Recovering

I wanted to update everyone on Kaijsa. She is home and recovering nicely. She was able to take her bandages off today which she was excited about. There is some bruising but not bad. She is getting up and walking around quite a bit which helps keep the soreness and stiffness down. Her appetite is slowly getting better too. She will be home all week to recover and is to keep her activities to a minimum. I think she is ready to be feeling better so she can play with the little ones and go back to school. We picked up her homework and she has quite a bit to do so we'll pretend she is being homeschooled this week and get her to do it. Thank you for all your prayers and well whishes. She is doing great and we're so glad that everything went well. We love you Kaijsa, keep up the hard work of resting and getting better. :)

Kaijsa's Emergency Surgery

The following pictures were taken on my cell phone so they aren't the clearest pictures but we had to have some of Kaijsa on this big day for her. This is a picture of our beautiful Kaijsa getting ready for surgery. She was very nervous and scared so didn't want her picture taken but we wanted to remember this event. Surgery is hard but it was an emergency for her. She started to complain of lower abdominal pain late last night. We gave her some pain medicine and that helped her to sleep. This morning the pain was still there and fairly intense so I set up an appointment with her Pediatrician, whom by the way is the best doctor ever. She saw Kaijsa and felt that there were some concerns and she wanted some test performed. We went to the Hospital in Waxahachie and had some blood work drawn and then an Ultrasound. This discovered something wrong with her appendix. The Radiologist spoke with the Surgeon who then requested a CT be done. This verified that she in fact had Appendicitis. So emergency surgery was ordered. She was admitted to the hospital and has the best group of nurses. Her surgical team was amazing and very good to her. Below is a picture of one of the nurses/surgical techs and he was hilarious. He gave her the hat that is on her head to keep and was so good to her. We felt so much better knowing that she was in good hands. The Surgeon was great and the surgery went well. They were able to remove her appendix, before it ruptured, Laproscopically which left 3 small incisions. She is sore, obviously, but is doing well. She was a trooper through it all. We are so proud of her. She handled the needles and all the tests without too many tears. I almost think it's harder on the parents to see their child hurting and sick and not being able to help them. It was hard to see her wheeled away but we knew it would be ok. Heavenly Father is watching over us and blessing us so much. Our faith in Him continues to grow and deepen. She is resting tonight and will hopefully be home by tomorrow night. Kaijsa we love you. We are sorry you had to go through this but know there is always a reason for our experiences, whether it be for us or those around us. Come home soon! Get well soon! Love you and are praying for you. There was laughter and tears but love all around. Thank you to her Dr's and Nurses who served her and help heal her. Thank you to the Priesthood for blessings and miracles. Thank you to family for love and support. Thank you to Heavenly Father for watching over us.

Painting

I've spent the last few days painting Kamden's and Kinsee's rooms. Last year we did Kaijsa's and this year we thought we would do the little ones. Kamden has his own room now as does Kinsee. We decided to do Kamden's in CARS theme. He loves anything fast especially cars, plains, and trains (We know trains aren't fast but he loves them). We painted his room blue with white racing stripes. We then put up the CARS decals. His room is so cute! He loves it! I must admit, we did a good job and it turned out fabulous. Here are a few pics from different angles. I love the toy sorter. As most people who know me know I am super organized. I hate disorder. My movies are all filed alphabetically and my music is themed. So I love this organizer so all his toys can be stored themed too! We also did Kinsee's room which turned out super cute. Larry was concerned about the colors I chose at first but now that it's all done it has come together and looks awesome. They are bright bold colors that I think she can grow up with, for a while at least. The orange and pink look great together and then we're tying it together with creme and dark brown. We got both kids dark curtains. I'm hoping it will help them sleep in longer. They love to get up with the sun but with me working nights I want to sleep in as much as I can before taking Kaijsa to school. All the kids rooms need new blinds so that will be my next purchase. A special thank you to the Elders in our Ward who helped us. I am grateful for their help with some of the painting and taping. They also helped with moving the bunkbed as it's big and heavy. We are going to try putting Kinsee in a bed now. We'll see how it goes. There just isn't room for all the furniture we did have. I'll sell some and store some. I just love the feel of the rooms being clean, organized, and roomy. Less sometimes really is more. Painting is harder work than you think it's going to be but when it's done the feel of the colors and style is great. I'm loving having a home I can decorate and add personality too. I have so many plans for each room but we'll see how soon I do any of them. I'm tired from just these two rooms. I'm getting old, ok no I'm not. It's all worth it because the kids love their rooms and that is the purpose. Someplace that is theirs. A sanctuary for them and us.

Rambling on....

I love bedtime routines. I love being able to tuck my kids into bed each night. Since I've been working nights I haven't been able to do that and I truly do miss it. I love reading scriptures with them, saying prayers and all the hugs and kisses. We read a story and watch part of a movie after we get jammies on. They are so sweet when it's time to get ready for bed. I hope they always stay young so that we can remember this time with fondness. I feel that this time is so important to them and for the family. It's bonding time just before dreaming and starting the new day. My son loves to climb into his sister's laundry basket and run around the house. The other day I found him wearing it and jumping on the trampoline. It was so funny. He is so cute. I love the imagination of a child. Children truly are precious. There are so many reasons why Jesus tells us to become like a little child. Imagination and trust are just a couple of those reasons. Don't you love these looks. The looks of "Oh mom, why?". They are so funny. I love it when their personalities are coming through and they test you. They can have such a funny personality or attitude. True, at times it's not so funny, but at other times it's all you can do to not laugh. My children, all 5 of them, are wonderful and precious. I am so grateful to have been blessed with them in my life. I know we were meant to be a family and that we'll all be together forever. Hopefully the forever part will come true soon. We are working on getting to the temple and I can't wait until Larry and I are sealed and we're sealed to all of our children. The gospel teaches us many wonderful principles but being together forever is the one I'm looking forward to the most right now. May we all live in such a manner that we can be with our family and loved ones forever.

Remembering and Cherishing Loved Ones

I have come to truly appreciate the role of Husband and Wife. The "feeling" of family. To often I think we take eachother for granted and I have come to realize that we shouldn't do that. When someone is sick or gone we realize all that they did and all that they are. Many of you may know that Larry's health has not been perfect and the times he is "down" are hard. So when he is feeling "well" we love and cherish. He has been feeling better lately and that is such a blessing. Our health is such a blessing. To have him helping with the kids, house chores, and just being with us is wonderful. He is such a fantastic Husband and Father. He loves his children and misses them when they aren't around. He cares for me and wants me to be happy. He loves to cook and makes us delicious dishes. He plays with the kids and makes them laugh. I love to hear the laughter, it truly does cure hurts and sorrows. The house is cleaner because of all his help. To have both parents around is great for the kids. To have my husband to talk with and laugh with is amazing. I love him so much. I'm grateful for the moments we have together.

I'm also thinking of my mom. Her 60th birthday would be this Saturday. Most days I think she is just gone on vacation somewhere. Other days I know she is not coming back. I miss her every single day. I miss her love and advice. I miss her knowledge and support. I miss her for my kids who won't remember her or know her. I think of her every day and hope she knows and knew how much I really did love her and appreciate her even if I didn't always show it. I was hard on her and I regret that all the time now. I love you mom! Happy Birthday. You were such a great example for me and I hope to be like you when I grow up.

Fun Times

It's been a while since I have written and here I am posting a million things at once. I don't have much time to do this since my schedule has changed with work so I have to do it when I can. I used to work during the daytime/evening and had my nights to work on it but no more. I now work Nights and Mornings with a few hours in the afternoon to spend time with the kids and get Kaijsa to work after school. I enjoy my job but it's taking more of my time lately. I do have these precious moments that you see in the slide show where I got to enjoy my kids. I'd rather to fun things like playing in the water, jumping on the trampoline or reading to my kids than cleaning my house. So...my house may be a mess but I'm making memories with my children. That to me is more important. They will remember our together times versus me spending all my time cleaning. I love my family. I love my kids. I love my husband. He is such a huge help with the house and kids. Kaijsa too is an added blessing in our lives. She is super busy with all that's going on in her life but she is good to help out too. I hope everyone can take time to truly enjoy their kids instead of pushing them till later while they do things that may not be so important. That's just my thoughts. So enjoy all the pictures and posts and I'll try to do some more the next time I get a break!

Papa Bob's Childhood Home

While on our trip to Missouri we decided to come back home by driving through my Dad's old stomping grounds. Ground actually, it's a very very very small spot on the earth and takes barely a moment in time to see it. We love you Papa! My dad grew up on a farm in Missouri and had a house that didn't even have a bathroom till he was older. Can you believe it? I think the house is wonderful though and so I took a couple of pictures. You've come a long way from Grubville MO dad! We may tease you but "Bobby" really is a nice boy. hehe

Jennie's Birthday

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So I'm like the worst sister. I should have had this up before now. My sister Jen had her birthday yesterday. I'm so glad that she is out here with us. We celebrated by going to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner over the weekend. That place is super yummy.

I just want you to know Jen that we love you and are so happy you're here with us. I know your birthday was hard, mine was hard for me too, but we're together as a family and that helps. Mom is watching over us and loves us. I hope you had a good day and enjoyed your gifts. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time tomorrow! You are a great sister and a wonderful Aunt. We love you! Happy Birthday!

Y'all Have Now Been Tagged

WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Rome, GA
FAVORITE COLOR? Yellow
FAVORITE CITY? Hmmm, anywhere by the coast.
TWO PLACES I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT? I would like to visit Europe. I would also like to take Larry and the kids to China.
FAVORITE ANIMAL? Other peoples. I have discovered I love animals but not taking care of them.
PAST LOVE? In High School I thought it was J.J. I didn't know anything until I met Larry. Forever Elvis though. :)
FIRST JOB? Babysitting and working at a Day Care Center

WHAT IS YOUR JOB NOW? Quality Control for Radiology Company, Mommy, and Wife.

WHAT WAS I DOING 10 YEARS AGO? When was 10 years ago? I can't remember this morning...let's see...10 years ago I was just home from my mission and working at Key Bank in Orem, UT. Getting ready to go back to BYU-Hawaii.
THINGS I HAVE TO DO TODAY? Playgroup, do some things for Larry, get Kaijsa to school and to work, work myself, meet with Relief Society Presidency, and maybe get a little rest, oh ya clean my house some. Whew, I'm tired just reading that.

THREE THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME?
1. I served a mission in Provo UT, loved the Navajo Reservation best
2. I went to all 3 BYU schools, although BYU-Idaho was Ricks College when I went.
3. My 2 front teeth are fake and I did get them for Christmas years ago.

FOUR MOVIES/TV SHOWS I LOVE
1. Anything scary for movies/ Bones
2. Gone With the Wind/ CSI
3. Tommy Boy/ American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance
4. Mamma Mia or Grease (Musicals)/ anything with the kids

FOUR BOOKS I LOVE?
1. The Harry Potter Series
2. The Uglies Series
3. Twilight Series
4. Scriptures
5. Jane Austen novels...I love to read

FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD?
1. Waitress
2. Quality Control
3. Teller
4. ESL teacher in China

FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
1. Rome, GA and Wilkes-Barre, PA when little
2. McPherson, KS while growing up
3. Rexburg, ID/ Provo, UT/ Laie, HI while in college
4. Cedar Hill, TX

FIVE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS?
1. Anything Italian
2. Chinese, if it's good chinese otherwise it can be very icky
3. Desserts of all kinds
4. Joe's Crab Shack


A: ATTACHED OR SINGLE? Attached
B: BEST FRIEND? Larry
C: CAKE OR PIE? Chocolate Cake in a bowl with milk on top
D: DAY OF CHOICE? Any day I'm not working and can just relax with the family
E: ESSENTIAL ITEM? Toothbrush
F: FAVORITE COLOR? Yellow
G: GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS? Neither, hate the gummies
H: HOMETOWN? McPherson
I: INDULGENCE? all desserts
J: JANUARY OR JULY? July
K: KIDS? 5
L: LIFE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT? My Family
M: MARRIAGE DATE? May 8th
N: NUMBER OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS? 1 brother and 1 sister
O: ORANGES OR APPLES? Oranges I guess but rather have Grapefruit
P: PHOBIAS? None that I know of.
Q: QUOTES? I can't think of any off hand but I do collect them. I love quotes.
R: REASON TO SMILE? Little kids say the darndest things...I love that. I love the laughs of children
S: SEASON OF CHOICE? Spring or summer
T: TAG SEVEN PEEPS!! All who read this are Tagged.
U: UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME? I lived in China for a while and hiked Mount Taishan to reach their heaven, it was beautiful but a very difficult hike.
V: VEGETABLE? Corn on the cob
W: WORST HABIT? Shopping and hitting sales.
X: X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND? ultrasound
Y: YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Chocolate covered cherries
Z: ZODIAC SIGN? Aries

Hope y'all enjoyed learning more about me. Can't wait to read more about all of you!

Congrats Chris and Kim

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love...Christopher Saling has found love at last! We are so happy for him and his fiance Kim. Although we have never met her we are sure she is wonderful since Chris is wonderful. We hope you have a wonderful life together and a beautiful wedding day. May all your dreams come true. Remember to put the other first and everything will work itself out. We are excited for your big day although not as excited as y'all are. Laugh each day and love always.

Labor Day

Below are a couple of slide shows and posts of our trip to Missouri for Labor Day weekend. I was able to take a couple of days off work before my new shift begins so decided at the last minute to go to Missouri with my Dad and Sister. We had a long but fun road trip to Missouri and spent some time with my Mom's Parents. I have posted the pictures of us stopping along the drive and with the Great Grandparents. I will put some more up of our time at the St. Louis Zoo in a day or so. I don't want to do everything at once. Plus Kaijsa starts seminary in the morning at 6am so we have to get up and leave around 5:30am. My new shift will be me working nights so I'm going to need my sleep when I can get it. That will be tonight, hopefully. So please check back in a day or two and I'll have the zoo pictures up. Plus I need to get some from my sister and dad. Vacations are great but sometimes I just need a vacation from the vacation. I'll share more soon.

Visiting Great Grandparents Pullen

Here are a few of the pictures I got of my Grandparents with a few of their Great Grandkids. It was so good to see them. I'm so glad that Kaijsa, Kamden and Kinsee got to spend a few minutes with them. I love my grandparents and don't get to see them very often. They hadn't seen us since Kamden was 5 months old. My Grandma had never seen Kinsee. Kaijsa had only met them once when we were there for their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Time goes by so fast and kids change so much so quickly. They looked good and we enjoyed our time in Missouri with them. We love you Grandma and Grandpa Pullen!

Car Ride to Missouri

Here is a slide show of our car ride to Missouri. We decided to take a trip up to see my Grandparents in Missouri for the Holiday weekend. 12 hours in the car isn't the greatest but it was fun. The kids did well and we did make a few stops along the way. I love my childhood memories of road trips to see the Grandparents. I hope my kids remember these times as fun too.