Happy Birthday!

B had a birthday shout hooray! Hard to believe she is already 3! She is such a fun little girl. She has a hilarious sense of humor! She says and does some of the funniest things. I don't know what we would do without her!

We had a fun birthday weekend. On her birthday, we went to the Real Playoff game with a bunch of friends, and then out to dinner. And then B got to go to the Jazz game with her dad! All week she had been telling everyone she was going to the Jazz game and she was going to dance with the dancers, and see the Bear. She did dance, and the Bear did come very close to her!

Sunday we had the fam over for a little party! She was spoiled rotten of course and has had a blast playing with all her new things! Here are some pictures of the Birthday girl!

Look at this rat's nest! If you can't have a great head of bed hair on your birthday, when can you have it?

Ouch

Saturday was a beautiful day here! R thought it might be the last good Saturday before Christmas, so he put up the Christmas lights. Up and down, on and off the roof all day, a lot steeper roof than he was used to. He was a little nervous and as we watched our other neighbors doing the same, we all discussed back and forth how crazy they were and that some one was going to get hurt.


On his last, seriously, LAST trip up the ladder, to set the timers, the ladder decided it had been used and abused enough in one day, and decided to put it self down, with Richard still on it. I had been sitting out on the porch with the baby, and watched him climb up, and warned him the ladder didn't look very good. It's one of those adjustable ladders, and he was using it as an extension ladder. He had it sitting on the sidewalk, propped up against the house at about a 45* angle. I got up and put my foot on it. As we discussed the worse thing that could happen, I decided I wouldn't be any good because I had the baby, so I went inside. Nice caring wife, I know.


Honestly, not 3 minutes later I hear this "thud, thud, thud......ow....ow....ahhh....Crap..(I think there were a few swear words, but he says no)...oww....Katie....KATIE" I laid the baby on the floor and went running out to find him face down in the flower bed laying on top of the ladder.


The first thing he said was "It's broken."
Me: "What's broken"
Him: "I broke my leg"
Me: " What did you DO"
(Yes I realize that's pretty obvious)
Me: "I TOLD you it wasn't safe"
Him: "OHHHHH it hurts!"


Alright, I decided I should help him and not lecture him. So we carefully rolled him over. His leg, which slipped through the wrung was kind of bent like a "Z". Thankfully, we had a fairly large rock right sitting right next to him, which now that I type that, thankfully he didn't land on that fairly large rock! I looked at his non-hurt leg (because I wasn't ready to see bone, or blood, or a dangling ankle) His non hurt leg was pretty scraped up. His face had a big scratch on it, and his left hand and wrist were pretty scraped up. After a few deep breaths, we pulled up his pant leg, and thankfully no bones were sticking out, and it wasn't dangling...and no blood, but he was in a ton of pain.


I ran inside, told M to wake up B, loaded the baby, and got R in the car. Took the kids over to the neighbors and we were off to instacare. They did an x-ray, assured us it wasn't broken, but said he messed it up pretty good....do the best to stay comfortable, whether that's with a boot or crutches or wrapping it, whatever felt best. Gotta love instacare!


Sunday he kept it elevated, Monday it was a lovely shade of purple and about 4x's it's normal size. He called around and got an appointment with an Orthopedic Dr. Tuesday, he went to a meeting with our friend who has in-laws that are podiatrists, so on lunch, they ran to the office for an ultrasound because there was a new popping on the outer ankle. He confirmed there was tissue damage and that and MRI would help figure out where.




Today, he went to the orthopedic Dr. and was told he ruptured the Peroneal Retinaculum (the back tendon). He put him in a cast and told him to stay completely off of it for 4 weeks! Poor guy! After that it's rehab, with a chance of surgery!


The more I think about it the more scared I get. He was so lucky that he didn't get hurt more. He could of hit is head, or broke arms and legs....who knows. I am just grateful he only did what he did, and that for the most part, he can still function. I just wish he'd take it a little easier! Hope you get better soon Zhuck!
The good news, we're out of training for a triathlathon for awhile now...ahh shucks!

One Lucky Mom

I have to say, I am one lucky mom. I have incredible kids. They are calm and easy going, obedient, and they try their hardest to be good kids. They help out, usually willingly. Even the baby tries to help out...she tries her best to let me sleep...sweet thing!

Today I have to say what a great kid S is. He had kind of a rough day yesterday. For him, he thought he got in trouble a lot....compared to most, it was nothing. But he went to bed feeling pretty sad for some of the choices he made. I got after him for his room being messy. So here it is, 7:45 am....what do I hear, S is up, getting dressed, putting his laundry away, and cleaning his room. How sweet is that! He tries so hard, and disciplining him breaks my heart. He takes it SO personally. Thanks buddy for always doing your best, and trying your hardest.

Just A Few More

We have started a fun tradition that the kids look forward to every year. We go to lunch with Dad and go trick or treating at his office. For the past 5 years we have gone to the same place for lunch! The girls in R's office are always so cute and good to the kids. They look so forward to trick or treating to them. This year was no different. They came home with a bucket full of goodies. Dori took these pictures, and I thought they were so cute, I had to post them! Thanks girls for all you do! And thanks Dori for the cute pictures!

Pumpkin Carve

Just a few shots from our annual pumpkin carve. Of course, lots of yummy food...Navajo Tacos and homemade doughnuts! YUM! It's so nice to have the kids getting a little older, they had a blast carving pumpkins, and needed very little help! I think they turned out great!

Halloween Photos

I'm a little slow posting the Halloween photos....but here we are....The kids had a fun week of parties. They are still crazy from their sugar highs! Every year I start out thinking Halloween is so silly, and such a waste, but come Halloween night, I can't help get into it, and I always wish we got into it more. Maybe next year, I'll remember, and actually plan on dressing up...but then again, maybe not!

Uneasiness

Last night, we were up late, surprise surprise, "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" was on. Bill Maher was his guest. He said somethings that really bothered us, especially R. R has been paying more attention than ever to everything that is going on. He has been feeling uneasy about the Political world, the Economic world, etc. etc. I know he is not alone. Mr. Maher pushed him over the edge last night. He sent this email out to some of his friends/co-workers today. I thought it was nicely written so I decided to share....



I have yet to decide how widely to distribute this, but thought I would share with you my ramblings from a long night last night.


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I encourage you to watch this interview of Bill Maher pitching his new movie “Religulous”. Bill is a very articulate, well educated, and persuasive individual. Bill starts out relatively even and logical. Unfortunately, he builds to God being an “invisible space guy”, ridicule of afterlife beliefs, and referring to all religions as “all crazy…all completely insane.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcLhXjOReH8

Because of him and others in our nation, I fear that all religions and those that ascribe to religious values will be subject to escalating ridicule, derision, and scorn. Those of us that have the courage to believe in something, will be scoffed at by those who find it easier to believe in nothing. True persecution will not come from the inarticulate, uneducated, or unconvincing. We will be challenged, and it is time to prepare.

Regardless of the election results, those with a belief in God need to commit to personal preparation and active participation in our country. We must know where we stand if we are going to be able to stand against those that would call us “completely insane” for our beliefs. The banner of liberty will not fly without people willing to carry it, sacrifice for it, and to declare it to others.

It’s not about party lines, it is not merely about the next four-years. We should not “hide behind” God, but should be out front fighting for our children’s futures.

This oft replayed Presidential address should never be forgotten:
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.” (John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address Friday, January 20, 1961).
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On a slightly different topic, but still relative to Mr. Maher’s comments, I would encourage you to at least read the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Without doing so, how can we ever hope to answer the “separation of church and State” argument?

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Notice that there is no mention of a "separation of church and state". Based upon my limited research, that phrase came in an 1803 letter from Thomas Jefferson to a Baptist minister, written to assure him that the United States would never declare a state religion.

For a fairly inclusive, although certainly not authoritative review of this subject, Wikipedia provides a good source of initial research. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state_in_the_United_States

Some excerpts:

The first amendment to the US Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". The two parts, known as the "establishment clause" and the "free exercise clause" respectively, form the textual basis for the Supreme Court's interpretations of the "separation of church and state" doctrine.

The Senate went through several more narrowly targeted versions before reaching the contemporary language. One version read, “Congress shall make no law establishing one religious sect or society in preference to others, nor shall freedom of conscience be infringed,” while another read, “Congress shall make no law establishing one particular religious denomination in preference to others.” Ultimately, the Senate rejected the more narrowly targeted language.

I’m no attorney or scholar. I don’t pretend to understand all of the Supreme Court rulings on this subject. But I do know what the Constitution says. Until they tie me up and tape my mouth I will Pledge Allegiance “under God”, I will continue to place my Trust “In God”, and I will “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.”

Sand Hollow

For the past few years, a group of friends have been heading to Sand Hollow over Conference weekend. It is a blast. We listen to conference in the campground soaking in some last of the season rays, and then we hit the lake. This year was a blast. The first night rained CATS and DOGS, and maybe even a few mountain lions. Holy cow! I didn't know it could rain so hard. Grateful for a nice warm trailer, and not a leaky tent!

(After all of the rain, the boys had to play in the mud puddle..yum)

We did a little hiking. We got in some great skiing and wake boarding. Literally, on Monday, we were the only boats (3 boats) on the lake playing (there were 2 or 3 fishermen, but they don't count because they don't chop up the water). If you have never skied on pure glass you haven't lived! AWESOME. I am just a novice skier but it was awesome!

(Look at that glass!)

(The kids watching a movie on the bunk beds)

The kids always are so great and they all get a long so well! Fun times and fun memories! Thanks everybody...we had a great time...and we'll do it again in 6 months!

(K liked the beach)

Picture Tag

I was tagged by my friend with this random tag game. You have to post the 6th picture in the

6th file in your picture file. This was this spring at S's Kindergarten program. They were singing the "Colors of the Rainbow" song, which they learned the sign language for. He, along with everyone else looks a little possessed. Thanks Janelle! I tag Jessica, Nat, Randy, Heidi, Tiffany, and Amy.

Jessica!

My little sister who lives in Missouri has been begging me for a post showing her K! She hates being away from home, and we miss having her and her family here. They get to come home for Christmas for a month and we can't wait. So Jess, these are for you. Sorry it's been awhile!

Grandpa & Grandma's Pumpkin Patch

Every year, Richard's Dad and Step-Mom grow an awesome garden which includes a great pumpkin patch. We get to go and pick out pumpkins! It's a Halloween favorite. For the last week, every time we drive past a pumpkin patch Sam begs me to stop. I have reminded him every time that we are going to get our pumpkins from Grandpa. So today went and did it. The wind had blown a bunch of leaves off the trees, so they decided to rake them up for Grandpa and Grandma. After playing in the pile, I'm not sure it helped too much, but they had a great time! We're loving the mild fall this year!

Maybe

Maybe we are doing something right!

I was doing B's hair this morning. She was looking at a little activity book called "Say Goodnight To Teddy". It has a stuffed bear and each page is a step in the bed time routine. Teddy eats his dinner, brushes his teeth, gets undressed, has a bath, gets in his jammies, and then goes to bed. B did all the steps and was putting Teddy to bed. She said her good night secrets to Teddy that we tell her everynight, and then she made Teddy say his prayers. So sweet!

B's bed time routine has been insane...pretty much since K's been born. We've been trying to remedy this, this week. Some nights, however, I forget to have her say her prayers. Horrible I know. But maybe, just maybe she's getting it!

How Do They Do It?

I have always marveled at people who have children close together. M & S are 2 years apart, and that was plenty close enough.

I was watching Jake yesterday, and this is what happens when I have 3 kids all under 2.

I was getting ready to give K her bath. B thinks she can get in with her and instantly strips down and hops in faster than anything! So I gave K her bath, and I was in getting her dressed. B started saying "Oh, OH!" I asked her what was wrong, and she said "Jake is in here, and he has his clothes on." They had been playing with the rubber ducky, and I guess he figured he was missing out on the total water experience. He did manage to put her pants in the water too. Notice them on the side of the tub. So needless to say, he ran around in his diaper while his clothes were drying. B of course wouldn't get dressed until he did.

Five Years Ago

OK Randy...this is for you. You gave me a serious brain fart trying to think what I was doing 5 years ago. I can't even remember what I did last week, let alone 5 years ago.


What I was doing five years ago:
1. Getting ready to spend a delightful week at the Grand Waiela Hotel in Maui
2. Staying at home playing with 2 of my favorite kids
3. Drinking Diet Coke, talking on the phone to Heidi

Pet Peeves:
(Driving the kids back and forth to school for 6 months made me realize I had a lot of driving pet peeves)
1. People who run the red lights on a left hand turn, making me miss my turn with the green arrow!
2. People who are not paying attention once the green arrow turns, which makes me miss my turn because they were too slow!
3. People who cut you off by changing lanes, and then go under the speed limit, when there was no need to switch lanes!

Some things I would do if I were a billionaire
1. Pay off my house, and buy my kids a house of their own...for someday
2. Travel
3. Buy all the toys necessary for traveling

Favorite foods:
1. Diet Coke
2. Shakes (Iceberg, or Ab's work nicely)
3. Nice juicy stake with fried shrimp

What's in a name?

After a few discussions about the pros and cons, we've decided to try to sanitize our blog a bit. We had originally(nearly 1-year ago) intended to make this a private blog. However, as we've had old friends find our blog, (which has helped us find their's also) we feel like it is important to leave it open.

We want friends to find us. Sickos, Psychos, and other disturbed individuals are NOT WELCOME. It's the doubled edged sword of these wonderful blogs.

So, we've already edited some old posts, and will be deleting the rest after we print them for our future reminiscing. For future posts, please accept our apologies for using first-letter abreviations for names. We trust that those we know and love will be able to decipher who we're talking about.

The Vinyl Trend

I have kind of avoided the whole vinyl lettering trend. I don't know why. I always think it looks so cute when I see it, but I just haven't ever bought any. But then, I found a cute little pattern at a fabric store that I thought would be so cute in K's room. So then I thought everybody's room needed something. So, here is what we have.....



(B's Room)



(M's Room)
(S's Room)

(Kid's Loft)

(K's Room--Sorry for the yucky picture---I couldn't figure out how to get my camera to work better than this.)

But after doing this, I know why I've avoided it. Even though it was super easy to apply, my rebellion to OCD or my case of ADD prohibits me from measuring and remeasuring and having everything absolutely positively perfect. I drive poor R crazy. In this area, we are polar opposites. I should have waited and let him hang all of these up. The loft is a little crooked...oh well...it gives it character, right!