tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50890857144307730722012-02-11T07:43:37.524-07:00Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.comBlogger1751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-13560568623410983432012-02-11T07:43:00.000-07:002012-02-11T07:43:37.536-07:00

B has grown a lot the last 8 or 9 months.  And during that time he apparently hasn't worn his scout shirt much.  He had a board of Review last week and when I saw him in his uniform shirt I wanted to laugh.  (maybe I did).  It was way little.  But he didn't care.  He is advancing to Life (I think thats what its called--the last one before Eagle) and he has an Eagle project planned and plans to

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-39847617825008224202012-02-01T08:38:00.002-07:002012-02-01T11:45:04.529-07:00

For the third year in a row my city league volleyball team has taken 1st place. The first year we won our league and the tournament.  However, we were in a lower division that we didn't really belong in. Last year we moved up two divisions and took 2nd in league play and 1st in the tournament. This year we have won league play with a record of 13-3 and are waiting to play in the tournament.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-49492027966995042332012-01-27T08:58:00.003-07:002012-02-01T08:19:00.663-07:00

I have two children who don't like to be wrong, and think they are never wrong.  I suppose maybe they are a bit like me.  And I know that most people don't like to be wrong, but maybe most people just aren't so stubborn about it. This morning we were doing scripture reading as a family--one thing that has been good for January. we have been more HIT than miss on this.  So today J started

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-36120491892493551942012-01-26T08:50:00.006-07:002012-01-27T08:26:51.835-07:00

So here is a glimpse of my morning today.  I thought you all could use some laughs or at least feel better that you are not the only one that has crazy mornings. The dishwasher didn’t get started last night so besides having to wash some forks for breakfast and the fact that I won’t be able to have someone unload it before school, it causes another problem later on.  For the 2nd day in a row the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-34764789757738726712011-11-27T21:36:00.003-07:002011-11-27T22:13:38.917-07:00

  Janessa turned 8!  Showing off her new birthday outfit from Grandma--and being a little silly. Can't believe my baby girl is 8! She was baptized on Thanksgiving weekend.   With Grandma and Grandpa Berkley who came down from Utah. Grandma made her dress. She was baptized by her oldest brother Dustin and confirmed by her dad. With Grandma and Grandpa Waite Brennen, Andy, Dustin,

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-18203321763437842932011-11-20T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-19T21:58:31.138-07:00

Yes, it has already been two months since Cameron's last laser treatment, so we went back to Albuquerque again on Nov 9th.  I have been striving to be positive in all these posts about his laser treatments.  But honestly, I am getting tired of them and they are hard for me.  He is a trooper and seems to know it is just part of his life and what he does every few months.  And never he complains or

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-78337788929489718962011-11-19T15:44:00.000-07:002011-11-19T15:44:42.086-07:00

My parentsMike and Frances WaiteMarried for Time and Eternity on November 17, 1961 in the Mesa Arizona Temple

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-15927960920501329302011-11-15T09:11:00.001-07:002011-11-15T09:17:38.067-07:00

Today when I wanted to shower, Scott was in ours and I didn't want to wait so I went to the kids' bathroom to shower in there.  When I grabbed a towel to dry myself off I found a sucker stick stuck to it. I don't know about your house but mostly at my house after the kids use a towel it ends up on their bedroom floors until I hound them enough to hang them up.  and apparently this towel picked

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-61006892552202135462011-11-08T08:45:00.000-07:002011-11-08T08:45:57.537-07:00

We woke up to beautiful snow on the ground mixed with fall colors.  And the storm was over so it really is a beautiful sight looking out my window across the park.  However, it made for a challenging morning. Because snow makes kids excited.  And then Andy decided he needed gloves.  and in the process of finding gloves and he discovered hats and so the others joined him and instead of getting

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-68174634036978518782011-11-02T10:54:00.001-06:002011-11-02T10:54:51.012-06:00

After Cameron started kindergarten he began asking quite often "Do I have a field trip today?"  I am not sure what put the idea of field trips in his head but he was pretty persistant.  Finally, the week before Halloween he got to go on a field trip to the Pumpin Patch at Sutherland Farms. The kids got to go on a hay ride, a train ride, play in the corn pit, go through the corn maze, milk a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-28645224999921518242011-10-27T18:46:00.002-06:002011-11-19T22:03:34.902-07:00

I got off easy on Halloween costumes this year.  Grandma made Cameron's and Janessa is using one we already have.  I only have to worry about Andy's.  (because the big boys are, well big enough to worry about theirs).  I bought a pair of red sweats and a pair blue sweats to make a Jester costume.  Cut both pair of pants in half along the center front/back.  Then sew opposites together and you

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-61303315707089987502011-10-07T11:10:00.000-06:002011-10-07T11:10:24.324-06:00

Before... missing pieces...a hole in the counter where a cook top stove had been.  we covered it with a board and taped it on.  the other hole is where a trash compactor had been we think. broken drawers...(our silverware was in a basket on the counter since it was too heavy for the broken drawers) missing drawers... NOW! pantry size cupboard!  yay! we will now store less food in

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-28691027439352576832011-09-26T08:20:00.002-06:002011-09-26T08:20:00.651-06:00

We are moving right along with Cameron's laser treatments.  He has #6 on Sept 14.  And the end is in sight!  at least the end for this phase.   Dr. says 3 or 4 more and then by summer he will be done.  With 'touch-ups' once a year or every other year.  His next one is scheduled for November and then his doctor is going on maternity leave (what? you can't be a mom! you are our doctor! you don't

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-22250906351159999682011-09-24T16:28:00.001-06:002011-09-25T09:12:01.966-06:00

Marching Band is not for wimps.  At least at Farmington High School.  I have two boys in the band--percussionists.  Brennen is in the drumline this year and Dustin is (drum roll please!) the Drum Major!  the leader of the band.  I am a little proud, or probably a lot. These band kids put in tons of hours.  They go to school an hour early to practice and then have band as their 1st hour class.  

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-34867300483076293692011-09-22T21:02:00.001-06:002011-09-22T21:03:09.364-06:00

"And this mess is so big And so deep and so tall, We can not pick it up! There is no way at all!" (Dr. Suess--The Cat in the Hat)   We are well underway with our kitchen remodel.  And I am trying to be a good sport.  Because I know the result will be FABULOUS! but there is so much dust! but that part--the drywall sanding--is over so I can actually get down to business and dust and clean the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-34194536979754414782011-08-31T19:35:00.009-06:002011-09-07T18:39:02.917-06:00

Another Andy post, so soon.  He had a rather expensive summer.  And I am not trying to complain, just sayin'. In June we went on a family campout/vacation with Scott's side in Moab.  It is hot in Moab in June.  So we went to their new aquatic center, which is very impressive.  There is a "lazy river" thing, where the current pushes you around.  Andy got in it at just the right--or rather wrong--

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-17062875561369095902011-08-30T16:00:00.001-06:002011-08-30T16:00:01.196-06:00

He didn't realize you shouldn't put popcorn shrimp on a plastic plate and then put it in the toaster oven.  However, he did figure that out while it was only melting and not yet on fire...by the way, the plate used to be square.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-20569012985203599502011-08-29T21:09:00.004-06:002011-08-29T21:42:20.044-06:00

Last year I had kids in 4 diffferent schools, counting Cameron's preschool.  This year, I am down to 2--high school and elementary.  My youngest is in kindergarten and my oldest is a senior.  In some ways it seems a long time coming (having all my kids in school) and in others it has gone by fast. It was harder than I thought it would be to send Cameron to school.  I was more emotional than I

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-79201126073866261572011-08-15T12:14:00.002-06:002011-08-29T21:42:07.498-06:00

Cameron turned 5 last month, which means he is starting kindergarten!  He has had 5 laser treatments for his port wine stain in the last year.  He does fine with the treatments and doesn't seem to mind too much, or at least he doesn't say much about it.  It is harder on mom than him. It was kind of interesting last time because we got to the hospital about 20 minutes early, so I drove over to a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-72779465277290994272011-03-09T21:38:00.004-07:002011-12-01T21:12:02.476-07:00

I just couldn't resist the picture.  There are socks with holes and then there are Andy's socks. How can he keep wearing it and it doesn't bug him!  You can't see it in the photo but part of the sock (a thread or two) is still around his big toe.  I do tell him repeatedly to either put his shoes on or take his socks off when he goes outside...but if I am not around or not paying attention then

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-16423133869112418452011-02-14T16:01:00.000-07:002011-08-14T20:30:41.073-06:00

My little Valentines fashion girl...complete with side ponytail, cuz apparently that is cool in her first grade class.    Don't the tights and the red shoes (that were her brother's) just make the outfit?   The kids were excited for their Valentine's parties at school today.  Well, the elementary and preschool kids.   Cameron and I went to Albuquerque last Wednesday for another laser treatment.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-90561294661586811022011-01-31T08:45:00.003-07:002011-08-14T20:30:41.075-06:00

It is almost February.  In fact, tomorrow is February.  But I want it to stay January.  'Cause in February I have to take Cameron back to the hospital for his third laser procedure on his face.  The laser is doing wonders as we can already see a difference after only two treatments.  Cameron doesn't seem to mind going to the hospital too much.  In fact he told me that he likes the hospital ok,

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-64197447109525967222011-01-05T21:10:00.089-07:002011-02-07T09:11:38.206-07:00

Early on Christmas morning, we went to the airport to begin our journey to Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic to visit Grandma and Grandpa (Scott's parents) who are serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  After a long day--three airplanes--we finally got there.  It was so fun and exciting to see Grandma and Grandpa waiting for us at the airport. While we were there

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-55174636860808594742010-12-15T10:26:00.001-07:002010-12-15T10:26:00.600-07:00

One morning as I was returning home from taking Brennen to school, I happened upon a some geese flying into the park.  The sun was just coming up and  I was looking at them from behind and it was beautiful how the sun was shining illuminating the geese so they were almost silhouettes.  Well, I really can't describe it.  But it reminded me of a painting or something where bird's bodies are more

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-74105976901664599502010-12-14T08:50:00.004-07:002010-12-14T20:04:50.555-07:00

This morning my youngest came to me in the kitchen so sad.  "I can't find a stocking for me." he said. We put the Christmas tree up late last week but I haven't finished decorating the house, and though decorations and most of the stockings are still in the Christmas boxes, there are some stockings floating around, and he couldn't find one with his name on it (for he can read his name now). I

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-83110349473459175382010-11-18T11:18:00.002-07:002010-11-18T11:59:24.813-07:00

There is a light switch in my room that does nothing.  There is no ceiling light and none of the outlets are connected to the switch.  Even though I have lived in this house for over a year, I still flip the switch most times when I walk in my room expecting a light to come on. Imagine my surprise and delight when I came home from shopping the other day and my husband was installing a ceiling

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-48744394018210229142010-11-11T08:55:00.003-07:002010-11-11T20:30:09.277-07:00

These are my oldest boys enjoying the use of laptop computers courtesy of the school. Every student in the Farmington district from 6-12 grade is issued a laptop.  In a time when art programs and music programs, positions and teachers' pay are being cut, let's put a computer in the hands of every student.  Why?!? Of course the computers come from grant money so it is different from the budget.  

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-54616014029478382072010-11-10T12:18:00.003-07:002010-11-11T08:14:18.217-07:00

Scott and I celebrated 18 years of marriage this past weekend.   Our life together has included . . . 2 Bachelor's degrees (his: accounting,  mine: business education)  5 children  4 apartments 4 houses 5 cities (Logan, Salt Lake, West Valley, Brigham City UT, and Farmington NM) Lots of memories and adventures, up and downs, trials and triumphs, love for the gospel and each other.    We found

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-18742248223956007302010-10-19T16:59:00.000-06:002010-11-11T08:12:56.543-07:00

A conversation with Cameron while working on speech homework. Me:  "That was great! Miss Jodi will be so proud!" Cam:  "My school is far far away." Me: "Yes, it kind of is." Cam:  "Miss Jodi can't even hear me!"

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-19692890782348304312010-10-12T09:02:00.001-06:002010-11-11T08:12:56.543-07:00

When I was driving home from Wal-mart with Janessa yesterday, I got a glimpse into her first grade world: "I don't think Kelsey and Lola even know what is means to have a boy friend.  They just keep breaking up and then make a new boy friend with someone else." I didn't have the insight to ask her what she thinks it means to have a boy friend.  But I am glad she thinks it means more than that.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-80091672207732203002010-10-08T10:46:00.001-06:002010-11-11T08:10:03.766-07:00

What do little boys do at their big brother's soccer game?  Collect things.  There are all kinds of cool things in and around the high school bleachers collect.  Lids from water bottles and Gatorade, pop can tabs, broken balloons, pieces of metal, zip ties, feathers, candy wrappers, ticket stubs, pens and pencils... Andy's collection Andy had a great time at the game last night.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-56049531242376499262010-10-05T19:54:00.000-06:002010-11-11T08:09:31.735-07:00

Don't you just love it (not) when your kid leaves her lunch box at school and when she does bring it home it has a squishy black banana inside that has leaked in her backpack and on her homework folder?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-49993212001803235302010-10-03T19:30:00.000-06:002010-11-11T08:09:50.106-07:00

Here is link to a Janessa's photo shoot at Lydia Jane Images.  My baby girl is going to be 7 next month!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-23342199900607557252010-09-30T13:21:00.003-06:002011-08-14T20:30:41.076-06:00

What a CUTE baby!!!  Sometime during all our summer fun, Cameron turned 4!  He wanted a Spiderman cake.   And we took him to dinner at "Chinese" per his request.   My baby is growing up.  He is so fun.  Loves Honeynut Cheerios and would eat them for breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner if he could.  He loves to dress up--reminds me of his older brother Dustin.      The bouncy toy he got

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-48290899295135080222010-09-24T09:19:00.004-06:002010-09-24T09:19:00.493-06:00

Before...  This isn't a great picture, but it shows the fence just behind the pool and behind that is gravel that goes out to the side walk/road.  To the right where you can't see is a patch of weeds and a carport.   NOW!!   (there is a gate at the end of the driveway so we can use the carport if we so desire--like when we get a camper trailer??)  I had some other pictures I wanted to post of

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-1910673444306543362010-09-23T09:17:00.004-06:002010-11-11T08:09:18.478-07:00

It's funny how things seemingly unrelated affect each other, or somehow become intertwined.  Like an episode of Seinfeld.  (you know, by the end of the show all the little story lines seemed to come together...) A few days ago the window on the driver's side of the van got stuck in the open position--all the way down. Little did I know it was going to hinder breakfast this morning. We have a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-22805410166002163682010-09-08T21:59:00.002-06:002010-09-08T22:10:06.656-06:00

One of these days I want to get back to posting regularly.  And not just family updates, but for now... After 5 doctors' appointments, 3 x-rays, 2 different antibiotics and 11 days of missed school, Brennen is all better.  Anxious mommy here for a while, but really no need to have been. And like the doctor said, he was lucky to have stayed out of the hospital. I am headed to New York!  To the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-19788367468083089852010-08-24T23:52:00.002-06:002010-11-11T08:13:11.158-07:00

I could tell it was time for school to start because my supply of Ramen noodles, Mac & Cheese, and peanut butter dwindled considerably.  I actually ran out of creamy peanut butter this week--something I am usually abundantly stocked up on (though there are still 3 or 4 jars of crunchy on the shelf...). Things were off to a good start last Monday.  Lots of papers to read and sign and the like. 

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-34279743590965070222010-08-13T00:01:00.002-06:002010-11-11T08:13:29.032-07:00

"School days are the best days of your life--provided your kids are old enough to go" 3 more days . . .

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-52008916224701486942010-07-14T11:51:00.001-06:002010-11-11T08:13:54.869-07:00

I love the Colorado Mountains.  I grew up camping in them.  It is so great to be back close to them again.  A few weeks ago we headed north for an hour to Colorado up La Plata Canyon for the day.  We played in the La Plata River, ate lunch, hiked a little bit, and played in the water some more.  There was a little spring coming out of the ground near the campground that ran down the hill a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-35636723831562012242010-07-06T06:19:00.000-06:002010-07-06T06:19:00.426-06:00

Getting ready for church one Sunday -- Andy comes out of his room with his shirt on inside out.  I don't know how he got it buttoned.  I un-buttoned and it, turned it the right way and in the process of buttoning it again and tucking it in his pants, I realized he did not have underwear on.  I sent him to his room to get some on.  Scott is coming down the hall with Andy's shoes and socks ready

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-36178228216000129082010-07-04T19:02:00.002-06:002010-11-11T08:08:01.190-07:00

I need to give some blog time to my oldest son.  He is a bit of a character.  He is out-going and fun-loving.  Defined as: loves to have fun. Pretty easy going and very confident in many ways.  I will give you an example.  He wore this to the youth church dance.  It was NOT a theme dance, just casual dress. When he was tie dying his pants and shirt he decided to tie dye the dog too. He has a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-54575906345102441572010-06-25T19:42:00.002-06:002010-06-25T19:59:56.040-06:00

It is Friday evening.  Scott has been at Boy Scout camp since early Monday morning.  I am tired.  I know, he is the one camping, but I am tired.  Maybe he is tired too.  He will get back sometime between 12 and 5 tomorrow.  I guess this time around it is a little easier.  After all, I am not home alone 8 months pregnant with a 2 year old, 4 year old and 9 year old.  Or home with an 11 month old

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-26048255659652101202010-06-10T06:00:00.003-06:002010-11-11T08:13:11.158-07:00

My kids have already had some sumer adventures, and school has not even been out for three weeks.  In fact, these adventures happened last week all in a two or three day period. 1) Scott was trimming our tree and Andy got the idea to make a jungle.  We have a cement pad (we have lots of cement in our yard...) at the side of our house with a clothes line.  Put the branches atop the clothes line

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-31661140644231552732010-06-09T07:00:00.000-06:002010-06-09T07:00:03.311-06:00

So my son texted me on Sunday while he was on his way to Utah with his dad : "Oh i guess i forgot to tell you but me and sarah broke up yesterday." Of course we have been discouraging this relationship because they are too young and only wanted them to be friends anyway.  So I am happy that something or someone is getting through to him about steady dating.  (The issue of the New Era, church

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-17104358857594932132010-06-08T02:41:00.004-06:002010-11-11T08:08:37.265-07:00

I am now the mom of two teenagers.  When did my babies grow up?  Dustin turned 16.  I can't believe it was 16 years ago that I welcomed my first baby into this world.  He was the happiest baby and so quick to smile and laugh.  He loved cars and knew the types of car everyone in the neighborhood drove when he was three years old.  (He would point them out to us as we were driving on the freeway

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-53658855289175097922010-05-26T13:02:00.006-06:002010-11-11T08:13:54.870-07:00

Yesterday was not a great morning getting kids out the door to school.  The kids were not very cooperative and they picked a bad day for that because Scott was working so not able to help with the morning mayhem as usual. Anyway, Janessa put on jeans with holes in the knees.  And I let it go because at least she was finally dressed.  However, it was time to go and her hair wasn't combed.  It is

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-87243552039806069272010-05-21T15:29:00.004-06:002010-11-11T08:09:01.475-07:00

It's May.  The month for end of the year band concerts, programs, class field trips, awards assemblies, band banquets, field days--and two soccer parties thrown in there too. . . Did I miss anything? And don't forget the usual stuff like scout activities and camp-outs, cub scouts, piano lessons.  And this year lots of baseball games (this is a baseball town and it has been in full swing since

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-35338898475342279862010-05-05T14:29:00.002-06:002010-11-11T08:08:37.265-07:00

Andy and Janessa finished their spring soccer leagues last Saturday.Funny that we moved 400 miles from Brigham City to Farmington NM and we still have blue/red reversible jerseys!Andy going for the goal!  Janessa schoolin' the boys.  Her league was boys and girls. And the medals! 

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-52029408213680738952010-04-30T19:03:00.002-06:002010-04-30T19:47:58.516-06:00

I had a pile of sand in a bowl that I was going to take a picture of and title it "The Sand From One Shoe On Any Given School Day" and post it on the blog.  But my husband saw sand in a bowl and of course dumped it out so it wouldn't spill all over.  Not that it really matters...there is sand all over my house (of mostly wood floors) from the school playground.  So I have no picture to go with

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-87297009050716718552010-04-26T20:02:00.001-06:002010-04-26T20:27:34.592-06:00

I found The BGF by Roald Dahl at the thrift store and remembered how much my oldest son liked it.  So I bought it for 99 cents and have been reading it to my younger kids.  We have been enjoying it, though I have to say that it is a bit hard to read out loud as the giants talk very oddly and mix up words and such.  Brennen remembers reading it too in elementary and has been sitting in on our

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-62717343826042835232010-04-23T19:57:00.002-06:002010-04-26T20:36:41.305-06:00

from a website I was reading: "(Washington, D.C.) April 17, 2006 - Parents of children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) express frustration when their children experience emotional meltdowns for seemingly no reason. " So I am expressing my frustration.  AAHHHH!!! Meltdowns at our house by our 8-year-old are quite frequent.  And usually unpredictable "seemingly for no reason." The other

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-35925664336803519322010-04-15T08:22:00.002-06:002010-04-15T08:22:00.466-06:00

We are contagious.  Pink eye and impetigo.  Cameron has been to the doctor for pink eye.  (some complaining:  It took two and a half hours from the time I left home, saw the doctor, and picked up the prescription.  I knew he had pink eye.  I know how to treat it.  Why can't I just buy some eye drops?!?)  So pink eye is very contagious and I got it too, and used Cameron's drops.  Then Andy woke

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-56490785529413204532010-04-14T07:58:00.001-06:002010-04-14T08:07:05.154-06:00

Her name is Echo.  Janessa wanted to name her Snowball but was out voted.  She is half chihuahua and half pomeranian.  Cute, fun, but doesn't know how to potty outside.  She just plays with and eats the weeds and rocks.  And I thought I was done potty training!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-44234878216367600832010-04-07T10:42:00.003-06:002010-04-14T08:22:25.086-06:00

Andy got a new wallet.  In fact he bought it from Brennen, who is making and selling duct tape wallets.  So far Bren has made about $15 I think.  (Well, he spent $25 on colored duct tape so he hasn't cleared a profit yet).  Andy was excited to put his money in his wallet.  He got out his coins and asked his dad to change it into dollars.  Then he got his library card out of his Dad's wallet and

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-84550651237856461212010-04-07T10:39:00.002-06:002010-04-07T20:48:21.454-06:00

I wanted to post a little about our vacation to Utah.  But we have been home two weeks now so it is old news.  And I have never downloaded the pictures to the computer.  I will mention it though.  Two days after Scott was home from the hospital with his broken arm we packed the van, packed up our dad and headed to Utah for our spring break.  We enjoyed seeing family and friends and the most

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-32649318899296716772010-03-19T20:35:00.002-06:002010-04-14T08:32:30.569-06:00

We had some great spring weather this week.  Which means kids out on scooters and bikes and playing ball at the park.  Wednesday evening just before six, Andy got in a little predicament.  His pants got stuck in his bike chain.  One of the neighborhood kids came over and told us so Scott went across the street to the park to free him.  It was kind of funny--a bunch of kids gathered around while

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-33939757960905767372010-03-13T19:31:00.002-07:002011-08-14T20:30:41.077-06:00

I have a son on Medicaid (government healthcare) since he is "uninsurable" because of the large birthmark on his face, meaning private healthcare won't take him.  We haven't used Medicaid yet since he has been a healthly boy.  This past week I decided I needed to get him into the dermatologist because he hasn't been seen in over a year.  Laser surgery is in his future for his port-wine stain--

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-48657104682084866262010-03-13T19:15:00.001-07:002010-03-13T19:33:27.081-07:00

Primary activity, three soccer games, work (tutoring), PTA fundraiser. Okay, so I didn't actually go to all three soccer games.  I was at one game the whole time and caught part of another one.  And luckily Scott shuttled Brennen to and from a scout merit badge workshop.  But I did help at the primary activity, went to work, and served food at the school fundraiser.   And I folded laundry and

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-69376107836610695902010-03-04T20:56:00.001-07:002010-03-04T20:57:56.129-07:00

I turned 30-something on Monday.  My 15-year-old planned a surprise party for me.  He even called a few of my friends to invite them.  Picture it--a 15 year old boy calling their mom's friends, not texting but talking.  Pretty impressive, huh?  He didn't tell me this, but I heard that thanks to caller ID, someone sang him "Happy Birthday" because she thought it was me calling.  I don't know if

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-8249689961649854102010-02-27T21:57:00.002-07:002010-04-14T08:22:45.567-06:00

Andy turned 8 years old today.  He was able to be baptized on his birthday! Andy is a very special kid.  I am proud of him and so happy to have him as part of our family.  Life is never dull with Andy around! His motorcycle cake that my sister helped me makeFun at Big Bounce

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-21371341380321777962010-02-17T19:35:00.001-07:002010-02-17T19:37:41.961-07:00

The planets and stars must have aligned just right, because last night for about an hour I was a Super Mom. After dinner I orchestrated the following: Andy did his reading, half with me, half on his own.  He also unloaded the dishwasher. Janessa did her reading with me, and cleaned her room. Brennen practiced his piano. Cameron and I worked on his Speech and he unloaded the silverware. And it

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-23066979748896290032010-02-15T08:31:00.000-07:002010-02-15T08:31:21.507-07:00

Here is the type of conversation my hubby and I have now: "If you stay up to pick up the teenager at the region dance at 11:30,  I will get up with the little kids at 7:00." We were warned about times like these--"Once you aren't getting up with babies, you will be waiting up for teenagers."  And yes, some kids are capable of entertaining themselves on Sunday mornings while the parents sleep,

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-375688698058615602010-02-12T11:39:00.002-07:002010-02-12T16:51:57.895-07:00

When I was a kid, the church had ads on TV called "If You Love 'Em, Tell 'Em", like the current ones out now "Family:  It's About Time."  My favorite was the one where a teenager calls his (or her--can't remember) dad at work and says "I just called to tell you the I love you."  The Dad gets a confused look on his face and asks "Who is this?" A week or so ago, I read the talk by Elder Bednar

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-21788306149775658772010-02-02T11:23:00.002-07:002010-02-02T11:28:38.867-07:00

I am not organized much at all.  In some areas, maybe slightly.  My husband is an accountant and very systematic and organized.  Me, not so much.  But sometimes I really try.  Like yesterday I wrote out a list of stuff to get done.  On the list was putting dinner in the crockpot in the morning.  You know so it would be done by dinner time?  There were other things, like ironing shirts which have

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-68778763460623071862010-01-21T10:35:00.001-07:002010-04-14T08:32:21.922-06:00

Snow Day!  A perfect day for . . . Haircuts!  That's what I did this morning.  Except of course my oldest said no.  (But that is okay because there are more important things to battle besides longer hair).  I cut the other boys' hair and even Janessa's.  I cut Janessa's shorter than I meant to, which is fine.  Wet curly hair dries shorter than you think.  Everyone is home today.  School was

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-83605029093051922282010-01-18T08:18:00.002-07:002010-01-18T08:18:00.582-07:00

I love my children.  I do, but it is wintertime (yes, it is cold in Northern New Mexico) and they are out of school today (Human Rights Day).  And they had a 17 day holiday break.  And sometimes I just need a time-out from them.  Since moving here, I haven't found friends yet for the little ones to go play with.  I have had more success with my 3 year-old and a few play dates, but not my

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-19922023677184906812010-01-15T17:25:00.000-07:002010-01-17T07:54:59.601-07:00

I have a new blog, Saving Today, Preparing for Tomorrow.  The blog address is savingtoday.net. It is still under construction, but I will eventually have lots of tools and tips for building your family home storage and saving money at the grocery store.  I will post deals and great buys, whether local or for everyone.  I also want to add some fun items like recipes, family ideas, parenting

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-45478043468581516592010-01-14T20:42:00.000-07:002010-04-14T08:32:42.108-06:00

I was overly ambitious the other day and made cinnamon rolls.  My three-year old didn't eat his dinner (again) and I told him he couldn't have one (I'm so mean).  He responded "Daddy said 'Yes'".  Scott had just left to play raquetball.  I am pretty sure that Cameron knew that Daddy was not home.  Already trying to work the system!  My other son, who is very bright but sometimes just not so

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-82770936386180550922010-01-08T09:34:00.001-07:002010-01-17T07:49:53.646-07:00

Today as most of the nation is touting the Alabama football team's national championship, I want to bring your attention to the NCAA Women's Volleyball Champion--the Penn State Nitany Lions who made history winning a third straight national title on Dec 12.  They have gone undefeated the past two seasons. Penn State came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Texas in 5 games.  I was rooting for Texas

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-24597589548185213562010-01-06T09:09:00.001-07:002010-01-17T07:47:35.984-07:00

I can understand about sparkly turquoise toothpaste in the sink and on the counter.  Don't like it but understand, I guess.  And can even sort-of get it when toothpaste occasionally ends up on the cabinet doors even the towels.  (Yes, my kids are messy--one in particular).  But in the bathtub??!! Come on kids!  The bathtub is not even next to the sink! I should be happy that there is evidence

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-82652118059927581772010-01-04T09:21:00.005-07:002010-01-17T07:49:28.159-07:00

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, we are told to have a year's supply of food storage. Years ago, the ward I was in gave out a simple food storage plan.  THE PLAN: 1.  Each week you purchase the suggested item(s) for that week. 2.  Buy the largest amount you can sensibly afford and will be able to use before the expiration date. 3.  Replace the items as you use them.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-64160951635972844502010-01-01T08:26:00.001-07:002010-01-17T07:51:54.353-07:00

Wow.  A New Year.  Like Janessa said yesterday "Tomorrow is January??!!"  Indeed it is.  A new decade.  I suppose I should write something profound.  But I won't.  Dustin went to his first New Year's Eve Dance.  (Last year he could have gone but he didn't go to dances until we moved here).  He went out and bought a purple dress shirt and a new black tie.  He looked nice.  Of course the reason

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-20028442309634108672009-12-14T09:17:00.002-07:002010-01-17T07:50:42.943-07:00

Here I am blogging in my pajamas.  It is just one of those Mondays.  Didn't want to get out of my nice warm bed, so I didn't until 7:00.  Which meant I had 45 minutes to get kids up and off to school.  But I did a great breakfast of french toast sticks (very easy because there is not cutting involved--great finger food, and of course from the freezer), yogurt and apples.  I literally dragged Andy

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-91605898833031619852009-12-12T16:14:00.001-07:002010-01-17T07:51:42.951-07:00

I grew up with fresh cut Christmas trees.  I have great memories of Christmas tree cutting trips.  When I was younger we would go to our friends' house who lived on a farm about an hour away, and then our two families would go together.  Half the fun was just being at the farm!  The animals, the barn,sometimes a frozen pond. I can also remember going with my Grandma and Grandpa a few times, and

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-9183180722172276912009-12-07T21:32:00.004-07:002010-01-17T07:48:50.926-07:00

It isn't fair that laundry does not take a sick day, a holiday, or vacation. When your family goes on vacation, the dishes vacation too, because of course we are not in our kitchen to use them. They also take a semi-sick day because when Mom is sick, the husband usually picks up some fast food for dinner, which leaves very little dishes to clean up. But laundry is a different story. It just

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-44796815461799678062009-12-06T21:14:00.004-07:002010-01-17T07:52:06.271-07:00

I'm just NOT a morning person. My son is trying out for the 7th grade basketball team. Practice starts at 6:00 am. That is in the morning. When we should be sleeping or at least hitting the snooze button on the alarm clock. I am not trying to be an unsupportive mom or anything, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if he didn't like it and decided not to stick with it. The coach told us there is lots

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-3431738366422939022009-11-24T10:13:00.004-07:002010-04-14T08:33:05.054-06:00

Sadly I have been ignoring my blog. I have so so many blog entries in my head.here are a few quick ones:My 12 year old entrepreneur is at it again. He cut out some squares, sewed them together into a cube and filled it with sand--a hacky sack. (This from the top of his head, no pattern or directions--he just did it cuz he was bored one day, and I was sewing). He is selling them for $1 a school.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-80770289446857750992009-11-21T22:17:00.004-07:002010-01-17T07:52:28.933-07:00

It is hard to believe it has been six years since we welcomed a girl into our family. And it hasn't been quiet since...it seems like Janessa was born talking...(I guess that isn't very nice. After all, she takes after her mom!) What is daunting is to think that I had a one-year old when she was born, (and a 6- and a 9-year old). She had an ocean cake (her first thought was a princess cake of

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-35856781707732101732009-11-04T20:01:00.002-07:002010-01-17T07:53:15.056-07:00

I was putting Cameron's feet into his sleeper pajamas and he said it hurt. So I took his foot out and stuck my hand into the foot of his jammies and pulled out a folded up $20 bill! It must have been hibernating in there since last winter.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-27881217822061678682009-11-02T10:11:00.009-07:002010-01-17T07:54:22.587-07:00

The snow melted and the cold winter weather (high of 34 on Thursday) turned back into beautiful fall weather for the weekend. To fill up the Saturday before the big Halloween festivities, Scott took the kids out to the Bisti badlands for some hiking and rock climbing. What that meant for me was almost 3 and 1/2 hours of a quiet house! Heaven! Then it's home to get on costumes, talk to Grandma

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-46256649353979492072009-10-31T09:28:00.011-06:002010-01-17T07:53:28.563-07:00

We had some witches fingers, ghosts, mummies, monster lips, and spiders for dinner last night. Thank you Family Fun magazine for your great ideas! And not pictured are witches hands made from chicken breasts that you cut the top part into 5 fingers which kind of crinkle up as it cooks. That idea came from my friend Niesha many years ago. Monster mouths with apple wedges with almond slivers;

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-654284420430687552009-10-28T09:23:00.003-06:002010-01-17T07:54:07.610-07:00

We woke up to snow today. The kids were way excited. In fact Andy was dressed and ready before we had time to tell him to. My kids don't know enough yet that when it snows here, you turn on the radio to see if there is a school delay--starting school two hours later due to road conditions so the buses can drive safely. Because there isn't lots of snow here usually. When I was growing up we

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-33451708791704566172009-10-05T09:15:00.002-06:002010-01-17T07:53:05.381-07:00

Last night Cam wanted ice cream. I said no because he didn't eat any dinner, well unless you count the jello. So I warmed up some mashed potatoes and gave them to him and said he can have ice cream after he eats his potatoes. The other kids were done with their ice cream and I was in Janessa's room reading her a book and Scott was reading to Andy. Cameron came to me and said something about

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-23460692549018659472009-10-01T09:25:00.005-06:002010-01-17T07:55:08.182-07:00

When most people find out my husband works from home they say something like "Oh! I bet you love that!"Yes, there are great things about having a husband working from home. He helps get the kids to school, can help with homework. He is there when the washing machine floods and is home during nap time if I want to run some errands ALONE.However, there is at least one drawback. (is that one word

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-77239687636129033902009-09-26T06:00:00.002-06:002010-04-14T08:33:32.561-06:00

I could write an entire blog about my seven-year old Andy. Things he does. Things he says. He keeps life interesting around here.As we were driving home the other night as a family, the topic came up of what kind of car Dustin wants. Andy piped up and said Dustin wants a 'Vette. After a little conversation about 'Vettes Janessa asked what a 'vette is. So Andy explained:"You know the people that

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-86081864959112686262009-09-24T14:53:00.001-06:002010-01-17T07:52:50.696-07:00

The ward boundaries in our stake were changed. We are now in a different ward and go to a different building. One third to one half of our former ward, 7th, was taken and distributed into 3 different wards--1st, 2nd, or 3rd--but gained members from 2nd ward, including my parents and sister's family. We are now in 1st Ward.1st ward was very excited for the change, especially that they received 4

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-71630209331131967782009-09-18T11:20:00.003-06:002009-09-22T14:38:26.207-06:00

Today was a school holiday for the kids--Parent Teacher Conferences. My 15 year old was up before 8 o'clock this morning making him some breakfast. This is the kid who usually sleeps until noon if we let him on weekends and no-school days. He left with his friend to go bike riding. No, not video gaming, bike riding.He is getting A+'s in most of his classes. The same kid we had to ground last year

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-80103572827561895592009-08-24T21:04:00.003-06:002010-01-17T07:53:54.167-07:00

Remember this post: "Perfectly Normal for a Mom" about how I lose things and forget things? I recently lost my keys for a week. Had to keep using my hubby's everytime I wanted to drive anywhere. I found them, finally! And guess where I found them? On the floor of the deep freezer. Okay. You can quit laughing now. Why didn't I think to look in the freezer? I knew that the last time I had

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-4836988146794190062009-08-22T21:37:00.006-06:002010-01-17T07:54:22.588-07:00

When we moved, I decided to switch sides of the bed with my husband. In this bedroom, if you walk in the door, turn and take a few steps, you run into into the side of the bed. In our old bedroom, you pretty much had equal access to either side as you entered the room. I decided I would take the side of the bed closer to the wall, away from the door. That way, when kids get up in the night, they

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-24723510200926649612009-08-21T20:24:00.005-06:002010-01-17T07:55:19.183-07:00

Cameron lost his binkie yesterday. Really. We can't find it and we were down to one. We lost the second to last one on our vacation earlier this month. He is having a hard time. He was up several times last night and cranky today. Scott finally got him to take a nap today. And he has been happier this afternoon but it is almost bedtime again. I hope he sleeps better tonight, so I can sleep

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-23235781448345509152009-08-14T13:29:00.005-06:002010-01-17T07:55:48.740-07:00

Today, Friday the 14th, was the first day for Kindergarten students and all new students in the secondary schools. Everyone else starts on Monday. Janessa and Brennen went to school.Dustin finally was able to register this morning (see previous post) but we are still waiting for transcripts from Box Elder. The registrar there has been on vacation. What does she think, that it is summer or

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-28980721589771313822009-08-11T07:42:00.008-06:002010-01-17T07:56:00.903-07:00

The last week of summer vacation. Wow. And what a summer it has been. New house in a in a new state. And the kids are starting school 2 weeks earlier than they would have if we hadn't moved. They all seem excited though. Especially Janessa and Brennen.We just got back from a week in Utah and Idaho, and hitting the shores of Bear Lake. Plenty of family time on both sides. Family relationships are

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-26014255862883574282009-07-27T21:28:00.003-06:002009-07-27T21:45:47.904-06:00

Three years old today! The video didn't really capture his cute smile. He was smiling yet trying not to smile when we sang his name. He was excited--so cute! Cameron is such a fun little guy. I can't believe he is 3! We are so lucky and happy to have him in our family.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-13056317631444917822009-07-17T21:56:00.006-06:002010-04-14T08:35:23.990-06:00

We set up the trampoline and the pool tonight. And as you know, kids can't play in water or jump on the trampoline without screaming laughter and yelling. Especially my kids. I think I have the loudest kids. So now I am sure that the neighborhood is well aware that this house, which has been empty for 6 or 7 months, is now occupied. (Some probably observed the kid toys in the front yard, but for

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-26125515174218090442009-07-15T22:04:00.005-06:002010-01-17T07:56:13.144-07:00

One thing the Mormons do well is food. We have been fed by the members of the ward for three nights in a row now. The first two nights at members' houses, and tonight three families brought dinner over to us. (Three families provided one dinner together--not three dinners). So even though we have not been to a Sunday meeting, we have met five families. We have had a great welcome.And Cameron is

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-49504575857647410182009-07-09T23:13:00.004-06:002009-07-10T00:11:25.741-06:00

I just want all my Utah friends and family to know that I finally cried. I am not totally emotionless (is that a word?) Sometimes--or mostly--I just have a hard time getting those emotions out. They really like to hide. But after packing and cleaning and packing and laundry, saying goodbye to friends and family, two nights of not sleeping well, and spending a day driving, the emotions finally

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-39210013422054633172009-07-06T12:00:00.001-06:002009-07-06T22:06:31.953-06:00

I am done doing laundry. I mean in this house. Whatever is dirty today, stays dirty until maybe next week. Because I have other things to do! Maybe some people would not be okay taking dirty laundry to their new home, but it's fine with me. I guess this means Cameron is wearing pull-ups for the next few days . . . (he is not quite accident free yet. I mean to get on that after we move. He does

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-21633633909888013312009-07-05T22:20:00.004-06:002009-07-05T23:14:10.436-06:00

Is just not easy.I don't know what to say, or how to say it if I did know what to say. But I did it a lot tonight--at a 'hug party', as Andy called it--somehow. Trying to say goodbye to friends in the ward who have touched my life in so many different ways. Saying goodbye but not really expressing or exposing much of how I feel. Because it is hard. And I don't know what to say.The past 8 years

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089085714430773072.post-63914664957102824312009-06-27T07:59:00.003-06:002009-06-27T08:18:37.216-06:00

Moving Day is in two weeks! July 11th. It is really happening. There are so many mixed emotions that come with this:Excitement.Fear.Sadness.Joy.Anticipation.Regret.Overwhelmed (if that's an emotion).Guilt--because I am the one that wanted to move so I got the ball rolling and now I am uprooting my 5 children and husband.Mostly I feel excited. I am looking forward to being with my parents and

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05785606622208818419noreply@blogger.com1