Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Chase got his BEAR!!

Each Pack Meeting for scouts, awards are given to the boys to recognize their accomplishments. Chase has been working so hard and received his BEAR award with a gold arrow point and a few silver ones as well. Chase is so fortunate to have wonderful scout leaders who make sure he is on track with what he needs to get done. My favorite part of the ceremony is when he pins my "mothers pin" on and then I get to give him a big hug and kiss!!! We have such great leaders who make each pack meeting so much fun for the boys.Something FUNNY??????Chase is focused on one thing and one thing only........eating that donut!!!

Chase we are so proud of you! You work so hard to do what you are supposed to do. You work hard to be a good example and to make the right choices. I'm so glad you like scouts and I am excited for you to continue through the scouting program. You will learn great things to help you become an even better person. We love you Chase!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Discovery!!!

I guess I always knew this, but never thought about it or admitted to it for that matter until now! THE OLDER THEY GET THE MORE EXPENSIVE THEY GET!!!!! I remember the days of, "I can't wait until they are out of diapers, just think of the money we will save." OR "Only one more year we have to pay for preschool...then we will be rich!"

Man oh man if it were just diapers and preschool I was paying for now. Well, that WOULD be great!

Don't get me wrong...I wouldn't trade this time for the world. Every stage of the kids lives are an adventure and brings wonderful new things....
I just wish they weren't wonderful expensive things!!! :)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

New Masterpiece!!

I realized the other day that I hadn't posted many of Paige's paintings lately! She continues to love art and always does a great job. Now that she is in 6th grade she is able to go to art class everyday, on top of her art lessons outside of school. She loves it!! She is learning so many new things and new techniques. This is her newest painting she came home with the other day!I love it!! Rick already called dibs on it and will be taking it into work.Paige is excited to be starting her still life painting next. The still life paintings are her favorite! We are getting quite the collection of "Paige Originals!" I'm not sure what we are going to do with all of them. I love them all because each one means something and tends to have a story behind it. Great job Paige! It is a wonderful thing when your child finds something they love!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

How was YOUR weekend???

Our weekend looked very promising at the beginning of the week, but plans were quickly changed. Thursday night, Rick and I were sitting in the family room and he mentioned he was going to be home Friday because he was going to the doctor. I was a little surprised because one, Rick NEVER goes to the doctor. AND two, I didn't know anything was wrong with him. He said his side had been hurting for a couple of days, so he was going to have it checked out. Honestly, I didn't really think much of it. That night I climbed into bed and noticed he had a fever, then a few hours later he was sweating really bad. Yes, that convinced me something was probably wrong. He woke up Friday and seemed better. No fever, had a good breakfast and seemed okay. In fact, he was considering cancelling his appointment. He decided to go, and I was off doing mommy things. He called me and said he saw the doctor and they were sending him over to the hospital for a cat scan, then he was to go back to the doctor. Well, Rick isn't always the best at telling me the details, so once he was finished with his cat scan I met him over at the doctors office. It didn't take them long to tell us that he had appendicitis and we were to head back to the hospital. They had already made arrangements with the surgeon to have his appendix removed. Well, this was a little bit of a shocker!!! So we headed home to drop off his car and take care of a few things - then off we went to the hospital. Since he had eaten breakfast that morning, they were trying to wait a little bit before taking him into surgery. Before he got into his hospital gown, with much convincing I was able to steal a shot of him. Since we had a little time we were able to make some arrangements for the kids and most importantly call some good friends to give Rick a blessing before his surgery. There is just something so awesome about two men, wearing white shirts and ties, who hold the priesthood, giving a blessing. I watched them place their hands on Ricks head and give him a wonderful blessing. I wasn't even the one going in for surgery and I felt so comforted. It made me realize what an amazing gift the priesthood is, but also how blessed we are to have people in our lives that are willing to stop their daily routine to come and help. Thank you so much John and Troy!!

Rick was sent back to surgery and I was off to the waiting room. Hospitals can be a crazy place. You can see all kinds of things and meet all kinds of people. While I was waiting for Rick I met a sweet little old man who was in with his wife. I met another gentlemen that was there for his father. Hearing both of these mens stories, again made me think of how blessed I was. The doctor came to visit with me and said things were a little worse inside than he thought, but that it all went well. They had to do a little more pulling and tugging because it was a lot more inflammed than they had thought. I was just glad, all went well and I would be able to see him soon. About an hour later he was wheeled into his room. Originally, the doctor had thought he would be able to go home that night, but then decided he needed to stay overnight. Rick was in a lot of pain and very uncomfortable. He kept asking for more pain medication. I had to remind him he had just had some 30 minutes earlier, but I was sure to stay on top of the nurse when the time came for him to have another dose. It was really late, and I decided I should head home to be with the kids, and I really was hoping Rick would be able to get some sleep.

This morning I was back at the hospital bright and early and walked in to Rick eating breakfast and looking much better. Once the doctor came in and checked him, we were given the all clear to go home. It has been an okay day...he is very sore and tired, but doing well.

What have I learned from this unexpected situation....I will be really glad when Rick is 100% again. Life without his help is very exhausting! Plus, I really don't like seeing those I love in hospitals and in pain!! When things like this happen, it sure does make you appreciate them!!

Enjoying the Lake!

Who would have thought that at the end of September we could have such a great day on the lake. Since we bought the boat at the end of the "lake season", we were a little worried we wouldn't get out much. SO - we try to take every opportunity to get out. We set everything aside for Saturday September 25th. Decided we were going to have a family day on the lake with everyone! We cleared our calendar and waited for the weekend to come. WELL....rain was in the forecast! We were so bummed. Saturday morning it was sprinkling outside and we thought - well, the lake is off! Rick still had to go up to get the boat and have a few things done. He called around noon and said, we should just come anyway. We loaded up, and when we got there it was overcast but not raining. It actually turned out to be an AWESOME day!!!! The water was so smooth and surprisingly, the water temperature was warmer than the air temperature. This was the first time we were all able to enjoy the boat together! The kids had a great time. Each one of the kids (except Cody) showed off their wakeboarding skills.Paige and Chase are still newbies, but doing great!!! Jordan and Cody had fun playing around together and Paige and Cody were tearing it up demonstrating their dancing skills!I was so glad we decided to go. We couldn't have asked for a better day!

Hello FALL!!!

I love when fall comes each year! For our family fall means: cool mornings, cool nights, windows open, jeans with flip flops, layered clothing and playing outside without hot, red cheeks. Having lived in Germany I love when fall comes because that also means:I remember so well the smells of Oktoberfest in Germany. We are so lucky because every year at the end of September, McKinney tries to recreate Oktoberfest, German-style. My favorite part is smelling the food, eating the food, seeing the people dressed in their german attire and listening to the music. I would love for Rick and the kids to experience Oktoberfest in Germany to see why I love it so much. Maybe, one day!!! Until then, they get to keep hearing my stories year after year and me dragging them downtown in hopes they will love it as much as me :)I do think it is growing on them. They love walking around and they are beginning to like the food more and more.Until we get to travel to Germany - downtown it is!! And it is so wonderful!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

New Layout!!

A big thanks to my sis...Kelsey who helped me with my new layout!!! You rock!!!! Did anyone notice the new name of my blog??? Yes she named it that :) A new topper/header will be coming soon :)
thanks Kelsey!! I love it!