March

I can't believe March is already almost over. What have we been doing? Well, going to more doctors appointments than anyone wants to. Dallin and Cody both got sick. Cody had an ear infection and was wheezing. Dallin's asthma has been extremely bad with the weather turning so quickly. After church one day we almost had to take him to the emergency room. But with the help of a Priesthood blessing, he made the turn around and started clearing up. Camri hurt her hip some how and couldn't walk for a few days. She doesn't know what happened. It just started hurting at school and by night time she could hardly walk. Xrays showed no signs of a fracture and she is walking again. She missed her last basketball game and a week of school though.
And me? Well, I won't go into details, but I took a trip to Portland to see my old doctor. I was a nervous wreck and was going to have Kylie drive down with me. I finally admitted to a friend my problems, and she volunteered to drive. It turned out to be the best thing for me. Not only did I get some help, but we stayed in a hotel and shopped after the appointments, window shopped that is. FUN! It was a little strange not dragging five kids with me. I kept thinking we needed to get home and then would realize we had all night:) We did come home the next day and everyone survived without us.
Tuesday, however, I finally made it to volleyball only to play for five minutes before I jumped up for a block and came down twisting my ankle. I could barely walk, but made it home, iced it and took some meds. Yesterday I hobbled around and when Kylie came home she yelled at me, "What did you do? We are supposed to go to Hawaii next Saturday!" The swelling has gone down and I can limp without pain now, so I should be good to go play in the sun next week. At least now I have an excuse before we go for laying out in the sun to work on my tan and not doing anything else, right?
Through all this, I'm thankful for a husband who puts up with my ailments and has a job with good insurance. He's the best!!! I'm also thankful for good friends! Some are willing to take a few days out of their life for me. Some just listen and have the same kind of issues so I don't feel alone. Some call to make sure I'm doing better. Some help with my children when they are struggling. I can truly say I have been greatly blessed.

Finally some pictures!

More of Kylie's show

Me, attempting a jump (not even my big one)

The result! Snowmobiling is hard work:)

Jory showing me how it's done. Now that's air!

Like father like son. We went out to my sister's shop after our trip and let the kids play on the snowmobiles. Jory really got the hang of it.
Dallin helped tell me if I lost any kids off the sled.
Camri and her cousin Ashton loved riding behind on the sled.

They got pretty cold so they found a solution.
Cody loved riding as well. You can tell from Camri's hair we had a lot of fun! Why's everyone so ready for spring? All it means is yard work. Snow is much more fun!

February

Has it really been over a month? I've been waiting to post pictures and video from Kylie's Tenth Ave. Show. But, I haven't figured out my new video camera yet and my husband hasn't downloaded his pictures as well. I finally snatched his phone and have a few pictures of what's been happening. Sorry they aren't very clear.

Kylie did an amazing job at her show on the 4th, 5th and 6th. Of course I'm her mother, but she really was terrific. I think that was a definite BEST in my life, watching her perform. Even better than my "back in the day" moments. Being the mom was awesome! She gets to play Patty in the musical Grease. She's nervous about it, but excited.

Jory T. had a guitar performance and they are always terrific.

My husband and I went on our third annual snowmobile trip with our great friends! It was three days of fun. I was a little reluctant to go because we left Kylie at home, but I had a blast. It's great to have friends you can just pick up where you left off. I also am getting a little better at riding and even did a jump. If I can, I'll post the video later:)

Thanks to my mom, Rob and Denelle for helping with my kids. The boys had a great time snowboarding and Camri can't quit talking about skating in Denelle's basement.

January 2010

January has started off great! Dallin was named the Exchange Club Student of the Month. Jory and I got to go with Dallin to lunch at the airport where the Exchange club gave him a plaque, a $50 savings bond and $10 in McDonald coupons. You can guess what he's most excited about. He is a great kid and deserved it. It was nice to meet some community members around the Tri-cities and tell them about Dallin.
Jory T. got to go camping in the snow with his dad and the scouts. This isn't their first winter camp out. They go quite often and love it. He has great scout leaders that are making a difference in his life.

Kylie is busy playing basketball, trying out for the high school musical, rehearsing for her 10th Avenue show and studying for finals. She even skipped a skiing trip because she didn't want to miss any practices. So Jory T., Dallin and I left her and went snowboarding at Bluewood. I skied. Nell, I'm really going to snowboard next time and use that board. It's awesome and fits great. Jory T. took it on his scout trip and tried it out, but I'm waiting for Kylie so we can learn together.
Camri and Dallin started basketball practice and love it. Friday's I take Camri to tap dance and then straight to basketball. She's been playing for three years and can really dribble well.
Cody got to go to work with his dad all day while we went skiing. He is missing his siblings when they are off to school, but I'm trying to keep him busy. I hope next month is just as fun!

Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We opened presents in the morning and then went to the Ashtons for the afternoon. They were nice to remember us since we don't have family nearby to spend the holidays with. We hope everyone else had a fabulous Christmas.

Jory's $$$$$$mile

Jory T. finally got his braces off after a whole year and a few months, lucky kid! Now maybe we'll see his smile:) Actually he smiles all the time, just not for the camera! Here are the before and after photos..... I know, his hair is really long. I actually like it. It looks like Zac Efron in 17 again. And he takes care of it! We had some freezing rain the other day, so my kids enjoyed the ice and no school day. So did I:)

Happy Birthday Cody

Cody turned three years old on Thursday. I think the older kids enjoyed his birthday more than he did. They made me wait to have Cody open his present after they were home from school. He was playing the Wii when we were ready. We brought out the big box and asked if he wanted to open it. He said no, he was playing video games. Jory made him turn it off and he threw a big tantrum. He finally calmed down and actually looked at the box. Then, he attacked the paper. He tore and tore and tore and tore. It was pretty funny. He loved the train. Jory T. and Dallin helped set it up. Then, Cody had to fight to play with it. Dallin and Camri kept "helping" him. I think this birthday was more for us celebrating him as a part our family for the last three years. Cody really enjoyed the spanking machine. He went through about ten times! But he loved the cake the best. Jory decorated it as Star Wars with two light sabers. Cody wanted the piece right in the middle where the blue and red crossed. I caught him later that night on the cupboard having seconds:)