Brian Reagan

I can't believe I am just now getting to posting about this!  I hate it when I forget big things!  Chris and Stephanie gave us tickets to Brian Reagan for Christmas, so the big day rolled around and they found out that they had overbooked themselves and could no longer go!  We were bummed, but then we decided to buy them from them and give them to a couple we like and want to hang out with :).  Jared and Paulette popped into our minds... it's been so long since we were able to hang out with them, and thought they might enjoy it.  Surprisingly they had never even heard Brian Reagan, so that was fun.

We met at the Blue Iguana in SL, had a quick dinner (since the wait had been so long and because they took forever bringing our check and stuff)- good food btw!- and then we all walked down to Abravanel Hall for the show.  

He was hilarious!!  I really enjoyed Joe Bolster too, the guy who opened for him, I tried not to because I think it's weird to go to a show and have to listen to 15 minutes of someone else.... but he was hilarious as well!  Just like last time!  We laughed til our faces hurt.  I think Jared and Paulette even had fun :).  

It was a much needed break from life, and a good ab workout :)  It was nice to have had Kelsie babysit also, she is so fun for the kids and does so much with them.  I like that.  Good memories!  1-28-12

Pregnancy Journal

1-26-12
Well, things are getting really rough.  I know, I know, already I'm complaining.  No, I'm really just surprised at how sick I have felt lately.  It blows my mind actually that I've done this 6 other times.... and survived.  I've been SO TIRED!!!  I don't ever remember being this tired, but I'm pretty sure I say that every time.  I have my usual wonders and worries (about whether this could be twins, or if it's ectopic, etc.) all that craziness continues.  I wish I could have learned from the past on that already.  The worries are useless.  I did schedule my first appointment though.  It is in about 2 weeks.  That will be nice.  Nothing puts my mind to rest more than hearing the heart beat or seeing a new little baby on the ultrasound.  I do love that part.  I've been having chills like crazy.  Usually it's just hot flashes, but this time, it's both.  And mostly chills.  And I have had a serious acne problem.  I have a HUGE zit on the corner of my mouth that hurts and looks disgusting.  I've been pittying myself for that all day.  Hopefully we can get rid of it tomorrow.  Nate's been very helpful.  Not just in popping zits either.  He's been AMAZING!!  He's made (or bought...) almost every meal since I started feeling sick.  He's such a pro at this husband of the crappy wife thing.  As he should be.  How did he become pro and I still feel like it's the first time??  Strange.  Anyway.  He's done so much for me, I don't think I'll ever be able to repay him.  And frankly he will never be able to come down from the pedestal I have him on.  He can seriously do no wrong from this point on.  I can't wait for our sweet new little spirit to be here.  I know it's early to say that, but I really can't!  I look so forward to having this one in my arms and in the arms of the sibs!  I know they will love this baby and make him or her part of the family.  It's such a blessing and a miraculous thing to witness.  I feel very privileged to be a part of it all.  Now, Nate has to go back to work tomorrow (he's taken two days off for me even!) so I need to buck up and start acting like a real woman.  I have lots of work to do tomorrow so I've been praying all evening I will have the energy and the motivation to pull myself through it all.  Here's to hoping!

I just love that!

I have to document these before they leave my brain.

Sunday night, as I was tucking my sweet little Noah in bed, I said, "I love you so much!  Did you know I love you?"  To which he replied, "Yep!"  I happily said, "You did!  Oh, I'm so glad you knew that!"  And he's so cute, he said, back to me, "I always knowed that!"  Made my day!

Later on Monday night, when we were having FHE and I had changed my "we need to work harder" FHE into an "I love you guys and thank you for all your hard work" one, I mentioned that I was so happy that Noah knew I loved him, and he boldly interrupted me (surprisingly too, since I could hardly tell he was paying any attention to what I was saying :) ) with "I ALWAYS KNEW EVERYTHING!"  What a cutie ;)

Then on Monday when I was picking up the kids from school, my adorable little two year old angel, in the back seat, said out of nowhere, "I love you, Mommy!"  At first it took me a minute to understand her and when I had figured it out, I asked, "Did you just say you love Mommy??"  And she quickly said, "Yes, can we go to the park?"  HAHA.  It was still sweet ;)  And actually I think she's too young to know how to butter me up ;).  It was too cold for the park though, unfortunately, I couldn't reinforce her "good behavior" :).  I just love that little girl!

Journaling

- Bradley got to have his Baptism Preview this Sunday.  That was so exciting!  I love that they make it so special already!  Even when he still has about 10 months before he will actually get baptized.  Brad seemed to understand a lot of it, but it is nice to start thinking about it so soon and preparing for it early.  I feel like we did pretty good with the girls, and I want to keep that up.  It really is such an important day.  And I want to make sure we get things ready way before so that the day can be about him making special covenants with his Father in Heaven rather than the new clothes, the food and gathering afterward, and anything else that seems to try to steal the show.  Brad will make such a great member of the church.  1-15-12

- Sunday was a rough day for me for some reason.  But I was so relieved when Nate sat and listened to me vent, and gave me a blessing to help me out.  I know I say this a lot, but Priesthood blessings are the thing that save me every time.  I would be a complete mess without the Priesthood.  So I'm grateful Nate is worthy to hold it and that he lets me take advantage of it often.  He is the best husband on the planet.  I'm so glad he's mine.  1-15-12

- Tuesday was a different day.  I had to help out in Brad's AND Luke's classes that day, so my time comittment at the school was a little more.  Nate had some things he needed to work out with the DMV because apparently they can CANCEL your registration at any time (they totally screwed up) and you have to go and register it again.  So Nate took Noah and Erika and since he was going out that way, he took them to his Mom's for a little bit.  It was really nice for me.  I got the entryway, Living room, Hallway, stairs and Family room, along with a load of laundry, and a load of dishes DONE!  It was awesome!  When I got done, my Mom texted asking for some company, so I headed over there and hung out with her and Steve for a little while.  Then we all went and met Nate and the kids at Cafe Rio for lunch!  I loved it.  It was a very productive, but very fun day!  And just for the record, later that night, I finished the office (which had been plaguing my mind for the past week or so because it was SO hideously messy!) and the kitchen.  It was fabulous!  My whole house was almost clean for half of a day!!  That never happens :)  1-17-12

- I can't believe I'm a week and a half behind.  Didn't realize it was that long.  I can't remember last week, and I'm not going to try to rack my brain to figure it out.  Must not have been anything worth remembering ;).... I'm kidding, there was probably plenty, I'm just a slacker.
I start with Saturday, that's the day I remember.  Saturday was our big trip to the Opera with the Maynes girls.  Aunt Jen organized a fun night out for all the girls in the family.  Then she paid for all of us to go to dinner at Bucca di Beppo, and then Rigoletto.  It was a crazy night thanks to the snow, trying to find a place to park and walking through slush in our Sunday shoes.  I seriously thought I was going to have frost bite, my toes hurt SO BAD!  But once we found the valet parking, we were set.  We had to rush through dinner a little, and our waiter wasn't real conducive to a "rushing" environment, so we rushed even more.  But we had fun talking.  Ali told us about Caden's upcoming play and was very interested in the girls' upcoming one as well.  The Opera was interesting.  I tried to remain optimistic through it all since I want my girls to have an untainted/unbiased opinion of those things, and I do want them to be somewhat cultured, but it was less than my favorite.  The story had a very adult content, so that made it tricky.  I kept telling the girls NOT to try to read the subtitles ;).  And well, it was just long and lots of Opera singing ;).  I shouldn't say that, I know.  But it's not my favorite.  I'm glad I know how I really feel about them now.  Before I was going off of an assumption.  But now I can have a knowledgeable opinion.  I LOVE plays, musicals, anything like that, but the music in the Opera is just all the same.  I should admit though, that I thought the theme song for Rigoletto had some hilarious lyrics that I never knew before.  Famous tune that I'm sure I've hummed more times than I can remember, but never knew the words.  Made me laugh.  I appreciated the opportunity though, and I appreciate that Jen is trying to help us all reach out of our comfort zones and experience some new things.  I like doing that.  Nate's good at that too.  We just need to do that more often I guess :).  I can't wait to see Caden's play though.  That will be fun.
Sunday was good, nothing real spectacular.
Monday was a weird day, I think that's when my cold hit.  I haven't really felt the same since.  There was a lot of sitting around and watching Nate run circles around me.  He's been my hero!  He keeps doing more than I think he can.
Tuesday we spent the evening up at my Dad's working on Charity's science fair project.  She and Nate had done the project Monday night.  They went to the library where she dropped a stack of books in front of 20 different people to see who would help her pick them up, and on ONE out of the 20 did!  Isn't that insane?  Then for the second half of her project she wanted to see how many people wash their hands after using the bathroom, so they went to Walmart and she staked out the bathroom from inside a stall and counted.  There were six out of 15 females who washed their hands.  Isn't that disgusting?  Yeah, so anyway, we were typing up results and hypotheses.  And thanks to our unworking printer and computer for that matter, we bummed some time and energy off my Dad to use his.  It's always interesting to spend an evening up there.  He just runs around doing things for my kids the whole time.  Just catering to their every whim.  I think we wore him out though, because when we went back up there Wednesday, there was a little less running ;).  He's so good to them.  And good to us for letting us use his computer.
Thursday was Charity's science fair.  She did a fantastic job!  I was very helpful in this project, I really wasn't sure what was expected, or how to do it, so I was anxious the whole time to see that it was done right.  Which was probably silly since she was only doing it on a because she wanted to basis.  It wasn't anything required.  I love that my girls will sign up to do things that they don't have to do.  It's so fun to see what they get to participate in!  She did a great job though, and I am happy to report, I will feel much more comfortable next year, and then again in sixth grade when it's actually a requirement.  She will be a pro by then ;).  She won a little "science grab bag" in the drawing that they had after the open house.  And she did get her participation ribbon.  So that was cool.  You could totally see her mouth watering when they opened up the box of trophies though.  She's not going to let too many years go by without winning one of those I think :).  She's such a cool little girl.  I love her ambition.
Also today, we went to take my Mom to the post office and while we were out decided to make a little run to Dairy Queen!  I know what you're thinking, we're not doing sweets this year, but just for the record, and so that you can all laugh at me, we legalized ice cream.  It is totally legal for all intents and purposes.  We have to be able to celebrate the kids' accomplishments and apparently that is the ONLY way we know how :).  So it rests.  And for the record, I haven't been gorging myself on ice cream just because it's legal.... we've actually still been really good about it.  I think I've had it twice.  This makes birthdays a little more bearable as well :).  I don't really like cake anyway :).

Timing Is EVERYTHING!

Many of you saw my post on facebook.  The article about the old woman in the grocery store who tells you to cherish every moment of being a Mom.  Well, I think the timing of my reading that article just before my crappy morning today, was more than a coincidence.

The article is interesting.  I'll admit, at first I took my usual "disagree with it and find all the flaws" stance.  But as the article went on, I realized, I couldn't agree with it more!!  There are so many instances in my life, you know them, I blog about them like a crazy person, where those little moments I have with my children, a look, a word, a hug, where my heart just melts!  And I know that the job I have is the only job in the world that could make my life feel as fulfilling as it does.
BUT there are also the other instances.  The ones I don't like to mention as much as others.  The ones where I don't shine as bright, or my kids..... well, don't shine either ;).  And those are the difficult moments that make me wonder.  The wondering that usually leads to negative judging, or feelings of inadequacy.  The wondering that makes me think there's got to be something else out there that I could be doing right now.  The wondering that makes me feel like less of a person.  It's obvious where those thoughts come from and the fact that I let Satan in, and let him influence me.... just makes it even worse.
So anyway.  It felt good to realize that you don't have to enjoy EVERY MINUTE.  I really liked the comparison with the Mt. Everest hike (or whichever mountain she said, I can't remember).  It's true, a hike up an incredible mountain like that would difficult!  You would run into a lot of obstacles I'm sure!  And there would be times when you want to turn around and quit... maybe....  BUT once you set out to do something like that, you have the summit to look forward to.  You have the feelings of accomplishment pushing you on.  One thing I've noticed, when I've succeeded at a great feat, the end, or the summit, is great, but sometimes, the summit is a teensy bit boring!  There's not a lot to do at the top of a mountain.  There's always a great view, but it's really just accomplishing the hike that makes it worthwhile.  Do you get where I'm going with this??  I just don't think the summit would be nearly as desirable if someone just placed you at the top.  It's the hike up, the hard work, the overcoming trial, that makes that summit beautiful.  This is starting to sound a lot like a Miley Cyrus song we all know ;).  But anyway.  I really do think that it's the trials, the hard times, the opposition, that makes parenting really worth it in the end.
I love being a Mom.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.  But I don't love that it is hard sometimes.  I appreciate that it is though.  I appreciate that there are bad times so that I can recognize the good!  And enjoy the good times even more because of them.  So this morning was a WHOLE BUNCH of CRAPPY moments that made me grateful that EVERY morning doesn't go like this.....


I was really bugged at the kids all morning.  Felt like anything that could go wrong, did.  A crying fit about pants, pouting because I was making him wear socks.  A tantrum about having to go to the store later, and NOBODY was cleaning up after themselves!  OR GETTING READY FAST ENOUGH!!!  I kept getting mad!
We were supposed to go early for "Moms and Muffins" at the school and I just wasn't feeling it.  I felt like the worst mom ever when we pulled up to the school and couldn't possibly imagine how they would want to be with me after the morning we'd just had.  I hate it when that happens.  I tried to smooth things over as we were getting out of the car, gave hugs and apologized, but it didn't really do it for me- probably didn't for the the kids either.
We went in, got our food and some crazy looks from people.  I hate it when people can tell I'm frustrated.  I can usually hide it, so when I can't, it bugs.  We sat down and a few minutes later, I found myself in an obnoxious conversation about how many kids I have.  ANNOYING!!!!!
Every time I meet someone new I have to have this conversation... or one like it.... and don't feel bad, I realize it's natural, but that doesn't make it less annoying.
"Are these three yours?"
"Yep"
"They're so cute and look so much alike!"
(hesitant smile- preparing for what comes next)
"Is she yours too?"
"Yep"
"So you have FOUR?"
"I actually have six."
"WHAT?!!!  You do NOT look old enough to have six kids!  You had some twins in there right?"
"Nope, just really close together"
"WOW!........"
I know this shouldn't bug me as much as it does.  I realize I put myself in this situation.  But it's very VERY annoying.  And the worst part is, that is when they run out of things to say.  And I'll probably never talk to her again.  I have one more kid than her, but because my oldest is only in 4th grade, I'm a freak.  Ugh.  I know that the way we've had our family is the right way for us.  I've been told that too many times, in blessings, to deny it, or feel otherwise, and I don't want to offend Heavenly Father by saying this.  It really is just annoying.
The woman meant no harm, but really- bad timing!
They didn't even serve muffins, which I'd been looking forward to all morning, since I didn't have a chance to eat.  Cinnamon rolls count as sweets and I'm not eating sweets this year, so oranges and bananas it was.  Bummer.  So anyway.
I kept trying to let my kids know I was sorry, but they were so into the book another mom was reading- another thing I wasn't doing!- they just kind of blew it off.  Sad.
Charity and Bradley were both really helpful with Noah and Erika though, taking them to wash their hands- I did appreciate that!
So anyway- that ended and the two littles and I went to Walmart to pick up a few things we needed for dinner.
Most of the trip to the store was uneventful.  But once we got to the checkout, all heck broke loose!  Erika had wanted a treat and let the WHOLE store know!  And we probably could have gotten out of there with fewer looks if the lady (there was only ONE person in front of us! and it took like 10 minutes!) in front of us had not needed to use every form of payment possible!  I lost count of how many cards she swiped!  Which is fine if I"m not being screamed at and kicked the whole time!  It was just annoying.  And it's definitely been a while since we had a trip like that- I was totally out of practice.  The lady behind me must think I'm an idiot.
The most annoying part of all was the old lady walking up to the store while I was loading my loud kid into the car.  And let me just say- I remained visibly calm the ENTIRE time this was all going on.  I didn't do anything even remotely violent or angry the whole time.  And I was rather proud of myself.  So it was EXTRA aggravating when this lady goes out of her way to come over and say, "Is everything okay here?" and she said it twice!  I had to answer her both times without crying, or freaking out!!  I really just wanted to scream at her!!  "DOES IT SOUND LIKE EVERYTHING IS OKAY??  AND IS IT ANY OF YOUR BUSINESS?  SHE DIDN'T GET A TREAT!!!  SHE WANTED A TREAT AND DIDN'T GET ONE AND NOW I'M PAYING FOR IT!  NO!  I'M NOT OKAY!!!! I WANT TO PUNCH SOMEONE AND SINCE IT WOULDN'T BE CHILD ABUSE, IT MIGHT END UP BEING YOU!!!!"
I know it's not a bad thing to ask.  But at the time, it was to me.  I hate being accused of having things out of control.  Which is actually pretty ironic considering.
So anyway.  This article really began to ring true to me throughout the morning.  I was grateful for the little ray of hope it gave me.  To be a reminder that even though there are bad days, or bad moments, they do end.  And the good things will still happen.... eventually.


And just for the record, I'd rather have the old ladies reminding me to enjoy these times, than have them frown at me, or ask me accusatory questions when I'm putting my screaming child in the car.

Last day of our 4 day weekend, we had a little extra snow (as you can see in these pictures, not a LOT :) ), so the kids had wanted to go sledding.  

It had been a pretty packed day.  Noah's well-child visit in the morning.  That went okay, minus that shots.  Noah is so tough though.  He surprises me sometimes with the tolerance to pain.  He did cry a little on the last one, and I assume the Nurse screwed up on it because of her reaction, but it took 3 to get him to cry!  

When we got home, I rushed off with my cousin, Becky, to go to lunch with her sisters.  Alicia was up from Arizona and had planned a lunch.  I felt so privileged to have been invited.  I do love my cousins so much. I feel bad that we've let our relationships kinda sit on the back burner over the last 10 or so years.  It's nice to be able to catch up a little more these days.  Alicia just had her first baby, so it was a lot of fun to see her.  She is so pretty!

So we visited a lot at Pei Wei, and then headed over to Maija's house for some more chatting.  I think I got home around 2:00.  

I realized when I got home that I hadn't given Nate the instructions to have Noah walk around and stay up on his legs, and not to sit down at all because Noah was practically on his death bed, in pain from his shots.  He couldn't walk at all!  

I felt so bad!!  

The kids had been waiting for me to get home, so that we could all go sledding, so we got everyone all dressed.  It takes SO LONG to get our kids ready for winter play.  Drives me crazy.  Once everyone was ready, I finally convinced Noah that if he couldn't walk, he probably wouldn't be able to go sledding.  He finally agreed, and I let Nate take the other kids.  Noah was so bummed and requested that he and I go get the ice cream I had promised him earlier.  I figured why not!

But as I was walking out, I realized that Nate had forgotten the camera, so I grabbed it and we drove up to the hill to take some pictures :)  They were really rushed ones, so I know they're not perfect.  But I really hate it when we do something fun and I don't capture it in even a crappy little blurred picture :)...

Once I had shot a few, Erika suddenly had to "go potty weewy bad!"

So I ditched Noah (in my Mom's car), took Erika in the SUV down to our house to go potty.  She threw a huge fit and didn't end up even going.

We got back up to the hill 10 minutes later, I passed her off to Nate, and then took Noah to Arctic Circle for his well-deserved ice cream cone.  

What an insane little hour that was!

We went to Dick's to grab some ingredients for dinner, and then we headed home.

It was a fun day.  I think the kids even had fun too ;)

Pregnancy Journal

1-18-12
So, things are getting worse.  I feel worse and worse when I wake up in the morning.  I feel motivated by a lot of the things I've heard in blessings lately, but it's still difficult!  I'm trying so hard not to let my tiredness take over!  That's not easy!  I'm starting to feel like I want to take a pregnancy test.  It's obvious that I'm pregnant, and I'm not wondering about that, I just feel like it would make me feel better and I would worry less about things.  I am a worrier when I am pregnant.  I need to work on that.  I do try to remember to eat at night.  As bad as that is for my weight problem, it helps me to not feel as sick the next morning..... theoretically.  It has in the past anyway.  I am SO TIRED though!!!  It is nuts how exhausted I feel!  And I think I over did it a little yesterday.  I've gotta keep going though.  I don't want to sink into that hole that I tend to fall into when I feel like crap.  This morning I was sure I was going to throw up, and that just turns me off for a couple hours.  I don't want to move, or do anything that might upset things.  But I think that's the wrong way to go.  I don't know.  Either way.  I'm excited for this little one to join our family!  Charity said something interesting last night at dinner.  Here's the conversation:
Charity: "It feels like someone is missing!?"
Kelly: "Daddy!"
Charity: "No, someone besides Daddy!  Like another kid."
Kelly: "Yeah, it does!"
Charity: "Mom, I think you're going to have another baby, because it feels like someone is missing.  You're going to have a baby!"

Makes me think she knows something :).  And that's probably because I'm not the best at keeping it a secret.  She pays SUCH close attention to everything Nate and I say.  It wouldn't surprise me.  Course she has been through 5 others, it would make sense that she recognized when I'm pregnant, just like it makes sense that I would know I'm pregnant without a test.  Who knows :).  Funny girl.

Some Random Ones

When Lukey came home from school on Thursday, he had this adorable little hat on :)  The camera was out and I couldn't resist taking a picture :).  I wish I'd taken more time to get the story on it.... when I asked him he said, "I just made it".  So there ya have it folks :)  I love my Lukey's cute little face :)

We had a pretty nice weekend, starting Friday!  I love it when the kids don't have school.  I know I shouldn't say that, but I do.  We didn't have any big plans for this weekend for some reason.  Well, probably because of this stupid headache that has been poisoning my life for the last couple weeks.  I'm pretty sure it's sinus problems, but I so hate going to the doctor, so maybe it will go away on it's own.... we'll see.  

So anyway, On Saturday, we had a forced NO SCREEN TIME once the tv, computer, wii, and kindle had been going nonstop all morning.  They didn't take the news too well, but it was necessary.  

Eventually (after the tantrums ended) they found some fun in jumping off the couch and onto the bean bag/giant stuffed monkey and bear pile.  That was a total blast for a good hour or two.  I was surprised at how long it took for someone to get hurt.  I felt bad that it was my sweet little Kelly though (I would have felt bad no matter which kid it was, just for the record).  She landed on her arm, and the kids all went into caretaker mode.  They were ON IT!  They brought her upstairs, propped her feet in Nana's chair, she had blankets, pillows, a photo album of pictures of Charity, a little caddy (Noah's new tool box) full of noise makers, each one representing a different need if she shook it.  She was livin' it!  I love that my kids will do this for each other.  And no matter how much fighting, backbiting, name-calling, pinching, hitting, biting, so on (and there's a LOT!!)... that goes on in our home, they are still willing to help a sibling in need.  Makes me smile.

Noah's 4th Birthday

Noah's big day was Wednesday, January 11th.  He started out the day with his streamers and sign.  Then for breakfast we had his favorite, Puffy Pancake.  He was surprised I was letting him choose :).

Then following breakfast, once everyone was ready for school, Noah got to do something that no one has done in a long time!  He got to open his presents in the morning!!!  That was a LOT of fun!  We had taken the kids to the Dollar Store the night before and they all went crazy picking out what they thought would be his favorite present.  I must say they all did really well!  It never ceases to amaze me how much little kids enjoy dollar store gifts :).  

The tiger that Kelly gave him was probably his favorite.  He did love the sticky hands from the boys and the motorcycle from Charity too.  I think Erika ate most of the ring pops she had picked out (apparently for her).  He was funny opening his presents.  More energetic than he's been in the past and probably because of another first, Noah was NOT sick on his birthday!!  First time in forever!  My favorite was when he opened the present from Nate and I (a plane with tiger stripes), he said, "oooooh, yay!  I WIKE DIS!"  Who doesn't love that.  He was very honest in all of his reactions :)  Makes me laugh.

After presents, we took the big kids to school.  Then Noah got to play the wii to his heart's content- again, his choice- and what a great choice since Nate was not feeling so good and I was actually really tired.  For lunch he chose to go to McDonald's.  So we took the three littles down to the one in Centerville for a change.  We were there for about two hours!  I couldn't believe they played contently for that long!  Nate and I ate our Costa Vida Burritos and talked the entire time.  So nice.  Erika kept wanting to "sing. happy. buhday. my. buddah."  Noah wasn't a big fan of being sung to when "we're not at home" though.  So we didn't sing it too much.

After McDonald's we asked Noah what he wanted to do next, and he said, "Take a bath!"  Really??  He was very determined to go home, and got upset when we had to stop at Costco on the way home to pick up some pictures.  Nate went in with Erika and Luke and I stayed in the car with Noah so that he wouldn't have to be tortured by a store on his birthday :).  He was so funny that whole day.  Just very particular about things.  Although, I had hoped he would want to go do something fun, like he had mentioned in past weeks, but he was very sure about what he wanted to do.  It was cute.  So we got home, Noah and Erika took their bath, playing with their new chipmunks in the tub tub.  Then Noah wanted to do some more wii.  He spent a lot of the time playing with his new toys as well.  He really got a kick out of his new drill and how it actually worked.  That was fun :)  Kinda went out on a limb with that gift, and we've only gone a month or so without a toy drill in the house, so it was a little bit of a rerun, but I could tell he really liked it.

After we played for a while, it was time for dinner.  

Noah was SET on having Macaroni and Cheese for dinner.  Sweet!  The kids loved it, I had to put candles in Noah's and let him blow them out because I hate not having something to blow candles out on, on their birthdays.... kinda lame, I know, but it is how it is.  Then after dinner, we all piled into the car and went to Baskin Robbins for some birthday ice cream (since his cake would not be done until tomorrow for the party).  Noah picked yellow, Egg Nog Ice cream.  He was so cute about it, and it was so fun to spend that time as a family.  I love birthdays.  And I think Noah loved his too!

The next day was Noah's "Birthday Party Day".  Anytime I called him the birthday boy, he would correct me and say, "IT'S NOT MY BIRFDAY!" 

So PC!  But then again, I remember being that way about almost every single party I've had.  

I spent most of the day making his cake and he spent most of the day playing the wii, watching the movie that Daddy rented for him, Kung Fu Panda 2 that he told us he "hate dat movie!" the day before, AND critiquing his cake.  

I do have to give the cake story.  I'm sorry, I know I do this a lot, but it's a big deal to me :) and it's my journal :).  SO- for the past month or so, he's wanted a transformer cake.  We narrowed it down to Optimus Prime and Bumblebee the last few weeks, and I had the perfect cakes picked out.  Well, I made the mistake (or maybe it wasn't a mistake, I don't know) of showing them to Noah the day before his birthday.  Well, after a little discussion about how if he wanted them to look like the transformer versions of them, and not the vehicle versions, he could only have one of them (too much work!).  That was a disappointment!  But THEN the biggest disappointment of all!  Noah found out that I couldn't make the cake transformABLE.  What a huge let down!  That just threw the whole idea out in Noah's mind.  He was done with it!!  I had to convince him that we could think of a new idea.  We started talking about some of the other things he likes besides Transformers and we decided a Tiger Cake might be cool.  So we got online and started browsing.  Well, I quickly learned that Noah had his sights set pretty high!  He wanted a very realistic looking tiger that was as big as the table, and standing up!  It was hard, but I explained that Mommy can't make those kinds of cakes.  Yes, I let the little birthday boy down even more!  But after a little convincing, he stumbled upon this cake.  

It had a tiger ON it, and some of his other favorite animals (along with some he doesn't like which we learned AFTER the fact).  I thought it was adorable and VERY doable.  So we stopped looking :).  

Well, his disappointment didn't end with that little conversation.  As I was making it, he continued to be dissatisfied with most of the cake.  How long it was taking me, the fact that the tiger wasn't standing, the hippo when it was PURPLE!  how dare I put a girl color on his cake!  He didn't love the elephant, and he only kind of likes monkeys.  The list goes on.  He then insisted that I make the lion look just like his toy lion (which was totally not going to happen) and when I finished the lion he was bugged that there was no baby lion with it.  It was almost funny for most of the time, but I slowly lost interest as we went along.  

And this was a good learning experience for me!  I learned that I really am doing this partially for the kids!  Because as soon as he started to be dissatisfied, I was not having as much fun!  All this time I thought it was all for me!  I did finish it, but mostly because we needed a finished cake at his party!  So anyway.  Five hours later we ended up with a pretty cute cake that wasn't really Noah's favorite.  Good lesson in dealing with unmet expectations though for him I guess.  Although not what I would choose to teach my kid from making him a cake :).  I think in the end, he did like it, because he insisted that he have the tiger :) and he put his plate on the counter to "save his tiger".  So hmmmm maybe good enough :).  Either way, I do love making cakes, I think they're fun and I think it's one of the few artistic outlets I have now days. I'll take what I can get.  SO!  Now that I blabbed on about that..... 

Noah (and most of his siblings for that matter) were counting down the hours til his party!  They were all thrilled.  

And I must say, I was really relieved to find out Charlie was coming because I think he was expecting to have a bunch of friends here and I just didn't have the heart to tell him that it was "just" family this year.  So that was good.  I wish Jarom had been able to come too, but hey, beggars can't be choosers.  

Noah was an interesting character at his party.  I'm not really sure how to explain it except that he acted like he had been overstimulated.  Though I'm not sure why since he really hadn't done much all day.... maybe UNDERstimulated is the problem.... hmmmmm. Either way, he was different.  He was not into pleasing anyone, so you didn't get the polite answers or much answer at all from him.  He was interested in opening his presents and playing with them and he really didn't want much to do with anyone or anything.  Typical of a little kid I guess.  Makes me realize how little he really is still.  He's one of my few kids who hasn't grown up TOO fast.  He's hanging on to his childhood for dear life :).  He did say thank you, and gave a few people hugs goodbye at the end :).  

I thought this was funny, Erika wasn't loving Pam's teasing.  I think she just wanted her Grandpa to herself :).  Makes me laugh.

I love the look on Noan's face in this :)  See THERE he looks older!

He got so many fun presents!  I wish he had been feeling more grateful that day.  At least he smiled while he opened them I guess :).

My baby Noah.

Time to blow out the candles!

What a bunch of cute boys!  

I think this party was one of my favorites in a while.  We had Grandpa Russ and Grandma Ruthie who don't always get to come, and Aunt Jen as well.  That's always nice.  And they brought Marshall and Evan along.  I think what made it most enjoyable for me, was that I was relaxed, for some reason.  I kinda sat there for most of it.  I do wish I'd gotten up to at least notice that the salad had disappeared and needed a refill.  But other than that.... I really enjoyed this party.  It was very nice.  We missed Steve and Brent and Heidi.  I wish they had been able to come.  But Sarah and I got lots of talking in and catching up on each other's pinterest pages :).  Grandpa Hatch, Pam, Grandma Hatch and Simon all came too... them and Sarah are our regulars, so not to make them feel like we don't appreciate them coming!  They're attendance is thoroughly enjoyed!

Anyway.  Good times.  Another year older.  My sweet little Noah is growing!!

I thought I might try a new way to describe his last year.  Hopefully this will be a little more blog book friendly.

I can't help but put my little letter about Noah though.  

I love the little boy he is becoming.  He has such a strong, unique personality hidden behind his quiet, cuddly bear-ness.  I love how much he loves himself, and his life.  He knows he's the coolest thing alive!  I love playing wii with him, cuddling with him, kissing him goodnight.  I'm glad I got my precious little Noah and that he has blessed my life wish so much calm.  He has been an angel and continues to be one.  I can't help but wonder what this little guy will do with his life.  I hope I can provide him with the nurturing he needs.  

I love you, Noah Padoah!!!

Random Pictures I forgot to upload

Noah's cute crown from Primary his first week!  So cute!!!  I love his "cheese" face :)  

Erika needed a picture of her....

and her blankie :)

I loved that the kids were right outside as soon as the snow fell.  It's so much fun!! I wish I'd gotten into it with them.  Cute Bradley and Kelly were out there with Erika for quite a while, first they were making a snowman, then making mazes with the shovel.  I can't believe Kelly's not wearing snowpants.  Must be why the igloo idea never really panned out.... she got cold!

I don't know if this is cool to anyone else, but I like it :)

Pregnancy Journal

1-12-12  So it's been about 12 days now since I was supposed to have my period.  I think it's safe to say we are really pregnant!  I have yet to take a test though.  We'll see if we bother.  My body is already feeling it!  I have been SO TIRED!  It's hard to believe this tiredness can just come on so strongly and so quickly all because of a tiny little person.  But it's nice this time, it all feels worth it and I feel like my attitude is carrying me through it!  I love thinking about the new baby.  Names, gender?, hair color?, everything.  It's hard not to want to tell everyone, but we usually wait a little longer to tell people.  Plus, whenever we do tell people, it's always like dropping a small bomb.  People tend to kill the excitement with their negative comments.  I realize seven kids is a lot, but I don't really care.  I love being a Mom and it is time to have another little spirit join our family.  I cannot escape that feeling.
So, nausea in the morning, then throughout the day depending on what I smell, eat, or if I forget to eat.  The prenatal vitamins don't seem to be bothering me like they have in the past!  I give the credit to my doctor for reminding me to start on them this time months before I started trying.  That was smart.  Why have I never done that before? I do not know.  Either way, I am grateful to think that my baby is getting what he/she needs.
My joints and back are achy already which is a total bummer.  I guess that comes with being old, and having had a few kids already.  I think my body just assumes the position.
That's all for now.  I cannot wait!!!  September will not come soon enough!

Journaling

- School is back in session.  And so is getting up and out the door too early, spending more time than you would imagine doing homework and reading, and.... missing my kids.  We're surviving though :)  The kids were thrilled to go back, and I think it's been good to get our routine back.  The girls started play practices for the School Musical, and tonight (1-5-12) we had the opportunity to go see Bountiful High's production of Beauty and the Beast.  It was a lot of fun.  Charity, Kelly, Bradley and I left Daddy home with the three littles and went out on the town.  I thought the play was nice, but I could have done with a shorter version with fewer songs!  I'm not sure where all those songs came from!  I shouldn't complain, it was good, I was just tired!!!  Which brings me to the next news, that is, Erika has NOT been sleeping well!!!  It's absolutely insane!  She will wake up around 12:00 or 1:00 and not being able to make her cry herself to sleep, since she shares a room with her two school-going sisters, she comes downstairs and one of us chauperones as she entertains herself with movies, toys, food, whatever... all night long!!!  It's crazy.  Last night she woke up at 12:45 (just minutes after Nate and I said goodnight to each other- yeah, so much for my New Year's Resolution to go to bed earlier- that's why I don't post those things-----) and then she was up and running (and laying on the couch for a lot of it) until 4:00 this morning.  I was POOPED!!!  Of course I dozed off here and there, but it is NOT good sleep!  Luckily she finally did konk out though or I'd be singing to a different tune.  Then she still wakes up at 7:00 in the morning!  It's really weird.  I can't tell if she's teething or having problems with her bladder or what!  But it's got to stop soon.  I don't think I'll survive too many more nights like that one.  She's so cute though.  I really can't get enough of her.  Even when I'm irritated beyond belief, she still makes me laugh.  Weird.  So anyway, that's the latest here.

- I need to be better at my journaling.  It kills me when I skip this much time.  Oh well.  So, Sunday was my first Sharing Time in this ward.  I think it went okay.  I didn't realize how lucky I was in our last ward to only have to do one Sharing Time each Sunday.  This ward has both Senior and Junior Primaries, so I have to do it twice and change it up a little to cater to each group.  I was way too nervous during Senior Primary.  I thought I was going to shake right out of my skin.  And Charity said she could tell I was nervous.  But I think I did a lot better for Junior Primary.  I couldn't help but let my sweet little Noah come up and help me with the first thing and then I had to have my Lukey and Bradley come up too ;)  "had to".  I can give them special treatment right?  I think I'll survive January, doing 3 more weeks, but I'm grateful that I get a couple months til the next time I have to do it.

- That night was the Maynes Family meeting and Erika was really nice to Darren!  I was so surprised.  She had been prepping herself the whole way there, and came in and said "hi" and gave him high 5's and stuff.  So awesome.  IT was a really nice time with the fam.

- Tuesday was the girls' School Spelling Bee.  They did SO GOOD!!!  I was so proud of both of them.  Charity misspelled "obstinate" and Kelly misspelled "relevant".  It was sad, but hey, they were up against 5th and 6th graders!  I am just so proud that they made it to the school level, and that they were brave enough to get up there in front of the whole school to do it!  Very impressive!!  1-9-12

Pregnancy Journal

Well, I'm about a week late.  We're just going to assume I am pregnant :)
1-7-12

2011 in review

I've always avoided doing one of these posts at the risk of rambling on and on, but I like to have something like this at the beginning and end of my blog book, and since I hate trying to create it off the top of my head at the moment, I will just do it now!  Please feel free to skip this post.  I think I'm just going to list some of the cool things that each person has done this year, I'm sure I'll forget some of it....

NATE:
- Certified on his D-Sides
- Taught monthly in Elder's quorum
- Walked hundreds of miles during the summer
- Has gone without candy since February to help Charity with her goal
- Is excited to be able to watch Jazz games again finally!

CHRISTA:
- Got the family economy up and running
- Spoke in Stake Conference
- Taught Bradley's Primary class
- Made 1st Counselor in the Primary (everyone kept "congratulating" me, so I assume it's some big accomplishment :)  HAHA!!!  Kidding)
- Plays the Organ once a month
- Continues to blog, pinterest, facebook, and all that other good "social" stuff ;)

CHARITY:
- Made 3rd place at the State competition of the Hoop Shoot
- WOWed us with her Marionette program announcing abilities!
- Performed as an Oompa Loompa in the school play Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
- Mastered cursive
- Started Senior Primary
- Won her class Spelling Bee

KELLY:
- Was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Participated in her first Dance Recital at Northridge High School
- Performed as an Oompa Loompa in the school play Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
- Learned most of her times tables
- Participated in the school Hoop Shoot
- Won her class Spelling Bee

BRADLEY:
- Finished his first year of school
- Learned how to read
- Had his own Spy Club with his friends
- Shoveled the neighbor's driveway for chocolate :)
- Played soccer with the 2nd graders at recess
- Learned how to climb the Basketball pole

LUKE:
- Started Kindergarten
- Learned how to read
- Beat several levels on ALL of his wii games
- Learned how to fold his own clothes
- Played with his best friend Carter after school

NOAH:
- Potty Trained!
- Opened up a lot
- Began imaginary play!!  He's always a superhero!
- Took good care of his little sis in Nursery class
- Learned how to dress himself

ERIKA:
- Started Nursery
- Learned her colors
- Potty Trained!
- Sleeps in her own big girl bed
- Loves to play with her babies

We had a lot of fun this year.  It was nice to have a little more elbow room in our new place.  We have lots of hopes and dreams for the upcoming year.... here's to 2012!

Journaling

- Thursday I got to go have Breakfast with some of my most favorite people on this planet!  The ol' Taylorville Gang.  I seriously feel more comfortable with these people than I do with some family members!  It's just awesome.  It was a little early for me and the kids, but we made our way down to South Jordan at 9:00.  Had yummy food and lots of convo.... so nice.  I love those people!
After that, we killed some time at Carl's Jr. before the girls' sleepover at Grandma's was supposed to start.  Poor Kelly smashed her pinky in the big bathroom door while we were there.... that was sad.  The kids had a lot of fun, and then we headed up to Nate's parents' house.  I got to visit with Meg and Nancy a little and then had to leave to go pick up Nate.  It's always a strange feeling when the girls aren't with us!  Once we got Nate, we all went to dinner at Wingers (yep, a WHOLE day of eating out!  Loved it ;) ), and then stopped at Costco and got home just in time for our "Game Night" with Chris and Stephanie.  So a FULL DAY for me ;)  12-29-11

- Friday I let Nate take the car and me and the boys just bummed around.  I tried to get the house cleaned up and I'd say I did pretty well.  I like to start the new year out with a clean house, but I'm afraid the Laundry suffered.  Oh well, can't win them all!  Once Nate got home we headed on up for the Birthday Party and New Year's Eve Eve Party (they had cancelled the one for the next night because they didn't want everyone to have to stay up late before Sunday.... kinda strange, but it worked).  We went to Arctic Circle for Eli's birthday, that was fun.  The kids had a lot of fun running around with their cousins.  Then we went to Lynn and Ali's house for the other party.  I love the New Year's Eve party.  Sitting around playing games with my sils.  Very nice.  There was good food and lots of fun.  Then we came home.  12-30-11

- For New Year's this year, we did an impromptu party here at our house.  Since our other party had been cancelled we decided we'd invite Brent's family and Heidi and Steve over for a game night.  That went okay.... not really how we'd pictured :) But it was fun.  I was distracted that whole night.  Didn't really feel like my head was in the game.  Pretty consumed with that monthly thing that I rant and rave about every single month.  I'll spare you the details.  We had a fun time ringing in the new year though.  Steve stayed 'til Midnight and when it came down to the minutes, we ran outside to watch all the fireworks everyone in our neighborhood spent so much money on ;).  It was a lot of fun, screaming and banging pots and pans!  Noah was the only one who didn't make it to midnight, he fell asleep about 12 minutes before!!  So it was a lot of fun for everyone!  I do love that holiday!  Fun times.  12-31-11

- 1-1-12 was Noah's first time as a SUNBEAM!!!  He did SO good!  He was preparing himself to have a hard time, so I was nervous.  But he went to his class with little trouble and then sat all through Primary/Sharing time without his Mom sitting with him!  I was proud of him!  He even got to hold up a star for one of the songs.
This was also Erika's first time in Nursery ALL BY HERSELF!!  I wish I could say she did as well, but she struggled a little.  She had a hard time staying, she kept telling me she wanted to "go to Mommy's church!"  Eventually Nate took her, and she did well for him, even gave her a kiss on the cheek goodbye :).  But once she got out to "go potty weewy bad", she was done with it.  They brought her to me, she wouldn't go in the potty, and then we spent a good 10 minutes looking for Nate.  So nuts for me on stressful days like the first day of new classes in Primary.  But oh well.  We'll see how it goes the next 4 weeks when I have to teach Sharing time.....
This was also Kelly's first time in SENIOR PRIMARY!!!  She looked like such a cute little girl up there on the front row!  It's funny that she looks little all of a sudden :)  She did well, and I think she'll enjoy the more grown up lessons.

- Monday was our last day of Winter Break!  I can't believe it's over!  We tried to take it easy.  We went out once and got lunch, and then the rest of the day was just playing the wii and playing at friends' houses.  I think we had enough fun :)  And Christmas break.... you really can't go wrong!  I will miss my kiddos though.  We had a really nice FHE.  We barely remembered it as we were finishing up dinner (it's hard to remember that it's Monday when everyone's home all day!), so we did a quick FHE.  Bradley had us play Simon Says and related that to being obedient!  It was a fun game.  I loved when Kelly invited Erika to be IT with her.  Erika ran up and gave her a big hug!  She stood up there holding Erika and Noah's hands her whole turn.  What a cool big sis.  I like that about Kelly.

The Day After

I'm not sure I even remember what the day after Christmas was like, so this is going to be a bit of a summary.  But either way, gotta document it!

I believe the first thing we did was go to Grandma's house.  She gave us gifts, we gave her and Simon their gift.  That was a lot of fun, a nice relaxing time.  

Then we went up to Nate's parents' house.  His sister Beth and her family were visiting from Colorado, so it was a lot of fun to see them there.  Nate got out his remote control helicopter (one of the two that he got) to let the kids play and watch it.  That's when I got my camera out obviously.  We mostly played games and visted while we were there.  They fed us dinner as well.  It was a nice relaxing time there as well.  It's always good to spend those kinds of days with family.  

I thought this was a really cute picture of Grandma Ruthie and baby O

Erika loves her some Easy Cheese!!!  This girl can't seem to get enough of that stuff at Grandpa Hatch's and this time Grandma Ruthie and Grandpa Russ had some too!!!  WOOT!