Wheezing

Poor Preston has had such a hard time breathing. It is so sad to listen to him. Mostly it is during the night that it really bothers him. We have spent the last several nights steaming him up in the shower. It hasn't seemed to really help though. Last night I even had Mike give him a priesthood blessing. I rarely have him do that. I figured that Heavenly Father fixed our washer AND our dryer when we prayed about it . . . Preston is certainly more important than either of them! Even as bad as Preston sounds, it still isn't anywhere near how bad Stockton would get when he was little. These little boys sure know how to pull at my heart strings!

Stockton's Primary Talk

I am thankful for my family, and I love them very much. In Galatians 5:13 it says "by love serve one another". I show my mom that I love her by helping with the dishes without complaining. There are many ways we can serve our family.

A good example of service is something our family experienced last Christmas. We were at our great-grandparents house and decided to go to their cabin. Usually the drive is about one hour, but the main road was closed because of the snow. When we were thinking what to do, my Uncle Terry came to the door. He offered to help us take another route to the cabin. Terry led us on a 3 hour drive to the cabin. It was nice of him to do that for us, especially since he drove all the way back to his house as soon as he made sure we were in the cabin safely. He took six hours out of his day to help us. I am very thankful that he had the patience to do that. Mosiah 2:17 says "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." I learned that I am loved by my family in Idaho. I will strive to do good deeds so others can feel God’s love.

I want to be a good example for my family; especially for my baby brother Preston because he copies everything I do. I want him to grow up and make correct choices and to be a good person. I am thankful that I have such a great family. I know this church is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Not a Good Thing

Today Preston figured out how to open the child proof lock on our pantry. No!!!! He is so proud and I am so sad. Nothing is safe anymore . . . .

Preston also isn't feeling well. He is having a hard time breathing. Mike and I started the shower to steam up the room. It was super hot. I was holding Preston, and I got in with all my clothes on. Preston looked at me and said, "You're wearing your clothes in the shower?" The shower seemed to help a little, and Preston fell asleep while he was in there. Hopefully he can sleep well tonight.

Road

Maysen worked so hard on Preston's road today. We got a lot done, but we have so much left to do! We are hoping to have it finished by December 11th. We are celebrating Christmas on December 12th. I hope we can make it.

Preston's road so far . . .

Pucks' house (still needs his door)
Pudding's house
Shiver's house
Cocoa's house

Go-Go Puppy's house

Maysen wanted to make the houses out of Preston's favorite toys. He is going to love it!

Maysen was so sweet today. Jorja was upset because I was going to let Stockton cuddle with Preston tonight. She has been sleeping in his bed during the vacation, but Stockton wanted a turn and I was going to let him have one. Maysen said, "Jorja, do you want to sleep in my bed and we can listen to the Frog Princess?" Jorja loved that idea.

Jorja & Maysen in Maysen's bed

Stockton & Preston in Preston's bed

Pie Heaven

Happy Thanksgiving! We had a great day today. We did nothing! (except cook and eat) Everyone was happy, healthy and it was just so nice to be together.

Jorja, Stephanie, Maysen

Stephanie & MaysenThanksgiving dinner ~ the kids hate it, except the Porge.

This Thanksgiving we decided to have pie heaven. We invited the Caro's over for pie. We had seven pies and Amy brought a dessert. I tried to talk Mike out of having me make a lemon pie because we had too many, but he insisted he wanted one. He still hasn't taken a slice, but I have reminded him that he will have a piece of that pie tonight! Hopefully we don't burst. I also hope the 10 pounds I have spent the last four months working off don't come back in one weekend!

Pie Heaven

Wish we could have seen all our family this Thanksgiving, but Christmas is coming around the corner. Hopefully we will see most of you then! (Mike & Christen . . . the drive isn't too bad . . . you should give it a try . . . what's 30 hours in a car with two toddlers?) We are so very thankful for our family, our friends, our health, our faith, our home and many other blessings. I hope I am always so richly blessed! I love my life!

Christmas Pies

We set up our Christmas tree today. Jorja was so excited. I love having the tree up. I don't care that it is Thanksgiving tomorrow. I love Christmas!

Preston

Jorja
Stockton
Maysen & Mike

We are hoping our friends come over for pie. We haven't heard yet, but if they can't come, we will bring pie to them! We had planned on 5 pies. I made a banana cream pie & a chocolate cream pie today. Tomorrow was pumpkin, lemon & apple. Maysen had a YW activity. They made pies. She came home with a chocolate cream pie & a million dollar pie. Man, I wish I had made pumpkin instead of chocolate! Oh well, I guess you can never have too much chocolate . . . right?

Pottery

My friend Brooke has been giving Maysen pottery lessons once a week. Maysen loves it. Maysen came home with her first three finished bowls today. I am so happy Brooke is able to give her this opportunity. Brooke will be moving at the end of the school year, so this is our last chance with her!

Maysen

Brooke & Maysen

Maysen's vases waiting to be glazed

First three bowls!

Maysen and the Machine

Maysen, Mike and I spent quite a bit of time working on Preston's road. It was a lot of fun. Maysen is doing a great job on the sewing machine. She was a little nervous at first, but she has figured it out now.

Maysen

Tonight we watched Up. This was the first time we have seen this movie, and everyone enjoyed it. Preston spent most of the time spilling popcorn and water - and trying to adjust the volume. I was so happy we weren't in a theater!

Wet Leaves

I love the fall in Georgia. It is so beautiful. I usually stare out into our backyard and marvel at the beauty that surrounds me. Not this year. We have had rain, rain and more rain. This fall hasn't been beautiful. It's been okay, but not breathtaking. The leaves just weren't that pretty all wet. Jorja has been wanting to rake leaves and jump into a pile, but soggy leaves are no fun. I miss the crisp look of the leaves and the crackle you hear when you step on them. Wet leaves just aren't that exciting.

It is also day two of Stockton being sick. I thought he was getting better, but I kept him home from church anyway. I'm so glad I did. He lost all his energy during family home evening. I took his temperature and it was back at 102. Poor sick Stocky boy.

Just His Luck

Stockton has been so excited about Thanksgiving break. "Only 5 more days to freedom!" he would say as he jumped in the car after school. Well, I count today as the first day of Thanksgiving break. How did Stockton spend it? Sick. Just his luck. He ended up sleeping most of the day away. At least his temperature only reached 102, that's not too high for him. Poor little guy.

First Paycheck

I received my first paycheck today. Although it is practically pennies compared to Mike's old paychecks. That's all right though. I am glad for Thanksgiving break. The kids (especially Stockton) are really excited. I wish we had some family to see . . . maybe next year.

Day Off

After writing everyday for a year, I'm taking today off . . . . . . .

Stockton Gets Published

Stockton's poem was chosen to be in this years Young Writers of America book. They said they received thousands of entries, and only 20% were chosen. Stockton said, "They just want you to buy the book". Maybe true, but it just might work. His poem was titled Something's Different. I posted it back in October. It was about inverted colors. Anyway, we are proud of you Stockton!

Today also marks the one year anniversary for this blog. I have now written every day for one year. I didn't think I could do it. Granted, sometimes I had absolutely nothing to say, other times I had to pilfer my children's poetry . . . but I did it!

Last but not least . . . I can't believe Brett & Rachel are moving to JAPAN!!!! We have passports and are not afraid to use them. I hope you love it there, and I hope you move to Utah after your two years are up. Wow, it looks like I'm talking about a mission . . . I will sure miss you guys and can't wait to see you at Christmas! Rachel, you will have to update your blog everyday so I don't miss you so much. Hopefully you update your blog before I post this, but seeing as I'm on the east coast and you are on the west coast . . .

The Bracelet

About two months ago, Celia gave Jorja a bracelet. It is heart shaped and pink. Jorja thought it was so cool. She wore it to school today. I checked the kids out to get the H1N1 vaccine. As we were leaving the doctors office, Jorja was picking up giant leaves. When we got home, Jorja burst into tears. Her bracelet was gone. She begged me to drive back to the doctors office. She thought she dropped it in the parking lot when she was picking up leaves. The doctors office is about 20 minutes away and it was raining. I told her no way. She was devastated. When I say devastated, I mean the cry at the top of your lungs like the world is going to end for at least 45 minutes devastated. Oh boy.

Maysen had pottery today, so after I dropped her off, I decided I would drive to the doctors office and maybe I would get lucky and find it. I stopped for gas at the exit, so I decided it would be easier to take the back way. The thing about Georgia is it is SO DARK at night. I rarely notice any stars. Also, you don't get the cool lights on the mountain/in the valley look that is so pretty in Utah. Well . . . I got lost. I didn't even have my GPS with me. I kept driving and driving hoping something would look familiar - at least if I could get back to a main road. After I figured out where I was, I made it to the doctors office. I got out of the car and searched that parking lot up and down. Then I searched the bushes. No luck. I really wanted to be Jorja's hero, but I guess it wasn't in the cards today.

On a different note, we finished the first square for Preston's road. Temple square. I like it.

Letter From Skye

It is crazy getting the kids home from school on Mondays. First, I leave at 2:20 to get in line to pick up Jorja. I'm able to pick her up around 2:50. I drop her off at home, then leave to get Maysen from middle school. I try to get in line around 3:00, but usually I can't make it until 3:05. (If I get in line at 3:00, I can make it home by 3:45 . . . if I get in line at 3:05 I can't make it home until 4:00). Anyway, I pick up Maysen and drive straight to Jaxson & Harrison's house. Maysen watches them every Monday and Thursday. After I drop off Maysen, I drive straight back to the elementary school to pick up Stockton from Reading Bowl practice. Kathryn brings Maysen home, so that is nice. (On a side note, I love waiting in line to pick up the kids from school. That is the only time I get to read! Right now I am reading Fablehaven - Book 4. I love it!)

Anyway, when I got home with Stockton, Jorja was so excited. Skye had sent her a letter in the mail. It was so cute! Skye is writing so well. She wrote Jorja and SKYE. The letter said: Dear Jorja, I love you, Jorja. I'm thankful for my home. I love to play with you. I love you when I come visit you. You're my cousin! Love, SKYE

How sweet. She decorated the letter with stickers. I especially like the part about coming to visit us! I had just talked to Mike (M) yesterday about them coming to our house for Thanksgiving or before Christmas. Looks like Skye thinks that is a good idea as well! Hope to see you soon!

The last time we saw Skye was when we went to visit last October. Jorja and Skye were so cute together. Skye followed Jorja around like she hung the moon. Jorja loved being the big one. We need to get those girls back together!

In other news, Mike didn't get the job at BYU Broadcasting. It wasn't really a surprise, so we are not disappointed. We are hoping to move home somehow at the end of the school year. I hope that happens. I don't know how it will happen, but I hope it does. Meanwhile, we love our life, and love our family . . . just wish I could see my brothers and their families more often. Can't wait until Christmas!

Preston's Road

Mike, Maysen and I are working on making Preston a road for Christmas. Preston is not a frequent visitor of this site . . . okay, he is, but he can't read yet, okay he can read a few words like Preston and Skye.

We are working with Maysen to make this for one of her Young Women projects. We have been having a great time planning it out . . . now it's time to get busy. Hope we don't blow it! So far we have the mat and two roads sewn on. The roads are made of black ribbon. Maysen has been designing the different houses. She is planning on making removable squares so he can change his road around. Wish us luck!

Christmas Milk

I had my first glass of eggnog of the season. I love eggnog. I try to convince my children that eggnog is Christmas milk. Maysen doesn't buy it. The others like it though . . . although not as much as me. Delicious, delicious goodness.

What's better than eggnog? Free eggnog. That's right. Food stamps rock.

We even saw eggnog ice cream sandwiches at the store. I'm so not brave enough for that. You shouldn't mess with perfection.

BYU Broadcasting

Today I stayed home from the school because Mike had a job interview. It was with BYU Broadcasting. He was completely surprised that he made it to the interview stage because he did not meet their exact qualifications. He was interviewed by the CTO. He felt the interview went really well, but it is still a long shot.

The Gargoyle

The Gargoyle crouches,

The Gargoyle springs,

Bathing in silver

swimming in the moonlight.

The elegant sweep

of his stone wings

is a breathtaking

sight for those below.

But none are watching.

He is nearly alone, his

only companion the moon

above his stone head.

The moon, a silver lamp

in the sky; watching, watching.

All go by.

---Maysen

Best Laid Plans

Mike and I thought we had our crazy Wednesday all planned out. Stockton had scouts at 7 at the church. Mike had meetings at the church at 7 and 8:30. Maysen had Young Women's at Brooke's house at 7. We had Mike drop Maysen off early at Brooke's, and he took Stockton to church. Stockton was given a garage door opener so he could get inside when Janet brought him home. I was going to take Jorja and Preston to pick up Maysen at 8:30. Simple enough, right?

I was anxiously awaiting the time to pick up Maysen. It was quite a chore to keep Preston awake. Jorja was tired as well. I was playing with Preston when Stockton comes through the door. He's home super early . . . what was I worried about? Then I looked at the clock. It was 8:28. I had two minutes to get to Brooke's house. She lives about 12 minutes away. (Yes, I've timed it). Anyway, I grab Preston and say, "We need to go pick up Maysen!" I run to the van only to find no car seat! Ahhhhh! The car seat was still in the jeep. I decided that Stockton was going to need to babysit. I tried to get Preston to bed, but he was screaming, "I want to fall asleep in the car!" There was no way I was going to leave Preston when he was so upset. Finally he said he wanted Jorja to cuddle with him. She plopped into bed next to him and he calmed down.

I flew out the door and headed to Brooke's house as fast as I could. Luckily I got there just after the other girl was leaving, so I wasn't too late. I was away for 20 minutes. I came home to find Preston sound asleep. Stockton and Jorja, you saved the day! I'm glad I can count on you and that I am able to trust you! I love you both. The end.

Happy Birthday Preston!

Preston is now three! When he woke up this morning, he said, "It's my birthday. I'm three. I'm growing up on you." Yes you are little boy. I taught 2nd grade today, so Mike and Preston played together all day. When I brought Maysen home, Preston met us at the door and said, "It's time for my cake!" He couldn't wait any longer. And who could resist such a cute birthday boy?

Preston & Stephanie

Why is Preston so sad? He DID NOT want anyone to eat his dog. We gave the dog to Jorja and he started screaming (Preston wanted the door). We put the dog on his plate and he calmed down, but he didn't eat the dog and he wouldn't let anyone eat it either. It's frosting Preston. Just frosting.

No one ate his dog, so the crisis was adverted. Now on to presents! (I know it is November, one day we will fully dress the child . . .)

Notice Preston's wrapping paper? Maysen found that months ago and has been saving it for Preston's birthday. Preston is opening his (leapfrog) puppy Scout. He loves it! It sings songs, knows his favorite foods, says and even spells his name. He gave me no problems going to bed tonight. Scout lights up, so it was pretty fun for him to stay in the dark. Stockton is probably excited to listen to something besides ABC's. Thank you again to whoever sent us the Target gift card.

Jorja & Preston

Preston & Stockton ~ birthday jammies!

Preston also got Hullabaloo for his birthday. The kids loved playing with him. Preston knew all his colors and shapes. It was so cute watching him play. He felt so grown up. I love you Preston! We are so lucky to have you in our family!

Thanks Dad!

Jorja and Preston both got their birthday presents from my dad today. My dad had ordered Jorja's a long time ago, but it didn't arrive until today. She was very happy with it, so it was worth the wait.

Jorja & Peppermint

Preston got a Webkinz Jr. which he loves. He named his puppy Skye. Just like his cousin. He loves her.

Preston & Skye

I frosted Preston's birthday cake tonight. He saw the picture of the dog house about a month ago and wanted this one. He wanted his dog house to have an orange roof. I hope he likes it. It's not Rachel good, but it is homemade. . . I can't believe my baby is turning three!

Preston's cake

Warm Sheets

Preston is still potty training. He has done excellent this week. I thought we had turned a corner. I was wrong. I didn't have enough laundry to do a full load, so I decided to wash my sheets as well. Now, I am looking forward to sleeping in nice warm sheets. Thanks Preston.

It's About Time

We finally put pictures in Maysen's frames. Although this isn't the most interesting news, it does have a picture to go along with it.

Mike and Maysen spent the afternoon at Sweetwater State Park. Maysen had a Young Women's activity there. April was teaching them about taking pictures. Mike said Maysen had a great time running around the forest like a wolf.

Preston spent the afternoon reeking havoc. He found some furniture markers Sharen gave me years ago. My couches are now covered in brown scribbles. He didn't like my idea that since he colored on my couch, I should be able to cover on Shiver. He thought that was a bad, bad idea. Much crying occurred. (Shiver is his white stuffed dog).

Speaking of 'It's About Time' (from the title - that's when I was speaking about it), does anyone know if you can buy a DVD of Mormonad's?

What's Your Name Again?

The hardest part about substituting is pronouncing the many different names. And then remembering them. For example, today in one class I had Riyadh, Izaya, Jai'Querria and La'eeq.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Years ago I failed the spinal screening test for scoliosis that was given in middle school. Today I got a letter in the mail saying Maysen has failed the scoliosis screening and needs to be evaluated. Should be fun.

Meetings, Meetings

Mike and I both had meetings at church tonight. Stockton had scouts. Maysen DID NOT have Young Women's! So she watched Jorja and Preston for me. When I came home, she had left a note saying she had all the kids in bed by 8:10! She'll have to teach me how she does it. Thanks Maysen!

Sloppy

Today I didn't get called in to substitute. Preston and I had a great time. He especially liked turning on the metronome (he called it the clock) and we would dance to it. After lunch I went to volunteer in Jorja's class. I went in my sweats, big t-shirt and my oobees. I wanted to take advantage of the fact I didn't need to dress up! Anyway, while I was in Jorja's class, Nancy walks in. She came in to ask me if I could sub right now. I said, "I could, but I'm dressed like this." She said, "We'll take ya". So . . . I ended up subbing in 5th grade for the rest of the day. Tomorrow I get to do 1st grade.

Music Teacher

Today I was called in to sub music class. I was excited because both Stockton & Jorja had music today. They have music every four days. I was called after I dropped them off for school, so they didn't know I would be there. This is my first day subbing for one of my kids, and I got them both the same day! The worst part of the day was when I was leaving. Preston was crying, "Mommy, don't go! Mommy I miss you! Please don't go! Mommy I need you! . . . " At least when I leave, I leave him with Mike - but it still breaks my heart.

Elders Quorum President

His name is Mike.