Saturday, July 19, 2008

Sammi rode her bike!

Sammi rode her bike today. Started, stopped and all in between all by her self. We are so happy. I know It's a little late, but she was so scared. She also accomplished jumping in the deep end this year too. We are so happy for her and are excited how much confidence it has given her. On one of the passes, she told me MOM! I RODE MY BIKE ON ONLY TWO SPECIAL TRIPS. IT DIDN'T TAKE ME VERY LONG AT ALL!
I am glad she thought it didn't take very long. I sure hope she will be motivated to do the next thing tons faster.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

vacation

we went on a lovely vacation to Tennesee. We went to a hotel for the first few days because we didn't know where to go in the Smokies. We didn't realize it was the same town as Dollywood. It felt like Vegas on the strip and not a relaxing vacation like we wanted. We were able to get to the mountains, and it rained pretty much the entire time. We decided to spend the last two nights in a hotel in Ashford North Carolina. It is beautiful all over there. We went there to see the Biltmore. It is the largest home in America. It was amazing to see. Four acres of just home and on 9000 acres. I have pictures of our trip but Joe has the camera.
I am so glad we went the kids didn't care that the weather was awful. They sat in the rain sitting on wet chairs just having fun out side. They got upset when we told them we were going to pack up and head to a hotel. They asked if we could camp when we got to the hotel. I think they forgot about camping when we jumped in the pool. We had great bonding time and it was so needed. Joe saw how obsessed Adam can be. All Adam talked about was carving, pocket knifes, making a pocket knife out of wood.... We had a talk about letting our minds think of other things and to block out things that can be distracting. I really think he got it. Then and hour would pass and he would bring up it again and Sam would say is that a distraction to what we are doing right now? I love those little helpers. When we got to the hotel the tv came on before the pool time and Adam said to Joe, no distractions now turn that off we are going to go swimming and he wasn't about to miss a time in the pool.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

kids

















kids were in

swimming lessons and they have really enjoyed it. in a few weeks I will put them in private lessons. I really want them proficient so it don't have to have to worry about 5 kids in the pool.



Sammi is finally learning to ride her bike . Adam is a great bike rider, and Johnny just got a big bike that he is really excited to ride.

Sammi got baptized




Sammi was baptized yesterday. It was so beautiful. I got together with a friend here, and she helped me make a video of some of the pictures I could find of her and a few songs. She loves it and we watched it together three times and I think she watched it a dozen or so times by herself. When we watched it together she got very emotional, and started to cry. She said she was crying because of all those great memories. Of course Joe or I didn't have dry eyes either.



She had great support from the people we have met here. I really think I am making some great friends. Sammi's friend Tori gave her a beautiful necklace. Her dress I made her was beautiful on her. (thanks for the help Jen and Mom) I am glad I had help, the pattern was pretty complex. The primary gave her a towel with her name ctr and date of baptism it's beautiful. Grandma and grandpa got her a set of scriptures, she loves it and is wanting to take up a challenge our bishop gave of reading the book of Mormon. I'm so glad she felt it was an important thing for her to do. Johnny wanted to get baptized yesterday because he loves her so much and wants to do what she does. I am very glad to have her in our family, she is so wonderful.



# 5 is on the way!

#5 is on the way! I needed to know the due date before I could announce it and since I found out on the 3rd, I haven't had internet. Joe is home and I could use the laptop. We are due with #5 on December 3rd. I am 4 mo along. I know some of you know and some I have not called to tell. Thanks for checking the blog.

Friday, May 30, 2008

we are getting settled


well we are in a two and a half bed one bath house for now. It sure feels good to not be in a hotel anymore. Well the last week we were at a house of a family in the ward here. They had 2 rooms that we stayed in. Joe wasn't there very long so it was a little easier since the room had only a twin bed. when Joe was there we squeesed a double air mattress in the small room.
We were able to get in this house and have half of our stuff in here so far. we have all the beds, table, tv, couch. the bear essentials. I can't find all of the utinsels, knifes, cables for the tv and lots of stuff that are the parts to put things together. I hope to get my stuff out of storage. I need to bug bomb the cellar. I hate cellars. scary spiders that look like crickets, and I saw some fungi that looks like black fingers coming up under the stairs. It sure gets imagination flowing. I have to smile and say its ok, and act calm while my kids are with me. My heart it almost jumping out of my chest. I was trying to figure out what kind of stuff is down there and can't find anything! I don't want to put any food down there if it could make my food toxic.
I know I'm being silly but I will have to go down there if the sirens go off for tornadoes. I will have chairs, water, food, blankets, lights and stuff down there ready.
I like Indiana. The people are nice. I have noticed more men are more aware here. Like opening the door , or taking the cart at the grocery store. in Wyoming, people would watch me struggle to open the door with kids in my hands, or trying to get through a door with a stroller. its just nice not to have to struggle to open the door.
The kids are doing great. they are playing out side everyday. the house has a very nice fenced backyard. I really think the house is great. I know we will enjoy being here for this time. we love and miss all of you.
oh Tyler walked on his own yesterday. He likes to only walk between Joe and I he will go around the kids to get to us. he loves to have everyone clap for him. If we forget.. because he has been walking for 20 min straight he will remind us by clapping for himself. I really think he could have been walking for a while but lacked motivation. he walked five steps the first time between Joe and I. so we backed way up the next pass and he really didn't struggle.
well ill let you know when I know more love ya

Monday, May 12, 2008

We are in Indiana now. Well we left Glenrock on the 15th of April. We have been staying in hotels since then. The first was super8 that was tight, 2 beds and that was pretty much it. Then we had to wait till the 2nd to get approval for the house so we went to a 940 a week hotel 3bed apt. We had to extend again for another 2 wks so I decided to go to Lexington Kentucky to stay with Joe for free. We got word on Friday that we didn't get the house. A relief in a lot of ways. now I just need to find a place to live. We have three states to choose from and work loads for Joe that will be heaviest in Michigan or Kentucky. I know it is the right thing for us to be here, just the place to live... We are both really stressed about that. The town of Columbus where we decided to put an offer on the house, is more expensive than other places, I just don't know. I think Ill keep looking there for now.
The kids are doing well. Adjusting well. Sam was required in school to do her spelling tests in cursive. They don't teach that till 3rd grade and they have 100 math problem timed tests . all 100 in 5 min. she came home telling me she only liked recess and lunch. That is not like her. I think she feels dumb. The teacher is impressed with all she does. Sam is good at school and it has been easy for her and this is challenging, with all life changes, new requirements, and no place to do homework. I know she will do OK. Adam is used to going to school all day. now it's 2 hours. He came home the first day and said what is the point of going to school? I'm not there for very long and we don't do much. They have toys but I think they are for show because no one is aloud to touch them. Is it so when parents come they think we have fun or what?
Johnny is doing well and having fun. Tyler has been sick and hardly eating not good for a picky eater. we are doing well and hoping to find a place soon.