAHHHH!!!!

William-Joseph

2006-07-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

So here is my cousin.... William Joseph. He is an EXTRAORDINARY pianist. He has gotten to tour with Josh Grobin, and Clay Aiken. His show is amazing. He has a CD out by Warner Brothers and producer David Foster. He has produced people like, Barbara Striesand, Michael Jackson (before he was strange), Whitney Houston, Josh Groban, Michael Buble', etc.... Check out his website and buy his CD. You won't be sorry. Oh, and yes he's married and has 2 boys. So, sorry he's not single.

Sage-my dad

2006-07-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Sage. If you're brave enough, click on the link on the side and go visit his website.

2006-07-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Just a few pretty pictures here.

This was a sunset a few days ago.

More chiropractor visits

2006-07-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

This time when we went, "Dr. Pain in the Neck" treated Blossom. She had fallen in the shower and hit her back on the side of the tub.

She did not like her neck being cracked. She was laughing the whole time she was getting adjusted. When she got up, she had tears in her eyes. It scared her. She didn't want to flip over on her tummy so it was Stinky's turn.

He just wanted to get on the table, so he layed down and doc cracked him up. He was laughing the whole time too.

Then I bribed Blossom to get back on the table. I told her I'd hold her hand the whole time. She did great.

This is a picture of what I thought was a tree with metal around the leaves. Daddy said it's not. It's completely metal. He said it's a cell phone site. I had always thought it was a real tree. But if you look at the "trunk" you can tell it's metal.

Visit from friends

2006-07-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Our friends from our old neighborhood came to visit us yesterday. It was great to see them again. They have 3 kids. J.J., Trae. and Tris.

Here's Blossom and Trae. They were in the same Kindergarten class. They were going to marry each other. Both agreed to it, but then Blossom told him to eat some sand. He did it, and she said she didn't want to marry him anymore cuz that was gross. It was great.

Stinky and Tris were playing dress ups. He's Batman (duh) and she's Belle.

Tinkerbelle and Tris. were eating their lunch. mac and cheeeeeeeeese!!!

We went to the city pool and had a blast. It was Sassy's 11th b-day and we wanted to go swimming. It rained in the morning and there were dark clouds, so we didn't know if we were going to be able to swim. But it cleared up, so we went.

Trae. went off the diving board and loved it. They wouldn't let him go off the big one though. You have to be at least 8 yrs old.

Here's Sassy and J.J.. They were swimming in the deep pool while we were in the kiddie pool.

Chiropractor visit

2006-07-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here's daddy at a visit to the chiropractor. I hadn't been to a visit with him, so I was surprised to see what happens. This is the massage table that he lays on for 10 min. Doctor "Pain in the neck" is a great doctor and personal friend. (Tinkerbelle came up with that nick name for him). He has done so much to help daddy with his back. Because he lives within walking distance of us, we can call on him any time we need to. He is such a wonderful friend/doctor. He was reading the MRI report to us in this picture. It's good/bad news. Not as bad as we thought, but we're waiting for the actual films so we can see them to really know what's going on.

Then he gets his head in a vise. lol. He goes on the decompression table to....yep, decompress. His whole body pretty much gets tied down and the doc turns a crank on a screw to stretch him out.

Then half the table moves and doc folds him in half.....kinda. The bottom half of the table moves up and down and back and forth.

After that, he gets on the table. It's cool cuz it is standing up, and lowers you down to a horizontal position automatically. That's where he really got his neck worked on.

It scares me seeing doc crack his neck. It just looks painful. But I've had it done and it feels so good.

Stinky came with us and was just playing around with his truck.

Back again

2006-07-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

So we took dad back to the hospital. Blah, blah, how fun. We dropped him off and then went to eat. Tootie got his first piece of pizza. Ok so it's only the crust, but he loved it. Blossom didn't want to share her pizza with him.

We were there all day at the hospital. I could've just left him there, but he wasn't doin so hot and I needed to tell the doc everything. I knew he'd forget something. So that's why we waited there too.
Tootie decided that it was going to be the day he stood for the first time. It was so cute.
Dad had ice on his neck to help with the pain.
Sassy was tired and didn't feel good.

The kids did an awesome job being quiet in the ER. You wouldn't have known there were 5 kids in there if you didn't look. I am so proud of them for behaving. Stinky got restless towards the end, but he did good too. It was so COLD in there, we all had blankets.

Daddy is on the phone talking to his boss, letting him know what's going on.

Here's the deal. This is why we keep going to the ER. He has a regular doc that has been seeing him for 2 years. Well, he goes on vacation quite often and when he does, daddy has to either go without his meds if it is the refill time, or see another doc. Well, his doctor told the other docs that he was the only one allowed to see dad. That way he could monitor his progress and pain. He is on some really high pain meds. Well, doc was out of town and daddy needed a refill, so that's why we took him to the ER last week. When he went back to the doc this week, he told him about the ER visit and getting refills. The doc told him he was going to have to go somewhere else to get his pain meds. He wasn't going to take care of him anymore. So he left him high and dry with NOTHING!!!!! You can't go from what he was on, to nothing!!! He is a mess right now. We tried to get an MRI at the ER, but they said it has to be an actual emergency. Like his head is falling off or something. He has a perforated/bulging disk in his neck and his chiropractor needs to know where it's at now. He broke his neck in 1996 and has either c-4 and c-5, or c-5 and c-6,(can't remember at the moment and he's asleep so I can't ask him), fused together with bone taken from his hip, with a titanium plate and 4 screws. So he is in a lot of pain.
But we deal with it and life goes on. We are now looking for a pain management clinic that will take care of him. Oh, plus we have no insurance since he started a new job. The old one was supposed to cover him for 60 days, but they cut him off immediately. So wish us luck and please pray for him to not have too much pain while we're in transition.

birthday cake

2006-07-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

So Saturday, Tinkerbelle woke up to the house decorated for her birthday. She wanted streamers and balloons and a cake and candles. So I did. Even though her b-day was about 2 weeks ago. That night we made the cake. Here is Tootie and dad chillin' while the rest of the family is makin the cake.

Tinkerbelle wanted a bundt cake. She liked the design of it. She also wanted to decorate it herself. So her and Stinky made their own cake.

It was a devils food cake with homemade white frosting.

I even found sprinkles. The hole in the cake got filled with frosting. It was about 2 inches deep.

The candles were magic ones. They kept relighting. There were 12 candles in the box, 4 of each color, so we sand happy b-day to Blossom, Tinkerbelle, and Stinky. Then they each blew out their own candles.

A visit from Whoville

2006-07-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

We got a visit from Fussy Lou Who from Whoville. She got to stay the night with us. Blossom played with her in the pack 'n play.

I put her on the stairs and she started climbing up them a little. She's doing lunges right now.

Then we gave the babies a bath. Tootie loved it. He was splashing away and making a huge mess; spilling water all over the floor. Fussy Lou was just kinda sitting there quietly eating the toys. She did not make any mess on her side of the sink. Thank you Fussy Lou.

Then all of a sudden........waaaahhhh!!!!!!

She just started screaming and wouldn't stop. So she got a bottle and went to bed for the night at about 6pm. She slept the WHOLE night, and woke up at about 8:30 am.

She had a happy morning as Tinkerbelle was feeding her. Blossom was feeding Tootie. Sure glad I have 2 high chairs.

Tinkerbelle was trying to get her to open her mouth. It's funny, Fussy Lou is a slow eater, and Tootie is a speedy eater.

.....and they're off...looks like Fussy Lou Who is in the lead at this point, but Tootie is catching up. It's a close race......

"Please, please, no more pictures. I'm just glad to have won the race and not had any injuries. I'd like to thank my mom and dad, for all their support......"

Thought-bender and Fussy Lou Who

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKIN' AT?!

That was our day with Fussy Lou Who. We had a good time visiting with her and Nellie Bellie and Thought-Bender. Come back to visit soon Fussy Lou Who.

Once again!!!

2006-07-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

You'll NEVER guess what happened. Yep, our AC went out again. The kids slept with wet towels on them.

Here's the DUMB machine!!!

The AC guy came again, (cuz I called the company myself) and tried to fix the problem. Here's one of the problems. The connector is burned up and just hanging inside the AC unit. So he replaced the burnt parts and taped it up nice and neat. Then after he got it all put back together, he was waiting to make sure it worked right, and it cut off. So the motor is burned up. It is turning itself off when it gets too hot. So he has to go get another motor all the way across town. So it's still hot here. He said he'll be back this afternoon/early evening.

Here he is. He was way cool. He found some salamanders and showed the kids. He also sprayed them with the hose when they were outside playing in the water. Sassy was the only one who dared hold the salamander.

The warranty company told me we were going to have to pay again for them to do the work and I told him no. I said we weren't going to pay any more money, cuz we've already spent almost $1000. Yep. I'm sure we could've bought a new unit for that much. Ok maybe not, but close enough. I explained to him all the money that we've spent and that I wasn't going to pay any more. He said, ok, I waived it for you, and I'm probably going to get my butt chewed out for it. I thanked him sincerely and so we are just waiting for him to get back with the part.
Yea mom!!! I know how to get what I want. Most of the time. lol

Our 4th of July

2006-07-05T12:12:00.001-07:00

Well, we had a wonderful day yesterday. First thing in the am, Nana took the b-day kids to the store for ice cream and a present. Stinky fell asleep in the car taking dad to the chiropractor.

Then we went to Golfland Sunsplash with our friends, (the chiropractor's family). Blossom and her friend T. were going down the slide together. Tinkerbelle kept going over and over. They were doing great at swimming in the 1 foot water. Stinky was terrified to walk in it though. He kept screaming "hold you! hold you!!"

Tootie LOVED splashing in the water. He had a huge smile on his face. He also loved the hot dog that dad let him taste. Don't worry, he just tasted it with his tongue, we didn't feed any to him.

We went over to the golfing side and golfed. The kids had fun, but Tinkerbelle fell and skinned her knee and it was just too hot. So we abandoned the golfing and went to the water again.

While Blossom, Tinkerbelle and mom went back to the water, dad, Sassy, Tootie, and Stinky stayed and played in the huge castle play area.

My beautiful girls. lol

Then came the arcades. All the kids loved the motorcycle and car racing games.

My cute boys. lol

We were there from 2pm to 10pm, so we missed the fireworks. We were just having so much fun. I hope you and your family had as much fun celebrating this special day for America.

Funny kids

2006-07-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

Sassy right now is teaching the kids how to sing "Take me out to the ball game" She is making them sing it over and over again. We have it on karaoke and she is pointing to the words on the TV and having them sing it one line at a time. Then they are auditioning for the "performance"

Last night we were all watching the show, called...oh I can't remember what it's called. I think it's the Worlds most shocking videos. They were showing the running of the bulls and a guy got the horns of the bull right up his bum. They showed it over and over again. He flew up in the air and landed on it. It looked very painful to say the least. Well, I said, "that's why you don't ever do the running of the bulls" and Blossom said, "just the walking of the bulls?" I died!! It was so cute and innocent. When I started laughing she said, "wait, wait, I was just kidding". She is so cute.

Tinkerbelle is the one doing most of the singing right now to "Take me out to the ball game". She is having a fun time. Well she sang the line ...buy me some peanuts and Apple Jacks..... It was so cute. Sassy didn't correct her either. So they are lerning the song that way.

Stinky is dressed in nylons and makeup right now. I think he needs some male influence QUICKLY!!!! Where's the G.I. Joes and guns???!!!

Tootie is learning to stand up in his crib. Don't have a picture yet, cuz he'd fall down every time I tried to get one. He's not ready to show off yet I guess. We are also renaming him TANK. I know that was my brother's name as a baby, but he's following in his footsteps. He is growing so fast and getting cute rolls. I have to call him tank.
If I can find the picture of my brother as a baby, I'll post it. He was so cute, but so fat!!!

"Iron Mike"

2006-07-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

Another story about a soldier's bravery.

The Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant in the picture is Michael Burghard, part of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team that is supporting 2nd Brigade 28th Infantry Division (Pennsylvania Army National Guard).

Leading the fight is Gunnery Sgt Michael Burghardt, known as "Iron Mike" or just "Gunny." He is on his third tour in Iraq. He had become a legend in the bomb disposal world after winning the Bronze Star for disabling 64 IEDs and destroying 1,548 pieces of ordnance during his second tour. Then, on September 19, he got blown up. He had arrived at a chaotic scene after a bomb had killed four US soldiers. He chose not to wear the bulky bomb protection suit. "You can't react to any sniper fire and you get tunnel-vision," he explains. So, protected by just a helmet and standard-issue flak jacket, he began what bomb disposal officers term "the longest walk," stepping gingerly into a 5 feet deep and 8 feet wide crate
The earth shifted slightly and he saw a Senao base station with a wire leading from it. He cut the wire and used his 7 inch knife to probe the ground. "I found a piece of red detonating cord between my legs," he says. "That's when I knew I was screwed." Realizing he had been sucked into a trap, Sgt Burghardt, 35, yelled at everyone to stay back. At that moment, an insurgent, probably watching through binoculars, pressed a button on his mobile phone to detonate the secondary device below the sergeant's feet. "A chill went up the back of my neck and then the bomb exploded," he recalls. "As I was in the air I remember thinking, 'I don't believe they got me.' I was just ticked off they were able to do it. Then I was lying on the road, not able to feel anything from the waist down." His colleagues cut off his trousers to see how badly he was hurt. None could believe his legs were still there. "My dad's a Vietnam vet who's paralyzed from the waist down," says Sgt Burghardt. "I was lying there thinking I didn't want to be in a wheelchair next to my dad and for him to see me like that. They started to cut away my pants and I felt a real sharp pain and blood trickling down. Then I wiggled my toes and I thought, 'Good, I'm in business.' "As a stretcher was brought over, adrenaline and anger kicked in. "I decided to walk to the helicopter. I wasn't going to let my teammates see me being carried away on a stretcher." He stood and gave the insurgents who had blown him up a one-fingered salute. "I flipped them one. It was like, 'OK, I lost that round but I'll be back next week'."
Copies of a photograph depicting his defiance, taken by Jeff Bundy for the Omaha World-Herald, adorn the walls of homes across America and that of Col John Gronski, the brigade commander in Ramadi, who has hailed the image as an exemplar of the warrior spirit. Sgt Burghardt's injuries - burns and wounds to his legs and buttocks - kept him off duty for nearly a month and could have earned him a ticket home. But, like his father - who was awarded a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts for being wounded in action in Vietnam - he stayed in Ramadi to engage in the battle against insurgents who are forever coming up with more ingenious ways of killing Americans

Proud American

2006-07-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

I found this post on American and Proud of it. I was so touched by the story I had to post it. I am so proud to be an American. I love my country and all the service men and women that fight for our freedom. Please join my family in supporting our country tomorrow and every day.

Wear red on Fridays and send a message to the liberal media and politicians. Here’s why. The author is unknown and whether it’s true or not – uncertain. But the message still holds true, and the idea of wearing red on Fridays is a good way to show our support for the troops.

“Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.”

“Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.”

“Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.”

“The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other
servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.”

“After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."”

“The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.”

“We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.”

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

Fun day...not for dad

2006-07-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

So Saturday, I took dad to the ER to get another Rx for his pain meds. He was not too happy to go sit there for hours and hours. He got in right away though, so it wasn't a full day at the hospital. Can you see the thrill in his eyes. lol

The doc took x-rays and was in awe of the hardware in his neck. He also got some pain meds in an iv. (He's deathly afraid of needles) He did great getting it taken out. The nurse was really nice. He said she's the best at needles so far.

Afterwards we went to McD's for the kids b-day. Tinkerbelle really wanted to go there to eat, so we did. Sassy played video games of course, but then she got up and played with the kids.

They were all happy to be there of course.

Tootie was trying to eat the ice cream sundae lid. His gums were showing thru the lid and it was hilarious. Click on the picture to get a bigger view.

Blossom got swirl ice cream and put it on like lipstick.

So did Tink. She and Stinky, (in the background), had a lot of fun.

Tootie really wanted to eat a French fry, so I let him grab it and eat it. But he bit off a big piece so I had to take it away. That's when we gave him the ice cream lid.

Present time

2006-07-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here are the b-day kids. They got the new clothes and the bear from Aunt Tootsie Bella and Grammy

This outfit is from Aunt Tootsie Bella

Here's Tink loving her new bear "Frosty"

Stinky got a Superman truck from his cousins BooBoo, LeeLee and Dozer. He also got some more clothes and a stuffed puppy from Grammy. He also got a metal school bus that he loves.

Thank you for our presents!!! We're off to the movies now in Grammy's convertible "Sharky".

Christmas in July

2006-06-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

Ok....I thought I'd post some Christmas pictures now, so that maybe it'll help us cool off. At least for a moment. This is daddy, Tootie, and Fussy Lou Who.

Here's my absolute favorite picture of Tootie. He finished nursing and daddy decided he wanted to take a picture. The background with the trees is a burp cloth that I made. I had it laying across my stomach and a towel on my legs to protect me from puke. It is the most beautiful accidental picture we've ever taken. You'd never have guessed he was on my lap huh??

Mommy was holding Tootie and Fussy Lou Who. Even though they are not twins, they are just as much work since they are the same age. I had fun babysitting Fussbucket for a few months. It was a lot of work, but fun at the same time. I'd go out to the store with all 6 kids and people would stop and say how cute my babies were. If they didn't say anything else, I wouldn't tell them she wasn't mine. If they asked how old they were, then I'd tell them the story of her birth and that she wasn't mine. It was fun.

Nellie Bellie and I both dressed the babies in matching outfits not even knowing it. This was their first Christmas.

Family friends came to visit AZ for the winter. Their son and daughter-in-law live here, so they came to visit us. It was such a good visit seeing them again.

More baseball

2006-06-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Tootie was watching something. Not quite sure what.

Tootie attacking mom with kisses. He loves me. yea!!

Daddy and Blossom plotting what food to buy.

Here's my little stoner....I mean cotton candy freak.

Daddy got Panda Express at the game and Stinky tried to eat it with chop stix.

First baseball game

2006-06-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well, Tootie went to his first AZ Diamondbacks baseball game. He had a lot of fun. He even gave the man his ticket.

We sat right behind Louis Gonzalez. It was so much fun. Except the crowd was VERY boring. They couldn't even do the wave. The people in the next section over tried to start the wave about 15 times. Thank you Nana for the tickets!!! We had a blast!!!

He had fun sitting with his Nana, even though he's not smiling right here.

He kept kissing mom. Yep they were slimy kisses. I had to wipe my face afterwards. That's lipstick on his cheek.

Tinkerbelle and the rest of the kids kept playing musical chairs. They wanted to sit with Uncle Kaynos and Nana, and then they wanted to sit with us in the row behind them. The people sitting next to us were nice considering the kids kept climbing over the seat. Daddy got them cotton candy and they were SO wired. Stinky would not hold still and ended up spilling the $4 tub of popcorn that Nana had bought. Sorry Nana!!!!

It was a lot of fun, and the kids were embarrassed by me. I was screaming and yelling when we were supposed to. The only problem is, nobody else around was yelling. The croud was noisy, but I basically had to start the yelling and whistling when we were supposed to GET LOUD!!!! and MAKE SOME NOISE!!! The kids told me to be quiet at first, but after a while when they realized they were allowed to yell, they started in on it. Except Stinky was so wired that he was yelling all the time and not only when you're supposed to. Oh well. They had fun.

HALLELUJAH!!

2006-06-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

WE FINALLY HAVE AC AFTER A WEEK!!!!

The warranty company finally got their act together and called someone to get our AC fixed. So we were able to come home. Thank heavens!!! It's so nice being able to walk into your cool house instead of it being hot and muggy.

Well Tinkerbelle and Stinky are having a wonderful b-day. Tonight they are each going to have together time with Nana to get icecream. Tomorrow morning they are going with Grammy and Aunt Tootsie Bella to see the movie "Over the Hedge"
Blossom got to do the same thing for her b-day in May. Then after they get back we are going to go to the pool and have a PAR-TAY!!!! Shhhh they don't know yet. Don't worry if you weren't invited. It's just us. Mom, dad and kids. We can't afford anything big right now. So it's just the fam...

Still no AC

2006-06-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had the worst experience with the AC having gone out. The warranty company is the WORST to deal with. We were supposed to be on emergency status,and we STILL!!!!! don't have the AC fixed. How ridiculous is that. So we had our own guy come out 2 days ago and he looked at it and decided it needed a new compressor;It had gone to ground. So he called in to get his work authorized and the warrenty company didn't
have any of the info that he gave them. So they tried to call him to get the
info and he didn't answer for whatever reason. So once again another night
in a hotel. So yesterday the warranty company said that his quote was 2x the price of their own companies and they were going to find someone else to do the air. So today someone came out and looked at the AC and decided it needed a new compressor, (big surprise), and he had to get the parts. So it might get fixed tonight. Whatever.
Well throughout all this yucky stuff, we have had a great experience with the Best Western that we stayed at. They let us do late check outs and when we had to come back, they had the same rooms for us. Then yesterday Gray's friend that got him his job, said we could stay at his house. It is a BEAUTIFUL home. He is such a good friend. He said we can stay as long as we need to. So we are staying again tonight. The kids are loving it, cuz he has a pool and so they are swimming here.

Until then...today is Tinkerbelle's 5th b-day and Stinky's 3rd b-day and Tootie's 7 month b-day. Yep Tink and Stinky were both born on June 28th 2 years apart.
HAPPY
B-DAY!!!!

Stinky is digging for gold
Blossom is the alligator
Tinkerbelle is the cheetah

Yep, this is Big T's pool in his backyard. It was beautiful and so much fun staying there. The kids are still asking when we can go back. They didn't want to come home. Stinky started crying cuz he wanted to stay with Big T at his house.

Once again it's HOT!!!!!!!

2006-06-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well, we still have no AC. We have called about 5 times and they keep telling us it's put in emergency status. But nobody has come out. So we are still at the hotel. They are nice enough to let us do late checkouts at 3 or 4 o'clock. That way we can see if anyone is coming out to fix the AC or not, while staying in the hotel. So that's nice. I don't know how long the kids are going to like that; they're kinda going crazy in there. But they like the pool and being able to swim.
We'll see what happens today. The home warrenty guy said they will pay the hotel bill since nothing is getting taken care of yet.

Still no AC

2006-06-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here's the kids with towels on their heads. It was that hot in the house. It was also cooler outside than inside the house. Crazy. So we went to a hotel with Nana. It was so nice to be in a room with AC. You forget how lucky you are to have AC until it goes out. Especially here in AZ.

The kids were having a blast in the room. They said it felt like they were at Disneyland. I don't know why. The only time we've stayed at a hotel was when we went to Sea World.

The lady at the hotel, when we were checking out said we could stay longer since our AC was out. So we are going to go back to the hotel and swim. yea!!!! The AC company's answering maching said their hours were M-F 9am-5pm. So I'm guessing we are not going to get the AC fixed this weekend. yuck!!!!

But the kids are having fun.

Tootie actually started crawling around the room today. It's so neat. He was chasing a little blue toy dog. I'm so excited.

Fussy Lou Who

2006-06-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Fussbucket. She was born 3 months premature. She is technically the same age as Tootie, (6 1/2 months), just born early. She was 2 lbs when she was born if I remember correctly.

As you can see, she is doing great today. She is crawling all around the house and is now standing in the crib. She is 9 1/2 months old now and has no problems from being born that early. Thank Heavens!!!

Dimples

2006-06-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

Just an adorable picture of Tootie. I LOVE his dimples!!! He is the only one of my kids that have them. I kiss them so much I'm afraid they might fall off. lol

IT'S HOT!!!!!!!

2006-06-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

It is about 113 degrees today and guess what? Our AC is BROKEN!!!!!!! It is so STINKIN' HOT!! So the kids decided to go in the back to play in the water and cool off. They played in the mud too. Hey mud keeps animals cool right??? Blossom didn't want her picture taken in the mud, so she came in and got clothes on. Tootie was sleeping, and Stinky was inside the house.

Crawling

2006-06-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well Tootie is deciding he wants to crawl. So he is doing the Mogli positioning and then falls flat on his belly. ouch! He is working at it though.

He loves the vibrating toothbrush. Sassy put it in his mouth and turned it on and he loved it. I'm sure it felt great on his sore gums. It looks like he's getting 2 more teeth on the bottom. He already has the first 2(since 4 months old), and it looks like he's getting one on each side. So he'll have 4 bottom teeth. He didn't want her to stop brushing his teeth, that's why he's crying.

Bath time

2006-06-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

Tootie and Stinky were just that....Tootie and Stinky all day. So they took a bath and loved it. Tootie used to scream at every bath, and absolutely hated it. Now that he can sit up on his own though, he loves it and laughes and has a blast. Stinky wanted to do mohawks for both of them and so he did Tootie's mohawk, and I made his. He is such a nut!!!

New teeth

2006-06-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Tinkerbelle had some work done on her teeth a few months ago. She had 7 pulpotomies. That's baby root canals. Yep, OUCH!!!!She got her 5 top front teeth capped in white with silver backs; one molar on the top right and the bottom right. The molars got silver caps on them and she was SSOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
excited to have silver teeth. My baby has a grill!!! aaahhhhhh! But she is doing great and loves to show everyone her silver teeth.

Silly world

2006-06-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

Sassy was learning how to iron and was doing a good job at it. She was practicing on towels and was really enjoying it. Nothing got burned thankfully.

Then the iron attacked her. I guess it didn't like how she was handling it. She tried to fight it off, and she won. Yea Sassy!!!!

Tootie has learned how to sit by himself with out pillows surrounding him. YEA!!!!!!! He has a little cold right now and it's so sad cuz he is so stuffed up he can't breathe with his mouth closed. He is letting me spray saline up his nose and then suction without crying. He is so brave. He's not getting much sleep at night right now.

Blossom wanted a funny picture of her too. So she took a big drink of water and let it dribble out a little.

Silly kids

2006-06-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday the kids just had a fun, crazy day. Stinky was copying his sister by wearing the headband. They were both pretending to exercise. I couldn't pass up the picture.

We took a walk and Stinky and Tinkerbelle both wanted to drive the car. Once they got in it though, they realized they were too big for it and had to get out. Blossom was riding another bike, and Sassy was riding her Heely's.

New job

2006-06-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Well, dad actually made it thru his first week of work. He started last Monday at Western Paper Distributors. He is a Sales Assistant for one of his buddies. It is a great job with a much better pay than his old job. He is learning so much about the company and all the great products they sell. He is so happy to be at a good reputable company that treats him with respect. There is a link for anyone to check out the company. Thank you to everyone that prayed for him to get this job, we appreciate it.

Sassy

2006-06-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hello, Today I made my secret recipe for hot cocoa for my mom, and she LOVED IT !!! When I told my mom what my secret was she said, "That's very interesting."

Potty trained

2006-06-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

I am fully potty trained!!!! I decided to do it on my own and was trained last week. I'm even dry at night. Mom still puts a diaper on me though just in case (at night). I have my own underware...Scooby Doo, Nemo, Spiderman, and Superman. The Superman ones are my favorite.
Hooray for me!!!! I got a tootsie roll every time I went #1 and since it was more difficult for me to go #2, I got to pick my own handful. But now that I am going all the time, I get 1 for each time I use the potty!Oh, and I'm not even 3 yet!!

More Giggles

2006-06-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Stinky decided he wanted a turn getting massaged. Then Blossom did his back and he decided he didn't like it, so he would be the one doing the massaging. Stinky and Tootie were playing around after everyone else was asleep. UGH!!! Mom is so tired!!!

Giggle Fest

2006-06-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

The kids were getting massages with the back massager from Stinky and laughing hysterically. Tootie had been asleep, but they were so loud they woke him up. This is him, looking around trying to figure out what is going on. It was 9pm when he woke up and he didn't fall back asleep untill 11pm. ugh!!!

Jedi's

2006-06-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

My little Jedi's. Stinky's balloon says, "thomethings on ny thung"

Catheter where???!!!!

2006-06-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

We thought Stinky had a bladder infection, so I took him to the hospital and they had to give him a catheter. This was the picture before it happened. He was happy and playing around. Turns out there was nothing wrong, so he got it for nothing. We did figure out though that he was wiping after going #1, and that's what irritated it to the point that he was screaming. That's what he saw his sisters doing so he thought that was what he was supposed to do. Now he doesn't do that anymore. He's doing better now, and we're glad.

First real food

2006-06-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

I got to eat a hotdog today. I absolutely LOVED it. I want to eat real food so bad! I'm tired of the rice cereal and formula. I want a steak with potatoes.

Dinner

2006-06-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

Sassy had a wonderful dinner. Burritos....She worked her booty off helping mom unpack and taking care of the kids. She is such a big help.

Tootie bathing

2006-06-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

I had a rough day today. I think I have an ear infection. I just wanted to be held today all day long. So when my mom or Sassy put me down, I cried. So mom put me in the sink for a bath and I LOVED it!!!

Mom & Dad

2006-06-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Here we are. We are the proud parents of the following children. Sassy, Blossom, Tinkerbelle, Stinky and Tootie. They are such good kids. We love them!!!!

Sassy

2006-06-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

We went to visit the snow last year and it was COLD!!!! We brought our 2 dogs, Charley and Blue. They had fun and so did I until my hands froze. The snow melted thru my gloves and I thought I was going to die. It hurt so bad. I don't know if I ever want to go back to the snow.

Blossom

2006-06-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

I just got a new hair cut from my mom and her friend. I wanted to go short and my mom didn't want me to. But I won. It's so cute though. I just won't let my mom style my hair.

Tinkerbelle

2006-06-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

I am such a superstar. I love being in front of the camera and singing and performing.

Stinky

2006-06-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

I was at the hospital with a 106 temperature. You can't tell by looking at me. They took blood from my hand too and I didn't like that. They didn't find anything wrong. I'm better now.

Tootie

2006-06-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

I was laughing hysterically at my older sisters. They were jumping up and down and making faces at me. I sure do love them.