Spring Break begins

which isn't all that bad. This is about the time of the school year that I look forward to a break. There isn't any need to get up early and rush around to be somewhere at 8:30 in the morning. The kids play with friends and the weather seems to be a bit warmer for them to ride their bikes and be outside. Its still too cold for parks though. I end up spending more time at the grocery store when their home and my house resembles a small disaster on most days. This vacation started with 4 out of 6 kids awake at 6:50 this morning when they asked ME to not wake them up...they wanted to lay in bed all morning. They played WAR and UNO before I even got out of bed. We also held our annual Easter Egg hunt in the morning. The weather cooperated as a tiny bit of sun came out to warm us all up but thankfully, no rain. This is one of my most favorite activities. Its quick, its fun and it doesn't leave a mess. Perfect, right?

Matthew didn't really care too much for collecting eggs. He wanted to eat the candy.

Sam turns 9

Sams birthday was a few weeks ago. He turned 9. Sam is such an incredibly sweet and loving boy. He has always been a little different than the other kids. not in a bad or good way, just different. He's my most spiritual, always saying the best heart felt prayers and he astonishes me with his scriptural wisdom. While I wish I could take all the credit I really can't. Sam needs little sleep even as a baby and toddler. He would get up at 5 am every morning, starting when he was 18 months. There was no way I was getting up that early especially with a newborn (Michael) so Zach would get up with him. Sam would sit next to Zach as he read his scriptures every morning. It was their "thing". Sam liked to get into things and get dirty. Flour in the cupboard, dumped cereal boxes, played in mud, if he could think it he did it. Sam was always my pickiest eater, for years (and years and years) all he wanted was chicken nuggets and macaroni & cheese and broccoli. Now his taste buds have him eating shrimp and crab dip, corn on the cob, and an array of other dishes. Maybe its time for him to try Sushi.

I love watching him grow. I think we tend to compare our kids to their siblings right above them or below, I suppose, Sam has taught me at an early age how different each of the kids are and how wonderful and special they are in their own personal way. He is truly a great boy. He has given us many trials throughout his 9 years but we always overcome them. I watch him become stronger as he tries new things and learns. I am anxious to see what a great young man he will become and all the wonderful things in store for him. As of now, though, I can't wait to watch him play his first year of baseball, become a Bear Scout, move to 4th grade, and developed his many talents.

Sam enjoys collecting things. He has a seashell collection, a state quarter collection, he's working on collecting the state park quarters. He like being alone, going for hikes in the woods, and drawing. He loves his family and we love him. Happy Birthday Sam!

the little car that went vroom...vroom

I was filling Easter eggs for the Easter Egg hunt when I realized Zach wasn't home yet, I remembered my phone was in the van. Zach called 9 times and sent 2 messages...One of the messages sounded desperate "Please answer the phone" along with this picture...

Yes, that is his car. It really didn't survive but Zach did and that's all that matters. On his way home Tuesday night a truck failed to yield and turned right into him. The car spins. The airbags explode. Zach walked out of the car a little dazed but well. We went to the Urgent Care Center to make sure he didn't have any underlying problems from the accident, he had a seat belt bruise. The doctor prescribed him some muscle relaxers and pain killers and told him to take a day of rest. While at the UCC, a friend watched the kids. The kids took total advantage of her and Cara ended up making colored sugar for Zach. (Let it be known Cara asked repeatedly to make colored sugar and both parents said NO) Not quite sure what he is going to do with the sugar. She ceased the perfect moment, I think.

There were Get Well notes all over the house which is super sweet. Cara wrote on all the mirrors love messages to her Dad.

Signed by kids who share our last name, in case we didn't know who they were, and face less beings.

Good bye little focus! We liked you for the 10 months we had you but your dead and we are replacing you. Oh, and Isaac named this post.

an original email conversation

This is the conversation I had with Cara while Matthew was in the hospital.

Cara:

Why Why Why is Matthew in or was in the hospital? Could he die because that would be horrible. Since he kind of has a virus is it like a disease? I hope he sevives and tell him i love him so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much!!!! I just want him to be okay.

Your awesome and careing and cool and nice and funny and humerous and sweet and thoughtful and kind and smart and most of all LOVEING Cara!

P.s Right now i would not want to be Matthew :(

<3 cara

 

Me:

Hi Cara! Matthew is sick but he will get better. The doctors are taking good care of him. A virus is not a disease. Hes having trouble breathing.
I love you!

 

Cara:

Well thats a relief. When are you coming home? Do you know what the virus is called? And how did you respond? Do you have your kindle or does your phone have email? ILOVE YOU! DID YOU TELL MATTHEW I LOVE HIM? -Cara

 

Me:

My phone has email and I have my Kindle. Matthew has rsv. Its an infection in his lungs. I will be home ton ight and will take you to school in the morning. Dad will be spending the night with Matthew. Matthew hopefully will come home tomorrow but he may need to stay another n ight. I can't wait to hear about your shopping spree with Oma.

 

Cara:

I'll try not to cry about it but i want him so so bad! P.S whats doesr.s.v mean? Poor matthew I wonder how hes felling this is probably the most horrilbe thought in his life. Would of he does die or hes in th hospitl for weeks ormaybe mounths? WHEN ARE YOU COMING HOME, I WANT YOU BEFORE I GO TO BED!

 

Me:

You should be in bed now. I'm coming home as soon as Matthew falls asleep. Good night. See you in the morning.

 

Cara:

Okay bye good night

 

THE NEXT DAY

Cara:

Hi mommy i guess your staying tonite since dad stayed last night. I'll miss you (tonite). How is Matthew doing? Is he breathing better? I need my little brother right now.

 

Me:

He is breathing just perfect! The doctors have done a lot of good work on him. He's coming home tomorrow! I may come home tonight. Dad said he'll stay here again. The doctors want to get him here one more night to make sure he's all well. I miss you and your brothers and Olivia. Be good. Help honey out.
Love you!
Mom

 

Cara:

That makes me fell much better. I bet he misses us and he'll forget who we are. JK <3 Cara

 

Me:

No Cara don't think he forgot who you are. He misses you all too. Do you need to get a shower? Or do anything for school tomorrow.

 

Cara:

I already got one @ 6:30 and Olivia. And i forgot my math homework (AGAIN).

 

Me:

Well Good night!

 

Cara:

Good Night mom see you when you get home maybe. Thanks for watching Matthew. Tell Dad i love him and good night. Love you both! Bye

 

Me:

Dad said he will sing you a song tomorrow. We love you too!

 

Cara:

Stop your making me cry.! Bye Hope dad has a good nite

 

Dad said he will sing you a song tomorrow. We love you too!

for my viewing pleasure

My sister took these pictures at her daughters birthday party last year.

 Aunt Britt, Matthew, and Cara

 Matthew and Opa

My handsome Sam



happy birthday to me

I celebrated my 34th birthday yesterday. I felt completely spoiled by my friends, Zach and the children! It was an awesome birthday! My festivities began with dessert with one of my bestest friends followed by the movie, Safe Haven. Total chick flick but that's why I go to the movies with friends.

 Called something like mile high mountain pie..

blowing out my 1 candle...

 

Zach really spoiled me! I woke up the morning of my birthday to the house being decorated and presents sitting on the table.

 

Each of the kids made individual cards. Cara's was so cute with little flip tabs and notes written on each. One tab said, " I wish people don't die. I don't want you to."

I ve been wanting a kettle bell to workout with. I guess when in doubt with which weight to get, just buy them all. I also received from Zach ear muffs for the shooting range. I feel much better now knowing someones smelly, sweaty ears weren't inside the muffs I just stuck on my head. I can't wait to wear them at the range...maybe next birthday I'll get my own piece of artillery. Pink of course. Not because I love pink, but a pink gun would Be AWESOME! and it would match my muffs.

 

 

For my cake, Zach brought home a layered chocolate cake. It had cheesecake layers and mouse with white and dark chocolate. VERY delicious!

and of course a variety of ice cream. I prefer fruity ice creams with orange creamsicle being #1.

It was a wonderful day! 

a small request

Cara has her own blog. She talks about some pretty neat things, mostly cupcakes and other desserts she makes. Cara wants to open her own bakery when she grows up. She is very talented in her cupcake baking.

So here is her blog: http://cakesforcara.blogspot.com/

She asked me tonight if anyone reads her blog and I sadly said "no". If you could just follow her and leave a comment once on awhile I know she would LOVE it.

Thanks!