Christmas Traditions

Sorry Dad but for some reason the cord that goes from camera to computer isn't working. I'm so sorry. I will keep working on it. For this reason there are no pictures because I don't know how to download pictures any other way.

We did a few fun things last weekend as part of our Christmas Traditions. We went to Jennie and Papa's and made Mom's delicious fudge. It has to sit for 2 weeks so we're staring at it till this weekend but it is so worth the wait! We also went over to decorate/make our Gingerbread House. The kids had fun doing this. They ate some of the decorations while putting them on and the mess was fantastic but it was fun so that's ok. The house turned out cute. We also went into Waxahachie for Bethlehem Revisted. We go every year to watch them reinact (spelling?) the Christmas story. We love going mostly because we know several people in it. This year was Kaitlyn's first time going and she enjoyed it. The kids love it because they can pet the animals and see how people lived at the time of Christ. Those who volunteer to be in it are fun because they stay in costume no matter what you say to them. We walk around Bethlehem, visit the citizens, watch the story come to life and enjoy remembering the true meaning of Christmas. This year was a bit warmer than years past which was nice. It's always very crowded but that's part of the fun too. The Centurians keep the "taxpayers" moving. I love it. Kait wants to be in it next year. My mom, dad, sister and I did it one year and had a good time. Kait will love being in it. We'll drive around looking at lights this weekend as it's the last weekend before Kaitlyn leaves for her visit to UT. I'm working over the holiday so can't do much during the week. We hope y'all are having fun w/ your traditions and the holiday season.

I will continue to try and figure out the camera and picture thing. We had some cute ones dang it.

Company Christmas Party - Virtual Team - NRS

Yesterday my company had its Christmas Party. The Virtual Team got together at IHOP for good food and good times. We all work from home so it's not very often we get together. It's fun to be able to get together and put faces to the names of those we chat with at night. Not everyone was able to attend since we work all night long and live all over the metroplex area but those that got together had fun. We also got to take our kids along to play together and eat as well. We love IHOP so there is never a bad time. Carrie our Manager was there along with: Laura, Lori, Monica, Ginger, Melinda, Tonya, Sarah, and Me. I hope I didn't forget anyone and I hope I got everyone's names right. Forgive me if I did. We exchanged White Elephant gifts and had fun just being together. I enjoy the company I work for and am so blessed to be able to work from home. I work for great people and with great people. We are a group of all ladies except for the random guy from Sydney that will chat with us at night. I am also blessed in enjoying what I do. Merry Christmas to the Virtual Team at NightHawk Radiology! The last couple of pics are just random ones of me and the little ones. I love my family! I love the Christmas Season.

Beginning of Holiday Season

Let's see if I can remember all that's been going on. I have discovered that the older I get and the more kids I have the worse my hearing and memory have become. Wait that might be on purpose. No it's not and it drives my family nuts. Anyways...as you can see there are quite a few pictures but I wanted to let y'all see what we've been up to this holiday season.

First my goal is to do a Saling Family Christmas Letter this year and get it out ON TIME...so far hasn't happened but hopefully soon. I find Sundays are my only time to do the blog and probably the letter. So if not later tonight then maybe next week. Please be patient with me. If you see this and you'd like a letter from us please give me your address and I will send y'all one. I love sending them out and receiving them! hint hint

Second...Thanksgiving came and went. I've already posted about this but put a few pics in from that day. Love Thanksgiving. It kicks off the holiday season honestly and helps me remember to be grateful for all I do have. I truly am blessed and need to remember that more often. I tend to get caught up in all that's going on and forget all that I have. I am grateful for family, friends, the gospel and this time of year.

Third...We visited Santa this year. Kamden did wonderfully with him. I think he only got upset one year, maybe. Kinsee Belle on the other hand can't stand Santa. Loves him in movies but has cried every year when it comes time to see him and sit on his lap. It makes me laugh. My usually strong willed, adventurous, dangerous girl...cries to sit on Santa's lap. Maybe next year. Kaileigh didn't mind one bit. Kaitlyn had to sit with Kinsee and Santa plus she tells me she didn't really want one by herself. Kaijsa had me take her to the mall especially for a pic with Santa. I love that. I was always that way. And if I could get away with it now, a mother of 6, I would so sit on his lap. The Santa we have at the Mall is wonderful and patient. We also found out this year he's from Utah! Small world. We had fun posing with Santa and playing at the Mall. It was a great day out getting last minute stocking stuffers and presents for those we love.

Fourth...We put up our trees. Yes you read that right. When Larry and I married we each had a tree and we used to put up both. Then it got to be too much work with all the kids. So now it seems like every other year we put up both trees. We decided this year to make room and put both up. So the downstairs tree is my pretty Sailing/Saling tree. It has red balls, white lights, and all the ornaments are sailing themed. I love it. There are lighthouses, my dainty gold chinese ornaments, and santa in all sorts of sailing attire, boats, etc. Every year I try to find a new Sailing ornament to put on the tree. My mom used to do this for us so I thought now that she can't I would continue the tradition. I love it. The upstairs tree is the Family tree. It has all the ornaments from when Larry and I were kids plus all the ones we buy for the kids each year. Everyone in the family gets an ornament each year and we put it on this tree. The lights are multicolored and can blink or be still. The train goes under this tree. And the presents the kids give each other will go under this tree. The presents Santa gives and the parents give will go under the Sa"i"ling tree. I love tradition and enjoy this one greatly. The kids do too. They love to decorate "their" tree and watch the lights. The enjoy choosing what speed the lights will be and that it has their ornaments on it. Kamden especially enjoys the train. I love Christmas and all the decorations but sure do hate putting them up and packing them back up. The lights were a huge trial to me this year. But all said and done, the house is festive and brightens everyones spirits.

The kids have been good this year. I am so blessed to have the family that I have. My dad and sister do a lot for us and the kids. I'm grateful to have them close by. My kids are amamzing and I love them all so much. We miss Kira but think of her every day and are proud of her and all she's accomplishing in UT. Kam and Kinsee are so cute because when they are playing on their phones they are always calling Kira. Whenever we do anything they always ask if Kira can come. They love and miss her tons. Kai is still the best baby ever. She turned 5 months on Thanksgiving Day and is such a blessing. Her smile and laugh light up the room and spirits around her. She brings such peace to those who hold her. It's amazing. She's amazing. I see so much of my mom in her and I'm glad.

We still have much planned to do but are trying to take moments each day to remember the true spirit of this Holiday Season. Kaitlyn will be heading to UT in a few weeks and we'll miss her but know she will have fun with her family there.

The TX snow didn't last long but was fun while it lasted. It was beautiful while it fell, was fun to play in and try to catch flakes on our tongues, and was pretty to wake up to. You'll have to forgive our attire but since in TX it doesn't snow often and doesn't last long when it does you have to take advantage of it when it happens. The little ones got up with me. The older girls decided to sleep in. I still have child-like excitement when it comes to snowfalls and Christmas. I hope it never goes away and that I can teach my kids to always Believe.

May y'all enjoy this Christmas Season. And as Tiny Tim says, "God bless us, everyone".

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is/was Thanksgiving. Now that I'm married and have kids I have so much more to be thankful for but it seems like I have no time to sit quietly and be grateful. We went to my dad's house and had Thanksgiving dinner with him and Jennie. Our friend Joel came over as well - he doesn't have much family so he spent the day with ours. Dad and Jen fixed a wonderful dinner and we enjoyed the beautiful day outside. The kids played, some lights were put up outside, food was cooking and tasted so good, and no naps were taken. Santa visited Kaitlyn since she won't be here for Christmas this year. Santa came to Papa's house because we were all together as a family and felt like today would be a good day. She received some books, a blow dryer, some fun twilight stuff, make-up, jammie pants, and some pretty boots. She'll have another visit from Santa in UT when she is with her mom and that side of the family. We will miss her but are so glad she's with us all year and we could have today.

I want to take a minute to just express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for watching over me this year. He has truly blessed my family and me this year. It's been a little rough for us and He has kept us together, safe and healthy. Heavenly Father truly is aware of us and loves us. How thankful I am for that .

I'm thankful for my Husband and my children. I know they stress me out at times and every day isn't the most plesant but overall we love one another and have fun. We enjoy being together and love each other tons. I look forward to the day we can get to the temple and be sealed together forever. I sure hope that day comes sooner rather than later. I'm thankful for the good health we enjoy. We do have health trials but those too make us stronger and more faithful. The trials help us turn to our Father in Heaven for guidance, strength, and build our faith.

I am thankful for my job. I am so blessed to be able to work from home. To be able to see my kids grow and to be there for them. I have a wonderful job with a fantastic company. I'm blessed to have the job that I do and to work with the people I do.

I love TX and the beautiful weather we enjoy. I am thankful for family and friends who love and support us. To those who are there for us and set good examples for our children. I'm thankful for the gospel in our lives. I'm thankful for the scriptures and the Priesthood.

I'm grateful for my senses and being able to enjoy the world and loved ones around me. I know I don't appreciate them as much as I should but I am deeply thankful for those around me and all that I have. I struggle at times but know I'm loved and I love in return.

Thank you to everyone who loves and supports me and my family. Thank you Heavenly Father for the blessings and trials. Thank you for another year I was able to live and serve and be served. I miss my mom but am thankful for the live she led and all she taught me. I love you, everyone. There is so much more in my heart but thought this could be a start and hopefully I can continue to be grateful and thankful each and every day.

Happy Birthday Drew

Yesterday was my lovely brother's birthday. He turned 37 if I remember correctly. As we get older he becomes a better brother than the year before. Aging does wonders. Drew was a pain when I was young but my freshman year and his senior year of High School our relationship was started to change. I guess we finally got old enough to help each other rather than torture each other (although that happened too I'm sure). His friends were no longer weird and I was proud of him as my brother. He is smart and talented and married a great girl. He has great kids and is a good dad. I love you and all your quirkiness Drew! Hope you had a Happy Superb Birthday!

Training

I thought I'd do a post about my new goal. There are a few ladies in the Ward that are going to do a Half Marathon. I thought I'd join them. What is better than friends supporting eachother? Since I am so completely out of shape it's taking me a bit to get back into shape. I have been "In Training" for 3 weeks now. I jogged/walked (more jogging actually - shocking I know) 3 miles today. I feel like I'm doing pretty good. The Half Marathon is April 11th so it's kind of a birthday present to myself. In the process I was hoping to lose some weight. 3 kids in 3 years has taken it's toll plus being over 30 doesn't help. I have also started attending the yoga/pilates class at our Ward building. I am loving it! I'm sore but it feels good. I haven't been weighing myself because I don't want to become obsessive about it but couldn't help myself today. I thought for sure that after 3 weeks something would have changed. Boy did something change! Instead of losing weight like I thought I've gained weight. I've gained 7 lbs! I'm so frustrated. I was kindly reminded that muscle weighs more than fat so to keep up the good work. I love comments that push me, support me and help me reach my goal. I really want to be able to do the Half Marathon in April. I figure if I go up a 1/2 mile to a mile each week I'll be running 13.1 miles several weeks before the Marathon. That gives me some weeks to get used to running that far. I also figure it will take me like 4 hours to walk/run it and to keep my mind motivated and busy for that long is also a trick. I've been borrowing Kaitlyn and Larry's IPOD's but need to get music on them that I like or find money to get my own. Hmmm a goal for me to save up for. Plus there is a fee for the marathon that I've got to come up with. I will and can do it! Eventually I figure after some muscle builds I'll finally start losing the weight I so desperately need to lose. I've also started to try and eat healthier and not snack as much. I hope I can stick to everything. I will with all y'alls support. I'm enjoying the exercise and having fun getting the kids involved with it to. Here's to training for the Half Marathon!

Haircuts and New Moon

Here are some pictures of us getting new haircuts this week. Our friend Joel, who is a stylist, came over and gave all of us haircuts and Larry a new color. All of our new styles are cute and it was fun to have him over to do it. He is a great guy and he did a great job.


This is Richard, Jen (holding Kai), and Kaijsa at the New Moon Showing. We had so much fun and the movie was fantastic!

Larry and Kaitlyn were also part of the group and enjoyed the movie. Kait is the Twilight Saga fanatic and had all the trailers memorized before we went. But she behaved herself and only sighed a couple of times for Jacob. :)

This is my self portrait with my cutie patootie hubby. We don't get to go to the movies together very often because one or the other of us is at home with all the kids. This time we got a babysitter (thanks a ton Camille) and got to see New Moon together. This movie was better than Twilight I thought and so much fun to watch. I want to go see it again. Now to count down to June 30th when Eclipse comes out!

Kaijsa the Budding Photographer

Here are the pictures Kaijsa took with the new camera. I think the pictures turned out so cute. I didn't put captions to them because y'all know they are of Kamden and Kinsee Belle mostly. She took them outside and went for a walk with them. My kids are so photogenic but I'm biased. My kids are growing up so fast. I always laughed hearing parents say that when I was a kid because life felt like it was going so slow but now that I'm older time goes by so fast. Thanks Kaijsa for the pictures capturing the babies. I love all my kids and am so blessed to have them in my life. Thank you Kaijsa, Kaitlyn, Kira, Kamden, Kinsee Belle and Kaileigh for being so wonderful.

Family Ramblings

We got a new camera because the new one we got last year goes through batteries like we drink water. It was such a nuisance. We love that camera but my Dad got us another one. It has a rechargable battery so that is nice but I'm not sure it takes as good of pictures. Kaijsa went out and took some of Kamden and Kinsee, I only put up one of those although they are all cute, and then we took some others to get a feel of the camera. My family is so cute! I love them all! Kamden and Kinsee are so sweet but so wild and crazy at the same time. They have the softest, sweetest hearts. I love watching them play together. They can't go anywhere without the other. Kaileigh is growing up so fast. I can't believe she is almost 5 months old already. She has the funniest laugh and the cutest smile. She is still the greatest baby. Kaijsa and Kaitlyn are doing well with being home and getting school work done. Kaijsa's job is going well and so is mine. We'll both be working the holidays but that's ok. Larry is doing well and is a help around the house with all the craziness of kids and life. He even got up and made us all breakfast in bed today! Love breakfast in bed. Thanks honey! I love listening to Kaijsa play the piano. She is getting so good at it. I'm glad my mom started her on the piano and with lessons. Kaijsa has a good talent with it. Kait sings along and has a beautiful voice. We are looking forward to Christmas. I got me an advent calendar that looks like a village! I'm so excited! Each day we get to open a door and pick something out. I need to find something to go inside of them but that will be fun too. I love villages and every year try to add a building to my little village. This calendar will help. Jen came over and helped me glue back my mom's christmas block tree. It no longer looks like a tree which is sad to say but I can still look at it and think of my mom. She loved Christmas and I miss her most this time of year. Soon we'll put out our Christmas decorations and I can't wait. I'd do it now but Kaijsa won't let me. I also love the music and can't wait to listen to it all the time. Again, Kaijsa won't let me listen till after Thanksgiving. My favorite is "I Want A Hippopotomus For Christmas". Such a cute song. Anyways...the days are going well. Family is good. The Holidays are here and we are blessed. I'm going to try and type more later this week. Afterall we have Twilight-New Moon ahead and I need to list my blessings for Thanksgiving.

Playgroup

This week for Playgroup we went to a friend's house that was so much fun! They had goats and a pig that the kids could pet and chase around. Kam loved this, Kinsee not so much. They also had a zip line that the kids could use and Kam did great! I was so proud of him for going. Kinsee surprised me by not going when she is usually so daring. She had fun jumping on the trampoline and swinging. They also got tractor rides which was fun. Again Kinsee didn't seem to like that at first but enjoyed it by the end. They also had a Jeep the kids could play with and drive around. Kinsee and Kam loved LOVED this. They have a fantastic yard and cute house and we loved our time there. Thanks Jane for letting us enjoy your home and family. Kam keeps asking when can we go back. It's so wonderful to have such a good group of moms and kids to spend time with and hang out with. I love our Playgroup Group! Y'all are wonderful friends, mom's and families. The days here are perfect to be outside enjoying the fall. I'm really starting to love this time of year more and more the older I get.I love autumn smells, the crispness in the air, the fireplaces burning and Christmas just around the corner.

October is Over...November Begins...

This post is mostly for y'all to see the pictures. We went to Papa's Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday. We all got dressed up again, but as you notice Kaijsa got rid of her wig. We had a great time with Papa and had some chili and dessert as well as going around to get candy. It was a beautiful day and a fun time. We love you Papa! We hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween. We have WAY too much candy but I'm sure we'll eat it and quickly. Now it's time to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas, mostly Christmas. I've discovered things weren't packed too well last year and are broken so I need to spend the next couple of months going through it all and either fixing it or replacing it. I'm hoping for more fixing than replacing. Halloween was fun. The kids looked great. The weather has turned fantastic and now time for the rest of the holidays.

On a side note...Graeme turned 5! Happy Birthday Graeme! We love you! Hope you had a wonderful birthday. You are such a cute sweet kid. Graeme is a year older than Kamden and I hope that they can be great friends even though we live so far apart. I hope it doesn't stay that way forever. Hugs to you Graeme.

Wonderful Wednesday

Yesterday was Wednesday. I had a day off! I was able to spend it doing fun things which was super nice. I didn't clean the house at all! First we had Story Time at the Cedar Hill Public Library. For Story Time they asked us to dress up in costume. We all went and we all dressed up. I thought it was fun even if we were like the only people in costume. Some people just aren't fun that way. I am and my family always has been. I love dressing up! Kaileigh is a ladybug this year. Kinsee Belle is Cinderella. Kamden is a Pirate. Kaitlyn is Pebbles. Kaijsa is a Race Car Driver. My understanding is that Kira is going to be a witch, we will probably not get any pictures of her but that's what she is going to be. I went as a Hawaiian Girl. Larry dressed up as a Hospital Patient. Everyone looked so good! Tonight is our Ward's Trunk-or-Treat so we get to get all dressed up again! Well the kids anyways since the parents aren't able to go. Plus since it's raining it will be Room-to-Room Trick-or-Treat but still fun. The reader at Story Time dressed up as a Witch and had the BEST witch's laugh. The stories were Halloween themed and very cute. I love this holiday!

Later that night the girls got to go out. Larry and Gary watched the little ones for us while Kaijsa, Kaitlyn, Jordan (Gary's daughter and Kaijsa's friend), Jen, Jennifer (Jen's friend from work) and myself all went out! A girl's night out to see So You Think You Can Dance Tour! We LOVED it! I love the dancing and soooo wish I could do it. I miss my super flexible days. Anyways...Jen got us tickets and we went. It's becoming an annual tradition. Thanks Jen for the night out! Thanks Larry and Gary for watching the kids and letting me go. It was so much fun. The dancing was spectacular. Till next year...we'll watch the new season.

Thanks again Jen for the night out! Love you kids! Happy Halloween!

Air Show

Yesterday we got to see the Alliance Air Show. We've been waiting all year for this. Last year Kamden and Larry were the only 2 who got to go and they (Kamden) talked about it all year long. So of course no matter the weather we had to go. It was a beautiful 73 degrees with the sun shining and a cool breeze. It started out cool so we had sweatshirts on but by the end we're in our T-shirts enjoying a fantastic day out. The Air Show is always fantastic with so much to see and do. Plus we love the hot dogs, funnel cakes, soda, and crowds. The crowds actually weren't too bad. We had our chairs and snacks and enjoyed all the planes, helicopters and shows. The planes were awesome! They do a great job by always having something going on. The Blue Angels are always fun to watch. Kamden loved it. We loved watching him. Kinsee couldn't cover her ears hard enough and cried when the jets went over. Kam held his ears too but at least watched them. Kai slept through a lot of it. She did great, didn't even flinch (is that good or bad really). We had fun with Jen and our friend Gary. Kait got some reading time in enjoyed the show but did say it's not really her thing. I'm so glad we got to go. We had a fun time, got sunburned and drank and ate a lot of junk. Kaijsa had to work so we missed her but she plans on making sure she can go next year. Another great Air Show come and gone. Here's to next year and another one to look forward to.

Zoo and Haunted House

This week we had a full week of school, cooler weather, the zoo and the Haunted House. Kaitlyn's school supplies came and they are amazing. She is in a really good program. We are excited about her classes and her teacher seems really nice. She actually has quite a bit of work so she is kept busy. We go on walks and do fun things for her PE time which is fun for the little kids too. Kaijsa will hopefully be taking her entrance exams for the Community College either this week or next. They are handling being home quite well. Kai is talking more and more. She even had her first bowl of cereal this week and loves it. She is growing so fast. I wish she could stay little. The cooler weather has been wonderful. The windows are open and the kids are playing outside. We got them some jackets so they wouldn't get cold. We walked around the zoo which was fantastic. The day was cool so the animals actually played and were fun to watch. We love going to the zoo. Afterwords we have to go to the Zoo McDonalds because it's so much fun. They have it decorated so cute and the animals inside even make noises. On Saturday Larry and I got to have a date night! It was wonderful to go out with him and to have fun. Kaijsa was working and had a church dance so Kait offered to watch the little ones. Thank you Kait! Jen, her date Richard, Larry and I all went to dinner and to a Haunted House. The Haunted House was called the Boneyard and it was awesome. I screamed all the time. They had it decorated very interestingly and the workers were great. It was so much fun! I hadn't been to a Haunted House/Forrest since my Rick's College days. Thanks Jen for the fun night out. For dinner we went to Spring Creek Barbeque, one of my favorite places, and got our dinners for FREE! Yep you read that right. I had some coupons for buy one get one free but when we got there the manager let us know my coupons were only good Sun-Thurs. It was of course Sat. So Jen and I were looking at each other like what should we do now? The manager saw us look at each other and was like please don't leave on my account just a minute. So we waited for him to come back thinking he'd give us a small discount. He comes back with 2 coupons for 2 Free dinners each. So my coupon covered Larry and I while Jen's covered her's and Richards. We had dinner, drinks, bread, and desserts all for FREE. I was so excited. It was a fun night and a good week. My job is going well and Larry is feeling better so that is nice. Now to get ready for the holidays. The Air Show is next weekend so we'll have pictures for that. We missed the State Fair this year which completely bums me out. I love the TX State Fair and we really wanted to take Kait and try the fried butter. Maybe next year. Somehow time just gets away from me and things are over before I know it.

Belated Birthday Wishes to Miranda Kate

I got to thinking while doing Heather's post that I don't think I did a post for Miranda Kate. I'm a horrible Aunt. We didn't forget you! Sorry the birthday post is late but we know you had a great day. Miranda turned 8 this year and was baptized. We unfortunately weren't able to attend but Papa and Jen said it was a wonderful moment and day. We're proud of you for taking that important step of being baptized. We love you Miranda!

Happy Birthday Heather!

Happy Birthday Heather! Heather is the best Sister-in-law ever! She is so much fun and I am so grateful to have her in our family and lives. She is a fun Aunt and a great mom. She is raising 3 terrific kids and is so loving to Drew, my brother. I'm so glad he found her, with my help of course. :)hehe. Hope you have a wonderful day and year ahead Heather. I wish we were closer so we could celebrate with you but know we're thinking of you. I also wish we were closer so we had more pics. Oh well...Have a fun Birthday and make sure Drew and the kids spoil you! Love you!

Love our Missionaries

Here are our Elders. We love them! They provide service for us and we let them spend part of their P-day here. They love the kids and it's fun for the kids to see the missionaries. Kamden loves them! They are having great success here and our ward is growing, finally. Keep up the good work Elders!

Fun times together

The other day we had our friends the Myers family over. The kids played with us and together. The mess was well worth the fun times had by all. Us older folks sang Sing Star of all generations, played Rock Band and sat around and talked. We had fun just being together and letting the kids play. It was a lot of fun. We are so blessed to have them be a part of our lives. They are truly great friends. We ate Pizza, drank soda and laughed a lot. Thank you Camille and Tim for bringing your family here and playing with us! We'll have to do it again real soon!

School and Our Kids...

Let me fill y'all in on our life at the moment. Some of you may know that when Larry and I bought our home in Cedar Hill Texas it was just a starter home and we were only going to be here for a few years. Boy does time change our lives and plans! We bought a home that fit our needs then, we had eachother, the 3 girls and 1 brand new baby boy. Our home has 4 bedrooms, 3 are upstairs and the master is downstairs. Kamden would get a room, Kaijsa a room and then Kait and Kira would share when they visited. A few months later Kaijsa moved in with us. Still we were ok because Kaitlyn and Kira were only here during the summers so plenty of room. We then discover we're pregnant and going to have another baby - girl. Shortly after that Kaitlyn moves in with us. So after some re-arranging - Kaijsa has her own room, Kamden and Kinsee Belle are sharing and Kaitlyn gets her own room. Kira shares with whomever she wants to when she visits. When Kaijsa and Kaitlyn moved in with us we had to find a good school district for them. Cedar Hill schools are horrible and not where we wanted our kids to go. Where once we thought we had time to look around and figure out where we wanted the kids to go we now had no time. My Dad lives in a good school district and with a Clause they have our girls could use his address and go to those schools. Now they are about 20 minutes away but worth the drive since it's their education. They both loved the schools, teachers and their friends. We did too. Part of the deal was that they go to school and then after school every day spend 3 hours at Papa's house. This used to not be a problem. They would take the bus there after school, spend their time and then Papa or Jennie would bring them home. Then they grew up. Kaijsa started working. Still this wasn't a huge issue because Jennie could still bring them home for me after she and Kaijsa got off work. Swing by grab Kait and then home they came. Then they got even older. Kaijsa no longer wanted to ride the bus, Kaitlyn either for that matter. Kaijsa starts driving and working closer to home. Kait gets involved with sports and the school musical...no time spent at Papa's or not very much time. The school told us they would check and make sure the girls were there at times but in the last 3 yrs they never have. Well...the police stop by the other day and no one is there. Kait is at play practice and Kaijsa is either at work or home sick that day, I can't remember. A couple of days later the school calls and they have withdrawn the girls because they aren't at my dad's house for the 3 hours every day. Plus they feel they are too old to participate in this program. So...what do we do? Do we send them to Cedar Hill where they would be the only white kids, or one of the very few white kids, or do we homeschool? Homeschool was what we all decided to do. Tears were shed and plans were started. For those who don't know...homeschooling can be very expensive. We have discovered this. But there are quite a few families around that do this and we talked with some of them. I think we have finally found an online program for Kaitlyn that is also associated with schools in TX so if she wanted to go back she could without too much problem. We will sign her up tomorrow and figure out how to get her started as soon as possible. Kaijsa on the other hand is a bit harder since she was almost done with High School. It turns out that the Dallas Community Colleges are free if you live in Dallas County (we do!). Plus they have a program for dual credits. So while she takes her courses at the college they count for High School and College! We are talking with them tomorrow, hopefully...I left msgs with the director today, and will have her take the test neccessary to get her into some classes. She is pretty excited to go to college and since it's nearby I'm hoping this will help prepare her for when she is off on her own. Maybe then it won't be quite the shock. In the meantime till all of this can be finalized and started we are doing stuff at home. For Music they are learning the piano (they are doing pretty good at this actually), for PE we run around outside with the little ones or visit Flip Fusion (the best gymnastics place ever that has open gym time), for Reading/Writing/Spelling they each have a book they are reading and will write about. I will give them vocab words and essays to write about what they are reading and learning. I think this will turn out better than it sounds. They also have scripture time that they read and journal during. Math and science we are still trying to figure out. I'm looking for a particular book but haven't found it just yet. I will though! Scince isn't required as part of the homeschool program in TX. Actually all TX requires is Reading, Writing, Spelling, Math, and Good Citizenship. For the Good Citizenship I am thinking of having them find someplace to volunteer at. That will get them out of the house for a bit and keep their sanity. Kaijsa has her job which will help her as well. They also have Church activities to keep them busy. So far we've been busy planning and getting it set up but today they did start their reading and writing. We have a few deadlines in place for the music and reading to help keep them moving along. So far we all like it and I hope that continues.

Kamden and Kinsee enjoy having them around and have even actually been pretty good. Kaileigh of course is the best baby and just sits and talks and giggles.

So now are days are busier than before. We will get a schedule in place so that I can get school stuff done, play time done, work done, house cleaning and cooking done. It's crazy at the moment but I know as we do what is right Heavenly Father will help us.

Larry hasn't been feeling well but we also pray for him to get better and for the Dr's to be able to help him. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers and fasts. We need all the help we can get! LOL

Texas has become cooler which I am enjoying. We've been able to open windows and save some electricity! It's finally beginning to feel like Fall. I even have a few decorations out. I so need more since Halloween is one of my most favorite of Holidays.

I'll keep y'all informed on how school is going and what goes on in the Saling lives.

Team Jacob!

Make your own Countdown Clocks

I love Twilight and can't wait for New Moon! I am so Team Jacob although I like Edward too. I love the previews for this movie and can't wait to see it. I have my ticket already. I bought it the other day for $1.50! So excited!

Week In Review

As you go through the pictures I'll try to explain them.

Jen had some time before the General Relief Society Meeting and the Stake activity to stop by. She fed Kai for me and read a book at the same time. She's so good at multi-tasking. We love our Jennie! She's the best and most favorite of Aunts...Heather you're loved too.

We had a family night of playing games. While Kait was picking out a game she fell over in the closet and got stuck. It was too funny. We so need to clean that closet out and the games...we do it often but yet it still gets crazy. Oh well. We love playing games. The favorite one lately is Pictionary.

Kaijsa has continued to play the piano. She is getting pretty good at it. I love to sit and listen to her play. I know my mom would be so happy that she's using the piano and loves it. I'd love to play it too but can't seem to find the time...where does it go?

Kam loved FHE until the end. We made cookies to give to some families. The girls did a good lesson about how Families are like the cookies. We need every family member, we're each special and important just like the ingredients. It was fun. Kamden just didn't want to give the cookies away. We did anyways and had fun sharing them. He also looked so cute in his suit Sunday. We got him 2 new shirts and they came with ties for Church. It's amazing how fast he grows out of his clothes. So tall and so skinny! My little boy looked so grown up with his suit on and haircut. Such a cute missionary he'll someday be.

Kinsee Belle is being her usual mischievous self. We love her anyways. She is so stubborn...wonder where she gets that trait from? My friend Melissa made me some hair bows and clips for Kinsee and Kai. They are so cute and we love them! Thank you Melissa! She is so crafty and fun to have around.

Kai is getting so big. She's 3 months old now and the time is going by so fast! Faster with her than the others...maybe because she's the last one. Time is a funny thing. Anyways...we took her to go get her ears pierced and she was a trooper. Hardly cried at all. She looks so cute with her little earrings in. She is smiling all the time and "talking" too. She loves her sisters and brother. She always smiles for Kamden, so cute. She is such a great and wonderful baby. I'm blessed she's so easy going.

Love my family. The kids are growing up and turning into such lovely kids. So thoughtful and full of love. I'm so blessed to have each and every one of them. Thank you Kaijsa and Kaitlyn for all you do. Thank you Kam and Kinsee Belle for the fun you provide in my life. Thank you Kai for the peace you bring to me and my spirit. Thank you Larry Dean for loving us and helping out around the house and with the kids. I got to have a night out the other night and it was so much fun to hang out with the girls.

Here's to a week gone and another one beginning....hope it goes smoothly.

Kai and family time

The first three pictures are of us together playing games. We had lots of fun being together as a family. Love family time.


The last 2 pictures are of Kai. She turns 3 months this week and the time has gone by so fast. She is the best baby. I know I've said this before but it really is true. She sleeps through the night and always has. She hardly ever cries and has the most beautiful smile and voice. She is cooing and smiling and it lights up her whole face. She is such a joy to have in our family. She truly is a blessing. We love our Kaileigh Jeanette. Kai we love you! You are our sugar baby. You are growing so fast and learning to do so much. She is pushing up and rolling over at times already. Before we know it she'll be crawling and walking. I want her to stay little. Her spirit soothes us. Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing us with her. Thank you mom for watching over her till she came to be with us. Thank you Kai for choosing our family. Love you!