Kiddo Update

Kallen at 1 month on Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for his sweet spirit in our family.

He has such a sweet spirit and soothes my spirit whenever I feel stressed or upset. I love this little man of mine as does everyone else in the family.

Kaijsa, Kallen, and Kinsee Belle...I have such beautiful children! I love them!

Kai is so funny. Her personality makes us all laugh. More and More she looks like a mini me. Love this little girl.

Kamden loves his movies. If you ever watch the T.V. show NCIS and know the role of Tony Denozo then you'll appreciate Kam. He references movies for everything in his life. It's so funny! I call him my little Denozo and laugh at how serious he is about his movies.

Kallen is now a month old. Where has the time gone? It went by so fast! I love that he holds my finger as we snuggles with me or while I'm feeding him his bottle. He is so precious.

Kal is enjoying his swing now and his little chair. He is up a little more now and is still a good eater. He isn't loving his baths but does ok with them. I love his curly hair after the bath and how he snuggles to you after he has them. He holds his head up well and enjoys going on walks or drives. He really is a good baby.

I truly am blessed with the best kids. I know I get on them for things but they are getting better about listening and helping out. They help with the chores and with each other. They laugh and tease and torment one another like all kids/siblings do. I love to watch them together. I love how much they love and help me. I love coming home to them running up to me and giving me hugs and kisses. Even the older girls are good about saying hello, good-bye and I love you. I can trust them and rely on them and know that we will be together forever. Thank you kiddos for making me laugh, smile and open my heart more each day. Just when I think I can't love or appreciate you any more than I do, y'all do something and I love and appreciate you more.

Love y'all...Kaijsa, Kaitlyn, Kira, Kamden, Kinsee, Kaileigh, & Kallen

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving Day was a day full of fun. I went back to work the night before so was a bit tired but thanks to Kaijsa we were able to get our side dishes made and to dinner we went. Kaijsa cut 10-15 potatoes the night before and put them in the fridge so we could mash them just before dinner. Only to wake up on Thanksgiving day to them being all brown and no longer good. So while I slept a bit she cut up 20 more potatoes and we mashed them. She made the garlic corn the night before and we made the green bean casserole the day of, both of which turned out great. Thank You Kaijsa! Thank you Malan's for inviting us to dinner. It was wonderful and so much fun. Y'all have become such great friends and we are very thankful to have you in our lives. After dinner I went back to work while the kids hung out with the others for a bit longer. Larry unfortunately didn't attend dinner or the fun due to him being sick and not feeling well. We did bring him a plate home and I took a plate to work that night. I love leftover Thanksgiving dinner! We had a good thanksgiving with so much to be thankful for.

P.S. You don't see Kaitlyn because she went to UT to see Kira over Thanksgiving. We missed having her and Kira with us but look forward to having our whole family together for christmas. Larry was sick so you don't see him either. We missed y'all and love you!

College Roommate in town...

I wanted to try and find a then and now picture of Kaylyn and I but couldn't find it at the moment. Here is the Now though and if/when I find the Then I'll post it again or edit this one so stay tuned... I discovered just before Thanksgiving that an old college roommate of mine was going to be close by. We had to get together at least for a bit so she and her family came over for dinner and fun. Kaylyn and Rich Black have been friends of mine for over 10 years now. I can't believe we've known each other for so long! They are a wonderful family and she is adorable. Rich makes me laugh and their 2 children are fantastic. Cole and Belle played with my kids and the IPAD which allowed the "grown ups" to visit and watch the movie Grown Ups. Very funny movie by the way. It was a great visit and one that took too long to come by. They live in UT and are busy so our paths don't seem to cross very often but when they do it's like time has stood still. They never seem to change while I feel like I'm getting older much too quickly. Thanks for coming over Kaylyn and Rich! Please stop by again soon. I don't want another 2-5 years to go by before we see each other again. I'm so glad we got to touch bases and catch up on our lives. Love you!

Sunday was a big day...

Kaijsa all dressed up for her Senior Pictures for the yearbook. I can't believe she's that old already!


Kallen all dressed for his first Sunday at Church. He did super and got to hear his big brother sing in the Primary Program!


Kamden dressed and ready to perform in his first Primary Program. He did great! My boy is getting so big and is such a huge helper around house with chores and siblings.


Kinsee Belle is so excited to see Kam in the primary program and can't wait to be in it next year. She was a huge help in getting Kai to enjoy nursery for the first time on Sunday.

Sunday was a big day as you can see. Kaijsa got her Sr Pics done for the yearbook. Kam had his first primary program. Kallen attended church for the first time. Kai went to nursery for the first time with Kinsee and didn't fuss. Kinsee was a big help with her liking nursery. Kait had her first sneak preview of Peter Pan last Thursday and did a great job as Peter Pan. I forgot my camera that night so no pic just yet but we'll get some. Thanksgiving this week and I go back to work on Wednesday. Lots going on and we're loving every minute of it.

Thankful for...

Since Thanksgiving is this week I thought I'd take some time to write a few things I'm thankful for. I can never remember everything, maybe because I don't sit here for long to really think about it and take the time. But I do want to take time to say thank you to my Father in Heaven for all that I/we have.

I'm thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. This year Larry and I were able to go to the Temple to be sealed as a family to each other and our children. I'm so glad we were able to do this in order to be together forever. What a special moment for us and our children.

I'm thankful for my family, both immediate and extended. I don't know what we'd do without our children, each other, our parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. We were able to go to Larry's Grandmother's funeral this year and my grandmother also passed away this week. Both women were amazing ladies to look up to. Our parents have been amazing and so helpful. I'm thankful for all the do to help us, support us and love us. They teach us so much. I'm grateful for the siblings and their examples and support. Families are amazing and special. I hope to someday be able to pay them all back for everything.

I'm thankful for my job and Larry's disability that helps us support our family. Larry is home with the kids and they are gaining a relationship most kids don't get to have with their fathers. I'm grateful that I was able to transfer to AZ in order to keep working. I work with some fun people in an office now that has a long commute but I'm working and that's what's important.

I'm grateful for sunshine and warm days. I love warm summer-like weather and AZ definitely has both. We loved TX and miss the weather there and my family there but we are coming to enjoy AZ too. Summer was HOT but now it is absolutely beautiful. I love waking up to sunshine and the chance to be outside enjoying it. I can't do cold, cloudy, wet weather.

I'm thankful for the Ward we moved into. Our Ward is A.MAZING! They have been so helpful and friendly. A ward everyone dreams of being in. We have made some good friends and are so thankful for all they have done for us. We can't wait to return all the service.

I'm thankful for friends, both near and far. We miss the friends we can't be close to and are grateful for those we are near. We have been able to see some that we haven't seen in a while and it's like there was never any time apart. We love having our friends stop by out of the blue and just hang out with us. We love playing games and having Bar-B-Que's with them. We love the good conversations and the teasing of the kids. Friends are special people and important to raising families. Thank you to all our friends. We love and appreciate you.

I'm thankful for the funny things kids say. Our kids make us laugh and what a great time of day that is when we can forget all that is going on and just enjoy our children and laugh at what they say and do. Life doesn't always have to be about teaching moments. Sometimes it's the funny ones that are remembered most. I love our children, all 7 of them!

I'm thankful for our beautiful home in which we are living in. To have a roof over our heads and room to move around in comfortably. Our home is a place we love to be and I'm glad for that. I remember enjoying being in my home growing up and my friends liked it too. I want our home to be that way. I love that our kids like being with us over going out at times. I love decorating for holidays and remembering my mom because she always had our home so decorative. I want to be like my mom and have our home festive and fun. A sanctuary from the crazy world in which we live.

I'm thankful for good health. We've had a rough year health-wise and it's nice to have kids healthy and Larry on the mend. It's nice to be feeling better myself after having a baby/c-section. I'm grateful for Dr's and modern medicine. I'm thankful for the knowledge we have on how to prevent and take care of illnesses and hurts. Good health is so important and enjoyed.

I'm thankful for books and fun things to do. To be able to go to movies, read a book, watch T.V., play at the parks, going to the Zoo and other fun things we were able to do this year. Fun relaxing time is just as important as the working time. The quiet times of doing something fun as a family or the loud times too I'm so grateful for.

I'm thankful for modern conveniences. Washing machines for the dishes and laundry, cars to take us places, phones and computers to keep in touch with family and friends, T.V.'s to keep kids or others occupied so other things can be done, toys to play with to entertain, clothes and shoes that are made already so I don't have to :), cameras to capture moments of those I love, and anything else I can't think of at the moment that make life easier.

I'm thankful for crafty things and wildlife that make homes and the world beautiful. I love trying to think of things that I can do or have to make my home more comfy and cute. I love flowers and trees and birds that make the world a pretty place to live in. I wish I was more crafty and creative but the little bit I do have in me I'm thankful for.

I'm thankful for the desire I have to be better. To be a better person, wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister and employee. I want to learn new things and try new things. I'm thankful to have the health to be able to do the things I want and like. I'm thankful for the opportunities I have to both learn and do.

I'm thankful for holidays throughout the year to celebrate things we should be grateful for...our freedoms, our Savior, our Birthdays, our Love, our Luck, our country and those who have fought, served and died for us. Holidays make us take a moment to think about all we have and to be grateful for it all. If only we would think about them more than just that month or week. To always be thankful and take the time to say it. I'm thankful for this chance I had to write and think about all I'm thankful for. I know there is more I'm thankful for but this will give me the chance to get started on letting my Father know I'm grateful for all He's given me and blessed me with.

Thank you!

Memories of Grandma

I know I posted earlier about my Grandmother passing away but have since had time to truly think of her and our times together. We didn't live close so we didn't see them often but when we did it was so fun. If we traveled to MO to see them I usually got sick. One time I was so sick she and my mom stuck me into and ice bath to bring my fever down. Awful moment but taught me how to bring fevers down. :) I also loved their house and the fantastic yard. They has woods behind their house with a bridge Uncle Paul had built that we loved to play on. They also had a riding lawn mower that I loved getting rides on. My Grandpa even let me drive it once by myself that I successfully drove into a tree. My Grandma said it was a tree they were wanting to cut down anyways. I'm sure that wasn't true but it helped me feel better and stay out of trouble at the time. I also loved my grandma's tricycle and the rides in the basket my siblings and I would take. I hope to someday, when kids are grown, to sell the house and have an RV to travel around the U.S. in just like my grandparents did. I also remember big KFC picnics and White Castle Burger Eating Contests. I also remember hearing her tell my mom to leave me alone about what I would wear. She said, "if she has it let her flaunt it." Now that I'm a mom of 5 girls I can understand my mother not liking that but as a teenager I loved her for saying it. LOL. Her funeral is tomorrow and I wish I could be there but am so glad my brother, sister and dad can be. I'll love you forever Grandma! Till we meet again...

The Game/Toy Room

I'm not sure why the pictures are so dark but they are of the game room/toy room. The air hockey table and the toys for the kids are in this room. We also have our bookcases here so we can sit and read. Rock Band is set up or will be soon so we can all play here. We do need some chairs in this room but have one so far. We love the game/toy room and to have a place for the kids to play. Now if we could just get them to clean it up and keep the toys in it we'd have success. Oh well...we'll keep working on it.

Saling Updates

Kallen is still sleeping quite a bit but I don't think for long. The last couple of days his sleep time has become quite a bit shorter but he still sleeps well at night. He only gets up once or twice so I can't complain. He is eating more so I know he's healthy, up to 6 oz at a time now. He'll go in for a check up either next week or the week after. Most likely the week after since I start work next week and it's the holiday. He isn't too into his baths yet but is so cute when he's done. He's all wide eyed and curly headed. Kallen is loved by all and handles all the kisses and hugs with patience and love in return.

Kai is growing and becoming quite the funny girl. She makes us laugh with all of her expressions and love. She is precious for sure. She would be in 18 month clothes if I could find them but instead I'm putting her in Kinsee's 2T clothes which Kinsee can still wear. I can see that Kai will be the bigger little sister that runs in my family. :)

Kinsee Belle wants to follow Kamden to school but has passed all the testing so she'll have to wait till she's 5 and goes to Kindergarten. She is helping out more at home and has finally started to love and play with her dolls. Probably because she sees Kai carrying them around and doesn't want to share. She is a cutie and we love our Kinsee Belle and all of her sassiness. She is becoming quite the gymnast all on her own and I so wish I could get her into gymnastics. I know she'd be great.

Kamden is loving Pre-K and his teachers. He is so cute to drop off and pick up from school. The excitement is wonderful to see. He is speaking better I think and has started to grow up. He is such a good helper around the house and with the kids. He is quick to give hugs and kisses and just as quick to tease his sisters. He has definitely grown into the little/big brother role and I love it.

Kaijsa is doing very well in school and still plays the piano. She is growing up and such a beautiful young woman. She is also a big help at home with all the kids and is great with them. Before I know it Kaijsa will be gone and all I can hope for is she won't be too far away. She'll be missed.

Kaitlyn is going to UT for Thanksgiving and we'll miss her but are glad she can see Kira. Kait is busy with her play and school and choir and anything else she can get involved in. She loves being home and helping with the kids too and is a great help. She is growing up too fast. I can't believe she'll be in High School next year.

Kira will come at Christmas time for Kallen's baby blessing and we'll take new family photos then. We can't wait to see her and spend time with her.

My family makes me laugh and I love all of them.

Larry is progressing and getting better. I appreciate him and all he does. Me going back to work will be another challenge since we're both still recovering but he works hard and we work well together. Love you Larry Dean.

I'm doing well and recovering. I have mixed feelings about going back to work but know it's best for the family. I enjoy my job which helps.

I better get back to the kiddos. I love my family. I miss those who have moved on or can't be with us at this time. I'm thankful for all I have. I'll do a Thanksgiving Post later but know my heart is full.

In Memory of Lena Vivian Duncan Pullen "Grandma" - Love you

My mom, grandpa and grandma...such wonderful beautiful people.


Alfred and Lena Pullen.


Grandma and her bike. I loved that bike and the big basket on the back.


50 years of marriage. Amazing couple to follow in the footsteps of.

These are a couple of pics of my Grandma in her younger days. I loved visiting my grandparents. Grandparents are truly special people and I hope to some day be just as wonderful as mine were. My Grandma took care of her and my mom for many years before she met and married my Grandpa. She didn't have the easiest of childhoods and despite all the struggles or because of them she was a remarkable woman. My mother as well was an amazing woman. Both of them are to be admired and looked up to. I know that they are together now and happy to be reunited. I'm sure my mom was there to meet her mother as she passed over. I'm also sure some of her sisters and parents were there too. My mom loved her mom and grandparents. Reunions are special but to see people go is so sad. I miss my mom every day and even though I didn't get to see my grandmother often she was in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss her and hope to be with them all again someday. I know my Grandpa will miss her most but I know that someday they too will be together again. They aren't members of the LDS church but their work will be done so that we can all be together as a family forever. I'm sad I won't be able to attend her funeral but hope she understands and knows how much I wish I could be. I love her and hope she knows that as well. I had the chance to spend a summer with her when I was 16 and I will cherish that time with her forever. It was a great time in Florida lying on the beach and visiting St. Augustine. I to this day love that area of FL. Grandma, I love you and miss you. You were amazing! Thank you for being such a great example to me and my family. Thank you for loving and supporting me. Thank you for being a part of my forever family.

Kaijsa's Senior Pictures...some of them

While Jennie was out here she took Kaijsa out to do her Sr. Pictures. There are so many to choose from but I wanted y'all to see some of them. They turned out so cute and Jen did a great job. Thanks Jen! Kaijsa you're so pretty and I can't believe you're a Senior already. I'm not ready for you to graduate and move on. Not ready for you to grow up just yet but know that it's an important time in your life. You are an amazing girl and daughter. We're so proud of you and thankful for you. You have a sweet spirit and a strong spirit. I'm glad I've been able to see you grow up and to have you in my life and our family. You are a fantastic sister. Please know you will always be a part of our family and hearts no matter how old you get or where you may live. We love you! Congrats on graduating this year and for being a great student and daughter!

Pics of time with Jen and my early Christmas presents

Here is a slide show of Jen with the little ones. I didn't get many pictures while she was here. There just wasn't enough time. I am so thankful to Dad and Jen for helping me/us out. I love my time with family and have come to cherish it more and more since we're so far away. I miss Jen and Papa and love them tons. Thanks Dad for letting Jen come. Thanks Jen for coming. You were a huge help to me and the family. Love you to your pinky toes!


Thank you Dad/Papa for my early Christmas present. The kids pictures turned out so cute (thanks Jen) and the frames are great (they all match)!


This turned out well too. We love our family photo, even though it's outdated now, and I love the frame with our Sealing pictures as well as family pictures in it. We can now look at the pictures framed and remember that special day of being Sealed together as a family forever. Thanks Dad/Papa for my early Christmas presents! I love them.

I love, Love, LOVE my family!

Pics of the house and a little update on the happenings.

Our beautiful big Kitchen and dining area.


Our Family Room, right off of the kitchen.


Our Living Room. It's pretty empty right now but a good room for the girls to practice the piano in.


The view from the front door when you walk into the home.

I know I'm slow in getting pictures up of our house/home but wanted the rooms to be somewhat clean and in order before I showed you where/how we lived. We love our house and have made it into a beautiful home. We are STILL getting organized and unpacked but overall it's together. I still have some decorating ideas I want to do/get but know it will have to happen little by little. Our garage is a disaster but Larry's been trying to work on it when he can/could. Now that may have to wait a bit longer too till he gets better. I just hope I can get to our Christmas decorations without too much trouble. I'll continue to take pics and post them as rooms get complete and clean. Downstairs are the rooms you see plus Kaijsa's bedroom and bathroom. All the rooms in the house are big and comfortable. We don't feel like we're living on top of each other anymore. Upstairs is the master bedroom, the game room, the game closet, the laundry room, bedrooms for Kaitlyn (her own), Kinsee and Kai, and Kamden and Kallen, plus the bathroom for the kids. Since these are upstairs they are the last to get and stay clean or organized. People don't usually go upstairs so I don't stress about those rooms. I do have a goal to work on them though.

For the family update: Larry is back in the hospital but will hopefully be home soon. He became dehydrated and had a bad Crohns flair up so the Dr. admitted him for a few days. Kaijsa is doing well in school. Jen took her Sr pictures while she was here and they turned out super cute. I'll post those soon. Kaitlyn is continuing to learn her lines for Peter Pan and doing well in school. Kamden is loving Pre-K and I love to see him so excited about school. Kinsee wishes she were in school but likes being home to play and go to the park. It's nice to have time for her. What little time there is. Kai is growing up so fast. We're trying to get her to use words more but she does do some sign language to help us understand. She also likes to scream which we are trying very hard to break the habit of. Kallen is still sleeping quite a bit which is good and bad. I like them to sleep so I can spend time with everyone and also get things done but don't want him to have his days and nights messed up. I'll have to keep an eye on this. I'm healing well and trying to balance my time and energy wisely. Now that all the help is coming to an end I don't want to overdo it. C-sections are supposed to take 8 weeks to heal up completely and I'm only at week 2. I'll go back to work at week 4 and don't want to have set backs. I'm feeling good so far though and rest as much as I can. We've had some colds but nothing major. We're spending time outside since it's so beautiful and letting the kids play at the park. I'm ready to get the ok to start exercising again but do like taking it easy. I'm lazy at heart I think.

Ok, enough. We're good. Life is moving forward as it should. We're super grateful for all the prayers and help we've received. We love our family and all our blessings. May we all take time to be truly grateful for all which we do enjoy. I'm also thankful for this time of year to remind me what's really important and it's not the material but the spiritual. Love you Saling Crew of mine!

Kallen at 2 weeks...

Kallen's personality already shining through...just like his daddy.


Such a cutie pattootie!

Kallen is such a doll. We love him. He still sleeps quite a bit but is starting to wake up a little more each day. Having 6 other siblings doesn't help when trying to sleep. They all want him awake. The littlest ones are wanting him to walk and play with them already. I'm not sure I'm quite ready for that stage but sure do look forward to his personality and how it will blend with everyone else. We love you Kallen. Thanks for the fun faces and sweet spirit.

Kamden's First Day of Pre-K

Kamden on his first Day of School.


Kamden has to pose for the pictures. He had a great day and didn't have a melt down at all.


Kinsee Belle enjoyed her day but was sad to see Kamden go to school without her.

Jennie was here to help Larry and I take Kamden to school for his first day. I'm technically not supposed to drive yet so it was nice to have her help. He goes to Pre-K from Noon - 2:30 3 days a week. When we picked him up he was so excited and we were told he did a good job. I'm so glad he had fun and behaved himself. It's hard to believe he's old enough to start school. Kinsee wishes she could go too but won't be able to. She passed all the tests while Kam needs some speech therapy. So she'll have to wait till Kindergarten. It was a good day and when we picked him up we went and got some ice cream. Can never go wrong with ice cream!

We're so proud of you "bubba"! We love you Kamden!

Kallen is now 1 week old + a few days...

Kallen at 1 week


He is now 21 inches long and weighs 8 lbs 5 oz


He sleeps through the night and most of the day. I sure hope that continues for the night time at least.

Kallen Dean is a doll. He is so sweet spirited and cute. At least for right now. :) I'm getting plenty of rest with him. It's keeping up with the other kids that's the chore. I love them all though. I can't imagine life without any of them. Kallen is starting to eat more so will gain back his birth weight quickly I'm sure. The Dr we've chosen is great and says all looks well with him. The kids love him and so do Larry and I.

I worry about going back to work and not seeing him much so I'm trying to get all my bonding time in now while I can. I will most likely be going back to work in the next couple to 3 weeks. I'm feeling ok, a bit better all the time. But resting is definitely a must. I'm so thankful to all the ladies and men in our Ward. They have been a huge help to us for quite a while now. They are all so kind and friendly. So willing to serve. They are amazing. I'm thankful to my dad and sister too. Jen comes out in just a few days and we're super excited to see her. Wish she could stay longer but realize she has her own life to live. Thank you to everyone! We love it here. It's been a great blessing to be where we are at this time.

Thank you Kallen for coming to our family and blessing it even more. I hope you will know and that all my kids will know that I love them and am grateful for them. I hope working and being out of the home doesn't hurt our relationships and that they will know I'm here for them always. Family comes first. Love you Larry Dean, Kaijsa Ray, Kaitlyn Annette, Kira Marey, Kamden Noah, Kinsee Belle, Kaileigh Jeanette, and Kallen Dean!

Happy Birthdays to Graeme Eoff and Brayden Saling

Happy Birthday Graeme! We hope you had a wonderful day. Congrats on turning 6! You are such a cutie and we're so grateful to have you as part of our family. We're glad Kamden has someone close to his age as a cousin. Wish we could see you more! Hugs and loves to the b-day boy!

Also a shout out to Larry's brother Chris and his wife Kim. They had a baby boy, Brayden Christopher Saling, today. We are so happy for y'all. Y'all will make great parents! Hope we can see you soon and meet the little man. Now Kallen can have a cousin his age to play with too!