The Bernard's

Catch Up Post

2012-01-06T08:24:00.004-06:00

I am going to us this post as a catch up post, so then i am ready for the new year (yes I know we are already six day's in). I finished my first semester of college with a 3.0!!! It was tough but it is behind me now. I start my 2nd semester on the 17th, I am taking History, Yoga, and Math. I will be done with my history credits and PE when this semester is over!!! I am going in the mornings for most of the classes and have one class in the evenings. I am already looking forward to May, that is when this semester will end :-) My goal this year is to stay out of the hospital and continue to get well. So far so good. John is continuing to impress his boss at work. He likes going most days and even likes the bonus's better. All 3 kids are doing well in school. D is starting to pick up his grades and get his work turned in. The 2 little ones still enjoy going. Stef has a different teacher till March as her teacher had a baby 2 days after school let out for break. Speaking of break we had the pleasure of heading up to MO for a very much needed visit. The kids were super excited and they are such good travelers. We got to see Scarlette who is just as cute as can be and Kinzie. We had a girls only party ( NO BOYS ALLOWED), we painted nails, played with a funny microphone thing and ate brownies. The boys were downstairs playing games. Here a few pictures of our adventure:

Harry Blinkin?

2011-11-21T14:21:00.002-06:00

Do you know who Harry Blinkin is? Well Ben does. He learned that Harry Blinkin was the 16th president of the United States, he is on the penny and the $5 bill. Bet you still didn't know that.He was also killed by some men under a cherry tree, bet you still didn't know that. Ben learned all about him in kindergarten and came home and told us what he remembered. Do you know who Harry Blinkin is?

Update...

2011-11-09T08:09:00.003-06:00

Ok so I have been told I don't need to post my table topper pictures I need to give updates as well. So I am taking time away from my nap to do just that for you, (you know who you are)
Starting with school, Donnovan is in the 8th grade this year, I know right an 8th grader!!!!! He is struggling a bit since he has HS credit classes, that means more homework and classwork. He has been visiting his school counselor almost on a daily basis. I showed up for school last week and spent the day with him going from class to class, needless to say he was not amused. I told him if he falls behind again I will be there again and maybe this time in my jammies. :-)
Stef is in the 1st grade this year and LOVES it!!!! I am trying to shoot for perfect attendance this year. They have been only out 1 day and that was only because they were throwing up. There is a little prize they get if they don't miss any days and then another if they only miss one, so we are doing good. Her teacher is pregnant and on the first day of school Stef came home and informed me that we needed another baby. Sorry Stef the factory is closed and will never open again. She has little school projects that she loves doing with her dad and she is reading above 2nd grade level. That doesn't surprise me since both John and I are are adv id readers.
My baby Ben started kindergarten this year and I still have mixed feelings letting him go everyday. He loves school as well. They want to participate in everything, we have sent canned goods, pennies, you name it it has gone. He is learning so much and loves loves to write, he writes on anything that doesn't move, no joke, i have writings on the kitchen counter, bathroom counters, he leaves John and I notes on our night stands on the desk, everywhere. My favorite though is when he is upset with us he grabs a piece of paper and writes either mom or dad or sometimes both and puts a big X on our names and hands them to us. I think it is funny. When he is done being mad he gets another piece of paper and writes our names on it and hands it to us without an X. Crazy kid.
For Halloween this year we had quite a week. On the Wednesday before Halloween our ward did the Trunk or Treat. The little ones were not impressed with all the judging and what not. It was very boring and a lot of kids were getting restless. We had a real magician and the kids LOVED the show!!! I did too. Then outside for the treats, the kids had fun but once they were done that was it, they wanted to go home. Then on Friday we went to the YMCA for the Boo Bash. Again lots to make and do. There was also a trunk or treat there as well. They had face painting, ghost bowling a bouncy house! The kids were in heaven. Then on Monday we went trick or treating around the neighborhood, they had a blast. The only problem was coming up with 3 different costumes. Stef went as a nerd, Snow White, and a witch with a mole, she was all about the mole. Ben went as himself, fire fighter, and a sheriff. D went as who knows what he just wanted the candy.
I thought once all the kids were in school I would have lots of quiet time. WRONG!!! I am going to school 3 nights a week, working one and trying to keep up the house. I have a lot going on and sometimes I don't know which way is up. My health is stable for now and I am not taking a day for granted. Still on a ton of meds and will be for the rest of my life. John is also in school and still working full time. He is liking his job very much now that he has a new boss and lots of responsibilities. I will post pictures another time. And I will try to do better on keeping y'all updated.

November Table Topper

2011-11-07T14:02:00.001-06:00

Still Alive...

2011-10-19T14:18:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that we are still alive. These past few months have been super busy, when I have longer than 10 minutes I will update more. Here is a picture of the Halloween table topper:

September's Table Topper

2011-09-23T13:19:00.001-05:00

August's Table Topper

2011-08-03T11:45:00.003-05:00

Donnovan is a teenager!

2011-08-03T11:24:00.003-05:00

On July 16th I became a mother of a teenager!! I don't know how it happened because I swear I was just a teenager myself a few years ago. We borrowed a friends house and pool and invited some friends over. We had pizza and cupcakes and lots of pool time. I have a friend who writes things about her kids on their birthday's that coincide with the age they are turning, I like it so I am going to try it.
1. Donnovan loves building war type things with his Lego's.
2. He loves to read.
3. He loves to build wars with various things in his room.
4. He is a big helper to me and usually will do things without grumbling.
5. He is almost as tall as I am.
6. He loves camping.
7. He hates getting up in the mornings.
8. He knows how to do laundry.
9. He likes playing the Trombone but prefers the viola.
10. His brother and sister think that he is awesome.
11. I like the fact that he is my only red head so we share something that no else has.
12. He is going into the 8th grade.
13. He LOVES video games.

Ben turn's 5

2011-07-20T10:37:00.002-05:00

Ben turned 5 on July 14th. He has been so excited for this day to come!!!!! John came home at lunch to bring me the car and Ben and I went shopping. We had to do a few little errands first but then off to Target we went where he was able to pick out his own gifts. We tried this a few years ago and it worked really well. They get what they want and are not disappointed and there is no returning. He then wanted spaghetti for dinner and a rainbow cake to top his day off.

July's Table

2011-07-04T10:39:00.001-05:00

Here is the table decoration for July!!!

Burgers Lake

2011-07-01T09:46:00.003-05:00

We had the opurtunity to go to Burger's Lake with some friends. It is as close to a beach as we are going to get for now. The kids loved going down the slides and jumping off the diving board. Donnovan enjoyed the swing and having some freedom, all in all we all enjoyed ourselves.

Pre K Graduation

2011-06-21T10:17:00.003-05:00

Ben is now a kindergartner!!! I am so glad we decided to send him to Pre K this year. It was hard for me but so good for him. We are hoping he gets Stef's teacher since she was so AWESOME!!! He is learning so much and absorbing so fast. They are excited that they get to be in the the same school this coming year!!!!!

Ms Kellam and Ben

The fish tank the kids love!

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-21T10:11:00.002-05:00

Stef is now a big first grader!!! They did a really cute program ( a little long but worth it). The kids enjoyed the singing and the picture slide show. What a year of growth for Stef, she is able to read which is both a blessing and a curse, I can't spell to John anymore or write a quick note. We bought her a lamp and found a nightstand for her room and she is able to read a few books each night before going to sleep, she has been real good about turning her light off when she is done. I am excited for all the fun things she will get to do and learn in the first grade!!!

Ms Abernathy and Stef

June's table

2011-06-04T10:44:00.001-05:00

Here is the decoration for the table this month:

Weeds?

2011-05-17T15:49:00.002-05:00

A few months ago I was making tacos for dinner. I pulled out all the fixings and laid them out. Well I pulled out the olives and Ben went crazy, he kept trying to sneak into them before dinner was ready. Well I thought I heard him ask for his weeds over and over. Didn't really think anything of till last week when he got home from school. I asked him what he wanted for lunch and he said he wanted his weeds. I wasn't sure what he was talking about. So I asked him again what he wanted and again he said he wanted his weeds. I took him to the pantry and told him to show me what it was that he was asking. He pulled out the can of olives!!! I laughed so hard! He was excited as I was opening the can and he sat happily eating his weeds.

May Table

2011-05-16T07:25:00.003-05:00

Here is what the centerpiece on the dinning room table is for the month of May:

Notes from Stef...

2011-05-06T13:10:00.003-05:00

Since Stef has been in kindergarten this year she has learned to write better. With that comes little notes ALL over the house. She has little note books of paper, she will write on scraps of paper or anything else she can find. She has hidden notes for John and I in our night stands, she will put notes on doors, and even is getting Ben to write notes. Well since there are so many I feel bad if I have to throw one away, so I have to do it when she is at school so she doesn't see me do it but I really can't save hundreds of notes. I have a few hanging on the board and some others I have scanned in to show her when she is a teenager and doesn't "love" us. Here are a couple:

"From Nene, I love you my dad and my mommy and my brothers (she spelled it different)then she also wrote "to Ben"

A real job...

2011-05-04T10:54:00.004-05:00

I am now a working WOMAN!!! I know I have been working since I started having kids but I get paid in real $$'s for this job. I am able to work when the kids are in school and I also have the option to take them with me. This will be fun for them especially during the summer!!! I will be working in the child watch at my local YMCA.

Storms a coming...

2011-04-28T10:54:00.003-05:00

This past week we have had some weird weather. 70 mile an hour winds, some rain (not enough)lots of lightening (like we need that with all the fires we have) thunder, and wind, did I mention that already, well we had lots of it so it needs to be mentioned twice. Here are a few pictures that we took of the sky. The sky was pretty but so scary!

Easter Sunday 2011

2011-04-28T10:49:00.003-05:00

Easter Sunday brought a few more treats. My mom also made the kids some rabbits. The kids thought they were great. Ben likes to swing his around and try to hit you with it, D just sort of looked at it and smiled and Stef carried hers around all day, took it to church, and slept with it.Since we did the celebrating on Saturday it was nice to have a quiet Sunday. The kids played with their new goodies and then went to church.

Easter 2011

2011-04-28T10:36:00.003-05:00

This year we had a pretty fun Easter. It started on saturday about 11:15 with friends coming over and dying eggs. We have never dyed eggs before so the kids thought this was great!!! We then had the older 2 go and hide about 100 or so eggs and once they were done the little ones ran around and found them, again this is the first time we did this. They got huge Easter baskets that were filled with goodies and we topped the day off with an Easter feast that I cooked. Ok John put the ham in the oven but I did everything else!!!

Girl toes and boy toes....

2011-04-20T08:54:00.002-05:00

On saturday John went to work at 7. Right before he walked out the door at 6:40 I hear Ben screaming to John from the other side of the house while everyone else is still sleeping, including me, "love you dad". Sweet yes I know but not at 6:40 in the morning. Not 1 minute later Stef comes running into my room crying cause Ben woke her up and she didn't know what was going on. So she climbed into bed with me and I snuggled her for a little bit until she said "momma if you painted my toes I would feel better". I am thinking yeah right it is not even 7am on a saturday. So being the good mommy I got up started some laundry, feed them breakfast and painted both Stef and Ben's toes. They loved them and couldn't wait till John got home to show him.

Sleepy Boy

2011-04-14T12:57:00.003-05:00

What do you get when you take a little boy who woke up at 5am, went to school, ate lunch and laid down on mom and dad's bed to play the DS?

I love you...

2011-04-12T08:23:00.002-05:00

Last night at dinner we were talking about compliments. I had apparently said something nice to Stef and D piped in and said I never give him any. I told him that if he did a good job at school, but I will not say good job for not turning in your work or anything bad. He kind of smirked but I felt bad. Maybe I don't say enough nice things to him, but at the same time I had a thought and shared it with him. I told him that I tell him I love him at least 2 times a day. When he leaves for school I tell him and when he goes to bed I tell him. I told him that I want him to have a good day at school so I start with something positive and I want him to have a good night so I end with something positive. I also told him that there are some kids that don't hear it at all or hardly ever, so he should be grateful that he does hear it. He thought about that and agreed, and that it was sad that there are kids that don't hear I love you enough!

A Permenant Job

2011-04-06T10:22:00.003-05:00

Finally!! After 2 yrs of working as a contractor John was finally brought on as a full time employee at TD Ameritrade. This comes with mixed blessings, we are truly grateful for the paid time off, vacation, holidays, bonus's, etc. The only thing I am worried about is that maybe we won't be bringing in as much as they have to take out medical now. We shall see and I know that everything will work out. I am also looking into working part time. I have almost the whole day to kind of do what I want with and if I find something flexible the money would definitely help.

Stef's Rice Baby

2011-03-28T11:22:00.003-05:00

The day before I ended up in the hospital I had the opportunity to go to Stef’s school and help out with a project that the class was working on. A few weeks prior to this we had to fill out a little questionnaire about our child. Height, weight, etc at the time of birth as they were going to make rice babies and do some projects with them. So I filled it out and sent a picture of Stef. I went to the school on Friday to help make babies!! We filled socks with the amount of rice that the kids were at birth. Stef was the smallest in her class. Then they sewed on little hats and I got to make the faces and give them hair. They have blankets and a bottle and they “sleep” in bassinets. Super fun and they turned out cute. Now on Open House we got to bring the bundle of joy home, Stef sleeps with her baby every night, feeds it and when she thinks about it she will ask me to feed the baby when she is not home. I didn’t realize a sock could be so fun.

AWWW!

2011-03-28T08:47:00.001-05:00

How can you resist this:

A Find

2011-03-18T09:26:00.003-05:00

I LOVE LOVE shopping at Hobby Lobby. It gets my creative juices flowing and I love looking for things that I can do different things with. Like I get the outside stoneware that you put in your garden, I have them in my house and they look super cute, I had a flag that was getting a little ratty and I didn't want to throw it away so I brought it in and trimmed it and then framed it. I was there the other day looking for something different for the dinning room table other than flowers and came across this:

In the basket right now I have a ball of clovers and in the future I can put Easter Eggs and things like that.

Where is the car!!??

2011-03-13T13:20:00.002-05:00

This past week has been a rough one. I have been out of the hospital for just over a week. In that week I have been to get my INR tested and have dealt with Donnovan getting strep and the many obstacles that you face as you are trying to heal. On Thursday I woke up feeling kind of blah, i just chalked it up to I have tried to do to much this week. Throughout the day it got worse and worse by the end of the night I could hardly swallow and the coughing had begun. When I woke up on Friday I was so sick. I was coughing and sneezing and everything else. Well Donnovan had to get to the airport on Saturday and i had talked to John about taking him. You can tell I was sick cause I ALWAYS take him, luckily D understood. So Momma Mayer came over Saturday morning to bring some "goods", she brought me some zinc (I think it is a miracle drug) and some brownies and a mothers hug! I took the zinc and almost immediately the coughing stopped and my nose stopped running. John took D to the airport and called me when he got through security. Everything was fine till D got on the plane, John started sending me text messages telling me that a police car, a fire truck, and an ambulance showed up to his plane! I started freaking out. Finally John got some answer, apparently a cane to an older passenger fell out of the overhead bin onto her head and it made her bleed, once they stopped it off they went. John said he would call me when he was almost home. I got a phone call about 20 minutes later with a frantic John on the phone saying he couldn't find the car! I thought it was a joke and started laughing. He was not laughing. He told me that someone took it since the parking spot that it was in was occupied by another car. He called the airport security or something in the parking garages and they couldn't help him till tomorrow when all the reports had been turned in. So I spent about 10 minutes trying to calm him down and walk him through where the car might be. I said a quick prayer that he would find the car. He told me he had to call me back and about 5 minutes later he called to say he found the car. He had gone up the wrong set of stairs and got all turned around. Once he called me he told me that he was super hot and had to put the a/c on in the car to cool down and he still wasn't laughing even though I was. He made it home safely and D made it to MO safely.

Sawdust to eat...

2011-03-07T12:11:00.002-06:00

On Saturday the 26th of February I had the opportunity to go with a friend and Donnovan to a Big Cat Sanctuary. More on that later, anyhow as we driving there I got a massive pain in the back of my head and after that within seconds I got real dizzy and felt like I was falling out of the car and got real nauseous so I closed my eyes and felt better within a few minutes. I took some Excedrin and we continued on our way. We stopped for lunch and I still felt fine. On the way home I went to send John a text message and I couldn't get my fingers to work. So I called and asked him if I sounded like I was slurring my words, my friend Traci butted in and said "no you are not slurring but you are stuttering." John said to go to the emergency room just to make sure. He had taken the 2 little ones to Urgent Care that morning and they both got diagnosed with strep so there was no way for him to come up. When we got there I went to fill out the paperwork and sign in and I couldn't make my hand write. So Traci filled it out and they whisked my off. I never even sat down. I was in the ER for about 3 hours before they admitted me. They did 2 CAT scans and an MRI within the first hour. Then they did the EKG and took blood. Traci was able to get to men up there to give me a blessing. When they admitted me i cried. I wanted to go home to John, I was so scared. Traci ended up staying with me the first night and I was so drugged I didn't even know what was going on. I was in the hospital till Thursday. I was diagnosed with a stroke and a virus that had gotten into my brain. They treated me with steroids and a crappy diet. I was on the cardiac diet which has no flavor and is just pretty gross. I lost 6-7lbs while I was there!!! Our ward really stepped up to help John get the kids where they needed to be and keep them fed and everything else that I would have done. On the road to recovery I am truly grateful for all the prayers and help that my family and I have received!

Trip to MO

2011-02-22T11:48:00.003-06:00

I had the opportunity to go to MO a few weeks ago. I went ALL by myself, that's right no kids, no hubby, no being a mom, I was a daughter and it was wonderful. I missed everyone lots and was glad to get home but I had a great time. I was able to spend a couple of days with my parents (and with 2 sisters and 2 brothers growing up this was not something we got a lot of) I was able to visit my brother and sister in law and their way to cute for words puppy named Yoshi. On Sunday my brother flew in from VA with his wife. He was the whole reason for the visit as he is heading out of the country for awhile. He is in the Navy. He will be missed terribly by me and a few others. I hope he stays super safe!! Here are a few pictures of my trip, I don't post hardly any pictures of me so here is a treat for all:

Introducing the new Mrs. Cary

2011-02-22T11:41:00.003-06:00

In December my littlest brother got married to a wonderful girl. I am super excited to have her as part as our family!!!! Congrats to Seth and Jacqui!

Cowboy Ben

2011-02-14T11:45:00.001-06:00

Ben is learning about cowboys and how they live and whatnot in school. This is what came home with him today:

How to get out of cleaning your room...

2011-02-04T09:33:00.004-06:00

The following note was brought to me by Ben, this was after I told them they had to clean their rooms:

It reads: I love you! But mom is a "gud" mom. Stef said she sounded out the words. Sometimes being a mom is so hard! But I sure do love my rascals!

Golden Ticket

2011-02-02T14:53:00.002-06:00

Ben loves to watch Willie Wonka with Johnny Depp. That being said the other day I picked up the big size Hershey bars for the kids. Ben cleaned his room yesterday to get some of his (the other 2 were not interested). When I sat down to break off some he told me he wanted to see if the golden ticket was in there. So I carefully pulled off the brown wrapper (remember it is Hershey's chocolate) and he wanted to do the rest. So I handed him the the silver wrapped bar and he carefully unwrapped it pulled out the candy bar and much to his disappointment there was no golden ticket. He looked at me with his big eyes and I told him we would just have to try again.

Don't disturb the cat...

2011-01-25T13:38:00.003-06:00

Stef is home this week with the Type A flu also known as the swine flu. We went to Urgent Care yesterday and this was the result. We had a great dr who also gave me prescriptions for the boys as a preventative measure, here's to hoping no one else gets it. Anyhow so it in the mornings it is just Stef and I. I put on Little Mermaid for her and went to the office to get a few things done. After about 30 minutes Stef came in to tell me she turned off the TV. I asked why and she told me that Phil (one of our cats) had fallen asleep on her blanket and she didn't want him to wake up with the TV on!!! I was trying to not laugh and told her that was very nice of her. She went and read. About 10 minutes later I heard the TV so I went out and asked her what was going on, she told me that Phil was done napping and she could finish her movie now!!

Kindergarten Field Trip

2011-01-24T03:02:00.002-06:00

I had the opportunity to go on a field trip with Stef last week. The kids rode the bus and the parents had to drive themselves. I thought that was weird but it is school policy just like getting a back ground check to make sure you are safe to do things with the kids. Weird but grateful. Anyhow we went to the UNT Environmental Center. (In my opinion I would have chosen something better) the kids got to did for dinosaur bones, go the the planetarium, look at aquatic life and look at animal statues in sweaters. Yupp sweaters. It gets cold enough in TX that someone in the art department felt that the statues would get cold and made all of them sweaters from the deer, to the bobcats, to the owls and everything in between. (I didn't get pictures though :-() Stef had a great having momma their and I enjoyed being there as well.

Latest Project

2011-01-24T02:54:00.004-06:00

I have to admit that maybe just maybe John and I buy a lot of kid movies. In our defense we only buy them cheap and we don't go to the movies and we get lots and lots of use out of them. So one day a few months ago I was visiting teaching at my friends house and saw how she stored her movies, excellent idea I thought. So I went out bought 1 DVD holder book thingy. Filled it up and I needed another. After that was all I done I couldn't bear the thought of throwing away all the "pretty" covers. So I kept them till I could figure out what to do with them. After awhile they were getting on my nerves just sitting in the big zip lock bag i put them in. I had an idea and completed it last week:

What do you think? I had enough to make 2 small posters for Stef and 2 big ones for Ben plus a small one. But guess what? I still have a lot left.

Jo Lynn Graham Welch

2011-01-04T08:34:00.003-06:00

Last night on monday January 3rd 2011 at 8:33pm one of very very good friends passed away. She was so young and leaves behind a husband and two adorable children, Matthew age 6 and Paige age 2. She did not judge me and accepted me for who I am she was there when I needed her. Jo please keep watch over your family and me too. I will miss you tons!!!!

Butts!

2010-12-31T09:33:00.001-06:00

Got to love what comes out of the mouths of your children, for example, we were at the park yesterday running around and they wanted me to catch them, so I was chasing after them. When we got home Stef came to me and asked me "mom how come your butt gets bigger every year?" I thought John was going to fall over he was laughing so hard so I told her the same reason daddy's tummy get's bigger, he wasn't laughing so hard after that!

Stephanie is 6!

2010-12-15T12:55:00.002-06:00

I cannot believe that 6 years ago today I gave birth to our only girl. She has been such a joy to have around. She smiles so much and a friend to all. John and i surprised her with lunch today and she just couldn't stop smiling. When she went potty one of the girls told me that Stef has lots of friends. Made my heart warm knowing that she is well liked. She still loves to snuggle and get kisses and hugs from John and I. She can be a bugger at times but it makes her who she is. Stef I love you very much and cannot wait to see what the next lots of years bring!!

Elf on the Shelf

2010-12-09T10:10:00.004-06:00

My mom bought us the book Elf on the Shelf last year. Such a cute little story. What the story is about is this little elf that watches over the house or kids all day and then at night with his special magic he flies to the north pole to visit with Santa and let him know how the children were then he flies back home and hides in a new spot everyday. Well this year Stef is the first one usually to find him. He has been in the bathroom, in the plant and various other place (I thanked my mom profusely for this task of finding a new hiding spot everyday). One day a few days ago Stef was talking to Fred (the elf's name) and I looked over and she said to me:"mom don't watch me I need to pray with Fred" she loves to talk with him and pray with him cause she knows that he leaves every night to talk to Santa. She has been fun this year with the whole Christmas thing. It has been sweet to watch her talk with him and find him.

Ben

2010-12-06T10:08:00.003-06:00

Yesterday (sunday December 5, 2010) we went out with some friends to go take family pictures. Had loads of fun!! On the way there though Ben asleep and we couldn't pass up this cute cute picture!!

Santa in the neighborhood?

2010-12-06T09:57:00.003-06:00

On Saturday as we headed out to do a few errands we ran into Santa and Mrs. Claus. I am so not joking. I was driving and saw them so I immediately stopped and the 2 little was were so excited, they were waving and then Santa came over to the car!!! At that point Ben couldn't get away fast enough and Stef couldn't get out fast enough. They were super nice and allowed Stef to get her picture taken with them. I asked Mrs. Claus what they were doing and apparently they live in our neighborhood and around this time they fly in a helicopter all over and visit Children's hospital's, schools, old folks homes, etc. Santa told the kids they have to take the helicopter since the reindeer's only want to fly once a year. After we started driving Stef said, "Mom I just knew they were real", then called grandma. Such a fun fun experience!!

Pilgrim Stef

2010-12-06T09:54:00.003-06:00

I had the privilege to go up to Stef's school and watch her class do a Thanksgiving program, well and the kindergartners did. She got to be Vanna Pilgrim and hold the microphone for everyone, she was super cute and did a great job!!!!

My brother

2010-12-03T09:01:00.004-06:00

For Thanksgiving this year we were able to go to MO and be with my parents. A much need time to relax and unwind. My littlest brother has moved out and has a place of his own. The kids LOVE Uncle Seth and enjoyed going to his apartment to visit. Here are a few pictures of the big ole teddy bear!

Me and my little brother!

Ben and Uncle Seth

Stef and her Uncle Seth

SICK!!!

2010-11-16T08:21:00.002-06:00

So on saturday after I came home from a very early meeting at church, Nene started complaining that her tummy hurt. I thought she just needed to poop so I sent her to sit on the toilet. Twice. About 2 minutes before we left to take pictures she started screaming and ran for the toilet, I guess I was wrong. I should have had her face in the toilet instead of her butt. She told me she felts so much better so off we went with a barf bucket of course. We made almost to the destination and she cried and barfed again and again felt so much better. We took pictures all the while she was running around and we got back in the car and she barfed, we made it home she barfed and so this was the pattern for the next few day, well minus the pictures and whatnot. I thought she would be able to go to school today but at 9:30 last night she threw up again. Now guess who is running around and acting like she hasn't been sick for 3 days??? Not only that but I have the oldest child and the hubby home today both not feeling well. UUGGHH!! I am so done cleaning and washing and sanitizing and...

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T08:28:00.003-05:00

This year I had Woody, I had a witch, I had Snow White, and clean laundry!!! We did the trunk or treat at church and had fun then we did the trunk or treat at school kind of lame there was only 6 or 7 cars so then we went around the neighborhood!! Sure is not like it was when I was a kid.

Kid's School Pictures

2010-10-26T10:36:00.002-05:00

Here are the kiddos and their school pictures for the school year 2010-2011. Ben is in PreK, Stef is in Kindergarten, and Donnovan is in 7th grade!

First School Pictures

2010-10-13T10:40:00.001-05:00

Here are Ben's first ever school pictures.

Horrible Hair Day

2010-09-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

Stef had horrible hair day on friday. She wanted me to make her hair "weird". She got up and instead of straightening it I just put in a whole bunch of ponytails and started teasing and spraying. This was the result:

It was such a mess to wash out though, not only that but it was humid that day!

Ben's First Day of School

2010-09-30T08:48:00.001-05:00

This is what Ben thought of his first day of school:

I am still here

2010-09-22T08:04:00.002-05:00

For those of you that read my blog I just want to know that I am still here. Just been super duper busy the last few weeks and super sick. I will hopefulky be back in this thing soon. Take care and thanks for coming to check on me!!!

Wind

2010-09-02T09:11:00.002-05:00

Ben came home from school yesterday with his folder of school work. Inside he had two pictures. I asked him what they were and he told me one was little wind and the other was BIG BIG wind.

Project

2010-09-01T09:31:00.001-05:00

Just a little something I made yesterday:

First day of school

2010-08-23T12:32:00.002-05:00

WAAAHH!!! AAAGGGHHH!!!! YEA!!!!!! Those were my feelings this morning as I was getting my kiddos ready for school. I cried when John took Ben to the bus, sweated like crazy walking Stef to school, it was 95 I think at 7:30am, wished D a good day.

What is "butt dust"?

2010-08-17T06:23:00.001-05:00

This was part of an email that I received from a friend of mine and I just loved it. I had to share this one little part of it:

This particular Sunday sermon...'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you, we are but dust...' He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?

Build A Bear

2010-08-16T10:54:00.002-05:00

A few months ago I was talking with my mom and we started talking about Build a Bear. She told me that she has never been and doesn't have any little kids to go with. I laughed and we started talking about something else. Well a week before they came down to see Donnovan get his priesthood, and before I knew they were coming, I got a coupon in the mail for a free Build a Bear. I held onto thinking I could use it or give it away. Well when my mom called and said they were going to make it for D's priesthood blessing I knew what I was going to do. So just me and my mom went to the mall and I took her in. She laughed the whole time and took forever to pick on out. She had to do all the things you do when you stuff it, she cleaned it, named it and we got it a TX shirt. I had so much fun watching her!!!!!

Oldie but Goodie

2010-08-07T07:15:00.002-05:00

This is me, my older sister, and my Uncle Pete in my grandmother's kitchen!

A borrowed post

2010-08-03T16:53:00.002-05:00

I saw this in someone's email or got it and read it and thought it was totally funny!!! enjoy a trip down memory lane.

All y’all who grew up in the 70s and 80s: Remember all that crap you ate as a kid? How did we escape our childhoods without going retarded?

Before I proceed, let me just say: Sorry young'ins. I didn’t eat Gogurt or whatever it was you threw up throughout the 90s. I was growed up enough to know better.

I’m not talking candy or soda or frozen dinners -- which were the bomb, and which make me wonder how I ingested that stuff without losing a stomach, considering how much of it I ate.

I’m talking about:

Fish Sticks
Probably the least offensive of these foods, fish sticks still need to be called out because they’re called “fish sticks.” Say it out loud:

FISH.

STICKS.

I think I liked to eat this stuff because, for being fish, they didn’t have much fishy flavor -- indeed, they didn’t have any flavor beyond whatever white sauce my mom would serve out of a jar with them. But they were never my favorite! Not like...

Oscar Mayer Cheesedogs
Hotdogs are amazing, when they’re proper hotdogs.

Oscar Mayer hotdogs are tragic meat tubes constructed from demon seed and hate glue.

But even the manufacturers of these industrial sodium bombs must have shaken their heads at the prospect of serving up hotdogs filled with a yellow, salty paste which they hesitantly labeled “cheese.” Imagine their surprise and wonder when the numbers showed that children across the nation adored these travesties that mock the Natural Order.

Tasty!

McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets
You might not remember this, but before McDonald’s rolled out Chicken McNuggets, chicken was too hard for the tender little mouths of middle-class kids to eat.

I’ll always remember the glorious day when I first sunk my teeth through a chunk of gray and spongy McProtein Mass -- and I'll always remember my pride in being American, citizen of a country in which I possessed the freedom to choose dipping my jellified glob of chicken into honey mustard, barbeque or sweet-and-sour sauce.

Later, I threw up.

Spaghetti-Os
Writing the name of That Thing Which Is The Epitome Of All That Is Wrong With Canned Prepared Meals just made me vomit in my mouth a little.

The brain-like texture of the Os.

The sugary “tomato” sauce.

The tiny, tasteless sausage buttons swimming in said sauce.

What the hell was Chef Boyardee thinking? More importantly, how did I ever eat 10 cans of this stuff a week from ages 3 through 13?Yes, I did repeat first grade -- why do you ask?

Fruit Roll Ups
The first time I ate a fruit roll up, I realized there was nothing mankind couldn’t accomplish. We’d see flying cars and cities on the Moon by the time I was a teenager.

Mom didn’t like me eating candy, which is why she fed these things to me by the hour, not understanding that corn syrup (or dried corn syrup, for that matter) and sugar ain’t exactly “100% fruit.”

Hey mom, you know what’s 100% fruit? Fruit. Not that I would have eaten it...

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
Remember that one kid in the commercials who kept asking why Kraft didn’t name it Cheese & Macaroni? BECAUSE THE CHEESE WAS A COLORED SALT PRODUCT.

I always knew, in the back of my mind, that something was wrong with Kraft Mac & Cheese. Perhaps it started the first time I saw it transformed from food into a congealed waxy mass after sitting in a dish on the counter for an hour.

But I ate the hell out of the stuff anyway -- this was truly my favorite dish.

I think the experience must have destroyed something precious in my head, because the first time I actually tried real macaroni and cheese -- you know, something with actual cheese in it -- I was all, yuck, gimme my Kraft!

Capri Sun
Ah, the halcyon days of drinking watered down juice-flavored drink (made from a concentrate of juices that aren’t actually the juices advertised) from a foil bag that included its own straws.

"Made with real fruit juice!" Yeah, all 10 percent of it. Where's the "Made with real high-fructose corn syrup!" warning?

Of course, I really didn't care. It was juice in a shiny bag, after all. Never mind that it didn't taste any good -- I was looking good in the lunch hall.

Cheese 'n Crackers
There’s nothing more American than topping soda crackers with a chunk of cheese.

But when that cheese is actually a bastard concoction of oil, acids and several different ways of saying "salt" smeared across a dry, tasteless cracker by way of a red plastic rectangle stored in the same package as the snack, well... you can see why people who liked these things loved Chicken McNuggets.

Like me.

Cap’n Crunch
The fact that I ate this stuff makes me so sad now.

Never mind the instant sogginess of the cereal, and the resulting (and revolting) candified syrup that was created from what once was milk...

...what I can’t wrap my head around is why I continued to eat this “food” that continually ripped up my gums and inside cheeks, resulting in gobs and gobs of mouth beef hanging from the roof of my mouth. And then ask for more.

What was I thinking?

School Supplies
White paper. Brown paper. Cardboard paper. Elmer’s Glue. Eraser tips. Probably fruit-scented markers.

Somehow, all these things ended up in my mouth. I didn't exactly "love" eating them... but apparently I liked these items enough to pop them in my mouth throughout elementary.

And sure, I never intended to eat them... but yeah, probably 50 percent of the time, they went down my gullet and into my digestive tract. I wonder how many pounds of yellow paint from my chewed-up No. 2 lead pencils ended up on the walls of my tummy?

Man, I was a screwed-up kid...

What gross "food" did you love as a kid that makes you go “Hmmm...” nowadays?

Tattoos?

2010-08-03T14:51:00.002-05:00

I was helping Stef clean her room today. she likes to pick up one thing at a time, exam it then put it away, this makes for a long clean up. But I sit in there and talk to her and listen to her talk. Well today I was putting away a few babies and I have this weird thing about putting babies, dolls, barbies, etc away without clothes. I picked up one baby and was fixing the diaper and this is what happened:

Stef: Mom that baby has a tattoo on it's butt ( it is a little cabbage patch baby)

Mom: Oh really? (trying to not laugh)

stef: I am not sure when she went and got it though!!!!

Moments like this make being a mom worth it!!!

Lonely

2010-08-03T09:23:00.002-05:00

Donnovan has to go visit his dad in MO during the summer. As much as I tell him have a great time, be good and all that I can't help but feel a little jealous or betrayed or something I can't put my finger on. I have a hard time sending him since his dad does not talk to him throughout the year, has no idea what is going on in his life, doesn't know his likes and dislikes, and when Donnovan goes he totally forgets about. He doesn't call, email, text, nothing. I honestly want him to have a good time. Am I wrong to feel this way? How do I move past this? I hate people that use people and that is what Marshall does. Some of you know of the issues I had to deal with while I was married to him and I am afraid that he will try to hurt Donnovan, but I have to let him go. Just this past sunday, Marshall made Donnovan pass the sacrament and Donnovan didn't want to, Donnovan told the counselor and told his dad no but Marshall made him anyway, he told Donnovan that is why he was there so they could do it together. Donnovan wanted his first time to be in his home ward. How do I not say anything. My mom told me that I cannot continue to shelter Donnovan he will have to learn to stand up to Marshall more. I understand that but....

Bread

2010-07-27T10:45:00.004-05:00

I made my first loaves of bread yesterday. I do not know why I have put off making it, some excuses like it's too hard, takes too long, I don't know how :-) So anyhow since my mom wasn't making any and sending me any (even though hers always tastes good) I decided to try my hand at it. Mind you this is without a bread maker! I could not believe how easy it was!!! I had that dough whipped up and in the bowl rising in less then 10 minutes. It is so yummy!! Here are the end results:

My husband

2010-07-26T09:48:00.003-05:00

I never seem to blog enough about my husband, mostly the kids, sometimes the house, the weather but not him. I just want to dedicate this post to him. He is my world. We have know each other for over 19 years and been together for over 10 of it, have remained friends through all of it, been through a lot and seem to come out on top smiling. We have a great friendship and love spending time together. He completes me and I am truly grateful that he is mine forever!! I love you babe!

Birthday's at the Bernards

2010-07-20T09:49:00.002-05:00

July is a very busy birthday month for us. I have 3 in one week. It all starts with Ben who turned 4 on the 14Th. I can't believe my baby is already 4. Where has all the time gone. I took him shopping to the dreaded Toys R Us to let him spend his birthday money and pick out his gift from john and I. Another easy outing. He LOVES Toy Story so we only had to really look at a few things. He picked out a talking Woody doll that he takes everywhere and the garbage truck.
Next came my oldest who turned 12 on the 16Th and got the Priesthood this past Sunday!!! How cool is that? He also got some birthday money and also got to go to the dreaded Toys R Us. He loves loves Lego's and found a set that he has wanted. His friend also took him out to eat for lunch, a first for him. He enjoyed it.
Then came my favorite person in the world's birthday, my very best friend, my hubby!! His birthday was on the 19Th and he got to go to work!!! YEAH!!! I will take him to dinner in a few days.
So as you can guess we are all birthday ed out. No more cake no more cupcakes in this house for awhile. Happy Birthday to my boys and many more happy ones to come!! I love you!

Bed Time

2010-07-14T11:43:00.006-05:00

Lately the 2 little ones have been wanting to snuggle with me before they go to bed. I have tried to get them to snuggle with John since I see them all day. Nope they want mom but if Ben is tired enough he will tolerate John and crawl up and fall asleep. Last night John had to take Donnovan to the church building for his Priesthood interview. Like always Ben wanted to snuggle as did Stef. Ben made it up on my lap first and was asleep within minutes. Now trying to get him to bed by myself was another thing. Carrying a 40lb sleeping child is HEAVY!!!! I made it to his room, Stef pulled his covers down and into bed he went. I sat down again and Stef crawled up, she ask that I find something else on TV as she was not interested in Wipeout. So I found Tinkerbell and she settled in. She kept yawning and yawning so I finally said this:
mom: Nene just close your eyes and go to sleep.
Stef:Momma if I close my eyes don't put me to bed
mom: OK sure ( wink)
Tinkerbell came back on. Then a commercial, she was yawning, I said:
mom: nene just close your eyes and go to sleep.
Stef: Momma if I close my eyes don't put me to bed
mom: OK sure (wink)
This happened 2 more times. After the 4th time she gave one big sigh and fell asleep. I changed the channel and took her to bed.

Bumble Gum

2010-06-25T09:57:00.003-05:00

Ben and I were on our way to pick up John from work the other day. While we were waiting for him to come out I offered Ben a spearmint mint. He looked at it and said "these are like what Tia gave me" I agreed since my sister had brought a bag of candy when she came to visit. Then I told him to put it in his mouth and he he said it tasted like "bumble gum". I made him repeat that again and again when John got into the car. I love how he says some things that are just to cute.

My boys

2010-06-25T09:41:00.003-05:00

The other day Donnovan got on the computer, well Ben was content to sit and watch him play for over an hour.We got him a chair and he just sat and watched. Donnovan didn't complain at all either, it is pictures or moments like this that make me proud to be a mom.

Singing Ben

2010-06-19T21:24:00.002-05:00

This is a mouse that I gave John a few years back that sings. Well the kids love love pushing the button to make it sing and then sing along with it. This time I was fast enough with the camera and was able to record Ben singing it. Enjoy!!!!

My monkies

2010-06-15T18:13:00.002-05:00

Last Day of School

2010-06-15T18:11:00.002-05:00

Ice Cream Truck

2010-06-01T14:34:00.003-05:00

Donnovan had a project that he needed to complete. He told us pretty much last minute and then showed us his plans on what he wanted to do. He had to make an ice cream truck!!! No big deal. We had the boxes and other stuff. Well he wanted to spray paint and use 3 boxes and well you get the picture. So while John was cutting Donnovan and I were making up things to "sell". We had cotton candy on a stick, pencil shaving ice cream , rock candy, limeade in a bottle on a stick, skull lious gum, fire candy, and surprise on a stick. We had to use the things we had around the house. Apparently it was a hit. Donnovan and his buds got to perform it for other teachers as well as the class. Good job mom!!!!!!!

Locked Front Door

2010-05-28T08:01:00.004-05:00

This morning Ben and Stef got up really early, like 5:30 early. Well Ben is a big drinker and loves to have a cup with him at all times. So he started on John really early this morning to him some milk. Well John took a shower got dressed I got up got Stef ready for school and then to take a shower. While I was in the shower I heard the door bell going off. I hurriedly rinsed and was trying to get out fast when Ben came in asking what I was doing. I told him to go unlock the door. This was the conversation after that:
Mom: why did you lock daddy out?
ben: because
mom: because why?
Ben: because he wouldn't give me any milk :)

Kindergarten, maybe

2010-05-27T10:04:00.002-05:00

Since Stef has been in Pre K this past (well almost past) school year we are having her tested sometime during the summer to see if she is ready for the 1st grade. Her she is at Kindergarten registeration. Since her birthday is in December she misses the cutoff. She has done really well and knows so much and will be bored in kindergarten. Keep your fingers crossed that she will test well and be able to advance.

What's not to love?

2010-05-26T09:34:00.002-05:00

I love it when they are sleeping, they look so peaceful and innocent.

Conscience?

2010-05-23T09:21:00.002-05:00

John was whistling "Give a little whistle" and Stef finished the song by singing "always let your conscience be your guide" here is what happened next:
mom: do you have a conscience?
Stef: no
mom: oh?
Stef: i have a mom conscience
mom: a what? (chuckling)
Stef: I have a mom that tells me what to do.

My birthday toes

2010-05-14T11:43:00.001-05:00

Here are my toes that my friend did for my birthday, yeah!!!!!

Just something I made up

2010-05-11T13:38:00.001-05:00

Here are a few cards that I made up real quick today, just trying to use up some of my scraps:

Summer is close

2010-05-04T08:53:00.002-05:00

My kids love to play outside, the only thing is that they like to play outside without many clothes on. I guess I could look at it as less laundry.

Stuck

2010-04-19T10:08:00.002-05:00

The other day I heard these little screams for help, as I was looking around to where they were coming from I went into Stef's room and found Ben stuck under her bed. First of all he should not have been under her bed at all since she has a captains bed which means there are 3 drawers under it. One of them broke a few weeks ago and John hasn't fixed it. So Ben decided to climb there and he got stuck. After getting the camera and taking pictures I figured I better figure out how to get him out. We tried feet first, sideways, on his belly with feet coming out first, on his back with feet coming out first, tried it with his head coming out first. I wasn't worried about him coming out as he had gotten himself in there, right??? So I pulled out all her clothes (still need a place to put them) and had him try kind of sideways. WALA it worked, surprisingly we haven't had anymore incidences since then.

Visiting Teacher

2010-04-06T10:37:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to express my deep appreciation for my visiting teachers. Our Relief Society presidency put out a challenge to the sisters of our ward on March 7th to read the Book of Mormon in 100 days. I threw away the paper and forgot about it. Sure I read the uplifting messages in the weekly announcements that they email to all of us but again I just quickly read over them. I have a 100 excuses as to why I can't read the Book of Mormon. After having my stroke I have a hard time reading anything. This is true. I love love love to read and have had a hard time with since my stroke, I don't understand hardly anything I read and if I put the book down I have to reread what I have already read. So it is easier to just start a book. I read magazines since you can read those in about an hour. I have spurts where I will read and read but I haven't picked up a book in over a month. So my visiting teachers came over last week and asked how I was doing with my reading. I thought maybe I should lie but I didn't I told them I couldn't read I didn't have time, I don't understand, yupp the list goes on. But it is not true, I do have the time especially in the mornings when everyone is gone except Ben and I. I just didn't want to. So she told me that she started reading it with a study guide thinking that she would get more out of it. It didn't really work so then she said she started over and started reading it just like she would a regular book. She said she has gotten more out of it then she ever has. So I listened and then they left. I have thought about what she has said since they came last Wednesday. I also have noticed that the Spirit or still small voice has been speaking to me a lot more lately. I have been acting on what I have been hearing and it feels good. Well yesterday I kept getting the feeling that I needed to open the scriptures and start reading. I cleaned the office, I cleaned the library, I cleaned all day. I was in a crappy mood all day as well. So today as I was checking my email and checking on my farm I kept hearing open your scriptures. So I pulled them out of my Sunday bag and decided that if I am going to read them I am going to start at the beginning. I started with the very first page of the Book of Mormon and read the accounts from the witnesses and so forth. Next thing I know I am in the middle of chapter 8. I am reading it just like a book and I am finding it very interesting. Hopefully I will be able to finish in June when the 100 days is up. I am very grateful to my visiting teacher who told me what I needed to hear. I will keep you posted on my progress. Or you can email me a word of encouragement as well.

Bricks?

2010-04-05T10:13:00.002-05:00

Last week the kids were outside playing in the backyard. I was inside making cards and John was making dinner. I hear John tell Ben that he needs to come and talk to me about something. So in walks Ben and he is holding something. I ask him what happened and this is what he told me: "Momma I peed a brick!" Excuse me you did what? He told me again that he peed outside ( I am so proud, insert sarcasm here) and when he pulled his undies down and went pee a brick fell out. So he thinks that he peed a brick. I am guessing since I know it isn't possible to pee a brick that he had been playing with the bricks and a piece fell down into his undies or at least down his shirt and when he pulled his undies down the brick fell into place!!! He still thinks that he peed out a brick so anytime he has pain or anything in his southern regions he thinks it is another brick trying to come out.

Cards

2010-03-29T10:17:00.002-05:00

I had a mini workshop on saturday and wanted to share what was made. Enjoy!!!

Anyone?

2010-03-18T08:25:00.002-05:00

OK so I have been wondering is anyone reading this? I know you do it for yourself but I also enjoy getting comments and what not. Haven't heard from anyone. I used to post a monthly email but once I started blogging I quit the emails. Now i almost never get emails, can you believe that? With Facebook and all the other stuff I guess people forget or don't want to take the time to send a message. Oh well. I will continue blogging and if you read this leave a note every once in a while so I know you are there. Have a great day!

Lettuce?

2010-03-09T10:16:00.002-06:00

The other day I was out and about with the 2 little ones. Stef kept complaining that she was so thirsty. So while John was pumping gas I went and bought her an orange juice. I opened for her and she took a long drink. We headed to Walmart and she kept complaining about how thirsty she was. So when we were done we got back to the car and I again gave her her orange juice. she promptly decided that she didn't like it. Remember she had already drank some earlier. So I asked her why she didn't like it, this was her response:"Momma I can't drink it, it has lettuce in it". It wasn't pulp free.

Cows

2010-03-05T11:08:00.002-06:00

We live really close to a farm. If we walk out our front door and look to the left you can see cows. They are only about 200 yards away. So a few weeks ago they were at the fence line so I ttok the kids up to see them. The cows started running away quickly but it was fun for the kids to see them up close. We can hear them in the morning mooing to each other and at night as well. I love living far enough away from the noises of town. We are not rural by any means, Walmart is only 10 minutes away but for some people we do live out in the boonies.

6 years and counting...

2010-03-01T12:46:00.003-06:00

Today marks my 6 year anniversary. The beginning:

And now:

Tea Party

2010-03-01T12:42:00.003-06:00

Stef went to her first tea party a few weeks ago. So much fun and such a girly event, it was right up her alley. They made crowns and had some heart shaped sandwiches, cheese and crackers and a rice crispy wand. It was really cute.

My poor baby

2010-02-17T12:36:00.002-06:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while. I have been sick, the kids have been sick. Not fun at all. First of all I was out of commission for about 6 days due to a cyst on my overy that burst. While I was at the hospital they found out that my blood level was dangrously high, so I am now the proud guest at the Coumidin Clinic once a week. Well this last check they told me I didn't have to come back for 3 WHOLE weeks. That is great news for my poor little fingers that get poked. Then Ben has been sick. The picture I attached is of him at the ER where we found out that he had a really bad ear infection. He has been sick so much this year so far. I am praying for healthier children. I will get my act in gear and try to post more. Thanks for all my readers!!

Yee Haw!!

2010-02-05T08:28:00.002-06:00

This month in school Stef is learning about cowboys, and farms, and animals. These are here most favorite things to talk about. She just loves animals and is fascinated with farms. So this is a perfect month for her. When I went out to meet her to get her off the bus the bus driver said that they had a hard time buckling her in her car seat. Yes she has to sit in a car seat since she is under 40lbs. I thought maybe her jacket was to big or something. Nope she had spurs on her boots and didn't want to bend them :-) Here are few pictures with her spurs.

Cows and Tutu's?

2010-02-02T11:52:00.002-06:00

Do cows and tutu's go together? Stef thinks so. She came to me the other day and told me that you get milk out of the cow's tutu's! I looked at her and said "what"? Apparently at school they must be talking about farm animals. She said that when you milk a cow you have to grab the tutu's and squeeze, but not to hard cause you don't want to hurt them. Good thing I was already sitting on the floor. I was laughing so hard. So I explained to her that cows have utter's that the milk comes out of and you wear a tutu when you dance ballet. So now she will ask me "mom what are those things again on the cow"?

Window Falling

2010-01-25T08:49:00.002-06:00

I just had to post this. The other day I was working in the office and kept hearing a noise behind me so I turned around and saw Phil with his paws in the blinds. Too cute to pass up a photo opportunity.

Curly Hair

2010-01-11T08:47:00.003-06:00

Stef has been wanting curly hair. So I told her that if I braided it at night then in the morning she would have curly hair. So I had to reteach myself to braid (as I know only how to braid mine). So finally after the braid was nice and tight, yes she stood for me to do it all, which is good, I think she doesn't have a problem with waiting for me to do her hair since I have been doing it since she was little and started growing it. The next morning she had such cute curly hair!!!!!

Who's Bed?

2010-01-11T08:41:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago at bedtime I was looking for Ben and Stef. Couldn't find them anywhere. As many of you know with little kids when you say those magic words that parents love to hear and kids don't mine seem to run away screaming like going to bed is a bad thing. So anyhow I finally heard some giggling in my room. I went in there and found not 1 but 2 kids in my covers and laying there all innocent like. They had even brought in their own pillows. I had to take pictures. They were laying there making faces telling me this one is daddy when he is mad or whatever. Got to love them!!!

Eve and Chicken?

2010-01-04T07:26:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was the first day of new primary classes for all my kiddo's. This was Ben's first time in primary and he made it very clear that he wanted nothing to do with it. He wanted to still play in nursery. So I went and got him from nursery and took him to primary of course he cried and luckily John was in there teaching jr primary (subbing). So he sat with John and off to sunday school I went. Well I was there maybe 15 minutes when in walked a tear stained faced Ben. It was so sad. So I walked him back to primary and sat with him. They sang to the new sunbeams and did birthday's and whatnot. Well the chorister was asking the kids if they had a favorite song they wanted to sing and someone said "Adam was a Prophet" this is a cute song. So the chorister asked if they knew what Eve ate in the Garden of Eden. My wonderful daughter replied "chicken" she was very serious and smiled when the adults laughed, some cried because it was so funny. Ben's teacher leaned over to me and said she has them rolling every sunday, Great!!!!! So the chorister explained that she had the fruit first and then maybe enjoyed a nice chicken after. I am so glad that I didn't miss that one!!

Our Sealing

2009-12-29T16:19:00.004-06:00

Today John and I were able to be sealed in the Dallas, TX temple. This has been a long time coming. We met and dated in HS and knew that we would someday get married. So almost 15 years after we met and almost 6 years of marriage we were able to fulfill the thing we desire most. What a glorious day we were able to share with our children and family and friends. Thank you!

Dear Santa...

2009-12-24T17:49:00.002-06:00

This is the letter that Stef wrote to Santa. Remember she just turned 5.

Pajama Day

2009-12-18T19:29:00.003-06:00

Today at school Stef was so excited to be able to wear her jammies to school. They watched the Polar Express and made fun little treats. She has been looking forward to this day all week.

Stephanie turns 5

2009-12-16T07:18:00.009-06:00

December 15, 2004
Stephanie Paige

December 15, 2009

On December 15th 2004 Stephanie Paige was born into our family. Due to some complications she was born 5 weeks early. Her due date being in Jan . Luckily she had no problems and was able to come home with us. She was so tiny, I was afraid to change her diaper since she was so little. The preemie clothes didn't even fit. She has been such a joy to our family. I didn't want a girl since I wasn't much of a girly girl myself. But Heavenly Father decided that I needed a little girl and he gave me Stef. She has been fun to have. Doing hair, getting dressed, making sure everything matches and looks nice. I can't wait till she is older and we can strengthen our bond. Here's to many many more years. We love you!!!!

Christmas Toes

2009-12-11T16:15:00.002-06:00

My friend came over today and made my toes very Christmassy!!! I love them! I don't normally paint them in the winter I like them to "breathe". But I couldn't pass it up.