8 is enough!!

Look Alikes

2011-12-02T22:34:00.003-05:00

Daughter/Mother

I found this picture of me (the one on the right) from when I was a little girl and I showed it to Tayler tonight. I asked her who she thought it was and she laughed and said, "ME"!! I told her that it wasn't her, and that it was me when I was little. Let's just say...she didn't believe me. I do have to say there is a striking resemblance!!

I love pictures...you can never take to many!!

New Blog

2011-12-01T14:57:00.002-05:00

I have decided to start another blog (in addition to this one). I have wanted to post many times about issues with the boys and their diabetes, but I haven't wanted to only talk about that. I hope to have information on there to educate people and to share our daily life! I know it will be very therapeutic for me as well. Sometimes I feel so helpless as a mom watching my boys deal with this challenge. I am hoping that by sharing our stories and my thoughts that I can help someone else out there as well. I hope you will stop by from time to time! Here is the link:

http://brotherbetics.blogspot.com

A Promise Kept!

2011-09-23T10:50:00.004-04:00

Anyone who knows our family KNOWS how much we love the STEELERS!! You will also know that we live in Indianapolis...home to the COLTS (our 2nd favorite team)!! It jsut so happens that this Sunday night our two favorite teams will be playing each other here in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium!!
Guess who got two tickets....

WE DID!!

A little background...Rich has been to some NFL games (a few of those being STEELERS games). Rich made me a promise after the last Steelers game that he went to that he would not go to another one without me ( I have never been to one).
Well folks...he is keeping his promise!! I FINALLY get to go to STEELERS game!!

To say that I am excited is an understatement!!

We have some wonderful friends that have season tickets. They offered these tickets to us...I know, you wish they were your friends too!! They really are that awesome!! I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends that love my family this much!!

This Sunday night at 8:20 pm I will be at my first NFL regular season game with my husband and my 2 favorite teams. Does it get better than this? ...only if I could meet Hines Ward!
(Don't be jealous, Rich!)

P.S. In case any of you are wondering...we will be cheering the STEELERS to the win!!

Hello Again!!

2011-09-14T20:02:00.000-04:00

Love this poster!

Yes, we are still alive! I have been horrible this past year about posting. So much has happened...many wonderful things! I will hopefully be able to get it all on here at some point. Keep checking back, I might just surprise you and post again! :)

Diabetes Siblings Day

2010-11-30T11:04:00.010-05:00

I have been sitting here this morning looking up some information on the internet and I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. Diabetes takes up so much of my time throughout the day (& night)! I try very hard as a mom to make everything as normal and fair as humanly possible for all of my children. I try so hard not to treat Brenden and Christopher any differently than I do my girls, but let's face it...I do sometimes.

Have I been neglecting my other four kids...my girls?

Since Brenden has been diagnosed, I have spent a lot of time away from home. He has gymnastics every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings for 2 hours each night. I have to go with him to make sure he is checking his blood sugar, and to treat when he goes low (which has been happening a lot lately, despite the additional snacks given before and during).

Brittaney has been the 2nd mom here at home. She takes care of the kids while I am gone. She ensures homework and chores get done. She makes sure they eat (I leave here at 3:35 and don't get home until around 6:45). I couldn't do this without her...have I told you how amazing she is?

Kehli is my quiet, but totally silly child! She asked me a question the other day that made me stop in my tracks. She asked me if she could get diabetes by getting pricked from one of the boys needles or something. I haven't really ever thought about whether my kids really understood that this disease is NOT contagious. I thought they all understood but evidently not. I wonder how long she has had these questions swirling around in that lovely brain of hers? How much worry was caused because I didn't think to ask the right questions or inform her properly? So, we had a good long talk and I answered her questions. I think we are going to have a FHE about diabetes and set the record straight about some things and answer ANY questions the kiddos have.

Katelyn keep everyone laughing. She loves to watch the boys do their testing and shots. She has even tested her BS a few times recently. I think she secretly thinks it's kind of cool. I'm sure she would feel otherwise if she HAD to do it every day. She helps to keep perspective in a crazy time of our lives. Her laugh is so contagious and sometimes that is all you need...to laugh really hard! Thanks for making everyone so happy!

Tayler doesn't know life without diabetes. This is just normal to her. She asked the other day if Brenden had taken his insulin yet. How many 3 year olds even know the word insulin? We have caught her on many occasions getting the boys lancets (finger-pokers) and trying to "take her blood sugar". She is patient while we wait in line to get our grocery bags full of prescriptions at the pharmacy. She has kissed the boys "owies" for them. Though I don't think she fully understands, she is so empathetic to her big brothers! It is so sweet.

How thankful I am to these little heros for being so patient with Rich and I as we try and figure this all out. I do KNOW that this affects their lives in a BIG way too. They may not have the disease but diabetes affects the entire family. The girls have been so patient as we have had to give extra time to their brothers. Here's a positive...at least the boys share a room so the girls aren't woken up during the middle of the night blood sugar checks.

So girls...know this~

Your Dad and I couldn't love you any more than we do! We stand in awe of the support and love that you give to your brothers and to us. I wish every diabetic child had sisters like you, and every diabetic parent had daughters like you. Please know that you are not invisible to us...quite the opposite. Your inner and outer beauty are absolutely radiant and shining forth so brightly!
I love you and am so proud to be your mom!!

~I am officially declaring today...~

Diabetes Siblings Day!!

(You ROCK!!)

An Attitude of Gratitude

2010-11-24T10:14:00.008-05:00

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~ Unknown

Passing the time

2010-11-18T09:20:00.006-05:00

What do you do at 10:08pm at your house?

We have low blood sugar "parties"!!

Christopher's blood sugar was 70 (and falling).
Brenden's blood sugar was 34.
They are supposed to be 80-120 (just so you know)
They were NOT feeling very good, so they both drank some juice. Then they both laid down on the couch together so I had to snap a quick (great mommy moment) picture.
Again...Brotherly LOVE!!

Brotherly Love

2010-11-18T09:07:00.004-05:00

Brotherly LOVE...
This is what it looks like at our house!

Christopher giving Brenden his dinner shot.

(This makes my heart smile and my eyes well up with tears)

Diabetes Awareness Day

2010-11-14T20:32:00.006-05:00

Diabetes Awareness Day!!
November 14, 2010

Here are my boys!
Brenden was diagnosed November 1, 2010 at 8 yrs. old
Christopher was diagnosed December 17, 2005 at 9 yrs. old

The whole family wearing our AWESOME t-shirts that my cousin's company made for our family to wear today!

We all wore our t-shirts to church (we tried to dress them up a little)! I had no idea what was waiting for us in the chapel. We walked in to a chapel full of people wearing stickers with this logo on them (about the size of my palm)!

More than just a sticker...!

I don't think I have ever been so touched by something in my life. Today was also the primary program at church. The spirit was so strong during this meeting! I had to lead the closing hymn...the congregation sang the first 3 verses and the primary kids sang the last verse. We sang I Know That My Redeemer Lives! Between the words of that song and looking out at the congregation wearing these stickers for my boys, I could not hold back the tears! Just like the words to one of the songs the primary kids sang today...
I Know That My Savior Loves Me!
Our ward family have truly been angels here on earth for us!
Today has been a WONDERFUL day!

Christopher's Hospital Stay...

2010-11-07T09:37:00.007-05:00

Christopher had a visit to the ER a few weeks ago too! He started feeling bad and so I told him to check his blood sugar. It was really elevated. After a little while he was throwing up, so we decided to change his insulin and his site and try and get him to drink as much water as possible. His levels started coming down (slightly), but then they shot right back up. We gave more fluids (only to have them thrown right back up), we gave him extra insulin, yet nothing was working. His blood sugar was over 600 and he had moderate ketones (very dangerous)! We finally wound up taking him into the ER. He was in really bad shape. He had lost 14 lbs. in a matter of a few days, he was having breathing issues...it was HORRIBLE!!
The doctors began treating him, but we knew he would have to be transferred to Riley Children's hospital. Christopher got to ride in another ambulance. He was actually a little excited. When he was first diagnosed and had to be transferred in an ambulance, shortly after being on the road he slipped into a coma and didn't remember the ride. He was bummed!
It made me really nervous to be back in the ambulance with Christopher in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). The memories of his first ride came flooding back and I didn't want to go through that again. It was a horrible feeling when the paramedic tried to wake him up and nothing happened...words can't describe it.
Anyway, we got to Riley Hospital and Christopher was in critical condition and had to be in the PICU. His heart had some tachycardia rhythms in the ambulance too so they hooked him up to heart machines and did an EKG and everything too. They had to put him on oxygen due to his breathing.

He had to have 2 IV's that were horrible to even get because he was so dehydrated. It is so hard to see your "baby" lying there so helpless and so sick! It took them a very long time to get him stabilized! The worst part was hearing and watching him breathe. When you are in DKA, your body is trying to rid itself of the ketones in your body. One way of doing this is by expelling carbon dioxide. So his breathing was very fast. His breaths per minute were in the upper 30's. They are supposed to be around 15. So, he was breathing twice as fast as he should have been. But he was also breathing very deep. It's like when the doctor asks you to breathe deep so they can listen to your lungs. Think of someone who has just finished a marathon and they are breathing fast and very deep...that is was it is like! He did that for over 18 hours. It was EXCRUCIATING to hear and watch.
They finally got him stabilized overnight Monday. Tuesday morning, they hooked him back up to his insulin pump and they moved him to the regular Peds ward. His bed was actually just a few doors down from the PICU. They only have 6 PICU beds and they needed his bed. We proceeded through the day and his normal blood sugars began going back up again. My parents came to visit him that night and Rich brought the kids up. Christopher was sleeping most of the time. My mom had said she thought she would see him up and normal, but he wasn't. I told her he was much better that yesterday, but something wasn't right. His blood sugars were going back up and he was sleeping a lot. The nurses came in and tested his BS and did more blood work to try and figure out what was going on. The family all left, but I stayed with him. A few minutes after everyone had left, Christopher woke up and said he wasn't feeling good again. He started throwing up. The nurse came in just moments after and gave the test results. His levels were horrible again and we had to move him back to the PICU. We were out of there and back in the PICU within about 2 minutes. They had to hook him back up to an IV insulin drip. He had 2 IV's in his arms, but one wasn't working anymore, so they had to do another one. It took them over an hour to get one. I held his hand as they proceeded to dig in his arm forever. I remember at one point after they had been digging forever, I just said out loud..."Please Heavenly Father...PLEASE help them get this in!" One of the nurses just put her arm around me and whispered to me..."I am so sorry"! I am so thankful for the love and compassion that the nurses showed to us. I think they finally got one after the 6th try. They called up a nurse from the ER to do it and she finally got it. FINALLY, that part was over!

After all of the nurses got everything taken care of (the IV, the oxygen, the heart monitors...) they all left and the room was quiet. I was sitting on Christopher's bad holding his had and he looked up at me and with tears in his eyes said, "Mom, I thought I was getting better...why is this happening again?" I told him that I didn't know, but that these were the best doctors and nurses and they would figure it out and help him to feel better again. The next question about broke me... He looked at me and asked me, "Mom, am I going to die?" I couldn't stop the tears, but I tried. I assured him that the doctors would figure everything out and not to worry. I told him to close his eyes and rest and that I would stay awake so I could know everything that was going on and not to worry. I was exhausted (I hadn't slept since Saturday and it was now Tuesday night), but there was NO WAY I was going to sleep until they figured out what was going on with my baby!

We figured it out the next morning when Rich came back to the hospital. We changed his insulin site and when Rich pulled it out, the plastic cannula that stays in Christopher's body was completely bent in half and therefore was keeping the insulin from flowing through into his body. What a relief to have the answer...and it was a simple fix!
We got all of his tubing and site changed and got him back on his pump. He did great throughout the day and they let him go home that evening! It was a horrible 4 days, but the outcome was fine! My little boy was ok and I was able to take him home!
We have wonderful friends who stepped up and brought my other kiddos dinner and helped everyone get to where they needed to be!

Family + Friends = PRICELESS!!

As you can tell, the last month of our lives have been absolutely crazy! However, I am so thankful for so many things too! I know that through our trials and struggles we are able to learn and grow beyond description! I'm not sure why my boys have to endure this disease, but I do know that with our love and support, they will be able to live full, happy lives (hopefully with no complications)! If complications are their fate, then we will help them get through that as well! I love these boys with everything that I am and will do whatever it takes to make their lives as "normal" as possible! This will be a lifelong struggle for them, but I pray every day for a cure for this horrible disease.
I have had people ask me how I deal with this knowing that God "did this to them". My answer is simple...Heavenly Father did not "do this to them", but I do know that he will "do this WITH them". He never leaves us alone. I am so thankful for my faith and knowledge of the Atonement. When our Savior suffered that day in Gethsemane, he not only felt the pains of our sins but also of our sadness, despair and heartbreak! He KNOWS how each of us are feeling. Sometimes, things are just too hard to deal with on our own, so we have to turn it over to the Lord! He can make our burdens lighter, if we let him! I wish he could take this burden completely from my family, but that is not the plan at this time. We will continue to do our best at fighting this so that one day when a cure is found, my boys will be alive and healthy enough to benefit from it.
Please continue to pray for my boys, but I also ask that you keep Rich and I in your prayers as well! We need the strength and courage to be strong for these kiddos and we need patience and determination to deal with this daily! Diabetes never sleeps, it never goes on vacation. This is a part of our lives 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week! I know we can do this. There will be hard days and there will be good days. We just have to be extra grateful for and focus on those good days! As hard as the last month has been, I know this is not the end of our hard days. However, I know that there will be even more good days ahead of us!

Sunday~ November 14, 2010 is National Diabetes Day!!
Please wear blue for my boys and send me a picture! I would love to show them how many people love and support them!!
THANK YOU!!

Lightning struck TWICE

2010-11-04T20:09:00.013-04:00

~November 1, 2010~

Our lives were changed forever...AGAIN!!

Brenden was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes!

Here is his story:
Last Thursday, Brenden wet his bed in the middle of the night. He has never had a bed-wetting problem (even when he was a toddler). I didn't think anything about it other than he must have had a lot to drink before bed and didn't go potty either. Then on Saturday, Brenden told Rich that he was really tired because he has to keep getting up in the middle of the night and peeing all of the time. Rich told me that night and it sent up a little red flag but...I still thought no way!
Then, Sunday night...
Rich and I had just gotten into bed and had turned of the lights and we heard the kids bathroom door shut. I asked Rich to please go see who that was...it was Brenden. I told Rich that we needed to check his blood sugar. After he came out of the bathroom (it's around midnight), we brought him into our room and sat him on our bed. We got Christopher's meter and proceeded to check his blood sugar. When it beeped and I looked at the meter with the result staring me in the face, I felt like I couldn't breathe. It was registering HI...that means his blood sugar was over 600. The meter will only register to 600. I told Rich to check his blood sugar just to make sure the meter was ok. Rich tested and he was ok. We checked Brenden again and the result was the same...HI. i went downstairs with my heart pounding out of my chest and got a different meter. We tested him for a 3rd time, but with the new meter...same result!
We knew we had to take him to the ER. I went downstairs to call my mom and ask her to come sit with the kiddos. In my brief walk down my stairs, the floodgates opened and I couldn't control the tears! Was this really happening to our family AGAIN?? How could this disease ravish another one of my childrens bodies? My poor mother probably could not even understand me through my crying. I wasn't crying due to panic or fear this time...it was pure heartbreak! I knew what we were headed for...what Brenden would have to go through!
My mom came and we left for the hospital. Christopher had woken up during this time and wanted to come with us to support Brenden so we let him. We got to the hospital and our worst fears were confirmed...

Brenden has Type 1 Diabetes too!

Brenden in the ambulance

They transferred him to Riley Children's hospital in an ambulance! He thought it was pretty cool that he got to ride in one. They took care of him so well there. They gave us lots of wonderful goodies (diabetes supplies) to take home with us. One blessing is that we got to come home on Monday night. They normally keep new diabetic patients for 3 days to go through all of the education and training, but since we already had a child with diabetes and knew things, they let us come home! I was so grateful because we had just spent 3 days in the PICU there exactly 3 weeks before with Christopher. He had a complication with his insulin pump and wound up in DKA and in the hospital. It was nice to see the nurses again, but none of us could believe that we were back and that it was for Brenden this time. Needless to say, we have not had the best month!

Since Monday...
Brenden has checked his blood sugar approximately 28 times.
He has had 18 shots.
and...
He has told me he is scared that he is going to die once!

This is something no little boy (or girl) should ever have to go through or worry about! No mom should ever have to hear her baby express that fear! The first set of shots he got, the nurse and Rich had to hold him down while I did it...he cried and was so scared, but he tried to be so brave! Each shot has gotten better! Another hard thing for Brenden is that this little boy has no fat on him. He is a gymnast and has abs, thighs and buns of steel. Usually, the stomach is the best place to give shots, but the nurses told us not to touch his stomach because there is absolutely nothing there to pinch. That really limits the surface area we have to work with now. We use his thighs, the top of his bum, and the back of his arms. We will use his legs and bum at home and the nurse will use his arms to give his shots at school. He hasn't gone back to school yet. He will go back on Monday. I think he is pretty nervous about that and I KNOW I am. It is hard to turn my baby's life over to another person. It amazes me that none of the school nurses we have dealt with have ever dealt with a child with diabetes before. There is a learning curve and there will be LOTS of phone calls and emails in the beginning. I appreciated that the nurse was honest and asked if she could call every day before doing anything just to have me double check things. I am so thankful that I literally live 1 minute from the school.
This morning when Brenden came downstairs, he had his meter in his hand and he said, "Don't worry Mom, you don't have to tell me to check my BS, I already did it by myself." I have to admit, it made me cry! I was so proud of him. He is being such a trooper and he is so brave! The strength that my boys have shown me through all of this is simply AMAZING!

We have wonderful friends and family that have been here for us and have helped us get through this. To everyone for everything each of you have done...

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

We have our emotional ups and downs!
I try to remember the things we have to be grateful for such as:

1. We have already been through this before, so it isn't as scary this time.
2. We have great insurance.
3. We have wonderful hospitals here for my boys.
4. My boys now have each other and will NEVER feel like they are going through this alone.
5. Heavenly Father knows what we are going through.
6. Insulin
7. My boys are AMAZING, STRONG and soooo BRAVE!!
8. Priesthood blessings
9. Prayers offered on behalf of my family
10. Our great endocrinologist~ Dr. Cagle

(just to name a few...)

Well, it is late and I need to go (my thoughts are all jumbled up right now too) so I will finish this tomorrow!
We love each of you and are so thankful for everyone's love and prayers!

2010-10-02T22:49:00.007-04:00

There is going to be a temple in...
INDIANAPOLIS!!

I can't even begin to express the joy that this simple announcement brought to my heart today! I have prayed that a temple would be built here so that I could go more often! What a wonderful blessing and answer to my prayers (I know so many others have been praying for this same blessing)!

I feel so blessed and thankful today!!

I have dreamed so many times of being able to...

* go with my husband to the temple for a date night
(and not have to drive over 2 hours to get there)
* take my children OFTEN and walk with them on the temple grounds
* go for a drive and see that most beautiful building lit up at night

My DREAMS are coming TRUE...

“Let us be a temple-attending people. Attend the temple as frequently as personal circumstances allow. Keep a picture of a temple in your home that your children may see it. Teach them about the purposes of the House of the Lord. Have them plan from their earliest years to go there and to remain worthy of that blessing.”

"May you let the meaning and beauty and peace of the temple come into your everyday life..."
--President Howard W. Hunter October 1994 General Conference

This is my special temple!
This is the Frankfurt, Germany temple where my best friend and I were sealed together for time and all eternity!! Oh how I love this place... Heaven on Earth!!

Can You Guess?

2010-10-02T22:39:00.003-04:00

I have decided that I need to do better at saving money when I grocery shop! Now, I don't do that bad normally but I do know that with some effort I could do better. So, tonight I went to the store with coupons and my list in hand! Here are the "fruits" of my labors!!

Can you guess how much I spent on all of this?
How much do you think it all actually retailed for?

The total is............!?

Heaven on Earth

2010-07-18T18:37:00.002-04:00

****
We have had a full, wonderful summer! A family reunion in Idaho with Rich's family and then a family reunion in Destin, FL. with my family! This summer has truly made my heart smile! I am so thankful for my entire family! Thank you to all of my family for giving me a glimpse of what heaven could be like! I LOVE you all!!
(updates with pictures to follow soon)

2010-05-05T11:20:00.003-04:00

I was on the computer this morning and I found this picture! Life has thrown me a few curve balls (as it does to everyone). However (and I am embarrassed to admit this), I have let life and some of these curve balls overwhelm me recently! I have often wished that some things in my life were easier, but I always tell myself..."It could always be worse!" BUT---this picture says it best...I am the one who needs to be better! I cannot always make my life easier, but I can make myself better! I better go and get on this immediately...I have A LOT of work to do on myself!

Just so you know...I do have so many things I have to be grateful for as well!

Happy Birthday Richard!!

2010-02-23T09:28:00.014-05:00

Happy Birthday Richard!!

Today is a special day...37 years ago my life began! Yes, I know I am only 35, but the love of my life was born 37 years ago today, thus...my life began!

The world was changed February 23, 1973!

There are so many cute, funny, crazy stories that I have heard about my hubby growing up. My fab SIL Nicki did a beautiful post about him for his birthday with funny stories. Thanks Nicki!!

Rich and I met May 27, 1991 (that was the day my world changed)! We were engaged by July 26, 1991 and were married June 12, 1992 (4 days after I graduated from high school)! I look at Brittaney now and we have already told her that we will kill her if she even thinks about it (well,we would at least lock her in her room forever)! As crazy as everything was, marrying this incredible man was the best decision I ever made! We have been married for 17 years 8 months and 1 week today!! It has been one incredible journey! This man is my BEST friend!

Why I LOVE Rich...
(these are just a FEW of the reasons)

Let's just put this out there...He is HOT!!
(We've been married this long and he still makes my heart skip a beat!)

He loves our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Because of how he loves me...only he and I know this!

He made me a mommy!

He is an amazing husband and father!

He loves each of our amazing kids!

He is not afraid to hug and kiss our kids!

He loves his mom and dad!

He loves his brothers and sisters!

Because of how he looks at me...he melts my heart!

He watches "chick flicks" with me!

He LOVES the Steelers!

He sacrifices so much for our family!

He made a commitment and graduated from college!

He still holds my hand!

He works so hard to provide for our "little" family!

He laughs so hard that he cries!

He rubs my back EVERY night in bed!

His handsome face is the last I see before going to sleep!

His handsome face is the first I see in the morning!

He is an awesome cook!

He lights up when he sees his kids!

He helps me around the house...SO SEXY!!

He still "dates" me!

He would do anything for anyone!

His beautiful eyes!

He has a tan line on his ring finger...makes my heart smile!

He would give his life for his family!

He loves my cooking!

He is awesome with electronics and technology!

His sense of humor!

He is so patient with me...trust me, I need it!

He forgives me daily!

He is so ticklish and hates to be tickled...but let's his kids do it anyway!

He honors his priesthood!

He likes being with his family!

He loves watching our kids in their activities!

He still loves me after all of these years despite all of my flaws and shortcomings!

He is my ETERNAL companion!!

Until Tomorrow...

2010-01-09T20:24:00.003-05:00

I have so many things I need to blog about! However, tonight I am going to spend some time with my wonderful husband (while the kids watch a movie upstairs). Katelyn is sick. She has been running 102 fever since Thursday. I think I am going to take her into the sick clinic at her peds office tomorrow. Anyway, my point is that I will be staying home with her during church tomorrow so maybe I will have some time to sit down and blog. So, until tomorrow...I have a poem for you! I have had this since I was a teenager and it hangs on my bulletin board in my kitchen. This poem has helped me through many difficult times and I hope it helps you too!

This was the first time Tayler folded her arms for prayer all by herself!

Prayer

I know not by what methods rare
But this I know God answers prayer.
I know that He has given His word
Which tells me prayer is always heard.
And will be answered, soon or late,
And so I pray and calmly wait.
I know not if the blessings sought
Will come just in the way I thought.
But leave my prayers with Him alone
Whose will is wiser than my own.
Assured that He will grant my quest
Or send some answer far more blessed.
Eliza M. Hickok

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T11:34:00.031-05:00

We had a fabulous New Year celebration! We went next door to our neighbor's house. They have become our extended family! It was a fun-filled night! We all gathered around to watch the ball drop and then lots of hugs and kisses! :)

2009:

Kehli was diagnosed with ITP (lots of hospital visits)
(she is doing really well right now)
Check this and this out

Kehli got glasses!

We made a trip out to Idaho this summer and SURPRISED Rich's parents with a visit. We had a BLAST!!

Brittaney got braces

I was diagnosed with skin cancer and had surgery!

Brittaney turned Sweet 16

Katelyn, Brenden, and Kehli started gymnastics and the LOVE it!

Christopher started Taekwondo and he LOVES it!

Kehli and I ran a 5K together...and I survived!

Rich finished school in August and had his graduation ceremony in December!
(You are AWESOME BABE---We are so PROUD of you!!)

We have had a fun, crazy, busy year. I am thankful for my family and for the love that we share and for the fun that we have together. We have made so many fun memories this year. As we move into the new year, I hope that this year will be full of even more fun memories and hopefully less hospital visits. I hope that each of you had a wonderful 2009 and that your 2010 is even better. Thank you for being a part of my life! I feel so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends! I love you all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-12-30T18:56:00.002-05:00

MUSIC...
this will move your soul!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Xd435coD4

2009-12-24T12:02:00.006-05:00

MeRrY ChRiStMaS
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Andrea Bocelli!!
This is my new favorite Christmas song to listen to!

Diabetes Anniversary #4

2009-12-17T08:46:00.013-05:00

Four years ago today, we almost lost our "little" Christopher! Many people ask me what happened or how did we know, so I am going to tell our story. Please forgive me for the length of this post, but it is a long story! :)

It began on Friday afternoon when Christopher came home from school (December 16, 2005). He told me that he wasn't feeling very good. He didn't have a fever and he couldn't exactly tell me what was wrong. He just said that he didn't feel right. So, I told him that he could just go lay down and rest. We went through the rest of the evening with no incident.

Saturday morning Rich and I were redoing our bathroom floor. When Christopher got up he said he wasn't feeling well. Soon the vomiting started. He was not running a fever, though. I asked him if he was achy all over and he said no. As the morning progressed so did the vomiting. We tried crackers, ginger ale, popsicles, and water. He could keep nothing down. It got progressively worse throughout the afternoon. Then, Rich had to leave for work.

After Rich left, we went about our evening and I tucked the kids in bed. Christopher was vomiting multiple times an hour at this point. I really thought he just had a really bad case of the flu. I gave him the option of staying downstairs or going to his bed. He said he just wanted to go get in his bed. I stayed downstairs and cleaned up from the night. I checked on Christopher a couple of times too. However, a short time after I had checked on him last, he came downstairs because he had vomited everywhere (he missed the bucket) BUT here is where it got SCARY!! His breathing was crazy. He sounded like he had just finished running a marathon. He was breathing so hard and loud and fast. He was a pale/ashy color. He looked so sick...and his mouth was bone dry. His tongue felt like sand paper and he could barely open it. It really scared me so I called my wonderful brother-in-law (he is a PA-Physician's assistant) and asked him what could be wrong and what to do. He asked me a couple of questions and one of those was does his breath smell fruity? I smelled Christopher's breath and to my amazement there was no "sick smell". You know the smell...when people are sick there is just a "sick smell" to their breath. He told me I needed to get him to the ER right away. He even offered to come and pick us up. I told him that wasn't necessary that I could call my mom to come help me get him there. She only lived 5 minutes away. He was very firm that I needed to get him there right away and that he could come get us if I needed him too. But, I called my mom and she was here pronto. I called Rich and told him what was going on and that we were headed to the ER and he said he would meet me there. Christopher could barely walk at this point so I needed help getting him into the hospital. Luckily, we literally live less than 5 minutes from the hospital. I woke up Brittaney and told her what was going on and that I needed her to stay with the kids. We left with Christopher and rushed to the ER!!

When we got to the ER we had to wait in triage...STUPID people!! I asked them if he could ahve some water because he was sooooooo dry! They said NO! However, I went into a little room right there that had a sink in it and scooped water into my hands and went out and poured it into his mouth. I felt like a momma bird feeding her little baby bird! :) I felt like my son might be dying while I was waiting for the triage nurse so I got a "little upset"!! Needless to say they got us right in and they called the Dr. in immediately once they saw him. Considering we had to carry my son into the room, I think they finally got it! The Dr. took us right into an exam room. I think Bill had called ahead and told them we were coming (he works in this ER so he has connections)!! :) Anyway, the Dr. took his blood sugar immediately and it registered HI which means his blood sugar was over 600. He drew some blood and told us we would have to wait for the blood work to find out exactly how high it was. Now mind you...his blood sugars are suppose to range between 80-120 so this was EXTREMELY high!! The Dr. told us immediately that Christopher had TYPE 1 DIABETES. I still remember that exact moment. My heart stopped and the tears started to flow...but then immediately I thought...STOP, you have to be strong for Christopher!! I wanted to make sure that I heard and understood EVERYTHING the Dr. was saying.

The Dr. got the bloodwork back and his Blood sugars were almost 800! He had large ketones and the Dr. told us he was in DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) which is life-threatening!! He told us that they needed to get his blood sugars down, but that they had to do it carefully and slowly. He also told us that Christopher was too sick to stay at this hospital so they were going to transfer him by ambulance to Riley Hospital for Children (downtown)!! I am so thankful that we live here and had this facility available to us! They told us that he would be in the hospital for 3 days because we (Rich, and I) would have to go through a 3-day course on how to take care of him and give shots and everything.

The Dr. asked me how much Christopher weighed and I told him and he said ok, but let's check just to make sure. They weighed him and they told me his weight...he had lost 20 lbs in less than 2 weeks. I told him that was wrong and that they needed to weigh him again. They did and got the same result. I thought to myself...how did I miss him losing 20 lbs. so quickly? But, he is a 9 yr old boy (during winter) wearing big sweatshirts and I don't watch my son get dressed so I didn't notice. I felt soooo bad!! They had asked me if he had been going to the bathroom alot or drinking alot. I thought to myself...I don't pay attention to every time he has gotten a drink or when he goes to the bathroom. However, Rich and I had noticed that he was getting up a lot in the middle of the night to pee, but we didn't think anything of it! I just thought maybe he was drinking a lot before bed. The weight loss, the excessive thirst and drinking and the excessive peeing are all signs of diabetes. How could I not have known???? Maybe because there is NO family history of type 1 diabetes on either side of our families.

They began his IV immediately and started the insulin and IV fluids. Finally, the ambulance team arrived. Christopher was a little more coherant by this time. He said he needed to go to the bathroom but they didn't want him getting out of bed so they gave him a jug and I left the room while Rich helped him. I was gone all of 2 minutes, but when I went back in the room, Christopher grabbed his head and said that his head was really hurting. I went and got the Dr. and he came in and checked him out. Then, they sent us on our way.

I rode in the ambulance with Christopher and Rich drove our car behind us. The paramedic checked him as we were leaving. It was a VERY long ride (or so it seemed)! The paramedic and I were talking and then he told Christopher that he needed to check his blood sugar. Christopher didn't respond...he was asleep (or so I thought). The paramedic shook his shoulder and tried to wake him up, but nothing. He started shaking harder, touched his face and then started pinching his chest....I started to PANIC!! Christopher was not moving...what was wrong with my baby??
He kept trying to wake him up and talk to him, but NOTHING! He yelled something up to the driver and that's when we picked up speed! Luckily, we were only a couple minutes away from Riley. When we got there, they rushed him in and stuff started being yelled throughout the ER. A whole bunch of Dr's and nurses came running and before we knew what had happened, Rich and I were in a corner of a big room watching all of these people work on our baby! I have never been so scared in all of my life! Finally, a nurse came over and told us what was going on. Christopher had slipped into a coma, his brain was swelling, and they were giving him manitol and they were doing everything that they could! They told us we could stay in the room as long as we stayed out of the way...so we did! There were so many people around him working on him, that I couldn't see him except for a piece here and there. I just wanted to scoop him up in my arms and hold him, but I couldn't! Rich and I both just stood there, Rich put his arm around me and just held me! I don't know how long all of that lasted...it seemed like an eternity!

Eventually, the Dr. came over and talked to us! Most everything at this point is just a blur to me now. Most of the Dr.'s and nurses left the room. My first instinct was...he needs a blessing. So, Rich called a good friend of ours, Bryan Roach. He was a member of our bishopric and is also a cop. At the time, he was also doing security for the Indianapolis Colts...he was Peyton Manning's security (cool, I know)! :) Luckily, when Rich called he was downtown with the Colts and so he came right over. We asked the nurse if we could have a moment and she said sure and closed the door and curtain to the room. (she said she had to stay because someone had to be in the room at all times). We were fine with that and she was VERY respectful. Rich and Bryan gave him a blessing and I felt the spirit so strongly! I wish I could remember what was said, but I don't. I just remember the feelings that I had! How thankful I am for friends that dropped everything to come to our aid!

We were waiting to be moved up to the critical care ICU!! Richard looked at me and said, "Why don't you go home and get a shower and get changed." I thought..."Are you CRAZY?" What I then realized was Rich didn't get the seriousness of this. He looked over at the nurse and said, "He's ok now, right? She can go home and shower and get changed?" I will never forget the nurses face when she looked at me, and then she turned to Rich and said he is stable but he is still in critical condition!" That is when it seemed to hit Rich! The blood drained out of his face and he became white as a ghost! It registered...! Needless to say, I didn't go home that day for a shower! My best friend, Angie and her 2 boys (Christopher's best friends) came up to the ER to see us! Christopher was still unconscious, but he did wake up for the first time while they were there. It didn't last very long, but that was great that he had woken up! I don't think Angie will ever know how much that meant to me that she was there for me during all of that! She is the BEST friend I have ever had! I love her to pieces and she will forever be my BEST FRIEND!! (whether she likes it or not...haha)

Anyway, we waited a long time in the ER before being transferred upstairs. It is Sunday afternoon now. We finally got upstairs and it was nice because we were right in front of the nurse's station. It was soooo quiet! Luckily we have some wonderful friends. One of those being Marc Duerden. He is a Dr. and our old Bishop. He came up to the hospital to sit with Rich and I. Also, my mom talked to Jodi Smith (a woman in our ward) who is one of the best pediatric neurosurgeons in the country. She called me and then she came up to the hospital. She is the head pediatric neurosurgeon at Riley! Also, our old stake president (who is now Elder Chipman) came up to the hospital. He was the head of something that had to do with diabetes before he retired. Needless to say, we were surrounded with wonderful people who had medical backgrounds and were there to see that Christopher received the BEST treatment and were there to explain things to us. We felt soooo blessed! A BIG thank you to everyone who was there for us!

My mom and dad came up to the hospital after church (my parents had our kids) and they brought them with them. They were allowed to go in and see Christopher for a brief period. It was good for them to see him, especially Brittaney, because she saw the condition he was in when we left for the hospital the night before and she was very scared. Everyone stayed for a little while and then everyone left and went home. Rich took the kids home because only one of us could stay in the room with Christopher overnight.

This is when it all physically hit me. I was sitting in this tiny room staring at my son in a bed hooked up to all sorts of stuff and he was sleeping. It was just me and my thoughts in this room. How was I going to do this? What if I didn't know how to take care of him or what to do? He is my kid who hates shots, so what now? How do I give my kid 5-6 shots a day or even ask him to do it to himself? What if I calculate wrong and give him too much or too little insulin? Mostly...how did I miss the signs? I could have lost him! About that time, I started to feel sick to my stomach and very nauceous. Unfortunately, the bathroom was at the other end of the hall. I felt like I was going to be sick, but I didn't want to leave the room. What if he woke up and I wasn't there? What if he got scared and didn't know where he was? Note: the first couple of times he woke up he was combative and didn't know where he was or what was happening. Needless to say, I wound up running to the bathroom a couple of times that night! The nurses felt so bad and were so nice to me. If they saw me running they went straight into his room to sit with him. They told me this happens all the time, especially in the evenings once friends and family leave. That is when a lot of it tends to hit people...in the quiet of the evening hours when you are alone. Luckily, it didn't last very long and Christopher didn't wake up while I was gone. I didn't sleep at all that night (or Saturday night either). I was too afraid that he would wake up and I would miss him. I wanted to tell him that I loved him and that I was right there if he needed me! I couldn't do that if I fell asleep. I think I sang every primary song and hymn I knew that night. I paced the floor when I started to doze off. I think I probably spent half of the night praying too! I wished so badly that Rich could have been there with me, but I knew that our other kids needed someone with them too! Thanks Rich for being there for them!

The next morning he woke up and stayed awake! :) YAY!! They were able to move him down to another ward. All of the kids with diabetes were on this ward. This is where all of the classes began. Rich got sick at home and so he couldn't come up to the hospital. I was going to have to do this alone. However, my wonderful mom came up and went through the classes with me that day. To say that all of the information was overwhelming is an understatement. There was so much information...hours of classes over the next 3 days! We had to practice drawing up saline into syringes and then administering the shots. Christopher got to practice giving injections on us! I think he liked it! :) Rich got better and then was able to come up to the hospital! :) So, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were mainly spent in classes. Thursday, I had to completely take care of Christopher and administer all of his shots myself. You have to be able to properly care for your child (on your own) for 24 hours before they let you leave the hospital. We got the good news Thursday night that they were going to try and get us home by Friday evening (the day before Christmas)!! It happened and that was the BEST Christmas present EVER!! :) We got to go home and have Christmas Eve dinner with everyone!

There were so many special moments that happened to me during that week, but there is one that I would like to share!

Once Christopher woke up and we were transferred down to the other ward on Monday, we went to the play room and he picked out a book. Every night when he went to bed I read to him from this book until he fell asleep. The first night, I started to read and he looked over at me and said, "Mom, will come sleep with me?" Yes, you can imagine...the tears started welling up in my eyes. How many 9 yr old boys ask their moms to come get in bed with them? Needless to say, I gladly moved the chair and climbed into bed with him and held him in my arms while I read him to sleep. This special time happened every night we were there. I slept in the bed with him and got to hold my baby all night! What a special blessing! :) One night his nurse came in and with tears in her eyes said, "I have never seen anything so sweet! I love that you sleep with your little boy every night AND that he wants you to!" I LOVED it too!

Now I sit here 4 years later...much more educated about diabetes. I'm no longer afraid on a regular basis. I would love to say that I have had this great epiphany and that I am so thankful for this trial in our lives, but I can't do that! I would be lying if I didn't tell you that this absolutely stinks or that I HATE diabetes!! Diabetes does not only affect the person with the disease, it affects the whole family! I wish that I could take this trial from my son, but I know that I can't. However, I do know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves each of us and is mindful of our situations. I also know that he doesn't give us anything we can't handle. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and that through trials, such as these, we are strengthened and he is able to teach us lessons and to help bring us closer to Him!

This Christmas, I am again reminded how thankful I am for my family and to have my WHOLE family here with me this Christmas! I hope that we can each remember not to take our family members/loved ones for granted! Our lives can change in an instant and I know that I don't want to have any regrets!

Christopher has always had a special relationship with Rich's mom (Oma)! She was heartbroken when she got the phone call. She talked with Christopher on the phone and asked him what he wanted. He told her that he wanted some Heeley's (sp?). You know...the shoes with the wheels in the bottom. Needless to say, Oma arranged with Aunt Marci to get those for them (and they were NOT cheap)! How blessed I feel to have such wonderful family! Oma, thank you for lifting his spirits so much during this hard time! That meant so much to him...and to me! It's not even about the shoes, it's about the fact that you did whatever you could (from Idaho) to make my little boy happy and to feel loved during this horrible experience! I love you so much and will be forever thankful to you for that! :0) This was another one of those special things that happened!

Christopher, I want to take this chance to tell you how much I love you! I want you to know that although I do not have diabetes myself, I do realize that this trial is very hard for you! I know that it isn't easy, especially having Dad and I hound you about it, but we do it because we LOVE you more than life itself and we don't want anything to happen to you. I know that is probably hard to remember sometimes, but please try to! We want you to live a LONG, healthy life! I can't imagine my life without you! Please try to keep your chin up and remember how thankful we should be for the technology that you have such as your pump and your CGM!! I pray every day that there will be a cure VERY soon! Until then, let's keep on fighting and kickin' this stupid diseases butt! :) Remember that Heavenly Father is always there for you. When things get tough and you don't want to talk to us...you can go to Him! He knows what you are going through. Your Savior suffered in Gethsemane for all of the pain you will endure in this lifetime too, not only for your sins. Turn your pain and heartache over to the Lord and he will take it from you! :) Your dad and I are here for you whenever you need us too!

I love you Christopher...more than you could ever imagine!

CaKeS & Birthday Girls!!

2009-09-14T10:28:00.017-04:00

We celebrated Katleyn's and Tayler's birthdays this weekend! I was crazy and decided to bake 2 cakes in one day...did I mention I was CRAZY!! Eight hours later I was done with both and had two happy little girls! That's all that matters!!

BUT...

I have been nominated for bad mom of the year award!

Katelyn's birthday was August 12th (yes, last month)! That was also Rich's last night of school and if you read this blog, you will know that we were at school surprising him that night. Well, she did get to open her presents that night when we got home...BUT, I told her she would get her cake and ice cream later. She was fine with that, but she informed me that she would have to stay 5 1/2 years old until she had her cake! Now comes the bad mom part...she had to wait until September 13th (a whole month) to officially turn 6!! I know...so sad! Needless to say, Katelyn is finally 6...YAY!!

Here are a few pictures to enjoy...

Katelyn July 2009

Katelyn's Cake - she wanted a butterfly cake

She's 2 now!!

I couldn't decide what kind of cake to make her, so...
I decided to do a basket with her favorite things in it...
(her pink blanket, shoes, jewelry, baby dolls, rubber duckies, school buses)

Her cake with her name on the blocks...
(notice the finger marks in the fondant blanket)

Have I told you she LOVES jewelry, shoes, and babies?

Happy 2nd Birthday Baby Tayler

2009-09-11T09:20:00.010-04:00

Could it be...she is 2 already? Where has the time gone?
September 11, 2007
...one of the most important days of my life!

Tayler Brielle Mickelsen

My little baby girl Tayler came into our lives!
This sweet little angel has been a miracle and blessing to our family!

TAYLER:
hazel eyes

brown hair
tiny, petite build
loves to smile
gives tight hugs

lots of kisses
talks up a storm

LOVES:
Mommy, Daddy, and all of her brothers and sisters,
her blanket, her thumb, her baby dolls, shoes (of any kind), jewelry, dresses and skirts,
school busses, and dogs

Other facts:
hates her hands being dirty
loves nursery
loves to be outside
loves to have her picture taken
loves to sing
loves getting into mommy's make-up

Favorite songs: I sing her these songs every night at bedtime
(yep, every one...and sometimes more than once!)

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Popcorn Popping
Wheels On The Bus
You Are My Sunshine
You Are So Beautiful To ME
ABC's
I Am A Child Of God
I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus (imagine that-haha)
her Tayler song: I changed a few words to a primary song

(to the tune of Mother, I Love You)

Tayler, I LOVE you!
Tayler, I do!
Father in heaven has sent you to me!
When I am near you,
I love to feel you...
squeezing so tightly
that you love me too!
Tayler, I LOVE you!
I LOVE YOU...I DO!!!!

September 11th - Remembering

2009-09-11T08:18:00.012-04:00

September 11, 2001
Never Forget...

I sit here this morning thinking back and remembering the horrific events that occurred on this very morning 8 years ago. Has it really been 8 years? I only had 3 children when those planes hit the towers, the pentagon and flight 93 went down...now I have 6.

I can still vividly remember everything that happened that morning. I got a phone call from Rich to turn on the tv because a plane had just crashed into the world trade center. I was glued to the tv...was this a terrorist attack on our country? How could people do that? What were those on the planes going through and thinking? What about the thousands of people in the towers and the pentagon. How many phone calls home became their last words to their loved ones? What must those people in the towers have been going through that they felt their better option was to jump out of the windows...unimaginable terror! Those poor families wondering if their loved ones were ok or not.

As I got ready this morning I thought about how many people were doing this exact thing eight years ago, not knowing that their lives were about to be changed forever and in such an unfathomable way.

I remember the days after, there were no planes in the skies. It was so wierd to look up , only to see nothing. I can also remember the very first plane I did see in the sky after planes were allowed to fly again.

Most of all, I just remember the immense sadness and state of shock that I felt! My heart still aches for those lives lost and their loved ones and friends!

I think of the heroes that emerged on that day! I recall the many images I have seen of firefighters climbing the stairs as thousands are making their way down. The heavy equipment on their back, the screams, the panic, the smells...they must have been terrified! Would I have been willing to do what they did? I hope that I would have. How many heroes emerged in those stairwells as strangers came together and comforted each other, maybe carried someone, maybe held someone's hand, put their own fears aside to comfort someone else. I hope everyone had someone.

How thankful I am every day for the men and women who risk their lives to serve our country and fight for our freedoms...freedoms that many of us take for granted! I'm thankful to their families for their sacrifice also.

I'm so thankful to be an American and to live in this beautiful country and for my freedom!

I will always remember...will you?

Can YOU do this...I can't!!

2009-09-09T21:06:00.005-04:00

Here is a video of Brenden playing around during Christopher's soccer practice! Not only is he amazing...he is funny too! Make sure to listen to the very end! I think he was a little dizzy by the end! Way to go Brenden!!

A little girl & her daddy

2009-09-03T15:42:00.003-04:00

Rich came home from work one day and Tayler immediately wanted to go for a walk. She was in a onsie t-shirt and striped pants with her high heel shoes on, but Daddy didn't care. He immediately handed his stuff over and grabbed her hand and took her on a walk! He sure loves his baby girl and she LOVES her daddy! This is a picture I will treasure forever!

BUSY, BUSY BEES

2009-09-02T11:02:00.010-04:00

Ok, here it is...my weekly schedule.
This will explain my lack of blogging!

Our Family Tree

Monday: Christopher soccer practice: 6-7:30
Family Home Evening

Tuesday: Katelyn & Kehli Gymnastics: 5-6
Brenden gymnastics : 6-7

Wednesday: Christopher Soccer: 6-7
Christopher Mutual: 7-8:30
Kehli Activity Days: 7-8
Brittaney Showchoir practice: 6-9

Thursday: Cheri teaches piano
Brenden Gymnastics: 7-8
Brittaney Mutual: 7-8:30

Friday: Cheri teaches piano
Brenden Private Gymnastics: 5:30-6

Saturday: Soccer Games

In addition to all of these activities we have homework, chores, dinner, showers and play time! Thankfully, I have a great husband who is definitely a team player and helps make this all possible. Believe me, it takes the both of us! We love watching the kids having fun doing these activities. I will post about each of them and their activities later.
I am so proud of my kids and their passion for life. They are all doing great in school and they are thoroughly enjoying their activities. They definitely help to keep me feeling young! I love these 6 little people more than life itself! I live to make them happy, but I also try to make sure they are great human beings at the same time! Trust me...they are fabulous! :)

His journey has come to an end...

2009-08-12T09:09:00.022-04:00

August 12 was Rich's last night of school! I can't believe it is finally over! It all started 4 years ago in June 2005 when Rich decided to go back to school. We knew it would add another level of "craziness" to our lives, but we also knew how important this was for him to do this! I know there are a lot of adult men who go back to school, but I don't know how many of them have a wife and 6 kids at home too!! AND...with working full time and a crazy family he will be graduating Magna Cum Laude!! Way to go Rich!!

Rich, Tayler and I at Tim's house!

We wanted to do something for Rich, so we went to the school around 8:30 and we decorated daddy's car! We filled (and I mean FILLED) the inside of his car with black and yellow (Steeler colors, of course) balloons. We hung a congratulations banner on the back of his car. Brittaney and Katelyn wrote Congrats Dad on his back window with yellow window chalk and c/o '09 on a side window and we love you on the other side window. We had a congrats helium balloon to hang on his antennae, but that balloon went to heaven...haha (Katelyn felt so bad)!

This is one of Rich's best friends, Tim.
They met the first night in school and have been friends ever since.
They went through the whole 4 years together!

Rich, I want you to know how incredibly amazed I am by you! You worked a full time job, went to school full time, served in your callings at church (exec. secretary, and 1st counselor in the EQ), you are a fabulous daddy to 6 awesome kids, and you are a wonderful husband to me...and you did ALL of this at the SAME time!! AMAZING!! You made this commitment and you have now accomplished this goal! What a wonderful example you are for our children! I know that the last four years have not been easy...the homework, the studying, giving speeches (I know you hate that), the late nights, the added stress, but know this...you DID it and we are sooooo proud of you!! I am so happy for you that this part of your life can now be checked off your/our to-do list! ( haha) Way to go Babe!! You are simply awe-inspiring!!

We love you!!

We ARE still alive...

2009-07-02T08:21:00.007-04:00

Stay tuned for a "few" blog posts coming up! Until then, here are a few teasers...

MANY more to come...
Remember to keep scrolling down once I start posting! :)

Katelyn's Personal Shopper

2009-05-20T10:55:00.005-04:00

Katelyn's "button" on her Crocs broke the other day at school. It attaches the strap to the shoe. Anyway, she came home from school yesterday and showed me this. She wrote her teacher this note telling her she needed her to go to the mall and get her a new button for her Crocs. Her teacher sent her home with a new button. Needless to say, a follow up (from Mom) with Mrs. Ceglio will be happening today! I guess I don't have to worry about whether Katelyn feels comfortable enough with her teacher to ask her for help when she needs it! haha Her teacher is absolutely fabulous and we adore her. I'm curious what she thought when she saw this note from Katelyn...I will have to ask her!
Embarrassing, but funny! :)
As you can tell, Katelyn is definitely not my introverted, shy child!

Her teacher got her a new button!

Close-up of the note...

Stay Tuned...

2009-05-16T22:29:00.003-04:00

I have so many things to blog about, but I have been so busy!
Stay tuned...

and this was just my April...

OUCH!!

2009-05-14T08:42:00.007-04:00

Here is a picture of Kehli's leg after she scratched it on the grill. This is the affect of the ITP. She bruises so badly, especially when she bumps something. These bruises are on the side of her thigh (if you can't tell that already), so you can tell how big they are. The bruises are actually starting to look better now...I should have taken a picture after it first happened. Her poor leg looked aweful! Although the bruises look better in this picture, I still think it looks horrible! Poor Kehli! And for a quick update...her numbers have been staying up a little more, so they said we can wait 1 month to have her blood tested again! HOORAY!!

OUCH!!

Potty Talk

2009-05-12T08:44:00.004-04:00

For any of you who hate when mom's talk "potty talk"...I suggest you skip reading this post! For everyone else, here is the scoop! I decided that I would like to try and potty train Tayler this summer. She is only 1 (she'll be 2 on September 11), but I thought I would still try. The sooner we get rid of diapers, the better! Anyway---I have been sitting her on the potty periodically trying to get her used to sitting on it so she won't be scared when it is time to actually potty-train. It's actually kind of cute...here is this tiny little girl sitting on this big potty. In case you are wondering, I HATE potty chairs. They totally gross me out. I have always potty-trained my kids to go on the big potty. Well, yesterday was Tayler's 20 month birthday and she gave mommy a great present. After her nap, I put her on the potty and told her to go "poopie" in the potty. Guess what...she DID!! It was almost too easy. Now, by NO means am I trying to tell you she is potty-trained. I am no dummy! In fact, it was probably just an "accident", but I will take what I can get! The funniest part of all of it was probably my reaction. I started clapping and jumping around and shouting "yay Tayler". She was just giggling and was so proud of herself! Mommy was very proud of her too!

This could be the start of a beautiful friendship! :)

Anything for a buck $$!!

2009-05-06T10:27:00.013-04:00

Why does my husband love me you ask? Keep reading---

I love you...

Salary.com has just released its annual take on what stay-at-home moms would be paid for their work in the business world. The symbolic figure: a whopping $138,646.
Funny---I haven't received a check in the mail and I haven't seen any money deposited into my account anywhere near that figure! Who do I need to speak with about a raise? Maybe I should just start by asking for a check first! haha
Let's see, considering that I am worth a whopping $138,646 and I babysit full-time and I've done cakes, taught piano and held a few part-time jobs, my conclusion is this...

Of course he loves my money...oops, I meant me!

If only we (stay-at-home-moms) really got those kind of paychecks...
I guess it's a good thing daddy works so hard and get's a REAL paycheck! :)

Rich always jokes about all of the things I do/have done to earn money, and so he says that he is going to have "ANYTHING FOR A BUCK" engraved on my tombstone! Please don't let him...

My 7 reasons for existing...

2009-04-21T12:30:00.007-04:00

They keep me wanting to be better...for them and for myself, they keep me on my toes, they keep me laughing constantly, they keep me up at night with worry, they keep me very busy with chores (especially laundry), they keep me filled with pride and joy, they keep me real, they keep me humble (they know how to put me in my place when needed), they keep me feeling young, they keep me up on a pedestal... which I do not deserve.

I hear so many women say that they NEED to work and get away from their kids...it makes them a better mom. That may be true for them, but not for me! I'm not saying it is easy for me, or that I don't ever need a break, and yes...there are plenty of nights I can't wait for bedtime! BUT...all I have ever wanted to be is a wife and mommy! This is ALL I will ever NEED! I have a shirt that has a pair of baby shoes on it that says...

The toughest job you will ever love!

I totally believe that statement to be true! Being a wife and a mom is the toughest thing I have ever done, but it is also the MOST rewarding! I have 7 gorgeous reasons to get out of bed in the morning and 7 reasons to laugh instead of cry when everything seems bleak, and 7 reasons to be ecstatic when things are going fantastic.

Count Your Blessings, Name them one by one...

Richard, Brittaney, Christopher, Kehli, Brenden, Katelyn and Tayler!

What more could I ever ask for or dream of?

I love my "little" family!!

Brittaney's 16th Birthday Present

2009-04-14T21:59:00.010-04:00

Sunday evening we decided to give Brittaney her 16th Birthday present early (her birthday isn't until July 3rd). She eats, sleeps, and breathes music and has wanted to go see the Broadway show Wicked. Thanks to some very good friends, they helped me get some cheap tickets so I can take her. Rich and I decided part of the fun is the anticipation and being able to tell your friends. So-we decided to give it to her Sunday. I came up with six words/clues that began with each letter of wicked. We gave a clue to her every 30 minutes. Then once she had all of the clues, she laid them out on the floor and tried to figure it out. Then, the lightbulb clicked on and she figured it out. Excitement is an understatement. She started to cry! I know this means a lot to her! Here are some pictures we captured of the clues and her reaction!
(p.s.-ironically Marci and Bill will be at the same show...YAY!!)

Happy Birthday, Brittaney! We love you!

The Clues:
(I didn't have the letter on her clues, only the words)

W-wear (something nice)
I-Indianapolis
C-conflict
K-karma
E-excited
D-directed

She is unrolling the clues...

Arranging the clues...

hmmm...

Trying to figure it out...

Tried arranging them differently...

She finally figured it out...

Are you serious? ...yes we are, Brittaney!

Tears of joy!

Literally shouted for joy!

Busy Weekend

2009-04-13T09:55:00.008-04:00

Friday...I was making a cake for a bridal shower! My very good friend's daughter is getting married in May! I get to do her wedding cake too! :) That took awhile!
Random thought: I don't think people (who don't decorate cakes) realize how much time goes into them!

(This is the bridal shower cake)

Saturday...
9am: My friend and her daughter came and picked up the cake. Then I went to my mom's house to clean.
12pm: Bridal shower
3pm: Baptism - The little boy that I watch full-time, his mom got baptized yesterday (his dad is a member)! YAY!! It was a beautiful baptism! I got to hold Adam and he was so good the entire time!
4:30pm: Met Rich and the kids at my Mom's for Easter dinner and an Easter egg hunt! We had a little excitement during that. Brenden busted his forehead open. He fell and his forehead smacked the metal gas meter...OUCH!! I am still amazed at how much head wounds bleed. I heard him scream and I ran over to him and blood was just GUSHING down his face. I tried to find where he was bleeding from and once I did, I pushed my hand against it, but blood was still pouring down his face under my hand. The poor boy, blood was all over his Easter egg bag!
Here is a funny thing though: My brother's little boy, Jackson, was over there with Brenden. When George and I got over there, Jackson said: We were both going for it (the egg) and then Brenden busted his head...and I got the egg...but I will give it to him! It was so funny (it's funnier if you would have heard him say it! He did give that egg to Brenden. Thanks Jackson!
We took Brenden up to Uncle Bill's (aka Dr. Bill) and he fixed him up for us! Thanks Bill! :)
Another funny thing Jackson said: My parents had given them a few little toys for Easter. The boys were given these little boxes of trucks. Jackson got fire engines and Brenden got construction trucks. Anyway, Jackson has a lot of firetrucks so he tried to trade Brenden. However, Brenden wanted to keep his. Long story short, my mom went inside and got Jackson a new box with army trucks. After my mom left, Jackson leans over to Brenden and tries to hand him his bos of firetruck cars, and says: "Here Brenden, you can take these home with you and sell them at your garage sale!" hahahaha I thought it was so funny!
Sunday...
We got up and did Easter baskets and got ready for church.
9am: Church. I am the primary chorister and I love it! I had a wonderful experience on Sunday. We sang the song I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus (my favorite) and we talked about how we should always try to be like Jesus. Then, I had the kids trace their hands on a piece of paper. We then talked about all of the things/miracles that Christ did/performed with his hands. Then I told the kids I needed them to be very reverent for me because I wanted them to listen to the words of this song I was about to play for them. I played His Hands on CD. They were are absolutely quiet. While, the song played, I showed pictures of Christ that went along with the words. It was very powerful. An amazing thing occured...2 older kids (1 girl, and 1 boy) were brought to tears during the song. The spirit was so strong. When the song ended, I bore my testimony and told the kids that their handprints were to remind them that their hands can become like "those from Galilee".
12pm: Church ended and we came home! We had a nice, relaxing afternoon & evening together! We also gave Brittaney her birthday present (through clues) too. I will do a post about that too...stay tuned!
8pm: Got the kids ready for bed and down they went...prayers, lullabies and good night! xoxo

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T15:20:00.003-04:00

I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise heav’nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

I can see, I can see, I can see!!

2009-04-10T11:20:00.004-04:00

Kehli can see now...YAY!!

(she looks so cute in glasses)

I LOVE my Daddy!

2009-04-10T10:58:00.001-04:00

We won the Daddy lottery!!

It's finally here...

2009-04-09T10:56:00.013-04:00

Happy 13th Birthday Christopher!!

Christopher...what a blessing you have been to me and this entire family! There are so many things that I love about you! I still remember the moment you were born and you were put into my arms! There aren't words to adequately describe how I felt! You were my first little boy! I was so happy (and so was your dad)! You were a very easy baby! You were the cutest little toddler! You were a very active kid! And now...you are an incredible young man!
As I have watched you learn and grow up over the last 13 years, I am just in awe of you! You are such a kind and compassionate person. I can't begin to tell you how many times other parents have come to me and shared how wonderful they think you are. You really try to do what is right. You have faced struggles and challenges that most kids (or even adults for that matter) never have to deal with. I am so proud of how you deal with those things...especially your diabetes! I know it is a daily battle and some days are better than others, but you are doing it!
I love to look up on Sunday and see you in your white shirt and tie passing the sacrament. What a wonderful blessing that is for you (and your Dad and I). What a wonderful example you are to your younger brother. There are so many things I love about you and am so proud of you for!

I love your...

sense of humor
smile
laugh
caring nature
compassion for others
determination
testimony
athletic abilities
musical talents
sense of adventure
silliness
and so much more...

I love that at 13 years old, you will still give me a hug and kiss on the cheek in front of your friends! I am so thankful that Heavenly Father sent you to me! We may not always see eye-to-eye, but I will always love you...no matter what! However, let's make a pact right now that you won't ever try to test that...haha! :)

Most of all, I love that you continually forgive me when I fall short as your mom! I love you so much and want nothing more than for you to feel safe, secure, happy and loved beyond description!

Thank you for being my wonderful "little" boy!!
And yes, you will always be MY "little" boy! :)

I LOVE YOU!!

Spring Break...I think NOT!

2009-03-31T18:28:00.016-04:00

I love spring! I love the beautiful flowers, the warmth of the sun, the smell of rain, baby animals, and especially spring break with my kids home!
HOWEVER...I am renaming spring break this year to:

SPRING APPOINTMENTS!

There is NO break!

Monday:
Cheri dentist appointment

Tuesday:
Brittaney dentist appointment (this child has no cavities and never has...yea!!)
Katelyn to the doctor. Diagnosis: strep throat :(
Rich has month-end

Wednesday:
Cheri and Christopher to the foot doctor! (thanks Marci!)
Rich school.
Babysit 2 little boys all day.

Thursday:
Take Kehli for her bloodwork.
Christopher and Kehli (depending on her platelet level) dentist.

Friday:
Kehli to the eye doctor.
Brittaney to the orthodontist for a consult.

I love spring break! I love having my kids home. I wish there weren't so many appointments this week, but at least they won't miss school for them. I am still babysitting full time this week as well! I wanted to take the kids to the children's museum and zoo this week, but that may have to wait for Saturday! We have a fabulous children's museum and zoo here in Indy! The good thing about waiting for Saturday is Rich can come with us too! :)
We are enjoying our spring break so far. We are having fun, being silly, and playing hard ( in between appts., of course)! I hope everyone else has a great spring break this year too!

Kehli Update

2009-03-25T13:09:00.006-04:00

Here is our monkey! I have had a lot of questions about how Kehli is doing so I thought I would give an update on here. I have also put a sidebar on here with her platelet level updates so you can check up on her there too. So, here's the story:
In January, I noticed Kehli had a "rash" all over her. A few days later I noticed she was covered in bruises too. She was also having severe migraines and horrible leg pain. I got on the internet (what did we do before the internet?) and found what her rash was. It was petechiae. I called the doctors office and told them what her symptoms were and they got her in right away that day. I was really nervous going to the doctor, but I wound up feeling worse when I left. The doctor was very worried. They were testing Kehli for Leukemia. The doctor ran the tests STAT and so luckily we got the results in about 3 hours. It was NOT leukemia....YEA!! However, I have to confess that those were some of the longest 3 hours of my life....very scary! The bloodwork did show that her blood platelets were 86,000. The normal range is 155,000-400,000. So, they set up an appt. for Kehli with a Dr. down at Riley Hospital for Children with a hematologist/oncologist. We have had to have her blood tested 1-2 times a week since then. Her levels went down to 14,000 at one point.
For anyone who might be wondering, your platelets are what helps your blood clot. So, when your platelets are low you are at an increased risk of bleeding out. Under 20,000 is considered a medical emergency. She can't really do anything when she gets low because if she gets hurt, she can have internal bleeding that we don't see. According to the dr's if she's under 10,000 she is at a much greater risk of spontaneous internal bleeding....not a good thing! :)
Her platelets eventually started going back up and got back up into normal range. However, her last blood test showed her platelets were back down to 59,000. Her next test is tomorrow so we will see what that shows. Hopefully, she is going back up!
They diagnosed her with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). It is an auto-immune blood disorder. We are hoping it is just an accute case and not chronic. The only way they can diagnose it being a chronic case for sure is if she is still having problems after 6 months. I guess only time will tell. There isn't really anything they can do for her unless she actually has bleeding issues. Then the treatments are blood product and/or long-term steroids and they both have serious side affects. Kehli has been having serious bone pain in her legs, so the Dr. said if she needs blood product, they would most likely have to do a bone marrow biopsy first. I pray it never comes to that.
Kehli has been a trooper. She gets very tired when her platelets are down, but she is still our monkey! Thank you to everyone who put her name on the prayer rolls and who have offered prayers on her behalf! They are working, so please don't stop! I keep telling myself it could be so much worse....thankfully she doesn't have leukemia! I feel so blessed that we live here with wonderful hospitals and doctors. Riley is where Christopher was transferred when he was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and was so sick. It is a wonderful hospital. I'm thankful for the internet where I can have information at my fingertips in a matter of seconds. I'm thankful Kehli's teacher has been so kind about the time she has missed from school. She offered to come to our home and help Kehli with anything she missed! How many teachers do that? I'm thankful to know that Heavenly Father is watching over her and knows what is best! :)
One last thing...a funny story. When we took Kehli down to Riley hospital, we had to take her to the hematology, oncology unit. The sad part, was there were very sick kids there. Some were bald, some had a little hair, some were wearing masks and some looked like they were on death's doorstep. There was this litle 2 yr. old girl who played with little Tayler in the waiting area. She had very little hair and was wearing a mask. After we got back into the room with the dr., they ran some mre tests on Kehli and Tayler got restless so I walked around the hall with her. Down at the nurses station was this little girl and her dad. The nurses post butcher paper all along the fron of the desk and have buckets of crayons so the kids can color all over it. So, Tayler and this little girl were coloring. The next thing I know, Tayler is trying to color on this little girl's bald head. I took her hand and told her we don't color on our friends, only on paper. Then this little girl's dad said," That's a good idea....let's color on some hair for her." It was pretty funny and I appreciated the dad making the nice, funny comment! What strength these families have to endure those horrible illnesses and the courage and strength of those little kids....beyond words.
I hope that this helped to update everyone and answer questions.
Please continue to keep Kehli in your prayers! I will continue to update the sidebar with her test results. We love you all!

Mickelsen Family Visit

2009-03-25T10:44:00.011-04:00

Rich's family came here to visit last week. Nicki and Addison came on Thursday, March 12, and then his parents came on Tuesday March 17. Unfortunately, they all left Saturday morning (March 21). Nicki, Oma, and Opa stayed up at Marci's (Rich's sister) house. Marci only lives about 10-15 minutes away so that is super nice! Addison stayed down here at our house. It was so good to see them. Brittaney and Christopher had a blast with Addison. They hung out, there was a trip to the mall and the movies, a day at the golf course, watching comediens on youtube (very funny), and of course, the Twilight party the night before they left. They all went to the party with Marci and Nicki and then spent the night at Marci's house. Kehli stayed home with Oma and Opa during the party. She was getting a little tired. How fun for her to have that alone time with Oma and Opa.
The girls did some shopping, the boys played golf, we spent time visiting, and we ate lots of yummy food! Nicki brought some fabulous recipes and made some incredibly yummy food for us. Rich made his yummy roast and also his lemon-herb chicken too! He is a fabulous cook! I felt bad because I had a really easy week with everyone else cooking all of the time! I had to babysit all week, so I wasn't able to do much with everyone unless they were down here visiting. We went up to Marci's one day with the little boy that I babysit. We all spent every evening together, though!
I really wish that they could have stayed longer, but I know they have to get back to their lives. I am so thankful that I married into such a wonderful family!! I love that they care so much about us that they sacrifice to come and visit us so often. When they are here, they are so helpful and they really play with and spend time with the kiddos. I hope they all know how much that means to me/us!! Thank you so much for coming!! We miss you so much already! I love them all so much and feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful family!

Dad/Opa and Mom/Oma

Nicki and Addison

Because two people fell in love... 1+1=27

THANK YOU!!

2009-03-24T13:24:00.008-04:00

This is an amazing video that a friend shared with me! It had me in tears and made me feel so grateful and proud to be an American. We can't all serve in the military, but it made me think....what am I doing to help make this beautiful country of ours better? These men and women are willing to give their lives for my freedom....what am I willing to give?
I grew up in a military family. My father served in the Army for over 30 years and then retired. I couldn't be prouder of him. Thankfully, my father never had to actually fight in combat, but my father-in-law did serve in Vietnam. It makes me sick to think of the way that these soldiers were treated upon their return. I hope that we, as a country, have learned from past mistakes. These men and women that serve our country are nothing short of heroes to me (and I do not use that term lightly). They are literally willing to die for you and me! Would you be that willing? All they ask of us is our love and support...is that really too much to ask?
Through my father's example, I learned a sense of patriotism that is hard to put into words! I love this country. I love the freedoms that I am able to enjoy. I love the men and women who have fought and who continue to fight to protect my rights and freedoms.
I grew up in Germany and after I moved back here to the US, I had a big culture shock! One of the biggest shocks to me was this....in Germany before every movie that is played in a theater, the NATIONAL ANTHEM is played. Everyone stands up (out of respect), puts their hands over their heart or salutes the flag. It is so quiet you could hear a pin drop (other than the music). When I went to my first movie here in the US, I was so confused. The movie started with no National Anthem???? I couldn't understand why we did not do that here. What a beautiful experience that all of these people living in this country are missing out on. I still think about that EVERY time I go to a movie.
Whether you agree with the war or not, we should all support our troops! Be grateful to these soldiers and their families for the sacrifices they are making on our behalf. Don't forget the soldiers serving here at home either. They may not be on the front line, but they are willing.
I pray that each one of them can find peace through these difficult times and I pray for their safe return! Thank you to each and every member of our Armed Forces that has ever served this beautiful country! Thank you for defending my freedoms! You have my eternal gratitude!
p.s. Next time you see someone in military uniform, try taking a moment to go up to them and personally thank them!
Go ahead...I DARE YOU to try it!!

Brittaney's Hipstreet Showchoir Showcase

2009-02-28T11:55:00.004-05:00

Brittaney had her Show Choir Showcase Thursday night They have competition the next 3 weekends. The videos are too big to upload on here so I just have to post a few pictures. I'll let Rich figure that one out for me..haha! They pictures aren't the best, but you get to see her. She did a fabulous job!! She LOVES being in Show Choir! This is a Junior/Senior Choir, but she auditioned and got in as a Sophomore. Also, the front rows are "reserved" for the Seniors, so she was ecstatic that the choreographer put her in front.

The girls were told to come up with a "white outfit" with accents of red. I was very proud that Brittaney chose to dress very modestly!

2009-02-27T08:42:00.009-05:00

A friend sent this to me and I thought it was very powerful. As we go through these scary economic times and as we each go through our own individual trials, it is nice to be reminded to never give up or to lose hope. It is a wonderful reminder that we have a loving Heavenly Father who is mindful of the challenges we face. We need to remember and look to the reward that He has in store for us throughout eternity! May each of you feel of his absolute and perfect love no matter your situation or circumstances!

Keep Climbing Upward!!

Valentine's Day- Family Style

2009-02-20T12:03:00.004-05:00

Rich made me (& the kiddos) a beautiful, fantastic dinner for Valentine's day! He made herb-crusted lemon pepper chicken, spinach fettuccini, steamed vegetables with sauteed mushrooms, and a gorgeous salad. He also had sparkling grape juice. It was a beautiful, YUMMY dinner. He also brought me a beautiful bouquet of red roses and white lilies with a card too! :) I have the best husband ever.

I LOVE YOU Rich!!

Like Father, Like Daughter

2009-02-20T11:00:00.002-05:00

Richard is always cleaning his computer screen (and any other screen he sees). So, the other day, I saw Tayler wiping the screen of this electronic Phase 10 game. I just had to laugh!! Oh the silly things our kids pick up on and mimic. Like father...like daughter!!

Katelyn lost her FIRST tooth!!

2009-02-20T10:45:00.005-05:00

Katelyn lost her first tooth last week. She pulled it herself and didn't even cry! She was very excited! The Tooth Fairy came and left $5.00!! The Tooth Fairy always leaves $5.00 for the first tooth.

Daddy/Daughter Chore

2009-02-20T10:26:00.006-05:00

One evening, Rich was trying to be funny and said that he was going to vacuum. That is funny because he knows that vacuuming is my favorite chore. When Tayler heard him say that, she went running and got her vacuum. They vacuumed together...too cute!! She was so excited and they had fun!! :) By the way, Tayler loves hats....can you tell?

Photo Shoot - by Brittaney & Rachel

2009-02-06T08:14:00.017-05:00

Here are some pictures of Brittaney and her best friend Rachel. They took these silly, crazy pictures one night when Rachel spent the night. She came over another day and Brittaney edited them and made them look even more fabulous! These girls really are crazy....and I LOVE it! I'm glad they know how to be silly and have fun together! :)
Enjoy the pictures...

Tayler & nursery snacks...

2009-02-03T12:14:00.005-05:00

Tayler got to go to nursery 2 weeks ago. She really isn't old enough to go until March 11, but we needed help. I am the primary chorister and Rich had to teach Elder's quorum, and my dad was home sick. Thankfully, my mom is the nursery leader. I asked her if I could bring Tayler in during the 3rd hour and , of course, she said yes. I took her in and then did singing time with the nursery kids. After I left is when the funny story happened.
Here goes (according to my mom):
It was snack time. The kids were called over to the table where they have a paper towel in front of them. Tayler grabbed the paper towel and wadded it up and started "cleaning" the table...(that's my girl!)! Then, she saw Vicki (the other nursery person) start to put goldfish on the other kid's paper towels and so she quickly sat down and started smoothing out her wadded up paper towel so she could get some goldfish too. My child is no dummy.....haha! She LOVES to eat! Then, they gave them a little dixie cup with some water in it and she proceeded to "drink" it by pouring it over her head. (I think we need to work on the open cup and drinking process before March...haha!) She is just a funny little girl and very smart....she catches on very quickly!! :) Thanks Mom for taking her in nursery that day! You were a lifesaver!! :)

Who can resist that smile? ...not me!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow...

2009-02-03T11:10:00.010-05:00

Last week, we got over a foot of snow here! The kids got to stay home from school for two days! They had a lot of fun playing in the snow and drinking hot chocolate when they were done. Brittaney, Christopher, & Josh (our next door neighbor) went around the neighborhood and shoveled peoples driveways and made some money. They did some driveways just to help people out too (without any pay)! What nice kids! Here are some of the pictures....enjoy!

Pittsburgh WON the Superbowl!!

2009-02-03T10:19:00.025-05:00

OK....so if you know us, you know that we bleed black and gold in this family! We were so excited that Pittsburgh made it to the superbowl! Our next door neighbors came over and watched the game with us. They were rooting for the Cardinals!

I had stayed home from church that morning due to another horrible migraine. So, before Rich and the kids got back from church I decorated the house. They had no idea I had bought the stuff. I was going to surprise them and have them help me do it after church, but since I stayed home, I decided to surprise them and have it decorated when they got home! Their faces were priceless. They were sooooo excited. Brenden walked in and started shouting....LOOK, LOOK, LOOK!! Tayler walked into the family room and started screaming.... FOOTBALL,FOOTBALL,FOOTBALL!! Needless to say, they were all excited! Rich, after laughing and staring at all the decorations for awhile, just looked at me and said....

"you are so awesome"!!

I love surprises!! :) Well, the STEELERS WON!! We are a very happy family! Here are some pictures from the fabulous day and I think there are random ones from games throughout the season too! There was LOTS of good food and fun times had on Sunday!! :)

GO STEELERS!!

This is how Rich sits the whole game. He won't sit anywhere else and noone can sit in his chair during the games either. He holds his football just like that and screams a lot! :) He has a terrible towel too. We love watching him during the games!!

We are THE #1 STEELERS family!!

decorations...

These are our neighbors, Tracy and Marielle. We love them to pieces!

Christopher, Brittaney and Josh (our neighbor's son)

Kehli, Christopher, & Tayler sporting their jerseys!!

Tayler watching the game "up close"! We start them young...haha!

Tayler loves the STEELERS!!

Better late than never....RIGHT?!

2009-02-03T10:13:00.003-05:00

We have been soooo busy! (who hasn't...I know) I have been meaning to post on here for awhile, but I haven't. I have so many things to post about, so I will just have to get started. So, stay tuned...there are some posts coming! Don't give up on us yet! :) Better late than never....right?

HERE WE GO.... Pittsburgh's going to the Superbowl!!

2009-01-19T20:51:00.002-05:00

2008-12-22T19:59:00.007-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Love, Rich and Cheri

Love, Brittaney, Christopher, Kehli, Brenden, Katelyn, and Tayler

I love this movie...and song!!

2008-12-18T09:58:00.009-05:00

Rich had school last night, so after homework and dinner, the kids and I sat down and watched our favorite Christmas movie together. We popped our popcorn, made our hot chocolate, grabbed our blankets and were ready to go. I love this movie because it reminds me of the true spirit and meaning of Christmas! Leave it to a child to be our example! The service rendered, the love shared, the selflessness, the spirit of giving, and the lessons learned in this movie make it a must-see for the holidays!
Of course, tissues are required so have some handy! :)
****
May we all keep the true spirit of Christmas in our hearts this season...and always!

We caught the SICKIES...

2008-12-14T19:14:00.003-05:00

Today at church, Tayler started feeling warm and by the end of sacrament meeting she was burning up and her cheeks were very rosy. Rich took her home after sacrament meeting. Then during primary, two women came and got me and told me Kehli was in the bathroom crying and complaining that her side hurt. So, I went to check on her and a wonderful man in our ward (who is a doctor) came and checked her out for me...thanks Grant!! I took her back to the primary room with me and had her lay down in the back of the room. I am primary chorister so I wanted to try and stick it out and see if whe would feel better. However, about 5 minutes before church ended she ran to the bathroom and threw up...YUCK!! Poor thing!!
I gathered everyone quickly after church and hurried home...I did NOT want to clean up vomit out of the van. As soon as we got home, she got a little drink of water and within 1 minute she was throwing up again.....YUCK,YUCK,YUCK!! Poor little thing! Now (tonight) Brenden is complaining that his tummy hurts...OH NO!
Here is my positive take on this situation....at least it is not next week and hopefully this will all be over before Christmas!! Let's all keep our fingers crossed. I'm such an optimist...haha!!

Yesterday's Cute Happenings...

2008-12-12T08:19:00.005-05:00

Cute Story...yesterday, I said something to one of the kids about putting their nose in the corner and little Tayler ran straight over to the corner and stuck her nose in it. (if only all kids were this obedient...though I wasn't even talking to her)!! She has never been told to put her nose in the corner. I guess she has seen her big brothers and sisters do it enough...haha!

These are my sister, Elizabeth's, two older kids. Austin is 5 and Brooklyn is 3. They just got in from China (that's where they live) the night before. They did so well playing all morning and then we put on a movie and they CRASHED!! Soooooo cute!!

This is sweet, little Payton. She is such a cutie and loves to smile! This was our first "official" introduction!! I'm so glad my sister and the kids are here to visit! My brother George and his youngest little boy, Owen, came over to visit in the afternoon too! Owen is a cutie too! I'm horrible and didn't get a picture of him. I will just have to fix that today! :) We had a fun day together!

Chocolate cake makes her smile...

2008-12-09T10:53:00.010-05:00

I gave Tayler some chocolate cake and then she was just smiling and being silly so I thought I should capture some photos. Try to ignore her "orphaned" look...I took out her pigtails and her hair was crazy! She was being so silly! This little girl does not have a little smile...and she puts a BIG smile on my face!!

She knows you need milk with chocolate cake. However, I didn't pour the milk over her cake like her daddy likes it! She had to settle for milk in a cup!

She was laughing hysterically in this picture, although I think it kind of looks like she is screaming passionately at me! :)

She literally says cheese when you tell her to. She does so well at smiling on command. :) The kids got a kick out of watching her and telling her to do silly things! Thanks for being our entertainment for the evening Tayler! You make life sooo much fun around here! Thanks for reminding us that sometimes it is good to just let loose and be silly! We love you!

Did someone say 48 cakes?

2008-12-04T15:18:00.006-05:00

Here are the mini cakes I made for our Christmas enrichment tonight. This is what happens when you miss the second planning meeting...they put you in charge of the dessert! :) I made chocolate mini fluted cakes and then I drizzled double chocolate on one and white chocolate on the other. On the double chocolate, I sprinkled powdered sugar and then added Andes mints and crushed up candy canes. On the white chocolate, I also sprinkled a little Hershey's cocoa. Thanks to my wonderful friends (Dale, LaDeane, Lynne and Becky) who came over and helped!! They made it soooo much more fun!! The other idea I had was to drizzle on the chocolate and then add fresh raspberries with 2 mint leaves as garnish! I'll have to do those for my family...they will be excited!! I hope everyone enjoys them!

Bubbles, Bubbles, and more Bubbles

2008-12-03T18:53:00.007-05:00

Tonight, while getting dinner ready, I taught Katelyn how to blow a bubble with her gum. She has tried before, but she finally got it tonight!! Way to blow Katelyn! How fun and exciting...

Holding her bubble...her idea, not mine! :)

another bubble...

She's a PRO now!!

2008-11-30T14:33:00.013-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS
When I saw this video, it spoke volumes to me. I feel so blessed this holiday season. I want for nothing. I have already been blessed with the 9 most precious gifts I could ever hope for...

Richard, Brittaney, Christopher, Kehli, Brenden, Katelyn, & Tayler!!
and my...
FREEDOM!!
&
The Gospel of Jesus Christ!!

My hope and prayer for each of you this Holiday Season is that all of your dreams and wishes will come true and that you will know you are LOVED!!

Favorite Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe

2008-11-26T10:32:00.004-05:00

Frosty Pumpkin Dessert

Source: The Pampered Chef

32 gingersnap cookies, finely chopped (1 1/3 cups crumbs)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 (1/2 gallon) container vanilla ice cream, divided
2 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
2/3 cup toffee bits
1 cup solid pack pumpkin
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Pantry Cinnamon Plus Spice Blend (I use pumpkin pie spice)

Chop cookies with Food Chopper, Place butter in Small Micro-Cooker; microwave on HIGH 30 to 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in crumbs. Firmly press crumb mixture onto bottom of Springform Pan. Place in freezer.

Scoop half of the ice cream into Classic Batter Bowl using Ice Cream Dipper. Place in refrigerator 10 minutes to soften.

Fold 1 cup of the whipped topping and toffee bits into softened ice cream just until blended. Spread evenly over crust using All-Purpose Spreader. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

Place remaining ice cream in refrigerator 10 minutes to soften.

Meanwhile, mix pumpkin, brown sugar and spice blend in batter bowl. Scoop softened ice cream into pumpkin mixture. Mix just until blended. Spread evenly over ice cream layer. Freeze until firm, about 8 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, place dessert in refrigerator 20 minutes for easier slicing.

Fill Easy Accent Decorator with remaining whipped topping. Run Utility Knife around outside of dessert; remove collar from Springform pan. Smooth sides with spreader. Cut dessert into wedges. Garnish each serving with whipped topping and sprinkle with additional spice blend, if desired.

Yield: 16 servings

Wonderful Weekend

2008-11-24T08:56:00.003-05:00

Saturday, Rich and I were able to go down to the Louisville Temple. It was so nice, and we had a wonderful time. It almost didn't happen. Friday afternoon I had a feeling to check my recommend and lo and behold...it had expired. AAAHHHH!! So, I called Bryan (a counselor in our bishopric) and I called the stake counselor and by some miracle they were both able to fit me in last minute Friday night! THANK YOU!! I guess we were meant to be there that day! :) Rich, thanks for being there with me and for the wonderful day! I LOVE YOU!!

While we were at the temple, Brittaney got to spend some time with her boyfriend, Austin. He lives down in Louisville about 15 minutes from the temple. Here is a picture of them at his house. He really seems like a great young man and his family seems great too. They were so nice to have Brittaney and let her spend the day with them. The best part of all of this was that Austin didn't know that we were bringing Brittaney down. His parents knew and so they had him answer the door. His face was...PRICELESS!! They had a great day together. He let her bring home his football sweatshirt (which his parents said is a BIG deal)! She is wearing it in the picture. Thanks to Austin and his family for letting Brittaney spend the day with you!! A BIG thank you to my parents also because they watched all the other kids ALL DAY!!
...what a wonderful weekend!!

Cheri's Birthday-a week long celebration!

2008-11-15T15:52:00.005-05:00

Ok here we go now...my computer was being dumb, but it's fixed. Now for the text...
My wonderful hubby surprised me with a special day last Saturday. First, we went to the movies and saw The Secret Life of Bees. Then we went to the mall and walked around. After that, we came home and he told me to get dressed up. Then he really surprised me by taking me to dinner at this restaurant called Peterson's. It was the best food we have ever had...EVER!! It was such a nice surprise. I felt bad for him though, because he had planned on surprising me by taking me to the driving range and teaching me how to golf. Then we were suppose to go to Ft. Ben State Park and go for a nice long walk through the trails. BUT---it was freezing that day! His plan B turned out fantastic, though!! We had a wonderful day together. Brittaney was wonderful and watched the kids all day for us and the kids behaved for her! :) Thanks kiddos!!
Then on Wednesday (my birthday was Thursday, the next day) Rich came home from school and he had stopped by the store on his way home and picked me up this card and peach roses (my favorite). It was very sweet of him and a nice surprise for me.
Then on Thursday, he surprised me by coming home for lunch (he never does that). It actually kind of scared me when I heard the front door open. After work, he surprised me by bringing me a Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino from Starbucks. I LOVE that drink!!!! Brittaney (with the kid's help) had made me my texas sheet cake after school and then Rich iced it when he got home. YUMMY!! Christopher made me french toast for dinner (he makes the best french toast)!! In our family, the birthday person gets to pick the dinner meal. French toast sounded good that day. haha Later that evening my visiting teachers brought me a bright, beautiful bouquet of flowers. That was so sweet and thoughtful of them.
I had a wonderful week and I really appreciate the effort Rich and the kids put in to making this birthday very special for me. I love you all !! Thank you!!

My beautiful roses and my card from Rich!

Brittaney "enjoying" the cake...

All the kids making my cake!

I Love this!

I Know That My Redeemer Lives!

2008-11-05T08:26:00.010-05:00

I have some people very special to me that are going through very tough times in their life right now, and I just wanted to share this. This video (the images and music) sum up my testimony of our Savior without me saying a word. I, too, have gone through some tough things in my life. I didn't always handle everything the way that I should have, but I never lost my testimony. That is what got me through my trials. Through faith in Christ...

EVERYTHING is possible!!

One thing I learned through my trials was that the Atonement isn't only for our sins ( I "knew" that, but I didn't KNOW that). Christ suffered for every feeling that we would feel-every tear we would shed, every ounce of fear, sadness, frustration, loneliness, heartache we would ever have---he suffered for it ALL!! All we have to do is allow the Atonement to work for us in our own lives. It truly is miraculous!! I know our Father in Heaven and our Savior love us beyond description. They are mindful of our needs and our feelings. They know what we need to endure in this life to reach our Celestial potential. Trust in Him, have faith, and remember to pray. If you can't pray, know that I am praying for you!! I love all of you dearly and you are all in my prayers! I hope and pray that each of you can find the peace and joy in your life that I know the Atonement can bring you.

I KNOW THAT OUR REDEEMER LIVES!!

This has been my favorite scripture since I was in high school.

Alma 26:27

Now, when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

This is one of my favorite poems that has helped me also.

Prayer

I know not by what methods rare

But this I know God answers prayer.

I know that He has given His word

Which tells me prayer is always heard.

And will be answered, soon or late,

And so I pray and calmly wait.

I know not if the blessings sought

Will come just in the way I thought.

But leave my prayers with Him alone

Whose will is wiser than my own.

Assured that he will grant my quest

Or send some answer far more blessed.

Eliza M. Hickok

Living With Type 1 Diabetes!

2008-10-31T08:35:00.007-04:00

***Pause the blog music first***

I saw this video and it brought out so many emotions! I loved it, yet it made me so sad! I wish the world could realize what it is like to live with Type 1 diabetes or to have a loved one living with it. The DAILY struggles, the frustration, the elation when the numbers are good, the worry when they aren't, the sleepless nights, the feelings of being alone in this (when you know you really aren't), the empathy and compassion, the anger, the why me/them, the admiration of his strength and persistance, the fear, the wishing your son didn't have this disease, the pride and love when you see him fighting this disease, the heartache when you see his eyes well up with tears but won't let them fall in order to be "brave" even though the needles really DO hurt, the roller coaster of emotions, the excitement for new treatments but mostly the HOPE for a cure!

Today when Christopher gets home from school I am going to have him watch this and come up with a word for his hand and take pictures. I will have the rest of us do it also. Here's my favor: for anyone reading this, would you please do the same and email me your pictures (pass the word along too). Our email is: mickelsens@sbcglobal.net I would like to do up a video similar to this just for Christopher with all the hands of people who love him and care about him and his struggle! Thank you for helping me do this!

For Christopher: Bud, thank you for being so courageous in this fight! Thank you for teaching me what it means to trust in Heavenly Father and his plan for us. You are doing so well with living with this disease rather than being this disease. I am so proud of how you take care of yourself. No, you aren't perfect in your control, but I know you are trying your BEST and noone is ever perfect. I watch as you test and have to inject yourself with your pump site and especially your sensor site (that needle is pretty big and hurts) and I watch your eyes. You always try to be so brave. You have come a long way...from 5 shots a day to having a pump and now you have the continuous glucose monitoring system. How blessed we have been with this technology. Keep fighting hard and keep hoping hard-I know there will be a cure one day!! You are such en example and inspiration to others, not just because of your diabetes, but because of who you are as a person. Continue to be that young man. Make the right choices and you will be eternally blessed! I love you Christopher!!

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-29T20:47:00.009-04:00

We went trunk-or-treating last night at the church! It was fun...cold, but fun! They had hot dogs, chips, and drinks for dinner and then the trunk-or-treating started. The kids actually got to make about 4 rounds so they really made out with the candy...yeah!! Rich had school last night, so he didn't get to go or even see the kids in their costumes, but we took some pitcures and emailed them to him at school so he could see them. He always misses Halloween because he has to do month-end at work on the 31st, so Iwas excited when they were going to do trunk-or-treating on a different night. However, it wound up being on our mutual night instead, which Rich always has class on Wednesday nights, so it didn't work out any better for us! Oh well! We missed you Rich!! All-in-all I would say the evening was a success and the kids had a blast!

Happy Halloween!!

Mom and her little "lady" bug!

Brittaney as herself! :)

Christopher: Skateboarder

Kehli: Hermione (from Harry Potter)

Brenden: Iron Man

Katelyn: Baby

Tayler : "Lady" bug

Here are some pictures of the pumpkin we let the kids paint on. We let the boys do one half and the girls do the other half. They had so much fun and it turned out great! We did this Tuesday night so Daddy was able to be here and fun with us doing this! YEAH!! Here it is:

Girl's Side...

Boy's Side...

Christopher's Big News...

2008-10-27T12:11:00.011-04:00

Christopher was approved to be put on the continuous blood glucose monitoring system for his diabetes. He has been on it for about a month now and it is making all the difference. It is a device that he wears all the time and it checks his blood sugar every 10 seconds and then takes an average of those results and sends the average number to his insulin pump every 5 minutes. Now he knows what his blood sugar is constantly. If he is going up or down really fast it will have 1 or 2 arrows beside the number too. This doesn't completely eliminate the need for finger pricks, but it greatly reduces them. The only drawback is the insertion of the device. It has a pretty big needle and it hurts, but then he gets to pull the needle out and just leave the plastic cannula inserted. He is pretty tough about it. Each sensor lasts about a week so he only has to change it once a week or so. The biggest positive is that we set alarms on it and if his blood sugar drops below 90 then an alarm goes off and if it goes above 240 then an alarm goes off. That way he knows to check his blood sugar right away. This device has greatly helped his blood sugars. You can imagine how easy it is for a kid to forget to bolus (give insulin through his pump) after he eats. He is anxious to get up and go play. Well, with this device, if that happens and his blood sugar rises above 240, his alarm will go off and alert him. What a blessing this has been. how thankful I am for technology and for these modern-day conveniences that make Christopher's life so much better and easier. I know that these devices are keeping him alive and helping to prolong his life and reduce complications. I still struggle with the fact that he has to endure this. I wish I could take this from him. Don't get me wrong, he doesn't let it slow him down and he is a trooper about it, but I know he hates it too. His insulin pump and his new sensor have changed things so much for the better, though! Hopefully, one day there will be a cure!! Until then, we wait and stand in awe of this amzing young man and how he endures this trial in his life so well!! What an incredible example of strenth and patience he is to me!!
p.s. When he gets home from school today I will see if he minds me taking a picture of his belly with his pump and sensor so you can see what it looks like. I'm sure he won't mind! :)
OK-the sensor is the whitething on (his) right side and the other round thing is his site for his pump. You can see his insulin pump right below it. Neither is very big, but they literally save his life!! Cool, huh?!

School Updates

2008-10-27T08:57:00.004-04:00

We had parent/teacher conferences this last week and they went great! Here is the scoop:
Katelyn:
She is doing fabulous! Her teacher absolutely adores her. She said she has never seen a child that is so loving, empathetic, kind, and so aware of other peoples feelings around her. She said she is so well rounded. She said her social skills are incredible (couldn't ask for better), she said her attention span is so long...yea, and she said she has already mastered everything for kindergarten. She told us that she writes very well and her pictures are incredible. In fact, she said the art teacher came down after school one day to show her this picture Katelyn had painted of a sunflower. She told her she couldn't believe the detail and that a kindergartener had painted this. The funny part is that she said after she saw it, she turned around and then Katelyn painted a big green circle around it and she was like......NOOOOOOO!! I asked Katelyn about the green circle and she said that she had to draw the LONG grass around it. Pretty funny if you ask me. So, we can't wait to see this amazing picture!! I would have to say we were very pleased with the conference. :)
Brenden:
I was a little worried about this one. Brenden had a horrible experience with kindergarten. We did NOT care for his teacher. He would cry when it was time for school. I even spent a few mornings in tears myself. Then, when school started this year, he had this teacher and it was a man and he wore glasses jsut like Brenden. Brenden was so excited. He loved going to school! YEA!! But...the second week of school they had to downsize first grade and move one of the teachersto 2nd grade. You guessed it...it was my sweet, little Brenden's teacher that was moved and he got moved to a new class. Can you say HORRIBLE!! The day he came home and told me, he just started crying. I felt so bad. Anyway, I think it might have been the best thing ever. Heloves his new teacher and so do I. Brenden has straight A's. He is reading above grade level and is above grade level in math too. He loves spelling. If you ask him what his favorite subject in school is he will tell you "spelling tests". :) She has really pushed him and he has come out of his shell and has exploded academically. She said she just loves him. He got straight A's and is doing great.
Kehli:
Her teacher loves her too. She said she is very well behaved and is doing great at turning her work in on time. She has an incredibly neat desk and she showed us. Kehli got straight A's too and her teacher said she is going to try to challenge her more next quarter. Kehli loves to read and she is reading above grade level, of course. Her and Brittaney can't keep their noses out of books (not that I am complaing...I love that)!! Kehli is quite the artist also and we got to see some of her work hanging in the hallway. She is doing really well at math and her teacher said once she gets all of her timed tests under 3 minutes, she won't make her take one ever again. Kehli was very excited about that. She is very good at math too. She is also very fast running her mile. I can't remember her exact time, but she is the fastest girl and beat most of the boys....GO KEHLI!! She is having a great year.
Christopher:
We didn't have parent/teacher conferences for him. He got 2 B's and the rest were A's. YEAH!!His B in english was an 89. He has to turn in reading logs every week. If they forget to get them signed then she only gives them 80 out of 100. He forgot 3 times. When i saw he had an 89 I was going to write his teacher and see if she would give him an extra credit assignment to do, but then I decided this could be a great life lesson for him instead. I explained to him that if he had just turned in one of those reading logs with a signature that he would have an A. He said "Are you serious....awwww man"! I told him he has to remember that even the littlest of things can add up and make a huge difference. I think it was a good lesson for him, besides a B is great too!! We are really proud of his grades. And he got these grades while playing football too! Yea!! He is still playing trumpet and doing very well too! I will try and get the kids to do a post about school too. He is doing fabulous though and is having a great year so far!
Brittaney:
Brittaney got all A's except for a B in French 3. She was totally bummed! Her French teacher is very tough (which is great), so I just asked her if she did her best and she said yes, so I told her you can't be disappointed in that now can you? She works so hard and we rarely have to tell her to do her homework. Education is very important to her....YEAH!! She is having a blast in her show choir. I will try and get her to blog about her experiences with a broadway star in her show choir. She still plays her violin in orchestra too. She said she is going to run cross country again next year too. The young women in our ward are training for a big bike ride next summer. Some adults (including me) are going to bike down to the Louisvile, KY temple next summer with the young women. She is so excited! The YW have been begging for a high adventure trip. The boys get one every year and now they finally get one. It's going to be really tough, but she will do great! More details about that to come in the future! She is doing great in school too, though!
OVERALL: out kids are loved by their teachers and they were all praised about their behaviors and their grades. We have such great kids and they are all really smart too.....how did that happen? Rich likes to take the credit for that! :) Great job kiddos!!

Katelyn's Surprise!

2008-10-27T08:55:00.002-04:00

The other day, Katelyn told me to go upstairs and not to come down until she said I could. So, I went upstairs. I went and switched over the laundry and started folding. Of course while I was up there, thoughts were running through my head like...what is she doing down there? Should I be worried? Is she making a big mess? A few minutes later she told me I could come downstairs and this is what I found! She had made us lunch!! I actually started to cry over penut butter and jelly...who knew!! haha She even got us some pears and a glass of milk to wash it all down! What had I done to deserve such an incredible treat? I'll never know, but it made my day! So, the two of us sat down and had a special lunch together. She shared with me that she wants to be a chef because she can cook so good! :) Thanks for such a sweet, special memory Katelyn!! These moments are why I LOVE being a MOM!!

Katelyn Validates my "Mommyness"

2008-10-27T08:41:00.002-04:00

I was upstairs and Katelyn came up to me and asked how old I was. I told her that I was 33. Then she asked, "Is that how old I will be when I am a Mommy?" I told her maybe and then asked her why. She said, "Because then I can say what I want to." I asked her what she would want to say and she said that she would tell people to clean and she would make lists. She definitely got that from me. Rich always makes fun because I make lists for EVERYTHING...but that is what works for me. Then I asked her what else she will do when she is a Mom and she said, " the same things you do, Mom". I said...what do you think I do... here is a list of the things I could remember that she said.
Gives me baths

Cleans the house

Cooks yummy food

Takes care of Daddy

Sings and Dances

Acts silly

Takes everyone places

Gives lots of hugs and kisses

Plays with me

Goes through our clothes

Does LOTS of laundry

Makes lists Helps people

Makes beautiful cakes

Loves my family

Helps me get on the computer

Fixes our boo-boos

I would have to say that she covered things pretty well! I'm so thankful that my 5 year old notices the things that I do. I LOVE being a mom and that just made my day! Thanks for noticing, Katelyn! Mommy loves you!!

Kehli's 9th Birthday Party!

2008-10-16T15:52:00.002-04:00

BubbleShare: Share photos - Craft Supplies

These are pictures from Kehli's 9th birthday party! She had a BLAST, but it was crazy. There were 20 girls (including Kehli) at her party!! I know....what was I thinking? I was going to do a slumber party, but after I told her she could invite her friends from school I decided against that...THANKFULLY!! She received many wonderful gifts from her friends. We had cake and ice cream and then they watched Camp Rock with the Jonas Brothers in it! Her friend Lauren and her cousins Heather and Brian spent the night (Brian slept over with Brenden)! I hope that she felt very special and loved because she is...special and VERY LOVED!!!!

Funny, Funny, Funny...

2008-10-07T10:46:00.004-04:00

PAUSE THE MUSIC FIRST, THEN WATCH IT!!

This is the funniest video ever. Brittaney showed it to me a few months ago and I can't stop laughing at it still. It gets funnier and funnier every time I watch it. I have been so busy the last 2 weeks and haven't posted so I thought I would share this and tell you to stay tuned for more posts. They ARE coming!! Enjoy the video.

Precious Moment...

2008-09-30T19:41:00.004-04:00

This afternoon, after the kids got home from school, I walked upstairs to the rec room and there sat Brenden in a kids chair. Katelyn was sitting on the floor next to him and she had her head laying on his lap. Brenden had one hand on her shoulder and the other hand was rubbing her head! It was so sweet!! Those two are inseperable!! I swear they were suppose to have been twins...haha!! I am so thankful that my kids love each other so much!! I hope they all stay the best of friends throughout their lives!! I just love these precious moments!! I wish I could post a picture of them...I tried to get a picture and capture "the moment" but the stupid batteries died on my camera...UGH!! Oh well...just remember to enjoy every moment, especially the precious ones!! Time goes by way too fast...

What I Do ALL Day...

2008-09-24T10:31:00.008-04:00

My sister posted this on her blog and I loved it, so I thought I would share it with everyone! I hope you enjoy! As much as I wish I had my own little cleaning fairy, I'm just thankful that I have 6 wonderful, healthy kids and an amazing husband that I GET to clean up after! I'm also thankful that I have a husband that appreciates my daily efforts...Thanks Rich!! :)

WHAT I DO ALL DAY...
A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud,with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the backdoor. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what I do all day?''Yes,' was his incredulous reply. She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

Funny Story about Brenden and Grandpa!

2008-09-22T19:39:00.006-04:00

So, Friday was my Dad's 60th birthday. My Mom and Dad went out to dinner with some friends. I told my Mom I wanted to surprise Dad with a chocolate cake. My Dad loves chocolate cake, but noone ever wants one for their birthday so he never gets any. So, I made him a texas sheet cake. After they went out they came over here. My Mom told me that my Dad didn't want to come for a "birthday party"! So, when they got here they played and then we put candles on the cake and sang "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" to my Dad! We didn't want him to think he was here for a birthday party or anything...haha...wink, wink!! Then my Dad started cutting the cake. He cut two pieces for Brenden and Katelyn. He is always doing crazy, funny things. The pieces he cut for them were like the size of your pinky finger. It was really quiet and Brenden just blurted out "Man, he does NOT know how to cut!" It was hilarious...we were all laughing so hard! This might just be one you had to be here for, but it was really funny!! You never know what my Dad is going to do next! I love that about him!! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!

I love this picture of my Dad and Tayler!

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY KEHLI!

2008-09-22T13:48:00.004-04:00

Here is our beautiful birthday girl! Kehli turned 9 yesterday and she will be having her birthday party with her friends on Friday night! She is having a CAMP ROCK party!! She is so excited! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEHLI!! THANK YOU FOR BEING SO WONDERFUL!! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

I LOVE my new zebra!!

2008-09-22T13:29:00.003-04:00

Aunt Marci...are you there? I'm just calling to tell you THANK YOU!! I LOVE my new zebra toy you gave me for my birthday! This is the fist thing I went to when mommy got me up this morning! I have my phone and my zebra...what else could a girl want? Thanks Aunt Marci!

This is so FUN!!

I'm ONE!!

Cutie Pie!!

Nana made it all better...

2008-09-14T08:59:00.003-04:00

Here's the story...when I was little I had a yellow blanket just like this blue one. So, my mom got each of my kids one (different colors for each one) when they were born. Well, somehow, we lost Brenden's. So everyone has their blanket except Brenden. At some point I found a little version of his blanket (before he lost his). It is about a 12'' x 12'' size blanket. Very convenient for taking in the car or to have in his little infant carseat at church. Anyway, the point is that he has been using that little thing ever since he lost his big blanket. So, I told my mom that he had lost his big blanket and of course it was Nana to the rescue!! I got a call yesterday afternoon that she was on her way here and that she needed to speak with Brenden. So I got Brenden and we met her outside. When she pulled up he got in her car and the conversation went something like this:

B: Hi Nana!
N: Hi Brenden. Hey, have you lost something that you loved and wished you could have back?
B: (paused for a moment)...Nope...
N: (grabbed the bag and started pulling out the blanket slowly) Not even a....(she didn't even get a chance to finish)
B: (his eyes were as big as quarters and he said)...A BIG BLANKIE... YEAH!!!!! He grabbed it and snuggled it and started to jump out of the car.....(I knew where he was headed so quickly...he wanted to show his Daddy)! Of course I grabbed him and reminded him to thank Nana and so he gave her BIG hugs and kisses. Then he jumped out of the car and ran inside to show Rich! (Nana understood his excitement, though)!! Thanks Nana!

Mom, thank you for making my little boys day! You know how I feel about those blankets and so I guess you can say you made my day too!! :) Who knew when you bought me that yellow blanket 34 years ago that it would become a family tradition! I LOVE those blankets.

P.S. Just so everyone knows...my mom was gone for 3 hours trying to find Brenden this blanket. She couldn't find a blue one anywhere. She wound up finding one on the other side of town. So she drove all the way there to pick it up for him. That's a big deal, especially considering gas prices. What a trooper...THANKS MOM...you are the BEST!! I LOVE YOU!!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TAYLER!

2008-09-11T11:28:00.004-04:00

WOW!! I can't believe that it has already been a year. Tayler is the best baby ever!! She has the sweetest disposition and is always so happy! You rarely see her without a smile on her face! I think she is the most loved baby on the planet! Everyone loves Baby Tayler...especially her parents and her brothers, and sisters! She has really become "Daddy's Little Girl"! She truly was our little blessing from Heaven!! We love you Baby Tayler and are so thankful to have you in our family!! Happy 1st Birthday!!!!

I LOVE HIM...

2008-08-25T10:36:00.005-04:00

I was sitting on the couch with Rich the other night and I told him that I love him like I did when I was 16...obviously more than I did when I was 16, but LIKE I did then. What I meant was that I can't seem to get enough of my husband these days (G-rated thoughts only!!). I miss him when he goes to work. I get so excited when I know he is on his way home. I love that he still makes my heart skip a beat! I love holding his hand in public. I love snuggling up next to him on the couch. I love when he puts his arm around me. I love the look he gives me from across the room that makes my heart melt. I love when I am doing the dishes and he walks up behind me and puts his arms around me and kisses me. I love the quiet time we have together after the kids go to bed. I love watching him hold our kids. I love watching him give our kids hugs and kisses! I love watching him wrestle around on the floor with our kids. I love the way he holds my face in his hands as he kisses me. I love the random emails during the day just telling me that he loves me. I love the way he sweeps and mops a floor. I love that he knows everything about electronics. I love the back rubs every night. I love the patience and forgiveness that he gives me. I love that he inspires me to be better than I really am. I love watching him with our kids. I love the way he loves our kids. I love watching his face light up when the kids charge at him every night when he gets home. I love that he goes to church with us every Sunday. I love that he fulfills his calling. I love that he was able to give our kids blessings for school. I love that he has gone back to school and has worked so hard. I love that he only has 1 more year left! haha I love that he works SO HARD for our family. I love that he will allow me space and time to do the things I like to do as well. I love watching him watch the Steelers play. I love the excitement in his eyes and his screams. I love that he thinks he has to wear his jersey, sit in his chair and hold his football a certain way or they won't win. I love that he has converted our whole family and a lot of our friends to Steeler heaven. I love that he can say "I'm sorry". I love that he can shed a tear in front of me and show his emotions. I love that he loves his parents and brothers and sisters so much. I love that he would do anything for anyone. I love that he would protect his family at any cost. I love that he puts up with his little car so that I can drive the van. I love that he puts up with my sarcasm and throws it right back at me. I love that he laughs at my jokes even though they aren't always funny. I love that he tells me I'm beautiful. I love that he likes to hear me play the piano. I love going on dates with him. I love that his is the last face I see when I go to sleep every night. I love when I have fallen asleep and I wake up to him kissing my cheek soflty as he whispers that he loves me before he goes to sleep. I love seeing the excitement in his eyes as he reaches new milestones on his new adventure - I am so proud of him. I love that he likes my cooking. I love his cooking too, especially his roast he makes...mmmmmm. I love to watch him "people watch" - he's so funny. I love his sense of humor. I love to watch him laugh so hard that he cries. I love that he still tries to surprise me. I love that he tries so hard to make us happy. I love that HE is the father of my children. I love that he made me a MOM!! Most of all- I LOVE that after 16 years of marriage and everything we've been through that he still loves me...THANK YOU RICH - I LOVE YOU!!

Katelyn's Birthday Cake!

2008-08-17T21:59:00.005-04:00

Here is the birthday girl with her "Princess Castle" cake! She loved it...yea!! It took a LONG time to make this one. There are over 300 flowers on this cake. I actually got blisters on my fingers making this cake. BUT-she loved it and that is all that matters!! I love making cakes for my family!! Happy Birthday Princess Katelyn!

Another "First"...

2008-08-16T10:03:00.004-04:00

The score was 21-17. Christopher's football team was down by 4. There were 4 seconds left on the clock. The quarterback dopped back and looked for an open man, threw the ball and the crowd went crazy! Christopher was running as fast as he could, turned and looked to catch the ball...beautiful catch! He continued running with the defensive backs right on top of him. They lunged and tackled him as he threw himself into the endzone. TOUCHDOWN!!!! Christopher just scored the game-winning points! Unfortunately, as he got up, he was holding his arm. Christopher had broken his arm. The crowd was absolutely quiet, but then Christopher waved as if to say, "I'm ok!" The crowd went crazy chanting Christopher's name.
That sounded great didn't it? If only that had really happened. The truth is.... he was playing football (catch) out front with his best friend (our next-door neighbor), Josh, and he tripped over the curb while trying to catch a pass. I guess Christopher thought that his Steeler's Jersey gave him SUPERPOWERS...haha!! WRONG!! Needless to say, we got to spend the evening in the ER last night! Luckily, we weren't there too long. They put him in a splint and we have to go see the orthopaedic doctor on Monday. What really stinks is that football tryouts were this last week and practice starts on Monday. I don't know that Christopher will be playing this year now. I guess we will see. I know....you are all so jealous of Christopher! haha
Christopher, when I said in the last post that I love "firsts", I didn't mean that you needed to get in on the action too! I can do without these kind of "firsts"!! haha Seriously, love you bud and I'm sorry this happened to you!! Hopefully, you can still play at some point. Love you!!

Tayler's First Steps 8.14.08

2008-08-15T23:23:00.006-04:00

Our baby girl is growing up way too fast...she took her first steps last night. We were all in the family room getting ready to say family prayer. I stood her up and she saw Brittaney's cell phone. I guess she decided that she really wanted it. She started walking over to Brittaney. She took up to four steps at a time. It was fun to watch the kid's reactions. They were so proud of her. She, of course, started clapping for herself too. She loves to clap! I love these "first" moments. We are so blessed to have this little angel in our family! She is truly a blessing from our Father in Heaven.
WE LOVE YOU TAYLER!!

FINALLY...

2008-08-14T11:02:00.015-04:00

FINALLY...I got my Hines Ward jersey!! Rich SURPRISED me. I told Rich it can be an early birthday present for me, since getting a jersey in the middle of November is no fun...since the regular season is almost over. However, we all know that I will be wearing this jersey in February too!! Thanks Rich...I LOVE YOU TONS!!!!

Katelyn's First Day of Kindergarten!

2008-08-14T10:26:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was the big day! She was so excited! She gets to ride the bus with Brenden and they sat together, so I'm sure that helped! Daddy went in to work late so he could see her get on the bus too...what a GREAT Daddy!! I must admit my heart ached as I watched the bus drive off...my little girl is now in Kindergarten. She is a very young kindergartener here, but she is more than ready. She is a little smarty pants like her big brothers and sisters. Her teacher was very impressed with her writing abilities. She had a wonderful day and said that she made A LOT of friends. Her teacher sent home a picture of the class, which is nice to put a face with a name! Her teacher seems FANTASTIC!! I think she is going to have a great year! We'll keep you posted on all of her new, fun, and exciting adventures (as well as the other kids too)!!

Happy Birthday Katelyn!

2008-08-14T09:56:00.002-04:00

After the kids went to school, I asked Katelyn what she wanted to do. She wanted to go to the Children's Museum. So, we got ready and headed down there. Here are some pictures from our day. We had A LOT of fun!! Happy Birthday Katelyn! I LOVE YOU!!

First Day of School!

2008-08-12T08:17:00.007-04:00

Well, here we go again...another year of school! Today was the first day for the 4 older kids. Katelyn first day of Kindergarten will be tomorrow. She is excited but is glad that she got to stay home today because today is also her birthday! She turns 5 years old today! We took the annual "before school" pictures so here they are:

Here is Brittaney. She is 15 years old and she is a Sophomore this year. She is very excited to get her driver's permit...aaahhhh! She attends early morning seminary at 6 am every morning that there is school! She has some great musical opportunities at school this year. The conductor asked if she would give up her study hall and play the piano for one of the other choirs. Also, she auditioned last year and made the top Show Choir and Chamber Orchestra (which is the Junior/Senior orchestra). She plays the violin beautifully too! She is one talented young lady!! She is enrolled in all Junior honor classes and is taking French 3 as well! Did I mention that she is a little "smarty pants" too? She has a lot on her plate, so she will keep us very busy this year!! Great job Brittaney!!
Christopher is in 7th grade this year. He is in all 7th grade excel classes - which means he uses 8th grade books, but gets to stay with kids his own age. he is a little "smarty pants" as well. He plays the trumpet in the school band as is doing very good. last year washis first year playing, but you wouldn't know it. My kids are all pretty musical...I think they got that from Rich...haha! He is also an AWESOME soccer player, but has decided to try out for the football team this fall. I only let the kids do one thing at a time so I guess soccer will have to wait for the spring. I know some coaches that are going to be very dissapointed. They really like having him on their team. He is usually the top scorer for his team. However, I am really proud of Christopher for trying something new! Besides, he has to get really good so he can grow up and try out for the STEELERS...right?! Great job Christopher!
Kehli is in the 3rd grade stretch program - they do 4th grade work, but stay with kids their own age...another litle "smarty pants". She wasn't quite as excited this year as she has been in the past, but she loves school. I really like the school she attends. She loves to read, especially Harry Potter books. She told us that she wants to learn how to play tennis, so we are looking into that for her. She has played soccer the last few years too, so we will put that on hold and let her try tennis. I think she will LOVE it! She seems like a "tennis player" to me! She is also getting excited for her birthday next month when she will turn 9. Great job Kehli!!Brenden is in the first grade this year. Last year for kindergarten he went all day every other day and every other Friday. He did Monday, Wednesday, and every other Friday. That is the schedule Katelyn will do this year too. Anyway, he wasn't too excited that he had to go to school all day every day this year, but he is excited that he gets to play on the playground there every day. We go over to that playground a lot during the summer. Brenden is our little gymnast. He REALLY is very good. We are also looking into gymnastics classes for him. This little boy can flip, and do tricks that I have never seen another little boy his age do. He loves to walk all over on his hands. When we went to his school for the open house, they did popsicles out on the playground. He starting walking on his hands and the little kids on the jungle gym were like "WOW...that is so cool!" Brenden thought that was awesome! Great job Brenden!
Well, there you have it! I will post about how their day went and about Katelyns first day tomorrow! I'm not quite sure what I am going to do with myself only having Tayler at home with me. I only babysit on Fridays now, and I haven't ever had just one kid home with me except for when Brittaney was little. I am rather excited at the prospect of really redoing our home. Going through every nook and cranny, every cabinet and drawer and even the attic!! YEA!! Brittaney laughs when I say that because she said I should take some time to have some fun. I told her, I will have fun doing this. It will make things so much nicer and more organized around here and then I can have more fun!! I have been having a lot of fun lately getting rid of things. I want to redo the kids bedrooms eventually too! Oh - my list of things to do is so long!
Anyway, I am so sad to see summer be gone already! I really love having my kids home with me and we had a fabulous summer. It was full of camps and a fabulous vacation to Idaho and Colorado. I will post about those later. I should get going so Katelyn and I can go have a fun day together for her birthday. Happy Birthday Katelyn!! Love you all!

Our Day at the Park!

2008-06-16T21:53:00.001-04:00

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-06-12T09:00:00.002-04:00

Wow...I can't believe it has been 16 years already!! Who is that baby in the picture? You look so young (not that you look old now...well except for the gray hairs...haha)!! What an incredible ride this has been and I hope this is only the beginning!! Thank you for being the man that you are today...a wonderful husband and an incredible Dad for our kids! I love you more than ever...FFAANMW!! Happy Anniversary Babe!!

Rich's FUNNY dose of reality...

2008-06-08T19:58:00.002-04:00

And the story goes like this...
My best friend Angie called and told me about her brother and his wife having their baby. Shiloh was 9 wks early but is doing great all things considered. Anyway...I was telling Rich about it and he said...
Rich: Which brother is this?
Cheri: Her youngest brother Jared.
Rich: Is he the one that has like 15 kids?
Cheri: No this is their first and the brother you are thinking of is Andy and he has 6 kids...like us!!
We proceeded to laugh out loud for a very long time. I guess that was Rich's dose of reality about how many kids we really have and what we must look like to other people. HAHAHAHA
We love you Rich and we love how you view the world...haha!!

Hair Makeovers

2008-06-08T09:54:00.009-04:00

Kehli, Katelyn and I went to get our hair cut this weekend. We got up early and headed over to the hair salon for our 7:30 am hair appts. Yes, you read that right...7:30 AM. That tells you how bad we all needed it!! It was a really fun morning! So, here are the pictures of the results!!

Kehli's NEW Haircut

Cheri's NEW Haircut

Katelyn took this picture...that's why I am kneeling on the floor! She always takes good pictures, especially for a 4 yr. old! Here it is Ang...thanks for your brilliant suggestion! Now you don't have to look up the other picture...haha!!

Katelyn's NEW Haircut...the process

She has been wanting her hair cut short for awhile, but Rich and I had a hard time wanting to let her do it (Rich was having a harder time than me, though). However, we let her cut it short and she loves it. I have to admit that I love it too!! I knew she would look cute, but it was hard to let go of her long hair. We are going to donate her hair that was cut off to locks of love or wigs for kids.

It's all gone now....

Best of Friends...

2008-05-22T08:20:00.005-04:00

Look at these cutie pies... I love that my kids get to live by at least some of their cousins. They love each other so much and have so much fun together. I'm glad they like coming over to Aunt RiRi's house! My kids love going to Aunt Marci's house too...YEA!! Rich just said last week that he thinks he would like to move down to San Antonio too...imagine all the cousins then. Of course we need Aunt Marci and Uncle Bill to follow or better yet just come with us! Then maybe Oma, Opa and Aunt Nicki and Addison will come too! I think we should all buy houses in the same neighborhood and then the kids can just walk over to each other's houses. I would love for my kids to know ALL of their cousins. Wishful thinking never hurt anyone, right?! Maybe one day we will all live at least a little bit closer and get to see each other more!! We love all of you!!!!

Christopher's Ordination

2008-05-21T13:12:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture of my 3 Mickelsen guys!! They look so handsome, don't they?! Christopher's birthday was April 9th and he turned the big 12!! Oma and Opa came out for the special occasion too!! Have I told all of you what incredible in-laws I have! They are here for everything!! I love you both so much! Thanks Mom and Dad we really appreciate you being here (especially since that was the 3rd trip you have made already to Indianapolis this year)!! Well, Christopher was ordained on Sunday, April 13th. Rich ordained him and Grandpa Wright and Opa were both able to help too! (along with others as well)! It was a very special day for our family and especially for Christopher! We are so proud of you Christopher!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-21T12:59:00.004-04:00

I had a fabulous Mother's Day! I got to sleep in...YEA!! Rich got up with the kids and they made me breakfast in bed! They made me french toast (my favorite). Rich made a Dr. Pepper roast that morning too and had it in cooking while we were at church! It was DELICIOUS!!!! This is a picture of a cake the kids made me on Saturday night. I had mad a BIG wedding cake on Saturday and made an extra sheet cake. So when we got home from the reception, I let the kids take the extra icing and ice the cake. This is what they did...they had so much fun doing it and I loved the end result!! Also, Rich got me a present...I finally got a label maker!! YEA!!!! I have wanted one for a very long time! It is really nice and I love it!! One of my favorite Mother's day moments was listening to Rich give his talk in sacrament meeting on Mother's day and bear his testimony of the gospel! Let's just say...INCREDIBLE!! Thanks Rich and kiddos for the best Mother's Day ever... I LOVE YOU!!!!

Zoo Day 4.5.08

2008-04-26T10:15:00.002-04:00

We went to the zoo, during spring break, on Saturday with Dad too. It was a beautiful day. The highlight of the day was petting the sharks I think. The kids loved that, especially Katelyn. Brittaney loves the dolphins, Christopher loves the penguins, Kehli loves the monkeys, Brenden loves the elephants, and Katelyn loves the sharks. One sad thing...a few days after we went to the zoo, our beloved polar bear died! He was so playful...there were big stairs right in front of the glass and my kids would sit there all day and watch him, if I would let them. He would come right up to the glass and then push off and come back and just play around. He was very entertaining. He has been there since we moved here (14 years ago). Anyway, we will miss him during our future visits to the zoo. I'm glad the kids got to see him one last time! Anyway, we had a FABULOUS day at the zoo!!