Chad and Marci Green

Well, Hello!

2012-02-01T18:39:00.001-08:00

Ok, the truth is....is that I promised myself that I would start blogging more...as a New Years Resolution. I'm not too late, am I? I haven't documented our lives at all for the past 6 months. That's horrible. But, my motto is "better later than never!"

So here we are. And, I'm not sure how to back log the past 6 months. I am sure it will come out little by little in the next 6 months though, so lets get started. I have a lot to share, and a lot to say. But first, lets start small and slow.

A picture

She still has short hair. Why? Because last week I found it stuffed between the couch cushions. So, short it is!!

2011-07-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

Life is a tinsy winsy bit harder for everyone when an entire cycle of slumber has been disregarded.

What do we do for a little girl who threw up all night and her mom who stayed up with her?

Tehya treated her to a therapeutic spa treatment
(thanks Grandma Green for the nail kit!)

and the boys helped me make gluten free cookies to sweeten up the day.

And Vanna threw the cookies up.

A taste of Sardines

2011-07-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Jacob's been asking me to buy him sardines for a while now. I almost caved at Costco the last time he asked for them, and thank goodness I have such a level headed husband. He reminded me that it might be wiser to try a small can first. He's so smart! Today, during our monthly Trader Joe's trip, Jacob again reminded me that he wanted a can of sardines. The pink can never left his hands through the entire store. I really don't know where his desire for sardines came from.

Upon arriving home, he dug in before I could even get the groceries put away.

The VERDICT????

The boys loved them! Strange. Between the two of them, they ate the entire can. Tehya almost lost her stomach contents, and Savannah, I don't think she was even aware of what they were eating. They DO stink pretty horribly. I tried a small amount...not bad. Not great...but not too bad. I heard they were really good to eat before a long run. Maybe I'll be brave enough to let a few slide down my throat before the next 13 miler I do. (I did throw one more can into the cart before we left).

I saved the empty can to show Chad when he gets back from his travels...just in case there is any doubt lingering in his mind of the truth of this story.

2011-07-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Um, I've neglected this blog for quite a while now. There has been many times that I write a thought or post for the blog in my mind, but never see it materialized into real words. It seems I've gotten a bit lazy on this end, and I know there are grandparents out there who would love more consistent updates. Sorry. I'll be better. I promise.

Now for the condensed catch up...

April was a wonderful month. Although, I'm having a hard time remembering what wonderful things it brought for our family. Oh ya, I ran a race on the 30th. Three days after I turned 31. I was worried my age would play a part in my body falling apart, but it held together well during the 5k and I was able to place 5th overall, 2nd female to cross the finish, and 1st in my age division. It was a blast!!! You might not want to hear this part, but I did have to duck behind the police car parked at the finish line to throw up. Lucky me, my stomach was empty and calmed down just in time to cheer Chad across the finish line in his best 5k time yet!!!! He ran a wonderful race too.

May was fun, with a constant flow of guests from the beginning of the month straight through last week. Nothing makes me happier than to have company. We watched my nephew Truman for a little while, then his mom came and stayed with us for a bit, then Chad had a friend and his brother stop in, then my cute cousin Michelle came for a wonderful chunk of time, then a week after she left, my mom arrived for a week of fun and relaxation.

We have missed our guests since they have all left, and I'm sure the kids would love to return to those days when we were entertaining instead of cleaning. Last week we started our "Summer Schedule". After taking many "imputs and advices" from the kids we concocted a summer schedule that resides on a poster board on our wall. It's filled with all sorts of things.. from cleaning to crafts, and although they protested it's initial beginning, they are much happier children when we follow it. It's also been wonderful for me because did you know that if you have 4 kids cleaning the house for 30 minutes, that really equals 2 hours of cleaning? Why did it take me so long to figure this out? Why didn't I have 4 more kids? I'm getting so much done, well, I should say "we're" getting so much done with just 30 minutes of cleaning a day. It does a body and soul good to have a clean and orderly house, with just 30 minutes a day. Did I say it only takes 30 minutes a day?

That's pretty much it! Well, besides all wonderful strides Jacob has been making (that's a whole different post) and my never ending GI journey ( I just had a colonoscopy on Friday). And my Dad had a pretty bad heart attack 5 weeks ago, but he's doing so great now. He's lost a ton of weight since, and I can't wait to see him again and squeeze his shrinking stomach in the biggest hug! And...my mom, my cute mom is a runner now! She runs almost every day, does Zumba and has also lost a ton of weight and weighs less than I did in high school. We can share clothes now. So amazing. Oh, and the race I ran last month, was the worst race I've ever ran. For the first time in my life, I wanted to drop out and slip out of sight. It was only 4 miles and I just couldn't move. Hummm, I better close before I ramble any more. Now to keep my promise of more blogging...I'll be back soon! Love you all!

4 inches shorter!

2011-03-29T14:52:00.001-07:00

Look who got a hair cut! It was getting so long, and she cried every time I brushed it out. She brought me the scissors and asked if I would cut it. Tehya wanted it long like hers, but I think it's still too baby fine to grow it that long. Maybe in a couple of years.

Race Day

2011-03-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

The morning started earlier than most mornings for us. I woke up 2 minutes before my alarm went off...at 3:58 am. Race day jitters!!!

Marie (a cute girl I ran Ragnar with last year) picked me up at 5 and we started on our journey into DC for the Suntrust National Half Marathon. Thanks to another dear friend and 2 more teenage babysitters in the neighborhood, Chad was able to come and wait for me at the finish line.

It was a cold 30 degrees at the start line, but that's what we've all been running in all winter, so it wasn't a surprise. The sun was just coming up, the air was crisp, it was a perfect day for a race.

I absolutely love the energy that surrounds a race. It seems to add a little extra spring in your step. I crossed the finish line in 1:43:08, two minutes faster than my goal. As soon as I saw the finish line, I had to fight back the tears. I ran under the finish line arch, and let the tears escape. For some reason, I get so emotional every time I cross a finish line. Maybe because it reminds me so much of life here on this earth and what it will be like when we finally return home to Heaven. It reminds me of how we are all running a race. It's so hard some times, but we hope our work will be worth it. We spend so much time training, perfecting, practicing. I love the symbolism of our loved ones waiting on the other side of the finish line...cheering us on...waiting for us to cross into their wide open arms. I especially love it when we reach our goals and we can cross the finish line knowing we've done the best we can. I love racing. It reminds me of life. Every time.

we're still alive over here!

2011-03-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a long time. I've got a lot of catching up to do. Chad spent the past 3 months traveling, and we were able to join him for his last week out of town in Alabama. It was wonderful. I could really get used to living in a hotel. Someone to make your bed, clean your bathroom, and your own personal gym. Perfect! We're so glad to have him home now. I really don't know how all those single moms do it. It's tough running a household alone! I'm grateful for how hard he works for us.

I have to take a moment to talk about my mom. I'm so proud of her, I can barely contain it! She started running a little bit ago, and now she's up to 3 miles without stopping. Isn't that so cool!? It makes me smile every time I think about it. They are coming to see us soon, and we are planning a 5k just for her with all the bells and whistles... well, not really bells and whistles, but a finishers medal, t-shirt, and she will break the tape at the end! So fun!

Speaking of races, I have a half marathon this weekend. Wish me luck!

2011-01-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

The Girls in their new Christmas dresses!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Jones.

They looked so beautiful today.

And Jacob wanted his picture taken too.

He's such a good little man,

and a good looking little man also

2011-01-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Is there a better way to start the new year than with a RACE?

Vanna was up sick all night, so I left the house alone this morning.

No little cheerleaders to love me across the finish line.

No tiny runners to run with me for the last 30 feet.

No amazing running partner named Nat who's sick too.

Just me, myself and I.

There was one runner in front of me named Marcy, with a Y, and she had lots of cheerleaders.

I just pretended they were cheering for me.

That was fun, and helpful.

A nice lady also stuck with me to help me keep pace.

That was fun, and helpful too!

When I felt like slowing down, she reminded me pick up my legs, and my pace. When I came to a hill, she reminded me to let my legs lengthen and speed up. I wish I had someone like that every race.

My goal was 22 minutes.

I didn't reach my goal.

Next time.

I ran 23 minutes, which is the same time I got late in October. I am glad I am back where I was before my surgery.

Guess what else I'm glad about?

I won an award in my age division. A gift certificate to the running store!

When they called my name, I couldn't resist jumping up and down. Did I really hear my name?

I even let out a little scream.

I was so excited to tell Chad that I ran all the way back to my car to call him.

My first award!

I'm in shock!

I'm saving it for some new running shoes.

My sweet running team that I coached gave me a gift certificate to the same store after the last running season ended.

Isn't that so thoughtful?

It too is going toward my new running shoes.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!

A New York Christmas!

2010-12-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

A month after my surgery, and I'm finally feeling 100%!

What a wonderful feeling it is to be able to have a perfectly happy throat.

No more sores on my tonsils.

No more headaches.

That awful surgery was well worth a month of my life.

We decided last minute to head to NY for Christmas.

It was perfect timing, since Chad's parents and two brothers were flying in from Utah too.

Staying in Times Square is always an adventure.

The kids kept calling people bad guys.

I shouldn't have shown them Home Alone 2 before we left.

We woke up the first morning to head out to the toy stores.

After a long day of shopping we met Mark, Liz, Tom and Travis at a live nativity somewhere in NY.

What a treat that was.

In fact, it might have been my favorite thing about Christmas this year.

To sit in that beautiful stone church, with high ceilings, children singing, and watching Mary ride a donkey between the pews toward the front of the church,

I couldn't help but feel the true meaning of Christmas,

remembering our Savior Jesus Christ.

It was just beautiful.

Thanks Liz for taking us there.

Thanks Liz again for taking some pictures of my family.

I usually choose to leave my camera at home instead of being tempted to watch the kids through a lens.

It's too easy to forget about my parental responsibilities when I've got my camera around my neck.

Here's some in front of the tree at Rockefeller Center

and

Some watching the light display on the side of the Macys building.

So much fun!

Oh ya, and Vanna and Jack on the bus.

My Christmas Day treat was getting to finally meet my new niece, Chantel. Liz is such an amazing mom, and it was a treat to be able to meet her new little baby, who was born 11 weeks early and is still in the NICU.

Wish me luck!

2010-11-17T17:36:00.000-08:00

I'm going under the knife tomorrow! (I was going to make a funny joke here, about surgery, but decided it wasn't appropriate.)

The day has finally come for me to get my tonsils out.

And my deviated septum fixed.

And I'm freaking out.

Really.

I think I ate as much as I could today. The thought of not being able to eat scares me. So now, off to sleep, just to wake up and head into the surgery room.

I'm doing my best to be brave, but I'm not so good at that.

Wish me luck!!!!!

2010-11-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

I love these guys!! Happy November!

2010-11-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

I just found our Ocean City photos from our July vacation. How could I have forgotten about them?

Are you guys tired of race posts?

2010-10-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

We just got done with another race! It was really fun pinning the bibs onto my 4 children this morning for the kids run. They loved the race and asked if we could do it again next week. I promised we would do it again next year. I am so glad they are catching on to the energy and fun of racing. Chad was so kind to sit out this year and be the responsible adult so we all could run.

I came down with an awful cold this week...and was a bit worried last night as I went to bed with an aching body and tissue stuffed up my nose. I probably should have not gone today, but I really wanted to qualify for the dc National Half Marathon, and I was worried about it filling up before I could find another race to run.

There is just something magical about racing. Every time I cross the finish line, I get really emotional. Today I felt so silly as I held back tears when I saw the finish line approaching. When I saw my time, I couldn't hold back any longer. I walked up to Chad and my kids and just sobbed. The look on their faces told me they didn't know what to think of me. My goal was to finish in 32 minutes, which is the cut off for qualifying for the Half Marathon. When I crossed the finish line, the clock read 23 minutes. The fastest guy was 15 minutes and the fastest girl was 17 minutes. Crazy huh! The last time I ran a 5k my time was 35 minutes.

I'm way too emotional.

But happy.

I got home and loaded up on the advil to bring my fever down, and I am feeling good. It's good to know that the runners high still comes even if you are sick.

Now for a few days of resting and snuggling my kids, then back to reality!

Thanks for letting me share this with you guys. It's nice having a whole blog of cheerleaders!

DC National, here I come!!!

RAGNAR!!!

2010-09-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update! I just finished DC's RAGNAR relay.

What does that mean?

36 hours

7 amazing girls

2 hours of sleep (if that)

our team covered 201.5 miles

Lots of fun!!

Ready to do it again!

Here's just a few pictures. I'll put more up later, with all the gory details.

Bye!!!

Our team

Ready for my last run...

2010-09-19T17:53:00.001-07:00

I'm still alive! Natalie and I survived the crazy trail run half marathon this weekend!

And it was so much fun...

I'm already geared up to do it again next year.

We climbed 2,700 vertical feet in the first 3.5 miles. Insane.

The rest of the run was great. I almost cried when I saw the finish line...I know, silly.

Natalie and I both had a couple of almost crashes, but besides a few scratches from branches, the only battle wounds we have are a few sore muscles. It was so much fun!!!

We both decided we have the best husbands...who doubled as camera crew and cheering squad. Thanks Chaddy. And thanks Nat for doing these crazy things with me!

2010-09-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

So, lots of catching up to do...
Beach
Flooded basement
School
Rooster attacks
New York and the Waldorf

But my current news is...

I am running my first half marathon with my dear friend Nat this weekend!!!!!

And it's a trail run!!!

And we climb over 3,000 vertical feet!!!

And I think we are crazy.

Pray for us that we don't get lost or eaten by bears.

And I promise to post lots of pictures and news when I am done.

That's me running down Park Avenue in New York. Chad whisked me away for a romantic weekend at the Waldorf. It was wonderful, especially since he had been gone for 2 months prior with work.

Oh, and sorry about the short shorts. I know, they're a bit scandalous. Sometimes I get behind on laundry and have to use the back up running outfit.

It's kinda rated pg13, wouldn't you say?

Just glad to see that there were others out there behind (no pun intended) on their laundry too!

2010-07-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

I found Savannah holding on to Tehya's hair like she was in a tug a war tournament, both hands tight around the rope. Quickly I rescued Tehya, and carried a crying Vannah to the time out chair. As I carried her little body to the chair, I was surprised by the feelings that filled my thoughts. A wave of gratitude and love washed across me.

Some days are so hard.

There are times I feel like I am barely keeping my head above water.

I can't help but smile right now as I write this...I am smiling because we are given these small gifts of joy in the middle of our busy, tiresome, and difficult days. These small gifts are sometimes opened in the hardest of circumstances by someone unseen, filling our bodies with peace and love.

My kids are growing up so fast. Carrying little screaming Savannah to her chair, and feeling her tiny waist tucked in my arms made me feel so grateful, and so much love for my children. Soon they won't be small anymore. Soon they will grow up and move out. I am trying so hard to treasure these days... even if they are sometimes difficult.

July 10, 2010

2010-07-11T13:35:00.001-07:00

Tehya said July 10, 2010 was the best day ever. At 9:00 in the morning I gently closed the zipper on Tehya's new white dress, hand sewn by her Grandmother. This heirloom dress has tears of joy and love sewn right into it. I could feel it when I first held the fabric in my hands.

I swept Tehya's hair to the side and fastened the clasp on her new silver necklace, a treasured gift from her other sweet Grandmother.

At 9:45 we left the house to drive to the church for Tehya's baptism.

As Tehya entered the waters of baptism, I know that she felt the love of those who watched.

Grandpas gave inspired talks, Grandmas gave loving prayers, and we all gave hugs and kisses.

I listened as hard as I could, trying to remember forever how she sounded singing "I am a Child of God" with Chad. What courage she has to sing in front of everyone. I don't think she saw it that way. She was just bearing her testimony through song.

We finished the day with a game of bowling, and dinner at Pei Wei, Tehya's favorite restaurant.

Almost a perfect day...I forgot to bring towels to the church to dry off with, but paper towels from the bathroom worked just fine.

Taking in the scenery

2010-07-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

Folding laundry is not my favorite thing to do.

While engaging in this tedious chore,

I had the strange feeling I was being watched.

I looked up from the table I was working at to see this little guy...

just hanging out.

It's these little surprises that make me love my kids even more,

and make my chores a little more interesting.

I wonder which little mischievous boy placed him there to draw a smile across my face so late at night.

Creative thinking?

2010-06-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

We were looking everywhere for my moms phone but couldn't find it. I remembered that Savannah had it last. She likes to put grandma's phone in a bag and carry it around.

"Savannah, have you seen Grandma's phone?" I asked with crossed fingers.

Most the time when you ask her important questions, she just stares and blinks.

"It's in my pocket" was her reply. My eyes rose to meet my mom's. I could tell we were both thinking the same thing.

Savannah was wearing a dress.

Her dress didn't have pockets.

"Where's the phone Savannah?"

Quickly, she grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled up to her head.

It was hard to miss the rectangular shaped object protruding like a plateau in the front of her underwear.

"In my pocket."

...and flashed us that smile.

Laughter quickly erupted and filled every corner of my house.

2010-06-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

For the past week and a half, I have had the company of my mom and my sister in law Liz. What a wonderful week it has been. They have made my shoulders feel light again! My laundry and dishes were magically done by two housework fairies. (My dishwasher croaked a couple weeks ago, so the fairies had to hand wash everything.)

We spent most of our time playing in the water at the pond, and at the pool.

They have since gone home, and I am missing them terribly!

On the brighter side, I get to spend the weekend with one of my dearest friends.

I can't wait.

And there's another brighter side too...my mom, dad, sister and Liz, Mark and Truman are coming back in 11 days.

Oh and one last brighter side...my mother and father in law come early next week!

All are welcome at the Hotel Verde! Please come and see me!

(ahem, you know who you are)

You can come stay here while you explore DC!

A rite of passage.

2010-06-19T11:26:00.001-07:00

Can you tell what's different about Tehya? I'll give you a treat if you can!

2010-06-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

SWEET

WATERMELON

We're all feeling much better now.

the best medicine

2010-06-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

I have an annoying cold, and I have behaved like a grumpy old sympathy seeker...lying around all day, in my pj's, barking out orders with tissues stuffed up my nose.
I was not a good mom today.
As I tucked each child in bed tonight, I apologized for my awful behavior and asked for forgiveness. My cheek received 3 precious kisses on it from my 3 youngest children. Lastly, I entered Tehyas room to say sorry. As I finished pledging my promise to be better tomorrow, she responded... "It's ok mom. When you're sick, it's like it doesn't count."

With that, she planted one last kiss on my cheek and I waltzed out of her room feeling so much better.

Forgiveness is such great medicine.

2010-06-05T16:39:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I feel as if I am standing as straight as I can in the center of a storm, with dark sky swirling and winds dancing around me. It is hard to find peace and calm.

But it is there.

I can grab it, and hold on to it.

Chad has been traveling a lot lately. He works so hard for us, and I am so grateful he has a job. For some reason though, when he is gone, everything seems so much harder. One recent night as this "storm" gathered momentum around me, I found that I could no longer stand tall. I slumped to the floor of the kitchen and allowed my head to sink into the palms of my hands.

Then peace came.

Peace in the soft tickle of little fingers on my arm.

Peace in tiny lips kissing the top of my head.

Peace in stretched arms wrapped around my shoulders.

I am so grateful that peace will always come.

It will.

2010-06-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

My washing machine is always full of towels now.

I don't mind. I'd much rather fold towels than sort through 4 different sizes of clothes. That's much easier isn't it?

Plus, they come home so worn out and go right to bed. How can I ask for anything more?

Feeling poopy

2010-06-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Guess how I found Vanna today after her nap?

Naked.

Guess what brown stuff I found smudged all over?

Poop.

Guess what I spent all day doing?

Feeling like Cinderella.

Fashion Tales

2010-05-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

This is Savannah Maurine Green.

She is named after her Great Grandma Maurine. We talk about her a lot in our home.

Did you know that Great Grandma Maurine was a buyer for a department store years and years ago? She used to travel to New York and attend the fashion shows. Oh how I envy her experiences!

Grandma Maurine had great taste in clothes.

As a little girl, my heart would just flutter at the idea of receiving a flat rectangle box from my Grandma. I knew it would contain the cutest outfit I had ever seen. She just had an eye for that kind of stuff.

Savannah has been dressing herself lately. It's a battle I have decided not to engage in. This is how she emerged from her room the other day. Do you think she inherited Great Grandma Maurine's talent?

Baby Connor

2010-05-28T11:06:00.001-07:00

My sweet friend Nat had a baby 7 weeks ago. He is now 7 lbs, still smaller than any of my babies when they popped out of me. He is so darling and perfect, and I just couldn't resist putting his pictures up for you all to drool over. I make Nat come over to my house all the time, which I am sure is draining her gas budget prematurely. She is so nice to put up with my demands, and keep my baby tank from running on empty. Nat, I love ya. Here he is!!

Tehya is 8, and we have a dog!

2010-05-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

We are now a family of 8. Four kids, two parents, a cat, and a dog. Oh and I forgot...we have two fish. Chad was teasing me the other day...asking me if the reason why I keep adopting pets is because I can't have any more babies. Maybe he's right. I never thought I would have pets...but just look at what has become of us...
I like it.

Happy Birthday Tehya. We love you so much. You are an amazing girl!

My new shoes

2010-05-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

So I got these new shoes...and I love them. They are so weird looking, but they make my muscles so happy. I have been wearing them around in hopes of breaking them in a bit quicker. I even wore them to the driving range.

Wanna know something?...I signed up for a half marathon trail run, and I hope I can run in them. The run isn't until October, but I don't know if that is enough time to build up the mileage in these shoes. For now I can only handle about 15 minutes of solid running. A few nights ago I was able to do about 30 minutes of sprints, and that was it. My legs were SHOT. I am still sore from those...these shoes force you to use muscles you don't normally use. I LOVE it!! So do any of you have these shoes? Do you have any advice on building up to running long distances in them?

Well Hello!

2010-05-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I just noticed the other day that it's been too long since I've blogged. What about Easter? Tehya's birthday? I have a lot of catching up to do. Lets start with some pictures from Easter break, with a little trip we took to Great Falls. I finally pulled off these pictures from my camera...I'll be back tomorrow! I promise.

(You may be wondering, where are the falls? I can't seem to pull my camera away from faces...I didn't even take any pictures of the falls.)

My house

2010-03-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

The last few months I have been painting like crazy. I never told ya'll the colors we used so I will list a few of my favorite here. First, all the paint was Benjamin Moore. AMAZING. The Aura line of paint is what we used. I love it because....

You don't need to prime, just throw the paint on your clean patched walls.

It dries in an hour for a re-coat or to decorate.

Most of the time it only needed one coat.

It is 50 dollars a gallon, but one gallon covered my entire family room and kitchen.

I actually saved money because I didn't need to buy primer too.

It comes in matte, which I LOVE, and the matte paint can be used in Kitchens and Bathrooms, unlike traditional matte paint. It is mold and mildew resistant.

Touch ups are seamless, and it is EXTREMELY scrubbable.

Most matte paint isn't very kid friendly, but Savannah took a red permanent marker to my newly painted walls and I was able to scrub it off completely...no harm done to the paint.

I love it, I love it, and will never buy any other paint again.

We have now painted our entire house, and most rooms I had painted and decorated in one night. While the kiddies slept.

Oh, I almost forgot the best part...it is low VOC, meaning, the fumes are minimal. I actually didn't notice any. A bit sad because I love the smell of paint, but good for the kids. They could sleep in their rooms the same night.

Here's some pictures from my family room. The color here is stonington grey. It's beautiful and peaceful.

Last Saturday I found these locks at an antique store. I couldn't pass them up. Aren't they awesome? Now I am going to be hunting for the skeleton keys for the other two.

And now for my favorite find. I have been saving my money for a while now to buy a side board to use in our family room as an entertainment center. I found this one on Thursday and with a little pep talk from Anitra, I bought it! I love it! Thanks Anitra for reminding me that I would be sad if I didn't have this in my home.

I Love it!!!!!

OOOHHH, I just love it!!

Jenny, I bought these candle sticks with the gift card you gave me. Thanks so much. I love them so, and I think of you every time I see them. By the way, come back to Virginia and visit me! Tehya misses Sadie to death!

Oh, and this little bird is at Joannes right now for under a dollar. Check out their clearance section. They always have fun things that you can paint and be creative with.

My other favorite color is Rockport Gray. It is a perfect warm grey with a slight brown undertone. We painted the entry way and hall ways, and both of the girls room this color. I'll put pictures of their rooms next.

This room's color is called Amherst gray. It is so pretty, and we just bought the wood to put wainscoting up so I will have to show you what it looks like when it is finally done.

2010-02-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Today we rented scaffolding so we could paint and put crown molding up in the entry way.

Today Chad and I have ignored the kids a little.

To try to make it up to them, we asked the kids if they wanted to go to Cold Stone to get some ice cream.

This is how they responded.

"Mine!"

"Yes!"

"I am afraid of the guy who sits in a box and reads magazines!"

"No! Savannah will eat the poisonous grass and die! I don't want her to die."

Chad and I tried and tried to get them to explain more, but we still couldn't make much sense about it.

We didn't go to get ice cream. We went to Target instead.

Grandmas, we took these pictures today...aren't they growing up? We miss all of you.

Since we are talking about Grandmas, Jackson asked about you Grandma Carol. He wanted to know if his Grandma Carol lived by his other Grandmas and when you were coming back. We want all our Grandmas to come soon!

Work those Muscles!

2010-02-11T21:14:00.001-08:00

I am sitting at Jacobs feet while he does his sit ups.

"18, 19, 20!" I cheer.

He takes a few deep breaths, then raises his arm and flexes to show off his bicep.

After a few more sit ups, he flexes those biceps again.
So funny!
I love this kid.

2010-02-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

We've had a lot of inquiries on how we are doing in this CRAZY storm. We're GREAT! Being snowed in is so much fun. It's been nice to have a break from real life. Last weekend when the first storm hit, our friend Jared stayed with us so he wouldn't be snowed in alone at his home. (Jared's wife was out of town for the weekend.) For two straight days the boys put up molding on the main level. Thanks Jared for slaving away. I'll put pictures up soon (just for you Heather). We got about 34 inches with that storm.

So here we are, a few days later being hit again....and it's just beautiful outside. We implemented our "Summer Schedule" (and tweaked it a bit), but it has helped a lot to keep the kids from fighting and getting stir crazy. Today we've already cleaned rooms, made beds, danced like maniacs, devoured a fruit platter, and now we are heading out to play in the white sea of fluffiness!!!

These are all pictures from the first storm that started on Friday of last week. We'll put pictures up of this new storm once the snow slows enough to take my camera outside.

Chad decided the deck needed to be rescued from the weight of the snow.

Then the sun finally came out.

Jacob got stuck on the fence. They were excited about how easy it was to climb over the fence with 2 ft of packed snow on the ground. Except Jacob.

Tehya came to his rescue. Sweet Tehya.

The play house is almost buried. It might completely disappear today. We'll see!

When we left Utah, the kids were sad to know they wouldn't have snow in Virginia. They must have been wishing pretty hard.

Savannah and her birthday loot.

2010-01-28T06:31:00.000-08:00

I can't believe she's two!

I know why van Gogh cut his ear off!

2010-01-24T18:11:00.000-08:00

I have been a painting mad-woman this week! I LOVE to paint. I love it so much that I tend to loose perspective on what I should be doing and ignore everything until my ideas are materialized. Food? Sleep? Kids?
I just want it all done.
To see my ideas as reality.

The boys room, living room, dining room, entry way, hall way, and mud area are all painted. Chad and his friend (thanks Anitra for letting him hold your husband hostage) spent all day Saturday hanging molding in the bathroom and living room. There is still a lot to do, but I need to slow down. So here's the real story though...

My kids have been so bad this week.
And I mean REALLY bad.
I couldn't figure out why, but now I know.
It's me!
I have ignored them all week to get done what I wanted to do. When I give them all my attention...when I am available to talk to them right when they need me...when I am not distracted and able to focus just on them, they are happy! Silly me to take so long to realize this. Silly me to expect them to act like adults and take care of themselves. I think with all of Chads traveling and my crazy artist mind, my poor kids must have felt a little lost. So here's the plan.

I will save my things for the evening when they are in bed, and be prepared to stick to our routine during the day, and we'll see how they do.

I am so blessed to be a mom to these amazing kids. I need to remember that they are only mine for such a short time. They grow up so fast...I will have plenty of time to cultivate my artistic mind later. In church today the talks were on magnifying our callings. I couldn't help but think of motherhood the entire time. I could do so much better.

I have a feeling it's going to be a great week.

Hope you all have a great week too!

Oh ya! The title...I know you artists out there will get this...
Someday I will learn how to balance my need to create with the needs of my family.

And not cut off my ear in the process.

2010-01-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to invite you all to a two day photo shoot I have been invited to shoot at! I am so excited, and honored that Amy would choose me to be her guest photographer!! I should explain that I am not starting a business in photography...this is just for fun. I love shooting with other photographers, and I love having studio time, and I just plain love shooting portraits!!! So, if you are interested, call Amy Berringer 703-389-5615 and set up a time slot. Take a peek at the flyer. The theme is "hats"

By the way....

All three fish died today.

Good news....

I can reward my children with new fish if they are brave for shots tomorrow.

By the way again....

I forgot to mention that Amy Berringer took our family picture that I just posted. Isn't it hilarious? It captures truth!!!

Hi Y'all

2010-01-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot my blogger password, it's been that long. Never again will that happen, thanks to New Years resolutions. This is the only journaling that gets done around here. I've realized it's pretty important.

Just a few things from the last three months that I want to remember...

Lisa, Shauna, Sydney, Carol, Travis, Rochelle, Mark, Liz, Truman, Alli, Andrew, Henry, and Eliza came to visit sometime during Sept, Oct and Nov. Having people come stay at my home fills my bucket to the brim. It makes me so happy. VISITORS!!! KEEP COMING!

October included a trip to Gettysburg, Lancaster (where the Omish hang their laundry out to dry), and the Hershey Factory. Nat and Jared were brave enough to join us, and it was wonderful. I accomplished a huge goal during that trip...to be able to do a back handspring again. The miracle occurred on the battle field. Ever since I can remember, the sight of an open field gives me urges to cartwheel and tumble. It's my choice mode of transportation. As an adult, I have learned to suppress it, but that day, early in October, I could no longer hold back. Very satisfying trip.

The month of October also brought swine flu to our entire family and pneumonia to me. Chad was gone for a couple of weeks, so my lucky husband missed all of it. My friends were so amazing and brought my family lots of food and help.

A lot of November was delightedly spent sewing 20 aprons for a sweet friend who wanted to help me save up for a new camera. What she didn't know is that I have an addiction, one I had suppressed for an entire 11 months and 28 days, and her request was enough to put me into relapse. I spent all of my hard earned money on more fabric. Beautiful, lovely fabric, that I can't wait to sew into something amazing. Thanks my sweet friend Amy!

December, what a great month it was, except for a few minor things. We found out that Jackson is allergic to pistachios and cashews. We now keep an epi-pen with us at all times. And since we're talking about allergies, we found out that Chad is allergic to wheat, but only if he eats it before he exercises. He too is supposed to keep an epi-pen in his work out bag, and avoid wheat if he is going to work out. Crazy huh!

Later in the month we FINALLY made it home to Utah. It filled my heart to see my family and friends. I wish there was more time...I felt as though I barely skimmed the top of what I wanted and needed to do there.

And that brings us to today.

Today equals...
first allergy shots for the entire family, and a new bribery-fish tank with 3 new fish who I pray will survive through the night. 48 more shots to go, and we will be allergy free!! I can't wait!

Tell

2009-09-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

"Sleep with me for three minutes". He holds up five fingers.

"Jackson, that's five minutes."

"No, just three." Five chubby fingers wiggle in front of my face.
When I climb in next to him he quickly entwines his arms around my arms like the vines of a cucumber plant. Quietly he whispers into the crook of my elbow...
"Tell me about Jesus."

I do.

I tell. I bear. I testify.
He falls asleep.

Horses

2009-09-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

Because of a wonderful friend, Tehya has had the opportunity of spending time with these amazing animals. In her own words...
"It makes my heart happy".

Confessions of a different kind

2009-08-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Jackson walked into the room. He has been dressing himself for about 6 months now, and I'm curious every day to see how he will present himself to the world. So here he stands before me in a blue shirt and khaki shorts, looking very handsome.

"Jack, you look handsome in your clothes."
His reply was a bit strange...
"I do have underwear," he insists.
What a weird way to respond to a compliment. I was looking for something along the lines of "thank you", or "you look beautiful too, Mom."

Lets try that again.
"Jack, you look handsome today."
Again he states "I do have underwear, Mom."
Intrigued, I push on.
"Jack, let me see your underwear."

Giggles sneak from his lips.

..."Jack, show me what underwear you are wearing."

I should know when to just let things go. Another giggle erupts from his mouth as he turns his back to me. Down come the pants. Two white buns. And no underwear in sight.

2009-08-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is Manassas...

(Anitra, thanks for taking the pictures of Savannah and me!)

Did you know you can still find civil war bullets in the earth here? You aren't allowed to bring a metal detector anywhere near the battle feild. A certain person I know told me that he has found a few while fishing in the rivers around Manassas. While we are here, the boys keep their eyes peeled for treasures. I explain to them as best I can that if they find anything, the right thing to do would be to give it to the museum. I am not sure they agree with me. They continue to dig in the dirt, fingers searching for treasure.

One day I will come back in the early morning hours to take pictures. Some mornings the clouds sit so low to the earth that they wrap around the trees. And then the sun rises red. It's beautiful here.

She's Trouble!

2009-08-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby has a new trick! She has learned that she can reach anything in the house with the push of a stool. I watch her, but she doesn't know it. With a lot of effort, she pushes the stool to the counter, freezer, table, pantry....and I jump out at the last second to bring her safely to the floor. She sees me coming though and grabs all the frozen peas, glass cups, tortilla chips, plates....as fast as she can.

Ocean City

2009-08-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a month since my last post. That's horrible! I can't really say I have been up to much, just trying to figure out how to remain happy and positive while Chad has been traveling so much. One night a few weeks ago while crying to Chad on the phone, he gave me some great advice...to stick to a written schedule with the kids. His advice was to pray about it, write it down and then do it. I think he must have been inspired. We have been sticking to a schedule since then and it has made a world of a difference. The house stays clean, the kids are busy, and they are much happier. For some reason if it is written down, they won't argue with it. Now, those of you who know me, you know how unorganized I am and how I like to "fly by the seat of my pants". But not anymore. (Well, I would still like to). I really can tell I benefit too from having a set schedule. Anyway, that is what I have been up to the past month...concentrating on my kids and my home. We were lucky to be able to take a break from everything and run off to Ocean City last week. It is about 3 hours from here, and it was WONDERFUL! I can't wait to go back. We also had some old friends stay in our house while we were gone. I wish we could have hung out with them more, but it was pretty awesome that it worked out and they could use our house for their vacation. They'll just have to come back. Here are a few pictures and highlights from our trip...

I learned that the best way to watch 4 kids at the beach is to bury them. I would dig holes, lure them into the trap, and then bury them up to their thighs. They couldn't get out for at least 20 minutes!!

Savannah loved to pick up jelly fish! She would grab one and then run away, and I would watch the poor thing jiggle down each side of her hand until it looked like it would divide in two. They weren't dangerous by the way. I asked the lifeguard. They were just clear slimy things that Savannah would squeal over and poke!

Food was way too expensive!

Jacob is a social being. He made many friends, and even had a couple of teenagers finding treasures with him in the sand. I really had to keep a close eye on him...between people to meet and birds to chase, he was everywhere!

Jack loved the waves. He reminded me of a human piece of sea glass. His favorite thing was to sit on the shore and let the waves tumble him according to their will.

Tehya was busy collecting sea shells and describing all the amazing things she is going to make with them.

We all had a wonderful time, and it was especially nice to spend time with Chad. Things are still busy with work, but I am glad we got a little "breather" in there.

Oh and thanks Mom for the list of "fun things to do at the beach". If you want to read the story, go here... It's really cute.

We did everything on the list, except for the sand crabs. I couldn't find any, well that's not true... I couldn't find any live ones.

Bad guys and Fire flies

2009-06-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

We headed out Saturday night looking for a good location. This old house was just sitting there, all alone and abandoned. It was a beautiful site, just off the road on the way to Manassas. While shooting farther down on the property, we were startled to hear people talking. I looked up the hill to see a car filled with men parked next to our car. An uneasy feeling swept through my body. We decided it was time to find a new location. As we walked toward the car, they drove off. So we stayed. We just made sure we stayed on the road where there would be other people. As the sun set, the fire flies came out. It was so magical. It fills my heart to be able to go out and take pictures with my friends. Thanks Chira for being our model.

Bluemont, Virginia

2009-06-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to go with some friends to shoot some pictures in this little town about 30 minutes from where I live. I drove through it a few weeks ago and have been dying to go back. There is still much more exploring to do.

Thanks Amy for organizing this! I had so much fun taking pictures, and I am officially in love with this little town, "Bluemont". Also, Rebekah, thanks for modeling for us...you are so beautiful!

Story time! My version and his version.

2009-06-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

He picked the wrong window to perch on. It was about midnight when I spotted him, green and black, suctioned to our sliding door. The rain must have brought him.
I caught him...I grabbed his slimy little body and put it in a container with some water and rocks. For the next hour I debated letting him go.
As I peered into the container, I whispered a little "sorry".
Then I went to bed.

So far today, Shawn the frog has been on quite the adventure.
I made the rule "frogs stay outside", but Shaun keeps managing to find his way indoors.
At 6:00 am, he ate breakfast with us, observing from the leg of a dining chair.
6:30, his first trip to the bathroom inside a little boys pocket.
6:45, a swiming excersion inside an old pickle jar.
7:00, lost behind the TV.
Our day has continued like this...inside and out, lost and found.
At about 8:00, Jacob let him go. They stared at eachother, one boy inside, one slimy frog outside. Stared for about 10 minutes until suddenly Shaun jumped back inside onto Jacobs happy little arm. Upstairs he ran to explain that Shaun chose to stay.
One time Jacob believed he was sneaking Shaun inside safely in his pocket, when I spotted him clinging tightly to Jacobs back.
It's 9:30 now and I don't know what to do.

So now here I sit. Frog croaking in the background. Jacob teaching him his ABC's. Outside the window I watch a mommy robin sit on her nest full of plump blue eggs.
Across the lawn, a bunny munches on our weeds. And inside, a frog hops around.

I heard Jacob's version of the story while he talked to my mom on the phone:

My Frog, by Jacob Green

We found a frog.
I took it inside, and outside, and inside, and outside.
Then I hid it in my house.
Then I let it go.
Bye!

Update: Shaun the frog is safe and sound outside, hiding somewhere. Jacob asks..."do you think he is missing me horribly?"

still more...

2009-06-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

I think this is one of my favorites. I wonder if you need to obtain permission before taking random people's photographs...but by the time you ask, the moment is gone. I just couldn't resist.

groom

Mother of the groom

some guy

(...this is the man who married them)

view from where the wedding dinner was held

parents of the groom

all four brothers.

Another bunch of Jamaica pictures

2009-05-31T19:25:00.001-07:00

I'll be adding more daily as I sort through them...

Wedding

2009-05-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Tom and Kelly!!!

Here's a preview of some of the pictures. We've got lots more...call me and let me know what I can do for you. Thanks so much for letting me take your pictures. I had SO MUCH FUN!!! YA MON!

This might make a nice golf collage or series...I can see these side by side.

You guys are so gorgeous. I didn't get to make a toast, so here you go...
Kelly, I am so glad to have you as a sister. We couldn't have picked someone better for Tom, or our family. I can't wait for all the adventures ahead of us...let's try Hawaii next!
Tom, I am so proud of you. You deserve this! I love you both.

Reserve

2009-05-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

I can hear the birds outside my window.
It is still dark.
As I dig deeper into my covers, I feel a small hand on my back. Soft, slow tickles up and down my shoulder blades.
I love being a mom.
He must have snuck into my bed sometime in the night. How can I resist waking up to tickles from a four year old.
I roll over.
He kisses my nose and the day starts...
This is one of my favorite memories.

My husband travels a lot. More lately than I am comfortable with. This has been one of my trials...to stay positive and pleasant when I am doing it on my own. What a hard lot in life it would be to be a single mother.
I have four kids. My oldest is six, the youngest is one. As weeks pass without relief or help, I can feel the burden growing.
Motherhood seems hard, daunting, heavy.
Recently, this is how I felt . I ached to feel the joy and the passion of being a mom again. My thoughts were filled with guilt. Once the night came, and my four little ones were tucked soundly in bed, I would miss them.
Regret.
Failure.
Why had I wished the day away.
They were growing so fast.
My prized possessions.
So sweet while they were sleeping.
I would vow to be better the next day.

Again the sun would come up.
As the tasks of the day began, and brought with them fighting and other trials, I would remember those peaceful moments at night. I could close my eyes and see them sleeping again.
Sweet faces.
Quiet breathing.

My tired heart would then be renewed with love and patience for them, just from one little memory...
A small hand tucked inside mine.
The way their faces look with watermelon juice dripping from their chins.
The first laugh...a sound remembered from heaven.
Her breath against my cheek.
Three hands clinging onto my skirt as we cross the street.
A small chest rising and falling against mine.
How he looks at me.
Finding my bed made by little hands.
Feeling tickles on my arm, and realizing she is doing it to calm me in a troubled moment.

I have been practicing this over and over again. Pulling from my reserve of favorite memories. It is working.
Heart changing.
Love filling.
Patience growing.

I love being a mom.

I used to be so brave

2009-05-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

I noticed her talking to my baby as I walked back to my cart. She was short, wore a head of white hair, and her face wrinkled as she smiled at me.

As we began talking her husband appeared. We got on the subject of Grandmas.
Oh how I miss mine.
I told them that our grandparents were in Utah.
They asked me if I was Mormon.
"Yes I am."
We visited a little more about the beautiful music of the Tabernacle Choir, missionaries, and their good friends who were also LDS.
My kids were tired and I needed to go.
While parting ways, they told me they could be our grandparents while we were so far from home.

It used to be so easy to share the gospel. I used to be so brave. Over the past few months I have wondered where that bravery has gone.
This is something I think about a lot.
Where did it go? When did I become shy and reserved about who I am?
I have this thought that wiggles into my mind often...
"be more brave."

I have a friend who I love to the very bottom of my soul. She is amazing and is one of the greatest examples of Christlike behavior.
I left Utah wondering why I didn't share the gospel with her more.
Left with regret.
Why didn't I share one of my most valuable possessions with her?
I imagine her asking me in the after life why I didn't.
Hopefully she won't be mad at me for long.
With that in mind I promised I would try harder to be a missionary.

After leaving the store, I couldn't pull my mind away from that sweet older couple. Every time I closed my eyes I could see their wrinkled smiles.
I kept feeling like I should have done more.
Should have said more.
That night I knelt down to pray.
I asked Heavenly Father if he could help me. I would put a Book of Mormon in my purse the next time I went to the store if He would have them be there.
Now when I closed my prayer, I wasn't really sure if this prayer would be answered the way I asked.
I really didn't expect it to. It is a big world out there. But I did feel that He wants us to share, and I had faith that he would help me do that.

Two days later, on Saturday, we headed back to the store.
Book of Mormon in my purse.
Prayer in my heart.
Wrinkled smiles on my mind.

As we pulled into the parking lot I saw a couple with their hood up on their car.
"Chad, pull over there. I think they need help."
We parked next to the car.
I rolled down my window.

It was them.

They were there.

So was my bravery.

Those smiles again.

We talked for a little while. I was happy to introduce them to Chad. They told me that they already had a Book of Mormon. We said goodbye and they said they would meet us there again.

In the end, I still have my Book of Mormon, but I also gained a few things I wasn't expecting...

A little more bravery and faith.
Love for complete strangers.
A testimony that our prayers are answered...one way or another.

Our guests have left....

2009-05-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful week we have had. After having Chad gone so much over the last month, it was especially fun to have my cousin Shauna, her husband Kevin, and their cute baby S come and stay with us. I have loved waking up in the morning knowing that they were here in our house. Thanks you guys for flying the red eye to stay with me. Please come back soon...

(Shauna, I will send you the rest of the pictures!)

Isn't she cute? She was supposed to be born the same time as Savannah, but she came three months early. After 100 days in the NICU, Shauna was able to take her home. You can watch an interview of her experience here. (Just push play on the video on the right side of the page.)

blue

2009-04-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning up downstairs. Jacob ran down to tell me they
"made hand prints".
What was he talking about? I ran upstairs to find this...

Jacob and Jack helped Savannah make her hand print on paper.

The boys managed to stay pretty clean...you know,
just a hand wash.

Savannah needed a bath.

Here she is all clean.

potty talk

2009-04-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor the other day.
I was told to drink 32 oz of water one hour before I arrived. The test was just an ultrasound for something you really don't want to know about. Obediently I chugged 2 water bottles one hour before my appointment. When I arrived at the doctor, I was already pretty uncomfortable.
Probably because I hadn't emptied my bladder since the morning.
Oh well.

Excited to have a quiet moment, I sat down in the waiting room with a good book.

I sat still.

I waited.

I waited some more...

Forty five minutes later, I was still sitting, but I could no longer hold still. I tried to concentrate on my book, but the "P" word kept creeping into the pages. Dancing in my chair, I wondered if I should get up and pester the receptionist, or just be patient.

Now pain. I couldn't remember having to go this bad since I was little. I stood up to walk to the counter and had to waddle, knees held tight together. Looking down at my stomach, I looked pregnant.

I asked, "do you know how much longer I am going to have to wait?"

The reply, "maybe another half hour."

Now panic.

I explained to the girl why I was there. As embarrassed as I was, the discomfort was grater and I confided in her that I could hold "it" no longer. She suggested that I only let out a little to relieve the discomfort.

Away I waddled down the hall and around the corner to the bathroom. I felt 5 again.

Only a little.
I would just go a little.
Just to relieve the pressure and pain.

I couldn't do it! I tried to be disciplined, but it all came out. I was sure they would call my name as soon as I went back in and the test would have to be rescheduled.

On my way back to confess, I swallowed as much water from the drinking fountain as I could.

She called my name.

With my head down, I walked back to the front desk.

"It all came out."

She just laughed and handed me a water bottle. "Get drinking."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This picture is random, but I wanted to show Kim G what the jammies she gave Savannah looked like. Thanks Kim! She finally gets to wear them.

2009-04-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

Not much to say today. Instead of a story, you get lots and lots of pictures. We had wonderful guests with us for the weekend, and I miss them already. It is always so hard to say goodbye. We are doing great. Jack is getting happier every day. He is finally sleeping well. I am also feeling much better. I'll share more later...but for now, I have pictures.

Grandpa and Truman

Mark and Liz on the Potomac

Tru

Tru with Mt. Vernons's amazing brick walls

Liz in DC

Tru

Vannah and Grandpa

Grandpa and Grandma

handsome Chad

Wonderful Stories

2009-04-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

My mom has started a blog. It will be filled with wonderful stories written by her for the grandchildren. I am so excited about this because she is such a talented writer and I have been begging her for years to start writing children's books. We had this dream of creating together. She would write while I would illustrate. We're getting closer. She writes and I take pictures. Take a peek here. Enjoy!

No Tears

2009-04-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

March 31, 2009

Surgery day.
He was mean to the nurses this morning. I could tell he was mad at what they were doing to him. He didn't understand. It was hard to pry his arms from my neck so they could take him to the surgery room. As the nurse walked away from me with Jack in her arms, I could see his sad eyes at the end of the hall. At least he wasn't yelling at them anymore.

The surgery went fast and he did wonderfully! He threw up once in the recovery room, and that was good. He needed to get "that stuff" out of his stomach. It was not good that he coudln't stop throwing up once we took him home. For the next 8 hours he didn't keep anything down. We tried anti nausea suppositories. I couldn't keep him hydrated. With no pain meds in his little body, he stopped talking. Sometimes he would nod, but that was it.

Dr. Fox kept calling. She called every few hours. By 6:00 pm It was time to meet her at the hospital. No tears appeared in Jacks eyes. Nothing for me to wipe from his face. He was crying but they weren't there. Not a sound crawled between his lips when they gave him the IV. He was too tired to be mean to the nurses again.

"Sleep with me." We snuggled until it was too late. I needed to get home to relieve my dear friend who was watching the other kids. I left him there at the hospital with his wonderful father.

April 1, 2009

I hope there will be no pranks today. Too tired for that. Ok, maybe I could handle a couple. We will get to bring Jack home today. He is doing great! Thanks for all of the help and comments. I appreciate them so much. We are doing much better.

Update......

We are home now! He did awesome this morning so they let us bring him home. Jack still won't smile, but I have a feeling he will soon. I am so grateful for friends. Thanks for being willing to help.

MIA

2009-03-30T12:41:00.001-07:00

I have been MIA.

I haven't been feeling very well lately. Weeks have gone by and I am still sick. Mom's should be exempt from getting sick. We have too much to do.

After some encouragement from Chad...I finally went to the doctor.

They stole some blood, palpated my body and discovered that I have a few things wrong. Now I am off to another doctor to have a few more tests done. They are all threatening surgery in some form or another. Nothing serious, just annoying. I am terrified. I hate surgery. It's scary.

Anyway, enough about that.

Now I want to talk about my friend Renee. Talking about her makes me smile. I mentioned her once before. She was the "Angel" I talked about in another post and she still wears that title gracefully. Through out all of these doctor visits for Jack and me she has watched my kids.

And cleaned my house.
And organized my closets.
And wiped my counters.
And filled my dishwasher.

And she is still willing to help.

Tomorrow morning Jackson is getting his tonsils out. We haven't told him yet. I don't really know how to...he won't understand.

Renee will be here again.

I know Heavenly Father asks us to go through hard things, but he also sends angels to help us get through them.
Renee is an angel to me and I am in so much debt to her.
I want to be more like Renee.

One last thing...
Although tonsil surgery is a very simple procedure, if you pray, please pray for Jack. He hasn't been sleeping for weeks now. While he sleeps, his tonsils fill his airway and he wakes choking. Some nights I lay there listening to him. Soon he will be sleeping again. And so will I. I can't wait.

2009-03-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist. Just took this.

The Trade

2009-03-19T09:22:00.001-07:00

When I was little I prayed very hard that I wouldn't have any wisdom teeth. I prayed a lot. After hearing many horror stories about wisdom teeth surgery, I was sure that was something I never wanted to experience. With faith in my heart, I remember going to the dentist for x-rays. My mouth was photographed and the truth was told...I was missing all 4 wisdom teeth. My prayers were answered and I was so grateful. This experience served as a testimony of prayer...that Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them. I could relax since I had been spared this trauma that so many have had to go through.

Here's the catch though...the trade...

I traded my 4 wisdom teeth for 4 c-sections. This is what life is like, what trials are like. Some things we are spared of, others we are asked to endure (for a long time). Sometimes we choose the trial, other times they are forced upon us.

Trials have been on my mind a lot lately. I am grateful for them...when they are over. But when we are going through them, which we will, I am grateful for the help that we can find through Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Joseph B. Wirthlin's mother used to tell him, "come what may, and love it." I am going to start telling myself that.

"Come what may, and love it."

Trials make us who we are. They help us grow, give us empathy, and strengthen our relationship with our Savior.

Over a period of 5 1/2 years I had 4 c-sections. I had experiences of Heavenly Father lending me support to get through it...through the pain...the fear...the unknown...and the other trials that decided to pop up. There are no wishes in my heart of trading back my c-sections for wisdom teeth...it was worth it. I would do it all over again to get my children here and have those experiences. We were sent here to grow. Thank goodness we are given help along the way. Thank goodness we do not have to do it alone.

One last word of encouragement from Joseph B. Worthlin. He said, "The lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way."

I will remember..."come what may, and love it."

Bring it on!!! (gently though, please.)

Confessions

2009-03-18T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have something I need to get off my chest.
I feel so guilty.
Maybe it's because from the time we are 2 we are told it is bad. I cry every time my kids do it. I have taught them how bad it is. Tell them often never to do it. I make them promise to NEVER do it again.
Danger.
Bad.
Disastrous.
I CAN'T fix it if they decide to do it.

Here I am in a new State. Across the Country. Away from everything familiar. I miss my friend Molly. Molly is very talented. She has cut my hair for the last 8 years. I don't know where to go now. I don't know who to trust, who to see. It's really expensive here. I haven't had a hair cut for MONTHS!!

A fellow artist planted a seed in my mind. She said "you're an artist. Just cut your own hair."
She cuts her own hair.
I know this because I asked her who cut her hair, hoping I could get a referral. Her hair is really cute. I stewed over this for days.

Chad was out of town. No one was around. My heart was pounding. Dare I break the rule? The one we learn from such a young age?

So here is my confession...
I cut my own hair a few weeks ago.
It was fun.
It was messy.
I love it!
I don't know how it looks from behind, but the ends feel better.
Chad kept complimenting my hair...so I confessed to him.
He was happy...happy to save money.
Maybe I'll get a nice pair of shears for my birthday.

Now I am thinking about color. It might be fun. Probably messy too.

Today

2009-03-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

I told myself no pictures today. I promised myself I'd catch up on laundry.

I couldn't resist when I found Miss S like this.

Those tiny hips wiggled out of her buckles, and her pants too.

RIP Toaster

2009-03-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have a toaster. It's beautiful and shiny. I got it for Christmas not too long ago. I didn't feel like I deserved it. Let me explain why.

We didn't have a toaster for a long time.
I threw it down the stairs.
I haven't thought about the toaster memory for many months. I used to think about it every time I looked at my new beautiful toaster. But I don't any more. Now I just think about how delicious my sugar coated toast will taste.

I remember that I was pregnant and on bed rest. I remember being stressed, tired, in pain, and alone. I also remember wanting some toast. Our toaster was a bit handicapped. Over the previous couple of weeks the boys had, slot by slot, melted toys in them.
Now there was only one slot to cook from.
Only one slot that worked.
In went the bread, and down went the lever. Then I smelled it. Burning. Melting.
A Crayon!
Now I distinctly remember picking up the toaster and throwing it down the stairs.
Yes, I threw it!
Then I cried.

Since I was on bed rest and under strict doctors orders (and shouldn't have been making toast in the first place), I definitely was not supposed to go up or down stairs. Stairs were illegal for me, but I needed to clean up before the kids got home. I cried some more as I made my way slowly and painfully down the stairs. The tears came because my body hurt, because I was frustrated with my kids, but mostly because I couldn't believe what I had done. I was so disappointed in myself.

Once down the stairs, I found the toaster in pieces. Carefully I gathered the pieces up in my extra roomy maternity shirt and made my way back up the stairs. Finally at the top, I opened the garage door and dumped the contents of my shirt onto the garage floor and closed the door.

When the kids found out, they cried too. How could they live without toast? I had a lot of apologizing to do, to everyone.

A couple days later, Chad asked where the toaster was. I pointed to the garage.

More apologizing.

Chad does a good job at making me feel better. He now says this story is one of the things that makes him love me more. I think he uses the word "endearing" when he talks about it.

I am not sure why.

We went without toast for a long time.

So you can see why opening up a beautiful toaster at Christmas was hard. Did I deserve it? No, but I really do love toast. Especially cinnamon toast.

One more thing to mention....

the kids have never put anything but bread in the toaster since.

For the love of all that's Salmon

2009-03-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

My boys love salmon. I love to serve it to them for my own personal enjoyment. Mouths open wide. Salmon shoveled in.

We had salmon for dinner last night.

Within seconds it is gone.
Cleared off plates.
Not a scrap left.
Then like clockwork I hear the words..."are you going to eat that?"
Jacob is talking to me. I haven't even touched my salmon yet. How could I eat while watching him. My eyes glued to his mouth. It goes like this every time.

Once upon a time last year I took Jacob on a date. We got all dressed up in our fancy clothes. He was so handsome. Chad was out of town at the time and I arranged babysitters every night so I could take my kids on dates, or more truthfully, so they could take me out.

I told him he could choose anywhere...where ever he wanted to eat we would go. His response:

"Crab, salmon and shrimp"

It was going to be an expensive night. Together we drove to Market Street. Together we crossed the fun, bouncy bridge that connects the parking lot to the restaurant. Together we were taken to a table. And together we sat. He couldn't get all three favorites in one plate, so I ordered salmon, while he ordered crab and shrimp. Surely he would be too full to eat any of my salmon.

Usually the waitress is in a hurry.
I have been there a few times before...they are busy.
She brought Jacobs food.
She was curious.
The second the plate hit the table he was digging in with fingers. No time for manners when there is food like that.
She just stood there with a wide open mouth.
Still standing there as he licked the last piece of crab off his plate she said,
"I have never seen a kid do that before."
Her words lingered at our table as she walked away.

I watched his eyes emerge from behind his plate as he lowered it back to the table. A few pieces were still attached to his chin. I am sure he would have licked those off too if his tongue were long enough.

Then the words I hear every time we eat salmon...."are you going to eat that?"

My response...."oh no, go ahead."

And he did.

2009-03-12T17:59:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the tips on how to shrink my photos. I am going to erase this post because it won't make much sense once I print my blog into a book. Kiersten, I will call you and you can walk me through it...I am still confused.

Savi March 13, 2009

I will just leave the picture up...

Popsicles

2009-03-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

I bought a box of colorful, delicious popsicles just yesterday. They colored faces, legs, stomachs, floors, walls and windows. I found sticks in the laundry, grass, sink, their hair, and their pockets. Today they are gone. Savannah got the last one for breakfast. The kids are now clean, but my house is not. Better get scrubbing!!

Before her bath...

.....and after her bath.

Getting out

2009-03-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Even though we weren't 100% well yet, we needed to get out of the house and go somewhere without a lot of kids or germs. Mount Vernon was the ideal place. Room to run...and no one to spread germs to (except a few farm animals). The 70 degree weather helped out too. I love this place so much and I can't explain why yet. It is beautiful, peaceful, and so full of history. Some day I will put Mount Vernon into words. Here are some pictures!

One of my favorite things about Mt. Vernon are the brick walls. They have their own story. Aren't they amazing?

Also, thanks for all of the well wishes. We are doing a lot better and Tehya is finally going back to school after missing over two weeks. Love you all!!!

We're making the Dr. rich!!!

2009-03-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

Still sick

Newly sick

We are doing our best to stimulate the economy by giving the doctor all of our money.

Doing better

2009-02-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Tehya is doing so much better. My day (Feb 26th) started at 3:30 with Savannah waking up, then Jacob out of bed, and last Tehya crying. I ran in to check on her to discover that her eyes were hurting her. A quick pep talk and tucking of sheets, I sliped back in bed for a lovely half an hour before I heard her throwing up. The rest of the morning was full of laundry, baths, chills, high fevers, and a sad little girl. I did finally take her to the doctor and they gave her some anti-nausea pills. They worked like a charm. She felt good enough to help Savannah smile while I took some pictures! I still can't decide if I should send her to school. I kinda think she could use a day to recover from all of this. This whole thing started with red eyes. I actually thought she had conjunctivitis, until the other symptoms decided to make an appearance. Have you ever dealt with that before?...the blood red eyes with a sore throat? I heard it was common, but we've never had eye issues before. They ruled out the flu and strep. Although her eyes are still red and her fever is low grade, I am feeling positive and breathing a sigh of relief. She is on the mend. Just in time to do something fun this weekend?...We'll see.

Here she is today (Feb 28th) feeling much better!

Here are those pictures of Savi I mentioned before. She is the only one who will let me practice. I don't mind. It is hard to believe she is my last baby...I am trying to savor every minute. Every minute of all of them. They are growing so fast. I find that I can't remember how they sounded just a couple of years ago. If we could only make our minds remember. Every day I squeeze Savannah's legs and arms. I feel her chest rise and fall against mine as we snuggle. I don't want to forget...and I know I will to a degree. It makes me sad. Maybe between pictures and video, we can hold on to some of the memory. I am hoping that in heaven we can replay any part of our lives here on earth that we wish...actually I am counting on it. It's not just the image, but the smells, the feeling of little fingers and toes...of bodies cradled in our arms. My lips on soft cheeks. The way they move, talk, breathe. I really don't want to forget.

I love how they wake up from naps with such rosy cheeks.

Now just a little about angels . Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said this..."I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face....May we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves - with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and 'the covenant wherewith we have covenanted' (D&C 90:24)" Read the whole article here.

Thanks to the angels who aided me this week...Renee and Wendy for taking my children so I could tend to Tehya. I am so grateful for you both. I am so grateful for angels. Angels are real...heavenly and mortal. This word fills my mind as I think of all of you.

...and one more from today.

Last of all, Chad got home today after being gone all week!!! That's the best part of all...now the universe is back in order.

Sad and Sick

2009-02-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

Not a single laugh has escaped from these lips today. Three days of lying on the couch will do that to you...and I should mention the sore throat and fever that are also contributing. If it continues into tomorrow, I will have to take her to the doctor. Mentioning that brings sobs to these sad lips. Hopefully we will hear a laugh emerge soon...

I must say though she is quite cozy and I might just snuggle in there with her...

New York

2009-02-23T14:08:00.001-08:00

Between all of Chad's travels, we escaped to New York for the weekend. We stayed across the street from Bryant park, where fashion week was taking place. I found myself staring wide mouthed many times. Wow!!!

One of the days we walked all the kids for 7 hours around New York. They were so good! I can't wait to go back. Also, thanks to Mark for watching the kids at our hotel so we could have a night out on the town.

A missing girl and an almost missing tooth

2009-02-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

Chad has been out of town the past couple of days...

Day 1:

I am standing alone at the bus stop waiting for Tehya to arrive. The bus parks on the corner. All the children get off the bus, but not my Tehya. She is not there. The bus leaves and I am still standing alone. My chest is thumping. I take my phone out of my pocket to call the school when it rings in my hand. It's my friend. Her son is one of Tehya's friends at school. This is our conversation:

"Hi, are you looking for Tehya? She is at my house. I asked
her if you knew she was here and she said 'of course'!"

She was very gracious about the unexpected arrival of Tehya.

Day 2:

Jackson looks up at me with a bloody mouth. After cleaning him off, I notice his front tooth is moving. I cry. I don't know anything about teeth. We have had all sorts of mishaps before, but none involving teeth. The dentist wants to see him right away. I throw the kids in the car and cry. Maybe my neighbor is home. I get out, knock on her door and cry. She is an angel and takes all my kids for the next few hours while I run Jack to the dentist. I am grateful for angels. My sweet smiley boy will probably have a dark tooth in the near future...at least it was a baby tooth.

Day 3:

Almost there. Chad is coming home in a couple of hours. Today is much better. An amazing friend, another angel, comes over and lets me have a break. She not only watches my kids, but she also cleans Jacobs awful closet, takes out my smelly trash, and I am sure she did other things that I have not yet discovered. I am so blessed.

Last little scare....I am waiting at the bus stop again today...and waiting...and the bus stops and leaves, with out my Tehya walking out from it's doors. NOT AGAIN!!!! I watch the bus roll away. I start to walk home as I call the school. They can't find her. My heart is beating fast again. I feel a hand in mine as I am about to walk up my stairs to my house. It's Tehya. She forgot to get off the bus on her stop. She was scared too. We aren't too familiar with the neighborhood yet. Little Tehya found her way home from a different stop. Another silent thank you in my heart to Heaven! Today a smile!

For the Grandparents

2009-02-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

Here are few pictures of Savannah Maurine taken yesterday. My little "ray of sunshine". She is growing so fast...enjoy Grandmas and Grandpas!!!

Our visitors left today and we are missing them! Your pictures are next!! Come back soon Mark and Jen...we loved having your company! Thanks for filling my "bucket". Love Ya!

The dishes are waiting

2009-02-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

Today...

The water is running in the sink behind me. I am busy giving kisses to Jacob. A voice says "Mom! The dishes are waiting for you!" He was right. Three year olds usually are. I remember now what I was supposed to be doing. I turn my attention from Jacob...turn off the water...turn my back to the dishes. Smile. Back to kissing those rosy cheeks. The dishes won't mind waiting.

.

Grateful for you

2009-02-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

I realized after Chad read that post that it was too sad. It made him sad. I can tell it is hard for him to see me this way. I will still miss, but I will fill most of my heart with the good. With you! Thank you Friends for the comments.

They did indeed fill my heart. It is now overflowing. Flowing with gratefulness. Grateful for you. Grateful for our connection. Still strong. So far away. So close. I can feel it.

And then there is Chad. A concerned, loving husband. Letting me sleep in 10 extra minutes. Walking down stairs to find a sweapt floor. A compliment...a soft touch. No complaints. Just his smile. Hugs. More compliments. My heart is filled with more.

A small boy against my back...arms squeeze my neck. Savannah's breath against my skin. She smells so good. I take a deep breath of her. Kisses from my boys in the morning. Eyes that squint from smiling...just a sliver of blue. Giggles from my worried child. She smiles more often now. I am grateful for that. Grateful I am a mom.

My new house. Bigger. A guest room...waiting to be filled. There is room for us to run now. Very grateful. Visitors coming this week. I am smiling now!

I am grateful for my calling. Eleven 12 year olds. I get to study the prophets every week. It helps me stay focused on what is important. They are such good kids. My new ward. Sweet girls...new smiles...new friends...new memories to make. An invite to lunch. A phone call. Some peace. More grateful.

Notes from you. Cell phones. More calls. Letters. Thank you for not forgetting about me. Thank you for your prayers for my family. I love you.

Virginia! Wow, the history. Beautiful land. Mysterious...intriguing. I love that there is so much to see. So much to do. Places to explore. Things to learn. Treasures to find. New! Another smile on my face.

Health. We are all healthy now. The first time since we moved here. No runny noses. Just happy kids. My insides feel brighter! I am grateful to have a strong body again.

My morning call from my Mom. Just two minutes. A pep talk. Just enough to put a smile on my face. Reminds me of my old home. Reminds me to make the best of the new. "Be strong for your kids". So grateful for her advice. So grateful...so full now!! I will still miss. I can still feel it inside my chest. Mostly I feel gratitude though...showing through my smile that just grew! I hear it gets better. I know that is true. Thanks again for loving me! I am blessed...and grateful.

Missing

2009-02-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

I have a missing heart. Today I am missing all of you. I miss my Dad...it's his birthday. I miss my Mom, Sister, Brother. Mom and Dad Green. I miss all of my brothers and sister in laws. Jackson said yesterday "I want to go to aunt Cristi's house". I am missing family. Sunday dinner. Missing Favorite Uncles, and Favorite Aunts. Cousins. Late night rendezvous in the driveway with old neighbors. Tight hugs. Familiar faces at the store. Waves as cars pass. Old routines. Smiles from Friends...FRIENDS! Oh I miss my friends. All of you. Missing the early morning trip to the gym with my girls! Missing my ward...hugs...smiles. Mint Milanos at the beach. Girls night out. Treats from amazing cooks. Cupcakes. Unexpected visitors. Friends who stay over all day.

Hold on while I wipe my eyes.

Sitting in the drive way while we watch the kids go wild. A familiar house. A familiar street. The mountains. Babysitters across the street. People who know my heart and soul. Missing meeting a certain friend in the street after the first snow fall to slide. The view out my big front window...a comforting view of a friend. Miss running the streets of canyon rim while we talk. Another pair of hands to clear the table after lunch. I miss for it...I ache for it.

A quick wave as we pass in the street. Missing help with laundry. A surprise dinner left on my door step. A mouth full of mashed bananas. Swinging on the swing in the back yard. Meeting at the park. Escaping to Park City. Ice cream fights in the car. Missing you.

A shoulder to cry on. A super heroine to save me in a desperate time. My mom. My Friends. My Neighbors. Chatting in the school parking lot. Our Doctor. Quick trips to swim laps. Warped floors and warped doors. Cooking together every Thursday night. Visiting. Laughing. Crying.

I want you all to know how much you mean to me. I miss sharing these things with you. Thank you for giving me such a full life. I know this is where I need to be, but I still miss. Today I am missing you. Tomorrow I will focus on being grateful, but today I will let my heart miss.

I love you!!

how they looked at me today

2009-01-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for my camera! My dad gave me his old camera this Christmas. I love it! I just feel this urgency to document life....it is going by way too fast!

My favorite kind of picture is the one that captures how my kids look at me most often. This is what I want to remember.

Box on the porch

2009-01-29T17:30:00.001-08:00

Lambie Cake

2009-01-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few pictures that we have taken so far today of Savannah's birthday. My Internet is being weird, so this is all I am going to do today!

Happy birthday Savannah!

Just a little note, we have a tradition of giving the birthday baby a lambie cake for their disposal!

"Bottom hair"

2009-01-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

I laugh out loud every time I think about this little conversation Jackson had with his Grandpa when he was here a week ago. It went like this...

J: "Grandpa, you have no top hair?"

G: "nope"

J: "You only have bottom hair?"

J: "Grandpa, you have big tummy? Can I touch your tummy?"

We teased Grandpa all day about his "bottom hair"!

Dad, you are so wonderful. We are all missing your "big tummy" and your "bottom hair". I am sure needing one of those hugs from you right now. We love you so much, and we miss you more that we can express.

Manassas

2009-01-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! What an amazing piece of history! We went to this battle field for the second time this week and we have barely touched on this horrible but so incredible part of the American Civil War. I am going to have to revisit this place.

On this land, 5,000 soldiers died in the first battle and 2,500 in a second battle, fought 13 months later.

This house was actually destroyed. From what I understand, there was only one civilian casuality in the whole 4 years of the war, and it took place in this house. It was an older woman who refused to leave her house when she heard the armies marching toward her. The two sides collided right in her front yard. One of her slaves was hit with a bullet, but she survived. Another slave hid in the fireplace, and spent the rest of her life deaf. The family returned after the battle to find their house in ruins and their elderly mother dead on her bed. Sad. The confederates actually stripped the house later, I am not sure why. All that was left was the foundation and the stone fireplace. The house was rebuilt.

The land was just breathtaking. It was hard to imagine that the bloodiest battle in American history took place on this very spot.

This is where Stone Wall Jackson emerged from the trees. His men had almost lost hope, when he entered the field sitting tall and sure on his horse. It was here that he was given the name of "Stone Wall Jackson", and the confederates ended up winning this battle, even though they lost the war.

The museum on the property also had some really interesting things. There were swords and bullets that were found at the site, along with many other things. One thing that left an impression on me was the coat of a 17 year old boy that was shot in the shoulder minutes into the battle. On his coat you could see the hole from the fatal shot. I read about how the men and boys were very optimistic about war...their daydreams were shattered quickly when reality set in.

I am glad we could see these lands for the beauty they hold, and not the death they were once blanketed with.

A Light in the Darkness

2008-12-16T04:58:00.000-08:00

Sunday night we took the kids to the DC Temple to see the lights. We also had a cute neighbor who was playing "Mary" in the live nativity. It was really neat to see the nativity acted out and see all of the beautiful lights. I just really missed the Utah snow that we usually encounter at Temple Square. I won't complain though because the truth is...the cold usually discourages me from taking the kids to Temple Square and this night in DC it was in the high 50's. Just perfect! We were all sweating in our coats!

We caught this photo driving down the road after leaving the Temple. I love the way it shines through the dark silhouettes of the trees.

If Trees Could Talk

2008-12-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with Mount Vernon. I even dreamed about it that night... ball gowns and carriages! So far, I think it is my favorite place we have visited. During the month of December the third floor is open to visitors, so we were able to see where Martha Washington spent her last two years of her life before she passed away. When George Washington died, Martha closed the door to the room that they shared and moved upstairs to a bedroom on the third floor where she could see his tomb from her window. She died two years later. I just thought that was so romantic. They wouldn't let you take pictures inside the house...I wish I could have though. It was amazing.

This is the same view George Washington saw from his porch 200 years ago. The tree in the picture is one of two original trees on the back portion of the house.

This is the Tomb where George and Martha are buried.

George often paid for a camel to stay on his property for the Christmas season.

The visitor center had 13 themed trees decorated. Jacob couldn't leave the ornaments alone. We had to get out of there fast. It was a wonderful day. We spent about 5 hours looking around the farm, and even saw a fox. (Tehya had a nightmare about being eaten by a fox with glowing eyes that night...exciting!) I told Chad that we are going to have to buy a year pass there...and if you come to visit us, just plan on making a trip to Mount Vernon. All the paint in the house is original and so is 40% of the furniture. The house has such a grand feeling to it...just imagine all of the important decisions that were made within those walls...

One more thing...

2008-12-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

If you do get to watch it, look for the poor guy who has to stick a huge thermometer up his nose. I felt so bad for him...the things we do for money!!

He's on TV!

2008-12-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

So tonight Chad and I went to his bosses house to watch a thingy, (I don't know what to call it), but anyway, National Geographic did a story on what Artis has been working on. It was so much fun to see him on TV. I feel bad though because I didn't tell anyone about it...so now I am telling you about it. It was entertaining to see Travis Poulson (my cousin), and other of Chads friends on TV. Good job boys! So now, you can watch it too! It is replaying a few more times:
Saturday Dec 6, 2 pm
Thurs Dec 11, 5 pm.
Now these are Eastern times, just so you know. It is playing on the National Geographic channel. They didn't go into much detail on how the system works, but it is really interesting. I am proud of those guys for creating something that can save lives. It was a good 2 minutes of fame, now back to work! Let me know what you think...

A visit from Cheri

2008-11-30T07:06:00.001-08:00

The Saturday after Jacks birthday Cheri and Jeremy came to visit. She also brought Jacks birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa Green...Jack was so excited, he answered the door naked. It was so fun to see Cheri and Jeremy, we miss you guys so much. I wanted to add a few more pictures to Jacks birthday post...

Thanks so much grandma for the present!!! The boys kept taking pictures of it.

I am never letting them leave

2008-11-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

We have had Mark and Liz here all weekend and a lot has happened...a delicious dinner...a fire in the oven...the ZOO...and lots of late night fun. I wish I could keep them forever here. They have really helped ease the homesickness. Here's a few pictures...

OK, so here is what happened when the oven was glowing red...
Marci froze, she couldn't stop staring...
Chad to the rescue...
Liz couldn't stop taking pictures...
Jacob running around the room crying and screaming...
It was so funny!! I just smile thinking about it.

At the Zoo...

Bath time with the babies...

Date Night with Mark and Liz equals girls go to the bookstore, boys go to the electronics store and then we meet for dinner. I wish we could do it every night!

Blossoming Tehya

2008-11-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

Friday Tehya had her 1st grade Thanksgiving performance. I was really nervous about how she would do. She is normally shy when it comes to things like this, and I imagined it would be worse this time because of all of the uncertainty she has been through lately...
To our surprise, she was wonderful! She sang every song... she danced...SHE SMILED!!! I feel so much better now that I know she is OK. Her teacher has been so wonderful for her and she thinks school is AWESOME!!

Happy Birthday Jack!!

2008-11-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to add more pictures that we took later...

Today Jack has turned 3... (although if you ask him he will tell you he is 5)!! He woke up this morning so excited and charged for the day!! After eating cupcakes for breakfast he opened up his present from his Grandma. (Thanks mom)! You are awesome Jack! We love you. Now I need to go make more cupcakes... he just ate the last one for lunch.

My Talented Friends

2008-11-20T09:42:00.001-08:00

So I really wanted to get this put on my blog before we moved but it didn't happen. I had two very talented friends take pictures of my kids so if you are looking for a photographer and live in Nevada or Utah, here are two great artists! Ashley Gull took the pictures of Savannah and Kiersten Lewis took the pictures of the Kids. Send me a note if you want more info on these photographers.

We made it!!

2008-11-18T08:12:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to say that we are living in our new house. I can't find the camera yet, so when I do we will have some pictures up!! We miss everyone. Oh, one more huge blessing... our neighbor across the street is in our ward, and she is amazing!! More to come later!!!

To Chad

2008-10-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

Chad, I just wanted to tell you "thank you"

...thank you for working so hard for us.
...for taking such good care of me and the kids.
...for buying me a house.
...for letting me rest while I was sick.
...for always giving me compliments...you make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
...for being the kind of father our kids deserve.
I miss you and hate it when you are gone. You are the best husband, I couldn't have dreamed of a better husband for me. I will be forever glad that we were brought together. I love you, handsome.

My Jacob

2008-10-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

I was telling a friend about my weekend with Jacob and she just laughed and said that I needed to put this on my blog. (Thanks Janalyn!) I love my Jacob. He sure has come a long way from where he was a few years ago. We used to call him the "tornado" because he would destroy everything in sight. There was a time when every picture frame in my house was missing the glass, when we were on a first name basis with poison control (they used to just call to check up on him), when Jacob got lost everywhere we went... the worst was missing him for 45 minutes at the Dino museum. Things have improved a lot. Now on a sweeter note, Jacob is so sensitive. He allows compliments to flow freely from his mouth, and as long as I talk to him in a kind and soft voice, my wish is his command. He sure does keep me on my toes though....and here is what brings me to why I am writing this in the first place...

Saturday I took all 4 kids to the church to clean. Chad was out of town so it was just me. I sent the boys upstairs to wipe off the banisters with a cloth while I took the girls down the hall to wipe the chair rails. After a few minutes I couldn't hear the boys any more and a friend of mine said he would check on them. He found my two boys on the ROOF OF THE CHURCH!!!! A TWO YEAR OLD AND A 4 YEAR OLD ON THE ROOF OF THE CHURCH!!! He coaxed them back to the small window and helped them inside. (Thank you Dave for saving my boys!!) When he asked Jacob what he was doing there, Jacob replied that he was perfectly safe and that he knew how to fly like Peter Pan. We are never watching that movie again!!!

Sunday after church ended I learned that Jacob had left the church to run through the parking lot and across the feild. I think I need a leash. He told me he went with an "adult"...a boy who is 2 years older than him. Is that what he thinks an adult is? After a long lecture, he called his primary teacher to appologize and this is what I heard..."I am sorry I ran across the street. I thought I was going to go to jail, but I didn't. Good bye!" I just pray I can keep him alive until he is an adult. All of this just makes me love him more... I just don't know if I can keep up with him...I love you my Jacob.

2008-10-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

I wanted to be sure I made note of all of the miracles that have happened since we decided to take this offer to move. I couldn't find my journal in all of the chaos, so I will list it here before I forget...

1. We were looking for a moving company when Chad ran into an old friend who he hadn't seen for years. His friend informed Chad that his older brother was the CEO of a nation wide moving company.

2. Jackson potty trained in the middle of all of the packing and moving and craziness, all by himself.

3. We were able to get our house on the market in a week- we painted, repaired, cleaned, and moved into my grandmas house all in 6 days.

4. We had 3 offers on our house in 6 days. I am still shocked about that, especially in this economy.

5. We closed on our house 19 days after we listed it.

6. My grandmas house has been vacant and we have been able to stay there during all of this. This has especially been meaningful to me...I have missed her so much. Some mornings I can almost hear her stirring juice in the kitchen and smell breakfast cooking.

I have to know that Heavenly Father is aware of us. I feel so strongly that it is time for us to go, even though it is not what I had wanted. I am glad that miracles still do exist. To have things with the house go so smoothly has been wonderful, especially because I feel like my kids are having such a hard time right now. When I start to doubt (which I do often) I need to remember all of these miracles that have happened and know that things will work out. Life sure is crazy....never a dull moment!!

We just made an offer on a house in Virginia...we'll see what happens next.

2008-10-14T21:28:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to give an update on what is happening. We put our house on the market three weeks ago and it sold in the first week. We are closing tomorrow. I can't believe how fast things have happened. Now we are turning our attention to searching for homes in the Ashburn area. I have such mixed feelings right now. I am so grateful for how quickly and wonderfully things have gone, but I also feel so much sadness for the friends, neighbors, and family that I am leaving. Tonight I had to say goodbye to my house. It's been a wonderful house, and I will miss it's warped doors and worn floors. Time to start a new chapter.

I caved!

2008-09-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

So I finally decided I better figure this out. I have been a little against this because of my limited time, but I decided that since we were moving soon it would be nice to have for family and friends to stay connected easier. So here it goes, my first post (with two kids on my lap while I am typing!)
More to follow soon!!.....