Bret and Marissa Family

Rainy Day Fun

2011-08-02T09:06:00.001-06:00

Darci and Eliza soaking wet

Eliza doesn't want to come in out of the pouring rain.

Sunday, July 31, 2011
We were having a lazy, summer afternoon when I realized I couldn't hear Darci or Eliza anymore. I found them outside in the pouring rain. I love it!!! I used to love to play in summer rainstorms :)

Hiking Battlecreek Falls

2011-07-25T09:06:00.014-06:00

The hiking crew

For her wellness program at work, my mom has to do a 60 minute hike once a week. For the July 24th holiday we got to join her on her hike to Battlecreek Falls.
It was a great experience for our kids and fun for all.
We thankfully had a nice, cool, cloudy morning for it.
Afterwards we enjoyed breakfast at the kids' favorite joint... McDonald's.

Mom and Christopher at the bottom of the falls

Our view of the valley at the falls.

Christopher at the tops of the falls

Awww... my oldest and my youngest. Eliza idolizes Christopher

We Love You Wendy

2011-07-14T09:13:00.001-06:00

On July 7, 2011 Bret's younger sister, Wendy, passed away due to complications from her Type 1 Diabetes.
This has been a very hard and trying time for all of us, especially Bret, as we've tried to adjust to this sudden change in our lives.

She was able to pass peacefully surrounded by her parents and siblings.

The viewing and funeral were beautiful.

We love you Wendy.

There was a beautiful double rainbow that was with us our entire drive home from the viewing.

Till we meet again...

The smaller children still found some time to enjoy each other and play

Darci had a special moment with her grandma after we released balloons for Wendy.

Bret and Gabby have bonded. Gabby was Wendy's kitty. I think they know they need each other.

Grandma Rosemary thought Darci should have this arrangement from the funeral. It was Darci's Favorite and with there being roses... it was fitting for our little Darci Rose

Disneyland Day 3

2011-06-06T11:43:00.004-06:00

More info to come

Xander's Kindergarten Celebration

2011-06-06T11:39:00.001-06:00

More info to come

Meadow Dance Festival 2011

2011-06-06T11:36:00.000-06:00

More info coming.

MARDI GRAS!!!!

2011-03-09T09:49:00.003-07:00

So, one of my dearest friends (Libby, she is SO AWESOME) invited my family to her Mardi Gras party last night. Her family is from Louisiana and they celebrate every year.

Bret had to work, but the kids and I headed out and we had so much fun. Traditional Jambalaya, dirty rice, king (cup)cakes, homemade rootbeer, beignets... so fun to introduce my kiddos to this stuff. Everyone made floats out of boxes or dressed up and we had a full on parade with beads and coins. Eliza and Darci were pretty princesses and Xander was a pirate and Christopher was a rocker. Eliza even had the baby in her King Cake. We enjoyed the company of good friends and enjoyed overall good times.

Thanks again, Libby. You're the best host EVAH!

Silly Eliza

2011-02-18T16:22:00.004-07:00

Eliza is getting sooooooo big. For awhile there she was a skinny, itty bitty thing and always looking too skinny. Now she's suddenly getting a little bit chubbzy and I love it. She's also in to EVERYTHING and starting to get really good at talking and she loves to sing and dance. She can really drive me crazy, but she also makes me laugh and she is sooooooooo cute!!!

New Years Eve...eve...

2011-02-18T16:14:00.003-07:00

Justin and Carrie were in town the week after Christmas, but had to leave on Dec 31st in the morning so that Justin could chaperone a New Year's Eve Dance. So we had a New Years Eve Eve party with the Vegas Pings.

The cousins had so much fun together and (AS ALWAYS) Carrie makes the best spread of food. It was laid back and fun and so good to be together.

My mom and I.

B and Darci have so much fun together

Shendi and Xander hang.

Darci gets kisses from Pancho

Merry Christmas 2010!!!

2011-02-01T10:06:00.004-07:00

My goodness I'm behind on blogging. We've been very busy with me returning to work and the kids being involved in all sort sof activities.

Dec. 25th, 2010

What an amazing Christmas we had!!! More than anything we had some sweet miracles and blessings come our way that made our future look a little brighter.

The kids all had great insights this year into the true meaning of Christmas and I'm pleased to say it has been our most meaningful and spiritual.

We woke up around the usual time and I think we all enjoyed teaching Eliza how to rip into her presents. She seemed a little confused since she had been told no on ripping the wrapping paper so many times. Everyone loved their presents and the finale was Christopher opening a Wii for the whole family that he was not expecting to get until we got our tax refunds. Thanks to some saving and some help from both sets of grandparents we were able to make that happen. If any child in the world deserved to have his every heart's desire on Christmas it is Christopher. He is so obedient and helpful. He rarely complains and when he does he tries to do so in private. I don't know what I'd do without him.

We hope to hold these feelings and experiences with us throughout this next year and forever.

Christmas Eve

2011-01-03T18:20:00.005-07:00

December 24th, 2010-

Dani and Eliza LOOOVED the caramel corn.

Darci enjoyed holding Cora. Not so sure Cora enjoyed Darci holding her, though ;)

Eliza was often found at the food table, stuffing her face. What a mess!!!

We spent our traditional Christmas Eve at Bret's parent's clubhouse. We ate pizza and junk food and hung out and opened some gifts. We really enjoyed our time celebrating with family. The kids love going in the hot tub. It was very easy and laid back and relaxing.

I spent a good chunk of time holding baby Cora. She makes me realize my baby isn't a baby anymore and I've been feeling just a little sad that we aren't having anymore.

She's so sweet and snuggly!!!

We got home a little earlier than usual and the kids enjoyed opening their Christmas Eve PJs from Mom and Dad and their pillow pets from Gma and Gpa P.

Kayla's Birthday

2011-01-03T08:51:00.003-07:00

December 18th, 2010-

We went to Aunt Jenny's home and celebrated Kayla's 12th birthday. As always there were good eats and fun times. Our kids LOVE playing with their cousins and we enjoy visiting with family.

Meadow Elementary Christmas Sing

2010-12-28T15:24:00.003-07:00

On Dec. 18th the boys had their Christmas Sing concert at school. It was hard to get good pictures and video of them since we were near the back and it was waaaay crowded, but they did amazing. Xander recently lost one of his front teeth and he looked so cute singing with that great big space showing in his mouth. Christopher is just always so handsome and performs so well. It was the girls nap times, but they were troopers. Christopher is front row, white shirt, looking right at the camera. Xander is top row, white shirt, looking right at the camera. Later that day Eliza got a yummy cookie and made a major mess. VIDEOS TO COME

Xander's 6th birthday

2010-12-17T10:13:00.005-07:00

Dec. 2, 2010

It was a super fun day for Xander and the rest of us as we celebrated his big day. With Xander being our "middle child" and with his birthday so close to Christmas I really try to make it a special day. I left the house early in the morning to get some donuts and chocolate milk. On my home I called the home phone and had Christopher gather all the kids at the kitch table. I came in the door with goodies in hand and singing a very loud and silly version of Happy Birthday. I know one day I will completely embarass my kids, but right now they think I'm pretty cool and funny and they were all tickled by my theatrics.

After school we went to the University Mall and visited Santa and saw all the Christmas decor. They played at the playground for a little while. Then we met both sets of grandparents near there at Xander's favorite place... Pirate Island Pizza. Yummy pizza, fun atmosphere, and lots of arcade games for all the kids' levels and they are all generous with tickets. Xander was in HEAVEN!!!

The very next day I got to go in his kindergarten class and read his favorite book to the class and out goodies. Xander was every bit as excited to share his favorite book and introduce his mom and sisters to his class as he was to go to Pirate Island.

I adore Xander. He is such a special little man. He finds the good and beauty in everything. I love that he'll tell complete strangers how beautiful they are. I think he daily makes some woman's day by his expressions of "Your hair is GORGEOUS!" or "Mom, the lady helping us is BEAUTIFUL!" He is also quick to give his mommy compliments, too.

I love my Xanderman!!

Here's some new stuff...

2010-12-14T09:53:00.004-07:00

November 30, 2010... Christopher achieved his Wolf in Cub Scouts. He's very proud of his accomplishments.

December 5, 2010... the kids looked so nice and handsome before church and the girls were wearing their new Christmas dresses from Gma P. I was so glad I got this great picture.

Dec. 2, 2010... As part of Xander's birthday celebration we went to see Santa.

It wasn't all about Xander that day. Darci got brave and decided to get her ears pierced. We've been trying to talk her into this for a couple of months.

I also finished a petti-skirt I had been working on for a VERY long time. It is so beautiful and only cost me $15 to make. They usually go for $50-$100 online.

Dec. 8, 2010... despite Darci's hair getting longer than it's ever been, we gave her a cute, new, and sassy cut. Much easier and cuter than ever.

WAAAAAAY Behind

2010-11-28T18:00:00.003-07:00

But here are some pictures until I can catch up. Xander on the pommel horse at gymnastics Christopher holding new cousin, Cora Eliza being a cheese. Darci being silly.

HAPPY Halloweentime!!!

2010-10-31T19:55:00.006-06:00

Halloween fell on a Sunday this year. So, for our family that meant church, a yummy dinner, and some fun Halloween cartoons. I LOOVE these pictures leaving the Halloween parade at the school on the 29th. So much love between Bret and his daughters.

Saturday the 30th was an incredibly cold and dreary day. Despite the wind and rain the 3 older kids costumed and then bundled up and Bret took them out. I really didn't think they would last long, but more than an hour later they came back cold, wet, and had buckets full of candy.

Xander at the Halloween parade.

Christopher at his Haloween parade.

Waiting for Christopher's parade to start. Friday the 29th Christopher and Xander had their school Halloween parties and annual costume parades. Christopher's was in the morning and we had fun seeing all the fun creative costumes. Xander's was in the afternoon and was just the PM Kindergartners. It was short and sweet and soooo cute. I love kindergartners.

All 4 kiddos in front of Grandma and Grandpa's house.

My mom and I at the Trek-or-treat.

Walking down to the nature path for the Trek-or-treat. Thursday the 28th we went to the "Trek-or-Treat" out at my parent's. They set up on the nature path near their home with everyone from their ward and have dinner and tick or treat along the path. It was kind of cold and windy. But, as always, it was worth bearing for big bags of candy. Earlier that morning Darci had her preschool Halloween party and had fun wrapping up as mummies and making starch and cheesecloth ghosts.

Darci at her preschool party with the ghost she made.

The cute girlies wrapped up as mummies.

Saturday the 23rd was a crazy day for me. I started back to work with Dollar Cuts salon. A new location in Saratoga Springs. My friend, Rebecca, is the new manager and was able to get me shifts when Bret doesn't work. For all the Dollar Cuts grand openings we do $1 haircuts all day. I worked from 9am-6pm and did 40 haircuts. Bret and the kids picked me up just as we needed to head to our wards "Trunk-or-Treat". It was fun for everyone and I didn't have to think about how tired I was until it was over.

Christopher with his friends Drew and Madison.

Daddy and his girls handing out candy.

Xander and Darci "fishing" for treats.

Overall Halloweentime 2010 has been a fun one for this family.

Raingutter Regata 2010

2010-09-29T21:12:00.003-06:00

Christopher had his first Raingutter Regata at pack meeting yesterday. It's like thhe pinewood derby, but with boats. He and I worked clumsily together to make his boat. When we got to the church building there were other boats that looked by far more impressive and handsome. But when it came to sailing that raingutter straight... Christopher's boat had all the right stuff. He won two heats and lost one. He was very proud of himself. Afterwards there were yummy brownies. Thanks to Gma P for coming out and cheering him on.

Christopher with his able craft.

Darci and Eliza (middle two) enjoying yummy brownies with friends.

'Tis the Season...

2010-09-28T11:46:00.005-06:00

It never fails. Every year, about a month into school, Christopher (and now Xander) bring home all the new germs that they are encountering in the bathroom, cafeteria, drinking fountains, etc of the school. My boys are good hand washers, but it is still inevitable. Christopher, Xander, and Eliza just got simple colds, but Darci (with her weakened immune system from T1) also endured a double ear infection and strep throat. Thank goodness no one shared in the strep. Bret got a little cold and I was spared due to being on strong antibiotics already.

Bringing to my other medical announcement (?). I've been struggling with stomach issues for a long time now, but beginning of September things just got worse and worse. Between September 5 and 12 I ended up in the Emergency Room 4 times. During the course of that time I endured a CT Scan, MRI, and Endoscopy... along with numerous IVs, drugs, and blood draws. I told the ER to stop sending me home and please find me some answers. A wonderful gastroenterologist discovered I have very severe gastritis and ulcers. I also tested positive for a bacteria called H. Pylori, which exacerbate the ulcers and bleeding and pain. I guess 53% of the population have h. pylori in their stomachs, but when it gets bad enough to become symptomatic they like to get rid of it. Hence the strong antibiotics.

It feels like we just can't catch a break in the medical department. I very much appreciate the medical community, the great advancements in technologies that have allowed disorders, diseases, and illnesses that were once major to be minor, and the easy availability of both. But we need a serious break from it all.

Darci playing with her stickers from the dr. You can kinda tell she didn't feel very good.

It actually ended up being a bad case of teething and a minor cold for Eliza, but it still wiped her out. One minute I could hear her playing with Lightning McQueen... the next it was much too quiet and this is how I found her.

JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes 2010

2010-09-26T16:59:00.007-06:00

We had such a blast doing this year's walk to cure diabetes. It was our first year and definately not our last. Audra put together a good sized team this year and we were able to raise over $3,100. The them this year was "Rock the Walk" and we had fund decking ourselves out as rockers. I was humbled and touched by the family support and the generosity of volunteers and company donations for the event. Food, music, and lots of fun and games all donated.

Eliza and I at our team tent!

We woke up bright and early to get ready and be to the park by 8AM. We registered and then went to our team tent. We were lucky to have a tent. Only teams who raise $2,000 or more get one. A DJ, bouncehouses and slides, and lots of fun game tents were set up. A yummy breakfast of donuts, fruit, hot chocolate, granola bars, etc was available.

My side of the family :)

At 9:30 the walk started. It was amazing seeing 3,500+ people walking to support a cure for diabetes. All along the 3 mile walk there were signs with pictures of children with diabetes with their name, age, and diagnosis date. Including our own Darci and nephew, Brady.

Xander and Darci

Eliza is ready to rock!

Brady and Eliza with their fantastic endocrinologist, Mike Swinyard.

After the walk we had a yummy lunch and the kids played and played and played. Christopher was so proud to climb the rock wall to the top. Xander won so many tickets. Darci wasn't feeling very good, but enjoyed playing. Eliza could have walked all over the park and charmed everyone she saw.

Darci with her walk sign

Brady with his walk sign

Christopher at the top of the rock wall.

Back on the ground and so proud.

I can't wait to participate again next year.

Darci, Mommy, and Eliza ROCK!!

We love Autumn!!

2010-09-20T17:51:00.005-06:00

My favorite season of the year is autumn. I love as the weather starts to cool and the leaves change. This year I am loving my boys' excitement as I pick them up from school everyday. I love how happy Bret is as football gets under way. I love Eliza's love of the outdoors and nature.

This week Bret has time off of work and we picked the boys up from school and headed up Provo Canyon. We showed the kids Bridal Veil Falls and then went to Sundance.

I'm grateful that my children can appreciate the beauty of God's creation.

Bridal Veil Falls

Sundance

Combined Pack Meeting

2010-09-10T16:26:00.004-06:00

Christopher recieves his beads. Aug 31 we had a combined pack meeting for the scouts in our ward boundaries. Christopher earned 2 beads towards his wolf. And everyone had fun playing soccer and water balloon volleyball. Christopher also got his kit for the Raingutter Regatta

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T16:19:00.003-06:00

Luke, Easton, and Darci For Labor Day weekend we had Scott and Lindsey in town with cousins Easton, Luke, and Max. Justin was also here for the BYU football opener and so we got to play with cousin Grady, too. Lots of fun and chaos was had!!! Grady wondering what in the world is wrong with Eliza. The result of a very fun and active day. We hadn't even gotten to the freeway yet.

1st days of school 2010/2011

2010-09-01T20:15:00.004-06:00

Christopher had his first day of 3rd grade on Wed, August 25. I dropped him off with a big grin on his face and picked him up and was welcomed with an even bigger one. He loves his new teacher, Ms. Thinn, and is fast making friends with everyone in his class. Even after some punk kid tried to hang from his legs while he was trying to cross the monkey bars 3rd day in he hasn't waned in his excitement to be back in school.

Today Xander started his first day of Kindergarten. Bret and I (and Xander, too) have been very anxious for this day. And we were worried after his teacher "meet n greet" last night when he left in tears. This morning he was a completely different kid. So excited and ready to go. He happily waited in his class line before the teachers took them in and tried to make friends with the kids around him. His teacher, Mrs. Kendall, gave us a great report when I picked him up. She said he was happy, sweet, and the only thing we needed to work on was raising his hand when he needs to talk (no surprise there).

Overall we are now looking forward to a fun and productive year in school.

BEA-U-TIFUL!

2010-08-29T18:31:00.002-06:00

I am of the VERY unbiased opinion that Darci is one of the most beautiful little girls I have ever seen. I was listening to her tell me of one of her adventures today and snapped these pictures while she talked. Just had to share.

My little fishy

2010-08-21T21:44:00.003-06:00

The birthday crew (minus Wendy, who was sick)

We had a fun family gathering tonight at Grandpa and Grandma A's clubhouse to celebrate the many birthdays that take place in Aug on this side of the family. Wendy, Nathan, Dustin, Kip, and Quinn ( not necessarily in that order). There was lots of sun and swimming and good food and conversation. We have discovered this summer that Eliza loves the water, but this day she was way more than fearless. We couldn't turn our back for two seconds. So much fun!!!!!!

The kids being silly :)

Chillin' in the hot tub. (Kip, Bret, Crystal, Xander, Dani, Rosemary, Eliza, and Dustin)

Eliza being thrown by Daddy and caught by Grandma.

Kayla, Elise, Grandma, and Christopher all jumping in.

Xander Hot Tubbin' Dan and Jenny poolside.

Kip and Quinn poolside.

Darci and Eliza were our little mermaids.

Daddy and Eliza having a blast!

Disney Symphony at Deer Valley

2010-08-17T07:55:00.005-06:00

I'm still very behind on my blogging and I'm not going in very good order.

On Friday, July 23 we went up to Deer Valley in Park City and enjoyed the Utah Symphony performing Disney Classics. This was an early Christmas gift from Dustin and Crystal and it was such an enjoyable evening. One of our best summer events ever. Just a beautiful night overall with Bret's side of the family.

LAGOON!

2010-08-10T08:36:00.008-06:00

On Friday, July 30 we had our Stake Lagoon Day. When we had to cancel our Disneyland trip this year we consoled the kids by promising a trip to Lagoon this summer. We decided that it would be too long and hot of a day for Eliza so we left her in the very capable hands of Auntie Becca.

Daddy and Darci on the "Paratrooper"

We had a blast and it was so fun to see how the different kids reacted to rides and lines and such.

Christopher would have gone until closing if the rest of us had the energy. He was slightly disappointed that he was just a half inch too short for some of the biggest coasters. Some of his favorites were Colossus, The Bat, and The Spider.

Xander and Christopher in the front seats of The Bat.

Xander wanted to ride everything, but he would just shiver and shake and his heart would race. You would think he'd never want to ride another scary ride the way he rode, but he'd go over and over.

Here's Xander pretending to be royalty ;)

Darci just grinned on everything she rode. She wasn't tall enough for anything too scary, but she enjoyed what she could. But in great preschooler fashion, her favorite ride was the Merry-Go-Round. We would ride that over and over while the boys would ride the bigger things.

Bret and I just can't go and go and do rides over and over like we used to. When did we get "old".

Summer Rainstorms

2010-08-10T08:21:00.003-06:00

Loving the "monsoon season" this year. We have afternoon storm clouds most days and many times we get a little rain. Well, on the 4th we had crazy torrential rain, hail, thunder, and lightning. It went on for about 30 minutes and before we knew it there was sunny skies. Suddenly Christopher runs into the house and asks if he can get his swimsuit on. The empty lot down the street is full of water. So I scoop up the girls and this is what we found!

It was about 2 1/2 ft deep in the middle at first. There is a drain so it was slowly going lower.

We couldn't believe how fast word got around and how many kids and teenagers came out to play in it.

Christopher and his friends liked riding their bikes and scooters through it.

Xander took one look at the water and would not go in. He said it looked "GROSS!".

Darci, on the other hand, dove right in. So did Eliza. I ended up having to put the camera down and keep right on top of her or she would dive right UNDER. It took a couple of hours before this little pool was completely gone.

Hiking the "Y"

2010-08-01T09:49:00.004-06:00

I'm waaaay behind on my blogging, but here I go...

Darci, Grandma P, and Christopher

On Saturday morning, July 17, Christopher, Darci, my mom, and I hiked the trail up to the "Y" on the mountain above BYU campus. It's a mile up and consists of 10 switchbacks... some steeper than others. It was easy breezy for Christopher. He loved every minute. Darci had her ups and downs. Where I could I carried her. It was fun for us all, for the most part, and it's always a great accomplishment and wonderful view once we are there.

Christopher and Darci ON the "Y". It's pretty big.

The view of the valley below.

Update on Eliza

2010-07-13T16:13:00.003-06:00

Beginning of June Eliza was very sick and ended up hospitalized. It took her another week and a half to get the bug out of her system. Through the course of her illness she lost over 2 lbs. That's a lot for even a baby her age of average weight. But Eliza has always been a little peanut.

Now, here we are... a month and a half later. She's done well, but she's sick again. My poor baby can't afford to lose more weight. I need to start giving her milkshakes at every meal. We get a lot of comments about me not feeding her. I HATE it!!

Here are some marshmallows nearly the size of Eliza's head. SEE!!! SHE EATS! This is even after a full dinner.

Freedom Run Provo

2010-07-05T21:14:00.003-06:00

Today my mom, my sister-in-law Carrie, Christopher, and I participated in the Provo Freedom Festival 5K. This was Christopher's and my first 5k and we were very proud of ourselves. We had to get up really early and it was very chilly for July 5th. 55* is great for running, but our cheerleaders on the sidelines were pretty miserable. Here are some of the pictures Bret took and the link has the professional pictures from the photographers along the 5k route.

Darci watches the hot air ballons while waiting for the runners

Our cold little cheerleaders

Grandma crossing the finish line before the rest of us.

Christopher and I crossing the finish line together.

Karen, Carrie, Marissa, and Christopher after the race.

http://www.zazoosh.com/members/viewGallery/2784

Grandma Nelson's Legacy

2010-07-05T14:11:00.006-06:00

On Friday, June 25, 2010 my sweet Grandma Shirley Nelson passed away due to a brain anyuerism. She was my last living grandparent and we were sad to see her go. My children had the opportunity to get to know her really well and were sad to see her pass, too. It is truly bittersweet as I think of her reunion with my grandpa who passed away in 1977. What a great reunion that must have been. She lived a life dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ and dearly loved all her friends and family. She loved to serve others and had a strong testimony of prayer. She could be feisty when she needed to be and humble and gentle, too.

The kids and I drove to Las Vegas for her funeral on Wednesday June 30. Thursday morning I went with my mom and aunts (Dana and Theresa) to help dress my grandma and to do her hair and make-up. I was so honored to be able to do this for her. Thursday night was a family BBQ at my brother, Justin's, house. It was great for us to all get together and talk of our memories. What an amazing legacy my grandmother has. 30 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren. With the knowledge of the gospel this was more of a family reunion and less of a grieving time.

Friday was a beautiful funeral and a luncheon. All the grandchildren and great-grandchildren sang "A Child's Prayer". Then we all drove back to Utah for her graveside services being held the next day. It was a quick trip, but the kids did so well and I was so glad to be able to honor my grandma that way.

Christopher at the viewing. I wasn't sure how appropriate it was to take any pictures at the funeral so this is the only one.

Darci enjoying the pool and 105*+ heat of Las Vegas

Xander preferred the hot tub. CRAZY KID!!! That's cousin Stella behind him and 3rd cousin's (Tatum's kids) Gavin and Owen next to him.

Eliza's backyard and pool time

Christopher started our time in Las Vegas needing water wings or a kick board for the pool. By the end of our time there he could swim in the deep end and do cannon balls off the waterfall.

This is our cousin, Rachel. She is 5 years old and a sweetie. She was showing Darci how to jump off the rocks.

Round-up Days Parade

2010-06-26T13:49:00.000-06:00

The boys were able to join the church primary in marching in the city days parade. The theme for everyone to base their float around was "What I Saw". Our ward's float was "What I Saw Outdoors in Utah" and the float was delicate arch. It was super hot both days and they did SO well! Darci and Eliza just enjoyed everything about the parade.

Flowers

2010-06-25T10:54:00.004-06:00

I've been very proud of my yard and gardens this year. You can see a lot of it in past posts that have pictures taken outside. But here are some of my flowers. My lillies were planted for a dear friend's daughter, Lily, whose spirit has touched me so deeply. You can read all about her at www.lilyharper.org/lily

My Bobcat

2010-06-22T22:45:00.002-06:00

Tonight Christopher recieved his rank of Bobcat at scouts. He also recieved his archery and BB Gun belt loops. He is loving scouts so much and it's fun to watch him learn and grow through this.

I got my pin.

Christopher gets his whiskers.

Reciting scout law

He recievved an archery belt loop. This was one of his favorite activities. LOOK AT THAT FORM!

Rafting was another favorite activity. He's the one at the back of the raft, front row to us, with the green hat.

"School's out for Summa"

2010-06-09T15:09:00.004-06:00

Today we had perfect summer temps and everyone was feeling well and in good moods. We set up the kiddie pool and enjoyed a day in the backyard.

My 3 year old shouldn't be posing like a 50's Hollywood pin-up girl. Time to invest in a gun and learn sharp shooter aim for those teen years.

Summer wouldn't be summer without your Harts mug refills.

Christopher's Baptism

2010-06-05T21:44:00.003-06:00

What a special day this turned out to be. After the week we have had we needed this bright moment in our lives.

Christopher just glowed and he and his daddy looked so wonderful in white. All the family in Utah were there and, since Christopher was the only child in our ward getting baptized, he was the center of the program. Grandpa P gave a talk on baptism and gave Christopher a nice quad. Bret performed the baptism perfectly and Xander and Darci had perfect front row seats to see their brother's great example. Grandpa A then gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost, and Christopher was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a beautiful day that is a milestone marker on our family's eternal progression.

Afterwards we had everyone over to our house for a BBQ and outdoors visiting and play. It always nice to have the love and support of our families.

My poor baby!!!

2010-06-04T21:34:00.002-06:00

Some of my worst moments as a parent are when I'm helpless to keep my kids from hurting. On Wed ( the 2nd) Eliza ended up in the Emergency Department and then the Rapid Treatment Unit of Primary Children's Hospital. She had been feeling crummy for a little over a week. We had even been into see the pediatrician to check for an ear infection. Our dr believed it was cutting molars and that she might possibly be coming down with something. Really, it had seemed like she was getting better. Then, out of nowhere, she spiked a high fever and in the course of a couple of hours started throwing up repeatedly. She had to endure horrible tests to rule some things out. An air enema looks as horrible as it sounds and breaks even the hearts of those performing it. As always, all the drs and nurses at PCMC were wonderful. It took some major anti-nausea medication to stop her body's throw up reflex, IV antibiotics, 12 hours of IV fluids, and proof that she could keep down drinking fluids to be able to bring her home. We left almost 24 hours after getting there with a diagnosis of intestinal flu and an ear infection. She's still weak and we have to encourage and push her to drink still. We hope she continues to mend and heal without further setbacks.

Happy Memorial Day!!!

2010-05-31T08:43:00.004-06:00

Last night we met up with Gma and Gpa P and Brett and Shendi at the cemetary to visit Great Grandpa Nelson's, Darci P's, and cousin Mikey's graves. There is also a flag and wall with Great Gpa's name on them for his service in WWII. He was a POW and his story is pretty amazing.

I highly recommend the book "My Father's Captivity" by Al Young for a great read about that time in a Japanese POW camp.

We had a picnic near the graves and remembered our family that has already joined our Heavenly Father.

Original Pings... minus Justin and Scotty

Funny kids

2010-05-31T08:35:00.004-06:00

Xander is definately our biggest clown, but they are all so funny and silly and continually make Bret and I laugh.

Eliza's new things... she stands on her head, likes to sing and dance, and when we are in nursery she has to have her own carpet to sit on during lesson and singing time and she does actions to "popcorn popping" and holds the ribbons during "do as I'm doing".

Xander says and does the funniest things. He has never seen "Lord of the Rings" but he suddenly goes around saying, "My precious!" just like Gollum.

Christopher always comes up with funny and odd scenarios just like his dad.

Darci likes to shake her bum and dancee and spin.

Overall they keep life pretty fun and entertaining.

Dance Festival 2010

2010-05-21T21:57:00.001-06:00

This year the elementary school did "Decades" for their dance festivel. Because of construction on the school they did it differently this year than in years past and we had a hard time seeing Christopher. It was fun watching him do the Charleston from the '20s, though.

I ran out on the field when they were lining up so I could get a good picture of him. The thing around his neck is supposed to be a bow-tie.

This is as close as I could get from where we were watching.

Darci and Xander enjoyed the music and danced for those around us.

Pirate Island!!!

2010-05-20T21:46:00.000-06:00

Front row- Eliza, Xander, Christopher, Blakelynn, Darci, and Matthew

Back- Bret, Gma P, Brett, Shendi, and Gpa P

Gma and Gpa P were visiting out of town family during Christopher's birthday and so today they took the family out to Christopher's favorite pizza spot... "Pirate Island". Joined by Brett and Shendi's family we had delicious pizza and had lots of fun playing in the arcade. Thanks for the fun night Gma and Gpa!!!

Some updates and forgotten stuff.

2010-05-19T18:03:00.004-06:00

First of all... my hand. It's pretty much healed. I've had it peel like a sunburn three or four times, and right after peeling the fresh skin is very sensitive. It gets tingly every now and then, too. But you have to look pretty close to see any of the scars and I have full use. I feel so blessed and so grateful to have my hands.

Secondly, I completely forgot the wonderful announcement that Darci is now mostly potty trained!!!!! We worked hard and it was draining on both she and I. I say mostly because she isn't night trained. But during the day she never has an accident. She loves her panties and changes them several times a day just because. In fact we have to really stay on her to keep her pants on, or not lift her dresses up. She's happy to be a "big girl".

Happy 8th Birthday Christopher

2010-05-16T09:31:00.002-06:00

I can't believe my firstborn is 8 years old!!! The time has flown like lightning. He is such a good kid. He is so excited for his upcoming baptism and to start in Cub Scouts. He enjoys his friends and school. He is anxiously looking forward to summer. He has such a great testimony of the Gospel and we have moments when he teaches Bret and I. I've heard a few people express that getting baptized at 8 is too young. That they can't possibly be an accountable age. But I have seen the strength and spirit in my own son that proves that this is the perfect age to be taking such a big step. He is my big helper. I can ask him to do anything and he does it without complaint. He cares deeply for his younger siblings and tries his best to be kind and loving. He is constantly aware of those around him and he has concern for everyone.

I love you Christopher!! You first blessed me by making me a mom and you continue to bless my life always!!

Such JOY!!

2010-05-15T19:52:00.003-06:00

Eliza is at such a fun age and she brings us so much joy. Not for just Bret and I, but to all her siblings and everyone around her. We have gotten some cute pictures of her recently.

Everytime Bret plays the piano, Eliza tries to join him.

Christopher's Birthday Party

2010-05-15T18:16:00.007-06:00

Tomorrow is the actual day and I'll leave my sentimentality for then.

Today Christopher had his birthday party. He really wanted me to do a Super Mario Bros. theme. So, I started searching online and picking friends' brains for ideas and I think we pulled it off. We only let the kids have a "friend party" every other year.

Here's the whole party crowd (minus Gma and Gpa Armstrong)

We started with decorating our treat bags while Bret and Grandpa went to get the pizza.

Next was all the pizza, chips, and soda they could drink. I really thought so many 8 and 9 year olds would devour every speck of food we had, but they were all more interested in jumping on the trampoline. We're going to be eating on pizza for a few days.

Eliza likes her pizza!

After our nosh we played "Pin the Mustache on Mario". There was lots of funny spots to put mustaches. Xander very excitedly won this one.

Everyone gets their mustaches.

Next we squashed Koopa Troopas for coins. Anyone that isn't in the know with Super Mario (like me) should know that a Koopa Troopa is a turtle and you jump on them for coins. Our Koopa Troopas were green balloons with gold coins in them. Some had 2 or 3 and couple had 5-8. The kids would run to a chair and pop their balloons to find out how many coins they got and collect them in their bags.

The next game the kids had to use their brick blocks (just a piece of cardboard with bricks painted on) and jump on them to get to a finish line. If you tossed your brick too far and couldn't land on it then you had to go back to the beginning. When you reached the finish line you could go into that part of the yard and search for coins. There were also 3 boxes containing 12 coins each.

After this we had our pinata, which we made to look like a Bomb-Omb. We went youngest to oldest for turns to whack it and it was the 2nd oldest (Kaleb) who broke it open. Our pinata was full of candy and more coins. Everyone counted up their coins and the person with the most coins won a prize.

Daniel Makes everyone laugh with his bomb-omb head

The presents. Christopher's favorite part. And great big cupcakes from Costco. It was a fun day with perfect weather and, I think, very memorable for Christopher.

Nine blissful years...

2010-05-11T23:34:00.000-06:00

And a hope for many more to come.

** sorry it's a little blurry

The last 9 years have been some of the best of my life. I have had my hardest trials, my lowest moments, and yet I wouldn't trade them for anything because I have had my best friend and lover by my side. I often say that Bret is my EVERYTHING. And that is really the best way to describe it. My best friend, my lover, my equal, my strength, the father of my children, my husband... everything.

I love so much about him that I don't think I could put it all in a blog post. I would need to spend several days to put it all down.

Tonight we kept it simple and went on a date out to dinner. We talked and reminisced. Before going to bed we watched the home videos from our wedding day and reception. OH MY!!! We were so young... at least we looked so young. I was much thinner and didn't look (or feel) as tired. But I am definately much more in love, much wiser, and much more comfortable in my own skin and in my relationships with others.

We came home from our date to find Gpa snuggling with Eliza and cousin, Matthew.

And Gma bathing the older kids.

Our newest family member

2010-04-30T18:19:00.003-06:00

We were going to wait at least 6 month to look into getting another family pet, but in PetSmart today (we went for birdseed) we saw the prettiest little kitten. She was the last of her litter and looked so lonely. So, we adopted her into our home. She's a pretty little calico and we decided to call her Jasmine. She seems to be adjusting to our home ok. We've only had her a few hours and has tolerated all the love and attention from the kids.

Jasmine with her new momma

Such a pretty little girl.

OUCH!

2010-04-29T07:30:00.004-06:00

On Monday, April 26th I was out at my parents place and I decided to mow the back lawn under my dad's radar. My dad works so hard all day, every day. He does hard, manual type labor... at work and at home. So, I thought I'd help out a little, but to do this you have to sneak it in. He doesn't like being helped. Anyway, half way through the job I realized I needed to raise the wheels to get through some thicker and longer grass. Basically, I set my hand on the exhaust manifold of the lawnmower. You know, that part with the bright yellow sticker with the picture of the hand getting burned? Anyhoo, it didn't hurt too bad at first and a little cold water seemed to help. Fast forward about 90 minutes. The kids and I made it home and the kids are in bed and I'm at the sink with my hand under cold running water and I'm sobbing and crying. This is how Bret found me. Seriously hurt more than anything I have ever felt. I decided I needed medical attention and after discovering most urgent cares ARE NOT 24 hr I headed to the ER. They gave me some good meds and wrapped my hand up.

2nd degree burns on my fingertips and where my fingers bend on the 3 middle fingers. I came home (had to get a ride from Becca) with hard core pain meds and a referral to the burn center up at the UofU hospital. The first day was rough. If I didn't take the meds every 4 hours I was howling in pain. The second day wasn't too bad except that my appointment with the burn unti was that afternoon and I was told they were going to scrub the wounds to get rid of the dead skin and expose the healthy stuff underneath. This scared me to the point of almost having a panic attack. Then we get to tha appointment and they open up the dressing and clean and it doesn't look too bad. I was examined by the main dr and the physical therapist at the burn clinic and they agreed that everything looks great. I CANNOT begin to express in a blog post how relieved I was. I almost wanted to faint from relief. The dr wants to leave the hand open to the air so that the dead skin can begin to dry out and slough off. They sent me home the the paraphenalia to dress any blisters that open up and I have to wear a glove to deal with any germ (ie- housecleaning, diaper changing, and any and all hair services). The physical therapist gave me some exercises so my skin doesn't heal and tighten wrong where my fingers bend.

THANK YOU TO ALL who sent amazing prayers on my behalf and especially to those that helped with the kids during all this. An extra special thanks to Bret. He took the first day off of work to take care of me, the kids, and the house.

The ER didn't HAVE to wrap it this intensely, but they did once they heard I had 4 small children. I started referring to it as my boxing glove.

Freshly cleaned and looking 10 times better than it did the night it happened. The burn unit hadn't seen a burn this fantastic in weeks.

Elise's baptism

2010-04-11T07:51:00.003-06:00

Yesterday we had the opportunity to attend our cousin/niece's baptism. It was good for Christopher to see and take in what he might expect for his own baptism day. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved and we are so proud of Elise for taking this step.

After the baptism Audra had a little birthday party/luncheon at their church and we enjoyed good food and fun games. The kids had fun with a pinata. What ended up being even more fun was the rope hanging the pinata. Kip and some of the older cousins made a jump rope out of it and everyone enjoyed taking turns showing off their jumping skill.

Thank you, Audra, for always throwing great gatherings. You are definately the Martha Stewart of our family.

Elise gets blindfolded to take her turn

Darci takes her turn

The kid after Darci broke it and everyone rushed to get their share

Xander and Christopher with their spoils

Happy Easter (kind of)

2010-04-05T22:03:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was Easter Sunday and the LDS semi-annual General Conference. I was really looking forward to making it a nice and spiritual Sunday for my family. And then I woke up at 3am very, VERY sick. When I wasn't closed up in the bathroom I was asleep. I was so disappointed that I couldn't see my children go through their easter baskets or make them a nice breakfast. I didn't get to find teaching moments as they listened to the prophet speak. And I didn't get to fill my spiritual cup from Conference for myself. Thank goodness the talks can all be read next month.

Yesterday DID reaffirm what a wonderful family I have. Bret got the kids fed and let them each pick out an couple of candies. He had them watch a little conference and discussed it with them. The kids all worried over me and came up to see me and give me get well wishes and loves. Bret took some pictures and came up and gave me a priesthood blessing.

Christopher was able to tell me about the prophet and what he spoke about and all the kids were able to come tell me about the true meaning of Easter.

How blessed I am to have this wonderful family and how grateful I am to Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice that will allow me to have them forever !!!

Christopher was so excited to get a "Reeseter Bunny" and the movie "GI Joe".

Xander did not want his picture taken. He had a rough morning, but was very happy with the day at the end of it.

Darci is such a cheeser. She got a new Webkinz and a ball and hardly noticed there wasn't very much candy.

This is Eliza's 2nd Easter, but felt like a first when it came to the basket. She got her 1st Webkinz and a ball and was just happy with the excitement around her.

Other March Stuff...

2010-04-01T21:10:00.004-06:00

Our aunt (sister-in-law), Shendi, turned 25.

Our cousin (nephew), Cameron, turned 16.

I turned 32.

Our cousin (niece), Elise, turned 8.

Darci's A1C (important diabetes number) came down to 7.4% from 8.7% (that's really, REALLY good).

Eliza had her 1 year well care check and weighed 17lbs 5oz (under the 5th %tile) and measured 29 inches long (75 %tile). Her pediatrician wants us to offer her more table foods with lots of good fats like PB, avocado, whole milk, and cheese.

The kids had spring pictures taken at Christopher's school and we can't wait to get them and show them off.

*** I promise we try to get more pictures of the boys, they just never hold still long enough.

1 amazing year!

2010-03-31T23:51:00.003-06:00

7lbs, 7oz at 34 weeks!!! Maybe it's a good thing I didn't go full term.

She was a little glo-worm for several days.

Today was Eliza's 1st birthday!! How far we've come in 1 year... and how very fast it has flown. A year ago I had been on bedrest for almost 5 weeks. I woke up to contractions that just felt different. I had Bret take me to the IMC labor and delivery yet again (seemed like we were there a couple times a week). I was 5cm dilated and labor wasn't responding to any of the drugs to stop it. It was a cold dreary day. They got me my epidural and I was prepared to have Eliza within an hour... maybe two. She had other ideas. She was sunny side up and stuck against the balloon of my catheter. Finally around 6PM she made her entrance into this world. Much bigger than a 34 weeks preemie should be and almost perfectly healthy. My 7lb, 7oz baby had to go to the NICU for 9 days to adjust from my gestational diabetes and prove she could grow and eat by herself. This year has been full of ups and downs and growth and Eliza is the perfect little caboose for our family.

Oh, I cannot believe my last baby is 1 year old!!!! It is truly bittersweet. She is such a sweetie. She is a little shy and such a mama's girl. She is easily overwhelmed by a large group or loud noises. She loves being in nursery at church while Daddy and Mommy teach. She started crawling around 10 1/2 months and started "cruising" the furniture over the last couple of days. She can make herself heard over her siblings when she wants to, but mostly quietly observes.

Tonight we had a little birthday gathering for her and it was good for my mother's heart to see the love for my baby girl.

Happy Birthday Bret!!!!

2010-03-30T20:12:00.003-06:00

Today is Bret's birthday. I'm so grateful that Bret was born. He is my perfect match. I couldn't ask for a better man to be my husband or to be the father of my children. He is so kind and caring. He adores me and thinks I'm beautiful (even after 9 years and 5 children). He loves our children more than life and would do ANYTHING for us. He loves to get on the floor and play with the girls or read a book with Christopher. Today he jumped on the trampoline with Xander and played a "make believe" game with him. At night, as I'm falling asleep, he'll scratch my back while he reads. He makes us laugh and holds me when I cry. He'll carry the weight of the world on his shoulders if I let him.

Bret you are my everything!! I'm so happy we found each other and now we have each other and our children for eternity. Happy Birthday!!!

1 Year of Type 1 Diabetes

2010-03-03T09:33:00.008-07:00

A year ago today Darci was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I've been assaulted with so many memories of a year ago. Our wonderful endocrinologist, Michael Swinyard, has told us to have a big celebration today to honor her strength and bravery. He said Bret and I should celebrate us, too. Mostly I've been crying, though. I am far from "at peace" with this disease, but I'm getting there a little more everyday.

Darci is so brave and strong and she's my hero. Bret and I call her our "ray of sunshine" and "pure joy". In the last year we have had super high glucose numbers and scary, seizure inducing lows. Recently Darci has learned how to test her own blood. She can't even read the number on the meter, but she can put in the test strip and activate it and then she pokes her own finger and squeezes out the blood and applies it to it. If you've ever had to lancet your own finger then you know how hard it is to push that button. And it FREAKIN' HURTS!!!!!!!!

We filled 9- 2liter bottles and 1 small sharps container in 1 year of diabetes. We've estimated it to be about 2400 syringes. That's a lot of shots!!!

I, again, want to thank Nathan, Audra, Brady, and Elise for being a light in the dark through all of this. This past year would have been utter hell without you. Thank you for all the times you have been willing to babysit Darci for emergencies and dates and everything else under the sun.

Brady and Darci. Two of the strongest people I know.

Through the past year we have grown closer as a couple, as a family, and closer to our Savior as we have turned to him through trial and joy. I know one day I'll be able to look back and be grateful for these challenges that have molded my family to be better people.

For now we'll give Darci the most normal life possible; we'll continue to treat her daily and try our best to keep her numbers stable; and, AS ALWAYS, pray for a cure.

We love you, Orion.

2010-03-03T09:20:00.004-07:00

Last night as Bret was getting home from work he heard a cat out on the yard somewhere pitifully crying. After more investigating we discovered it was ours. There were no signs of injury, but his entire back half was dead. I took him to a 24hr vet emergency care and found he had a clot in an important artery. Nothing could be done for him and he was going downhill. So I made the difficult decision to have him euthanized. I held him and cried for a long time before the vet tech did anything. And then I held him and cried some more when they gave the proper injections. He feel asleep peacefully in my arms around 10:45pm last night.

To some it might be silly to cry over a cat. But Orion was a special part of our family. We got him when we first moved into our house in Aug '03. He was a tiny kitten then. He has always done well with each child going through a phase of torturing him. He had a special bond with me through my pregnancies. He would lay protectively over my belly and glare at anyone who got close. He was a constant company during my bedrests. Lately he has had a unique bond with Darci. He liked to climb on her lap and Darci happily gave him all the pets and love he wanted.

His favorite spot when I'm on bedrest

This morning when I told the kids they went through different types of grief. Christopher cried and cried. Xander looked very sad and then brightened a little as he told me that now Orion was in heaven with Heavenly Father and Jesus. Darci didn't quite get it, but keeps telling me that kitty is sick.

Darci and Orion 11/08

Thank you, Orion, for being a special part of our family for over 6 years.

Christopher's february program and 2nd parent/teacher

2010-02-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Christopher's class had a program for the parents today and they did some songs and poems that were about Valentine's and President's Day. He was so cute and did really well.

Later that afternoon I had a parent/teacher conference with Mrs. Hix. He's still proving to be Christopher Brainstrong. He's reading at a th grade level and aced all the math his teacher gave him. His current struggle is not getting upset when the teacher doesn't call on him or when he gets something wrong. We were going to have him test to enter the accelerated program, but when we talked about it he got a lot of anxiety over going to a different school, so we'll stick with what we're doing.

Christopher we are sooooo proud of you!!

Superbowl Sunday

2010-02-07T22:15:00.004-07:00

Today was a pretty fun day. We went out to Salem to attend Matthew's blessing and then everyone came all the way out to our house and we had a fun superbowl dinner and party. The adults enjoyed an intense game and the kids played. Darci and Blakelynn are becoming such good friends.

The girls spending the morning on Mommy and Daddy's bed.

We had lots of meat treats. Even Eliza indulged.

Darci and Blakelynn enjoyed playing dress ups. Blakelynn wouldn't sit for the picture.

A toothy week

2010-01-27T19:29:00.001-07:00

On the 26th I got a call around noon from the school saying that Christopher had slipped on the ice and fell and messed up his mouth pretty bad. When I went to pick him up he had busted up his 2 front teeth really bad and had a bloody lip. Our dentist was great and got us right in. They built Christopher's teeth back up with white resin fillings and they should do him good for a couple of years, but those teeth will eventually have to be capped. He also had chipped some molars when he bit down during the fall and those required what they called a "baby root canal" and silver caps. Since they are baby teeth they will fall out. Overall he had a dentist in his mouth for about 90 minutes and it took large shots of novacaine to numb him for everything... including one in the roof of his mouth. He didn't flinch or act like anything hurt the whole time. I think I would have been bawling. On the 27th, Xander (to his GREAT horror) lost his first baby tooth. He went to be claiming to never speak or open his mouth again. He was singing a different tune the next morning when he discovered the crisp one dollar bill the tooth fairy had left him. On the 28th we discovered that Eliza had cut ***4 NEW TEETH*** over the course of the week. No wonder she had been so grumpy! She's gone from 2 to 6 teeth in days! We're just waiting for something toothy with Darci now.

Teaching Joy School

2010-01-19T18:20:00.002-07:00

This last week was my turn to teach Joy School. I always struggle to feel like I'm giving them the knowledge I'm supposed while keeping it fun. The letter S has proven to be pretty fun. We did Space (including the sun and stars). I hung somewhat of a solar system from the ceiling fan where we did class. They were in awe of the planets and stars.

The next day that I taught we did superheroes and I made them all capes. We talked about superheroes being smart, speedy, and strong. We talked a little about fictional superheroes and then we talked about REAL superheroes. Our moms and dads, drs, policemen, firemen, soldiers, etc. What a fun time it was.

Macy, Isaac, Bryce, Joey, Maggie, and Xander. We were making snakes out of playdough and then they wanted to combine their snakes into one big one and turn it into an S.

Darci's Birthday Party

2010-01-16T22:08:00.004-07:00

Tonight we had a birthday party for Darci with all of Bret's side of the family. It was a fun night with pizza, "Simpson's Scene-it", and Darci getting what she loves best... attention and presents ;).

She is such a sunny girl and LOVED everything she opened, but I think Aunt Jenny gets the "best present" award by giving Darci the coveted Zhu-zhu Pet.

Thank you to everyone who made her feel sooooo special and loved.

Danika tried on some of the Cinderella duds.

Happy 3rd Birthday Darci Rose

2010-01-14T19:41:00.005-07:00

Oh how my mother's heart has experienced many emotions today as I've looked back over the last 3 years. If you regularly follow my blog you already know what a very special little girl Darci is. And you also know how special it is that she was born on her namesake's 30th birthday. My sister, Darci, was born Jan 14, 1977. She was 10 weeks early and only lived 6 days. She is my only earthly sister and there have been many times in my life that I have longed for her here on earth. I knew from a very young age that my first daughter would be Darci. I can only describe it as a miracle that Darci Rose came on that day.

About a month ago a friend of mine that also has a child with diabetes told me that her mother has said her little girl HAD to get diabetes or else she would be perfect. This hit me hard as I realized it was quite true for my Darci Rose. What a miracle she is in my life. She's my hero and is an example to me daily (even if she does still have her 3yr old moments that make any mother want to rip their hair out).

Today we let her go get a treat and watch her favorite cartoons (her request). And (also her request) went to McDonald's to celebrate for dinner. She opened her present from us and from my parents. New cowgirl boots from Gma and Gpa and a dress up trunk from her family. She is so happy with her day and there is still a party coming on Saturday.

Eliza helps celebrate.

Christopher and Xander on the playground.

Darci hamming it up on the playground.

Eliza as Snow White.

Darci as Sleeping Beauty.

A cold new year

2010-01-13T19:29:00.003-07:00

We've tried to keep ourselves warm and entertained so far this new year. We like to go to the BYU fieldhouse and run the track with Grandma. We also use our imagination lots.

This last week we got to celebrate cousin Brady's 5th birthday, and I taught the letter S for Joy school. Tomorrow is Darci's birthday and she's so excited she can't hardly stand it.

Xander and Darci called this their teddy bear picnic. They just basically piled all of their stuffed animals together and snuggled on them in their blankets.

We now have the 1-4pm block at church and it leaves us with a lot of time in the mornings. We've convinced the kids that "Music and the Spoken Word" is a great way to start our mornings.

The kids at Joy School were making play Doh snakes into the Letter S. Then they decided to make an extra big one.

On Dec. 31st Eliza turned 9months old. She had her 9month drs check up a few days later. She weighs 16lbs 5oz (25th %) and measures 27in (55th %). She loves to sing and talk and try out different sounds. She likes to dance to any music. She has finally started scooting around... the problem is that she is stuck in reverse.

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-25T19:22:00.004-07:00

It was such a fun day. We stayed home and enjoyed being together as a family. The kids patiently waited until 8:00 to wake us up and then everyone took turns opening presents. All the kids were so happy with what they got and showed great appreciation for it all. Later in the day my parents and my baby brother and his family joined us for dinner.

What a great time of year where we are reminded to be grateful for many blessings and be more like Christ.

Xander watches Christopher play his new Nintendo DS.

Darci shows Eliza all her new toys.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-25T13:43:00.006-07:00

We had such a nice time with Bret's side of the family on Christmas eve. Bret's parents rent out their HOA clubhouse and we do crafts, play games, eat lots of good food, and hot tub. Then we hand out presents and read the Christmas story in the bible. It was an incredibly enjoyable evening. The best was giving Dan and Rosemary their gift from all of us. We had taken the kids mid-November to get pictures taken together. Now they have updated pictures of ALL of their grandkids.

Hangin' in the hot tub.

Bret listening to the Christmas story with his girls.

Christmas eve jammies.

The girls in their new jammies.

Some of Xander's gifts.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-21T18:17:00.004-07:00

It was such a success last year that I've decided to blog the Christmas card EVERY year :)

This year has truly been a growing year as we have faced many challenges and heartaches. But in the course of traveling these rough roads we have grown closer as a couple, as a family, and in our testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The year started with me very pregnant and already threatening bedrest. It was a very snowy, cold, and long winter. In February I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. It only occurs during pregnancy, but it can cause complications for both mother and baby. As I was learning how to control my diabetes and trying to keep baby Eliza from coming early I was noticing that Darci was presenting with many symptoms associated with diabetes.

Darci went to the Primary Children's Medical Center ED on March 3, 2009. There she was diagnosed with Type 1 (juvenile) Diabetes. Darci, Bret, and I spent 4 days at the children's hospital learning the tip of the iceberg on the ins and outs of caring for Darci and her disease. Our nephew, Brady, has Type 1 and his mom and dad (Audra and Nate) have truly been angels in our lives. I cannot fathom how much harder this year would have been without their love, support, and knowledge.

One week after checking out of one hospital I was checking into another one. Preterm labor was cause for 4 days of bedrest in the Intermountain Medical Center to mature the baby's lungs and control my diabetes. This was hard as Bret and I were still trying to figure out everything for Darci. I went home and with the help of many, MANY wonderful people I was able to stay down and still have the children taken care of. Family, friends, and ward members were beyond generous. And Bret was AMAZING!!! He had the burden of being mom, dad, provider, homemaker, and nurse to Darci and I. He never complained while I could see the weariness of worry in his eyes. The kids and I are so blessed to have this wonderful man be our father and husband. How did I ever get so lucky!!

Eliza held off for as long as she could, but it seems she was determined to be a March baby. On Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Eliza Karen came into the world almost 6 weeks early. She was an astounding 7lbs 7oz and she was in the IMC NICU for 9 days. We were so happy to have her come home healthy and strong.

Through out the rest of the year we have been adjusting to these and other life changes as we have gone along. Christopher is such a sweet and sensitive little man. He puts so much responsibility on himself to care for all around him. He is funny and smart and caring. He started piano this year and seems to have a knack for it. 2nd grade is a blast and he has fun with his friends. He's excited as he prepares to turn 8 years old and be baptized.

Xander is getting smarter all the time and learning more and more how to cope with things that make him nervous or uncomfortable. He has the BEST imagination and is a pro at puzzles. Joy School is his very favorite thing and the kids who are in his class are his very best friends. He is so sweet and tender with Eliza. It's a side of him not many see often.

Darci is my hero!! She is full of joy and sunshine. When she was in the hospital she was so scared and despondant, I was so worried it had changed her. But as soon as we came home she continued to be her sweet, sunny self. She lights up a room with her smile and loves everyone. She endures all the finger pokes and insulin shots like it's nothing. What a special spirit she is and how much the light of Christ shines through her at such a young age.

Eliza is the perfect little caboose to our family. She is easy and mellow. She loves to watch her siblings play around her and has lots of smiles and laughs for anyone who will give her attention. She does not like to be alone. We ALL love her so much. The other 3 kids love to shower her with kisses and attention. There has never been any jealousy issues from Darci. Darci just loves her to death.

So, from a rough start to a sweet end, 2009 has us feeling blessed and surrounded in love. May life bring everyone who reads this the same love and blessing into their lives. May everyone be able to find joy in the journey and strength through trials. And most of all may everyone who reads this feel the love of their Savior, Jesus Christ, and the hope of his Atonement.

*******MERRY CHRISTMAS***********

The week before Christmas

2009-12-21T18:00:00.004-07:00

On Saturday, Dec. 12 Bret and I got to go on our first date in forever and he was a sweetie and took me to see the movie New Moon. Then we picked the kids up at my parent's house and we all jumped in the van (including grandma and grandpa) and went to see the Festival of Lights in Spanish Fork.

On Monday, Dec. 14 we went to Dustin and Crystal's to celebrate Crystal's birthday. They always make us yummy homemade scones and we just all enjoyed visiting while the cousins played.

On Thursday, Dec. 17 we had a fun family evening with dinner at Sweet Tomatoes and then rode the Trax train up to temple square and saw the lights. We haven't taken the kids since Xander was tiny. I can't decide whether they liked the lights of the train better. But they were in awe of it all. Christopher enjoyed talking to a couple of sister missionaries. One was from Brazil and one was from Hong Kong. Xander truly impressed the sister from Hong Kong when he counted to 10 in chinese. She says his pronounciation was great! They also enjoyed all the pictures in the visitors centers. Bret walked us over to the temple and showed the kids the spot where he proposed to me. It was a truly fantastic day that I will remember always. I hope the kids do, too.

On Sunday, Dec. 20 we went to Jenny's to celebrate Kayla's 11th birthday. The kids really enjoy this season when we get to spend so much time with family.

Grandma and Grandpa reading Dani and Eliza a story.

The big kids in front of the temple.

Everyone loved the "red tree". This is a really big tree that is done up in red lights every year.

Darci and Eliza all bundled up.

Riding the train home.

Christmas season fun

2009-12-13T19:27:00.004-07:00

We are having such a pleasant Christmas season. We have done the Festival of trees and the festival of lights in Spanish Fork. We have read different versions of the Christmas story and tried to emphasize the true meaning of Christmas. Bret and I have had many moments that our hearts have been full and the kids have done us proud. We all get more and more excited as Christmas draws closer.

My puzzle boy!!!

My Christmas dolls.

Xander's party

2009-12-04T22:12:00.003-07:00

Xander's birthday party was tonight. It was simple and sweet with lots of cousins, Shrek the Halls, and cake and ice cream. Thank you everyone that came and made Xander feel so special.

Xander's favorite thing to do is puzzles.

Moola from Grandma and Grandpa

Brady made him a great card.

Xander wanted Wow Wow Wubbzy cupcakes.

Festival of Trees

2009-12-03T19:06:00.003-07:00

Today we went to The Festival of Trees. Every year many people create and donate beautifully decorated trees and items for others to buy and all proceeds go to Primary Children's Hospital. This year Dustin, Crystal, and Audra made a tree and donated it in honor of a couple of sweet kids from Audra's city that died of cancer this last summer. It was a beautiful Curious George tree. There were lots of other wonderful trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses to behold and we enjoyed all of the Christmas sights and then enjoyed cinnamon rolls and milk. We would have taken more pictures, but our camera's batteries died. "A Curious Christmas" Darci's favorite... the Pixie Hollow tree with lots of Tinkerbell stuff. Utah Sports tree. With lots of BYU and UofU stuff.

Happy 5th Birthday Xanderman!!!!!

2009-12-02T20:37:00.004-07:00

What a fun day we've had! Xander is a middle child in just about every sense and he has truly enjoyed a day all about him. First my mother's nostalgia of the day he was born. From his first day on earth Xander has moved at high speed and high volume. He was nearly born before we made it to the hospital and (despite being 5 weeks early) he came out screaming so loud the nurses joked that we needed to quiet hom down.

Tonight to celebrate his birthday we went to Pirate Island Pizza. It's a fun, pirate themed restaurant that was part pirates of the carribean and part Chuck e Cheese. The pizza was yummy, the atmosphere was a blast, and the arcade yielded lots of tickets. There were games for all ages. Xander ran from game to game to playground. We all enjoyed the pizza and Xander got sang to and a yummy ice cream. Every time he opened a present he squeeled, "this is what I always wanted!".

My sweet Xander you make life full with fun and imagination. You are so sweet and we all love you so much.

We're pirates! Aaarrggghhh!

Grandpa, Christopher, Darci, Grandma, Xander, Mommy, and Daddy.

Eliza on the merry-go-round.

8 months old

2009-11-30T15:44:00.004-07:00

Eliza sits very well now and gets really mad if she isn't on the go. She hates to just lie there anymore, but hasn't figured out mobility. We aren't in a hurry for her to figure it out. Because of this she is still a big fan of her "Johnny Jumper". She has 2 teeth now and there are 2 on their way in. She still wakes 1 or 2 times a night to eat, but she's such a petite and skinny thing that I happily do it for her. She will happily eat solids now and is desperately trying to figure out how to drink from her cup. She is SUCH a people watcher and is happiest in a crowded place taking it all in. I feel like the time is moving too fast and I want her to stay my little baby just a little longer. But I can't deny that she is at such a fun age.

She never tires of being in the bath.

Doin' the Dew... OK, not really, but she was trying really hard.

Happy among her "friends".

Helping decorate for her 1st Christmas.

Braggity Brag Brag

2009-11-18T17:56:00.003-07:00

I'm a proud mommy and proud mommies are allowed to brag on their blogs, right?

I got Christopher's report card today. They grade a little differently than when I was in elementary school. An NE or left blank means they weren't evaluated on the criteria. A 1 is "rarely meets expectation independently and requires considerable support and/or intervention. A 2 is "occasionally meets expectation etc, etc with moderate support". A 3 "frequently meets expectation with minimal support". A 4 is "consistently and independently meets expectation with no support".

CHRISTOPHER GOT ALL 4s!!!!!!!

And he's incredibly handsome on top of all that!!

4 generations

2009-11-06T17:28:00.002-07:00

Today the girls and I joined up with my mom and grandma to get manicures and pedicures and have a picture taken of the 5 of us. The day was so fun and so precious to me. It is so rare to have 4 generations of mothers and daughters together like this.

My pretty nails

color

sepia

Wordless Wednesday 11/4/09

2009-11-04T19:08:00.003-07:00

Eliza is 7 months old!

2009-11-01T08:55:00.002-07:00

She wants to get up and go so badly. She watches her siblings play and wants to join them. She has started using her "Johnny Jumper" and is soooo cute in it. She still has lots of smiles and giggles for everyone. We think she gets prettier everyday and wish the time wouldn't go quite so fast.

Happy Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T23:40:00.000-06:00

When I woke up this morning I really wasn't feeling the Halloween spirit. I was extra sad, because I usually LOVE Halloween. But as the day went on we all enjoyed our time together as a family and as time to Trick or Treat we were all really excited.

Last year I stayed home to hand out candy, because I was pregnant with Eliza and not feeling great. This year I truly enjoyed going door to door with the kids. Bret was happy to stay home in order to follow the Utes game. Eliza only did a few houses. I mean, she had to do a few for her first Halloween! Then the older 3 did quite a bit. Darci lasted about an hour... Christopher went an hour and a half... and Xander went over 2 hours. He wanted to keep going, but it was getting late and getting cold, and (quite honestly) this mommy's feet were starting to hurt. Xander got SOOOOO much candy. What Darci and Christopher didn't hold out for was the neighborhood full of duplexes. By the time we were headed home Xander's candy bag was too heavy for him to carry and I had to carry it. All the kids had so much fun. I have to admit that Bret and I did, too

Xander's massively huge haul.

Ward Trunk or Treat

2009-10-30T21:52:00.003-06:00

From the trunk

Tonight was our ward trunk or treat and Halloween dinner. Despite being a little cold, the kids enjoyed dressing up in their costumes and playing with our neighbors and friends.

Luigi and Indiana Jones

Darci is such a pretty fairy

The devil and the littlest angel

A wicked witch and two pretty fairies

Christopher's Halloween Parade

2009-10-30T14:07:00.001-06:00

Christopher's school Halloween parade was this morning and we had fun watching all the kids dressed up at school. Grandpa Armstrong joined us to see them walk.

Christopher runs past while mom tries to get a picture.

Harry Potter Pumpkin made by Christopher's class.

Darci waits for the parade to start.

The whole crew.

Joyschool Halloween Party

2009-10-29T12:02:00.003-06:00

Today was Xander's Joyschool Halloween party. He enjoyed the time and activities spent with his classmates. He comes home every week from school with so much to share and a big smile on his face.

Bryce (crocodile), Joey (racecar driver), Maggie (Princess Leia), Xander (Indiana Jones), and Macy (pony). Isaac was out sick.

Xander and Maggie (she's so cute... I just love her).

They were jumping and yelling "Happy Halloween"

My Xander... he's such a handsome guy.

Sickies and snow

2009-10-27T12:12:00.003-06:00

MERRY CHRI....er.... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

This morning we woke up to 3 of the 4 kids sick and now this. Our regularly scheduled program got cancelled because of it. We are all a little bummed. The JDRF Halloween dinner and trunk-or-treat is tonight.

Our poor little spider (he's on the left on top of the bushes)

The fall leaves just don't look the same.

Halloween FHE

2009-10-26T20:47:00.004-06:00

Tonight for FHE we raked the beautiful fall leaves, played in the pile, and then came in to carve pumpkins. We haven't carved Jack-o-lanterns for several years and even the boys weren't sure what to expect. They were absolutely horrified when I opened up the tops, rolled up their sleeves, and told them to start scooping out guts. So, the kids watched a movie and I carved pumpkins. {{SIGH}} maybe they'll be more into it in a few more years. Xander wasn't sure about laying in them. Eliza was just plain mad when I laid her in them.

The kids with the finished product The Finished Product.

New Blog

2009-10-10T20:04:00.001-06:00

http://mjshairdesign.blogspot.com/

Christopher Brainstrong

2009-10-08T21:43:00.000-06:00

I had Christopher's first Parent-Teacher conference tonight. According to his teacher he is one of the smartest kids in class. She's tested him as high as she is allowed to on reading and he is very mathmatically minded. He is figuring out strategies and asking math questions leaps and bounds ahead of where most kids in 2nd grade are. He's still my sweet, sensitive guy. I guess there hasn't been a day of school yet that he hasn't cried. He's such a perfectionist and does not want to make any mistakes or do anything that isn't completely pleasing to the people around him. He especially wants to please his teacher. We're going to search for ways to help him cope, and continue to be super proud of him for how incredibly smart he is. Some days I believe he is smarter than me.

The girls!!

2009-10-07T10:25:00.004-06:00

Check Your Boobies!!

2009-10-02T15:14:00.003-06:00

October is Cancer Awareness Month. My dear, sweet friend, Joy, just finished round 3 of chemotherapy for a very aggressive type of breast cancer. Her strength and joyful (she is so appropriately named) attitude is such an example to me. From my sweet friend Joy... "Today is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month. I just wanted to send a shout out to all of my lovely women friends to PLEASE do your self exams! To all my men friends, please, remind your women friends to do the same. I shudder to think if I had decided not to do a self-exam only four days after my ob gave me an exam! My cancer is aggressive. What if I had waited three or four more months? Six? My lump was deep and hidden, and I still consider it a miracle that I was able to find it. Just know your breasts. Doing your own self exam will save your life! One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life time. I promise, you will never think it will happen to you. I still can't believe it! I'm 43 years old! I have an 18 month old baby and I breast fed all my children. There is no cancer on either side of my family. It is my hope and prayer that not one person that I know will ever be diagnosed with this, but if it has to be, my hope is that it will be detected early."

ELIZA IS 6 MONTHS OLD!

2009-09-30T14:08:00.003-06:00

Has it really been half of a year?! What a doll ELiza is. She's so mellow and happy. She smiles at everyone and is easily amused. She loves to laugh at anyone who'll try to make her. She only cries when she's hungry, tired, or something doesn't feel right. She still loves being outdoors. We go on walks and her eyes immediately seek out any trees. Her bath is her favorite time. She kicks and flails her arms and laughs as water splashes everywhere. She likes being a part of the night time routine as the older kids get ready for bed. Her daddy is her favorite person... with Xander coming in a close 2nd. She truly brings much joy and happiness to everyone around her. Xander and Darci wanted to be in a picture (Christopher was at school).

Playing in her exersaucer.

New Tu-tus

2009-09-20T09:06:00.004-06:00

We only had Christopher's Fisher Price camera again. I really need my camera back. For some reason the picture took in some weird colors, so we made it sepia tone. I love that it looks like a really old picture. Then I used my mom's camera when I finished Eliza's Tu-tu. I also got a really great picture of Eliza with her Great Grandma Nelson.

Baby Bath

2009-09-16T08:46:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday 9/16/09 (Christopher's Camera)

2009-09-16T08:43:00.003-06:00

Xander's first day of preschool

2009-09-15T20:38:00.000-06:00

The same group of kids and moms that did Joy School with Xander last year has decided to do preschool this year. I am so glad as Xander really loves this group. We lost one kid this year and gained one.

Xander was beyond excited this morning and just couldn't wait. He was ready in record time and didn't even look back when Sister Broadhead picked him up. Over a week ago I left my camera at my brother-in-law's house and I was so mad at myself. So, we used Christopher's Fisher Price digital camera. They aren't the greatest pictures, but they'll do.

Wordless Wednesday 9/9/09

2009-09-09T20:51:00.002-06:00

6 month anniversary

2009-09-07T09:27:00.003-06:00

On Thursday, September 3 Darci hit her 6 month mark for having diabetes. In some ways it feels like she's always had this disease and in other we still feel like such novices in understanding it.

The day of the anniversary I found myself feeling very reflective. I had/have such a jumble of memories of the day she was diagnosed. I had told Bret to go to work while I took her up to the Primary Children's Medical Center ER. I dropped the boys off at their grandparents and then headed to the ER. I remember having to stop several times for Darci to throw up. Looking back I don't think we had really put 2-and-2 together with her symptoms. We had to wait FOREVER in the ER. Not to get back, but in the exam room. We saw the residents, the interns, the head dr. I told the story of why we brought her in about 100 times. She was tired, lethargic, and thirsty... always thirsty. They pretty much diagnosed her quickly, but wanted to run extra tests to be sure. I was feeling slightly numb. I called Bret and asked him to come be with me. I felt SO ALONE. I called my parents and told them the news. I called my sister-in-law. We hadn't been very close lately, but her 4 year old has type 1 and I just needed to tell her. Her reaction to my news was a nasty jolt to my system. Her devastation made me realize that this was going to be HELL. About an hour later Bret showed up and about an hour after that my mom, dad, and sister-in-law showed up. I finally had a support system to lean on and yet I still couldn't cry. They finally let Darci drink something and eat some protein. We got to the ER around 11:00AM and it took us until after 6:00PM to get Darci in a room. Darci was scared and sad. She had to get poked and prodded so much. She got to the point where she didn't want anyone touching her... not even Bret or I. My brother-in-law came to help give Darci, Bret, and I all blessings. The 6 people in that room with Darci... Bret and I, my mom and dad, and Nate and Audra... we all love her so much and we were trying to give her all the love and endurance we could.

Sorry for the novel... I needed to put these memories somewhere.

Since then Darci has matured and grown in ways a 2 year old shouldn't have to. She has shown me how to endure and still be joyful. She didn't let such a hard trial change her sweet personality. Most days she happily deals with her disease.

On the day of her 6 month anniversary I found out that a friend of Audra's had her 8 month old pass away after a 2 month fight with brain cancer. I cannot imagine. I am so grateful that Darci's disease is manageable and that with the help of a FANTASTIC pediatric endocrinologist and loving family she will live a healthy, happy, and high quality life.

Eliza is 5 months old!!

2009-09-07T09:23:00.002-06:00

On Monday, August 31 Eliza hit the 5 month mark. She is such a cutie pie and wins over the hearts of those around her. She's been drooling up a storm lately and we think a tooth is is the near future, but there is no visible sign of it yet. She has the sweetest laugh and loves to play with her siblings. She has gained really good hand control lately and can always get what she wants. She can roll both ways now (back to stomach and stomach to back). She loves her bath. She always gets mad when we get her out. So much personality is coming through and this is such a fun age as everyday is a new discovery. ***pictures and video to come

Wordless Wednesday 9/2/09

2009-09-02T10:24:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesdays

2009-09-01T20:59:00.001-06:00

I'm stealing a really great idea from my friend, Tina. She does a wordless Wed. on her blog where he just shares the pictures she takes of her family that don't have any story to blog with it. I'm going to do the same. I have so many cute pictures to share.

FHE in Salem

2009-08-25T15:51:00.003-06:00

Since Bret usually works on Monday nights we often head out to Salem to my parent's home to have family home evening. One of our favorite things to do is ride the horses and play with the animals. The kids will gather eggs and feed the chickens. We play with the dogs and we ride the horses. Darci DID NOT want to get off.

Last night Christopher rode a horse all by himself (without grandpa leading). He also rode Polka bare back. Just held on to her mane. She tends to just follow Duke where he goes. Eliza got on with grandma, making it officially her first time on a horse. Xander on Duke and Christopher on Polka.

As I've previously mentioned, Eliza likes to just lie in the grass. We have had to kick Woodrow off of her many times. That dumb dog just loves her. Last night he got good at laying beside her instead of on her and I caught him kissing her face. She was actually laughing, so I snapped a picture before pulling him off and cleaning the dog slobber up. Xander with Darci on Duke.

I think my kids will forever be fond of these times with their grandparents.

Grandma and Eliza on Duke.

Eliza getting kisses from Woodrow.

Way too cute!!!

2009-08-22T11:49:00.000-06:00

We'll just let the picture speak for itself.

A couple of firsts

2009-08-20T20:51:00.003-06:00

Today was the first day of 2nd grade for Christopher. Last night at a back-to-school night we met his new teacher, Mrs. Hix. She's a cute little thing... all of 5' nuthin'. He headed out the door this morning with a lot of excitement and just a little bit of nervousness. When Bret picked him up this afternoon he was all smiles and had made 2 new "best friends". Today was also the first day that Eliza tried solid foods. She hasn't had anything except breast milk since leaving the NICU (and maybe a lick of something here and there from her daddy and grandpa P.). Her pediatrician told us that she can start trying it now, but doesn't really need it until 6months. She had been sleeping well through the night, so what I provided was enough. The last couple of nights she has wanted to eat every 3 hours. So a little infant rice cereal was experimented with. She didn't hate it, but she didn't love it. Or she was just trying to figure out why Mommy and Daddy were taking pictures and video-taping and her siblings making such a big deal. She's like that... as people make a fuss she just kind of looks at you like you're an idiot. She must get that from her dad.

Messy Face