PETTINGILL FAMILY

10 year anniversary CRUISE!!!

2012-01-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

December 2010 Steve and I celebrated our 10th anniversary, WOW!!! Time goes by sooo fast and so many things have happened since then, too many to write down. Some things have been hard but other have been AMAZING! Each have made us become better people I hope and learn lots of different things. I'm just thankful I was able to spend those 10 years with my best friend and the person I LOVE THE MOST :)

So even though our anniversary was in December we had planned to go on a cruise with our friends because their anniversaries were in April. One of ours friends couldn't go so in the end it was us and our friends the Stakers who went. We booked our tickets and arranged plans for our kids. My WONDERFUL in laws watched our kids which was SOOO nice of them. We left the end of April and were gone for about 8-9 days altogether.

When Steve and I got married our honeymoon was driving down to California to go to his sisters wedding which was only a week after our wedding. We had a fun time but half the time was spent with Steve's family. That wasn't a bad thing because we got to do lots of fun things, we went to Universal Studio's, Disney Land, the beach, it was GREAT :) We were just excited to go somewhere together on our own with no kids or obligations.

We traveled down to Las Vegas (lots of scary people there but it was fun) the first night and then the next morning we left early to get to California where we boarded the cruise ship. It was SOOO exciting :) Of course one of the first things we did was eat, hahaha!!! We had eaten a HUGE dinner the night before at Cheese Cake Factory but that was only the start to the MASS eating/feasting that we did. The cruise was NOT good for my weight, whoops ;)

I need to make a slide show of some of the pictures we took on the cruise, hopefully I can remember how because it's been a while, hahaha ;) We got to do a bunch of fun things but I won't write everything down because it would take way to long. I'll just put the pictures on and you can see for yourself :) We had an AMAZING time though and it was SOOO much fun to just spend time together and enjoy each others company for such a long time. I had never been on a cruise before, we both really liked it but if I ever went again I wouldn't eat quite as much and I think I would want to go on one that you're on land more than on the ship.

All in all we had the BEST time and we really appreciated Steve's parents watching the kids so we could have time to spend together. I truly do love my AMAZING husband Steve sooo much. He puts up with me when I'm grumpy and have no patience and that truly is a blessing to me. I can't wait for another 10 years but I think they might be a little more crazy with how big our kids are getting. I'm just thankful I get to spend those years with the best partner/husband I could ask for :)

A note I wrote on facebook, Nov 2011

2012-01-18T21:46:00.001-08:00

Before I start, I know some of you already think I'm SUPER cheesy and you're right. Well, I guess it depends on what kind of cheese. I don't do well with cheesy things like the Twilight movie tonight (it was a GREAT movie, I just had to laugh at the cheesy parts), hahaha! However I am cheesy when it comes to being thankful, saying how I feel etc...

Anyway after going to the movies tonight with some friends, I just kept thinking about life and how grateful I am to have sooo many wonderful blessings. I feel like Heavenly Father really has blessed me with so many different & amazing things. Even though life can be crazy at times and people may look at my family and think we've had more than our share of trials, we've also had SOOO many blessings.

I've been blessed with a STRONG FIRM testimony and I will always be eternally grateful for that. I was raised by the MOST AMAZING parents! They are such examples to me and have and still teach me so many great things about life, the gospel, kindness, charity and the list goes on. I also feel like I've been blessed to be happy with life and myself. That may sound weird to some people but to me I feel like it's one of my GREATEST blessings. That doesn't mean I'm happy all the time or that the craziness life can bring doesn't hurt. It just means that I know it all happens for a reason and I can see beyond the silly small things and see the bigger more amazing picture. It doesn't mean I think I'm amazing or that I have all the confidence in the world. It just means I know who I am and I know I'm trying to be the kind of person my Father in Heaven wants me to be.

This may seem like a weird note but I just felt like I wanted to write it down. I know there are some people who don't always feel happy and that life can be overwhelming. Life really isn't easy, it's hard a LOT of the time. I'm just thankful that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and who is patient with me as I make mistakes every day. I'm just thankful I know that there is ALWAYS a way to improve, there's always a way to start again, there's always a way to be the YOU you want to be. I'm thankful to have an eternal family, that I have a goal to work towards, to be with my family FOREVER!!! What a wonderful blessing and promise our Father in Heaven has given us. I think sometimes that is why I have the outlook on life that I do. I just know that if I want to be with my family again, I need to live my life the best I can.

I'm just SOOO thankful to have such a blessed life. I have a husband who loves me for ME, not because I'm a super model or the worlds best cook. I have children that love me even though I'm nuts and get mad way too fast. I have friends who put up with my craziness and forgetfulness. Sure there's things that I wish I could change in life, or bills I wish I didn't have to pay. Sure I wish I could eat all the food I wanted or I wish I could be more patient with my children. Sure I wish the trials I go through would be easier or less hurtful but I know they are all for a reason. One of my favourite quotes is, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." That is SOOO true, life really is hard but all those crazy things are worth every moment I get to live with my AMAZING family, knowing that if I live my life like my Saviour would have me do, I will be with my family FOREVER!

Anyway that's enough of my woffle, hahaha! Another one my crazy traits, I'm a woffler ;)

Great Scripture

2012-01-18T21:01:00.001-08:00

I was just reading the scriptures and I came across one I had marked previously. I feel like it really applies to me right now.

Mosiah 5:13
"For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"

It just made me think about the changes I'm trying to make in my life. Ultimately I hope those changes will enable me to become more like my Saviour. It also made me realise that I need to be serving others WAY more than I do. I get so caught up in my own crazy life which isn't a bad thing but I need to make time to serve others and have that as something that is always in my heart.

APRIL

2012-01-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

April was a CRAZY month, it's when life got a little insane for me. We still had lots of fun though so here's a quick re-cap.
Here's my 2 handsome little men dressed for church. It doesn't that long ago that Spencer was wearing those same clothes.
Austin started his love of the counter.
Sydney turned 8 and had a bowling/monster party with her friends.
Sydney chose to be baptised and we were SOOO proud of her. She really is an AMAZING little girl who we LOVE so much :) I love her HUGE smile and how creative she is. She loves to make things ALL the time and would make crafts 24/7 if we left her. Sydney likes everything and anything. She can play dress up/make-up with girls or catch bugs with the boys. Actually catching crazy bugs is one of her favourite things to do. I would NEVER catch some of the crazy bugs she does, some if the spiders are HUGE! All in all I think Sydney is WONDERFUL and life would for sure be boring without her :)
My Mom and Dad were able to come over for Syd's baptism. We didn't think they were going to be able to come because right before they were getting ready to leave my Dad found out that his cancer had come back and was now also in his lungs. We're so thankful they were able to be here and we were able to spend time with them.
We had cake and ice cream for Syd and Rod because they share the same birthday. They shared Syd's monster cake too. She loves sharing a birthday with Rod. Whenever he's been in town he takes her for date. One time they didn't quite make it because Syd threw up on the way, whoops! This year she was getting a little sad because we had mentioned we would all tag along. She did NOT want that to happen, she wanted it to be just her, it was pretty cute/funny ;)
While Mom and Dad were here Austin started to crawl, he was pretty excited about that :)
Hadley once again fell asleep somewhere random, she's getting good at that.
We went down to Utah with Mom and Dad just before they left to go home. We had a lovely time gong around Temple Square but were VERY sad to say goodbye. We consoled ourselves on the way back by stopping off at Krispy Kreme, yummy!Spencer played soccer for the first time. He got to be on the same team as his friends Carter, Jayce and Natalie so that made it lots of fun.
Austin just kept getting cuter and cuter :)
The Easter bunny slash Nanny came to our house. Mom got the kids English Easter eggs which they thought were great! We wanted to get a picture of all the kids together but Austin was asleep. (The above picture of Austin was on the same day as this)
Steve and I were able to be in the ward Roadshow. It was tons of fun :) Steve was an angel and had to stand on stilts and wear a long white robe. Everyone cheered when he came out, it was so fun. I was a shepherd and Hadley got to be a sheep. We had to wear make-up but Steve was not about to do that. My friend put mine on and it was quite interesting. Not because of her but because we had to put a bunch on and I am NOT used to that. All in all it was FANTASTIC and our ward did a GREAT job. Not that I'm biased but I thought our Roadshow was THE BEST!!!

A quick review of last year!

2012-01-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

MARCH in pictures

Maddie played volleyball and Sherisse and Stephanie coached.

Sydney thought she was a super hero and created LOTS of things at Grandma's house
Spencer thought he was an army guy after going to an army themed birthday party. He wore this head band for quite a while afterwards.Hadley thought she would decorate herself in my mascara, how nice of her ;) At least she got
some of it close to her eyes, right???
Austin kindly got decorated too :)

Yes, yes, I am crazy!

2012-01-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

So along with being better with this blog I really wanted to start writing down memories about my past so my kids will have them for the future. I know it's another blog so it's adding ANOTHER thing to my list of things I want to do but I figure this is something beneficial and something that is important. Anyway, here's the address for my new blog, http://wofflingwoffler.blogspot.com/ ENJOY!!!

Hopefully I'm REALLY back!!!

2012-01-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

WOW!!! I've been SOOO bad at keeping my blog, it's pretty sad really. It seems as though this past year was just a little crazy and there was sooo many things going on. I always meant to catch up but never did but I REALLY want to try and start writing on here again.

This morning while I was working out with my friends we were talking about keeping journals. I used to be sooo good at it in my youth and when I first got married but since then I've been terrible. I kind of saw my blog as a journal and I was doing so well at first so it was great. Anyway along with a bunch of other goals I have, I really want to start writing on here again so I can keep a record of all the things we do as a family. My hope is to make this into a book one day. A few of my friends have done that and they're sooo nice.

Anyway, so I'm going to try REALLY hard and be a better blogger/journal keeper. I had started 2 other blogs aswell which at some point I intend to add things too and probably will throughout the year but I think keeping this blog is WAY more important. I think it's good to do other things because as a mother of 5 I need to do some things for myself but at the same time I don't want "THINGS" to overtake what I LOVE the most and that is my family :)

So, like I said, I have a bunch of goals this year but to sum them up I guess I'm just trying to be a better me. Last year was a little crazy for me. My Dad found out he had cancer again and the outlook was NOT good. The news came at a time when I had TONS of things going on and my emotions were ALL over the place. I felt like a wreck and life just seemed a little overwhelming. A lot of the time I just keep things to myself because I just think I'm ok and can deal with things on my own. I think Steve was a little shocked because I'm normally pretty tough and can cope with anything and everything. I guess I wasn't SOOO bad, I was just SUPER emotional and a bit of a mess. Anyway I went home for the summer which was FANTASTIC! It was hard seeing my Dad so sick but the time we were able to spend with him was AMAZING!!! Since then my Dad has been doing really well. He still has a lot of pain but with the special diet and medicine he takes (all natural stuff) he's been able to stop any growth so we're all thankful for that. It's still such a crazy thing though because he has some REALLY bad days and you never truly know what is going to happen. For now I'm just thankful he's alive and there is no more growth.

When I came home, back to America after being in England it was SOOO hard for me. I've never not wanted to come back here but that time I really wanted to go back home to England. It was the weirdest feeling and I felt sad for a good couple of weeks. I felt so out of place and was pretty sad all the time. It was weird because I LOVE my life here and this is where I want to be but I think because I had spent so much time at home and because of all the things going on with my Dad it just made it so much harder to not be with my family in England. After feeling sorry for myself I'm ok now, it's just hard not being there to help my family and be there with them.

Since then I've thought a lot more about life and how I want my life to be. I've ALWAYS had a STRONG testimony of the gospel and will always be eternally grateful to my parents for raising me in the church and for being such AMAZING examples to me of faith and strength. Last year our family goal was to have Family Home Evening every week and to read the scriptures and have family prayer every day. That is our goal every year it seems but this past year we did the best we've ever done. Not perfect but sooo much better. This year we're adding family prayers in the mornings too because right now we have them before bed but we really wanted to try and have them before the kids leave for school. I really want my kids to LOVE the gospel and be proud to say they are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One of my favourite scriptures is Romans 1:16, it says "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ..." and that truly is how I feel.

Sometimes I think I seem to get caught in the trap of thinking I'm ok, I have a testimony and think that I'm ok without doing the simple things I should be doing. I know that really is NOT the case though. Even though I have a testimony which is great, I need to be constantly be making it stronger and learning as much as I can. One thing I've been doing this year is listening to the Relief Society lesson and general conference talks while I go on my elliptical. I have LOVED it. I'm not big into reading books, ok I'm not big into reading at all, hahaha! This has been such a good way to listen to the things I want to while exercising which is another one of my goals :) My ultimate goal is to get up at 6am every day so I can have that time to exercise, read my scriptures and say my prayers. So far I haven't done great on the time but I have been waking up early enough to exercise and ready my scriptures most of the time. It's sad really that the things that are most important are the things I haven't been doing the best at. Every night I set my alarm but I'm just sooo tired, or maybe just lazy is a better word for it. I need to just tell myself to do and make sure the first thing I do is get on my knees and pray because that is the one thing I'm the worst at and that is the most important one I think.

Anyway I think I could write FOREVER, I'm quite the woffler, hahaha! More than anything I just want to RENEW ME!!! I want to be the best wife, mother, friend, daughter and sister I can be. I know it's always going to be a work in progress but I also know that if I'm always trying that is all Heavenly Father asks of me.

I'm a blog SLACKER!!!

2011-09-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

So, I'm a blog slacker, what can I say. I really actually LOVE keeping a blog but it seems like life has just been a little nuts lately and I have never been able to catch up. We spent most of the summer in England with my family which was GREAT. Due to that though I've been either trying to get ready for that or trying to get back into the swing of life here. Anyway I REALLY want to start blogging again on here and on both of my other blogs. The only problem is that I said I would have a booth at the kids school craft fair so now I need to get busy making lots of wood crafts. The good part about that is that I will be able to add some more things on to my craft blog, YAY :) Anyway I will catch up little by little eventually so watch this space :)

It's been a while

2011-06-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well I really haven't been very good at blogging due to a few different things which include laziness, busyness, forgetfulness, life's drama and many other things. I'm not sure if anyone even follows my blog anymore or really ever did, hahaha ;) The main reason I actually started my blog was so I could keep some kind of journal and so my family and friends would be able to know what was going on with me and my crazy little family. So, I'm going to attempt to try and catch up and get better at blogging again. I guess we'll see how it goes but I am going to try and trying is what matters most, right? :)

***I WILL BE BACK TRACKING SO CHECK OLDER POSTS***

Food Glorious Food

2011-03-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

So for the past few months I have found a new love which is cooking/baking. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE looking at recipes and making lots of yummy new things. Anyway due to this new love I have decided to make a new blog. Last year I made a new craft blog which I plan on starting up again when the weather is nicer. I kind of stopped crafting once I was pregnant and had a new baby but I really wanted to get started again.

Anyway today I started my new cooking blog which is Food Glorious Food and I'm sooo excited about it. I'm not the most skilled cook but I'm learning every day. Mostly this blog is a way for me to document the new recipes I've tried and love and to share those recipes with my friends and anyone else who wants to check them out. Most of the recipes I've found through blogs and recipe books so I will link to wherever I have found them from. If anyone wants to take a look feel free, I added what I made today already, both things were YUMMY so enjoy :)

Funny girl

2011-03-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

This little girl sure is quite the monkey. Not that I should be surprised that I ended up with monkey's but these monkey's sure do keep me busy, especially this one right now. She is ALL over the place and into EVERYTHING.
This day she decided to get into the diaper cream and put it all over her face and hands, nice?!?!
This day she decided to paint her own nails. You can't really see it that well on this picture, plus I had taken most of it off by the time I took this picture.

Oh Hadley, thanks for keeping my life busy and NEVER dull, you're GREAT ;)

6 months and brothers

2011-02-12T17:03:00.000-08:00

I love when my kids get their 6 month pictures. They're old enough that they can smile really big and are just so happy. We got Austin's 6 month pictures the same day Spencer got his 5 year old pictures. Spencer is all about having his picture taken with his brother so of course we had to do that too. My boys are so handsome :)

5 years old, CRAZY!!!

2011-02-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been 5 years since my little man Spencer joined our family. Life sure hasn't been dull since then but I wouldn't have it any other way. Even though this little man is a total nutter and can be a monkey at times he really has me wrapped around his finger. Ever since I knew I was having a boy I just couldn't wait to meet him and snuggle him up. I think an extra soft spot was formed while looking at him one day and I could see my brother Peter, that was so lovely. Spencer really is a special boy, he has a huge smile like his sister Sydney and even though he can be a cheeky little monkey I'm so thankful he joined our family.

He will be starting kindergarten this fall and he really can't wait. He's a lot like Maddie when it comes to learning things. He loves to learn and he taught himself all the sounds and even how to read. He's not shy AT ALL and will try anything. He just wants to be as big as everyone else which is sometimes scary when he's trying to do things he really shouldn't. I'm truly surprised he hasn't broken anything yet with all the things he tries to do. He certainly is ALL boy and I'm glad he's my little boy because I love my Spence-dog SOOO much :)

Here are a couple of pictures from Spencer's 5 year old photo shoot, what a handsome boy if I do say so myself :)

My handsome little man/cow

2011-01-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

I had to add these pictures because Austin just looked so cute. I especially love the cow pictures. We found this cow hat when the girls were babies and our friend got these cow onesies for Austin. This little man is just too cute :)

More random pictures

2011-01-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know what was going on here. It was the first night that Hadley slept in her toddler bed. I don't know whether Syd was trying to stop her getting out of the room but this is how I found them when I went to check if Hadley has stayed in her bed.

This is a picture off Maddie's camera from when we went to the dollar store on day. What a little poser :)

Here's Hadley and her cousin Kue or "Kue Baller" as Hadley calls him. They're so cute!

Another picture from Maddie's camera. We were on the way to Steve's parents house, what nutters :)

Family pictures

2011-01-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a LONG time since we've taken family pictures so I thought it would be fun to try when we went to take Maddie to get her 9 year old pictures. I didn't have very high expectations because I know how it is when I take the 5 kids and try and get their pictures taken. Anyway I was so happy when there ended up being some pretty good pictures of all of us. It's crazy to actually look at these pictures and see how big our little family really is. I love my family so much and am so grateful to have been blessed with such crazy but GREAT kids :)
I had to add this picture. It was the last one and all the kids were ready to be done. Hadley was "trying" to help Austin be happy, it wasn't working too well as you can tell.
Here's some of Maddie's 9 year old pictures. She always takes great photo's which is nice.

New Years Eve

2011-01-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

We spent New Years Eve with our GREAT friends the Staker's and the Layton's. We always so much fun with them so it was a fun night to just get together, catch up and eat LOTS of yummy food. All of us apart from Steve were starting another biggest loser competition the next day so we chowed down on the all the yummy goodness. I stole these pictures from Kristy's blog. I liked the one of the boys playing Wii, Allan was really getting in to it, it was pretty funny.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-17T17:41:00.000-08:00

Every year the Johnson family gets together on Christmas Eve. Grandpa Johnson reads the nativity story out of the Bible while the kids and whoever else wants to act it out. The kids always wear old robes and old dance costumes that belonged to all Grandma's kids. The kids LOVE it and we all love watching them.
This year we had LOTS of beautiful angles, one shepherd, baby Maylee was our "elf" baby Jesus and Rod was the donkey.
Bryce was the lone king and even came with real gifts. Tre and Maddie had to check those out :)
Hadley wasn't too interested in taking part. She was too busy crawling all over the floor being goofy.
After we were done at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house we went over to Steve's parents house to open our Christmas Eve presents. This year Sherisse had made all the kids pj bottoms, they were SOOO cute, even the babies got some.
Austin looked SUPER cute with his BIG smiles. This was the best smile I could get from Hadley, she's sooo funny.
Here are the kids on Christmas morning. They had just read their letter from Santa and were waiting to find all their presents downstairs. Austin was still asleep at this point. We normally video the kids opening their presents every year but this year I didn't press record after getting it all set up, whoops! I realised half way through so at least we got some of it. We didn't get any pictures either, whoops again :( The kids had a FANTASTIC Christmas and once again got WAY too many presents. One thing we did this year though was go through all the kids toys and had them take out a bunch of them to give away. We wanted to give them away before Christmas but we never got round to it. I think this will become a tradition now because our kids have SOOO much and I think knowing their toys were going to go to someone who didn't have any made them happy and more willing to give them away. We really tried to remind our kids this year why we have Christmas and kept trying to remind them throughout the whole day. We spent the whole day with Steve's family and had a WONDERFUL time. I do miss my Mom's Christmas dinner but spending the day with Steve's family is great and we always try and add some of my families traditions like prawn cocktail and crackers.
Christmas is such an AMAZING time of the year. I'm so thankful we get to celebrate our Saviour's birth and remember how LUCKY we are to have the gospel in our lives.

Old school

2010-12-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

Each one of my kids have used this SUPER COOL jumper (I think that's what you call it). Grandma Johnson used this with her kids and now we all use it whenever we go to Steve's Mom's house. This was Austin's first time using it, he didn't really jump around too much but he did love just hanging there. We'll have to try it out again soon :)

9 going on 16, she thinks :)

2010-12-17T16:46:00.000-08:00

Maddie turned 9 in December. It's crazy to think it's actually been that long since we had her. Maddie is a great daughter and helps me out a lot with all the other kids. She's also a little monkey as well but all those things make her who she is. Here's a little of what she's like and the things she likes these days.....

She freaks out A LOT when Steve or I leave.
She HATES sleeping downstairs on her own but won't trade rooms because she loves having her own room.
She wears lots of silly bands and other bracelets.
She loves ear rings and ALWAYS wants me to buy her new ones.
She loves funny books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants.
She likes to think she's one of the grown ups and always tries to be part of everything we're doing.
She loves to hold Austin and help out with him.
She has some great friends which I'm VERY thankful for.
She likes to collect all the princess barbies even though she doesn't really play with them.
She plays the piano and seems to be a natural.
She bares her testimony EVERY month at church.

All in all she's a great girl who is just a normal 9 year old. I'm grateful that she's part of our family. The only thing that worried me about Maddie is that she's getting too big. It makes me scared to think of her being a teenager. I just hope she keeps the same great friends and the same testimony that she has now and I won't be too worried. WE LOVE YOU MADDIE!

She got a BYU sweatshirt, ear rings and camera for her birthday, she was sooo happy. We went out to eat at Chuckarama's for her birthday dinner with Steve's parents.
Here she is getting her birthday spankings from Steve's Dad :)

Catching up ... AGAIN!

2010-12-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I'll ever not be catching up but here we go again :) First of all here's a few cute pictures of the kids.

Halloween

2010-12-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

Now don't get too scared ;) This Halloween was a lot less stressful for me than last year because I wasn't putting together the school carnival. It was nice to have a break and just do the normal things. The teachers put together the school carnival which was lots of fun, well everything apart from waiting in line for an hour so my kids could climb up the climbing wall. It's a good job I love my kids because I stayed in line while they went and played.

The next day we went to Albion with our GREAT friends the Layton's and the Staker's. Jaren's boss owns the haunted houses in Albion so we went to go through them and stay the night in this cool converted hotel. Before it actually started we took our kids through the 3 haunted houses and even without people being in them to scare you it was scary! I didn't make it through the 3rd one, Spencer and Maddie were not liking it at all and truthfully neither was I. Syd went through with Steve though. We had a yummy dinner together and then the boys and Kristy went though the haunted houses again while they were running. I'm a total chicken so there was no way I was going in. When they all got back we played games and had a great time together. I should have taken more photo's, it was a cool place. The only pictures we got were of our kids sleeping. It was pretty cool seeing the old buildings, one was a gym that had a track above the bleachers. Another one had a theatre in it but when we went through there something caught on fire so Jaren helped put it out. In the morning we went through the girls dorms, they don't have anything in there but they want to convert it some day. It would be great if it was closer to Idaho Falls, I think people would love it.

We drove home the next day so we could go trick or treating with Steve's family and have our annual get together at my house with everyone. It was a great weekend but also long so this is what our living room looked like at the end of the day :)

Goofballs

2010-12-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

For achievement days they had a Daddy/Daughter night where they had to dress up as nerds. Maddie and Steve had fun getting ready and they ended up looking great.

Then about a week later it was crazy hair day at school so I gave Maddie and Sydney some crazy hair doo's, FUN TIMES :)

My Cuties

2010-12-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2010-12-06T22:07:00.001-08:00

This year I turned 30!!! I think for some people turning 30 is hard but for me it was no big deal at all. I really don't care how old I am, age doesn't mean anything to me. Anyway it was a fun day and Steve surprised me with a GREAT gift. So, I opened a gift bag and saw this lovely? wallet, hahaha! My first thought was, wow, I hope he doesn't think I will want to use this. Of course I didn't say anything because I didn't want to hurt his feelings. Thank goodness he finally told me he got it from DI and it was just for fun :) Everything inside was the real gift. He had got me a bunch of different gift cards, $30 in cash, some checks he had made and some white gold ear rings in the purse part. It was such a clever idea, I LOVED IT! Steve also took me out on a date to Johnny Carino's, my favourite and then we went to a corn maze which I had never done before, it was lots of fun. I loved spending my birthday with my wonderful kids and husband so THANKS!

Utah Trip

2010-12-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

So once again I'm TERRIBLE and I need to catch up yet again! A couple months ago we went down to Utah for a long weekend. We had been wanting to go down there all summer but because of my largeness it never happened ;) We had a great time, we went to the zoo, Chuckie Cheese, the farm at Thanksgiving Point, Build a Bear, a BYU game with Rod and Mollie and Temple Square. It was so much fun to cram it all in and just spend time together as a family doing whatever we wanted. We took TONS of pictures so I need to make a slide show but for now I'll add a great picture Mollie took of us at the BYU game, which BYU won, GO COUGARS :)

Picture diary

2010-10-12T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a lot of what we've been up to lately. After loading these pictures I realised they are all of my three youngest kids, whoops! Since the girls have started school all we've done is pretty much hang out at home, run errands and I started to work out. Spencer and Hadley just love Austin, they love to hold him and give him kisses. Every morning when Steve leaves for work, he kisses us all goodbye but if he ever forgets Austin, Hadley always reminds him. I love my little monkey's, they're all so lovely. Austin started to smile which is great, he even tries to laugh sometimes which is pretty cute. I'm so grateful I get to stay home with my kids, it's such a wonderful blessing. I get to see all the new things they do, whether they're good or bad, hahaha :) I LOVE MY FAMILY!

First day of school

2010-10-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

I'm so behind on blogging so I thought I would quickly add some posts and some pictures. Of course I forgot to take a picture of the girls before their first day of school but at least I got one afterwards right, hahaha! I was glad school was starting again and so were they but neither of us were glad about how early they have to get up. They have to be outside for the bus at 7:35am which is pretty early. So far school has been great for the girls and great for me :) Now we just need Spencer to start preschool, that will be lovely :) Not that I don't love my kids, it's just nice to have a break and it's nice to run errands with only 2 kids.

Hunting pro's

2010-09-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

Sydney and Spencer are HILARIOUS!!! They're always creating things out of twigs, paper. weeds, or pretty much anything they can find. This is one the latest things they have been making, their own bows and arrows. I'm glad they're so creative, I think it's great, well except for when they bring all their lovely creations into my house. Summer has been so much fun for them because they've been able to do so many fun things outside. I don't know what they're going to do when it starts getting colder??? I'm sure they'll think of something though ;)

Going on a frog hunt

2010-09-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

Last month we went up to our friends Kristy and Allan's family cabin with their family and the Layton's. It was nice to get away and just play games, eat good food and spend time with our great friends :) The kids had a blast, playing outside, making movies with Syd's camera and finding lots of bugs, little frogs and one big toad/frog whatever it was. I just thought this picture was cute, plus I just wanted to say how grateful I am to have such amazing friends, it was a great weekend :)

My cheeky monkey

2010-09-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

I love this little girl sooo much and because life has been a little nuts lately I have been slacking on the whole blogging thing. Anyway this cutie pie turned 2 last month and we tried really hard to make he day special. First of all we went to the zoo with Steve's Mom and Trish's kids. We then all met Steve, his Dad and Steph at her favourite place to eat for lunch which was McDonald's of course :) After that we went to Reid's dairy to get ice cream. We weren't able to get out and see the cows because we had to get home but the ice cream was delicious. We opened presents when Steve got home which all the kids were excited about. Then due to my laziness and for fun we went out to eat for dinner at Red Robin because they sing happy birthday there and all the kids love that. Hadley had a SUPER day and enjoyed her free birthday desert (as you can see in the above picture). She really is the cutest little thing. She is so loving towards Steve and I, she's just too cute for her own good.

I'm amazed!

2010-08-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

Today I took the kids to get pictures taken at JCPenny's. I was mainly getting Hadley's 2 year old pictures and Austin's newborn ones but I always try and get one of all the kids every time I go because it's so hard to get good ones of them all together. I thought I would get the group one out of the way first, mainly because last time we went to get pictures Hadley was quite nervous so I thought if she went with everyone it would help her. I was WRONG!!! She was not about to co operate easily AT ALL! The pictures turned out pretty good though, you wouldn't really know how hard it was to make her actually be in the pictures. Next it was Austin's turn and he just slept the whole time and let the lady do whatever she wanted. Then it was onto Hadley and I was pretty sure it was going to be a nightmare but we actually got her to take some cute pictures. There was more bribing involved but she did it and that was all that mattered. I know I'm biased but I think my kids are pretty cute :) It's still abit nuts to think I have 5 kids now but I'm so glad and HAPPY to have each of them.

Our new little man

2010-08-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

(Here's just a few pictures, I will make a slide show later)

Austin Everett Pettingill

2010-08-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

He's finally here and we're all sooo happy!!!

I had been scheduled to get induced Monday 9th Aug which I was happy about but at the same time I was still hoping I would go into labour on my own. After a fun Johnson reunion with lots of laughs and yummy food we went home Sunday night and started getting everything ready to go for the morning. While I was washing my face I thought I felt a contraction but I had been feeling pains all the time so I wasn't sure. It was almost 10pm at that point and I was tired so I went to lie down and the contractions kept coming every 10-15 minutes. I was REALLY hoping these weren't fake like the ones the week before so I didn't tell Steve for a while. After a while they started coming closer together so I thought I would walk around for abit which made the contractions even closer.

Just before 1am I decided we should probably go to the hospital so I woke Steve up and we got ready to go. I never know when to go in, I don't want to be too early or too late but this time more than anything I just wanted to go because I was having a v-back and I felt more safe at the hospital than at home. We left Mom with the kids until we knew if we would really be having the baby or not (that didn't take long so Sherisse picked her up and Steph stayed with the kids). We got there at about 1:30am and I knew I was in for a long night. The nurse checked me and I was already close to 7cm which I was surprised about. I had kind of decided to get an epidural at that point, not so much for the pain, just because I felt safer if anything crazy would have happened due to trying a v-back. Dr Leavitt got there a little while later (at about 2:30am) and told me I was already at 9cm and he also broke my water so I wasn't sure whether there was really any point to get an epidural because we thought I would be having the baby pretty quick but that didn't happen.

I stayed at 9cm for a while, the contractions were still coming but not very fast anymore so they ended up giving me some pitt which was NOT fun :( It didn't take long for it to kick in and when it did it absolutely killed and I was in LOTS of pain and wishing I had got the epidural but it was too late. It took about 30-45 minutes and it was time to push . I was in so much pain at that point I was excited to push but when I finally did it was even more painful but I just wanted to be done so I pushed as hard as I could and as close together as I could. The doctor had asked Steve if he wanted to help deliver the baby but I think Steve was too worried about me because I was having a hard time so he said no. At 4:46am I was done, it took about 6-7 pushes and only a few minutes and as soon as he came out I felt a HUGE relief. It all just seemed so unreal but also so amazing. I remember thinking "maybe this really should be the last baby" when I was in so much pain but now I think if there is any more little Pettingill's to come I will FOR SURE be getting the epidural next time.

It was so great to be able to hold our little squished up man as soon as I delivered him, he looked just like the rest of my kids. They took him off to clean him up and weigh him but it was so nice to be right there while they did all of it this time. We had been thinking maybe he would be 7lbs something but we were wrong. He weighed 8lbs 9ozs and was 21.5 inches long so he's my second biggest baby and my 4th baby to be born on a Monday. Syd was born on a Friday and was 6lbs 6ozs, all the others have been 8lbs or more on a Monday, kind of funny. It was so nice to have my Mom and Steve's Mom there this time. Sherisse has been able to be there each time we've had a baby but this time my Mom made it, what a great blessing that was.

Once all the excitement was over Mom and Sherisse went back home to get some rest, the nurses took the baby (we hadn't named him yet) to get all cleaned up and checked out and Steve and I went to my new room and had a nap for about an hour. We were both SHATTERED!!! There wasn't too much time to rest though but we were excited to see our new little man again. He wasn't so squished up so we were able to check him out more and figure out what we wanted to name him. We pretty much decided on Austin Everett but we wanted to make sure the kids felt like they were deciding too so when they came we asked them what they thought about it, they all agreed so that's when we really made the decision. The kids came just after lunch with my Mom, Sherisse, Brad and Steph it was a bit of a mad house but that is just how it will be when we get home too :) The kids were sooo excited to see their new brother, Hadley wasn't too sure about it and really didn't want to sit with me on the bed, I think it all worried her abit. They all had a few turns to hold him and had lots of questions about everything. Later in the day Trish came with her kids and Sherisse, Grandma Johnson came down for a minute from her room (she's still in the hospital), Arin and Kristy came (Alan for a second too), Natalie popped in for a minute and then Val, Karen and Bryce came too after seeing Gma. It was so nice to see everyone and receive everyone's messages on facebook so THANKS. By the end of the day though I was exhausted so I fed Austin and let the nursery nurses take care of him while I got some sleep. He came back in at about 2am and then again after 6am so I was able to get lots of rest which I was VERY grateful for.

It's now Tuesday morning and I'm all ready to go home :) They just bought Austin back in and he's fast asleep. He's just sooo lovely. He fits right in our little family, lots of the same features and blond hair. We'll have to see whether he has blue eyes or hazel like me and Hadley. What a miracle it is to have this new little baby, it's always so crazy and amazing to me to think that I actually had him inside me all this time and that he actually fit :) I feel so blessed to be a Mom and to have this great privilege to raise my children. I feel honoured that Heavenly Father has such trust in me, that he would let me be a Mom to 5 amazing children. I'm not the most patient Mom but I do love my kids. They mean the world to me and I feel so blessed to have my little family. I have an amazing husband who works so hard to provide for our family which lets me stay home with the kids. He's a FANTASTIC Dad and would do anything for any of us. Austin will love getting to know his Dad and his crazy older brother Spencer. Just thinking about my family makes me smile, it's unbelievable sometimes to think I have been married for almost 10 years and that Steve and I now have 5 children.

I'm just so happy, a little uncomfortable but EXTREMELY HAPPY :)

The end is in sight

2010-08-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

So today I went to the doctors for a check up and I was hoping something had changed since last week, especially because I had been having some contraction this past Saturday night and Sunday. Of course it was still the same but oh well! There was some good news though, I was able to schedule getting induced for this coming Monday, Aug 9th :) I have never had to be induced, I always just go into labour. The last two times I've been 3 and 2 weeks early so I was hoping for the same this time. No such luck but I do hope I go into labour on my own before Monday.

Anyway for now I'm just glad there is an end in sight and that I know if I don't go into labour then I only have to wait until Monday, so 5 more days and I can handle that. It will be nice to have my Mom here too this time. She's never been able to be here when I've had any of my children so it will be fun but I'm sure nuts having her with me. My Mom is GREAT but is very dramatic when watching films, sporting events and things like that so I'm sure she'll be quite dramatic with this too but it will make it fun and interesting :) She flies in tonight but will be coming up tomorrow so we're all very excited.

So, I now know I will actually have this baby. It has seemed like it was never going to happen, it really never seems real to me until you're actually in labour and having the baby. I'm sooo excited but also nervous to have a v-back and actually have contractions. I didn't feel contractions with my last 2 babies so it's going to be interesting. We also need to figure out a name so I'm excited to finally see this little man and see which name we will be going with (Steve think it's going to be Austin Everett so we'll see if we end up with that). YAY for new babies and YAY for knowing Monday will be the day if not before!

Matching

2010-07-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

The other month I got Hadley this dress on clearance, then a few weeks ago I found the same ones for the girls on clearance aswell so I thought it would be fun to get matching dresses. Maddie has been excited to wear them but I always forget so I promised they could wear them this Sunday. Of course Maddie didn't forget, she got them all out Sunday morning and was so excited. They all looked lovely so we took some pictures after church. Spencer wanted to get in the action too so we took a few of all the kids. They turned out pretty cute, even with Spencer's sad forehead :( I can't believe how big my kids are actually getting. It's crazy to think Hadley will be 2 next month and we will soon be a family of 7. We're all getting so excited for this new addition, Maddie keeps telling me what days I can and can't have him. She asked if I could pick the day, I WISH!!! Hopefully soon though but for now I'm trying to have fun with the 4 monkeys I already have, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!

This one is a little funny but still cute!

Oh my goodness

2010-07-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

The kids were playing on their bikes tonight after dinner. I had actually asked them not to but surprise, they didn't listen. Anyway I could hear this shouting outside which I assumed was Sydney because she's always screaming and going crazy outside, it's just the norm :) I was wrong, Spencer came running through the door covering his head. I of course thought the worst and when he moved his hand I was thankful he hadn't split his head open but he did have a HUGE lump on his head. He is pretty lucky he didn't split it open, that would have been fun. Not the thing I wanted to be going to the hospital for right now. Afterwards he sat down by me and I put ice on his head and he said, "I shouldn't have gone outside". Oh really, see there is a reason why you should listen to Mom. He's still freaking out and is telling us he can't handle it, I wonder where he got that saying from? We had to put him in the bath to keep him awake because he was falling asleep, plus he is super filthy as you can see in the picture. My poor handsome little man :(

Diving board day

2010-07-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Spencer had been looking forward to this day even before they started swimming lessons this year. He even asked me if he could do a flip off the diving board but I said it would be up to his teacher. They all did really well in their classes this year, they love being able to take swimming lessons, I really should do it more than once a year but then it's another thing, more time and more money. Anyway today was the last day so of course like t-ball I waited until today to take pictures. Both the girls didn't have to wear life jackets this time so that was fun (I don't think Maddie did last year either). Spencer was hilarious, he had to keep reminding his teacher that he did not need help jumping off, I think he said it about 5-6 times.

Now I'm just glad that ALL our summer activities are OVER :) Of course we'll be doing lots more fun things but it's so nice to know we don't HAVE to do something, we can just do WHATEVER we want, WHENEVER we want. Now we're just looking forward to Trish and the kids coming back, family reunions, my Mom and Kezia coming and of course the arrival of our new little man. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Peacock hunt

2010-07-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

We've been to the zoo a bunch of times this year but I never really get round to taking pictures but this time I thought I should probably get the camera out. I did only take 3 pictures (how sad) but they were fun ones. The kids always try and find where the peacocks are, Syd had found one towards the beginning but then when we got to the penguins at the end we found 3 of them all together. The kids thought it was great but Syd was sad she didn't get to find a feather (good job she has a lovely Grandma who got her one in the gift shop afterwards). Of course Syd has a nuts smile in these pictures but I guess it wouldn't be Syd otherwise :)

Luau Queen

2010-07-12T11:04:00.001-07:00

We had a Luau at church on Friday for the YM's fundraiser. It was so much fun, everyone had a great time but I think Sydney had the most fun. While the show was on Syd was dancing away at the side, she was so cute. At the end I was pretty tired so I took Sherisse and all the kids home apart from Sydney. She wanted to stay with Steve and see all the dancers etc... They didn't end up getting home until after 10pm so I was already in bed. She came in all dressed up with a HUGE smile. She is NOT a shy child at all, I guess she had been slyly asking for some of the flowers etc... so our YM's president, Bro T gave her a bunch of things. She was showing me all her poses and has been putting it all on ever since. She was pulling the funniest faces while I tried to take a picture so the first one is quite a forced smile but the second one is pretty cute. It's so funny how she can be so into catching bugs and doing lots of boy things and then wanting to be super girlie. She's the best, I'm glad she has a great imagination and likes to do all sorts of things, it sure keeps life interesting aswell :)

I love her

2010-07-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

I really do love this little girl. She's getting so big and has really started to want to be way more independent and is not about to do anything she doesn't want to do. She gets mad when I try and put her in her car seat, she always tries to sit with her sisters in the back. She has started to run away when I'm trying to change her diaper and then wants to try and go potty but never has actually peed yet. It's so hard to get mad at her though because she's so cute but I've been trying to be strict because I don't want her to think she can be naughty. I'm not that nervous about how she'll be when the baby comes, I'm more nervous how I'm going to cope with a new baby and an almost 2 year old. For now I'm trying to enjoy my little cutie and her cheeky ways.

Chopped

2010-07-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sydney has always wanted long hair but lately she told me she wanted to get it cut shorter like Maddie's. I've always thought it would look nice like that but could never talk her into it. Last week her and I went to get our hair cut and she did it and I think it looks super cute. They're not the greatest before and after pictures. She kept blinking on the first one so then she tried to keep her eyes open as wide as she could. Then on the after picture it was the day after so her hair was a little all over the place and the sun was in her eyes. She's a cutie and is getting so big.

The many faces of Hadley

2010-06-25T16:30:00.001-07:00

Today when we got home from the store Hadley wanted to get her picture taken so we started snapping. She has the funniest faces lately, she totally cracks me up. These are just a few of the crazy faces she's been making. Of course her face is nice and dirty and she is half dressed but she still looks pretty cute. I love my little monkey, she's started to get a little sassy lately but she's still lovely :)

Comfy???

2010-06-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

Spencer decided he would have a sleepover in the kitchen last week. I'm not sure I would want to sleep on that hard floor but he made himself a bed and before we knew it he was asleep. What a goof ball!

A little late

2010-06-10T14:49:00.001-07:00

Today we went to get Syd's 7 year old pictures taken, I was only 2 months late, whoops! I would have gone earlier but she had been licking her lips so they were all red. Then I just spaced it with school getting out and t-ball starting etc... Anyway I finally made an appointment and we went today. She looked so lovely, she really is a beautiful little girl. She's getting so tall and so smart. The other night it was almost 11pm and Steve could here something, he said it was Syd so he went to see what she was doing. He found her sitting by her night light reading. It was so cute and such a great thing to see. This year her reading has improved sooo much, she just has never been that bothered about wanting to learn to read or do those kind of things. She's always been more creative and free spirited which she still is but it's so nice to hear her read and see her want to read. I love my little Syd, she's so lovely and really keep our family entertained.
I think this one is super cute, it really shows her funny little personality. She's so much fun!

Just in case

2010-06-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Poor Spencer was sick on Thursday so I laid him on the couch on a towel and with a bowl. I was busy doing things around the house and when I came back in the living room I found Spencer asleep on the couch. I had to laugh because he had the bowl under his chin, just in case, too funny! Thank goodness there was no more throw up though and now he's back to his cheeky little self, I love my handsome little man :)

Who is it?

2010-05-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

The other day I was doing laundry and I came out of my bedroom to find the laundry basket was in the middle of the hallway but all of a sudden it moved. I saw some little eyes peering out and realised it was Hadley, all curled up under there. She's so funny! She really has been such an amazing baby but she's not so much a baby anymore. She has been talking way more lately and is so independent. She still loves her Mom and Dad though and is always so loving. I've been so blessed to have such a great baby and soon to be 2 year old, I really can't believe how fast the time has gone.She's just too cute!

So beautiful

2010-05-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

This past year Sydney has been taking tumbling at this small dance studio. She really wanted to go the nice big gymnastics place but I told her she had to try it somewhere cheaper first to make sure she really liked it (I'm such a cheapo). Anyway she loved it and kept asking me all year when she would be able to go to the bigger one so we'll be signing her up there this fall.

Last weekend she had her recital, she got to wear this cute costume and I tried to doll her up which I'm not the greatest at but I think she looked sooo beautiful when we were all finished. She thought it was great having make up put on but knew her Dad wouldn't really like it. She wasn't a fan of getting her hair done because it took a while, mostly due to my lack hair doo skills. She enjoyed checking herself out in the mirror afterwards though, admiring herself, it was too cute.

Sydney really is my free spirited child. She's so much fun, sometimes scary to watch as she will try and do just about anything but it's fun to see her just enjoy life and be happy doing the funniest things. She can be so girlie but also such a tom boy, she's just the greatest. I LOVE YOU SYD!!!

One of those days

2010-05-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those days when I feel like crap and can't be bothered to do anything! I really try not to write negative posts on here or feel sorry for myself posts because I know I really don't have anything to REALLY complain about in the grand scheme of things. I watched this cool video from the new Mormon messages and it was on my friend Joanne's blog which is actually where I watched it from.

Anyway even though I still feel BLAHHH, I am really glad I watched that message this morning because every time I start feeling sorry for myself today I have remembered how blessed my life is and I shouldn't worry about the dumb things I'm thinking about. Most of those dumb things probably aren't even real or what people think but you know how it is, some days we just have a little pity party, poor me I know :(

I'm just glad to have the wonderful things in my life that I am blessed with and I'm grateful for great friends, family members and a blog where I can woffle on and sometimes feel sorry for myself on but also find great inspiration from when I see my friends and families new posts so thanks Joanne!

Grateful

2010-04-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

There is no real reason for my thoughts today, nothing amazing is going on but I just started thinking about how grateful I am. I think it's so easy sometimes to think about all the crappy things we go through and how hard life is sometimes that we forget to be grateful for all that we have. I'm not saying we should never complain or feel sorry for ourselves because sometimes life does SUCK and that's just the way it is.

But.... I'm so grateful for the blessings I have that remind me even though life is crazy sometimes I have so much to be thankful for.

-I have a home that may take work to clean but I have a home where I'm surrounded by great neighbours, friends and family.
-I have 4 healthy children who may drive me insane sometimes but they're healthy and they are great little people who help me learn every day, (mainly learn patience which I REALLY need).
-I'm having another baby which may make me go to the bathroom tons in the night and get super uncomfortable and gain lots of weight but I can get pregnant and be a Mom which is a wonderful miracle.
-I have a husband who may be a tease (I couldn't think of anything bad but he is a tease) but he works sooo hard to provide for my family and helps me with the kids TONS which makes my life so much easier.
-I have a car that I may have to pay to get fixed after I back up into the garbage can but I can take my kids wherever they need to go and it works.
-I have the best families and friends EVER and I don't know what I would do without them. The only bad part is that they don't all live closer to me.
-I have a body that maybe getting bigger everyday, hahaha but I have a body and it works and has no major problems. One day I can work on the getting it smaller part but I'm grateful I have a body that allows me to do anything I need to do.
-I have the gospel in my life that helps me everyday. I may go through trials but without my testimony those trials would be so much harder to bare.

My list could go on and on forever and I'm a super woffler so I'll stop there. Basically I'm just grateful to blessed with so much. I know I'll still complain about how tough life is sometimes but I know I can always think of all the amazing blessings I have and realise I really don't have that much to complain about. I love my life, I love my family, I love my friends and I love the gospel and the knowledge I have of the plan of salvation, those things truly are my greatest blessings!

Squashed!

2010-04-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday night Steve had to go and clean the chapel so I was left bathing the kids and getting them ready for bed. The kids were all tired from a long fun day in the sun so we all just sat in the living room watching Disney. Hadley was super tired because she hadn't had a nap all day. She fell asleep on my pretty fast and then Spencer wanted to cuddle so up he jumped. Next thing I knew I had 2 sleeping monkey's on me.

Steve came a little while later and asked what we had been doing. I said, "well I've been sitting here squashed for the past over an hour." Really though I didn't mind, I love when my kids want to cuddle me. If only I didn't already have a nice big lump attached to my body then maybe I could have been a little more comfy :)

Stinky Poo

2010-04-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

It's actually been kind of nice having Steve work on the other side of town. We've been able to go and see him a few times for lunch which Hadley and Spencer love. There is a McD's with a play land which Spencer calls "the new McD's" and right across from where Steve works is Reed's dairy. So last week I took Hadley and Spencer to meet Steve for ice cream. Spencer wasn't too impressed with how smelly it was but they loved looking at the cows, especially the calves. We also got to see them milking the cows. After we looked around we all got ice cream and it was DELICIOUS! Now the girls want to go back so we'll have to do that another day. It's always fun to see Daddy while he's at work but eating the yummy ice cream may not be too good for me, oh well I'm pregnant :)

The more part...

2010-04-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

So here's the rest of Syd's birthday. Just after opening presents we went to the river to feed the ducks. It was a little windy which you tell my poor Hadley's face, she was getting blown to pieces. She kept pointing at all the ducks and got a little nervous when Steve would take her close to them. The kids love feeding the ducks but they were getting sick of the seagulls trying to take all the food. At one point Syd was trying to chase the geese, I told her they would bite her but she wasn't too worried, she's nuts!

After feeding the ducks we went over to Steve's Mom and Dad's house. We had cake and ice cream after dinner, thankfully this year she just wanted a colourful crazy cake which was super easy :) She got to open her presents from Brad and Sherisse after cake and boy was she excited. She got a zhu zhu pet and a house, she was in heaven. Since she's been telling everyone all about it. Our other kids were so jealous and kept asking me to take them to the store to get them one. Lucky for them Sherisse is super nice and got each of them their own zhu zhu pet. Spencer said it was the best day ever, he was SOOO happy, (thanks Sherisse). After presents Syd got her birthday spankings from Grandpa, the kids think it's so fun, they ask for them now. All in all it was a great birthday. On Monday Steve took Syd out for her birthday date to Mongolian grill, her choice which Steve was VERY happy about as it's his favourite. Of course I couldn't stay at home so I took the other kids to Fazoli's, yummy! What a great birthday!!!

A bit of this and abit of that

2010-04-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

The other week my friend had some Amish friendship bread she was giving away so I had to get some for Steve because he thinks it's pretty cool. Once we'd done all the steps he made it with the kids, they thought it was great.
Here is Hadley falling asleep in another crazy place, by the back door. A few weeks before she had fallen asleep by her bedroom door too (pictures below).

Easter was next, Maddie woke up super early but we made her wait for the rest of the kids to wake up. She wanted to leave carrots for the bunny this year so we did that. The kids all lined up in the hallway and came into the kitchen to find their treats which were WAY more than I planned on them getting but there was such a great sale on movies so I couldn't resist. This year for Easter we had our first family Easter egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house and of course I didn't have my camera. We did it in the house but it was still LOTS of fun and we had yummy pizza, we have such a great family so it was fun spending time with them. After that we went over to the fire station for their annual Easter egg hunt. It was freezing and super windy but the kids had a blast and got TONS of eggs. Now we have WAY too much candy so I've been trying to give it away.

Sydney turned 7 this past Sunday so we tried to make it a special day for her. We had gone out for lunch on the Saturday with her cousin's and Grandma so that was fun. For her birthday we waited until after church for her to open her presents. She got a cat that walks and makes noise and a pet stroller, bed, carrier thing. She's big into animals and things like that.

Syd is such a lovely little girl. She really does have her own personality but I love it. Every time I go into school her teacher has something funny or crazy to tell me about Syd but each of those things makes her the wonderful daughter she is. I'm so grateful to have her as part of our family, she really adds such a great dynamic. She's such a beautiful little girl, still mini but is growing so much. I can't believe she'll be 8 next year, it's nuts. She's so caring and loves her little sister Hadley so much, sometimes too much but truthfully I wouldn't have it any other way.

Spencer and Maddie felt left out when I was taking tons of pictures of Syd so I had to quickly get a photo of each of them, they're so goofy and Maddie is such a poser :) There is more to blog about but there are too many pictures so I'll have to do it when I have more time. We had a great day though so stay posted for more.....

I gave in, it's a ................

2010-04-06T08:01:00.001-07:00

................................................ BOY!!!

I really thought I wouldn't find out what we were having this time but Steve really wanted to find out and so did the kids so I gave in! It was so easy not to find out when we had Hadley but I think that's because I really wanted another girl so I didn't care. I didn't care this time either but I did think it would be great to have a boy.

I had my appointment yesterday so I loaded all the kids up in the car and we went to the doctors. My doctor is so nice, as soon as he came in the room he span around on his stool and let each of the kids sit on his lap and spin around, the kids thought that was great. I then got measured and he said I was measuring big, around 22-23 weeks. After my first appointment they moved my date back 1 week due to measurements which I was sad about. Then this time the baby measured back to my due date so we'll see whether my doctor changes it or not, I HOPE SO!!!

Anyway Steve came at the end of me seeing the doctor, just in time for the ultrasound. We all piled into the ultrasound room and kids crowded around the tv. They were so excited and kept asking questions. At first the lady was looking at all the things she needed to record and see so the kids weren't too impressed and got a little restless. While she was looking around I had already seen what we were having, I could totally tell but then she asked and told us for sure. The kids were all sooo excited and so was Steve. He thinks we're having a girl every time, he's funny! I have been right every time we've had a baby, I knew this was going to be a boy but it was nice to actually see for sure. After showing us some cool things she said "let's take a look with 4D" which was so cool. The kids liked that because you could actually see the baby really well, he looked a lot like the rest of the kids. She poked him to make him move and you could see him moving his arm and leg, it was so cute.

It always seems so unbelievable to think you have a baby inside you. Even though you can feel the baby move it's crazy to think you have this mini little baby growing inside of you, what an amazing miracle. I feel so blessed to be having this baby, I'm not in a rush to be waking up all the time in the night but I can't wait to see this little boy. It's going to be so fun to add another little man to the madness. I just want to enjoy my children while they're little, especially little Hadley, she still seems so small and she's so lovely. Anyway I've been woffling on again forever so I should go. Here's some pictures of our newest addition, ENJOY!!!

A little late but oh well

2010-03-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

Since I've been pregnant I have had no desire to do much of anything. Lately I've had more energy and have tried to be more organised but I haven't got round to making some of my crafts. Yesterday Kristy called to see whether I wanted to come over and craft with her and Arin which of course I said yes to. I had a few things to do, plus I thought I would make each of us a simple chick for Easter.

Even though I'm a little late getting it all done I finally have the 2 Easter things I wanted to make. I never got round to making the St Patricks ladder set I cut out but oh well, maybe next year right, hahaha!?

Working on my "to do" list

2010-03-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to the Family Conference at BYU-Idaho with two of my best friends. It was a great day and nice to do something different and uplifting. We took one class about organisation which was really good, there was lots of handy tips. Once I got home I started making a HUGE list of LOTS of things I needed to do and get from the store. So, since then I've been working on getting everything done and am glad to say my list has lots of things crossed off. I have so many little projects that needed to be done and trust me there are still TONS more that need to get done. But we're getting there and today we were able to get a bunch of things done.

I had some vinyl that I got from my friend Janae ages ago, I think over a year ago, how sad is that!? Anyway I got TONS and have slowly been putting it up but had left the biggest one and now I can see why. It wasn't the best thing to do while pregnant but we got it done and I was SOOO glad (you'll have to excuse my broken blinds, I will never get them again)! We also put up the Temple picture I made before Christmas, it looks so nice.

Last night I went to Janae's craft group she just started. I could only stay for about 3o minutes but I got the paper and vinyl on so today I finished putting the embellishments on and I think they turned out cute. Everyone else had their vinyl say "welcome spring" but I have a few things with spring on already so I changed mine. Abit different but I think it looks nice.

This is some of the vinyl I got from Janae too over a year ago, hahaha! This is in Syd and Hadley's room, Syd helped me put it together, she loves them.

Here is the finally cleaned up craft room (I know it still looks abit manic, I wish I had a before picture and then you could really see the difference). There are still a few things that need to be put away and that need a home but atleast now we can actually walk in there. We have WAY too much stuff. One and half of the big plastic drawers are FULL of colouring books and one is full of new crayons and markers. Hopefully now we're able to get in there we can use some of the things we have. It feels so nice to have it done though, whew! We also put the white board up in there and put Maddie's cork board and frame up in her room. We have quite a few things left to do in poor Maddie's room, that is one of the next things on my to do list.

I'm just so glad I'm making some progress. The first few months of being pregnant I had no desire to do anything, plus I just felt crappy all the time. It's nice to be able to have some energy back and be able to get these things done. Now we just need to get some shelves in the garage so we can really start doing more organising. Hopefully our tax refund will come soon and poor Steve can be put to work :)

Yummy!

2010-03-11T16:17:00.000-08:00

There's not really a cute story behind these pictures but they were too cute not to post. Hadley finds anything that gets left out or anything that isn't. Here's her latest discovery, Spencer's left over chocolate pudding. She thought it was delicious as you can tell.

My Part

2010-03-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

For the past week or so I've been thinking that I really need to get myself and our family in order. Our family has been SOOO blessed lately yet we struggle to show how grateful we are for the blessings we receive. Steve got a new job at the end of last year which had a pay raise, I got pregnant, the kids are healthy and even though we've had to pay bills out for split open heads, lots of dentists appointments, doctors visits and also finishing the basement, we still have had sufficient for our needs.

Life is busy sometimes, well all the time but I find the time to do things "I want" or I think "I need" to do but don't find the time to do the things that will truly benefit our family and show are appreciation for the blessings we have. We always go through spurts of having FHE, reading the scriptures and saying prayers as a family. I'm terrible these days at my own personal study and prayers and I never write my journal anymore (that's one reason I love to write my blog, when I actually do it). There really isn't a lack of time for these things but it seems like when life is going great that I forget that it's still important to say thanks or ask for things I need. I also just miss the feeling of warmth and the spirit that it brings to me.

One of my friends has just starting spring cleaning her house which is something I REALLY need to be doing but instead I think I need to spring clean my life. I have so many excuses why I haven't been doing what I should but I really want to start doing the things that will help me become a better mother, wife and daughter of my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the gospel but really have been slacking lately when it comes to doing my part. I pray when I feel low or am scared which is great but those shouldn't be the only times I go to my Heavenly Father. So my goal is to really get myself in order and try and get back to having that spirit and strength with me all the time.

What's one more, right?

2010-03-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

Yes it's true, I'm pregnant! I'm due August 15th but I'm hoping this little bundle of joy and poop will decide to come out the end of July or the beginning of August. I have wanted to tell everyone for ages but I get so worried about everything being ok. I didn't even tell my friends until I was 12 weeks, that was so hard! What made it harder was the fact that when I was 10 weeks I was helping throw a baby shower for my friend and right at the beginning I started to spot so I was freaking out but trying not to show it because no one knew. Luckily everything has been going well since but because I had such a late miscarriage before I had Hadley I wanted to get further along before I told everyone. I went to the doctors today for my 16 week appointment and everything is going well, I heard the heart beat so that put me more at ease.

I'm so excited to be pregnant and to have another baby. I'm sure adding number 5 to the madness will be quite crazy but I think I'm ready, think being the word. I don't know how ready I am to be HUGE during summer again but I can't complain. I'm just glad things are going well and the baby is healthy. My ultra sound is in 5 weeks which will be fun. When we had Hadley I didn't find out whether we were having a boy or a girl so I'm not sure whether to again this time. I'm leaning towards not finding out but it's so tempting, especially when everyone else I know is finding out. It would be fun to have another boy, well I don't know if fun is the right word. I love Spencer so much but he is a handful. I truly admire my friends who have lots of boys, GO YOU GUYS!!! Either way though really I would be happy. A healthy baby is all I ask for.

The other thing I'm trying to decide about is whether to try a v-back or not??? I would have totally done it after I had Spencer, he was breach so I had to get a c-section. Then Hadley was breach and she wouldn't turn so I had no choice again. My doctor said I can do it but it does worry me abit. I guess we'll see when the time comes and we'll have to pray about it. Knowing my luck this baby will be breach so I'll have to get a c-section. Not that c-sections are bad but to me I feel abit ripped off having a c-section. I love giving birth, I think it's the most amazing thing. Only time will tell I guess!

Anyway the secret is finally out and I'm so glad. I am still nervous but SOOO excited! I just hope the time will go fast, well for some things I do but at the same time I should really treasure the moments I have with my kids. I truly am blessed to live the life I have. I have an amazing husband who loves me and my children and helps me sooo much. I have 4 healthy children who can be cheeky but I wouldn't be without any of that cheekyness. Well we'll see how it goes having 5 kids, I have a little while still but it will be interesting. This may be the last little Pettingill to join our family, Steve definitely thinks that but that will also have to be something we pray about. For now we'll just see how life with 5 kids will be, I'm sure it will be PRETTY CRAZY!!!

Did I mention she's CHEEKY!!!

2010-01-26T11:21:00.000-08:00

VERY cute but VERY cheeky

2010-01-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hadley really is such a wonderful baby, I've been so blessed to have her, especially after my little man Spencer. Spencer is lovely but he's been a lot of work, I don't know how people think boys are easier??? Anyway Hadley is really getting more of her own little personality. She's very cheeky and sneaky which is quite funny but last week she really showed us how silly she is. Steve and I started to hear some splashing in the bathroom which really isn't anything unusual because my kids love to play in the sink and make lots of mess. We went in the bathroom to find out what had happened and this is what we found!

When we first found her she thought it was quite funny but as soon as she realised she couldn't get out she wasn't too impressed. All the kids thought it was hilarious and it was. I was mostly glad my other kids had flushed the toilet the last time they went because they are REALLY bad at that. That really would have been DISGUSTING!

She really is so lovely! Last night while we were having dinner she decided to pick the bowl up and shove it in her face. Then she started styling her hair, she looked wonderful!? She has the cheekiest smile and she just thinks everything is so funny. I love this little girl so much, she's the best. I've loved having another little girl, Maddie and Syd are getting so big so it's nice having a little girl again. My kids are the greatest, I'm so blessed!!!

More crazy sleeping!

2010-01-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

These aren't the craziest places to fall asleep but it just amazes me how many times my kids can fall asleep in so may different places. The other night Spencer fell asleep under all the toys again, I don't know why but this happens quite often. This time though the bears weren't enough, he had to add some movies to the mix. I saw him gather them all up under the bears with him and the next thing I knew he was fast asleep, so funny!
Then today I came home from the store and I was downstairs for just a minute. I went back upstairs and couldn't hear Hadley so I went looking for her. She likes to lock herself in rooms so I thought maybe she had done that but I was wrong, I found her on the floor in my room. She had found a pile of her blankets I had just washed and folded and fell fast asleep. My crazy kids!!!

My handsome little man

2010-01-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

My handsome little man turned 4 last week, I can't believe it! Time goes by so fast, I remember when I found out I was having a boy, I was so excited. I don't think Steve believed it until he was actually born though. He was so excited about having his birthday, he really wanted a party but I didn't want to do a friend one, he's still kind of small but we had lots of fun anyway.

We went to lunch with Steve's family, Spencer got to choose so we ended up going to McDonald's. After that we went bowling and of course I didn't take my camera. I ended up winning the first game but played pants the 2nd game but it was still fun. Going bowling reminded us of the day Spencer was born, we went bowling with Steve's family and some of our friends. After bowling just a couple of times I felt like I had peed myself. I went to check and I hadn't so I went back to bowl but it happened again, that's when I realised it was my water breaking. It was 3 weeks before his due date so I wasn't too ready but I was really excited. Not excited enough to leave, I sat there while everyone else bowled, crazy huh! It was a really different labour with Spencer, I didn't feel hardly any contractions which was very nice but when they would check me they would say his head felt different, that it wasn't in the right position. Finally after about 4 different people checking me, getting to 8cm and them trying to pop a second sack of water, I had an ultra sound and they realised he was breach. I ended up getting a c-section and he had a lovely little scratch on his head from where they tried to break the other sack of water, hmmm? A lovely adventure but all VERY worth it.

Anyway back to Spencer's birthday. After bowling we went to a couple of stores and then we went to dinner to the "tomato place" which for everyone else is Fazoli's. We got Spencer a lemon ice and ate lots of yummy food. Then it was off to Sub Zero, none of us had been there before. It was pretty cool, the kids loved the smoke and how cold it was. All in all it was a wonderful day and we finished it off by going home and opening presents. He had a great day and loved all his presents. Even Hadley loved the presents. She kept getting cars for Spencer to put in his new dump truck, it was pretty cute.

On Sunday we had cake and ice cream with Steve's family. He decided on an army cake which I was glad about because before that he talked about having a Mator and screaming banche ( I don't know how to spell that) cake. He had the funniest smiles when I took the pictures of him with his cake, it was so cute. He got even more lovely toys from Steve's family and some money from Gma and Gpa Johnson. They came after we had done the cake and presents so when they walked through the door Spencer told them they had missed all the fun. He's such a funny boy, also VERY nuts and CRAZY. He is definitely all boy and makes me quite tired but I love him so much. Everyone always told me boys were easier but I'm not sure I believe that. Hopefully when he gets bigger that will be true. Even if it's not I wouldn't trade him and all his craziness for the world. He really has me wrapped around his finger which is bad but he's just too cute for his own good. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH Spencer, your my handsome little man and you're my best Spencer in the whole world!

Families are Forever

2010-01-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Today when I was on facebook I was looking through my friends status's when I came across one that made me so sad. It was one of our friends from college. Steve worked with her husband while he went to Ricks. We weren't best friends but we saw them abit and did a few things with them. Anyway she had written that her little boy didn't make it through surgery. Of course this is something that would make you sad anyway but I remember finding her on facebook a while ago and finding out she had lost her 2nd little boy to SIDS. So after reading this morning that her new little son who was about 14 months had passed away, I just couldn't believe it. I guess he fell and hit his head and had bleeding on his brain so that had to do a really BIG surgery.

Just this morning I was thinking how glad I was that my girls were back in school, not that they were bad over Christmas break but I was glad to be able to have some time with Spencer and Hadley and get some cleaning etc... done. I'm not the most patient person as I've said many times and I know I get too stressed at my kids but I love them sooo much. I would never change the craziness I have in my life, it's all worth it because I'm blessed to have 4 healthy kids.

I don't really know what to write but I just wanted to remember how I felt after reading such sad news. I really am thankful for the gospel in my life. It doesn't make trials less hard but it makes us understand them more and know there are reasons to everything we go through. We may not always see those reasons but if we stay strong and remember that as long as we endure and do what is right we will be blessed beyond measure one day. We will be able to live with our families forever, what an amazing blessing, to know we are not just going to be with our loved ones in this life but FOREVER!!! I'm so grateful to my parents for joining the church so I could have this wonderful knowledge in my life. I'm grateful for my testimony and for the faith I have and I hope I can teach my children all the amazing things my parents taught me. I love my family so much and I'm grateful that I KNOW that FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!!!

Where will they fall asleep next?

2009-12-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if my kids like to sleep in their own beds, they keep falling asleep in the craziest places all the time. They really don't get that from me because I find it hard to get to sleep so that totally came from their Dad. All these pictures were taken within about a week of each other. They are all NUTS!

Will I ever not have to catch up???

2009-12-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

Well once again I have TONS to catch up on but oh well it's life and it's not going to change any time soon. My Mom and Dad came over right before Thanksgiving. The week before they got here was CRAZY getting the basement finished but now it's finally done, well there's a few little things to be done but it's looking great.

Anyway having my Mom and Dad here was great, it was busy almost every day but it was so fun doing lots of things with them. The first week they were here it was Thanksgiving and all the family went over to Sherisse's house for dinner which was lots of fun. We all ate WAY too much but the food was delicious and it's just one day so it's ok, at least that is what I tell myself. I was excited for black Friday this year because my Mom was going to come with me. Dad wanted to go too but he went on his own, I told him he didn't need to go so early for what he wanted but he said he wanted to experience it so he did! We got up bright and early and were on our way. Rod, (Steve's brother) came over to our house to stay with our kids so Steve could come with us. Sherisse, Steph and Mollie all came too so it was fun. Our first stop was Walmart, it was AWFUL in there. It's always really busy but this year people were already in line with things before it was even 5am. Also things were in crazy places but oh well, we got a few things and then it was on to the next store. We went to Target, Porters, Home Depot, Fred Meyer, Lowes and had to stop into good old McD's for breakfast too, I LOVE their breakfast, yummy! We did try and go to JoAnn's to get fleece too but the line to get material cut was HUGE so we went back there another day. I think my Mom thought it was all abit mad but she was glad she went.

My Dad wanted me to sing while he was over so I called my friend to see if she could play for me. She's so good at playing the piano, I'm always asking her last minute so I really appreciated her hard work and her taking her time to help me out. I sang a song I've sung before with my sister but when I practised right before church I couldn't hit the first note. When I got up to sing I did the same thing. I kept trying to fix it but it wasn't happening so I had to stop and say "sorry, I'm totally off, I need to start again" so I did and it went so much better. It was pretty funny, it's a good thing I really don't care what I look like because otherwise that would have been pretty embarrassing. FUN TIMES!

The Monday after Thanksgiving we went to the Michael McClean concert. Sherisse came with us so we asked Steph to watch the kids. I've already written about the next part of that wonderful story so I won't go into more detail about that night. It was a great concert though, Mom loved it, she had to go and say hi to him afterwards and she even got a kiss on the hand which she thought was amazing! I was meant to teach preschool that week too but I traded last minute with my good friend Natalie, she's amazing. Later that week it was Maddie's birthday. She had invited a few of her closest friends from school to a bowling and pizza party. It was LOTS of fun and everyone had a great time. Steve was even able to come early so that was fun too. Mom and Dad's friend Josh who served in their ward came up too from Utah so it was nice to see him again, Syd loves him, poor Josh! Sherisse got pizza for all the kids, good job she got more than I asked for though because they ate TONS. Maddie had a wonderful time, bowling was a great party idea, I think we'll do it again another time. Afterwards we opened presents at home from family. Mom and Dad got her a cute CTR necklace (for her baptism) and a DS for her birthday and Christmas. We got her some new scriptures with a bag. Also a CTR ring and a DS game. She was in heaven, it was a wonderful day for her.

Friday night we went up to Rexburg for the David Archuleta concert. My Mom LOVES him so she was very excited. Sherisse was going to come with us but her and Brad both weren't feeling good so Maddie ended up coming with us which she was happy about because she had wanted to come all along. There was this other guy on first who was ok but everyone started going crazy right before David came on stage. All the girls went NUTS once he actually came out, it was hilarious! He sang all his normal songs first, the one Maddie and I knew really well was fun, we got up and danced with all the other super fans. Then he sang all his Christmas songs which were really good too. He does have a great voice but it was funny to watch all the girls just go crazy, we had one girl in front of us who was really nuts but it was fun to watch her go crazy.

That Saturday Maddie got baptised! My little girl, getting baptised, MADNESS!!! It's seems crazy to think that my first little baby is already 8, I really am getting old but you know what, I don't mind. I'm so glad Maddie made the decision to get baptised. She's such a good girl, sassy at times but mostly good. She is such a beautiful talented little girl. She started playing piano this fall and she is doing so well. She's very good at maths too and good in class which makes me not worry too much about her. I really do feel blessed to have such a wonderful daughter, I'm not the most patient Mom but I'm grateful that she is patient with me. I'm so proud that she loves the church and was so excited to get baptised, what a great example to her siblings and cousins. She was the first grandchild on both sides to get baptised so it was a special day. The day went by so fast, we finally got into the room and before we knew it she was in the font and it was over. Brad and my Dad were the witnesses and of course Steve baptised her. It was amazing to see her standing in the font with her Dad, my beautiful little girl getting baptised. Lots our friends came to support her and I really appreciate that, especially poor Alex, he missed his state wrestling tournament to be there, what a great friend. Brad was also SUPER sick but he came just to be there for Maddie. THANKS to everyone who came, we love you all. Afterwards we went to get Maddie's ears pierced, she had been looking forward to that for so long but as we were walking up to the store she started to shake like mad. Right before they were going to put her ear rings in she started to cry because she was so nervous but she wanted to do it. Then as soon as it was over she was fine and very happy. We then went to Chuck A Rama's to have lunch with all the family which was lots of fun. I'm so glad we have such a wonderful family and friends who support and love us. It was sad not to be able to have all my family there but I'm sooo glad my Mom and Dad were able to be there.

That Sunday was time for my Mom and Dad to leave. Right after sacrament we went back to our house to say our goodbyes. The girls were both a mess! They cried and cried and were so sad. Maddie was able to calm herself down but Syd was just too sad and was crying all the way back to church. I took her to class but she was just crying all the time so I let her come to class with me. It was so nice to have my Mom and Dad here but so sad for the kids and us when they have to leave. It would be so nice to live closer to them all, I always wish that one day they will all move over here. Hopefully it won't be too long until they're here again.

Time really does go by so fast. This year has flown by, especially since school started. There has been so many things going on, I'm looking forward to a new year and hopefully a little less things going on. I know life will always be busy but I want to try and not be sooo busy and take more time for my family and myself so I don't go CRAZY! I think I got abit too burnt out from everything these past few months so I want to try and take it abit easier. There are always so many things we want to do but there are different times and seasons for everything. There will be different times to do all the things I want to do so I want to try and not feel like I have to fit everything in right now. My kids are still small so I was to treasure that time more and when they're all at school I can do more of the other things then. Life, it's crazy but I love it!!!

Updated craft blog

2009-12-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

Today Arin, Kristy and I got together to paint crafts. I got everything painted so I was VERY glad about that. I had been wanting to do it all for a long time but life is just so busy so once again it's half way through the month but oh well, it's mostly finished now. Here's the link to my craft blog, I especially love the nativity!

http://cheekybanditcrafts.blogspot.com/

Dang that step!

2009-12-02T22:12:00.001-08:00

My Mom and Dad have been here for about a week and half and we're having such a great time. I got tickets for the Micheal McClean concert this past Monday so we were all excited. Steve's Mom came with us and we left all the kids with Steve's sister Steph. Trish's family had just got back from California so Tre and Kaylie came over too so Stephy had all 6 kids! We weren't too worried though, they all love their Aunt Steph and Trish was coming to get her kids an hour later.

We got to the concert and had been sitting down for about 15 minutes (it hadn't even started yet) when Steve turned to me and said that Sydney needed to go and get stitches. I thought he was kidding until I saw his Mom on the phone. Steve left to go and meet Trish at community care while we watched the first half of the concert without him. He came back for the 2nd half, it was a wonderful concert and Mom was extra impressed because she was able to say hi to Micheal McClean and he even kissed her hand. I was anxious to get home though to check on Syd, make sure she was ok and see what she looked like because the pictures Steve had taken looked bad.

So here's what happened...

The kids were all just playing and I guess Syd just tripped on one of the toys by the stairs and hit her head on one of the steps and started screaming. Steph got up to check on her but Syd had her hand over her eye. When she moved her hand Steph was a bit shocked I think, she said there was blood everywhere. She called Trish straight away to come over and help her. Poor Steph, she was being so nice to look after my kids and she had to take care of my bleeding child. Also poor Trish because she had just got back from a long drive home from California. I'm so thankful I have such amazing sisters in law, they took such good care of my little Sydney. She's such a tiny little thing and she always freaks out about blood etc... Her 2 nails she ripped off (which she did in the space of 1 week) have almost healed but now she has a nice huge cut above her eyebrow. She had to get 8 stitches, Steve was trying to tell her they looked like vampire stitches because she loves twilight. She really must have hit her head hard and just right because the stairs aren't that sharp, poor little thing. Here's a few pictures so you can see how lovely it looked.

It's finished, well mostly!

2009-11-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

The day has finally come and the basement is finished!!! Well pretty much finished. There's a few small little things that need to be done but the walls are painted, the carpet is in and Maddie finally has a lovely finished room.

My friend Heidi sold us this HUGE bean bag the other week but it's been shoved in the middle of the living room upstairs. So tonight after we got the doors hung, the beds put in the new bedrooms, we were finally able to rearrange the basement so it could fit downstairs. As you can see Steve is already enjoying it. I think we're both just sooo tired from working in the basement ALL week until 12-2am for 4 nights in a row.
Maddies room looks LOVELY! I've been so excited to get it finished and it's almost there. We need to get a few more things, hang a few more pictures up, get the blinds up and her closet finished but it still looks great! It's such a cute little girls room. Maddie is already loving it, she looked so comfy in her new bedding. I took pictures but I'll take more when it's totally finished.
YAY for having the basement finished! The hard work paid off, now I just need to get everything organised and put away.

Once there was a snowman!

2009-11-19T14:42:00.000-08:00

I just made another new craft. I'm planning on making an elf, santa, penguin and a reindeer that will be the same kind of size and style. I also want to make some bigger things so let me know if you have any great ideas. He is $10 unfinished or $15 finished.

Newest craft!

2009-11-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

I've had this craft cut out and half way finished for about 2-3 weeks and today I finally finished it. I think it turned out pretty cute. I still need to put the words on which will probably be "Let it snow". I have a bunch of other Christmas ideas that I need to cut out but this week has been too crazy. Plus we're not trying to finish our basement so we'll see if I really get time to cut anything out. Oh well for now I'm just glad this one is finished!
HERE'S THE FINISHED PRODUCT!

My poor baby

2009-11-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

This is what poor little Hadley looked like this morning! Her poor eye is so sore and she hates when you try and touch it. I hope it gets better soon. When Spencer had this last week his eyes were just stuck together a bit and then I washed them off and he was fine for the rest of the day. Not with Hadley though, it just is sad all day. I hope it goes away soon!!!

Where next?

2009-11-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

Tonight we've been trying to work on filling all the nail holes with putty in the basement. Hadley was following me around everywhere and then she started getting fussy so I could tell she was tired. I went to go and get her bed ready and when I came to get her this is what I found!

I think my family must like falling asleep in strange places. She's so cute!

New Craft

2009-11-07T18:14:00.001-08:00

I've been trying to come up with some more Christmas crafts, this is one that I started the other week and today I finally got time to finish it. I was rushing so I just quickly thought of what designs to put on the presents and I don't love them but they're ok! I need to go and get some silver ribbon, I quickly taped some ribbon on that I had, it doesn't match at all but I wanted to show what I will do once I get the ribbon I like. I'm also not sure I like the mouth but oh well, it's the first time I've made it. I have LOTS more fun ideas that hopefully I can make this week if I have a minute. Let me know what you think!He is $15 unfinshed and $20 finished. He stands 4ft tall!

This is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!

2009-11-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

This year we didn't think Steve's family would be here for Halloween so we really weren't in the mood, plus I was just wiped out! We were glad though when Sherisse called and said they would all be back. Every year we get together and have soup and chili and the kids go trick or treating. It's so nice to be able to spend time with family, we're blessed to be able to live so close to them. Here's the kids in all their cuteness!!! Here's my most handsome husband!!! Steve's hair was getting really long so we thought we would give him a fun haircut for Halloween to go with his ever so lovely mustache! This is what we came up with, sooo GORGEOUS!!!
Steve is starting a new job next week. He has been with his current employee since he graduated from BYU-Idaho. It will be different and hard for him to go to a new job but I think it's going to be so good for him. He works so hard and has done so much for his current employer that I know he'll be successful where he is going. I love him so much and I am so grateful for how hard he works to provide for our family. I LOVE YOU STEVE, good luck with your new job!

School Halloween Carnival

2009-10-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Elementary School Halloween Carnival. A few months back I crazily said I would be in charge. I really don't know why I do these things to myself, except I feel bad for my friends who are over the PTO. Anyway so I started planning and things were going together well so I wasn't too stressed. So many teachers volunteered to help and some of my friends did aswell so that made it so much easier. We were able to do the spook alley upstairs too this year so that made things was less stressful. I wish I had taken pictures of that, I think it turned out pretty cool.

My friends helped me out sooo much! It's so nice to have such wonderful friends who would help you out with anything so THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!!! Thanks to all the people that volunteered their time to man a booth, be over the food, be in charge of the mad scientist lab (sorry I suckered you into that Shera), set up, clean up, get the spook alley ready (Susan and Arin were amazing), look after my kids so I could run around like a mad woman, anything that helped the night be so great.

One of my favourite booths was the palm readers. Lovely Trudy and Ginger volunteered their time to do that and they went all out. They looked AMAZING in their costumes and were so great with the kids. I took a bunch of pictures of them because they were just cracking me up so I had to share with everyone else. I love these ladies, they're the BEST!

We called Cameron and Katy last minute to come and help with the spook alley and I'm so glad they said they would because they were amazing. All the kids commented on the scary lady at the door, Katy looked great! All the kids in the spook alley were great and all of them were asked last minute so THANK YOU!

It was a great night but I'm glad it's over. This month has been NUTS so I'm really looking forward to November. I'm hoping it's a lot more stress free and less busy, hoping being the word!

Changes

2009-10-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

So this past Sunday I was released from being in the RS presidency. We had known it was coming and in some ways we were excited for the change and the break. I never thought I would ever serve in the RS, I always thought I would be in YW. After serving in RS though I don't think I could ever imagine being in YW now.

Anyway about a week and a half ago I got a call to meet with the Bishop and I knew what was coming. It was an emotional meeting but also something that will be good for me and my family. It didn't take long for them to give me a new calling though, I'm now the ward choir director. When he called me to do that I told him I had no idea how to lead music but that I would learn. It will be good to do something so different and I'll be glad to learn something more about music because I love to sing.

Well it's been almost 2 weeks since I knew we were getting released and I've felt so different. I'd never had a calling where when I got released I felt such a change but I've felt such a difference this time. I truly loved that calling and love the sisters in my ward. I feel so blessed to have been able to serve in RS and be a part of such a wonderful presidency and organisation. I never cared about being in charge so I won't miss that but I will miss the bond with the sisters that my calling gave me.

Even though I'm not in the presidency anymore I still love all the sisters in my ward so much and would do anything for any of them. We have such an amazing ward and I have the greatest friends ever. We have a wonderful unity together and I'm grateful to be a part of a ward where the sisters love each other so much and would do anything for each other. Thanks for all of you that made my calling be the best calling I've ever had. It was fun and I know the new presidency will be GREAT! After going to a couple things already, it's kind of nice not being in charge, it will be nice to have a break and to be able to go to meeting and activities and just enjoy :)

Craft group!

2009-10-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

This month for craft group I asked my friend Maggie to be in charge. She's a wood crafter like me so she came up with a cute little turkey and a cute mummy that we found online. It was nice to go and just paint something and not have to cut them out. The turkey is a mini version of the big one I made and the mummy is so cute I think. He's meant to be holding something but I haven't figured out what I want yet. I love making these crafts, plus they're so affordable, way better than spending $20 or more at a craft fair or store. Thanks Maggie, everyone loved it!

This is the big turkey I made!

Cheeky Bandit Crafts

2009-10-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

I finally started a new blog! This is something I've wanted to do for such a long time and I finally did so I'm so excited. I'm sure it won't be anything AMAZING but it will be something fun for me to do so I'm excited about it. So here you go, here's my new blog...

http://cheekybanditcrafts.blogspot.com/

I'm finished!

2009-10-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to buy some wood saws for a long time so I can make wood crafts. I got compound/chop saw towards the beginning of the year but last month I finally got a scroll saw so I've been really excited!

The other week I cut out some wood to make some fun crafts and I finally got round to painting them today, well 2 of them. I still have some owls that I need to paint aswell. Anyway I was over at Trudy's house a couple of weeks ago and I saw she had this really cute witch so I got way excited and wanted to make one. I copied the pattern and got all the stuff and ta-daa!

I've been sketching a bunch more things too and this was one of them. There are tons of other Halloween things I wanted to make aswell but it's already too far into October so I'll have to save them for next year. YAY for my new saws, I'm so excited!!!

Goofy pictures!

2009-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

After being away all weekend it was so good to see my kids again. I loved the break but I missed my cute little monkeys. The other night Spencer got a hold of the camera and wanted to take lots of pictures so here are some of the ones we took, he's so funny!

Our weekend in Utah

2009-10-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Steve and I took a trip to Utah for my early birthday present. Steve's Mom looked after our kids so we were able to spend a few days together doing some really fun things. I took my camera but of course didn't take very many pictures and am now regretting that. We left on Thursday afternoon and as soon as we got to Salt Lake we took our things to our hotel and then met up with Rod and Mollie. We got something to eat and then we went to the Jazz game. It was a preseason game against the Nuggets and it was lots of fun! We were pretty high up but it was just fun to be there and it was nice to spend time with Rod and Mollie. It was a late night so I was falling asleep in the car on the way to the hotel.

The next day we got up early to go to the Salt Lake Temple. We had never been there before so we were pretty excited to go. The Temple itself is so beautiful but it was even better to go inside and have that experience. It was a pretty rushed day so as soon as we were finished in the Temple we went over to the Gateway to have lunch with our good friends Allan and Kristy at Tacano's. It was delicious but I ate way too much so I was sooo full! After that we set off for Provo but we made a couple of stops at Tai Pan and Ikea, I love those stores! Then it was off to the BYU football game and I fell asleep on the way there aswell! We got there early so we played a bunch of games and won some t-shirts and some basketball tickets. I really wanted to go to the Brick Oven but I was way to full from lunch which I was sad about. The game was lots of fun and even more fun because we won! We got back even later that night so I was shattered and once again I fell asleep in the car. I'm just too wimpy now, I can't handle late nights!

Finally on Saturday I was somewhat able to sleep in which was nice! We started getting ready and watched most of conference but then listened to the rest on the way to Temple square. We had lunch at the gateway which was really quiet until everyone from the first conference session came down there. While they were all coming down we walked up to Temple Square. We went into the museum for a minute and got a few things from the store there and then we went over to the conference center. Of course there was lots of people protesting outside but there were also some kids with signs saying, "I love Mormons" so that was pretty funny. It took a while to get inside the conference center but we finally did and then out of the thousands of people there we ended up sitting next to one of the counselors from our Stake Presidency. It was a lovely experience, I had been to conference before but Steve hadn't so it was so nice.

At the end of conference we went to try and find some of my friends that were also at conference. These friends just lost their son this past week, he passed away after an exercise induced heart attack. He was only 17 and was the loveliest boy, he was in my primary class back in the day. Anyway I love the Gillen family so when we finally found them it was so nice to just give Debbie a hug. We talked for a while and just caught up and talked about some of our old memories together. It's so great to see old friends, it never matters how long it's been since you've seen someone like that, it just seems like you've never been apart. I really have been blessed in my life to have grown up in a ward with so many amazing people who I know would do anything for me and I would do anything for any of them.

Well, that was the end of our fun filled weekend, well apart from getting some yummy dinner at Cafe Rio on the way home. It was during the Priesthood session so it was packed with women, poor Steve! We had a amazing time together and it was so great to spend some time with just Steve. He really is the most amazing husband ever. He puts up with lots of grumpiness from me and he's so patient! I really appreciate his Mom (and other family members who helped) for looking after the kids. We really are blessed to have so many great people in our lives, we have amazing families and friends that I am truly grateful for.

Cheeky Monkey

2009-10-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hadley is getting so big and so cheeky. She's getting into more and more things. This was her latest trick, she's gone from taking the things out of the drawer to now climbing in it! It's hard to get mad at her because she's so cute. The bad part is that Spencer watches her do these things and then he thinks it's ok for him to do them aswell. Hence we now have a drawer that is hard to close!

Sleeping

2009-10-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

The other day I was up late and I came upstairs to find everyone fast asleep in the strangest places, it was so cute I had to take a few pictures!

Quick update!

2009-09-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking on the whole blogging scene again! I feel like I've been getting a ton done lately but it's a ton of different things than I normally do. I been canning so much which is great but I've neglected my house and obviously this! I thought I would just add a few pictures of what has been going on this past month.

Steve took the kids to the Blackfoot fair, I had to stay home with sicko Maddie because she was throwing up. I did get chance to go to the fair another night though with my good friend Kristy though. She had tickets to a concert so we went together and had a really fun time, we even learnt a lovely new dance move, hahaha!

Me and some of my friends have put together a little preschool for our 3 years olds. We went to the zoo for our first field trip and had a great time. The kids were so cute, especially when we tried to squeeze them all onto the metal tiger they have there.

One night I came home and found the girls on the couch like this. At first I didn't see Syd because she was wedged in the crack of the couch, I just thought that was pretty cute!
So the BYU season has started so the other weekend we had the Stakers over to have lunch and watch the game. Just as we were starting to get all our kids their food Hadley grabbed the 2 gallon jug that was full of pink lemonade and pulled it. It went all over the floor in the dining room and I wasn't too impressed but I tried to stay calm about it. Then later as we were watching the game Natalie had an accident in her knickers which was quite the treat for poor Kristy. We didn't think it could get much worse than that until they were getting ready to leave. Natalie said she didn't feel good so Allan rushed her into the kitchen so if she threw up it would be in the sick. Next thing we hear was this big splash and I thought, he can't have missed the sink and then I looked over and saw poop ALL over the floor, DISGUSTING!!! We all just cracked up and couldn't stop laughing. Poor Natalie had thrown up but had also pooped all over Allan's legs and the floor. I'm laughing about as I write this, it really was funny even though it was REALLY BAD! It's a good thing BYU won because otherwise I don't think we would have all thought it was so funny. POOR ALLAN, at least he was a good sport! (I'm still laughing now, hahaha)!

Hadley is getting so big! She started to walk just after she turned 1 (the day after labour day). Since then she has been walking all over the place. I think she could have walked earlier but she just didn't want to and then one day finally decided maybe I'll try that walking thing. The other day we found her sitting in Syd's chair downstairs, she looked so proud of herself, it was too cute! Later Steve went to pick her up and something was missing, her diaper! My kids are so cute, of course I'm not too biased???

Besides all this fun stuff I've been canning, trying to get the school Halloween carnival put together (I volunteered to be in charge) and just doing normal RS stuff. Life is pretty nuts but I'm glad that I'm able to help do so many things. Canning has been wearing me out but it's also alot of fun. I'll have to blog about all that later because I want to take pictures aswell. Life is good though and even though there lots of craziness along the way it's all worth it in the end!

On a quick side note. Another thing that happened this month was that Syd smashed up another one of her fingers. I got a call from the school saying they thought she had broken her finger, thank goodness he didn't but she ripped her nail out of the bed and it looked pretty bad. My kids just keep injuring themselves all the time. Maybe one day they'll settle down a little or maybe one day they really will break something and I won't be surprised!

RS Super Saturday Blog

2009-09-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

I just finished putting our blog together for our upcoming Super Saturday. We have tons of cute things so I thought I would share what we're doing with everyone. http://lincoln6supersaturday.blogspot.com/

Busy Busy

2009-09-05T23:39:00.001-07:00

I thought once the kids went back to school my life would slow down but I was VERY mistaken. I think it's actually got worse. Plus the fact that I'm a total sucker doesn't help because I make my life even more busy than it could be by saying I'll do sorts of things. There are just so many things going on, I volunteered to be in charge of the school Halloween carnival (what was I thinking). I volunteered to by Syd's room Mom because no one else did. Super Saturday is coming up so we've been planning and trying to get ready for that, then I've been canning, peeling and chopping carrots (that made my hands turn orange) and gardening tons. Then we're starting a ward craft group that I said I would be in charge of this month so I had to get that put together. Now I'm trying to get my RS lesson ready for tomorrow, well actually today I guess. It's just nuts!!! I really should be in bed but I just wanted to sit down and relax for just a minute. Man, why do I do this to myself, I TRULY AM NUTS, hahaha!!!

I canned 20 quarts and 7 pints of beans.

I canned 14 quarts of pears today all by myself, I was impressed.

This is just the small tubs of carrots I peeled and sliced. I still need to freeze them all. Plus I have 2 more bags of unpeeled ones in the garage!

Preschool here I come!

2009-09-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

My good friend Arin put together a preschool which me and about 6 of my friends are all going to take turns teaching. Spencer will go every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-11am and today is his first day. When he woke up I told him today was the day to go to preschool, he was so excited! He didn't even want to have breakfast, he just wanted to go but I convinced him to have something. Once he got all dressed we took a few pictures, the first one didn't turn out because he was jumping around too much. He was bouncy around like a mad man but it was so cute. I love the first picture because it looks like he's saying, ta da, check me out!!! He's so cute even though he has a whopping goose egg in the middle of his forehead, hahaha. I just hope he's a good boy. I love you little man and all the funny things you do and say. You're getting too big!

1 already!!!

2009-08-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is already 1, it's goes by too fast!

My beautiful little Hadley turned 1 today and we've tried to make it a fun day for her but I don't think she really knows what is going on. We started out going to JCPenny's to get her 1 year old pictures taken. She wasn't really too interested at first but after a while she warmed up and started to smile. She's such a lovely girl with a cheeky little smile.

After that we went to Toys R Us to get her some presents and then we went to McDonald's for lunch. The kids were happy about that part and so was my nephew Tre (we were watching him because Trish had volleyball practise). Hadley started eating her food and a lady that was sitting close to us said she couldn't believe what a good eater she was because Hadley was chowing down. She eats pretty much a whole burger, it's so funny. After that we went home because Steve was coming home for lunch so he could see Hadley. She was asleep when he got there but luckily she woke up and she was so happy to see her Daddy like she always is. He was leaving to go on a hike with some friends from work so I'm glad he came home to see her for a few minutes.

I really do love this little girl. I really wanted to have another girl at some point and I'm so glad I did this time. She's so loving and is quite the Mommies girl which I love. She still isn't walking which is weird because all my other kids walked from 9-10 months. Also she barely got her top 2 teeth but I don't mind, I'm glad she's still my little baby. She's starting to say more and more words, she kind of says peek-a-boo and also love you. She gives lovely open mouth kisses, hahaha and also gives great cuddles. I really feel blessed to be a mother. My children are the best and are all so cute, I'm sure I'm biased but oh well, I think they're LOVELY!!! Happy Birthday my beautiful little Hadley, I LOVE YOU!

Happy man!

2009-08-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

So, it's taken me almost a week but I'm finally blogging about Steve's birthday. Last Saturday he turned 30! I had been so excited for that day to finally come because last year some time I thought of the best present to get for him. Lots of my friends and family knew and they kept it a secret too so thanks for that. Anyway the day finally came and I was able to tell him what his present was, YAY!!!

After all the kids woke up I told Steve to wait in our room so we could get ready. I dressed the kids up in some of Steve's BYU shirts and I let the kids hold a big D and a fence sign I had made the night before. Spencer had his build a bear turtle too because his name is Cosmo and he has a BYU shirt aswell. After we all got ready we called Steve in and the kids started saying, D-Fence and go BYU (I think Spencer was actually saying go DYU but oh well)! At first I think Steve was a little confused but then he got it, well kind of. He had to ask whether it was tickets to a game or season tickets. When I told him it was season tickets, he said, "really?" It was so fun to see his reaction as he loves BYU football. YAY for great surprises!!!
The only bad thing about Steve's birthday was that his Mom got in a car accident with Tre and Kaylie in the car. Luckily they were all ok, Sherisse did break her hand so that wasn't too good but thankfully they were all safe. That made our day pretty chilled out and then that night we went on a date to Texas Roadhouse which was fun and yummy!

Steve really is an amazing man. He works so hard to provide for our family and he's such a great husband and father. I complain sometimes when he comes home late from work but when I really think about it, I'm so glad he works so hard because it's enabled him to keep his job through so many layoffs. I really do feel lucky to have married someone that loves me so much and puts up with my grumpiness. My kids adore him and so do I. Thanks for being you, we all love you VERY much Poopy, hahaha!

Just thinking!

2009-08-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have other things I need to blog about but I was just sitting here chatting on facebook to one of my friends and looking at pictures of another friend and her new baby and I started to think about how lucky I am to have such amazing friends and such an amazing life. Sometimes there are days when I have a little pity party for myself but truthfully there really is no reason. Even though I may think life sucks sometimes, that there's too many things to clean, pick up, organise or too much laundry to do. Those things really don't matter and I should be glad I have a house to clean and things to put away and organise and clothes to wash.

You know I really am lucky. I have so much to be grateful for. My family is crazy and all over the place at times but I wouldn't have it any other way. My house is a mess sometimes but it can be cleaned. My kids are healthy and smart. My husband has a job. I have the most amazing family, neighbours, friends and ward. There are too many friends to name but you know who you are. You make living away from my family so much easier so thank you for that. I really never thought I would be able to find friends here like the friends I had in England but you're all AMAZING and I love you so much. Thank you for your friendships and for putting up with your crazy English friend and all the nuts things I say and do.

Also how lucky am I to have married into such an amazing family who loves my little family. I love living by Steve's family and doing things with them. I love just going over to Gma and Gpa Johnson's house and letting them run around while I watch them enjoy catching bugs and checking out the garden. Last night Gpa was taking Syd and Spencer everywhere with him on his new little golf cart. I had an enrichment BBQ and Steve was helping but as I looked to see what the kids were doing, Gpa had them loaded up with him, taking them to help him with his jobs. Thank you for loving my kids so much and being such great examples to them. My in laws are the best too, they are always so willing to help with whatever we need. I feel bad for those people who don't have wonderful in laws, mine are FANTASTIC. My mother in law always drops everything when I have my babies, my kids and me just love her so much. I really did luck out when it comes to in laws, sorry if you didn't, hahaha! Steve's family are all just the best!!! And what would I do without Trudy. You're the best, you would do anything for me and my family. I know it makes it easier on my Mom knowing that I have her and Sherisse here, my 2 Mom's here to watch after me. Thank you Trudy for loving me and my children, words are never enough to explain how much we love you.

Then today I got to speak to my Mom on the phone, I really love her. She's such an amazing woman, so strong and has gone through so much in her life but is still there for me whenever I need her. My Dad is equally amazing, he's also been through so much and now continues to go through so much with him having cancer and now recovering from a crazy surgery. Thanks for being such good examples of strength and faith to me and my children. I can't wait for them to come here for Maddie's baptism, it's going to be the best. I love my sister Ruth so much too, I love when she calls me and even though we both woffle on and talk about the most crazy things, it's the best. I would love to live by her, she's my best and most dear friend. I'm still wishing one day they'll all move over here, I have my fingers crossed. Then there's Nathan, he sure is cheeky but I know he would do anything for me. What an amazing big brother he is, such a strong testimony and another wonderful example of strength and faith after so many trails. I LOVE YOU ALL BANDITS!!!

Of course I can't leave out my wonderful little family. As I was looking at my friends pictures on facebook of her new little baby, it made me think about all my kids and what an amazing miracle it is to be able to have my children. Each one is so special and unique and I would never want my crazy life to be anything but crazy. There are days I'm totally worn out and I can't be bothered to do anything but those days pass and then my kids will say or do something that makes it all worth it. My kids are the best, nuts but the best. I guess with a Mom like me I shouldn't expect anything but a little nuts because I am too, hahaha! I have the most amazing husband too but I'll talk about him another time. It's his birthday on Saturday so I'll write about him then. He really is amazing and I love him so much. I'm so lucky to have found someone who loves me so much and is such an amazing father, friend and husband.

I really am SOOO LUCKY! As I said before, life is crazy sometimes but don't we need a little crazy every now and again. What more do we really need than friends and a family who love us and are there for us whenever we need them so thank you, you're all THE BEST and I love you all SOOO MUCH!!!

Youth Jam

2009-08-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today we went down to the youth jam that they have by the river every summer. Poor Trudy was in charge this year again so she's been going nuts trying to get everything ready. It was all well worth it though because my kids had a wonderful time. Sherisse (my mother in law) came with me which was so nice of her as I'm sure it's not something she was really wanting to do desperately. There's always so many crafts to do but we try and skip a few just because there are so many. Getting the kids faces painted was one of my high lights of the afternoon. The girl who was painting Syd's face asked her what she wanted so Syd went into great detail to tell her exactly how she wanted it. Then as soon as she was done she kept adding all these things on to her list, it was so funny. Then it was Spencer's turn and he told the lady he wanted a transformer, the lady wasn't quite sure what to do for that so she quickly asked him if he wanted a snake which he ended up being ok with. The kids did tons of crafts, Spencer loved being able to use the scissors and squirt the glue all over the place. Maddie used lots of great detail in her pictures, when we went back to get one of her pictures we couldn't find it and she got so sad. Luckily Syd asked about it and the lady had it in a box because some of the pictures were blowing away, what a life saver! Syd was in heaven, I think she could have stayed there all day if we would have let her. We had to drag her away from each station poor thing. There was lots of painting which equaled lots of mess but it's all good. It's so nice that they put these free things on for the kids, the love it. The night before they had a community night at the same place so we went there too, it was lots of fun as well. Everything was free and there was tons of cool stuff. Brad (my father in law) was working there too with the fire men so it was nice to see him there. What a great event, the kids loved it so thanks for all the hard work Trudy and everyone else who put these wonderful events together, it was GREAT!!!

Great deals!

2009-08-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to Walmart with my mother in law and sister in law. We actually weren't all going to go but we decided to brave it with all the kids and we, especially me were so glad we did. As we were walking in we saw all this furniture on sale so we started to check it out. It was all there old display furniture and there was some really good stuff. I saw this this really nice entertainment center and it was only $25. I had been wanting one for downstairs but I really didn't want to spend more that $100 and that's how much they cost. I told the lady I wanted the entertainment center and I said I wouldn't mind this other desk either but I didn't want to pay $50 for it. The manager was there and he asked how much I would pay so I said $25 and he said ok, I was so happy. He then said that there was a little file cabinet that went with it and wondered how much I would pay for that. I was a little cheeky and said I would pay $30 for both, he then said, what about $35 for both so I said sure! I was so excited, what great deals. Trish got a side table too for only $10, the only hard thing was squeezing it all into our cars along with all our kids. That night we put the entertainment center downstairs, it looks so nice. Now we just need to finish the craft room so I can put my desk in there, YAY for bargains!!!

So cute, well some of the time!

2009-08-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

This little man really does have me wrapped around his finger. He's my only boy and him looking a little like Peter aren't the best combination for a sucker like me! He really is a lovely boy and I love him so much but there are times I think, what have I done wrong, he's NUTS!!! Last week he fell asleep on the couch and he looked so cute and innocent, (don't mind all the nice stains on the couch from my kids peeing, drooling, spilling and boggies). So many people have told me that boys are easier than girls but at this point in time, I beg to differ. His new favourite word is idiot, he knows it's a bad word but some how just can't control himself from saying it. Anyway I just thought this was a super cute picture. I really do love him so much and even though there are many times he makes me go crazy, I would never trade him for anything. I'm just hoping one day he'll be that easy boy that everyone tells me about, then it will all be worth it!

Hard but well worth every minute!

2009-07-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Steve and I got called in to talk to a member of the bishopric. We pretty much knew what they were going to talk to us about so we weren't too worried. The stake had been planning a trek for the youth and they were in need of Ma and Pa's but they were also inviting any families that wanted to go. We had been debating whether to take our kids or just go as a Ma and Pa but after going to see Brother Blanchard our decision was made, we had been called to be a Ma and Pa. After going on the trek I am now VERY glad we didn't take our kids, it would have been sooo hard. Our good friends the Paynes took all their kids and they were so amazing, I think my kids would have had such a hard time. The Payne kids were so impressive and Shera and Clint did so well with them.

I'm not sure what I was expecting the trek to be like or how hard it would be and yes it was hard but all of that was so worth it. The evening before we left, everyone that was going met together so we could meet the kids that would be in our families. Not all our kids were there but the ones that were, were kind of quiet so I wondered what it would be like. They gave us this cool staff, water bottles for all the kids, red bandanna's and a red flag to decorate. The next morning we all met back at the church for breakfast and then we all car pooled up to Bone to begin the trek. Our family consisted of Brandon who was 16, he used to be in our ward, then there was Landon who was 14 I think, he used to be in our ward too and still is in my mother in laws ward. Then we had a boy called Corban who was 13, he was a lovely kid. Then we had Ben who was 12 and was so cute, he was pretty short but helped with whatever he could. Then we had 2 girls Rachel who was 15 I think, she was so sweet and kind and then there was Sarah who was 12 and was fun and bubbly. Also last minute they added one more boy to our family, his name was Mo Mo and I think he was 12 also, he was super quiet but opened up more as time went on.

Once we got there each family got a hand cart which we packed with our 5 gallon buckets and then it was time to begin! We didn't actually get going until around 11am and when we did start our boys were gung ho and going super fast. Then it began to get harder and harder as the day went on. After going about 5 miles we stopped for lunch and met up with the (real) families that were coming with us. Just before we got there for lunch there was a set of hills that were pretty rough but the kids did it and worked so hard. After lunch we were back on the trail and the hills continued. That first day we walked just over 10 miles, helped fix a couple of broken wagons, went up and down I don't know how many hills, our boys helped as many people as they could and we finally got to camp at around 7pm. Once we got there we had to set up camp and cook our dinner. They had square dancing while the food was cooking, it was 9:30pm by the time we had dinner and then the kids all went to bed pretty fast, they were wrecked and so were we! Just after everyone went to bed someone played the trumpet, I guess it's called taps, I don't know?! It was a long, HARD day and we were all really dirty but we did it and the kids were so impressive.

The next day we were woken up by the taps at about 7:30am. We cooked the breakfast, packed up camp and then it was back to walking by 10am. They had warned us that the first couple of miles would be hills and they were right. Our little Ben started saying his legs were hurting after the first hill so I said I would stay with him and we could just take it slow and steady. Mo Mo ended up walking with a leader from his ward, he wanted to go home because he was finding it really hard. He hung in there though and stayed so I was glad about that. The weather was a lot cooler the second day which was nice because the first day had been so hot. We stopped for lunch, the boys helped more people and we went up and down more hills. We stopped more that day because we wanted to make sure we were all staying together. Our boys were running back helping everyone all the time, they were great. Towards the end of the hike that day we got to a part where they told us that the men had to go to war so we were going to be left alone. The men had to all go up this hill and we then had to pull our carts up the hill on our own. I was a little worried because we were meant to have 4 girls in our family but 2 of our girls couldn't come so I only had 2 so I knew it would be hard. Sarah's Mom ended up helping us but it was still REALLY HARD. As we got to the top, the men were lined up on either side of us and been told not to help. I looked up once we got up there, thinking we were at the end but I was wrong. We were struggling but then next thing I knew our stake president came and took one side of the cart and our cousin Bryce took the other side. We had been close to the front but as soon as we got up there all the girls that had already made it ran back to help the rest of the sisters, it was so amazing. Steve and our boys said it was so hard to watch us struggle up the hill and not be able to help us. All in all that day we walked just under 6 miles and it was nice because we got to camp at around 3pm so were able to take our time and relax and have a fun evening. We had a big group devotional where we sang songs and then the pony express came to bring the kids letters from their parents. We broke off so the kids could read their letters and then we all got back together so President Fuller could speak to all of us. After that each family separated again to have individual testimony meetings around our own little camp fires. Brother Seedall joined our family and it went really well. I wasn't sure how our family would connect but we all did and I truly came to love each one of our kids, they were so great. That night when they played taps the kids were all still awake, what a difference a day made!

The last day it was way more relaxed. We took our time getting packed up and having breakfast. The plan was that the (real) families would walk about 3 miles and the rest of us would walk 8 miles. I think the leaders realised how shattered the kids all were so in the end we all walked 3 miles together. We didn't end up leaving until about 1:30pm so until then they had all these cool old games planned for everyone to play. The kids had a lot of fun doing that but as it got time to start walking again it was getting hotter and hotter so we were all getting eager to leave. The first half of the 3 miles had a lot of up hill and it was even harder because 2 of our boys went back to help other families which was great but made it a little harder for us but we made it. When we had just under a mile left we all stopped and talked for a little while. The first night when we met our families we had each been given a history of an actual pioneer that we were walking for. When we stopped they gave each of us the 2nd half to that history so we knew whether we had died or made it. All the people that died were told to start walking back to the cars and everyone else had to push the cart back. Three of our boys died but as soon as they made it back they were told to come back and find their families and be angles and help them make it home. As soon as we all saw the cars we all shouted for joy, it was a nice sight!!!

We all got loaded up and headed back to the stake center. We hung out there for a while until it was time to walk over to the Virlow building. We walked over there with our families and hand carts and the line was pretty long. They said there was 265 people on the trek. It was a pretty cool feeling walking into the stake pioneer activity. People started singing and they were cheering for us, it was pretty emotional. As we got to the end of the people I saw my mother in law with my kids, that was a nice sight. I really missed them and they were so excited to see us.

This trek was such an amazing experience. Even though I've written a ton about it, it doesn't really say how it really was. When I got home and looked at the few pictures I had taken it made me miss that time we had there. Even though we were SUPER filthy it was so worth every bit of that dirt. I'll never be able to fully understand all that the pioneers went through to walk all those months and lose so many loved ones so that we could have the church that we have today. Even though it was hard and we were tired I can't begin to imagine how much they had to endure as they had babies, lost babies, lost husbands, lost wives, and lost children. Then once they finally reached Utah they couldn't just jump in a car and go home to have a shower and get into a nice warm bed. They had to build their homes and continue to struggle and work. How blessed we are to live in a time where we have so much. Before we left Sydney had been watching a show about the pioneers and was so worried that we were going to die but we reassured her that we would be ok, that we had doctors, cars and all these wonderful things that could help us if we were to get hurt and they didn't have those things. We are truly blessed and I feel even more blessed to have been able to be a part of this trek. We had a fantastic family, our kids impressed me so much, our boys and of course Steve were willing to help everyone and do whatever they needed to do to help us and everyone else. I loved our little family and even though I hated feeling disgusting and dirty I would love to do it again. I can't believe it's already been and gone, time is just flying by. I hope I always remember the feeling we felt while on the trek, it was a great blessing to be there. Thanks to all those who put this great event on for us, it was AMAZING, thank you!

Summer, summer, summer time!!!

2009-07-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

Since we've been home from England the time has continued to go by really fast. We had Rod's wedding reception, then the next weekend was the 4th of July, then we had swimming lessons for 2 weeks and during all that we've had park days, lots of cleaning and laundry and just lots of stuff going on! Even though it's been busy the kids have had lots of fun so all the madness is well worth it. The 4th of July was lots of fun like always. It started off with a fun BBQ with friends at the Layton's the night before, they're such great hosts. The morning of the 4th we went to the parade bright and early, we had staked off our usual spot and all the family joined us so it was lots of fun. Then it was off to Gma and Gpa Johnson's for our family BBQ and playing in the flooded lawn which the kids love. Then after a quick rest at home it was off to our staked off spot for the fireworks. This year they took peoples stakes out so Steve and his Mom spray painted our spots which was pretty funny. Scott and Kluane Dixon and they're kids hung out with us for the fireworks which was lots of fun. Hadley was the only one out of all my kids that stayed awake for the whole show.

Swimming lessons were fun as usual but this year was even more fun for Spencer because he got to go into his own class, not Mommy and me like he's done for the past 2 years. He gave his teachers quite a run for their money, he was all over the place for the first few days but his teachers handled him well. The last day of lessons the kids got to jump off the diving board which they loved. Spencer wouldn't get out afterwards though, I told his teachers sorry he was such a nutter but they said they loved him so that was good to hear. He really is a lovely boy but can be quite a monkey sometimes. The kids all did so well, Maddie almost passed her class, she was in quite a hard class this time. Spencer and Sydney both passed so that was good. It was fun because we went at the same time as Kristy and her kids so they each had a friend in their class. By the way, thanks Kristy for letting me push in line with you at sign ups!

Our trip to England

2009-07-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

I've been so bad at writing my blog this summer so I thought I should get caught up before it's too late. Our summer started out with a trip home to England. We were there for 4 weeks but Steve only stayed with us for 2 of those weeks. We had thought that it would be a while before we got chance to go home again but just after Christmas my Dad called me to tell me that he had cancer. It was a crazy time but we decided it would be best to be home when my Dad got his surgery. After 12 weeks of chemo his surgery was scheduled and we went home for almost the whole month of June. Steve wasn't able to be there for the surgery but while he was there we had lots of fun together. My Dad planned a fun holiday to Scarborough which was great! I really love it when we go home and my kids get to do things that I did when I was younger. We went to the beach and weather was lovely and the kids got to go on a donkey ride, we even got crabs legs and the kids thought that was so much fun.

It was kind of weird going home this time, not because going home is weird but it was weird to realise how many things I had forgotten about. One thing I forgot about was buttercups, how crazy is that? I really do love being able to go home and being able to go home for my Dad this time was really important to me. The first two weeks we had lots of fun and we did the last two weeks too but there was lots of traveling back and forth to see my Dad in hospital so it was really busy and made the time go by so fast. It was so hard when I saw my Dad for the first time in the hospital after he had the surgery. My Dad is normally such a strong man but right after the surgery he looked so frail and it was hard for me to see him like that. Each day he got better but it was still hard to see him struggling. I was glad to be there to help my Mom and it was so nice to see the kids play together and have such fun with their cousins. Spencer and Ethan loved playing together, they were such a cheeky pair. The girls even got to go to school with Kezia and Ethan and they even wore uniforms and had school dinners so they could have the full experience.

Living so far away from home really is hard sometimes. I love being with my family and it's so nice when the kids can all spend time together, they really love it. I do feel blessed to be able to live so close to Steve's family, I think without them and some really good friends it would be so bad. I'm blessed I am able to go home so much and my family are able to come here so much too. I could write tons about our trip home but instead I've added a slide show of most of the things we did. I really do have an amazing family. We might a little nuts at times but I wouldn't have it any other way. My Mom and Dad are the best and I'm so lucky to be their daughter. My Dad is recovering well and hopefully he'll keep doing well. Going home was FANTASTIC but it went by way to fast. Thanks Mom and Dad for letting me come home, you're the best and I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Before our trip to England

2009-06-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

Well I finally have a minute to try and catch up on blogging. The month before we left to go to England was so busy and there was so much to do I got so behind on blogging. I thought I would just add a few pictures of some of the things we did in the month of May so here goes!

Maddie played in her first volleyball tournaments this spring. She had little practises for 2 years before that but this year they got to play games and she loved it. Her team looked so cute and did so well. They played in the U10 division and most the kids on Maddie's team were 7-8 years old. Maddie got so much better towards the end and got about 18 serves in her last tournament.

Maddie also had her end of year class program, the kids were so cute and did so well. It was hard to get pictures but I got a couple of video clips. Maddie did so well at school this past year, she's growing up way to fast, she's such a good girl.

Steve and I went out on a date before we left for England. We took Hadley with us and she was chowing down on the fries. She loves food but you would never guess that because she's so tiny. Another day Steve gave the kids a bath and decided to put lots of crazy things on Hadley. She really is so cute, we love having her in our family.

Sydney had her kindergarten graduation which was fun. They sang lots of fun songs and got their diploma's. She did so well at school this year and learnt a lot. She got a special prize for getting top marks on one of her tests and also got a certificate for having perfect attendance.

Besides all of this, we had the school carnival which I helped at, it was tons of fun. We even won an ipod and a gift certificate. Also I had to pack for our 4 week trip to England and buy things for my family to take with us. To add to the madness we ended up buying a car the day we were going to Utah to leave for England. My poor neighbour and great friend Shera was so nice and watched my kids most of the day so I could run around like a mad women, THANK YOU!!! It was a fun month though even though it was pretty nuts. Maybe soon I'll catch up on June and our trip to England but first I should probably get my house in order as it's a disaster!

Rod and Mollie's Idaho Reception

2009-06-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

So, we're home and all pretty shattered but we're back! We got back really late, 1:30am Saturday morning and the kids didn't sleep again until 9:30pm that night. Maddie wasn't feeling too good and had a couple of naps but by the evening she was feeling better. I think the thing that helped the most was that it was Rod and Mollie's wedding reception, it kept us all going and awake.

It was a fun night, the kids had fun bringing in all the presents and playing with Mollie's nieces and nephews. It was nice to see some of our family and friends here after being away for so long. I was lame and didn't take very many photos but here's a couple I took. Hadley is big into waving these days and was waving at everyone the whole time, it was pretty cute. When we got Spencer dressed we tried to do his top button on his shirt but he told Steve it was killing him so we had to leave it undone. The girls got to wear their princess dresses again, they all looked so cute.
Rod and Mollie looked so happy and good together. We're excited to have her as part as our family. It'll be sad they're not living close to all of us up here but hopefully we'll still get to see them a lot. Congratulations Rod and Mollie, we're so happy for you. I'm sad I wasn't there for the wedding but I'm glad I was able to get back for the reception up here. I love Steve's family, they're so great, it's so nice to be back here with them but also sad to leave my family.