Ten on Tuesday

What a busy busy week it has been. But . . .

1. We got a new camera. After going back and forth on lots of different ones, cheap ones expensive ones etc we decided on a red one. Hahaha. It is a Nikon and we really have liked it. Plus it was on sale so we think we got a good deal. So there will be lots of photos this post!! A special thanks to the Bentley's for letting us barrow theirs until we found this one. Thank you thank you thank you

2. Pink Grey poupon? nope actually Chris decided to make butter on Christmas eve. Yes and he died it pink. After a fun lunch with new friends from the new ward the kids all made their own too.

3. Christmas Morning. Jed was in heaven they got tons of Lego stuff. Such happy boys.

4. The other favorite gift was a V-reader. Jed has not put this down.

5. The ill fated game of battleship. Will played Chris. not sure if you can see all the other things around Will. Lesson learned do not play battleship with someone who is not fully paying attention.

6. We are making a quilt here. We painted the kids hands and feet. They had a blast.

 Jeffrey wanted a tummy print. It didn't turn out as cool as hoped but he loved trying and that is what matters right.

writing on them with fabric pens. 

7. Chris being a awesome dad. Jeffrey has been asking for me to make him a quilt for a long time. a friend gave us a box of old jeans. Chris went to town. The top is all done in one day. We are planning on giving it to him for his birthday. Hopefully he still wants it by then .

8. The quilt I made for Marian. It is not flat but here is what it looked like. I really enjoyed the cutting etc.

9. Christmas  Eve Chris was very frustrated with the lack of respect the kids were giving Christmas's real meaning. So we removed the presents and spent a good hour after the kids woke up in the morning talking about Jesus and the gifts that he gives. It was great. Next year the goal is to focus more on that and much much less on the presents.

10. Christmas Eve we were invited to a family in our ward's house for a soup lunch and making gingerbread trains. We had a blast. There were 5 families there with 24 kids. It was even warm outside so the kids played outside for over an hour. It was wonderful to get to know people in our ward. The soups were wonderful too. Here is our photo of our "train" after we got home. Needless to say it had been attacked by wild beasts who ate all the candy off it. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to my parents.


http://youtu.be/7gmvk6y8iT8

Thanks to my siblings for their help!

Ten on Tuesday

   1. Did I mention Chris is on break!!! It is so nice to have him around. He started his internship with the public defender’s office yesterday. He will be working 2 days a week and is actually glad to have something to do. Too much time off last year made for a hard transition back to school for him.

2.  Being sick while pregnant is no fun when you cannot take the “right” medicine. Oh can’t wait until I can take the good (or normal medicine again). 

3. So we shaved all the boys heads (lice) and Jed totally looks like a well-nourished cancer patient. Love how they all are like we look like Daddy!

4.  Jeffrey and Jed have been in heaven with Chris home. They play the Wii a lot more than normal and love wrestling with Chris. 

5. Annmarie got sick Sunday night. When she came in the 2nd time to tell me I didn't wake up to help her. So what did she do. She got herself clean, and got new blankets and went back to bed. Great mom here! But I am so glad she knew what to do.

6. Last night we went to the holiday light drive through thing. It was great much better quality that the one in Vegas (plus this one all the money goes to make a wish not a man's pocket). We ate pizza in the car on the way there. Went to QT so my kids could all get slushee's (do they know it is winter?)and we drove through. Had a blast. New tradition I think.

7. So tonight we were supposed to be hopping in the car to drive to NY. Oddly I am totally at peace with not going. Not that I think anything bad would have happened had we gone (or something happens because we are here) but just because this is the right place for us to be right now. I'm not stressed about getting packed up and etc. It makes for a happy mom. Although I am very sad the kids will not get to play with cousins and I will miss seeing one of my very best friends. I'm glad they understand and still wish us Merry Christmas :)

8. Yesterday we made money. . . how well we returned about 6 presents we bought but were not needs. Plus Chris sold back some books! looks like me might have saved enough to buy the camera we were looking at. Part of me is hoping it will go on sale and we can get it cheaper.

9. We have met more new people in our new ward. We are happy to be here, although we miss our friends from the branch, and hope to get to know more people before the baby comes.

10. Mostly this week I am just happy. I am happy to have a happy husband, happy kids and being happy with were I am. also did I mention 4 weeks and 2 days (or 30 days depending on how you look at it)

7 on Sunday

Since Chris posted earlier I figured I needed to recap a few things from the previous week.

1. I have great visiting teachers! We have a camera to use until we find one. so no stress of just impulse buying!! Thank you. Also I got a letter in the mail from them which included a book mark of the5 forget-me-nots! Thanks ladies you both rock!

2. I finished and mailed Marian's quilt off!!! that was a huge relief to know it was done before Christmas.

3, On Sunday we went to our new Ward. It is sooo big. There are 90 kids in the primary. The people are very friendly (I am already subbing today in Primary, talk about getting put to work fast)

4. Oh yeah Chris finished his last final!! I cannot believe we are half way through with Law School. . . we are half way through now we need to start thinking about what we are doing once we are done. . . don't like that aspect.

5. Saturday (10th) we went to the 7th Branch Ward breakfast which was wonderful! then that night we went to another Branch Christmas party. We are all Christmas partied out I think.

6. OH how could I forget this one. after all the Christmas parties I looked in Annmarie's hair and guess what? we had lice. all 3 boys are now clean buzzed on there heads. Jed looks like a cancer patient. It is actually quite funny. He always is telling Chris "Dad you're bald." Chris has been enjoying saying "Jed you're bald."

7. I finally found a chair that I can put in the babies room. It was a whole $5. It fits great between the crib and Annmarie's bed. now I don't have to bring the baby down to feed him at night.

ten on tuesday. . . on wed

Guest Blogger Chris Scott aka Karen's husband or the kids dad.

1 / 2.  Halfway done with Law School (I hope I don’t know if I actually passed).  It has been a long journey so I though I would give you the top ten in reverse order, David Letterman style.

10. While going to a trial practicum last February it was ten below zero with a wind chill of twenty below zero.  Welcome to the upper Midwest.

9. In my first contracts final exam the professor had us analyze Drake’s contract with the advertising company about how to legally escape the phrase, “D plus” education, based on a written contract that existed. 

8. My son, Will during morning prayers on Wednesday morning before my last final and this is a direct quote, “Please help my dad do really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really well on his test today.

7. My Criminal Procedure Instructor asking me to explain to the class how Field Sobriety tests worked.  More importantly he asked me how to successfully breakup a loud late night party. 

6. My Civil Procedure and Evidence Professor, Laurie Dore, I have stood nose to nose with drill instructors, villains, had a gun pointed at me, but I was never more intimidated then by Professor Dore when called on in class.  Some people go home and cry after she has grilled them in class.

5. My Secured Transaction’s professor, Matt Dore (Laurie’s Husband), asking me how to enforce a breach of the peace as a police officer during a repossession attempt.  (Guess your going to have to look up UCC Art 9 to figure that out).  This was by far my most favorite class. 

4. My four children who encourage me and always want me to play with them.  When I leave the library at night I have to leave law school behind and change into daddy mode.  By far the best reward for school is seeing their smiling faces each night.

3. Professor Rosenbloom in property when he asked me to explain a theory by Professor Anderson.  Of course I gave my best attempt.  He asked if that was really correct.  I of course stated that why, “maybe or may be not.” He proceeded to embarrass me with the best verbal thump of all time, “That’s not even close.” 

2.  Only one more half of law school to go.

1. My wife who supported me on the odyssey away from home in Las Vegas with a good paying job to the middle of nowhere (later determined to be Iowa) for law school after I dare to suggest the Lord wants us to go to law school.  Surprisingly she agreed and here we are 18 months later.   

Postponed

Chris has asked that I wait and post tomorrow after his last final. So ten on Tuesday will appear Wed night.

Ten on Tuesday

1. the little bambino has a date set to arrive. I will be going in for an amnio on Wed Jan 18th. If it shows the lungs are fully developed He will be born around 8:30 am the next morning (19th). I can't believe that we are this close (6 weeks and 2 days!!)

2. We went to our new ward's Christmas Party on Friday night. It was a everyone bring your favorite dessert. Then we found out we were making ginger bread houses out of graham crackers. Needless to say we have a lot of work to do before next Christmas party.

3. Chris's books got stole from the Law school last week. Thankfully they were found, mostly by Chris's leg work, and the cops got his books and the others who were stolen as well. He was just a little bit stressed.

4. Finals started today for Chris. He had one this morning (which is over and he is now studying for the next one) 1 wed, 1 Fri. and 2 next week sometime of his choosing. Hopefully he continues to do well. I cannot imagine having your entire grade for the class based on 1 test. and then it is rated on a curve as well. Way to much stress for me.

5. I got Marian's quilt 98% of the way done. I just need to bind the top and mail it. It is so nice to be almost done stressing about that stuff. I learned that ironing is really important and also that quilting frames the size of the quilt really make a difference.

6. During our lesson on Sunday in Relief Society we talked about talents. I have made it a goal to come up with 20 (I'm probably being really optimistic here) by this coming Sunday. As a youth I used to think my talents were all about sports. As an adult we seem to think they have to be music related but I realized on Sunday things like kindness, smiling, being easy to talk to are all great talents. Can you name 10 of yours?

7. Will got his top 2 teeth pulled out last Friday by Chris. It was a huge ordeal. You would have thought his arm was getting broken. Now he has trouble saying s's and I find that so cute!!!

8. I got the Christmas card written. I have 95% of addresses and the photos, and the stamps!! now all I have to do it print, stuff and mail. hopefully they will be done by tomorrow afternoon.

9. Once again I have been reminded of what a great man I married. When told by my Dr that I gained too much weight the last month. He was nothing but supportive and got me double stuff oreo's, cheese cake, and snickers (totally kidding) but he sent a wonderful email.

10. I have not lost my camera, my kids have broken it. Usually it wouldn't be an issue but really! Christmas is coming, we are visiting family, and we are having a baby. I was reading online the best deals for camera's are actually in February. Really don't they know I need it now. He's hoping we find one we can afford, and most importantly before the baby comes (I don't want to be know as one of those parents who only takes photos of the first few kids then shafts the rest. . . I have no experience in this ;) )

Christmas Cards

I'm going to be sending out Christmas cards. . . hopefully this week. If you want one please comment with your address, I will not post it since I have to approve comments before they get posted. Or just email me. karen_scott24 @ yahoo.com

Thanks!

This just in

At my Doctor's visit today I found out they have scheduled my c-section for January 19th at 8:30 am. This is assuming the amniocentesis revels that the lungs are developed. That will happen the day or 2 before (that wasn't scheduled. . . you think that would be done first). so looks like exactly 7 weeks from today baby numero cinco will join the Scott family.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Thanksgiving - we had a very low key day. I made Chris come take a class with me at the YMCA. Which he was cursing my name the whole time. We came home and did a whole lot of nothing :) Then headed to the church and deep fried 2 turkeys for a different Branch's Thanksgiving dinner that we were invited to. I cannot tell you how much I love love love deep fried turkey. Plus I made the Oreo dirt and forgot to take it so I'm eating it all by myself  still.

2. Our night didn't end there. Chris really wanted a few things from Walmart and didn't want to go alone sooooo we found a very kind person to come watch TV for 5 hours while our kids slept. The first item we were hoping for went on sale at 10pm. so we got to the store at 8 got a ticker and were 28th in line. sat in a secluded area next to a very nice couple, and a very stinky man. . . fond memories. After we got that we attempted to wonder through the store. . . It was so over crowded etc it was terrible. I got a few other things I was looking for then off to wait in an unofficial like for item #2 that didn't get un-shrink-wrapped until12am. Needless to say I stood in line for a while but at about 11:55 I got a lot bit nervous about the ensuing crowd pf people so seeing that Chris had a good spot I went and hid behind some clothes rack. Once they dropped the tape of whatever they did it was total crazyness!!! I am so glad I moved and it will take a lot to get me out with that amount of crazy, rude, and a bunch of other things, people again. But we got the 2 big items we went for.

3. I finished up all the shopping for the kids on Saturday so I have no reason to head to the mall (i never go anyway) or other stores for a long long while. Although Costco is still a great place to go I am avoiding the temptations of the middle sections.

4. Monday I finished the top to Marian's quilt and I must say I'm really happy with how it turned out. Tomorrow will be sewing the back on adding batting and tying it. The hope to ship it off by Wed and beat all the crazy's at the post office.

5. Saturday I went on a date with Will. We went to Costco and got presents for the rest of the kids. He loved helping get things. Chris and I also sat down with him and told him about Santa. He was not surprised (are any kids? ) He loves knowing things that others do not know. He and I got some pizza (can't go wrong there) from Costco and had a nice little meal. I love being able to spend 1 on 1 time with my kids. I really need to make it more of a priority because I'm pretty sure they love it too.

6. Saturday night we all went to our (new) YMCA and went swimming. There pool is perfect for kids Jed and Jeff's age. It is not zero depth but close. They have a slide iinto about 2 feet of water. then they have 2 big floating things that they kids can climb on, get shoved off by there dad. Jed has alawys clung to us tight when he went to the pool. This time he was off roaming a few feet away on his own (but making sure we were close) and getting all wet. Loved this. plus the pool was even warm!!! even better bonus. I'm thinking when Chris and the younger 2 head to AZ at the begning of Jan the older 2 and I might be going quite a bit.

7. Sunday night Chris saw the Libirary books Will brough home from school. I think the 2 of them spent about 30 min reading about WWII airplanes. Loved seeing it and guess what I actually got a photo!!!

8. How could I forget the weather was so beautiful on Thanksgiving Chris and the kids did this!

 notice Jed's awesome pink bike :)

9. got this funny story from a friend this week. Chris and I do the same thing (collect cans that we see since we get the $.05 here but I'm not sure this would have been worth the money to me. (yes I did ask for permission before sharing but have changed names to protect the innocent)

Wanted to tell you about a discovery I made today.  I am sure that all of you know that I collect cans and bottles for recycling.  I picked up a beer can yesterday and I thought it contained snails, as they like to crawl in the tab opening and get drunk.  They usually “shake” out but these wouldn’t for some reason.  I cleaned out all the cans from my acquisition and left them to dry last night.  This morning there was a rather unpleasant smell as I went to put the dried cans and bottles in plastic bags to later take and turn in.  I shook the one can some more, filled it up with water, and shook again and low and behold out came an emaciated mouse.  Dead of course, rather thin, but all in one piece.  There was still something else in the can and again, another dead mouse finally was shaken out! The tab pull was the only hole in the can and they must have really wanted the beer to squeeze themselves into the can.  I was not very quiet during this discovery, thank goodness for the laundry tubs.

such a great story!!

10. Will has 2 loose teeth. This is huge for him because his 4 bottom teeth had to be pulled by the dentist. Needless to say he doesn't like Chris wiggling his teeth but he will let me. Sunday night he was screaming whenever Chris's hand came close to his teeth. But when I got close it was just a small whimper. Hopefully they will both come out soon and the fear that is in his head will go away.




This photo I finally found of the boys watching and singing to I am a Child of God. Love it!

favorite Chritmas songs

I love love love Christmas music. As my brother once proclaimed me the Bipolar award for Christmas songs.
Disclaimer - I have never sung, nor no anything about music except how to turn pages for the pianist :) so my views are mine alone.

Here are a few of my favorites (all of which can be found on YouTube)

1. Boney M's - Mary's Boy Child. I think I like this one so much because it brings back memories of college, Tempe, my siblings, and the Anderson's.

2. Where are you Christmas - Faith Hill. I really enjoy the message of this song. It is not about the presents it is about Love etc.

3. Far far away on Jedua's plain - my favorite Church hymn. It is not song as often as others but I just love it.

4. God rest ye Merry Gentlemen/We three kings - Barenaked ladies.  It is probally because it puts a little more upbeat note to a traditional song but doesn't ruin the song.

5. 12 days/pains of Christmas. - I think the Muppet's is my favorite for the regular version. I love the 12 pains. Plus the 12 redneck gifts by Jeff Foxworthy.

6. The Prayer - Celine Dion and Andre Bocelli

7. The little Drummer Boy - which ever version actually has the drum. Love to hear it. I was just on YouTube and discovered my favorite version is by Bing Crosby and David Bowie! who would have ever guessed. (more on the David Bowie part)

8. Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano. It makes me think of Chris. I love it.

9. Believe - Josh Groban. Just a great song with a great voice and great message.

10. My most favorite Christmas song ever is Oh Holy Night. I like those that sing it without a lot of crazy flare (think Mariah Carey) who sing it well and with a great voice. . . ie Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson etc. . . I like a great voice

I'm not entirely sure this is considered a Christmas song so I didn't want to put a non Christmas song on my list. but Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven is a great song.

I'm interested to see what your favorites are. I'm pretty sure that I will be doing a lest favorite songs at some point which will probably offend many more of you :)

Ten on Tuesday

1. To start off I created a new blog. I was thinking that I needed to focus on the positives from each day. . . since some days it is very hard to do that. So here goes my new years resolution. posting to this new blog. at least 1 thing that was a great moment of the day. the address is bestpartsoftheday.blogspot.com

I also have it on my list of blogs to the side. Feel free to look at it or not. It is mostly for me to see and be reminded that there are good parts in each day.

2. From my previous post I had a great weekend. Very few things are better than the adult session of stake conference. Check out the post below if you wanted to see my thoughts on that.

3. We have had some hacking kids lately, well mostly Annmarie and Jed. Annmarie has been fine except for at night. Jed just got it this weekend. Needless to say there is a big difference in the coughing ability of a 6yr old and a 3yr old. Thankfully Jed saw a Dr yesterday and this morning he seems to be acting normal.

4. We had parent teacher conferences last week. I love love love my kids new school. It is amazing how much Will has improved in just this short amount of time. I really enjoy both of their teachers. plus the principal remembered who I was!!!! plus the special teachers knew my kids by name. Love this school.

5. I cannot find my camera. but there is an adorable photo of Jeffrey and Jed singing along with this video.

6. Next week is Chris's last week of classes. then on to the dreaded finals. I cannot believe we are almost half way thought. He has be so wonderful and worked so hard!

7. I realized today how lucky I am to be this far along in my pregnancy and still attending the classes at my YMCA. I love the teachers who say we are doing this. . . but not Karen you are doing this. I am slowly modify more and more (mostly anything that is jumping related), and getting slower and slower with my running but hey I can make others feel good because they are not last :) it has actually been a good thing for my pride because I cannot even force myself to keep up with the others who I normal do.

8. My kids have never been cuddly so since Jed has been sick the past few days he has been so cuddly. I must say I love love love this. 

9. Those who really know me know how much I hate to do dishes. Before we moved I would wait to wash dishes until we were out of cups, or bowls or something necessary. We now have a dishwasher and I love love love how it takes about 2 minutes to empty my sink into the dishwasher. Love it!

10. Jeffrey . . .  decided he wanted to cut his own hair while I was napping. . . 

he cut it so close to his head our only option was to buzz it with no guard on. He loves his "bald" head. He says now I'm like Daddy and my hair won't grow back. I love rubbing his head, and this is much cheaper than paying 10 to 15 for a hair cut so maybe we'll keep it this way for a while :)

Wonderful weekend

We have had a great weekend.
This post is mainly so I don't forget what happened. 

We had adult session of stake conference, which is always the best. We had 2 General Authorities who came. Elder Bowen opened the last 45 min up to questions from those in the audience. first off when he was giving his talk he told us how whenever we attend any church meeting we should have a question on our minds. This includes Sunday, weekly meetings, and temple attendance. The reason for this is how will we receive revelation if we are not actively seeking it. He also told us that we must receive the Holy Ghost. That He will never force the Holy Ghost on us, we have to choose to let it into our lives.

- If we don't have questions how are we going to know when God answers them.
- Thank Heavenly Father when you hear the answer
- Revelation requires work
-Ask to know what questions to ask -  what am I not asking

some thoughts from the question and answer portion
- You will receive the Kingdom (degree of glory) that we desire
- When we do all we can then the miracle comes

a sister asked what was the most important thing to be teaching out kids
- The Proclamation to the Family has the most important stuff in it.
-The Holy Ghost will tell a Father and a Mother the same thing. If you do not receive the same answer work together until you do.

another questions asked how do you prepare good missionaries
- Teach them how to work.
-have them study preach my gospel
       - cpt 8, 9, 13

I leaned many other things as well but these are the ones I really want to remember.

Tonight we played our kids favorite game. . . hide and go seek. This is the first time in our new house and it was so much fun. Then we found some LDS card game and the kids had a blast. Then at Jed's request we played duck duck goose. such a wonderful evening. Lots of laughing and many many smile. It is nights like these that I hope to remember always.

Ten on Tuesday

 1. Did you know it snowed here on wed? My kids were in heaven!!! they were outside an hour before the bus came. Jeffrey Stayed out for even longer. Jed. . . who hates all things warm related. refused to wear pants and in the last photo you can see what happened. Later in the week I was putting the red jacket on him. He was say I hate the fat jacket. so funny!

Here Jed and Jeffrey are before I could get Jed's jacket and coat on.

 I told Annmarie to get pants on. . . this is what I get. She loves her some skirts!

Putting the boys to work :)

Jed doing what every kid does. Eating snow. notice how wet his sweat pants are? yeah he and Jeffrey took a long hot shower when they came in. 

2. I started and as of (4:40am child woke up couching and sleep during pregnancy not happening so much) this morning had all strips cur out for a quilt for Marian for Christmas. I forgot how much I enjoy doing this. I also forgot how time consuming it is. Not sure if she reads this so no photos until after Christmas.

3. I was released from my calling in the Relief Society ( ladies organization at my church) presidency. I think it had something to do with we moved out of the boundaries ;)  I really enjoyed the calling and realized how much I really do enjoy being in relief society.

4. Chris has been really busy with school and Church these past few weeks. I love to see him when playing with the kids. They love wrestling with their dad and love to be with him. I'm so thankful that I was lucky enough to marry a man who loves me and who loves all of his kids. Chris is such a wonderful man and I am so thankful for him.

5. On facebook I've been daily posting things I'm thankful for. I have been amazed at how many things I have to choose from on a daily basis. for example yesterday I noticed how my kids bus stop, is much calmer, and I love their bus driver. She greats them each by name each morning when they get on the bus. I love that!!! I cannot tell you how happy I am for my kids with this move. They are in a great school and this town is still "small" enough that it makes me think a little bit of Victor.

6. Speaking of how wonderful Chris is. On Saturday night I was starting to get a massive headache, I took Tylenol (I hate this stuff does nothing. . . only down side about pregnancy) and went to bed. I woke up with an even worse headache that last most of the day. Chris went to the store early to get me some "medicine." (aka Mt dew which I have really grown to hate!) He also got me some Chocolate milk because he knows I love it. Such a sweet sweet guy. I'm so lucky!!

7. This past week I have been reminded of a quote "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." With the stuff going on in our society and our world today I have realized how true this is. It has made me think lots about how and what I should do to not good fall in my home or where I live. 

8. We got a piano! The kids are so excited. They actually have been great with it. We found it on craigslist. We don't have books yet (if you have any you don't need we'd love them!). Will keeps asking when he gets to take lessons. . . hopefully by the time we get him lessons he still wants to play.

9. After reading a friends blog I hope that I do not give of the impression that I lead a perfect life, or you think I'm trying to fool you all. I do not. All you have to do is come by my house unannounced and you will see that disaster that is my house. Or see me when my children or being. . . themselves :) I think secretly this is why I don't take many photos :) We have our challenges and many times we do not feel the need to write poor is me on my blog. 

10. Some day (in the next few weeks) I will post my list of most and least favorite songs. I will do this because on Saturday I turned on the radio and what was the first Christmas song of the season I heard? one that is not a Christmas song but they always play it as one. One I can't stand and seriously hate!!! What song is it you ask, maybe you already know because you can't stand it too!! "Same Old Lang Syne" by  Dan Fogelberg. really I can't start because this post would never end. lets just leave it at I do not like it. If you do don't hate me.

Ten on Tuesday

1.  Chris got his score on his midterm back!!! you bet I'm going to brag, He got the 2nd highest score in the class!!!! when the semester started he was all worried because he was in the class with all the smart 3rd years. I cannot tell you how proud of him I am. He works so hard to wear so many hats and we are so thankful for him!!

2. Well I went to my monthly Dr's appointment last week and found out that they want me to deliver 3 weeks early. Everything is fine, just when you have multiple c-sections there are things that happen to your body (imagine that major surgery might cause problems). I'm so glad the Dr was kind enough to sit down and talk to me about what is going to happen (Jan 17th or 18th) I will go in for an amniocentesis to check to see if the babies lungs are developed. If they are She said they would deliver the next day. She also told me the worst case scenario stuff. Which I was so grateful for so when I was on the table I didn't hear them or found out something new. Oh did I mention this is the first week of Chris's spring semester? I was wondering if I should change the baby ticker on the blog to more accurately depict when the baby will be coming :)

3. We went to the temple on Saturday. I cannot believe how long it has been. It was so nice to be there and feel peace about the things that were on my mind.

4. Yesterday it was beautiful until about 3. So Jeffrey, Jed and I got to play outside one more day before the winter weather was on it's way (today it is supposed to rain all day and snow tonight)

5. Chris and I were able to go on a date for the first time in a long time! It was so wonderful. I forget how much I really do need the alone time with him so we can just talk and get things out. I've learned that it doesn't matter if you are eating at Outback or Wendy's the important thing is just that we talk. So glad I have friends who understand how important this is to me and are willing to watch my kids.

6. We watched the game of the century, which wasn't, after we watched the choke of the century. After Saturday night I'm convinced that no kickers in college can actually kick the ball through the uprights. Then it reminded me why I don't really invest into ASU. they just cause heartbreak over and over.

7. Saturday morning. we had a LDS law school wives breakfast. We had great food but most importantly we got to talk. it is so nice to have this time!

8. Through out the week I have been reminded to not sweat the small stuff (ie wait until you know what is really the problem until you panic) and to sweat the small stuff (worry about saying prayers, reading scriptures etc) because this will have a huge impact on your future. Funny how both things are very applicable.

9. With the exception of making a quilt, I have my Christmas shopping done for all of the extended family!!! I know what I'm getting Chris, and the kids will be simple and easy. How crazy would that be to be all done before Thanksgiving!! it would be AWESOME!!!

10. I'm not sure if I have mentioned this yet but, I am so excited for Christmas. I am excited to go and see family and friends in NY. I'm so excited for my kids to get to play with cousins they have never met. The only scary thing about Christmas means that the baby is coming soon!! and we are nameless. any and all suggestions are welcome. some may be mocked but we are really stumped as to what to call numero cinco.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Chris had a huge midterm on Friday and felt pretty good with how it went. Which he usually thinks the opposite so we are excited over this.

2. Sickies. I would like to say we are done with being sick this winter. . . no more I can't take it. I forget how much it wipes you out and how long it takes to get back into life again. As of this moment Jed has a runny nose but that is always around for him. Hopefully it stays this way for a while!!

3. Paper towels - Since we moved to Iowa I stopped buy paper towels. we are on a budget, they are not really necessary. Well a month ago I bought a big pack from Costco. Oh I forgot how heaven sent they are. Who knows if I will buys more but, I have really enjoyed having them again.

4. Trunk or treat. This year we actually did 2. Friday night was at the Branch. We had a great time. Chris and the YM made 5 or 6 pinatas. This must have been the highlight of the night.. . but there was a ton of stuff to clean up. Saturday the Ward we moved into had one and we were invited. They had a carnival set up in the gym. coloring, donuts eating off a string. But my kids Favorite was a chance to play angry birds with a sling shot and the stuffed angry birds. They loved it, and we met a few new people. It was so nice. The ward had 90 kids in the primary program! we have moved into a massive ward.

5. Halloween. Well trick or treating here happens on beggars night (the night before) and you must tell a joke to get candy. Pretty cool as last year Halloween was on Sunday, but this year that meant it happened on Sunday. We did not participate. So Monday night we had a Halloween/birthday party for Annmarie. We had fun. we decorated sugar cookies, played find the ghost, and had cake and caramel apples. it was a fun quite night and guess what I forgot. . . to take photos. I am so terrible at that. The cake was a princess cake and had Belle, sleeping beauty and Cinderella on it. Annmarie loved it.

6. Tomorrow I have my gestational diabetes test. Who was the genius that scheduled the test 2 days after Halloween! needless to say all candy was thrown out of the house yesterday afternoon, but I'm pretty sure Caramel apples and sugar cookies and not too good for me to be eating either. Here is hoping that there are no issues because I was not so smart in when I set it up.

7. We now have neighbors. well since moving in we have had a few, but the family that shares the other side of our house moved in this past weekend. . . OK really Friday and 2 last things on Saturday. We know them. He is in the same year as Chris in school. The kids are so excited! plus there are more families moving in later this month with more kids. My kids will be in heaven next spring!

8. All of our photos except 3 are up. I am on a quest to find blow up quality photos of the temples we have lived by to add them to the temple wall. So far we have Las Vegas, and Mesa. We are looking for Dallas, Palmyra, Winter Quarters, Nauvoo, and Manti (chris wants this one) So if you have any good photos (people-less) that you would be willing to let us use. please let me know!

9. A goodnight sleep. I love sleep. I love to get my 8 hours plus a night. well since moving here I think most of us have eluded this necessary thing in our lives. It makes for Grumpy kids, sick kids, angry kids etc. But more importantly it makes for a really grumpy, sleepy, tired, and lazy mom. I'm hoping that the sickness has left the house that I can once again return to this blessed event that needs to happen every night.

10. Baking. I started making cookies on Sunday and have realized that a gas oven and an electric one are very different. I miss having gas but that is the worst thing I have to say about this house so maybe I should suck it up and move on :)

random thoughts

So there are a few random things I have to post.

1. so here is the photo that has been gracing someones desktop for the last month. The caption to it says something about why pumpkins shouldn't drink. Oh so funny.

2. Today in the car Jed managed to do the I love you sign with his hand all by himself. He was so proud! It made my heart melt (which after the morning I had with him that was a miracle)


3. Today I ranted on facebook. It was basically I'm sick of people blaming everyone else for there financial situation and thinking that someone else needs to do something to fix it. I guess I am part of the I want no responsibility in my life generation. Wouldn't it be nice if people were responsible for there own actions. wow what a novel concept.

4. I've decided that I do know how to keep things clean. I have managed to keep the front rooms, kitchen, and dining area fairly clean in the last few days. It is amazing what a dishwasher and ample cupboard (hiding) space does to help that clean looking factor :)

Most thoughtful daughter

I want to remember this for a long time. The last few days have been full of throwing up, lack of sleep and sleeping on couches, floors, and chairs. My turn came yesterday. All the kids were home (Will and Annmarie were not going to school sick) and I had felt rotten all day. needless to say the time finally came and I was praying to the porcelain gods. Chris was at school and had to work that night, Biggest issue is he has a big test on Friday that is very very important. So he needed to be at school away from us sick people. After I removed the contents from my stomach I stayed on the bath mat shaking with the chills and had aches all over. It took me about 30 min to crawl out of the bathroom to my closet floor (which is carpeted). All this time I was praying for some miracle of Chris showing up at home a random friend stopping by etc. Never did I think my 6 year old would be helpful. Well she came in and said are you OK? I said no I just threw up, and asked her to get me a blanket. She got me a blanket and sat by me for a few minutes while I was still crying. She gently rubbed my head and was just worried about me. Honestly I think she was a little scared. I don't think the kids have ever seen me like that. I heard her leave and go tell the other kids mom just threw up we have to be really good. Then she comes back in with her pillow for me. Such a sweet kind act. It made me realize that sometimes when we pray for things our answers come from very unexpected places. I do not tell this story for oh I'm so sorry Karen. Nope I wrote this so I could remember that from very early on Annmarie was a kind person who cares for others. Hopefully this continues and I can be a good example to her like my mother is/was to me.

dear blogspot

I have noticed lately how you do not update my blog list on time. I look one day and see no changes then the next day I see posts that are 2 days old. This is very frustrating. please fix this.

thanks
frustrated blogger

sorry had to get that off my chest!

Ten on Tuesday

Ugh what a week. So glad that is over!

1. Since the move Chris has had a greater distance to go to school (.25 mile to 12 miles) So we see a bit less of him. with the craziness of the move it made for some long days this past week. Not to mention He went on a scout leadership training from Friday to Sunday. When the family got home from church we were all very excited to see him!

2. yesterday I got a call from Annmarie's school. she had thrown up in class. I was at the Y which was 15 min away from her. As I am getting Jed to the car I get a call from Jeffrey's pre-school telling me that he had thrown up. His school was 7 min in the opposite direction. Needless to say poor Annmarie had to wait about an hour for me to get there. Since the kids got home all of them have had this bug, and it made for a long night last night. Today all the kids are home, and I'm trying to use my will power to not get it too. Here's to hoping we survive the day :)

3. The kids have loved there new school. They have made friends at school already! Annmarie's teacher was not there the first 3 days because she had jury duty. So happy that they are happy and in a better school.

4. Jeffrey was supposed to go to his last day of pre-school today but that got ended when he got sick yesterday. He loved his school. Too bad it is too far away to keep taking him to. He will not be going to a new one as his previous one was free and there is nothing like that here. We figure he will survive, he is a smart kid :)

5. Chris had an OK time at the scout training. He made some good connections which might be beneficial in the long run for us. He said they worked them hard all 3 days. My biggest fear is that once we are in our new ward they will put him in scouts because of the training he now has.

6. I got pictures put up on the wall yesterday and 4 boxes unpacked. I also got the books put up for the kids. For the most part there is not that much to do, it is all the little stuff. Hang photos, go through the "random crap" boxes etc. It is nice that we got settled as quickly as we did.

7. Annmarie's birthday was very low key. We are having a Halloween/birthday party next Monday for her. The trick or treat here on what is called Beggars night, which is always the night before Halloween. so since that is Sunday my kids will not be participating. So if you are in the area and free come on over for some games some snacks (NO CANDY so done with that) and cake.

8. a week ago Sunday was the primary program. My older 3 were all in it and did great. We could hear their singing, and they spoke there parts well. A wonderful thanks to their teachers and the primary presidency.

9. In the car we were listening to last years primary program CD, with the song I know my Savior Loves me. Jeffrey turns to me and says " Mom I know the Savior is true and he loves me. (then he repeats his like from the program) I know Jesus is my Savior and Redeemer. Such a great touching moment for me that I hope to never forget!

10. So I made Freezer Jam on Wednesday. We ran out (that batch moved with us from Vegas) just before the move and Chris was in need of some new jam. So I made some, OK well a lot as usual. So if you need any come on over I've got about 10 jars I can spare :) On a side note it was so nice to make it with all the counter space we had. oh such small joys!

Happy Birthday Annmarie

I cannot believe it has been 6 years. Annmarie has been a ray of happiness in our house. She is the most helpful and loves to do most anything. She will play star wars with the boys, but really enjoys playing by herself with her Polly's or any other girl toy that has been given to her. She loves Pink and purple. She loves soccer and does well at it. She loves to read and according to her teacher she is at the end of 1st grade level as a beginning Kindergartner. I must admit that is all her. She listen when we were working with Will the last 2 years. I think she doesn't want him to pass her up by too much. Hopefully this doesn't cause major problems in the future. She really is a sweet child and is always trying to comfort someone (unless she did the inflicting of pain) she is strong willed, and stubborn, but usually tries to do what is right.
She knows when I need a hug and an I love you. She has such a tender heart too. I was truly sad to see her go to school this year because I was losing a huge helper at home. She loves her new school (after 4 days) and has already made friends.

this is her making up her own pose.

 Look mom I have a loose tooth

 getting ready to go to school. . . a few weeks early

 after getting her ears pierced in June 2011

Her favorite things to do are color and read. So happy that she is in our family. Someday she hopes for a little sister. . . we shall see on that one :)

Tuesday - our new home

Per the request of a sibling here are photos (Taken with a phone my battery died) of our new house. Before you get to see them (unless you skip this part) I wanted to give a little back story on how we moved here. Back in August Chris came home from school earlier than usual and said lets go. We were eating dinner at a friends house (the Flints you will probably hear more about them since they will be our house neighbor in 2 weeks). I was like ok. we drove and he wanted to go somewhere and finally I figured out we were going to look at a new place to live. I was very adamant on not looking anywhere. Drake had be wonderful to us. The rent was great. The Drake people were awesome. We live in a branch with few people Chris was recently called as the YM president, I'm in RS. There was just no way I was going to move. Plus it was further away from school etc. Even after looking at them I still had no desire to move. We decided to put in our application (to make Chris happy) and wait and see what happened. Did I mention these are brand new town-homes? That there is no smoking anywhere in the community, no alcohol outside, and no partying after 11pm at night? We think they are trying to cater to the LDS students that head out here for med-school and law-school. We went to eat at the Flints house and they thought we should totally do it. I was still very unwilling to budge on my decision of no moving! fast forward 4 to 6 weeks Chris asks me to call and check on the application. I must admit I had not really thought about it since we put in our papers. I call and we only had 1 thing that needed to be done. I went and took care of it. Then we find out guess what out of over 200 applicants we are one of the lucky 90. Well I managed to irk Chris pretty good when I said I had not thought or prayed about it since we dropped off papers. Well after lots of thought etc we decided it was the right call to move. All the issues I had in my way earlier were gone. We planned to move in end of October. I went and told our Landlord that we would be leaving and he was so happy for us in getting a better place for our family., These mid-west people are really weird, they are more excited about the person than there bottom line. Then Chris went in later that day and asked if we could move in during fall break (about 2 weeks away) they said sure and even prorated our rent! I will never speak ill of Drake ever! So we boxed up. Thursday the 13th we loaded up the truck with the wonderful help of many people. And Friday morning we got our keys and moved in. We finished the cleaning Saturday afternoon at the old house. I have never been so happy to be done cleaning! Now were are doing well at being all done unpacking here thanks to Chris. He was amazing! He would not let me do very much due to my "condition" and never said a poor word against me. So thankful for him.

10 things I've learned about moving (again)

1. don't do it while pregnant. Your crazy whacked out anyway why add more stress and also why watch people move you in when you can't do it.

2. invite the missionaries over for dinner the night your packing the truck. It gives you at least 2 extra bodies and in our case 4! It was so nice to have extra help

3. Label all boxes with items and Date. needless to say we found a box of spices that we packed in Las Vegas and lost when we moved here. Now we have lots of the same thing.

4. Have a place for your kids to go so you can pack/clean/unpack move etc. We were so lucky for all of the wonderful help we received. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

5. Don't sleep on the ground the night before you move. . . long story short air mattress with a hole. not a fun last night in our "old" house.

6. Have a wonderful husband! I honestly cannot say how much I am thankful for Chris and everything he has done the last few days and weeks etc. He had to tell me to stay away form the boxes multiple times. and even when I was out getting food he was still putting things away. Such a great man that I am so lucky to have.

7. Expect your kids to feel your stress and act out. anyone who says that kids can not tell we are stressed is wrong. I cannot tell you how chaotic our houses have been the last little while. I'm so glad that we are back to school etc and getting into normal patterns again.

8. Throw stuff away. we can actually say that we moved less this time than the last time. Plus we have tossed stuff since arriving here as well. Sometimes you just need to let junk go! (we are giving our church book collection back to my parents at Christmas time so if you want any you better come look now, yes Jill I figured you, rob and my parents could have a big fight over who gets what at Christmas time ;) )

9. Have something for the kids to do. I don't know how we managed this, but we had the kids toys taken to the playroom very quickly and then sent the kids off. It worked great!!

10. Have friends! They are the first ones to help you load the truck, they watch your kids, they feed you food, they come unload your truck the next day, they are excited for you, and they are sad you are moving further away. Friends are great and we are so lucky to have made as many as we have during our time here. THANKS AGAIN!!!! we couldn't have done it without you!

now what you've been waiting for. Let me remind you we moved from a 2 bedroom (living room with walls and a door makes 3) 1 bathroom house to what you will see below. Although I didn't get a house shot. It is yellow with stones around the 2 car garage! 

Here is the view inside the front door. Our family room then dining room.

Here is the kitchen. There is a dishwasher (who's name is not Chris) and you can kind of make out the large cupboard to the left of the photo.

Some how I managed to not take a photo of our room, but I got one of my closet. Funny. Our room is right off the hallway. that leads to the garage.

 Through the closet is our very own bathroom!!!! I'm so excited about this!

 Here is the hallway leading to the garage. the last door on the left is our 1/2 bath. the one before it is our heating unit etc. just to the left is our bedroom door to the right is our closet/pantry. and right behind me is the kitchen.

Here are the stairs leading up. this is just to the right as you enter the house.

at the top of the stairs is this! bathroom number 2.5!!!! I'm a little crazy I know.

this is our hallway to the laundry room. The first door on the right is the linen closet!!! the 2nd one is another electrical closet of some sort. and there is my new laundry room on the 2nd floor.

 Here is my massive laundry room. It would be awesome to find some cheap table to fold laundry here but really who am I kidding. I would never fold laundry without watching something on TV or netflix.

 a random view down the stairs

 This is the playroom/guestroom. I cannot tell you how nice it has been (the past 4 days) to say kids go up to the playroom and play. It is actually quite large and has a double closet. so great storage space

This is Annmarie and the new baby's room. It is the smallest in the house but all that goes in them are beds and dressers (which all fit in the closet!)

Then this monstrous thing is the boys room. There is no trouble getting all 3 beds in (1 set of bunks and 1 single) then to the right is . . . 

The most massive closet I've ever seen. It has shelves on 2 sides and easily fits there dressers in it with loads and loads of room to spare. This would make a great bedroom, if there was a window.

once again sorry for the photo quality. Maybe someday I'll remember to charge the battery.