Christmas Dress

Aren't the kids adorable in the Christmas finest?! We decided to go with Purple this year for Christmas instead of the traditional red or black. We, the girls, also had to get silver or sparkly shoes of some kind which I love. The boys look great in purple with their ties and suits. I think everyone looks great. This year is the year Kaitlyn goes to visit her mom at Christmas so we all got dressed up in our finest this past Sunday and took some pictures. I wish Kaijsa and Kira were here to be in it but not this year. Next year we'll have the girls, hopefully Kaijsa will come, and we can do another photo. Larry and I hopped in the pic too and I think it turned out ok. Thanks Jen for taking the pictures for us! I love this time of year and I love seeing the kids all dressed up for church. They clean up nicely. I'll post more pictures of the holiday season but wanted to get this one up so y'all could see the cute kids. Merry Christmas everyone!

Halloween 2011

Halloween 2011 was a beautiful day/night. We had a great time at our Ward Trunk-or-Treat. Kamden and Kinsee went to a Halloween Party and had a great time with their friends. Kait dressed up and went to a dance, which she enjoyed. Larry and I were zombies. He did the makeup and did a great job! The kids were all cute. Kait was a wench, Kamden was Iron Man, Kinsee was a Ballerina Snow White, Kai was Cinderella, and Kallen was a vampire. I think they were all so dang cute! It was the first Halloween I've had off in years and I had a great time helping get them ready and taking them to get candy. Kait took them out again around the neighborhood but mostly we did the trunk or treat. I love Halloween and dressing up. Now we'll think about what all to be next year!

Kallen's 1st Birthday

Once we got back from our trip it was time for Maricopa's Stagecoach Days and Kallen's 1st Birthday! We had fun going to the carnival but sad because only Kamden and Kinsee could ride the rides. Kai was pretty upset she couldn't ride but was happy once again when we got Cotton Candy. Jen took her to play one of the games and she won a little bear. Kinsee too played one of the games and won a bear while Kamden rode the Ferris Wheel with a friend from school. He and his friend, Preston, rode the ferris wheel with Preston's mom and had a great time going so high. Kam and Kinsee rode all that they could which worked out being all the cash I had on hand at the time. Got our cotton candy and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Larry and Kallen had Daddy/Son bonding time while we went to do this. When we got back together I made little Doodlebug Cupcakes for his treat. I think they turned out cute. The kids enjoyed having their own cakes and once Kallen got past the "what is this, can I eat it now?" he dove right in. We sang, we ate and he made the mess I wanted him to make. I love it when they shove it in their mouths and get it all over. Each of the kids have done this which is why their first birthday pics have them being non-clothed. Once done we put him in the tub and got him all clean and comfy for bed. He received some clothes and some shake and go Cars cars which he loves. Thanks for the idea Chris and Kim! He also received a couple other toys which quickly got lost. I hate getting toys at times because with all the kids it's a guarantee that we won't have all the parts for long, which held true with his toys too. We do have the cars though so yay!

Kallen is wearing a 2T and started walking shortly after his 1st birthday. Now he doesn't get as grumpy because he can follow and keep up with his brother and sisters. He's up and down the stairs and all over the house. He's so funny because he'll just sometimes run around the room like "look at me and what I can do!" He makes us laugh. He had his Dr.'s appointment but I can't really remember the STATs. I've gotten so bad at this. I think he was 31 inches and close to 22lbs. He's still a lightweight but is getting taller. He's following the tradition of all the kids, tall and skinny. Even some of his 2T jammy tops are now too small. He and Kai have these little buddah bellies that crack me up. I love them. So even though he's a 18 month bottom he's really a 2/3T on top, depending on the top. Mostly I just buy 2T's to keep it safe. He loves cars and playing with his brother and sisters. He loves music and sitting at the piano pretending to play. Maybe he will some day which I think would be fantastic. He sleeps well and eats well and is a huge blessing in our home. We love you Kallen Dean! Here's to many more years of laughter, snuggles and keeping up with you!

Last days of UT

These pictures are of the last couple of days in UT. We were able to go to Salt Lake City Temple Square as a family and had a nice quiet time. The kids loved seeing the Temple and to look around the visitors center. We saw all the beautiful statues and really just enjoyed the peace that is felt there. We had fun walking around and seeing the sister missionaries and to show the kids where General Conference is held. We had just watched conference a week or two before so it was fun to show them where it was. I love visiting Temple Square. I'm sad the Christmas lights weren't up but it was still a beautiful day.

My sister and I ran in a 5K in SLC to help the John Huntsman Cancer Foundation. We had been training for a month or so and had a great time dressing up as zombies to race. Jen hurt her knee in training so ended up walking the Creep-N-Crawl with some friends while I ran the 5K. Rather I walked/ran since the altitude is very different from AZ where I was training plus still trying to get into shape. But I had my music, support of family and finished strong. We had a great time and Larry did an amazing job on our Zombie Makeup. There were several really cool costumes and the kids had fun going and cheering us on. I would definitely keep training and do it again.

Halloween came and Kallen's birthday which I'll try to find pictures of and continue to update. Our Fall Break Trip was a lot of fun and much needed for our family. We loved visiting family and friends and hope we can do it again before too long.

Day 6 in UT for Trip

After spending a night with my family Larry's family came back up to meet us in Salt Lake City to visit the Zoo! Larry's little sis Teresa and her two cute kids Taileigh and Tayvan plus his parents and little brother and his family all came to see the zoo with us. We had a great time walking around and seeing the animals. The kids played and chased one another. We got to visit and just enjoy the beautiful day. We really did have the best weather while we were there. The animals cooperated and were out and about. The carousel was fun and the train ride was ok. The playland was fun for the kids but a bit crowded I thought. Brayden and Kallen were cute together. Again, I wish we were a bit closer for the cousins to all play. Tai and Tayvan are great with our kids and I love Larry's family. It was nice to have time in UT to visit and relax and do fun things. We got some fun souvenirs and took our time enjoying being together at the zoo. I find being at the zoo very relaxing, weird I know, but true. Thanks for meeting us there and spending the time with us Salings and Guymons!

Day 5 of our UT Trip

I know it's been a long time since my last post, I hope y'all can forgive me. I'm going to continue where I left off and HOPE to catch up before too long.

On day 5 of our UT Trip for the kid's Fall Break we left Grandma and Grandpa Saling's home and headed to the Valley. We spent some time with my brother and his family as well as a roommate of mine from college. Somehow I didn't get a picture with her and her family (sorry Kaylyn!). On Monday we drove up to the American Fork area and just relaxed. Tuesday we decided to have Family Home Evening and go to the Corn Maze. At least I think we went on Tuesday but I guess it could have been Monday and we relaxed on Tues. I can't remember. But it doesn't really matter. I do know that we went to the Corn Maze and had a great time. Drew and his family went with us and fun was had by all. Kamden and Graeme hit it off and became best buds. I wish we lived closer so these two could hang out, they are fun to watch together. McKenna and Kaitlyn hung out, Miranda hung out with them as well as the little girls. Kinsee and Kaileigh love having older girl cousins to spend time with. We played and played. We saw the pig/goat races. Mck won a pig nose or Graeme did or possibly both. Jen and I rode the mechanical bull. I am proud to say I stayed on longer than her. I was also pretty sore the next day but it was fun. The kids played in the bounce houses and on the Pillow bouncy things that were fun. There was so much to do and it was all fun. The weather was beautiful. The Corn Maze was big and fun but we quickly got lost. We ended up not really finishing and just finding our way out. Kids and adults were tired and it was starting to get cold. I'm so glad we went and did it though. I think all of us had a good time. I would definitely go back and do it again. So glad family and friends went with us.

Day 2 and 3 of UT Trip

Day 2 and 3 in UT was with Larry and his family. We love visiting Grandma and Grandpa Saling. We also love seeing the cousins and on this trip we got to see 2 of our kids! Kaijsa had some time from work and college life and Kira was free as well! Yay! I can't believe I didn't get a picture of all of us. I thought I did and I know I wanted to but didn't. I think I didn't worry about it because I thought we'd all be together for Thanksgiving but that is not to be. Kaijsa has decided not to come home for Thanksgiving. Sad but true. Kira will be here as will everyone from my (Rachel's) side of the family but Kaijsa will not be here. We're sad but realize she is old enough to make her own decisions. We will miss her during our festivities and picture taking. Jen is thinking of going on a mission so this would be the one time we're all together for quite some time and in 4 years. Maybe in another couple of years when Jen comes back she will come and we can all be together. Family pictures aren't complete when children are missing. But...it was good to see her and Kira even if for just a moment. We love them and miss them. We think of them and pray for them daily and it's good to see our prayers are being answered. We arrived on Saturday and Larry looked good. He's taking the pictures so you don't see him in them. But it was good to be with him and his family. The weather was fantastic! Not near as cold as we had feared or planned for, very nice surprise. We had wonderful food, his mom is a great cook, we played some games, which has to happen, and we watched movies. Grandma Saling made the BEST caramel popcorn! It was great to see Teresa, Tim, Taileigh and Tayvan. My kids love their cousins! I love seeing them all together. We didn't make it to the desert like we had hoped but it was nice to relax and just enjoy being together. We went to church with the grandparents and had a nice Sunday together. 2 days of family and strengthening family ties, can't beat that! Love you Saling Family! Hope we can get together again soon!

Day 1 of Trip to UT for Fall Break

We decided to take a trip to Utah for the kids' Fall Break this year. I received a little extra when my job ended and felt like we all needed a vacation. Plus we needed to go to UT and pick up Larry from spending time with his family up there. So off we went...I had something planned every day and it was a fun trip to see sites, family and a few, very few unfortunately, friends.

Kamden had Friday Oct 7th off school and it was only a half day for Kaitlyn so we decided to leave this day. The whole next week they had off school so we took our time and had some fun. On Thursday Jen and I packed up suit cases, after buying clothes for cooler temps, and got the snacks divided up and all packed away into the 2 cars we'd be driving. Jen and Kait were in one and Me and the little ones were in the other. I had the van so they could watch movies which was nice. We headed out fairly early and stopped for breakfast along the way. The kids did so great in the car all day. I was very proud of them. We stopped in Flagstaff for drinks and break then into the car we got. We went from 80-90 degree weather to 32 degrees at one point. We had sun, clouds, rain, and snow along the trip this day. I have wanted to go back to my mission area of Bluff UT since reading The Undaunted and was excited to take this route to Larry and his family. Since we were so close to the 4 Corners Monument we decided to stop there. We had never been and I thought it would be fun. Well, they only take cash, Jen had to go back to the trading post to get some, and there wasn't much there. A bit disappointing to be honest but fun nonetheless to go. So we stopped and took a few pictures of us standing on all the states and stretching our legs a bit. After this stop we went on up to Bluff. I drove everyone around the little town, it has changed quite a bit actually, and stopped at the cemetary. We saw the graves of the UT pioneers and other settlers of this area. What amazing people! I loved seeing their homes and graves. Such a neat spirit about it and them I think. It was a bit chilly but not too bad. I want to go back and take some time to eat at the Twin Rocks Cafe and see the new monument/village they have set up for the Handcart Pioneers who settled Bluff and the 4 Corners area. Once this was complete we stayed the night in Blanding with a friend of Jen's, Natani. It was fun to see her again and her kids and my kids loved playing together. Thanks Natani for letting us stay with you!

It was a great first day of our trip. We got to add some Church History into the trek which I wanted and the kids got along great. A good beginning to a wonderful week.

Primary Program 2011

In September we had our Primary Program and the kids did great. It was so much fun to see Kamden and Kinsee up on stage singing and sharing their parts. They even had their lines memorized! Kai wished she could get up there but she has another year to wait. All the kids sang loudly and did a fantastic job. I love that the kids enjoy primary and it's fun to hear them singing songs around the house at times. Good job Kam and Kinsee! Your time will come soon Kai and Kal!

Sealed for 1 year

A year ago on September 11th Larry and I were Sealed to each other and our children for Time and All Eternity. What a special day that was. How blessed I am to have been able to be sealed to those I love for Forever. It was wonderful to see us all dressed in white and together as a family. I'm grateful for our extended family who came to support us and be with us on that special day. I love the temple and I love that the kids remember being in the temple and together as a family. I feel such peace knowing that we will be together forever. Life hasn't gotten any easier since we were sealed but answers have come forth. We know more of why Larry's been sick. I've lost my job, as of Sept 30th, but feel hopeful that another will come to me. My sister has come to live with us and help us out. I was able to work from home for a while to help my husband and kids out. There have been blessings to go along with the trials. The gospel is true and the temple ordinances or special and important. I love my family. I love the temple. I love the gospel. I'm thankful for prayer and tithing and the blessings that come from both. I will keep the faith and fight the good fight because Eternity is the Greatest of all Gifts and so worth all the effort it takes to achieve it. Love you Larry Dean. Love you Kaijsa, Kaitlyn, Kira, Kamden, Kinsee, Kaileigh and Kallen. I love you Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for blessing me so greatly.

End of Summer Fun

School has started and Summer is about over. We are still in the above 100 degree weather but the summer fun is close to being done. We don't swim as often and homework comes first. Kids are in school and becoming busy with school, homework, playing with friends, seminary, football games and all other church activities. Kamden and Kinsee are getting ready for their Primary program. Kinsee is loving Preschool, Kamden loves Kindergarten. Kai is learning to play well with Kallen instead of beating him up. Kallen is walking along the furniture and is learning to love to play rough. Kait is busy with so many things we may have prioritize. Larry is doing well health-wise and I'm finishing up working with my company. I'll be job hunting next month. Jen is finishing up her classes so she can find work and get out of the house a bit. Jen goes to Single activities but that will be easier once I'm not working or find a different work schedule. So summer winds down and Fall begins with all new beginnings. Here are just a few pics of what we've all been up to. Some are better choices than others. Kaileigh is still learning right from wrong but is stubborn enough to think all she does is cute and right. Oh she is learning that is NOT true. Good-bye Summer...Hello Fall, and hopefully cooler temps soon.

Happy Birthday Fun for Jen!

We got to spend Jen's birthday cheering for our two favorite football teams playing each other! BYU and Univ TX! No matter who won we won. So half the family wore Blue for BYU and the other half wore Burnt Orange for TX. We had some fun football food and Kaitlyn made Jen a yummy chocolate chip cheesecake. The Jones family came over to watch the game and celebrate with us. I had to work during the game and that night but was able to hang out with her during the day. Jen and I took the 4 little ones to the Mall to play, we shopped a bit, ate lunch out and went swimming in Chandler. It was a fun day I think. Maybe not exactly how she wanted to spend it but we were all together as a family. Plus our team won! BYU was doing very well the first half and then TX took over and won during the second half.

Happy Birthday Jen! We love you and appreciate all you do for our family. I'm thankful to have you as my sister and friend. You're amazing. It may not have been a dream birthday but we did have some fun. I hope you have a wonderful year and that you had fun. I look forward to creating dinners from the yummy cookbook we got for you.

Love you seester from the tips of your long cute hair to the tips of your pinky toes that don't have nails. LOL

Crafts

I feel like I'm surrounded by amazing people who do amazing crafts. I wish I had a crafty spirit. I wish I could do these cute crafts and decorate up my house or give them away as fun gifts. Well, after browsing through some blogs of people I know I found a site they had mentioned and fell in love/awe with it. I WANT to do some of these! I think they would make amazing gifts and they aren't too expensive. The site is http://www.poppyseedprojects.com. So if you start to get some of these gifts know that I made them with all the love and patience I have. Maybe someday I'll have the money, time, and talent to be crafty till then I guess Practice, Practice Practice!

In Training...

I have just posted on my other blog (Goals, found on the right in friends & family if you'd like to read it) and thought I'd update this blog as well. Jen and I have decided to train for a 5K. We wanted something to reach for to make our exercising more worthwhile. So we looked up a couple of races and are seriously thinking of signing up for them. The first will be in Oct on the 15th in Salt Lake City. It's the Dead vs the Undead to help Cancer. I find this a very good cause since Larry has been diagnosed with Cancer. So Jen and I have started running this week and following a couch to 5K training schedule. It's only day 2 but so far so good. I really hope we can make it to this race plus see some friends and family along the way!

The next race will be on Thanksgiving Day in Mesa. The Annual Turkey Trot which I think is to support or help Stroke Research, which is also a good cause since my Grandmother had a stroke that completely changed her life. I will have family in town for Thanksgiving so having their cheers while Jen and I run will be fun!

So here's to Training for the 5K's Jen and I would like to run in! If you're in SLC area for Oct 15th or around Mesa for Thanksgiving feel free to join Jen and I in the runs!

And hopefully we'll lose weight along the way as a bonus. :)

Rain, Teeth and School

We had some much needed rain a while back and it was lovely. Kinsee and Kai went out and played in the rain and it was fun to watch them. Jumping in the rain is the best activity. And who doesn't love to play in the mud puddles? It was a good rainy few minutes.

Kait had her wisdom teeth pulled about a week ago. She's doing better but still hurting and swollen a bit. She's been a trooper though. She's missed some school but is good about taking her medicine and keeping ice on her face. She's talking more each day! Now to see if she's lost any of her wisdom? Nah she's still smart as can be.

Kinsee Belle started Preschool again. We mothers are working at teaching the kids what they need to know before Kindergarten next year. We divided the group up this year into 2 so they would be smaller. She's loving it. I get to teach this year too so I'm looking forward to it as well. I think we have a good program set up. So for 2 days a week I have only 2 kids at home for a while. So far they play nice but we'll see how it goes.

all the kids are loving school and we've been getting our routine together for school, homework, fun and bedtime. It's coming together nicely. Love my kids!

Kaileigh Jeanette at age 2

Kai turned 2 at the end of June but I'm just now getting her to the Dr. I'm trying to get everyone into the dentist and Dr before insurance runs out or changes due to job. Kai was ok at the Dr's but she refused to open her mouth for anyone but herself. Go figure. lol

At Age 2 Kai is 24 lbs and 33 1/2 inches tall.

I didn't get the growth chart so I have no idea where she falls on anything but I may ask again in 6 months because we have to go back to get the 2nd half of one of the shots she got today. I sure hope I have insurance. I somehow didn't get her in at 15 or 18 months. I don't know why since that happened when we were moving, having a baby, Larry was sick, School started, Holidays, etc. But we'll get her all caught up.

Kinsee goes to Dr on Monday so I'll do a post on her then. Otherwise all is well. Shots are being updated for health and school. Kids are healthy and growing and doing well.

Kallen at 9 Months

My baby boy is 9 months old now. I can hardly believe it. I think the time has gone by fastest with him. We went to the Dr today and he's growing, happy and healthy!

He's 29 inches tall
Weighs 18.5 lbs
Head is 17 inches

He's lower on the charts then his siblings have been but still doing well. He continues to grow and impress the Dr so we're ok. He sleeps from 7:30ish at night till around 5am then acts as if he's starving to death. He has a bottle then sleeps till 6:30-7am. He loves to have his bath then a second dinner at night before bed. My children are children of routine. They have to have routine or they wonder what's going on with the world. Ok, Kinsee Belle probably not so much since she could stay up super late if I'd let her, which I don't. But the other kids all like to go to bed early and wake up early. Kallen is cute and happy and eats well. He'll eat whatever we give him plus some, although fruits are definitely his favorite. He's been crawling for a while and now pulls himself up to walk along things. He's quick to smile and has the cutest giggle. Kai beats him up but we are sure that some day he'll get his revenge. He's a good baby, a great one to end with. :) We love you Kallen Dean!

First Day of School for Kaitlyn

This is me at my 8th Grade graduation on my way to the dance. I couldn't find my freshman yr picture. But I didn't change a whole lot so this will have to do.


I think this is Larry around 8th-9th Grade. I think he looks so different as a kid than he does as a grown up, he's still a cutie patootie.


Isn't she sweet. No complaints about getting up at 5am so she can get ready for Seminary and School. She looks beautiful with the sun rising behind her! Our Freshman in High School, time has gone by so fast.

Kait has many goals with her High School classes and involvement. I'm sure she'll make all of them happen. Just remember to take a break at times too Kait! Good luck with the honors classes, student council and all the other clubs and things you want to get involved in. We're so excited for you! Can't wait to hear about it all!

First Day of School for Kamden

I thought I'd do a quick post of the first day of school. I'll do an update once the kids are home from school so I can share how it all went but till then here are some first day of school pictures!


My pictures are not organized at all so it took me forever to find some kindergarten pictures plus there are no dates on the backs so I'm assuming these are Larry and I's kindergarten photos. Oh the days of school pictures... Aren't Larry and I so cute!


Kamden's first day of Kindergarten! He's so cute. I can't believe he's going to school and it's all day!

I wish I had a picture of me standing on the porch for kindergarten but we were living in Pennsylvania at the time and not sure if we did that then. I do know that once we moved to KS we would stand on our porch every year for first day of school pictures. I don't have many of me doing this but I did find a few. Oh the lunchboxes and Trapper Keepers!

He was so excited to go to school today and I'm so excited for him. I can't wait to hear all about it! We have a tradition of Happy Hour at Sonic after school so we'll do that or Water and Ice (haven't decided) so that we can sit and hear all about how school is. Love you Bubba!

Dentist

Before my insurance runs out or gets changed I decided to get the kids into the Dentist. I should go myself as well but I'm doing good to get the kids in. Kait has to get her wisdom teeth pulled. She goes in for a consult on Monday, just after her first day of school, then go back to get them removed. Kamden had 2 cavities and then had to have his 2 top front teeth pulled. Due to the defect in them and being chipped there was an infection growing between his baby and permanent teeth. In order to protect the grown up teeth the little ones had to go. So...he went in today and had the cavities fixed and the teeth pulled. He was such a trooper. No problems with the cavities. The dentist didn't even use shots or numbing jell for that. Getting teeth pulled was another story. Some screaming and tears but overall he did fantastic I thought. The shots are the worst part. He picked prizes from the treasure chest and I got him some soft foods to eat. Now the tooth fairy will come and give him a gift. The dentist gave him a cute case in the shape of a tooth to put them in. I'll have to make sure the tooth fairy takes it away. I'm so proud of him and he's so cute.


Kinsee Belle also did a great job. She too had 2 cavities. One on the front of her tooth in the soft spot she had and then a back tooth. Now they are fixed and all pretty. Kai hated the dentist but in between her screaming I was told she was fine.

So now they are ready for school to start. I just need to get them all into the Dr for their annual check up and any shots they need and they should be good. I'm really hoping and praying though that I can start to work part-time for someone and get insurance started so there won't be a gap in coverage. That would be a nightmare for the kids and Larry. Here's to brushing, flossing, and mouthwash so we don't have any more cavities!

Kaitlyn...

Kaitlyn has had a busy summer. She spent some time in UT visiting family and enjoyed most of her time there.


Then came home to get her pictures done and to go to Girls Camp. She loved camp but was ready to come home for a shower. They didn't get one there. Real camping.


Kaitlyn is getting ready to start High School and Seminary which I can't believe. She's ready but I'm not sure her dad and I are. It's good to see the kids grow up but hard at the same time. Kaitlyn is a lovely and strong young woman with lots of goals and I'm sure she'll achieve every one of them. She received her Patriarchal Blessing a while back and it was a wonderful experience to be there with her. She has a lot in store for her. I loved hearing what her Heavenly Father's plans are. She is a great help with the kids and they missed her while she was gone. We're glad to have her back home. Her pictures turned out beautiful I think. We love you Kait! You're a wonderful Daughter and Sister!

I can't wait to put up all the new pictures of the kids! We took some more of Kinsee and Kamden that turned out cute as well. I love updating their photos around the house and on the blog. It's amazing how fast they grow and sad at the same time. Love you Kids!

Kira Marey Saling

We got up early and took our annual photos of Kira today. She's gotten so tall and is so grown up. It's crazy how that seems to happen overnight. She is a beautiful young lady who will be in Young Women's next year. Wow! Jen took her out about to our favorite spots and took some pics. I think they turned out super cute. We love you Kira! We are so glad to have you in our family. We love that you're a part of our family. I'm thankful for the time each year we get to spend time with you. The little ones love you and look up to you and you are great with them. You are a special daughter and have a sweet spirit. We've had fun coloring hair, shopping, swimming, watching movies, talking and staying up late. I enjoy the quiet moments with you to get to know you better. Love you!

New HairStyles

We decided to get Kira and Kaitlyn's hair done. Kait kept her length because she just got it cut at the first of the summer but wanted a new color. Kira decided to cut and color her hair. Plus for Kira it's the summer before she starts Jr. High (or would if she didn't live in UT) so we got her some make-up and we're teaching her how to wear it. So here are the girls before and after. The before Pic is from the day they went to see Harry Potter 7.2 with their Aunt Jen (my sister Jen).

By the way...Harry Potter 7.2 is an amazing movie and a great ending to the series. WE LOVED IT! Jen saw it twice, once with the girls and then again the next day with me. I want to go see it again. I'm so sad to see the series end. I love Harry Potter and was not disappointed with the final movie.


Kira looking so beautiful and grown up. She's just an inch shorter then Kaitlyn now which is a few inches taller than me! We are loving the new cut and color. Kira had about 6 inches cut off and then decided to go dark brown to even out the color in her hair. I think it makes her look even tanner and older. You're so beautiful Kira Marey!


Kaitlyn started out with a strawberry blonde color that turned out a bit too bright red for our liking. So she got a medium brown color and we added that onto her hair. The two together turned into a pretty auburn. She is looking so grown up. You're a lovely daughter and a beautiful girl Kait!

I can't believe I'm a mom of kids starting College, High School, Jr High and Elementary. We're also trying to figure out a Pre-K for Kinsee. Kai has been doing very well with her potty training with very few accidents! Then the crawler Kallen who is getting everywhere now. Life is busy but good. Love you kids!

4th July 2011

We had a good 4th of July. Larry was able to make it to the Ward Breakfast which was yummy. There were water games and a parade for the kids to ride their bikes in. We decorated up the bikes and let them ride, gave Kai some balloons to carry and Jen put some balloons on the stroller and pushed Kal in the parade. It was fun to watch them. It was fun to get out and celebrate the 4th. We then went to a pool in Chandler and had a fun day relaxing in the sun. I love sitting in the pool watching the kids play. I then had to work the night away but the day was fun. I love our Ward and enjoyed our time with our friends. We missed Kaijsa, Kaitlyn and Kira this year as we usually have them with us on the 4th but it was fun to be with family and friends. I love this country. We are so blessed to enjoy the freedoms we have. I'm thankful for those who have fought and are fighting so we can have the lives we live. God Bless the USA!

Dust Storm 2011...Haboob

Here is a picture of what we can normally see out our back windows.


Here is what it looked like last night with our dust storm.


and...


Last night we heard the wind pick up and when we looked outside that's what we saw. So crazy! We got a sprinkling of rain but nothing to really help our water shortage. But the dust and dirt was awful! When I opened the doors and windows to take the picture the grit in my eyes and mouth was immediate. On the news this morning they said it was one of the worst storms they've seen in a long time and called it a Habbob. The wind was between 50-60 mph, the width of it or length was over 60 miles and closer to 100. And the height was 5000 feet. It was amazing. I'm glad I was able to experience it since it doesn't happen often. Glad our trampoline didn't blow over or the toys blow away. Fun to watch and listen too.

Fun with Papa

My Dad came out to visit for a few days after visiting my brother and his family in Utah. We were very excited to have him and loved our time with him. And although he had 1 day of not feeling the greatest it did keep him here one more day so we liked that. He arrived on Saturday and I had to work but he hung out with the kids and talked to me some. Sunday he went to church with us while Jen went to a class she was taking. We relaxed on Sunday and again on Monday. We did some shopping and just enjoyed being inside because it was soooo hot. 120 is HOT! Tuesday we went to Bass Pro Shop and REI and enjoyed a day out. Larry felt well enough to come which was even better. Dad helped us out by shaving Larry's head that morning since his hair decided to start falling out due to his chemo treatments but I think he looks good and it's fun to have him with us. Found a few things we of course want but had fun being together. We ate at Famous Dave's BBQ and loved our lunch! Relaxed that night and on Wednesday we took the little ones to see Cars 2. The opening Short of Toy Story was absolutely hilarious. Cars 2 was cute and the kids did well during the movie so it was fun. He was going to leave Thurs but ended up not feeling well Wed night so decided to stay one more day. YAY for us! Thurs we went to the pool to show him how well the kids are swimming and jumping off the diving board. Plus he got us the pass there and we wanted to show him the pool and say Thank You! We love being able to go and cool off. Maybe next summer we can get the kids signed up for swim lessons. Although it was 115-120 every day it was fun to be together. We got up early and walked and just talked. I have fond memories of going on early morning runs/walks with my dad and I'm glad those haven't disappeared. Jen and I try to go each morning and it's nice to have some time together as sisters. Love you Papa! You're the BEST! We are so glad you got to come and be with us. I'm thankful for my camera getting pics of him with the grandkids for memories. He was here for Kai's 2nd birthday and that means a lot to me. I want my kids to be close to him and to know him. He's the best ever! Love you Papa! Come back soon!

Kaileigh Jeanette Saling Turns 2!

Happy Birthday my baby bug! We love you so much! We are so glad you're in our family. You make us scream, cry, laugh and smile. Kai is such a sweetie and can be such a little devil. We love her. She has the funniest personality that is larger than life. She loves her siblings but has moments of being tough on them. She is sweet and sassy. She will make the funniest faces and make us laugh out loud by her antics. She loves desserts. If there are any sweets in the house she can find them and eat them before we even realize it. But look so innocent in the process. Kai loves to dance and has a great inner rhythm, it's amazing. She sings and dances and reads and loves to do her own thing. I love that she doesn't need a lot of attention but will take it if she can. Kai I love you sweet girl. I can't imagine our family without you. Thank you for being my daughter.

The cake was put together quickly because it was late and I ran out of time. The cupcakes were the birthday plan for her treat. The kids had so much fun making their butterfly cupcake. I have come to really love cupcakes because they are the perfect individual size and they love to be creative and make their own. They were messy but fun and tasty! So glad papa could be here to celebrate with us. I love my family so much. So glad Jen is here too. So grateful Larry got out of the hospital in time to be with us to celebrate as well. My pictures of her opening presents didn't turn out but she loved her outfits and the book she got. She loves her baby but not as much as her real baby brother that she seems to think she's being nice to but is only making him tough so someday he can fight back. LOL Love you Sweetheart!

Larry's Fight...

Larry Dean Saling Jr Before...


Larry During...


Larry After

As you can see Larry has shaved his hair off. This was not an easy day for him as he's losing it not because he wants to but because of his chemo treatments. As you know he's going through Chemotherapy for his Leukemia and the medicine has finally taken his hair. And although his hair may be gone his fighting spirit is still strong and his smile is still in place. He had his moments of sorrow and tears but he came through stronger and more determined. He's a fighter, always has been. We love you Larry Dean. We know that this moment was hard but it too shall pass. You are a strong child of God and a wonderful Father. You're children may not understand now but this is experience is one not only you but your family can learn from and gain strength from. I think you're still just as cute and handsome as you always were! I like the new do! Keep the faith and all will be as it should be. We will learn and grow and become the stronger children we are supposed to be. Love you sexy bald man!

Day ?, can't remember...

I think the picture is supposed to be of something I cherish. I love my bed but my sister took a picture of that and I didn't want to copy her completely. So I chose the outdoors and peace and quiet. I love being in nature where is peaceful and pretty. Behind our house we have this pond with waterfalls and a few trees. There is a hill for kids to roll down. I loved Hawaii because of the waterfalls and hikes and being outside. I love the sound of Nature, it's so relaxing. And with 7 kids and a husband who never sleeps peace and quiet isn't found often. Kids all day, tv and hubby up all night and working nights I have come to truly cherish quiet moments. Moments of no phones, noise or modern devices. Don't get me wrong. I love modern day conveniences but I do miss the quiet easy life of my childhood. So anyways...the pic of behind my house for space and quiet which I cherish and enjoy.

Birthday Pics of the Little Ones

Jen and I got up early to take the annual summer pictures of the kids. These are their birthday pictures although for some it's a bit later than their birthday. Kam turned 5 in January. Kinsee turned 4 in May. Kai is turning 2 in a couple of days and Kal is 8 months the same day Kai turns 2. But each summer I like to take their individual pictures to put up on our wall. When Kait and Kira come home in July we'll do theirs and update the blog and wall then. Kaijsa is 18 and so her picture will forever be her senior photo that Jen took. We're not sure if she'll show up for a week or two this summer or not for our family photo but we hope so. She is part of the family but she's also in college so we all know how that goes. But here's hoping she comes down for a bit to see her family and take a picture or two or twenty. :) It was early enough this morning that it wasn't too hot yet and the sun wasn't glaring. It was just far enough down in the sky though to make it hard at times for the kids to see so there are those pics of squinty eyes. Overall the kids did great and took turns without fighting or complaining. It was fun to get them ready this morning and spend time taking pics. I look forward to the day that it won't be quite so hard to get them to look at the camera and smile normally but till then some are funny, some are great and then some that are...well...not so great. I love my little ones. It's like having 2 sets of twins because of how close in age they are and how they like to be together. Kam and Kins have to be together all the time. I love that they play with each other and talk and are good friends. They can fight like nothing else but they love each other madly. Kai and Kal are just young enough to not quite realize all they have but are figuring it out. Kai can be pretty tough on Kallen but it's making him strong. I can tell that in time they will be close like Kam and Kins and I can't wait. I love them young but I like it when they are older too. Till then I'm going to keep taking pictures and capture the little moments and time while I can. Thank you Kam, Kinsee Belle, Kai and Kal for being so wonderful. Thank you for making me laugh, scream, cry and laugh some more. Their personalities make me smile, Kai especially. I love my little children. When i take pics of the older ones I'll say the same thing but till that post here's to hugs and squeezes of my babies.

Blog Picture

So I've decided to change up my blog picture a bit. Since my family seems to keep changing it's hard to keep a recent family photo up there. With Kaijsa now in UT and getting ready for college and Kira here a couple of times a year it's hard to have a full family photo. The little ones change so quickly that I thought I'd do highlight pictures instead. So...that being said...My first picture is of Kaileigh since it's her birthday coming up! Yep, she'll be 2 on Sunday! I'll do a post for her birthday once we've had her party and stuff but until then I'd thought I'd do a pic of her. She is so funny and has such a cute personality. She's getting big and we've started to do a bit of potty training. We'll see how long it takes but it sure would be nice to cut back on diaper costs. :) Kai is a joy and a wonderful daughter, despite her sassyness. She makes us laugh and that's important. Love you Kai bug. Next time who knows who will be on the blog. So many kids to choose from, plus Larry and I!

Pool Fun

I love summers and time at the pool. Someday I hope to have a pool but maybe not till the kids are older and can for sure swim on their own. Till then we go to the pool either at Papa's house or the city pool. Papa got us a pass to the swim pool in town. It's not amazing but it sure feels amazing when it's 100+ outside and the kids are driving you crazy inside. So off to the pool we go each day to enjoy some fun in the sun and relax. The kids still wear floaties but I'm hoping to get them to have a bit more confidence in themselves and the fact that they could probably swim if they'd try. They have been brave enough to jump off the diving board though and that's a plus. The city pool has a toddler pool that is great for Kai and even Kamden and Kinsee. It gets to 3 feet on one end which is nice for them to practice their swimming skills. It's shallow enough on the other end that Kai can walk around and do her thing too. The big pool has the deep end with the diving board and then the normal end to play and float around in. There is also lap swim time that Jen and I are hoping to be able to enjoy every once in a while. We can take some of our pool toys and become sun worshipers. I have very fond memories of spending my summers at the public pool and I want my kids to have those fun memories too. So far I think we're successful. They love to go. They love to swim and They are enjoying the diving board immensely. Plus it wears them out that they either take naps or sleep in till at least 6am or maybe 6:30am! I love my kids but I sure do wish they'd sleep in a bit longer. I know Jennie wishes that too! Thanks Papa for getting us the pool pass! We LOVE it! Larry's been able to come and relax in the pool too so that's nice as well. I sure do love sitting in the water and Kal is liking it more and more each time we go. Here's to summer fun in the sun with the pool and the fam!