2012

The start of a new year and we are going to have the best one yet! I am not going to say It cannot get any worse because I know it can but I am so hoping for a lot less hospital visits.

In March we will be going on a Mexican Riviera Cruise with Chris's parents and his sibling and their spouses. I am excited, it should be fun. I just am not looking forward to getting this fat body into a swim suit, especially around his thin sister and sister-in-law. Ugh!

Trying to catch up...

Okay since my last post my children came home from Utah to live with us. It was the weekend of Halloween. So that weekend we had to go get costumes. There was hardly anything left, we spent hours and finally came up with stuff. I am just glad Teague is so easy going about those things. He was just like sure, whatever. Tate and Sayla however, needed it just perfect.
I know the kids had mixed feelings about coming back. They had made some wonderful new friends, and enjoying Utah and the time they were spending with their Father.
It was just in their best intrest to come home. I am grateful to Sonny for realizing that and being unselfish and letting them come home. I know their friends here were so excited to have them back.

In November Teague and his Utah football team went to Mesquite NV for a football tournament. He had lots of fun. They won the first game and then lost the second.

Thanksgiving was spent with both families. Chris was feeling so sick and was actually bleeding so we ended up in the emergency room. It was extremely frustrating for lots of reasons. They were just taking their sweet time trying to get the bleeding to stop. It was 4 days until they got it stopped. He had 8 blood transfusions. He was poked around 30 times. So he was in their for 10 days. Sayla's baptism was schedule for December 3 and we were not sure if Chris would be able to baptize her. He was bound and determined to do it. He came home on Friday December 2. During that week I had Sayla try on her baptism dress and It didn't fit. I bought it back at Easter when they were on sale. At the time I bought it, I kept thinking to myself go with a bigger size and I didn't and then I was regretting it. Do you know how hard it is to find a White Dress in December??? At least an affordable one. Well after lots of looking, our last and only option left was to go to Elegance in White. Of course they had lots of beautiful dresses and Sayla was beautiful in all of them. She felt like a princesses. She had a hard time deciding which one. We picked one out and I was choking on the price, but how do you say no to a little girl for her special day. Good thing grandma was around and could hem the dress for us. It was a little long.

December 3, Saturday morning we all got up to get ready for Sayla's baptism. Chris was way sick and not even able to go to the baptism. I was having a hard time with it. I just kept crying. I wanted him to be there so bad and I know he wanted to also. We had a wonderful turn out. There was lots of family and friends to support and be their for Sayla. Afterwards we went to our house for Soup and rolls. It had been about 45 minutes and I heard this yell from the back room "Help" I ran back to my room Chris said call 911 he was having Labored breathing, couldn't move and sweating bad. Becca who is a MA came back and was trying to get his legs to unlock and they would not budge. The paramedics showed up and took him away. We tried to keep all the kids downstairs so they would not know what was going on but they found out. Taya started crying and saying "is my dad going to die, I don't want him to go to the hospital" She was having a hard time. She is a Daddy's girl. I came out of the room and everyone was cleaning up for me. I made sure the kids were taken care of, then off the the hospital I went. He was poked another 9 times. They couldn't get an IV started. They even tried in his feet. He said that hurt so bad. His white cell count was around 1600 so they suspected an infection. They were not sure where the infection was. He was not started on anti-biotics, but he was admitted to the hospital. It is so hard when he is in the hospital. I get so exhausted from running to the hospital, home to feed and check on kids, make sure homework and baths get done, go back to the hospital, work and try to keep up the house. Some days I just don't feel like I can do it anymore. I feel this trial is just too much to handle, but every time we pull through it. After a week Chris came home. He was home for 3 days and was right back into the hospital. He was bleeding really bad. This time they got him right in to see where the bleeding was. He had a very large ulcer on some blood vessels. The Dr. said we have to do surgery or Chris is going to bleed to death. That is not something you want to hear from a Dr. So they went in and cut out the Ulcer part it was about 3 inches of his intestine. He had 21 staples. The Dr. when they cut that part out it had the clip in their from when they had tried to stop the bleeding before. It was diseased and they couldn't find any other areas of the disease. So hopeful this will help for awhile and there will not be any more episodes. He was in the hospital until Dec 20th.

Christmas was so nice. All of the family was in town. I was so happy to see nieces and nephews. They are so fun. We got very spoiled for Christmas from some ward members and some people from work. It is such a blessing to live in such a good area with people who love and care about you.

Becca moved out shortly after Christmas, the kids were sad to see her go. She went back to Utah where she feels like she belongs. I guess I can understand that.

Time flies....

Time flies whether you are having fun or not.

Wow is all I can say for the last 4 months. Summer consisted of movies, Drive Inn's, Milk Shakes, Snow cones, Swimming, lots of playing with friends and cousins, Bar-B-Que's, Boon Docks, Scout day camps, Water parties, Chukars games, lots of sleep overs and I am sure more.

We cannot forget more hospital visits for my husband. This last time he went in September they gave him a botox shot into his Pyloric (spelling?) valve and he has felt so much better, thank goodness. He has been doing things around the house. Has been out to football games and out with the kids. It is great to have this change. Instead of him just lying in bed, sick.

In June my children asked if they could try living a year with their dad. It was a very difficult decision, and I had lots of tears, but I went ahead and told them yes. So I only have 3 children in my household right now. They seem to be doing pretty good except for my Tate. He really wants to come home. He cries when I talk to him on the phone. I miss my kids and things are just not the same without them here. I am hoping I can make it a whole school year without them.

Our neice Chris's sister's daughter was dignosed with cancer. She is only 7 months old. So that has been hard. For awhile there we kept getting bad news and more bad news and quite honestly I did not think she was going to make it. Since then she has been able to come home. She is not out of the woods yet. I know things have changed alot for Stephanie and her family. Stephanie has to give Brynlee her medications and flush her central line. They seem to be taking it all in stride.

We had a nephew born into the family. Brandon and Ashley welcomed their new baby boy. Walker Wendell McBride. He was born 9 lbs 14 oz and he was three weeks early. Big boy!! But oh so cute. There was a little scare during the delivery but all is well and we are so grateful. You see Walker's older brothers so proud.

This fall has brought us lots of fresh fruits and veggies to our home. Lots of wonderful neighbors have shared with us from their gardens. Fresh corn on the cob, Squash, apricots, cucumbers, tomatoes, red potatoes, etc. Yum Yum. So grateful for wonderful neighbors. Not only do they share with us in their harvest. They have mowed our lawn several times, fixed kids bikes, helped with kids, helped with our electricity. I am sure much more. Always coming to our rescue. I couldn't ask for better neighbors and ward members.

Also with fall comes FOOTBALL! Teague made the A team in Lehi. I have been to a couple of his games. They play so well. Teague just loves football, it is so fun to see his enthusiasm.
Chris took the kids to a high school football game and then of course anytime football is on T.V. Chris is watching it. I know this weekend it was very hard for him to watch General Conference he had to keep flipping to football to see the score.

Towards the end of August we had a friend move in with us. Her name is Becca. She was having some struggles and needed a place to live for awhile, until she can get her life back on track. We are glad to have her. The kids love her and she helps me alot with keeping the house clean and helping kids with homework. We have had lots of laughs with her. The missionaries have been coming every week and there is such a good feeling in our home.

Things really seem to be looking up for our family. Chris has been working really hard with getting his life back on track and we are getting much closer to be able to be sealed in the Temple. Something I have been waiting patiently (hum or not so patiently at times) for. I am very proud for how far he has come. He has had some very difficult and rough years. Love you babe.

May at a glance

May the last month of school. It has been busy.
Sydney had her 4th grade Idaho History program.
Teague had his 5th grade US history program.
Tate had a program/play on what they learned throughout the year.
Taya had a kindergarten graduation.
ISAT'S for Sydney, Tate, and Teague
Teague tied for the highest score in his class for Math and Reading.
In his Math test he tested at a post high school level. I am very proud.
Sayla tested well above in her reading. The high in her class was 53 words per minute read. She read 85 wpm.
Tate also tied for highest score in his class for reading.
Ethan who is in 2nd is reading on a 6th grade level.
Man I have some smarty pants kids.
Chris was in the hospital with pnemonia.
Chris had knee surgery.
Teague had a birthday.
Teague arrow of light ceremony.
Several birthday parties.
Ethan basketball games.
Memorial weekend Island Park with the "Former" family.
Memorial day took the kids to a movie and dinner.
Game night with the family. We had an uneven number cause chris was icing his knee. I told the kids go get Dad and we will do boys against girls. Sayla says "no dad is too smart" I said "are you calling me dumb" Sayla says "No, he is just smarter than you." It is the truth but come on Sayla.
Lots of Tears.
7 missing teeth.
2 cavities filled
21 A's
3 B's
3 5's
9 2's
lots and lots of E's and S's
Tate won me a $10 gift card to Orange Leaf for his essay on Why my mom deserves to be pampered. Sponsered by our orthodontist Dr. Mooso
His essay said this:
She has to take care of 6 kids and a sick husband. She works ful time and does moast of the chors. We have a knoty dog that she mostly takes care of. We are very pour.
So we went out and had frozen yogart together.
Tate also won a $10.00 gift card to Barnes and Noble for his reading minutes.

It's not a tumor... (said in an Arnold Swartznagger voice)

Another scary thing happened to us these last few weeks. Chris went into the Dr. and they ran a bunch of panels to try and get some answers for his illnesses and everything going on in is body. Well the Dr. called us and said his body was secreting some fluid that is secreting when you have a brain tumor and he wanted him to go in for an MRI. When I got the news I was very scared Chris and I both cried. He went in for the MRI. When we got the results back it came back negative for a Tumor what a relief. The Dr. did say he was baffled to what is going on and Why his body is doing/not doing what it is suppose to, so we have more Dr.'s to see. I would just like some answers. I would love to have a healthy husband again. We don't always get what we want now do we. Again thankful for the blessing that it was not a tumor. That was a very scary thing.

My grandparents are gone

Within two weeks of each other I lost both my grandma and grandpa McBride.
Grandpa McBride got sick in Jan 2009 and just could not seem to get better after that. He suffered several strokes and infection after infection. On April 18th he passed just 38 minutes shy of his 86 birthday. He died on his and my grandma's 62nd anniversary.
since the funeral was on Easter weekend and it happened to be on Angelia's holiday she would let us take the kids. She is such a beast. I know it was just because it was me and she did it to spite me cause she hates me so bad, for being a mother to her children when she wasn't. So if you cannot tell I was and am upset about that. The funeral was great, lots of tears. It was great to see so many people I had not seen in a long time. At the cemetery, the VFW (veterans of Foreign War) came and played "Taps" and presented the flag to my grandmother. It was a special ceremony. Of course once they started playing the flood gates opened up and everyone was crying. It was raining hard and the wind was blowing but we got through it.
On Sunday May 1st my father text and said Grandma is in a Coma and is not expected to make it through the week. On monday May 2nd around 6:45 she passed peacefully in her sleep.
Her and my grandpa just could not stand to be away from each other. I am glad they are together pain free, and happy again. Walking and dancing like they have not done in a long time. I love them and miss them. I am so grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that I will see them again and that they are whole again. Then again of course since the funeral is this weekend and it is Mother's day weekend so it is Angelia's weekend she will not let us have the kids again. You know there are going to be lots of Mother's day's but only one funeral. She will answer for all this and what she puts her children through, but for now we deal with it and try to go forward with a smile on our face.

Ice Princess

Our little Sayla did 4 weeks of Ice skating lessons. The week before the performance they practiced everyday for 1-3 hours. Sayla Chris and I were glad when those long practices were done. I know she is going to miss Ice Skating. They melted the ice after the performance so no more until next year. They did a performance on Saturday the 2nd. It was a Disney theme. She was in the little mermaid a little fish. She did so good, she was so cute. She did not fall and did everything right. She was even helping the other girls get into their spots and helping them with what was next. She of course kept waving to us. She is so cute. Grandma and Grandpa McBride came, with Mackay. Then her Dad and Jordie came from Utah. Great Grandma Mercer came. Then us Me, Chris, Teague, Tate, Sydney and Taya.

Have you ever....

Have you ever sat back and watched someone you love suffer and be in so much pain they cannot get out of bed. Have you ever sat and begged Heavenly Father to take someone you love so much to take them from you so they could be out of pain and suffering. This is how it has been for me for the last couple of weeks. Just when you think he is doing better he falls further down. Why is he still alive and suffering? What does Heavenly Father have in store for him/us? It is very hard to keep the faith and think there is something some reason behind all of this. Will we ever know?
Tonight was a very hard night for the kids and I. Chris was so sick today and it hit the kids very hard. It was Sydney who started it all and all the other kids started to cry. I had a hard time calming them down. Sydney just sobbing saying "is dad going to die? will he ever be better? I hate to see him in so much pain?"
I try to stay strong but I get tired of being "so Strong" I want to give up sometimes. I feel weak at times and just don't think I can do it anymore. Of course after I start feeling that way I dig down deep inside myself and find the strength and keep going. That strength comes from only one place My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I am glad he has helped me along this trying hard road.
I will keep going as long as I have to. I will keep finding that strength to carry on.

Not so good at this

I am not so good at this blogging thing. I never have time and when I do have time I don't know what to say.

I do want to say thank you for anyone and everyone who has kept us in your prayers. We have had some good news/blessings in the last month. It has relieved alot of stress in mine and Chris's life. Chris is slowly feeling better. He was able to go to Sacrament with me a couple weekends ago. The ward members were so happy to see him even though he did not stay, we will take the little baby steps of his improvement.

Brother Olsen our neighbor has been a life saver this winter. Everytime it rained he was out in our driveway shoveling our walks and drive way. Thank you Brother Olsen for your kind service.



There are so many others in our ward I have to thank also. So many meals and treats have been brought to our home over the last several months. It is much appreciated and very thoughtful.



Chris and 4 of the Children were in a wreck a few days ago. They were in a rush to get to the Dentist. It was very scary. I got a call at work. The man on the other line introduced himself as Officer Casper. He proceeds to tell me my husband and children have been in an accident and he needed to come and get me from work to take me to where they were. I was in a panic. My heart dropped down to my toes. The worst things go through your head when you recieve a call like that.

I ran to the office told them I was leaving I grabbed my things and went outside to meet the officer.

Everything ended up being okay but they wanted me to drive the car just as a precaution. Chris's medications were affecting him differently.



I do have to say for once in the last 3 years of my life I feel like I have had a break and the blessing are being poored out to me. I have always known I was blessed and I saw the little blessings in my life but recently it has hit me very hard and strong.

I am very grateful to a loving father in heaven who will let me see and experince these things.



So moving on to the next blessings. A while back I had given some homemade hair bows and clippies to some girls that were have babies. Then Kyle who I work with came up to me and said my girlfriend would like to buy some of your bows you make will you bring them in. So I did and wow all the ladies went crazy. I made over $100 in a week. I only make the hairbows for neices and for gifts but now it has got me thinking maybe I could make some money off of this. It could not have come at a better time.
Then someone put a $20 in my locker with a note that said "just because"
If anyone knew how much we needed it. Wow!
This is how bad we need it. It was a tuesday evening I was on my way to work at 10:00 p.m. I knew I was out of gas but we did not even have $10 in our bank account. I was just hoping and praying i could make it to work and back. well when I got off of work at 6 am and was heading home in the freezing cold. I ran out of gas. Even if someone came to help me I had no money to buy gas to put in my car. I was debating on walking home. I called Chris and he said let me see if I can make some calls. He called his parents no answer. He called his cousin Jack. Well Jack came and saved the day. I did have to wait an hour for him to show so I was freezing.
Later that day when we went to the mailbox there was a check for $200 from Sonny. It could not have come on a better day. Yeah we can put gas in our car.
Then a few weeks later a check for $100 came in the mail from a dear friend of mine.
On the not it said. I woke up in the middle of the night and had a feeling you needed this. This feeling would not go away until I did something about it. I cried and cried when I recieved that.
Just so you know whoever is reading this and does not know Chris has been so sick and has not worked since September. Times have been very tough. These tender mercies from the lord and from all his faithful servants, are just what my family has needed. Thank you everyone for listening when the lord has prompted you and being his agents in answering prayers.
We will pay it forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

2011 Starts off with Bitter Sweet.

So 2011 was not off to a good start. My aunt Roxie passed away. She was diagnosed with cancer three weeks prior to her passing. Roxie is my Dad's older brother Randy's wife.
On Sunday January 9 my parents, Kecia and I headed to Utah. Our first stop was in Bountiful to see my Grandparents whose health is failing miserable and quickly. While we were there my Aunt and Uncle Kara and Dave showed up. Their Daughter Shannon and her new baby boy Wyette was with them. We do not see them very often they live in St.George. Then my uncle Paul and his daughter Tayler showed up. It was good to see everyone. Even though it is hard to see my grandparents the way they are. My grandfather usually has lots to say and we don't have to think of things to carry on a conversation, but things are different now and we all were trying to find things to talk with them about.
Next stop was to see my sister. We stayed about an hour. It was nice to see my niece Aleah in her own Enviroment. Whenever I have seen her it has been at my parents house and all she does is hide behind Brooke. Well she was playing and talking.
Then off the Bryce and Cassidy's house. We visited for a few hours then started getting ready for the viewing.
Upon arrival at the viewing we saw lots of family and friends we have not seen in 20 years or so. although it was a sad situation it was also like a reunion seeing and reconnecting with everyone. I know Roxie would have liked it that way. She was a very good woman, very kind and loving. We went to dinner afterwards with my Aunt Shantel and Uncle Paul and their two children Tanner and Tayler. Good times lots of laughs. Tanner had some great stories to tell. He has not changed a bit. Still the same story telling kid.

The 10th was the Funeral. It was a nice service again lots of family to visit with and see. We headed home around 2:30. As soon as we returned home we headed to Leo's for Cambria's birthday party. Man my life is busy and crazy. No wonder I am so exsausted all the time.

Lots to catch up on since November 16. Well Lets see Chris was in the hospital again he was diagnosed with Gastroparasis. Which has been a struggle. He still struggles with his health, he is doing a little better and has been up and moving around more than before.

We had Thanksgiving-all my family came into town, we had the thanksgiving celebration at the church since we have so much family. It was fun to have the family around. I love my family so much and love holidays that bring us together.

Dec- The kids had there Christmas program at school. Someone did the 12 days of Christmas to our family. The kids loved getting a gift every night. What sweet people for thinking of us, with all the hardships we have gone through.

Of course, Christmas. All of the children were with their other parents for Christmas it was very different. It was just Chris and I. Chris was not feeling very well so I was the only one that went to my parents on Christmas Day. When the children came home on December 30 we had our own Christmas it was crazy paper, presents, candy it was so good to have the children back.

All of the family came into town, Brynn was blessing her baby so they were all here. It was so fun. On New Year's Eve we got together at my Mom and Dads for food and games and visiting. Some of the conversations we have are quite interesting, but very funny.

New Years Day was a very busy day we took the kids to the movie Mega Mind so cute. We went to Chris's parents for a New Year's dinner. At 6 we (meaning my brothers and sisters and spouses and my parents) met at Stockman's resturant for dinner. It was Ashley's birthday so we were celebrating and my parents paid. AWESOME So fun to be with family we have the best time laughing and enjoying each others company. WE went back to Chris's parents visited for a little bit then took the kids home. They were so tired. A whole week of staying up late.

Sunday morning we got up got ready and went to Brynn's sacrament meeting for Jagger's baby blessing. Again another day with lots of family. We had a celebration at Dana and Darla Miller's. They have a big enough house to host everyone. Thanks to them for their hospitality and generosity. My kids loved it there. They kept saying I WANT to live here. They have a gym down stairs. Then it was say goodbye to family. They had to return home to their lives. So sad wish they lived closer. I miss them so much all the time. Now my Brother Brandon is moving them to Arizona so now I will see them even less. What a meanie taking my Nephew's away.
I will miss them so much.

Report cards

Wow so I just have to tell you how wonderful my children are doing in school and how much all the teachers love them.

Teague was first He is my 5th grader Mrs. Inglet kept saying I love Teague he is such a good, smart kid, I love him even without his grandpa being a police officer. (her husband is also a police officer for the city) He got all A's and B's so he gets to snow board this winter which he is very excited for.

Sayla was next she is my 1st grader Mrs. Brian said "she is one of the best girls I have, there is no Drama with her so that is so nice, she is right on track all 5's is reading really well, is a great kid wish I had a whole bunch of Sayla's in my class.

Taya is my Kindergartener Her teacher said she is one of the top students she is sad that she will not have anymore of our children. She had Ethan, Sayla and now Taya. She is already reading knows all her letters and the sounds.

Sydney is in 4th Mrs. Andrus she has all A's except one B+ in Math. She said "I have her in 5th grade math, you can put her back down to 4th grade if that B really bothers you or you can keep her in it and have her just keep trucking along." Chris and I decided to keep in the 5th grade math. Even though Angelia has given her such a hard time about it and had her in tears over one B. Angelia never has even had an A in her life so who is she to talk. Mrs. Andrus also said how she is so helpful. When she finishes her homework she always asks if there is anything she can do to help her our. Sydney was also chosen to be on student council this year. She is very excited about it.

Tate my 3rd grader Mrs. Julian the first thing out of her mouth was "I love Tate" she even wrote it on his report card. She said "there is just something about that kid that makes me love him so much." He has all A's the only problem he has is he likes to fiddle around in his desk when he is suppose to be working." All of his teachers have said the same thing how much they love him.

Ethan was last 2nd grade. Mrs. Olsen said "I will make this quick, Ethan is perfect, he gets all his homework done on time, he listens, does what he is supppose to do, is quiet, he is kind to eveyone, everyone likes him, he gets along well with everyone I wish I had 14 Ethan's in my class. His AR goal was 20 and on his own he had 37 points so she said she is doubling his AR goal for next tri-mester to 40 points. He is such a good reader. She just went on and on about Ethan. Ethan has always been my obedient child.

I am so proud of my children. I am very blessed to have all 6 of them in my life.

From the mouth of Babes...

Some funny things the kids have said lately.

Start with Taya
I asked Taya to do her chore, she did it without hesitation. I then said to the other children "look how good Taya is at doing her chores when I ask her, she always does it right when I ask her to. I really appreciate it and it would be very helpful if you all would do the same." Taya replies "yeah and I never listen" I was laughing.

Sayla
I was on my way out the door for work and Sayla says "mom do you want me to brush your hair for you." I said "I already did my hair does it look bad" She replied "well it is a little nappy on this one side." Where did she get that from?

Ethan
At dinner we were talking about "Black Friday" and how it is the day that companies go from the being in the red to being in the Black and Ethan said "and the shoppers get in the red" Very True Ethan you are too smart.

Tate
Tate was making lunch I said" is that all you are taking for lunch. He said "yes" I said "are you going to be okay". He replied "Don't worry Daniel's mom always packs extra in his lunch for me." Thank you Kym for taking care of my child.

These kids just crack me up. Everyday is full of so much fun.

Ethan turns 8

Today Ethan turned 8. He will be getting baptized this saturday. He is most excited for scouts.
How blessed I am to be able to be a mother to Ethan. I have been in his life since he was 4 years old. I remember the first time I met him. It was his smile that really caught my eye. He has a smile that lights up the room. I was teasing him about his age. I was trying to guess his age and said 25,13 he would just smile and say nooo. It was very cute.
Ethan is very obedient when he is told something he does it and he gets all the other kids to do it also. If he gets grounded from video games or friends he reminds me. "Remeber I am grounded" He takes his punishment and does not complain. (Imagine that a child that does not complain)
He is great at sharing, and is so good at helping me around the house.
He is an excellent student. He reads so well.
I sure do love this kid. He brings so much joy into our home.

Tate turns 9

Man does time fly my little Tate turns 9 on the 19th of October. He is such a fun kid. He is so imaginative. He comes up with the craziest games and costumes. He wanted to be Indian Jones

so he got on a white T-shirt some Kahaki pants found a leather looking vest, a jump rope for his whip. He went outside and tied the jump rope to the swing set and played for hours. He wanted to be a ninja so he took a black t-shirt and cut it up and made a ninja mask. He glued it together and it stayed. He did a very good job. He is always impressing me with his creative mind.

He is loved by everyone. He has lots of friends. I will be at work and kids will come up to me and say aren't you Tate's mom. He is my friend.

He is so good with his younger cousins especially Hewitt. He loves playing with him and helping him out. He gave Hewitt one of his batman stuffed animals once because he had grown out of it.

Once some of our friends stopped by to visit. They have 5 boys. The boys were all playing around having such a great time. They started doing races. Well the little boy Benny who is only 2 was getting frusted cause he was not getting included in the big boy games or races. So Tate took him "in" and became his little buddy. He raced him and let him win. He would say come on

Benny come play. He is a very sweet kid.

All of his teachers love him. Things we hear at parent teacher conference. I wish I had a whole classroom full of Tate's. He is so quiet and obedient. He listens and is respectful. Those are the things a parent likes to hear. (although at times I do wonder if we are talking about the same kid.) He had a student teacher that just loved him. She told us, "I know I am not suppose to play favorites but, Tate is my favorite".

You always have fun when Tate is around.

Tate likes to play football, basketball, and video games.

Tate We all Love you and are so glad you are a part of our family.

Happy Birthday!!!

Sayla turns 7

On Monday Sayla turned 7. She is my second youngest. Man she was excited she was counting down the days and then of course the hours. At church the week before she would go up to people and say "guess what! only 8 more days until my birthday" It was funny. When 6:30 rolled around on Monday night and no one was here yet she was very nervous. Of course the family and a few friends came through.
She opened her presents she got 4 Barbie's, a Barbie movie, clothes, a soft bath robe, a gumball machine, a bracelet, nail polish, money, a earring holder, some earrings I am sure there was more but that is all I can remember.
Sayla is such a sweet little girl. She makes me laugh. She has lots of questions for me always. She is very smart. I cannot slide anything past her. I always get caught. She is very tender hearted. She loves anything pink and sparkly. She always has to be dressed up and wants heals and make up. She loves to dance and sing. tgwr
I cannot believe how time flies and how grown up she is.
She is so fun and I am glad she is part of our family.
Happy Birthday sweet girl.

Health Forgranted

I have been thinking how much I take my health forgranted. My husband has a chronic illness. He wakes up everyday sick. He is in pain and nauseated and some days cannot function or even get out of bed. It physically exhaust him. I don't know how he does it. I am a baby I would not be able to. I know how I get when I get the 24 hour stomach bug, I lay in bed and moan and groan. He usually takes care of me. This is what he lives with on a daily basis. Some people say well he is probably use to it so it does not affect him. No! it still does and it does not get better and sometimes it gets worse. The only thing he hates about it is that it affects the family so much. He says "this is my cross to bear, I just wish my family did not have to suffer from it also."
I have heard family members say to me "Well if he would live his life right, maybe this would not be happening to him." Whether he was living his life right or not it still was happening. He has been suffering since high school. It has been worse in the last few years.

This week I am going to be grateful for my health, and not be a baby about any aches or pains or stuffy nose I may have. I challenge anyone else who may read this post to do the same.

Well my dearest and longest friend Charise Andrus Monson lost her father on Sunday. It has been a very emotional week. Tuesday was the viewing. I showed up at 6 p.m. (I wanted to be there at 5:30 because I knew there would be lots of people) well there were lots of people it went in the south side wrapped around to the north side of the building into the gymnasium on the west side went to the east side of the gymnasium back to the south east side out the gymnasium door on the south side then we went east into the Relief Society room did you get all that? We stood in line for 2 hours. It was so fun to see all the siblings of Charise. I only wish it was in better circumstances.
Now if anyone knows me they know how close Charise and I were growing up. We were at each others houses almost everyday. The Andrus family was like a second family to me. I love them all so much, I enjoy their company, all her Sisters husbands have been so kind to me, her brothers are awesome, everyone of them holds a special place in my heart.
So of course Doug was like a father to me. He was such a great example to me. He was very devoted to the Lord, he loved the Lord and everyone knew it. I remember him always studying his scriptures. There was never a day missed for family scripture study, believe me I was there for quite a few of those scripture study nights. He always treated the guest so special. I remember a couple of times when I was there for breakfast, Deanna had made mush and I did not like it so Doug let me have corn flakes. I remember Stan and Jared whining "why does she get corn flakes and we have to have mush" Doug's reply was "she is our guest" one sunday dinner I was there eating with them and he gave me the first serving of meat and again I heard "Why does she get the good meat with the less fat" Doug's reply again was "she is our guest." Know you would think this would end after me practically living there for 12 years but no he still treated me as a guest and I recieved special treatment.
I remember a story he always told from his mission. He knocked on the door of a gentleman and the man's said "sorry I am Catholic" Doug's reply was "I am sorry too." He was very bold. The man just chuckled. I cannot remember if he actually taught him or not I just remember that part of the story. He was always a missionary.
I remember almost everytime we went into town either with Deanna or with one of her sisters we would stop by the office and get a candy bar or soda out of the vending machine. It was awesome.
Charise and I would go up to Doug and say to him "Say do you know what? You've got stuff all over your face" then he would chase after us. We loved doing that. I am sure he got tired of doing it but he was a great sport about it.
Wednesday was the funeral. I was alone Chris had to work and the kids were in school (plus They did not know Doug so it would not be right for me to take them) Anyway when I arrived I was walking on the sidewalk to the doors. I looked over and there was Elder L. Tom Perry I stopped and said Hello. He asked me what was the best way to get into the building. I said well the only way was the doors on the south side. I told him all the other doors were locked. His reply "they are locked what will they do next" I just chuckled. Wow just to be in the presence of an apostle just for that one moment was an amazing feeling. The funeral service was amazing the spirit was so strong in there. It felt more like Stake Conference than a funeral, although I had a lot more tears here than at Stake conference. All his children, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law did such a wonderful job singing. It was beautiful! The church was so packed they had it broadcasted into 3 other rooms in the building.
My heart goes out to Deanna what a sweet and amazing lady she is. I know she will keep herself busy with her children and grandchildren, and serving others as she always has but she will have some lonely nights. I know she loved Doug so dearly. I wish there is something I can do, someway I could tell her how much she means to me, and how much I think about her and her well being. I love the Andrus family so much I hope they all know it.
Well I think I have rambled on enough.

Football Football Football and Soccer

So Today was a very busy day. Starting at 6 a.m. up and getting Teague off to his game in Firth. He was pumped up and excited. Teague loves football. I was there at 9:15 I had a hard time finding the place. Teague did so good, he plays so well. His team did not win but we had lots of heart and they did not give up.

Here are some pictures of Teague's game.

Teague Number 54

Teague no. 54 coming up from a tackle

Waiting on the coach and Referee to stop arguing

Teague in the middle of a tackle he is the one you can see his face the best

Teague up against number 60 something

Then it was to Idaho Falls Community Park for Ethan's game at 11.

Ethan was the only one who scored a touchdown on his team.

Needless to say they also lost.

Here are some pictures of his game.

Ethan is the one grabbing the flag

Playing with his mouth guard

Then Tate and Sydney played at 11:30 at Community Park. They are the Bronco's. Their team won. I have a hard time with their coach. When Chris coached last year their was this one coach that we did not like, bad sportsmanship very mean to the kids. Then this year we get a call to be on his team. I gave the kids the decission to play on his team or not at all, whatever they decided I did not want to hear crying and complaining. They both decided to play. I just told them they can still be good sports and not follow

the other team members or the coach in bad sportsmanship.

Sydney is very fast, she always plays defense, she gets the flag almost everytime.

Tate is offense mostly, hiking the ball or blocking.

Here are some pictures of them.

Tate Hiking the ball

Defense, Defense D-Fense

Tate on the run

Then at 11:45 was Taya's soccer game good thing that was at Community Park also so I was able to go from one field to the other watching all of them.

This is her first year playing any sport. She is fast and goes after the ball she made the first goal!!!!!!! She did not even realize she did it. It was funny.
Here are some of her pictures.

It was very fun to watch all these games today. Next Saturday will be the same with all these games. It is crazy but I love it.

Pondering....

The other day Chris asked me "If we were together from the beginning do you think we would have had all six children"
My reply "No" I have horrible pregnancy's I am sick the whole time, I am mean etc.
He says "Then I am glad we didn't"
As much as we both hate what we have gone through to get to this point, Neither of us can imagine our lives without all 6 children. They are precious and I enjoy being their mother. We are extremely blessed that Heavenly Father trusted us enough to allow us the opportunity to parent these children here on this earth.
Even though I did not birth all 6 of them they are still mine, and I believe however we get them they are mine and it is my responsibility to teach them everything I can. Very Humbling.
There is a song that fits Chris and I very well. One line in the song says "God bless the broken road that led me straight to you." It fits because we both have gone several broken roads to find each other and I am so glad we have. Chris is everything to me. He treats me so well, I walk on water in his eyes. All though I think he puts me on a much higher (peda stool) than I deserve, it feels nice to be treated so amazing.
That is another thing Chris always says "Everything I have gone through I would do it again in a heartbeat knowing that you are my end result"
Isn't he just the sweetest.
I am so glad we are all a family.