Kaitlyn's 8th Grade Promotion

Kaitlyn is now done with Middle School. She is all ready and excited for High School to start in the Fall. Her Promotion was on a beautiful evening and the ceremony was short and sweet. She looked beautiful and her friends are great. It was fun to see them all together and so excited for the future. Oh to be so young again. On second thought, no way. She had a great year full of fun and success. We are so proud of you Kait! Congrats on the Promotion and good luck with the future! We love you!

Larry was in the hospital but was with us in thought. We missed you Larry but know you were in our hearts.

Kinsee's Joy School Party

Kinsee was in Joy School this year and it was a lot of fun. I didn't teach but I helped out several days and that was fun for me. I got to know some other moms and the kids Kinsee's age. I love getting to know the friends my kids have or will have as they grow. She enjoyed school and I could see the progress they all made as the year went by. They had an end of school year party and that was fun too. Lots of fun people and good snacks. We took Ice Cream Cupcakes for Kinsee's b-day. My picture wouldn't save to the slide show but they turned out super cute. Jen helped and they turned out great. The kids loved them. It was a beautiful day at the park and I got some cute pics of the girls Kinsee likes to hang out with. Now to set up some summer play dates for her!

Both Kinsee and Kamden had great preschool teachers and friends. I really do hope to set up some days for them to get together with friends and play over the summer. I think it's good for them. I also hope the Joy School continues next year for Kinsee and that she continues to learn and grow. She's a good girl and a smart girl too. I hope Kamden loves Kindergarten and that they are both pushed enough to learn and grow. But for now here's to summer vacation and having fun!

Kamden's Water Day for Preschool

I got a few pictures of Kamden for his last day of school. He got a certificate of completion for Preschool and he loved every day of it. He got to have a Water day the last full day of school and it was a lot of fun. I was able to spend the day with him and help out and it was fun to get to know the kids in his class I heard about all the time. They were/are a group of great kids. Unfortunately he'll be going to a Charter School next year so he won't see any of them that I could discover. Some will stay in the public school and another is going to a different charter school. I did get a couple of numbers so he could have a play day with them and he got invited to a b-day party that he's so excited for. We may have to have a happy unbirthday for him this summer so he can get together with friends. We are proud of him. He's made some progress in his speech and he really is a bright boy, very smart. He's excited for Kindergarten and I love that he loves school. Let's hope that continues. :)

Larry Dean

We've had a crazy few days with Larry Dean. He hasn't been feeling the greatest but all with signs I've seen before. He's very stubborn about going to the Dr or Hospital because he's tired of doing it. So after calling the ambulance and them finally getting him to the hospital it turns out it was a must needed trip. He's been passing out lately and not keeping anything down. After quite a few days of this and trying to get him to see a Dr we may have some ideas as to why. At first the Dr's thought it was Acute Leukemia, now they aren't so sure. They do know he has a blood disorder since his White Blood Count (WBC) is extremely high, his platelet level is also very high but his hemoglobin and iron levels are extremely low. They did a bone marrow biopsy today to finally confirm or deny Leukemia or some other Cancer. They are monitoring his heart and blood levels to make sure the levels go down and that the thickened blood doesn't clot or create other issues. He's on some meds that will prevent Gout and also a pre-chemo medicine. Both of these seem to be doing their job because his platelet level and WBC have gone down a bit. He may still need chemo even if there isn't cancer because it can help with his blood. So now the waiting game of discovering if it's Leukemia or not. I'm just grateful that the Dr's are taking the time to look and figure it out. Something is going on and I hope we can find out what it is soon. Whatever it is it's making his pain more severe and his mental status altered. As blood levels get closer to normal range his thinking clears and improves. Here's hoping we can get an answer quickly so we can do what needs to be done to have him feeling better and home. He's missing out on a lot right now and it will be nice to have answers and maybe some hope of cures. We love you Larry Dean! Keep the faith and know that your Father in Heaven loves you as does you Whole Family!

Happy Birthday Kinsee Belle! 4 yrs old!

Happy Birthday Kinsee Belle! I can't believe you're 4 already. Where has the time gone? Kait is now 14 and you're 4. Amazing.

Kinsee had a good b-day. Since her birthday was on Sunday we did a few things on Saturday with Kait. While Kait was at her play we took Kinsee to McDonalds to play and eat. The kids love it there and I must admit I do too. I find it almost relaxing to be able to eat and let the kids play and eat as they choose. After that we went to the play and then came home. She opened her gifts on Sunday and loved her books and clothes. She's so ready to ride her bike with her big brother, now if I could just figure out how to tighten the seat and handlebars. It's frustrating me that I can't figure it out. Oh well, she likes it. She also likes her Ariel head so she can play with her hair. We had Ice Cream Cupcakes for her on the day of her school party so today we made her a cake with Fairies on it. I drew the tree and we placed the edible stickers on it. I think it turned out cute. She loves Tinker Bell and her friends so she liked it. The kids were all cute for church and then we tried to relax at home. Lately the kids have been getting up so early that they were a bit crabby so we didn't do too much. But between the end of school party that we called her b-day party and the gifts today she had fun. She's so excited to be 4.

Kinsee Belle we love you! You are such a gem. You make us laugh and you have such a soft heart. You remind me of your sisters and I love how you love not only the big sisters but your brothers and little sister as well. You are good at helping with them. You are bright and fun and I love to hear you laugh. Thank you for coming into our home and family. Love you sweet baby girl!

Happy Birthday Kait! 14...Wow!

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn! We love you!

This year for Kait's 14th birthday we didn't get to see her much. She had her play with 2 shows and a baby shower in between. So on Saturday morning we got up, let her open her couple of presents and then we all went to breakfast. We decided to try this whole in the wall place in town. Very small, crowded and here from when the town first became a town. The food was decent but we'll probably not go again as a family, not enough room for all of us. We had fun over breakfast though and then came home to get ready for the day. Kait left and got ready for her shows, we ran to a few yard sales. We then went to the Matinee showing of The Wizard of Oz. Kait and her friends did a great job. We had a lot of fun supporting her. She's worked hard and the cast had been through a lot when one of them passed away earlier in the month. The paid tribute to her and honored her by putting on the show. The little ones enjoyed it too which means they behaved fairly well. :) Being from KS watching the musical is fun. I loved watching the show on TV as a kid, an annual ritual for the family. Kait congrats on all the hard work, y'all did a fantastic job.

She had a good 14th b-day I think. She got a Nook and is enjoying reading the books and looking for some to get. Her shoes are super cute and match her Promotion Dress perfectly. The Nook Cover we need to exchange but she like it and can't wait for the one that fits so she can protect her cherished gift. I'm glad she likes the gifts and that she was able to spend the day with friends and family. We love you Kaitlyn! We are so proud of you! We are blessed to have you in our family and in our home. We appreciate all you do. You have a sweet spirit and I hope you know how much we love you.

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn Annette!

Love summer pool days

We found a fun pool close by in Chandler. We love it. There is a bucket that dumps water. It's got different areas for different ages of kids and adults. It's not too far away and a fun place. I hope we can get back there often. The only down side is that since we don't live in Chandler we can't get a season family pass. Maybe we can find someone to get one for us. We had a fun day there. We spent a few hrs before I had to go back to work and it was just the right amount of time. We were tanned but not burned. We will for sure go back, especially since it's starting to get hotter.

Kallen at 6 months and What it Takes to Get a Picture

The slide show is for 2 reasons. 1st for Kallen celebrating 6 months. I can't believe he's 6 months old already! The time has sure gone by fast with him. Seems like just yesterday he was born. Where does the time go? As much as I'm going to miss his being little, all of them being little, I must admit I'm ready for bottles, diapers, and potty training to be over. But I'm going to enjoy this time while I can. I love Kallen's laugh and smiles. He's a happy very well behaved baby boy. We are very blessed to have him in our home and part of our family. We love you Kallen Dean! Thank you for your snuggles and for making us laugh. Your bother and sisters love and adore you, be patient with them. Sometimes they can be a bit overwhelming but their hearts are in the right place. You are holding your bottle and eating more each day. You army crawl yourself around and play with your toys. You are rolling around and love your bath times. You are a gem and we love you.

Kallen is now 6 months old. He weighs 15 lbs 13.5 oz and is 27 inches long. He's growing out of his clothes when it seems like I just hung them up. He's had his first haircut and is super adorable I think. He has deep blue/gray eyes that must come from grandparents. He has Larry's hair though which is blonde, brown, red and slightly curly.

The other pictures are funny to me. They sort of portray what I go through to try and get a picture. For every 1 picture that I put on here there are probably 10 that I don't. I take a lot of pictures trying to get the one where all kids are looking and smiling. It never happens but I do keep trying! There is always hope right! I love my kids. They test me, make me laugh, and teach me what Love is. It's funny to watch them and their different personalities. I love seeing Larry and I in them or our family members. I pray for them and cherish them and hope they feel the love their dad and I have for them.

Happy Anniversary!

Larry Dean and I celebrated 8 years of marriage on the 8th of May. I can honestly say it's been an incredible 8 years. We've moved 6 times, we have 7 children, we've had a few jobs and a few health concerns....but overall we've learned and loved and grown. I love Larry Dean and am blessed to have him and the kids in my life. I know he's blessed to have us in his. :) LOL. We have laughed and cried and supported and fought but know we are together forever. This past year we were able to be sealed for all eternity and it has given me peace and strength to know this. It hasn't made life any easier but somehow I'm trusting in my Father in Heaven a bit more to direct us and protect us. I know there are reasons for everything and know it's just learning what those reasons are and helping each other discover them. Larry has supported and loved me with the decisions I've made. I hope he knows I've loved and supported him as well. We've definitely had trials and ups and downs, as does any marriage, but I know they are for me to learn and grow from. He's a good husband and good father and I think I'm a good mother and wife. We have much to learn still on both fronts but as we climb the mountains together I know we'll succeed. Learning and loving is what life is about after all. I hope our children know we love them. We pray for them and we want the best for them. We may not always agree but we do always love. Thank you Larry Dean for the past 8 years. Here's to many more and growing closer and stronger each day. I get to keep you!

Mother's Day

This year for Mother's Day we spent time together as a family and just relaxed. We did a little shopping at Costco and woke up late. We then went to eat at Joe's Crab Shack and let the kids play on the playground. It was a wonderful dinner and a beautiful day. Sunny and warm and everyone got along splendidly. It was one of those perfect days that you don't always have. I love my kids and am so grateful for all they do and teach me. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. I have been blessed with 7 wonderful children whom I love and learn from each day. I only hope they are learning as much from me. Kaijsa and Kira weren't here this year for Mother's Day but I'm sure they had a nice day with their mom. Kait, Kamden, Kinsee, Kaileigh, and Kallen made me breakfast of pancakes which were very good. They gave me a cupcake tree and mini cupcake tin so of course we had to make cupcakes. For my birthday I got a cupcake cookbook and we made the Strawberry Short Cupcakes which were delicious. Larry got me another Willow Tree Statue which I adore. I love those and am collecting them to tell our story. It was a great Mother's Day.

I missed my mom but know she was with us. I know she knows how much we love her. We spoke to Larry's Mom and she too had a great Mother's Day. I'm blessed with the Mother's I've had or do have in my life. I'm blessed to know other Mother's who are also amazing women and wonderful examples to me. I have so much to learn and I'm glad I don't have to do it on my own. Thank you Larry and kids for loving me so much!

Day 6: A Person I'd Trade Places With for a Day...

I'm going to copy my sister on this one. Who wouldn't want to be a princess for a day? I'd love to be able to do what I want to do for a day and not worry about money or time. I'm sure that's not how it really is but it's my day so I say it will be. :) I can have the massage and breakfast in bed. I can have time to exercise with a trainer. Have my hair and makeup done. Go shopping and buy things for my family and I w/out worrying about money. I'd travel someplace I've never been and visit for a while and have dinner. Sleep in a comfy bed. Wear the sparkling jewelry. Oh to be a princess for a day. I must say I do have a prince who opens doors for me and does let me do some of these things. I just need to remember that I do get to be this to an extent, Mother's day. :) An official princess for a day would be fantastic though!