And so on and so forth....

Has it really been 8 months?

2010-07-16T23:33:00.002-06:00

It really has been 8 months since I posted anything. Shame on me! I just haven't been in the blogging mood. I don't even know where to start! I guess I will just say that the Hamblin family is doing really well. We are having a busy but uneventful summer. We would love to do some fun things but with Dave's schedule and lack of pennies we will just settle for hanging out at home. We have been doing a LOT of yard work....cutting down more trees; digging up stumps; raking up 'stuff'; chopping weeds; and hauling truck load after truck load to the hatch pit. When we bought this house almost 2 years ago (crazy!) we knew we would have lots of work to do in the yard. I swear that Dave is the hardest working man I know! He works 2 jobs and when he does have time off he is working so very hard in the yard. I appreciate EVERYTHING he does for our family.

All the kids seem to be doing well. Hunter will be two in September and I can hardly believe it! He is the CUTEST little guy with his BIG eyes and ears that stick out.....such a fun little person and we have loved having him in our family. Slater boy has been having some struggles lately. This last January we ended up taking him to Primary Children's Hospital because of blood in his urine and he was urinating 25-30 times in one day. Many test were run on him and all came out normal.....ok.....blood in the urine is NOT normal. He could potentially have a certain disease (don't know how to say it or even spell it, sorry) but doesn't have most of the symptoms that normally go with that disease. So....we left the hospital with not much in the way of answers. For the last few months he has been acting normal but the last week or two he has had blood in his urine again and sometimes he has a difficult time getting the urine to come out. We are planning another trip to PCMC on the 29th and this time I want more tests run....there has to be a reason for his issues. I hope that we can find out the problem so that it can be taken care of....poor little Slater!

Ellie and Emma are having an ok summer. They have taken on the responsibility of caring for our new dog BUSTER BROWN MOOSE CABOOSE. He goes by Buster and the kids have LOVED having a dog. For a long time I have NOT wanted a pet but the kids have begged for so long and the minute I saw Buster I melted (dang it!). He is pretty cute and it really has been a fun thing for our family.

Dave and I are doing really well. We are very focussed on our relationship and and taking care of each other. We have experienced some great blessings lately and have been so grateful for our friendship and marriage. I am blessed to have a good man and I love him so much!

Guess I will stop for now. I hope this update will be of interest to some of you out there. Maybe soon I can post some fun pictures of the last 8 months or so.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-29T19:16:00.006-07:00

Thanksgiving was awesome! We spent it with the Nield Family. It was the 'on' year and my sister Lacey hosted it at her house. We had so much wonderful food and had a great time hanging out. I didn't get very many pictures but here are a few to enjoy. We missed Elder Nield! He was with us in spirit and we will soon be able to have him home with us.

This was the best apple pie ever! My dad made it and it was soooo good! Look at how tall it is!

I love this face. He makes me smile!

This is my lovely mom with her cute apron. I love her!

My darling dad happy about something. It looks like he has a piece of turkey in his fingers...who knows what he was smiling about but I love this guy!My beautiful Emma....such a sweet girl.

My beautiful Ellie....growing up too fast.....she is a good girl.

My pretty sister Megan.

I made these yummy crescent rolls.....

and these delicious rolls.

One of the two turkeys that we ate....sooooo good. I love turkey and cranberry sauce....my favorite!

My pretty sister Lacey modeling one of her pies. Hope every one had a special Thanksgiving day. I have much to be thankful for and need to remember daily all of the blessing that I have been given. Love to all!

Halloween Fun!

2009-11-29T18:42:00.006-07:00

We had a lot of fun this last Halloween. I am such a bad blogger that it has taken me forever to get this up for all to see. The week before we went down to Utah for the yearly Halloween party at Grandma Jean's. It is fun for the kids to be with their Utah cousins and they always have a great time. Thanks to all of the family for a fun time. We enjoy going down to visit.Here's all the Hamblin grandkids in their costumes.

Mr. Hunter was the cutest little alligator ever! If you look close you can see his eye peeking out from under his costume.

Slater decorating sugar cookies.

Ellie trying to eat her swinging donut.

This poor girl was so sick the day of the party. She spent most of the day in bed with a very high fever but was lucky to be able to have some party fun.

We spent an evening at home making sugar cookies.

Halloween night. Ellie was a 'scary' fairy, Emma was a 'merry' fairy, Slater was 'Optimus Prime' and Hunter was a little alligator.

The day before Halloween Slater dressed as a pirate for the school parade. He looked so stinkin cute!

Hope you enjoyed the few pictures. I hope to post more ASAP!

The big ONE year old!

2009-10-05T09:06:00.002-06:00

On September 18 Hunter had his first birthday! Can you believe it? I surely can't. It's kind of sad because we celebrated our last baby's first birthday. Hunter has been such a fun kid and we are thankful that we were blessed to have him come to our home. Happy Birthday little guy!

Just a little bit corny!

2009-09-14T10:57:00.004-06:00

On Saturday we got to go out to my parents to be a little corny.....meaning we had a LOT of corn to put up. We picked about 3 wheelbarrow's full of the good stuff. It was a lot of work but so much fun. I think we came up with about every corn joke out there. Good times! I am thankful to have a freezer full of corn. Thanks mom and dad for planting it, watering it, and weeding it so that we can eat it! Oh, by the way, if you have never tried it.....put a thin layer of mayo on cooked corn on the cob and sprinkle it with parmesean cheese.....reallly, really, really good! Try it and you will like it!

Pictures of a baby turning in to a big boy!

2009-08-31T12:42:00.004-06:00

Back to school!

2009-08-31T12:35:00.003-06:00

A change of pace...

2009-08-30T21:36:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow the kids start school and that means it's time for change. Time to go to bed early; time to get up early; and time to get in to a routine. I may have said this before but I have a love/hate relationship with school starting. I love that the kids have a routine; I hate that our late nights hanging out are over. I love that the kids are excited for school; I hate the fact that I will miss them while they are gone. I love that the kids will be learning new things and working hard; I hate that the lazy days of summer are over!

Miss Ellie will be going in to the 6th grade and I can hardly believe that. She has grown up too fast and I miss my little fiesty baby girl. She is growing in to such a beautiful young lady and I am proud of her. She is a good girl with lots of talent and smarts! I hope she has a great first day! She has been so worried about what to wear for the first day...I have been trying to help her understand that whatever she wears will be awesome and that she needs to worry about what's inside of her and not the clothes she wears. I hope to teach both of my girls that clothes and such are not what makes a girl popular and cool; it's how they treat other's and their examples that will make them likeable.

Miss Emma will be starting 4th grade. Oh my gentle Emma! She too has grown up way too fast! She is such a sweet little thing and also one of the funniest people I know. Just this morning she asked me why I wasn't in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and I told her, "honey, have you heard my singing voice? That's why I am not in the choir". She cracks me up. She and Ellie have been such good helpers with Hunter and I will miss that. Emma especially has been fond of Hunter and I know that she will miss him too.

Slater boy is now a big boy! His first day of kindergarten is tomorrow and I am so happy and so sad all at the same time. He has changed a lot the past year; his speech has gotten better and he seems to be doing better at lots of things. I am sad to see my little buddy growing up so fast. Thankfully kindergarten is only a half day so I will get to enjoy both of my boys before the girls get home.

Ok, enough sentimental journeys. I just love those munchkins and will miss them!

We are alive.

2009-08-22T01:58:00.003-06:00

I sure haven't been in the blogging mood lately. Actually, I haven't been in the mood for much of anything. Our family is doing fine and we are having a good summer. The kids and I have been able to go camping a couple of times. Dave has had to work and hasn't been able to go with us which has been such a big bummer! A couple of weeks ago we had a ward camp-out which was great! The kids had a fun time looking for and collecting snail shells by the creek. That was the highlight for them. We all had a good time and the ward was so awesome at helping me with the kids. Last weekend the kids and Iwent camping with my friend Becky R. She has a nice camp trailer that has everything; a sink, toilet, AC, cook stove, couches, etc. She found a nice place in Swan Valley that had a playground for the kids. We all had a great time! About 3 weeks ago we went to Lava Hot Springs and had a ball! We found a great camp spot about 1/2 a mile from the swimming pool. Lava is such a great place to swim and I know we will go again.

It's almost back to school for my kids and we have been trying to get ready. We were able to get most of their supplies the other night. We first went through their old supplies from last year which was awesome because much of it was still good. I was grateful. The girls were able to get some cute shirts, a couple of jeans, socks, and undies for school. I have mixed emotions about the kids going back to school. For one, I will miss the girls helping me with Hunter and the laundry. They are so good at helping me carry the laundry baskets up and down the stairs. My back is still bad and they are such good helpers. They are also so awesome with Hunter. Sometimes they change is bum and feed him and I appreciate them so much. They will be missed! My Slater boy will be going to kindergarted this year and I am kind of sad about that. He has been my little buddy for so long and I will miss him so much! He is such a big boy and he is getting excited to go to kindergarten. Can't believe he is old enough to go. It will be fun to hang out with Hunter, he will be my little buddy now.

Life is crazy, you know? There are so many ups and downs and sometimes the "downs" get old. I have been having a lot of experiences lately that have been helping me to see the good that is around. The last year and a half for me has been pretty difficult with some health issues but I am trying to be more positive in my attitude and trying to make the best of some situations. I have been doing a lot more reading in the Ensign, scriptures, good books, etc. Reading always helps me and I am grateful to be able to read inspiring messages. I have also had the opportunity to be a member missionary and that has been so cool. A good friend of mine is very interested in joining the church and will be taking the discussions soon. She has a blood clot in her brain and some other problems and I know that she is really thinking about her mortality. What an awesome exprience it has been to be her friend and share with her my testimony.

I have such a wonderful husband that I love and miss. He works SOOOO hard for our family and I hope he knows how much I appreciate him. Sometimes he comes home late at night after working 14 hour days and I have hardly done anything at home and I feel so guilty. He truly loves his family and takes good care of us. He does NOT like working two jobs but does it because he loves us. He is a good man and I am so lucky to have him as my husband.

I guess I have rambled on long enough. It is about 2:25 am and I am not even tired. I really should go to bed but have so much on my mind. I hope to be better at posting news of our family. I don't know how many people read this blog but I will try to do better at posting, no promises though.

Some 4th of July highlights.

2009-07-20T22:52:00.004-06:00

We had a great 4th of July weekend with Dave's family in Utah. A pic of me and the kids at the fireworks in Kaysville. Not sure what I was doing with my mouth. Seriously, I am never in any pictures since I ALWAYS take the pictures and when I do have my pic taken I look like a dork!

The kids at the fireworks. Looks like Slater did NOT want his picture taken.

Mr. Happy Boy Hunter! He is just as happy as can be!

The kids sitting in Grandma and Grandpa Hamblin's front yard.

My beautiful girls who are growing up way too fast! They are good girls and good sisters.

My handsome husband in the middle with two of his favorite people on each side; his dad and brother.

Hanging out with cousins at the parade.

Hunter watching the parade while sitting on Grandma's lap.

It's summer time!

2009-07-03T19:18:00.006-06:00

We are having a busy summer! Here are a few pictures that I took the last couple of months.

Emma at one of her soccer games. She had a great season and had lots of fun.

Hunter at the zoo. He loved seeing all the animals.

My sweet dad working out in his yard.

Miss Ellie sitting on a soccer ball at Nana and Papa's house.

Memorial day weekend sitting in Papa's truck drinking root beer.

Hunter's new "scrunchy" face. Love this kid!

Getting so big and sitting up like a big boy.

Miss Emma had her #9 birthday in June. We love her sweetness!

How can one not resist that face? His eyes are so big and beautiful.

Just hanging around.

School is out!

2009-06-04T08:54:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was the last day of school for my girls. Monday was the last day for Slater. I have some mixed emotions about school being out. I am happy that the kids get a break and that they can play outside more and stuff like that. On the other hand the kids will be home ALL DAY LONG! Don't get me wrong....I love my kids very much but there are going to have to be some rules that we establish or it will make for a very long summer. I will be making chore charts and we will have to have some "down" time every day and of course the kids need to be outside. This will be our first summer in a "home" with a yard (which is still being worked on) and I want the kids to have a good time being outside. I am grateful to have this wonderful home and good kids and a hard working husband. I hope I can be patient with myself and with the kids. I have pretty touchy emotions lately due to continued health problems and I don't want to let that spoil my summer and the kids' summer. So, here's to hoping it will be a fun summer filled with good times!!!!!!

Crazy is as crazy does!

2009-05-22T08:16:00.006-06:00

2009-05-21T12:13:00.002-06:00

This is the after picture of the house. Dave has spent hours and hours digging out stumps and bushes. He is my hero!! Such a tough guy and so determined to get the stumps out himself. Slowly but surely the yard is coming together! Next on the list is to kill all the weeds and old grass and plant new grass.

This is the before picture of our house. There were so many trees and bushes you could hardly see the house and the back of the house was a jungle. This picture doesn't even show everything there was in the yard.

Just a little update.....

2009-05-17T22:12:00.002-06:00

I am sorry I have been in such a blogging slump. It's just been a weird few months around here. We are all doing fine though. The kids are healthy, Dave has been working like a mad man, and I have just been trying to stay sane with some health issues. I won't even go into that. Just thinking about my health makes me crazy and frustrated.

I am loving the great weather today. It was a beautiful Sunday. We went to my cousin's homecoming talk and it was great to see family. I miss getting together with the family like we used to in the old days. I have such great Aunts and Uncles and cousins....it is always good to be around family. I truly feel blessed to have such good family.

Right now my parents are in Utah spending time with my Grandma Smith. Yesterday was her 75th birthday and oh how I wish I was there to celebrate. She is an amazing lady and I love and miss her to pieces. She is my hero and such an example to me. I love you GG!!

Last week on Mother's Day I had the opportunity to talk to my little brother who is on his mission in Mexico. It was so good to talk to him. I miss that boy! It was just great to hear his voice and know that he is well and happy. Can't wait for him to come home. He will come home to 4 new nieces and nephews.....Creiden, Riley, Hunter and Cy.

We feel so blessed as a family to be where we are right now. We have such a great neighborhood with awesome neighbors! I really feel like we live on the quietest street in IF. Our ward is so great and I love all of my new friends and neighbors. We have been working on our yard like crazy, well Dave has anyway. He has dug out by hand all of the tree stumps and old roots. Sometimes he will work on one stump for up to 4 hours. He is amazing! Our house was vacant for almost 4 years before we bought it and it was so completely overrun with trees and bushes and it looked awful! The poor house and yard just needed some TLC and I guess we are the right family to do that. It will be so great when we have the yard finished and the inside of the house painted. We love our house!

Well, I guess I ought to go feed little Hunter.......who will be 8 months tomorrow! Where has the time gone? He is growing up so fast and is such a great little guy. He has been such a joy to our family and we are grateful to have him.

I will try to post some before and after pics of the house soon. Take care and I hope to post more regularly.......we shall see!

This is blog worthy...

2009-05-01T10:11:00.000-06:00

I lost 8 lbs. in 5 weeks!!!!!!!

Not in the blogging mood lately...sorry!

2009-04-29T17:36:00.006-06:00

It has been such a long time since I have blogged anything. Lots of things have happened around here but I haven't felt like sharing I guess. We are all doing fine at the Hamblin house. The kids are healthy and busy and Dave is working hard as always so that I can be home with the kids. My health has still been a little up and down. I have good days and bad days and hopefully the good days will continue. In the last couple of months we have had some birthdays: Ellie's in February; Slater's in March; our anniversary in March; and Dave and I had our birthdays this month. I will post pics of the b-day people. I don't have any of myself because my friend took the pics but I will post pics of everyone else. Also, enjoy a few random pics from the las few months!

Blogging and pictures coming soon!!!

2009-04-20T21:30:00.001-06:00

We have a movie star!

2009-02-11T08:48:00.003-07:00

My Miss Ellie will be a movie star...well, sorta. Right now she is in Park City with the opportunity to be an extra in a movie! She is so thrilled and this is a great opportunity for her. Her good friend Abby was invited to be an extra and there was room for one more girl and Ellie was invited. We got her ready in about 3 hours which was crazy. She had to take all of her winter clothes and needed a few other things for the movie. We got her all packed and loaded and off to Park City she went. She will miss 3 days of school and I am ok with that. What a fun thing for her to do. Little sister Emma was not even jealous...she was happy for her big sister to go and do something fun like this. I will miss Ellie while she is gone but hope she has a wonderful time. She also gets to make lots of money which will be great for her. She really wants to buy a dog. I will post what movie it is later on and when it will be released. I hope she gets in lots of good shots. Maybe they will take notice of her and offer her a million bucks....she would totally be worth that but I think her beauty and spirit is priceless! This was her first time singing solo on stage for a ward talent night few years ago. She did an amazing job and I was so proud of her. She's loves to sing and has a very sweet voice.

Random stuff.

2009-02-04T09:43:00.006-07:00

Here are a few random pics. My kids are so creative. We don't have TV so the kids find all kinds of fun and crazy things to do. Why do we not have TV? For one thing, I will not pay for cable. There is so much junk on TV these days that I don't want it in my house and don't want to waste my money. I have no interest in all of the sit coms and everything else that is on. I guess I feel like I waste my time when I watch TV. So in turn I waste my time on FaceBook! My husband on the other hand would love to have cable so he could watch his BYU Cougars. Anyway, back to the kids. They love to make tails and pretend to be different animals. Sometimes I have found them all decked out with tails, ears, noses, paws, etc....all made out of paper. This first picture is of Slater. He was so proud of a tail he made for himself. It is so small that you can't even see it. Silly boy. The girls have a few dress up clothes and it is fun to see what combinations they come up with.

This is GG Smith. She is my dear Grandma....one of my hero's! I love her so much and it was fun to visit with her a few weeks back. She lives in Utah and doesn't get to see family too often. She is one of only two Great-Grandmother's that my kids have that are left living.

This is Great-Grandma Hamblin, Dave's Grandma. She is 90 something and seems ageless. We love her. I love this picture with all of my kids and her. She is a great lady and is a spunky one. She also lives in Utah and we were able to visit her too!

Still cute after the hair cut!

2009-02-04T09:37:00.001-07:00

Two inches.....gone!

2009-02-04T09:17:00.003-07:00

This is what I looked like before my mom got to me. If my mom wanted to she could put little pigtails in.....not! Mom, whatcha doin to my hair?

Now I look like my big brother!

Ta da! Look mom, no hair!

Hunter

2009-02-04T09:04:00.002-07:00

So funny!

2009-02-03T16:29:00.003-07:00

So, I was just telling my girls that I have a friend who is around my age who likes to collect "The Littlest Pet Shop" pets. My girls said, "What? She is your age and collects those? Cool!" Then Emma says, "You mean she's an old woman like you?" I laughed and laughed. I thought that was one of the funniest things she has ever said. I say it's great that I have a friend who collects those and I guess you are never too old to collect toys.

Bald is beautiful!

2009-01-12T18:20:00.004-07:00

Today was the day that we cut little Hunter's hair. His head of hair has been out of control since day one. I have loved his hair so much! He has gotten a lot of attention. In fact, when I was walking down the isle in sacrament yesterday holding Hunter a lady told me later that as I walked with him his hair would kind of "bounce in the wind" with ever step. Dave was home today and we pulled out the clippers and buzzed it all off! I almost cried as I did it but survived! He looks like such a big boy now and it is totally blond instead of all the dark stuff he was born with. A very bitter sweet day. I will post pictures later. Need to go and make dinner for the kids and hopefully get a batch of bread made tonight. Ta ta!

P.S. I called my dad and had him guess who was a bald boy thinking he would guess Hunter and I think jokingly he said, "hm, let me guess...Dave?" Ha ha ha, I told Dave and I don't think he thought it was that funny. Dad really was teasing and it gave me a good laugh!!!!

Me and my sisters.

2009-01-09T21:06:00.005-07:00

I think I have the best sisters in the world! I really do! In my family I am the oldest of 6 kids. After me was Spencer and Adam. We were all 1 year apart. After having us three my mom took a little break before having more kids. It wasn't until I was 7 years old that I got my first sister Megan. When I was 9 Lacey was born. Because I was so much older than them we didn't have a lot in common until we were all finally mothers. Now we are best friends and it is awesome to have my sisters as my best friends. Both Megan and Lacey have 2 kids with Lacey expecting her 3rd. It has been great that we have all lived close to each other to be able to help each other and hand out and do things together. During my pregnancy and my health chaos after having my last baby they have been so helpful to me and my family. It is possible that my sister Megan will be moving to Washington in a few months and I am so sad! I know it is what their little family needs to do but I want to be selfish and keep her here. I will miss her! How blessed I am to have such great family. I also have such awesome sisters-in-law....Menolly and Rachelle. My brothers married wonderful girls and I love them too! I found some pictures of us on our wedding days. As sisters we are each SO different but that is what makes us special. Love you Megan and Lacey! Me

Lacey

Megan

The three of us on Megan's wedding day.

My babies...

2009-01-09T20:43:00.004-07:00

I know these are "lovely" pictures of me but I was just thinking about all of my babies and how much I love them. These are some pictures I found of me holding my newborns. The first one is the most recent with my little Hunter, the next is with Slater, the next is with Emma, and the last is with Ellie. Can't belive how much they grow and change. I am so grateful that I was able to have children. I have friends and family who are not able to have children of their own and I am so grateful that Dave and I were able to bring 4 beautiful children in to the world. Dave and I were talking last night how blessed we have been to have had healthy children when they were born. None of them ever were sick or had to stay longer in the hospital than needed. They all came home healthy and were born at least a week before their due date. I did have c-sections with all of them and that is a miracle to me that I was able to have my children that way. If I was a pioneer trying to have my first baby we both would have died! What a blessing it is to have children and how I love mine!!! Ellie, Emma, Slater, and Hunter...you are my joy!

Hey, check out my website!

2009-01-06T21:57:00.002-07:00

Here is my home based business that I love to tell people about!

Hunter's first Christmas

2008-12-29T23:08:00.005-07:00

Hunter loved this little bug rattle. Hunter got lots of hats and mittens for Christmas!

This was the cutest little reindeer hat with the cutest little reindeer antlers!

Some one did not like what Santa brought! Such a sad guy!

Hunter was the BEST present we could have asked for. Last year at this time we would have never guessed that we would have a beautiful baby boy in our family for Christmas. He has been such a blessing and such a peaceful addition to our family. We love you little Hunter. Thank you for bringing so much JOY to our family. You are loved so very much!!!

Christmas 2008!

2008-12-29T22:34:00.013-07:00

The Hamblin family had a great Christmas! We were able to spend Christmas Eve and Nana and Papa Nield's house. With Uncle Garrett being gone this year on his mission to Mexico we decided to have a Mexican feast in honor of him. We had quesadilla's, chips and dip, taco soup, horchata, and lots of other yummy food. Nana and Papa handed out the traditional treat bags for the kids which the kids look forward to every year. Papa read a special letter from Elder Garrett Nield which was Elder Nield's gift to us. It was great to hear of his testimony and some of the things that he wanted us to make sure and do on Christmas while he was away. So special!! We visited with each other then watched a special reading of the Christmas Story and music by the MoTab. It was beautiful. After that everyone else left except for our family. Dave fell asleep on the couch and we waited patiently for him to wake up. Poor guy had been working 14 hour days and was wiped out! When we got home the Elve's left pj's on our beds! Those sneaky Elve's. To this day I still don't know how they find our house! On Christmas morning the kids woke up at 8:30 and after family prayer and discussing the importance of the "reason for the season" we didn't start opening presents until 9:00. It seems that Santa did find our house and the kids had a great time. Later on Christmas day we went back to Nana and Papa's and were able to talk to Elder Nield. He is doing awesome and it was a treat to hear is voice and know that he is safe and that he is serving the Lord and having success as a missionary. As a family we couldn't be prouder and we miss Uncle Garrett but know he is where he is supposed to be right now. We had many special experiences over the Christmas holiday and will never forget the kindness and generosity of many friends, family and ward members. We also enjoyed the 12 days of Christmas from a Secret Santa. What fun things we would get every night for 12 days in a row. It was so fun for the kids to anticipate the door bell ring and they loved opening the door to such fun little treasures! Lots of great memories and fun time were had by all!

Silly stuff!

2008-12-22T21:35:00.002-07:00

I found this funny name game from my friend Penny's blog. I got a kick out of it and needed a good laugh today!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Cookie Van
2. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR'S NAME: ("The" + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)The Cooking Snow Tour
3. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Rocky Road Oreo
4. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) A-Ham
5. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME:(fave color, fave pet) Green Dog
6. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Crystal Idaho Falls
7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) HamAn
8. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Red Soda
9. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers or grandmothers) Jessie Nona
10. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Beautiful Snickers
11. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Mary Bingham
12. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Marler Mapleton (?)
13. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Autumn Rose
14. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Apple T-shirty
15. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Oatmeal Pine

Grateful

2008-12-22T09:21:00.005-07:00

So grateful for so many wonderful blessings! I just got back from the hospital last night. My Slater was in for almost three days with asthma problems. He is now finally diagnosed with it and we have the breathing machine which will be wonderful to have when he needs it. This has truly been a crazy week for all of us but I have so much to be grateful for. So grateful that Slater is doing better. Grateful to have been able to just sit in the hospital with him and Hunter and relax so that my body could continue to heal. Grateful for a wonderful mom who always steps up to the plate and takes care of her grown kids when needed. She came and cleaned my kitchen, did laundry, swept, and took the girls out to dinner. Thanks mom for your amazing help with everything I have been through this last year. You have been an angel. So grateful for sisters and a sister-in-law who have helped in so many ways with watching my kids, cleaning, and meals. What wonderful help you have been to me. Very grateful for new and old friends who have also helped with my kids, brought meals and visited. I have the greatest friends in the world! I am grateful for a new and special ward that has really shown what service is. Truly grateful for their service, meals, well wishes, and kindness. Grateful for all the tender mercies given to me by a very loving and aware Heavenly Father. He is completely aware of my needs and I KNOW that he loves me! I am so blessed and grateful to have cool kids. I love my kids and love being their mom. To my husband, he is the best. I love him more than words can express. He has been such an amazing husband and father. Dave is the most dedicated husband and father and also works harder than anyone I know. He works two jobs so that I can be at home with the kids, he blesses me with his love and kindness, and even after all these years with having kids and weight gain he loves me despite all of my imperfections. He is always there with hugs and loves. I love him! Wow, I am feeling so much gratitude and just needed to express it. This year has been full of many challenges and they have been for my good and for the good of my family. Trials make us better and I say, "bring it on!" I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. I know that this for me has been one of the most memorable years for me. This season is special and I am enjoying it so much. Love to all who may stumble on this "grateful" post.

Here I go AGAIN!!

2008-12-16T08:25:00.003-07:00

So, guess what I get to do today? I get to have another surgery! Blahhhh! For an update I had a bad staph infection from my c-section that ruptured on October 30th. Ever since then I have been in and out of the wound care office in the hospital. It has been a nightmare. They have tried everything to get it to close and it just won't close. It's a healthy wound but won't seal shut. I went in yesterday and they said that there was pretty much nothing else they could do for the wound and called my OB. He said he had an opening today and wants to "fix" the wound by re-cutting and starting over. Crazy huh? So, I haven't had anything to eat or drink since midnight and they will put me under. This will be my fourth surgery in 6 months! Enough is enough already. Anyway, I am not looking forward to today but do hope it will help the problem. Wish me luck! By the way, my medical bills are unbelievable! It's good to have good insurance but I will be paying medical bills for a VERY long time. So frustrating!

Just for fun!

2008-12-10T11:16:00.002-07:00

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your Friends. Copy, then change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to your friends including the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends that you might not have known!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00 AM
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Twighlight
4. What is your favorite TV show? I don’t watch TV
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Cereal or toast
6. What is your middle name? Crystal
7. What food do you dislike? Cheese Cake
8. What is your favorite CD at moment? Celine Dion
9. What kind of car do you drive? Chevy Venture
10. Favorite sandwich? Turkey with avocado spread
11. What characteristic do you despise? Fair-weather friends
12. Favorite item of clothing? Pajama pants
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Probably all the church historical sites
14. Favorite brand of clothing? Old Navy
15. Where would you retire to? Ririe, Idaho
16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? Don’t really have one
17. Favorite sport to watch? I just enjoy watching my husband watch sports, that’s more entertaining to me. He's a BYU fanatic
18. Furthest place you are sending this? South Carolina?
19. Person you expect to send it back first? No idea.
20. When is your birthday? April
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night!
22. What is your shoe size? 8
23. Pets? Squirrels in the back yard
24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? I just swept my floor?
25. What did you want to be when you were little? A mommy
26. How are you today? Good!
27. What is your favorite candy? Snickers with almonds
28. What is your favorite flower? Rose
29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? December 25
30. What is your full name? Annie!
31. What are you listening to right now? KLCE Christmas music
32. What was the last thing you ate? A pretzel
33. Do you wish on stars? Of course!
34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? green
35. How is the weather right now? Cold
36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? My sister Megan
37. Favorite soft drink? Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi
38. Favorite restaurant? Bajio’s and Jalisco’s
39. Real hair color? Dishwater blond
40. What was your favorite toy as a child? Cabbage Patch doll
41. Summer or winter? both
42. Hugs or kisses? Hugs
43. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
44. Coffee or tea? Neither, but I love the smell of coffee
45. Do you want your friends to post this on their blogs? Well...sure!
46. The last time you cried? Couple weeks ago at the hospital
47. What is under your bed? Dust bunnies
48. What did you do last night? Went to Mutual and then did some shopping
49. Fears? Losing a family member
50. Salty or sweet? both
51. How many keys on your key ring? 3
52. How many years at your current job? Almost 11 (mom)
53. Favorite day of the week? Sunday
54. How many towns have you lived in? Ririe, ID; Rexburg, ID; Centerville, UT; West Bountiful, UT; Ririe, ID; Glendale, AZ; Ririe, ID; 3 different apartments in Idaho Falls, ID; Rexburg,ID; another apartment in Idaho Falls, ID and now a house in Idaho Falls, ID. I do NOT plan to move for a very long time!
55. Do you make friends easily? Very!
56. How many people will you send this to? Lots, I guess
57. How many will respond? Whoever wants to!

For your viewing pleasure, or not!

2008-12-06T16:06:00.011-07:00

So, I have been thinking a lot about my brothers lately. They are some of my favorite people. These guys are awsome! When the three of them are together it's like Larry, Curly, and Moe. Garrett has been in the mission field almost a year now, Adam lives close to me, and my brother Spencer is in AZ. These guys don't get to see much of each other but you can bet they are the best of friends. I think Spencer and Adam talk at least once a day and I am sure they wish they could talk to Garrett too. There's a big age gap between Adam and Garrett, I think 11 years or so but they are such close buds. Spencer and Adam are only 1 year apart. I just want these guys to know how much I love them. They are great brothers and I am thankful to be their sister. I was blessed to have a great family. I will need to post pictures of my amazing sisters soon. As you can see with the pictures below my brothers are hilarious. It's so hard to get a serious picture from them but it is totally their personalities. I hope I don't get shot for posting these pictures, especially from my mom. I know I have a few funny face pictures of my dad somewhere but couldn't find them for this post. Hmmm, I wonder where they get their sense of humors from? To all my brothers, I love you guys! Can't wait for you all to be together again.

Tonsils and adenoids!

2008-11-25T16:56:00.003-07:00

Mister Slater had his tonsils and adenoids taken out today. He was such a trooper and is now sleeping. I hate to see my kids in pain and it was so sad when he was coming out of anesthesia. He was so confused and all he wanted was to have the monitor taken off of his toe. After he slept for a while he was much better. I am so thankful for able Doctors who can fix my babies when they are sick.

What kind of husband do you have?

2008-11-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hunter David Hamblin

2008-11-13T08:09:00.006-07:00

On Sunday we had Hunter's blessing and it was an awesome day! It was such a special day and one that I will remember for a long time. And of course I can't just post one picture of my cute baby. He is such a sweetheart and I love his little face. We had lots of family come for the blessing and here are "some" of the people who were able to share our special day with us: Curtis, Meta, Merlin, Jean, Daren, Allyson, Quentin, Karson, JaQuoy, McKenzie, Bill, Shannon, Mason, Amelia, Mike, Julie, Maggie, Jackson, Marci, Jared, Ashley, Adam, Rachelle, Bryttyn, Aiden, Creiden, Ruffin, Megan, Sterling, Riley, Carl, Lacey, Caden and Carter. Our friends: Greg, Pari, Winston, Cora, Natalia, Sasha, Joseph, and Matthew. Family who were there in spirit: Spencer, Menolly, Connor, Hailey, Brady, Kyle, Lindsay, Brinlee, Raigen, Hallie, Mike, Brenda, Grandma Smith, Grandma Hamblin, and Elder Garrett Nield. We have such a wonderful family and want them to know how much we love them. Little Hunter has lots of family who love him and it is so great to have so many examples in his life. We love you Hunter Boy!

Halloween fun!

2008-11-06T20:00:00.008-07:00

For Halloween we had a "Bumblebee Transformer", a baby with funky front teeth, a "50's Girl", and a little "punkin". Dave was such a good daddy and took the kids trick-or-treating while mommy and baby slept from 6:00-9:00 on Halloween night. Dave and the kids had such a fun time and they came home with LOADS of candy. I have had my share of sneaking in to their bags to find the good stuff. With as much candy as the kids got I don't think they will miss a candy or two, or four, or nine,or ten.

The weekend before last we went to Utah to see Dave's family and Dave's mom and sisters put on a fun Halloween party for all the grandkids. My kids had a blast decorating cookies, painting, dressing up, and playing with their cousins. We always enjoy going to Utah to visit family. Dave was able to go hunting with his dad, brother, and cousin. They didn't get anything but had a great time being together. We love visiting with family and wish we lived closer to do funs things with them.

Right now we are trying to get the house ready for company. Little Hunter will have his blessing this Sunday and lots of family are coming to visit for the special occasion. Now that I am finally feeling a little better I have lots of catching up to do. I just realized it is getting late and need to have scripture study with the kids. Dave is at Sam's Club working tonight and won't be home til late. Hope you have enjoyed the pics and I will post again soon! Love to all.

So in love with this baby!

2008-11-06T19:52:00.004-07:00

Not a hematoma after all.

2008-11-01T23:28:00.002-06:00

Nope, I guess I misunderstood when I went in for my CT scan that what I actually had was a "small" pocket of infection that they removed. I was then put on some heavy antibiotics to take care of any other infection that may still be there. I had the CT scan on Wednesday the 22nd and we went to Utah for the weekend and I was feeling fine. By late Sunday night I was NOT feeling well in the abdomen area again and by Wedensday was back at my Dr.'s office to see why I was feeling so yucky. When I went in that time it looked like I had a bad case of cellulitis and that I may have a serious type of staph infection too. I was sent home with an appt. to see an infectious disease Dr. this coming Monday. Well, the next day (Thurs) after I changed one of Hunter's diapers I stood up and felt something wet by my belly and thought that Hunter had wet through his clothes on to my clothes but when I felt his clothes he was dry. I won't go in to detail as to what I discovered but to my shock I was (brace yourselves) pouring out nasty stuff from abdomen. I called my mom who works not far from where I live and told her to come over right away. I called the Dr. office and neither the Dr. or the PA were in so I had to rush to the ER where is was discovered that I had a massive infection where I had my stitches. The infection had to be cleaned out and it was extremely painful. I was put on morphine for the pain, IV antibiotics, and other things that I can't even remember. My Dr. showed up and took care of the problem himself. So now I have the joy of going to a wound specialist every day to have my abdomen packed and new bandages put on. This experience has been one of the most painful things I have experienced yet. I think this year will go down in history as one HECK of a year for me and my health. I have had basically 3 surgerys within 5 months. Lovely!!!! I am hoping to heal quickly from this so that I can take care of my family. I have been so blessed with such good people: family, friends, and ward members. My little family has been taken care of and we are so grateful for the meals and well wishes. I hope my next post will be about something other than hospitals and abdomens!! Until next time....

CT scans and pumping and dumping!

2008-10-26T23:13:00.004-06:00

Have you ever had a CT scan? They are quite the amazing machine. It sounded like a jet engine and as I was going through it I could just imagine myself taking off! The CT scan went fairly well. It turned out to be a hematoma that they were able to fix right there in the scanning room. It was a minor surgery and I am feeling a little better...still very tender in the tummy area but feeling better than last weekend. I am on some pretty heavy antibiotics; one for a sinus infection and one for the infection in the hematoma. So glad to have that all behind me. I am praying to feel well so that I can take care of my family and move forward with my Heritage Makers business. Have you ever had to pump and dump? Because I had iodine in my system I had to pump and dump for 24 hours! So not a fun thing to do...especially for one who nurses her babies exclusively. It is a good thing that Hunter is such a good baby and took a bottle and formula so well. He didn't even skip a beat but I was hating life! Happy to be back to the regular old nursing routine. Tomorrow is a new week and I am hoping to have an amazing one. Being positive is what I need to be!! Hope you all have an amazing week.

Lullaby

2008-10-21T08:28:00.002-06:00

Last night Hunter was pretty fussy and Dave and I were laying in bed with him trying to help him relax. Nothing seemed to be working UNTIL Dave started singing to him. The song that did it was "Ocean Front Property in Arizona" by George Strait. I thought it was hilarious! Of all the songs in the world to sing to a baby it was that one that calmed him down! I do hope it doesn't become a favorite for Hunter.

"Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what your gonna get."

2008-10-20T21:08:00.003-06:00

Since I had Hunter I have been feeling great! Especially after having such a difficult pregnancy. At 19 weeks I went in to the hospital with terrible pain in my side; at 25 weeks I had surgery to fix cysts that were by my ovaries; diagnosed with gestational diabetes; and then having my fourth c-section (in which I also had my tubes tied and the Dr. gave me a semi-tummy-tuck)! During all that we shopped for a house, found a house, moved in to the house and have been working on fixing up the house.....so much stress the last nine months that I am surprised to have survived all of it....but I did with flying colors!! Over the weekend I started feeling not very well where my stitches were and discovered a very large mass that concerned me. I went to the Dr. today and it is either a hematoma or a hernia!!! I go in on Wednesday for a CT scan to see exactly what it is and what will be done. If it is a hematoma they will just drain it (sorry for those with weak stomaches) and if it is a hernia...in I go for another surgery. When the Dr. said the word "surgery" I almost lost it. I thought I was done with all that craziness and I got so frustrated! So, Wednesday I will know what will happen and I hope it will be the easier of the two. Just needed to vent a little....I know everything will work out for the best and that I will be well taken care of. The thought of having a 3rd surgery in less than 5 months time is a little overwhelming. Wish me luck and I will post what I find out as soon as I find out. So yes, life is like a box of chocolates, and I have had my share of "interesting" ones.

Too fast!

2008-10-18T14:01:00.015-06:00

I don't like the fact that time goes by so fast. Today is my baby's 1 month birthday and it has gone by too fast. Since Hunter is my last baby I just want him to stay that way forever and always be little. I know he will grow up just as fast as my other kids but it doesn't mean I have to like it:) I am so grateful to have him in my life. Hunter is my gentle little baby. He seems to be such a thoughtful and peaceful baby. Love having him! Today is laundry day. I have stacks and stacks down in my laundry room. I don't like having a laundry room so far away but it is really the only thing I don't like about my house. If the room were more close to the bedrooms and bathroom I would probably keep up better. Oh well! Dave is in Utah this weekend hunting with his dad, brother, and cousin. I am happy that he gets to do fun things with them, it's just hard that they all live so far away. They are his favorite people to hang out with other than us! We will all go with him next week when he hunts again. Most of Dave's family has not seen Hunter and it will be fun to introduce him to everyone. Dave's mom and sisters are having a Halloween party the weekend we go and the kids are so excited. I found some fun costumes at the DI for the girls. I found a red poodle skirt for Ellie so she can be a "50's Girl". I found Emma a baby doll costume with ruffled pantaloons and a bonnet. They will look so cute. I love finding fun things at the DI. The costumes only cost $7 total!!! For Slater we found him a "Bumble Bee Transformers" costume at Wal-Mart for pretty cheap and he is in heaven for sure. I can't seem to keep him out of costume and hope he doesn't ruin it before Halloween. So I have been in a baking/cooking mood lately. I love the Fall and the feel of change. I have been making soups/chowders, pumkin bars, corn bread, cookies, carmel popcorn, enchiladas, and other yummy things. Today I can't decide what to make....more pumkin bars? Cookies? Brownies? Cake? In between doind laundry I want to make something yummy....guess I better go figure it out. Here are some pics from the last week or so.....looks like they wanted to upload at the top of this post....oh well! Enjoy

Pics of the house

2008-10-13T21:09:00.003-06:00

So here are some pictures of the house. When we bought it, it was inundated with trees and bushes. It was difficult to even see the house. For the last few weekends Dave, his brother Kyle, my dad, and my mom have been busy helping to cut down all the bushes and trees. It has been a big project and the house looks so much better. It's actually nice to see what we purchased!

This poor house was on the market for almost a year and vacant off and on for up to four years or so. The inside and outside were neglected and the house just needs some TLC which we are willing to give it. Can't believe someone else did not see the potential that this house has. Most of the house has original light fixtures and probably has only been painted once since it was built in 1971. There are beautiful hard wood floors on the main level and the upper bedrooms. The kitchen had two layers of linoleum and carpet which was gross but the sellers gave us a flooring allowance and we were able to put a new floor in the kitchen and carpet in the middle family room. The third family room has nice carpet. The house already looks so much better and we love it. Can't wait to paint the rooms and change out the rest of the fixtures....it will look like a new house. It's crazy to finally be in our own house. The kids are happy to be here and I love having all the room. Dave is in heaven with being able to work in his "own" yard and all the fix-it jobs. We feel blessed!

Such a sweet baby!

2008-10-04T16:08:00.009-06:00

My little Hunter is about the sweetest little guy ever! We are having so much fun with this new baby. He has been such a good baby so far. The first three all had collic for the first six months. Hunter is such a good baby and hasn't showed one sign of collic. He sleeps through the night usually and is happy throughout the day. We feel so blessed to have him in our home. Here are a few pictures of the cute little guy.

So happy!

2008-09-24T07:44:00.003-06:00

Can I tell you that I am so very happy! I am happy to have a new house to call my own. It is so great to have lots of room for everyone and that we have some fun fix it projects to do. I am happy to not live in apartments anymore. I am so happy to have a new baby boy and that he is healthy and content and beautiful. I am happy that he is my last baby and that all of my kids were born healthy. I am happy to be in a new ward where we feel welcome and loved. Our previous ward was amazing and this ward is just as cool. I am happy to be making new friends. I am so grateful for good friends. I am happy that my kids love their new school and that they are making new friends. I am happy to be in such a wonderful neighborhood with great neighbors. There are so many more things that make me happy, probaby too many to list. Just feeling a lot of gratitude and I know that Heavenly Father knows my needs and that he really knows me personally. I hope you have a happy day!

It's a BOY!

2008-09-20T10:39:00.010-06:00

Yep, it's a boy and we are so happy to have him here. His name is Hunter and we are still deciding on a middle name. Hunter weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21 inches long. He was born on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Hunter has lots of dark hair and very long eyelashes! He is such a good baby and is very content. We are so grateful to have him in our family. I will post more pictures after I get out of the hospital. Love to all!

We are in!

2008-09-13T10:28:00.002-06:00

We are finally in our new house! It has been one crazy week. We closed on the house on the 5th, moved most everything over by the 7th and just finished getting the rest of our stuff from the apartment yesterday. It has been so great being in our own place with lots of room and the kids are loving it. At this point each kid has their own room and when the baby is born, depending on what it is we will bunk it with one of the kids. And yes, I am still very pregnant but only 5 more days to go!

We have such a wonderful neighborhood and some awesome neighbors. Many have come by to meet us and people have brought over brownies, freezer jam, and zucchini bread. Lots of ward members have been by to visit and we feel very welcomed already. The kids really enjoy their new school and we are anxious to go to our new ward tomorrow. The only bummer part of this move is that I haven't been able to do much in the way of lifting and putting things away. All I can do is direct and tell people where to put things.

We have had such amazing help from family and friends! Dave's brother Kyle and his wife Lindsay came to help us pack and move. I don't know what I would have done without the wonderful help. Kyle, Lindsay, my mom, my sisters, friends, new ward members, Greg Edgar, and my dad have been so willing to give of their time and efforts. My good friend Sherry come over one day and brought me my favorite salad from Bajio's and painted my fingernails and toenails. Dave and I have been quite humbled with all of the extended help from everyone. Thank you, thank you!

I will post some pictures of the house later. I have got to get as much done as possible to get the house ready for the baby. I am not able to do much but I have good girls that can be my arms and legs. I appreciate their help. Love to all!

House news...

2008-09-02T14:12:00.002-06:00

So it looks like everything is set for us to close on our house this Friday! I can hardly believe the day is finally here that we will have our own place. I am so grateful that everything has fallen in to place and I know that we found the right house. It really was easier than I ever thought to get in to a house. There were plenty of headaches and such getting everything in order but it was well worth it. When we get in we will be pulling some old carpet and linoleum and will be putting some new floors in which will be so great. The rest ouf the house has really nice hard wood which we will get shined up one of these days. I am so excited to paint the house with actual color instead of the usual white that I have lived in because of apartment living. I think Dave was surprised to see that I wanted color and he was protesting a little because he will have to "tape". See, he has a little part time job where he paints apartments and can get one done in about two evenings with just white paint on ceilings and the walls and when I told him I was having color I think he realized that it will take him much longer because he has to tape...poor boy! Anyway, we are very excited for our next move.

Baby news...going to the Dr. here in the next few minutes for an ultra sound to check the size of baby. So far the baby is doing fine with the non-stress tests and hopefully the Dr. will say that the baby is too big for me to go any longer and my dream is that he will say..."Let's take it now!" We shall see and I will update more when I know more. Wish me luck!

Slater's first day!

2008-09-02T14:07:00.004-06:00

I am so proud of this little boy! He gets to go to school every day of the week and he seems to be pretty excited about all of it. When I took him today he was so calm and just plain ready to be there. He is at a new school too this year and it looks like there will be lots of new friends for him. His teacher seems like a great lady. Slater is such an easy going kid that I don't seem to worry about him too much and I'm so glad that he had a good first day at preschool! Love my Slater boy!

First day of school for the girls!

2008-08-27T12:17:00.004-06:00

So, Monday was the big day! The girls started their first day of school at their new elementary. The house hasn't even closed and we are not moved in yet but thought it would be best for them to start there. If for whatever reason the house falls through it will be easy to take them back to their old school but I didn't want them to start out at their old school and then yank them out only 2-3 weeks in to the school year to start at the new school. They love the new school and the transition seemed to go well for both of them. Slater will be starting a new preschool here pretty soon and I think he will do just fine.

House update: just waiting for it to close at this point. The inspection was done and there were a few things that we needed for the owners to fix such as a plumbing problem and some duct work on the heating system but they may not be willing to do those things. We will see what happens.

Baby update: went to the Dr. on Monday for a check up and non stress test. The baby is now measuring 40 weeks and I will only be 36 weeks tomorrow. The baby seems to be doing fine and is scheduled to come by c-section on Sept. 18th. If I go in to labor no one will stop me and we will take it then. Please pray that I going in to labor on my own!!! Last night I felt the urgency to get all of my bags packed, diaper bag ready, and the cameras ready just in case it happens soon. I will keep you posted as to what happens!

Update time...

2008-08-22T07:43:00.011-06:00

Wow, what a couple of months it has been. I have been lagging in the blogging thing here but now I hope to get a little caught up on what's been going on in our little corner of the world. First of all I am still very preganant. The due date is not until September 25th and I am planning for a c-section one week prior to that. The crazy thing is...the baby is measuring about 4 weeks ahead of schedule and I am feeling just a tiny bit HUGE!! I went in for an ultra sound on Monday and the Dr. thinks the baby is approx. 6lbs or so. I have the gestational diabetes which is causing the baby to be big. Because I have the gestational diabetes I have the joy of checking my blood sugars about 6-7 times a day and I have totally changed my diet so that I am not eating too many carbs which can be bad for the baby. I am also having to check my ketones every day so that they are not too high. If those are too high I have to increase my carbs just a little bit. It's been crazy having to do all these things but it is best for the baby and me to be healthy. I am also going in two times a week to do the non-stress test to make sure the baby is doing ok. One other thing, we still don't know what this baby is and plan to keep it a surprise. When I had the last ultra sound the Dr. says that he knows what it is and made sure that I didn't look. We are so excited to find out what this wiggly little person is!! So,for the last 11 years we have lived in apartments and have moved a LOT! Now that baby #4 is almost here I can't stand the thought of bringing it home to an apartment. How am I going to fit 4 kids in to a two bedroom apartment? Well, we finally have a solution....we found a house!!! It just needs to have the inspection done on Monday and after that the house will close on Sept. 5th. I can hardly believe that we finally found the right house. Dave and I looked at almost 20 or more houses and found an awesome house in a very beautiful neighborhood. The house is 2400 sq. feet with 5 bedrooms, 3 family rooms, two car garage, and even two laundry rooms! We came across a killer deal and we totally landed the right house for our family. It is one that needs some new flooring, most of the floors are hard wood but the rest needs updated. It was built in 1971 and still has the orignal paint so a new fresh paint job will make it look new. It also has the original fixtures but once we change those out it will be so great! Can't wait to get moved in. It really has been interesting how everything has fallen in to place with this house...the finances, the area, the house itself, etc. We are so grateful!!! The last couple of months has been crazy but I wouldn't trade what I have endured the last little while for anything. We have had a lot of challenges and craziness but it has been for our good and we are so happy to be receiving so many wonderful blessings. The kids are doing great. The girls are ready for school to start and they can't wait to see their friends. One sad thing is they will start out at the school they have been going to and as soon as we know the house inspection passes and that there are no issues we will then get them registered at their new school. They are not too happy that they have to change schools but are happy to be getting in to a new home and I think it will make up for their frustration. Slater is so easy going that I think he will be happy with whatever comes. Dave for one is probably the most excited. When we looked at the house he was like a kid in a candy store. He was so thrilled about the house and could hardly contain himself when we first looked at it. Those of you who know Dave, know that he is so calm, cool, and collected. It's very hard to read him and know what he is thinking and when he saw the house it was the first house that made him so happy. Here are a few pictures that I took the last couple of months....

Long time no post....sorry.

2008-08-10T23:50:00.002-06:00

I know, it has been such a long time since I posted anything. The last month has been one crazy month and I really have no excuse for not updating. Hopefully I can get back in the swing of things and post some fun things in the VERY near future. Right now it is almost midnight and I am heading to bed. In the next day or two I will post some fun pictures of what we have been doing the last month. Good night!

Emma's Baptism...

2008-07-09T11:48:00.007-06:00

What a wonderful day we had on July 5th! It was Emma's baptism day and we are so proud of her. We had lots of family at the baptism and we are so grateful to all of those who traveled far to get here. It was a fun day! After the baptism we had a picnic with all the family (which I totally forgot to take pictures at).
After the picnic we found a fun little swimming pool and most of Dave's sisters and their kids all geared up for swimming and we had a great time. We are sure thankful for family and for their support. Also, we are so happy that Emma was prepared and ready to be baptized. When I was helping her change out of her wet clothes after the baptism she said, "I feel so good!" Emma wrote in her journal about her experience and the first line of her journal reads, "...on one good Saturday I got baptized." It was one good Saturday!

Happy Fourth!

2008-07-09T11:39:00.005-06:00

So I didn't get a ton of 4th of July pictures like I normally do but here are a few to share of the kids. We had a good holiday...different than normal but it was fun. We usually go to the parade but didn't and usually go to the firework but didn't. We had a lot of family coming in to town for Emma's baptism and decided to do things different this year and spend time with them. We spent most of the day at Dave's Aunt Marie's house just visiting and had a great barbeque with family. We did end up going to the fireworks in Menan which were good and we were able to get home in no time. All in all it was a great day and maybe next year the kids will be able to do the "normal" fourth of July festivities that they look forward to each year!

It's a beach party!

2008-06-26T21:16:00.003-06:00

Today I bought each of the kids a beach towel. You would think that our living room was a warm sunny beach. As soon as we got home tonight the towels were layed out on the floor and the kids had to put their swim suits on. Ellie found her lei and put a flower in her hair. So as I type this the kids are all sitting on the floor with their swim suits on, they are eating otter pops and they put in "Lilo and Stitch" to watch. They totally crack me up and I love them for it. They keep things ineresting around here.

My funny little boy!

2008-06-20T23:59:00.004-06:00

All is well...

2008-06-19T10:21:00.002-06:00

Yeah, it's finally over and I survived surgery!! Everything went really well and the baby is fine. I have a triangle of pain on my stomach right now: incision above my belly button, one under my right rib cage and then on my lower right side where the cyst was removed. As long as I have some pain relief in my system I feel fine but it sure doesn't help when the baby kicks one of those three spots. For the last two days my kids have been at my mom's house and I had the whole day to myself. I was able to get so good rest and I feel great today. It is nice to have my babies home. I missed them so much!

I got tagged!

2008-06-16T16:55:00.002-06:00

I got tagged by my cousin. This is an easy and fun tag. I tag....Maria, Rebekah, Menolly, and Lacey.

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your significant other? Dave
3. Your hair? short
4. Your mother? Mom
5. Your father? Dad
6. Your favorite thing? food
7. Your dream last night? scary
8. Your favorite drink? diet
9. Your dream/goal? rich
10. The room you're in? family
11. Your hobby? www.memoriesofgladness.com
12. Your fear? drowning
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? rich
14. Where were you last night? parents
15. What you're not? sad
16. Muffins? yum
17. One of your wish list items? skinny
18. Where you grew up? Ririe
19. The last thing you did? laundry
20. What are you wearing? clothes
21. Your TV? on
22. Your pets? ants
23. Your computer? new
24. Your life? good
25. Your mood? tired
26. Missing someone? Becky
27. Your car? own
28. Something you're not wearing? makeup
29. Favorite store? TJMaxx
30. Your summer? weird
31. Like someone? yes
32. Your favorite color? green
33. When is the last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? weeks

Not looking forward to tomorrow...

2008-06-16T13:02:00.002-06:00

So, tomorrow will not be a very fun day. I am scheduled to have surgery to remove a cyst that has been causing me a lot of discomfort. Due to the fact that I am 25 weeks pregnant makes me nervous. I will be having the surgery at a hospital where they have a neonatal intensive care unit "just in case" the baby decides to come early. Cross your fingers for me that everything will be ok. I am not so much worried about me just worried about the baby. I do have an amazing OB Dr. and he will be assisting the surgeon and assures me that he will be watching me and the baby very carefully. I am sure that all will go well, just nervous! I will let you know how everything goes in a day or two.

Happy Birthday Emma!

2008-06-11T09:31:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday Miss Emma Crystal. We love you! You are an amazing little girl with a big heart. Happy 8th!

See what I do!

2008-06-11T09:11:00.004-06:00

I just wanted to share a project that I am working on. It is a baby book about my oldest daughter and will do ones for the other two before baby #4 is born. I am a consultant with Heritage Makers and love, love, love my business of helping others preserve their memories and stories. Heritage Makers is an amazing company with amazing products: books, cards, posters, postcards, playing cards, family folds, custom playing cards and now 12x12 pages. All of these products can be custom made by you! The publisher is simple to use and I love to sit down with my clients and help them get started on their stories. If you like what you see please let me know and I will set you up with a free Heritage Makers account. Heritage Makers is truly one of the best things I have EVER done in my life. I love their mission of "storybooking" and their products are second to none! Please take a minute to look at my website: www.memoriesofgladness.com

Professional Pics of the kids from a couple months ago...

2008-06-06T10:59:00.004-06:00

Beware the moon!!

2008-05-29T20:18:00.002-06:00

So, the kids and I went to Bajio's for lunch today and had quite the experience. While the kids were waiting for me to finish my salad Slater got up and was walking around a little. Suddenly the girls said, "Mom, look!" I turned around and Slater had his pants and underwear down to his knees and was bent over mooning his cute little white bum for all to see!!!!! I was mortified to say the least. It was one of those situations where I was as mad as anything and on the other hand I couldn't stop laughing. The girls laughed for almost a half hour straight. I tell you, that boy keeps us in stitches sometimes!

Just for fun...

2008-05-26T21:30:00.001-06:00

I stole this fun tag from a blog of one of my friends. I thought it would be fun to see what you think. All you have to do is copy and paste to the comments section and add your answer. How well do you know me? Also, post this on your blog and see how many people know you!

Take a stab at my middle name?
Do I smoke?
Color of my eyes?
Do I have any siblings?
How many?
What's one of my favorite things to do?
What is my least favorite thing to do?
What's my favorite type of music?
Am I shy or outgoing?
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
Any special talents?
How many children do I have?
If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?

So, it is official...

2008-05-26T21:03:00.002-06:00

...we have decided to find out what our baby is when it is born!! Just the other day I thought..."What the heck! It will be fun to have this last little one be a surprise. I have already seen this baby at least seven times now and it still won't show itself...I don't want to be bummed again if we can't see what it is." When I told Dave that I didn't want to know what this baby is he was totally supportive and wants the surprise too. Ellie was a surprise so it will be fun that our first and last babies were surprises! Just thought I would let you know. The kids don't think it is so cool...they really want to know what we are having. So, the first week in September we will know...until then we are having a darling little "it"!

Outside fun!

2008-05-22T11:06:00.009-06:00

The first three pictures are pictures of the kids out at my mom and dad's house. They were helping Papa pick up the grass after he mowed. The kids love going out to their house and they love running around in my parents huge yard. The other day they were able to help Nana and Papa with planting more in their garden and loved it.

A couple of weeks ago the kids were outside on a very windy day trying to fly Slater's kite and in the one picture with slater in his glasses do you notice the kite string is stuck on his glasses? Notice his funny ear? The other picture of Slater with the helmet is cute...notice his ear there? Hope you enjoy a few of these pictures!

Blessings...

2008-05-21T11:03:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted in a while. Today I am very grateful for my blessings. I am so grateful for challenges and for the power of prayer. Sometimes life stinks but by putting our trust in the "Man Upstairs" we can feel peace and love. I have been going through a lot of things the last few days and feel so blessed to have my good family: A husband that I love and adore SO VERY MUCH!!! Children that are so wonderful and precious to me. I have amazing parents who love and support me and brothers and sisters that I can enjoy and do things with. I don't mean for this post to sound like a "testimony meeting" but I just feel overwhelming feelings of love and gratitude today. Challenges make us stronger and can help us more understand the unselfish sacrifice of the Savior. Today is a good day.

I really do plan to post some pictures soon. I have some fun ones of the kids.

We had an ultrasound and...

2008-05-06T11:00:00.003-06:00

it looks like we will be having a mystery baby! Last week I was in the hospital for a painful cyst and the ultrasound tech said, "Oh, it looks like a girl...oh wait, the baby moved and now it looks like a boy." She said that my Dr. will have to figure it out. So, we went in yesterday for the sex check and the Dr. said, "Yep, I'd say it looks like 95% girl...oh wait, the baby moved and now it looks like a boy." The Dr. said I would probably have to wait about 10 more weeks to find out. Ahhhhh! I was so bummed to not know what this little person is. I guess I am having to learn patience in many ways with this pregnancy. I have had a lot of issues and concerns and I guess it shouldn't surprise me that we couldn't see what it is. Oh well, I sure hope 10 weeks will go by fast so I can get ready for this little person to makes it's appearance. My sister Megan with her first baby was told that it was a girl...when she delivered the "girl" it came out almost a 10lb baby BOY! I really don't want a surprise like that...I want to know for this last baby! I guess we will all keep on guessing as to what it is!

Long time no post!

2008-04-24T08:42:00.004-06:00

So, it has been a long time since I have posted anything. It's time to update on what's going on in our household. I guess first of all I am so ready for Spring!! Will it ever come? One day we will have nice weather and the next it will be pouring rain or snowing...I don't get it. I am so looking forward to some nice warm weather.

The kids are staying busy with school. Both Ellie and Emma just finished up their jumprope class. Both of them have really excelled in their jumping rope and speed. It is fun to see them improve and succeed. Miss Ellie went to the Civic yesterday to watch a play called "Old Yeller". She loved it. This girl loves to read and has started reading Harry Potter and can't seem to put it down. Emma on the other hand doesn't seem to enjoy reading as much. She likes to find excuses and would rather find a really easy book to read really fast and be done. We have to continue to encourage her to read and that she reads well. We have been reading our scriptures every night and the kids actually enjoy it! If we miss a night of reading we get chastized by the girls for not reading! I am grateful that they are gaining a testimony of the importance of reading the scriptures and what's even better is when they ask questions and understand what we are reading. Slater even takes a turn and we help him to read. Of course he just repeats but it sure helps with the speech problems that he has. Practice makes perfect!

Poor Dave has been working like a mad-man. He has been putting in 14 hour days at the site and at Sam's Club. We are trying very hard to get our debt gone and he has been working so hard to help reach that goal. He did apply for an IT position at BYU-I and he hopes to get it!! It would be an amazing job with great benefits and a good atmosphere. We were able to get him a suit last week which he hasn't had in a very long time. I must say he looks so handsome in his new fancy suit! He looks handsome even if he is in his pj's. I just love him!

I am finally starting to feel this little baby of ours move. What a blessing and a thrill to know that we are having another baby! This one will most likely be our last so I hope to enjoy every minute. I have a wonderful new Dr. and I love visiting their office...the office staff is awesome and I love my new Dr. I am glad to be in a new office for this last pregnancy. We find out what we are having on the 5th of May.

Mr. Slater is such a little joy! He has been talking quite a bit about the baby and says that my tummy will get bigger and bigger, then the baby will come out and that he will get to hold "her". He says "her" alot! I guess we will see if it is a "he" or a "she" soon enough. Slater seems to be doing better at speech therapy all the time. He still struggles with alot of words and sounds but we do see improvement all the time. We are proud of him and know that he can overcome his speech struggles.

I am loving my job as a Heritage Makers Consultant!!! I love, love, love this amazing company and what it does to help people write their stories. Heritage Makers books, cards, posters, etc. are awesome products! I love helping others discover that everyone has a story. Please go to my website (www.memoriesofgladness.com) and check out HM and what they are all about. I have had some great success the last couple of weeks and I just want to shout out to everyone how important it is to preserve your stories and not just the pictures. There is an old Indian Proverb that states something like this: "When someone dies it is as if a library burns down." Isn't it true?

Of course pictures are so important because a picture tells a story. I know that when I look at pictures of my grandparents or others who have gone before I just wish I knew the story in the picture. "Pictures without stories are like memories lost". Wether it's a HM book or another form of preserving your memories get them written! That is what I am trying to do. It is sometimes not easy but I know it will be worth so much to my children and grandchildren. I am so proud of my mom because she is in the process of writing her own personal history. Right now I am encouraging my dad to write down his mission experiences and one day I want to go through his pictures with him because I know it will trigger the stories and experiences. I know that when my parents and Dave's parents are gone I want my kids to know what their grandparents experienced. Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble on about my passion. I can't help it!

Looks like I better run and get some things accomplished today. I have a mound of laundry just screaming at me to wash, fold, and put away. Yuck!

Oops!

2008-04-04T22:31:00.002-06:00

I posted the wrong address for the blog templates. It is http://onecuteblog.blogspot.com Sorry!

Fun Stuff!

2008-04-03T18:30:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to share a couple of fun things. First of all I was introduced to www.pandora.com by my cousin Amy. It is a website that you can choose what kind of music you listen to and you can listen for free! You can list artists or the kind of music you like in general. If you like a song give it a "thumbs up" and if you don't care for a song give is a "thumbs down" and it won't play it again. It has been such a fun thing and I recommend it to everyone.

Also, if you are looking for a new and fun template to use for your blog go to www.onecuteblog.com and there are some fun things you can use to spice up the look of your blog. Just follow the instructions on the right of the web page. It took me a few times to figure it out but I finally did.

Sorry, I haven't figured out how to make the websites "links". I need a few blogging tips on how to add blogging buddies on my blog and how to add links to some different things I post. If you have any advice please send it my way. Thanks!

The new "do"!

2008-04-03T08:32:00.009-06:00

13 inches....gone! Yep, Emma had 13 inches of hair cut off yesterday and she was thrilled! No tears, no complaints, no regrets! She is so excited to have short hair and is loving her new do. Her hair will be going to locks of love so that someone who needs hair can have a wig made out of Emma's hair. She was happy to be able to help someone she doesn't even know. I am proud of her. She wanted to take the cut hair to school today for show and tell but I didn't let her. The hair needs to not be "man-handled" and sent off soon. I told her to just show and tell the hair she has on her head and talk about what she did. She's a sweetheart!

Easter picture.

2008-04-01T14:54:00.002-06:00

Here is a picture of the kids on Easter morning. It looks like the Easter Bunny visited our house. We had a wonderful day at church that day and then went to my parents house for Easter dinner and an Easter egg hunt. It was great hanging out with family and eating good food.

Farewell to the hair!

2008-04-01T12:27:00.004-06:00

Emma's birthday is in June but I did want to say that we will be saying farewell to this beautiful head of hair! Emma has decided that she wants to have it cut and will be donating her hair to "Locks of Love". She is pretty excited to have short hair and mom is excited to not have to brush it anymore. Actually, her hair will be missed. It has been so pretty and now she can have another pretty style. Bye bye long hair, here comes a "new do"! We will post her new hair cut soon.

Slater's birthday

2008-04-01T12:21:00.003-06:00

This boy is getting so big! Can't believe that he is 4! Why do my kids have to grow up so fast. I don't think I like it much. I wish they would stay small forever. Slater had a fun birthday. He wanted to get "Optimus Prime" for his birthday and loves the Transformers! It's fun to watch him pretend his is "Optimus Prime". He thinks he is such a tough kid!

Ellie's Birthday back in February

2008-04-01T12:16:00.002-06:00

Ellie's #10 birthday was back in February and I am now just uploading the pictures. Can't believe that she is 10! She's is such a talented and sweet girl and I appreciate her so much. Ellie is a big help and loves to do the dishes with me. I love her!!

Funny boy

2008-03-29T13:28:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Slater was such a picky eater and really didn't want to eat much. I had made these really good muffins and made him sit down and encouraged him to eat it. Mostly he just crumbled it up and shoved it out of his way. I said to him, "You need to eat your muffin!". Slater looked at me and said, "I don't want to eat a 'ruffin'!". I started to laugh so hard because those of you who don't know, my sister Megan's husband is named Ruffin. Yes, a very unique name and when Slater didn't want to eat 'ruffin' I died!! I called Megan up and she had a good laugh about it too. Truly, kids say the darndest things! When Slater gets older I will have to remind him that he didn't want to eat a 'ruffin'! Have a happy day everyone!

A neat week!

2008-03-18T10:39:00.007-06:00

I just have to say that this is a cool week. Tomorrow is Slater's 4th birthday, Friday is our #11 anniversary and Sunday is Easter! I can't believe that my little guy is 4 tomorrow. He is such an amazing person and I am thankful to be his mom. He loves to snuggle and loves to hold my hand. I love you Slater!

Yes, my anniversary is on Friday and it really is amazing how time flies! I was in Utah this last weekend and took a minute to drive up to the Bountiful Temple where we were married and got to think about that special day. Probably one of the best days of my life, the other best days where when I had my babies. I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!! He is an incredible man and I am grateful to have him in my life. He is so good to me and he loves our kids! Dave, thank you for everything! You are wonderful!

Family Pictures

2008-02-13T08:53:00.003-07:00

Here are a few family pictures that were taken back in October. They were taken at my parents house and my sister took the pictures. I think she did a great job and would you look at how cute my kids are? They for sure take after their dad!

Big news!

2008-02-06T11:38:00.001-07:00

We would just like to report that our family will be growing by 2 feet this coming early September! Yep, we are excited to welcome baby #4 to our family. We have been trying for over 2 years and it's thrilling to know that we will have another little person in our family. We are very happy and can't wait to meet the baby. Hopefully mommy can feel well and that the pregnancy will go smoothe!

Love these guys!

2008-01-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

You gotta love them! These kids crack me up. They seem to always be doing something funny or crazy. They each have such fun personalities and I am so thankful to have them in my life! They are awesome!

You got to try these!

2008-01-29T22:50:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile, as usual, but I guess I will finally post a few pictures of those darn cinnamon rolls I made almost 2 weeks ago. They were amazing! I was quite pleased with the results and my #1 child couldn't keep her hands off of them. I guess I could post the recipe in a day or two but if you want to make them go to http://www.pioneerwoman.com/ to find the recipe. The top picture is before baking and the second picture is the warm and gooey pan of cinnamon rolls. I dare you to make them!

Cinnamon rolls anyone?

2008-01-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

So, I am attempting to make cinnamon rolls tonight. It has been years since I made them. I found this amazing recipe on www.pioneerwoman.com I love her website and she also has some other really good looking recipes that I plan to try. If you know me well, I love to collect recipes and recipe books! I guess you could call it a hobby. I love trying new things and what's funny is that when I make soups and chowders I never use a recipe! Some like to call me the "queen of cream" because I can make a mean white sauce. I use white sauce for lots of things like: chowders, creamed soups, tuna casserole, fetuccine, homemade mac-n-cheese, etc. As soon as I get the kids to bed, the roll dough should be about ready for me to finish. Maybe I will take a picture of the cinnamon rolls tomorrow and post my creation.

I sure don't know what my deal has been lately but I have been so cranky and crabby! PMS? Who knows! I hope it will pass soon so that I can be a little bit more bearable to be around. My poor kids have to deal with me and I feel sorry for them. They are so good and I need to be a lot more patient. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for all of us. If you so happen to stumble upon my blog..feel free to leave a comment. Until next time...

2008-01-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been pretty busy and I am fianlly taking some time to share a couple of photos that I have been playing with in my Photoshop Elements. What do you think? I am just trying to figure out the program and it was fun to come up with what I did on these photos. I am SO not a professional but it is really fun to tweak with pictures and see what fun things can be done. Of course, I think my kids are the cutest in the world and they are my favorite things to shoot (with a camera, that is). It's off to bed. I've had too much fun playing and will sign off for now!

2008!

2008-01-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

Can't believe that it's already 2008! Where in the world did 2007 go? We had a fun New Year's party at my sister's new house. We usually go to Utah for New Year's but the roads were not that great and I wasn't about to go to Utah with the kids all by myself. Daddy D had to work and I was going to go and I'm glad that the weather got in the way so I didn't have to drive by myself. We sure did miss hanging out with the other family, though. We always have so much fun with them and the food is awesome! Hopefully we will all be able to go at the end of January.

So, today we are cleaning the house like crazy. I finally got Christmas down and my house is looking more put back together every minute. Daddy D is home today and is taking some time to watch some football. The kids are cleaning their room and though it's not a fun job for them they are getting it done. I am proud of them! I will post some more fun holiday pictures on the next post. I need to get them uploaded and then I will share. Have a great day to anyone who might stumble upon this blog! Until next time....

2007-12-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

We survived Christmas and had a ball!

2007-12-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great Christmas. It looks like Santa did a good job at giving the kids some of the things they wanted. Also, the kids had an opportunity to buy some gifts for a neighbor and they loved that. It is so fun for them to receive gifts but more fun for them to give. They said that was their favorite part of Christmas. On our way home from Christmas Eve festivities we saw a car off the side of the road and a guy walking to a gas station with his gas can. He was obviously out of gas and we thought it would be a nice thing to take him back to his car after he got his gas since the car was a very long walk away. The man was so grateful to get a ride back to his car as there were people sitting in the car waiting for him to get back. I am sure they were cold waiting so long. After we dropped the guy off Ellie said..."That felt good!". What a great opportunity for our whole family to help someone out on Christmas Eve! I don't think the kids will forget that we helped someone in need. It made our whole Christmas. If I can get this to work I am going to post a few fun Christmas moments. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Christmastime!

2007-12-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

My friend Angela posted this on her blog and I thought it would be fun to do too! Here we go...
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love to wrap presents and make homemade bows to put on. I love old fashioned and Victorian looking paper to wrap with.
2. REAL OR FAKE TREE? Both. We have a really nice fake one that my mom gave us years ago, but it is so fun to have a real one once in a while. A couple of years ago we found one on our doorstep the day after Thanksgiving. It smelled so good and was so beautiful!
3. When do you put up the tree? I usually try to put it up the weekend after Thanksgiving but this year it took us a week or so to put it up.
4. When do you take the tree down? We usually leave it up until after New Year's. I love having the tree up as long as possible.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I have so many favorites that it is hard to decide. Every year after we got home from Grandma and Grandpa's house we would come home to find that the Elves left us a new pair of pj's on our beds. It was always fun to see what kind of Jammie's we would get each year.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I have two. One is a music box from a family that my husband home taught and we have a beautiful 3 piece nativity from my mom. It is a gorgeous set that has the baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. I love it!
8. Hardest person to buy for? My husband!
9. Easiest person to buy for? Me!
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I honestly can't think of anything.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. Sending your Christmas cards the traditional way is the only way to go. It is so much more personal and I love receiving pictures of friends and family that I haven't seen in a long time.
12. Favorite Christmas movies? I love Rudolph the Reindeer...a classic!
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually a month before.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, when we were first married and didn't have much money we would give wedding gifts that we may not have needed or wanted. Hopefully no one got their gift back that they gave to us:)
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Oh my goodness! I love it all. I mostly love to eat crackers with different dips and topping. That is a tradition at my parents. Whenever my Grandma Smith comes we have homemade cocktail sauce and shrimp....so good!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I actually like red, green, and white lights combined.
17. Favorite Christmas Song? I love them all. I do not have a favorite and don't want to choose a favorite. Music is probably one of my favorite things during the holidays. I never get tired of listening to Christmas music. This year I started listening right after Halloween.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? We will always be home for Christmas so that our kids have Christmas memories of home. My husband's family lives in Utah and we usually go for New Years.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? I doubt it.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We usually have a gold star but it broke. For a while we had my daughters pink stocking cap for the topper. That didn't last long. My husband thought it would be spectacular but pink doesn't quite go with traditional red and gold ornaments. No more pink hats on top of the tree!

Merry Christmas

It's been a Monday!

2007-12-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

What a busy, crazy day! I went and helped a friend clean her house this morning then took Emma to the Dentist today. The right side of her face is swollen and she has some kind of infection in her gums...no fun! I picked up the kids from school and then went out to my mom's to work on a special project for a brother that is going on a mission. That seemed to take a while and we just got home. There's not a lot on my list of things I did today, it's just that it seemed to take all day and I am pooped! Trying to get these kids to bed is such a hassle...they like to take their sweet time and it drives me crazy!

It snowed today and the snow was so beautiful...so soft and fluffy. It did get really cold and we had to really bundle up today. I love the snow and wintertime. I almost got hit today by a car full of teenage girls. I was slowly going around a corner and this car comes at me from the opposite going really fast and the car was sliding right in my direction in which I had to scoot over and hit the curb really hard. It made me mad because as I passed them they were all laughing and thinking it was funny....was not funny to me.

So, I bought a turkey and can't wait to cook it this week. I borrowed my mom's electric roaster and hope to cook it on Wednesday or Thursday. I guess I didn't get enough at Thanksgiving! I am going to make some mashed red potatoes, make some kind of veggie and also make some homemade rolls (thanks to my new/old bread machine). I love that the bread machine does all the hard work and all I have to do is shape the rolls and put them in the oven...awesome! I made my first batch yesterday and they turned out perfect.

I guess that's all for now. Need to go throw a load of laundry in and maybe pick up some clutter around the house.

I've got to get in to this blogging thing!

2007-11-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted last. What's the latest news in the Hamblin Family? Actually not much has been going on here. The kids are all busy with school and daddy has been working hard at both of his jobs. I have been crazy busy with my Heritage Makers business and with my YW calling. We had YW in Excellence tonight and it went well. I am the 2nd Counselor in the YW Presidency for our ward. It is fun working with the YW but it can also be a challenge.

I discovered this morning some water dripping from our ventilation fan in our bathroom. Something from the upstairs apartment flooded and we got to enjoy a little bit of a flood in the bathroom. It soon stopped and all is well.

Thanksgiving was awesome! We spent it at my parents house in Ririe. We had such amazing food; played games; visited; and just had a really good time. I wish we could have Thanksgiving at least once a month. The food is too good to wait a whole year for. Did I mention that the food was so good? Daddy just got home from work and is patiently waiting for me to get off the computer so that he can check out his BYU Cougars. I guess I could let him get on. If anyone reads this I hope you are well and leave me a comment if you feel inclined. Have a great night! I hope to post again soon.

Second post!

2007-11-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I blogged last, actually I have only blogged once. Our family is as busy as can be. Daddy D. is busy with work and a new part time job. He is gone a lot and we miss him. The girls are busy with school and their "Reach for the Stars" singing class. Their voices are becoming more clear and better each semester. I love listening to them sing. Little S. loves going to preschool and lives, eats, and breathes Spiderman. He is so dang cute! I have been plenty busy with taking care of the kids but haven't been doing so well with the housework. Our place is suffering but I am having fun with the kids. I will post a few pictures of our family. Hope you enjoy!

New blogger!

2007-09-06T13:13:00.000-06:00

So, I decided to start a blog! I have seen some pretty cool blogs and hope that this will be a fun thing for my family and friends to view. We will see how it goes! Hope you enjoy...