Pictures of my mission

HEre are a few pics from my trip...I didn't get nearl enough on there so I will try to do some more later!

A few team member built this wall on our first day--we had it completely finished and painted by the time friday came around!




This was my "bubble"...I bought a mosquito net tent..what a great investment!




This is a good picture of our work site.....but not only that of neil and Patty they were so cute in thsi picture..but such a joy to be with all week..Neil and I struggled together at every meal!



Cement mixing



The local stream to take showers and wash laundry




The showers



As groups we were assigned "home visits" ..the pastor in the village sent us to various homes so we could get a close up of their life and learn about indivisual people and discuss God with them ..if it came up....this was the home of the Grandma Mabel and Dodd...they were in their 80's loved the lord and very happy to see us! She took on a tour around her house and there were loose boards ..none of the appliances worked and she had various buckets and old bottles to catch rain water...she lived up the mountain side--and she said on sunday mornings..she has to start walking down the hill at 5 in the morning so the pastor can pick up her up where the road starts so she can go to church..that is amazing to me! Such dedication..we are tryingto find a church in our town --so we don't have to drive 20 minutes away--how horrible are we?




Where they performed for the health fair

The health fair was less than sterile conditions..I can't even imagine recieving healthcare in that place..it was dirty, no running water for sterility..they don't give pain meds.....it is really a site to see..compared to our healthcare industry!



Health fair




They bury their dead in their yards




After my hair was done...I was holding this sweet baby for his mom.




Worship Service on Tuesday night!





Our whole group at the welcome sign for our village.


The little kids--singing about Jesus!




Lizards are all over everything there--it is an infestation!




The guys after they fixed my hair.




ME and Tish after a hard day at the worksite!

Jamaica Mission

I finally went on my mission trip after months of fundraising and anticipation. I think I am still processing alot of things in my mind about it because as soon as I got back I went stright into finals and I haven't had time to breathe.

I was having anxiety each time we stopped at an airport for a lay-over because I have always been afraid to leave the country so going to this place was really out of my comfort zone ....so I had to talk myself into continueing to go on each leg of this trip....I knew if I balied I would not forgive myself...so I finally got to Jamiaca and wanted to puke.....but I got over that.

When we arrived in the airport--it was lined up with all these Jamaican men..holding Dolly's just waiting to help anyone who is willing...one of the first things I noticed was that Jamaican's are really hard to read they aren't as expressive as say someone like me..hehe...

We were picked up by world servants in a shuttle bus....apparently I wasn't even prepared for the 90 minute bus drive to our villiage..yikes--they go FAST and we were on what we (as americans) would consider a one lane road...but smaller and there is all kinds of traffic..they also drive on the opposite side of the road..which kind of throws me off..the cars come close together I was taking pictures out of the window and everyone kept yelling at me to put my hands in otherwise they would be taken off.

On our way to the villiage we stopped at a grocery store in Montego Bay for water..if I had known what I was getting for meals in the villiage I think I would have invested in some groceries at the time.

As soon as we got to the church that we were staying at we set up our beds and sleeping situation. We all stayed in one big classroom above the sanctuary..with a blue tarp inbetween the boys and the girls...SO you can imagine the snoring choir all of us heard all week! hehe

We were informed on our way to the villiage that there were showers that we could use but they would only be cold...(it is collected rain water)...and that we could only take 2 minute showers or we could go to the local stream and take long cold showers there and the locals do their bathing and laundry in that stream as well...the first day of walking to our worksite..we saw they don't even bath in the suits...well they do in their birthday suits.

We were also informed on the way to the villiage that we would be finishing the community center that a few groups ahead of us had started so we were the lucky ones to see the progress and reep the benfits of what we have all done...That was amazing! So we decided to host a health fair..which was very exciting to me since I want to be a NURSE....so I thought that God had really had a hand in everything that was happening ..and that re-assured me that I was in the place that I was supposed to be.

Before we left on our trip a friend of my family sent 50 soccer balls with us to take the to villiage for the kids--with everything it took to get those soccer balls there I was a little concerned with how it was all going to play out with the kids..and they loved them..it was worth everything that we all went through in customs and hauling them about! As soon as the kids saw us with them they would practically maul us to get one to play with...it was a sign the first day we were in the villiage because the soccer ball that all the kids were playing with was worn out--platic falling off--all basically fibers.....I don't even know how it was inflated enough to kick around!

The first morning there as we were eating breakfast the children were walking through heading to school..education is not free there...so it is kind of hit and miss if kids are able to attend school..sometimes parents have to choose certain kids to go to school...or they pay as they go so if they can't afford it oen day or something maybe only a few children go or nobody goes..the kids want to go to school because they get a free meal if they do...which is a benefit. Sometimes they don';t eat another meal because of the poverty. WHen the kids got to class...it was so beautiful to hear them singing songs about JESUS! They also sang ( what we would consider) christmas songs..but they are their everyday songs..they also sang about snow and sleighs and what not--they don't even know what that is--which was really cute. I can honestly tell you it was one of the sweetest things I had ever heard!

The teachers let us into their classes to do short bible study lessons and crafts with them and then we would go to the work site....( well their were different groups assigned each day b/c they didn't need so many people there), then after the older kids got out of school..we would work with them..THIS WAS MY FAVORITE GROUP! I bonded with so many of these kids one boy in particular that I call Jamacian BRyce--he was so much like BRyce I fell in love with him...and he gave me the low down on everything..if you want the truth about things just ask the kids--they will tell you!
HE would explain to me how the Black women hate white women..because basically white women have alot of power in Jamiaca....it is so poor there that men just want to marry a white women and come to America..so they will do anything to get a white women..and you know that the minute you get off the plane --it is crazy--( more like scary..they don't even look at you in the right way!)..so J. Bryce would tell me how he is going to marry a white women when he got older..but he was worried because he had heard that white girls don't brush their teeth, they eat slugs and lizards???? He would say that and then look at me ---and say you don't do you? He needed me to re-assure him that we don't...haha!

The other funny thing was that the kids are so honest and pure....alot of them had never seen a white person (in real-life) so alot of them would just come and touch your skin to see what it felt like..and I was so hot in that climate that my skin was red....they kept trying to wipe it off....hehe--they kept saying your so RED..what is wrong..they had never seen that. They also loved playing with my hair..they kept saying it wasn't soft--haha..because their's is really soft and a different texture than mine. My blonde streaks were quite the discussion some days.

When the health fair day came--People came from the whole parish (state)..police officers..with machine guns and huge weapons...then we heard that most police officers were corrupt--that made me feel safe.....We also learned that 98% of the people we tested were HIV positive..that is an epidemic..... It was like a big festival....they had drama and skits to talk about drugs and HIV, they played Music and had a school band from a nearby village....it was quite an ordeal ...but what came with that was a crowd-----and some of them didn't want us there-- I knew right away I was asked for my phone number from a guy..after that I decided not to talk to any men, I was offered drugs by another...and a girl threw her shoulder at me and told me " you be the enemy" ..I really wanted to just sit her down and say--NO I am not..I am married with six children..I don't want your men..thank you. Instead I got scared didn't spend anytime in the health fair ..I went outside and waited at the edge of the crowd and prayed until we could leave ..if something broke out I could be at the edge so I could get to our church if need be...in that crowd I didn't know who was friend or foe which made me a little scared. Teh other thing I noticed was that they don't talk about abstinence at all...they just throw out condoms and talk about safe needles and what not ---so I don't see how that is going to help alot with the siuation.

I also noticed all of the violence in that place...Teachers obviously practice corporal punishment...they just slap a kid in the face when they don't listen....a representative from the Parish that talked to me for quite some time had explained that gangs were getting stronger and stronger where we staying...and even in the village you could see where any adult in the villiage would just haul off and hit a kid... and the kids beat eachother--I have 4 boys that get rough sometimes but it is nothing like this...Even Jamaican Bryce had talked to me during the week and asked me if I beat my kids..I told him "No--NOt really" ..he said "why, it is ok--we do it here"..I told him "well we take away privledges instead"....and right after I said it--I realized---they don't have privledges..that is why they get beat--there is no other alternative...I immediatly was sad because of that realization and because I had said that to him..I wish I had told him that I beat my kids. It is hard to think about all of these things all the time.

Just being in the village you smell marijuana all of the time..the rustafarians smoke non-stop..we were told which ones we could talk to and which ones we couldn't--you learn very quickly the jamaican ways of communicating..you can't ever pass someone and not say hi or they think you have a beef with them..so you have to talk to everyone..and there are certain hand signals that show respect--so we shared those many times a day....there was also prostitution in our village--not like here in the streets--it is just a normal thing..which is disturbing on many levels- At the beginning of the week I though all of this was legal and found out from the representative that it is not--but he said to me " DO you see any police officers near by?" I said "No" ..he said "exactly--there is no way to enforce the law up in the hills"... basically they have their own laws. SO it seemed liek a pretty dismal place from my description.....
I will write a blog about my day off on another blog because this is so lengthy.....but what I have to say is that this was an awesome experience for me ..there are things that I could have never learned anywhere else..I bonded with someone very special to me ..so I am glad she and I had that time together...I am glad to have met the children that I met and learned so much from them during the process ..they were so thankful for a little treat or the meals I would sneak to them...Jamaicans are also very thrifty and they use every part of everything..and they are able to make something out of nothing which is something I am not very good at ..they use everything whether it be an old paint can or a little frayed rag--they don't throw anything away. I learned how to open your heart fully , knowing that it was just going to be hurt again by people coming in and out of your life...which was the hardest part about leaving..they gave themselves to us knowing we were only there a short time...and I am thankful for that. I will never feel a love like that again....I got to see a different culture, way of life, and yet I know we are just one kind of people....God's people.
It is such a hard thing to explain.....I was a balling mess when we arrived and when we left.....I adapted to teh way of life (not the food)...I know there will be a day when these people will be able to teach us how to survive... because they do it everyday. I will post a bunch of pictures on my next post....So I dont have to keep copying and pasting.....and I will finish this up another day

Getting ready to go......

I am getting ready for my mission trip.....as excited as I am to go and do work for GOD...I know everything happens the way it is supposed to happen and that God will protect me and if something does happen to me it is because it is supposed to happen to me..that being said I am a bit nervous... because I have not been away from the kids for this amount of time..and even if I have been away for a weekend or something I am able to call and check on them--I will be in a rain forrest with no phones, running water or electricity.....this is going to be such a challenge for me...until 2 summers ago I didn't even go camping--and now I am going on the "ultimate" camping trip.
I have been keeping track of my progress during this journey and we got our journals for the trip--is tells us to write down what we want or expect to get out of our mission trip.....Already just with all of our conferences, cross -cultiral training and fund-raising events I have gained so much..new friends, even new family members (I have been adopted)and a much more enriched faith in God. It is amazing to me that things will change for me even more...When I think about all that I want out of this experience...I really just want to be thankful....thankful for everything I have, everything I am able to accomplish, everything I get to see and experience on a daily basis....it is aprapoe that I am going to miss thanks giving with my family --to go on a trip to learn how to be more thankful for everything in my life.
I know that amazing things are going to happen to me and I am really looking forward to this experience..I will have to totally rely on God to help me every step of the way..just as in life..but you are more aware of that when you are going on a new adventure.
I have planned out menus for my husband for all of the days I am gone, I wrote letters to all my children to have while I am gone--reassuring them that I will be thinking of them quite often and that they will need to pray for me because I will be praying for them....My husband is so great to handle all 6 children ALONE while I am gone...hehe...people ask me all of the time ..What are you going to do with all of your children? it makes me chuckle...Why would their Dad not take care of them? I guess alot of men just wouldn't be alone with 6 children..but my husband loves it..otherwise we wouldn't have 6 children! So thank you so much honey--for supporting me on this venture!
As far as my loved ones rading this blog-----I will miss you all and will share the pictures of my trip when I get back! I will be re-building school that was destroyed in a hurricane..and working with children in the village! I wish I could bring one home with me....that would be AWESOME!

Is this the day of the dead? Where is the celebration?

I had to summarize 2 articles that I found about the history behind the day of the dead...I actually found one that I thought was beautiful in a way and made me want to celebrate this wonderful holiday as well.. I would remember my grandparents that have left me and some other dear friends.
We found a new counselor to help with our kid situation..to also help with our kids that have special needs and to help Rob and I brush up on some much needed parenting skills since we have also never parented teenagers. I feel like we are on the right path and that we will see some improvements soon.
We have had a minor set back with a member of our family because of some of the temporary changes that we have had to make, so please remember us in your prayers.
I am glad Halloween is over ..each year get harder and harder for me to enjoy, as my kids get older they want to dress-up as things I won't approve of and it becomes a fight every year. I think next year I will pay them to buy candy and just forget about the holiday so we won't have to fight about it. The Horton boys celbrated with Landon so of course they could be whatever they chose and I took Jeri, Carl and Clarissa to a church party and then they Trick-or Treated at some neighbor hood houses. JEri was Dorothy from The Widard of Oz, Carl was a skeleton, which was hilarious because that suited him perfectly since he is so tall and skinny anyway, and Clarissa was a Barbie cheer leader. I made all of the kids these fancy halloween bags and they recieved lots of compliments..I should go into business!
Well, that is the most recent update..I hope you all have a great holiday.

October 18th, 2008

This last week we gained a dog..only temporarily..some Friends sold their house and bought a new one but have a week of transition and they are homeless so we are "dog sitting". In return they brought us a big bag of fresh apples and onions. I had just gotten back from the store where I had purchased 3 bags of apples....so what do you do when you have apple overload?
I am not sure if any of remember about 3.5 years ago when we processed apples at my house for 2 months straight and we had 100's of jars of applesauce? I think I made every recipe out of apples that I could google. Anyway. as Carl was having nightmares of more applesauce last night..I had to re-assure him..I was not making any..haha...we decided to have a baking party.
Trina came over, so she and I worked with the kids and we made a pie, and 2 apple crisps. If you could imagine 8 of us working in my somewhat small kitchen it was a sight to see..( more like a 3 ring circus!) as I think about it I wish I would have taken pictures ( but I was living in the moment not taking pictures of it..so I won't beat myself up about it). By the time it all ended Trina and I had to take 40 minutes to clean everything..
there was sugar spilled on the floor in an accident ( poor Carl) and then the rest of the kids proceeded to walk through it. Then Carl had an accident with the allspice so a teaspoon of that ended up on the floor by the table..of course that is where majority of us were working and walking around...so that is being sifted around. Cole, Bryce, and Preston are peeling apples and the peelings are being dropped into a bowl on the floor so apple "sprayings" are being tossed all over another section of the floor...and keep in mind the volume is getting louder and louder....Clarissa isn't really assigned a job so she is just going to all the stations and sampling every ones part of the food ..hand full here and a pinch here...so she has flour and her clothes and she has a really large smile on her face. Trina and Jeri are working on the same projects...and I am making a pie....and during this time I am thinking of all the memories..those few years ago Cole was helping me make pies one day and he said to me..
"Mom, Do you know what?"
I said " no, what Cole?"
Cole: " I am always going to remember this day when I baked pies with you..."
Wasn't that sweet? I don't know if he really remembered it but I thought it was so sweet at the time and every time I make an apple pie, I think of him on that day when he was so little and it was a special time for he and I.

SO on top of the fact that I LOVE fall and the apple season that it always brings I love all of the chaos that happens when my family gets together inside my little house and start to do inside activities together ..we used to do these types of things all of the time and it seems life it gets in the way of the things that are so important to me....so this will be another night that I will always remember because all of that chaos brings me such happiness.

We finished the night with Clue and I just have to say I am disappointed with the new clue game because they changed the name of the characters and some of the rooms ..out with the old in with the new I guess...but do they have to change everything? My grandkids will never know professor plum, colonel mustard ect....I guess it isn't the end of the world.

I Hope you all are enjoying your days and I pray for many blessings to you all!

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

I skipped school today--( I only physically skipped one class actually) and I have to go to a 4 hour orientation at WVC for a nursing program requirement. Basically I go to this meeting and they tell me everything I have to do to complete my application and gather all materials between now and spring when I actually apply. Since it is a requirement I am going...however I am hoping I actually learn something because I have already done so much research and asked so many questions that I feel prepared. I have noticed in alot of these things that other classmates don't research things before they get involved in all of these classes they are kind of going through blindly...if you are going to put so much time and effort and make this a life strategy..why would you not look into everything?

Anyhow, I have already started sending for all of my paperwork and transcripts and things that I need to apply.
it seems so close and yet I know it is 6 months away before I can even apply , let alone an acceptance letter. I have to take pretty heavy loads after this quarter so I can make sure I meet all the requirements for both colleges. PLease pray for me.

The kids are doing well...they boys are doing well at football...I am amazed at some of their capabilities and how much respect they get on and off of the field because of their strength on the Field. Especially Cole last night he was an all-star ...yet after the game he made sure to go to each one of his guys and personally thank them for helping him with all of his touch downs ( he made 2 or three last night)..I am happier about the fact that he would go out of his way to thank the other guys on his team rather than the fact that he scored. He was in especially a good mood last night because the team he played was his team from last year and so far this season they were un-defeated until last night when Cole's team whomped them! Bryce has been playing quarterback all year--and it is funny because he has such a distinctive voice anyway--but when you are in the stands I can hear my little boy calling all the shots and I always knew he would be a leader...he also won his place in student counsel this year..( he decided to run for student counsel rather than president because a friend of his was running..he didn't want to interfere..which I think is very kind of him...although Bryce was voted as president last year ..His friend didn't win..but at least I know Bryce was kind enough to let him try)
Preston is in choir and football he loves both. This is his first year in football but he is doing great! I am sure next year he will be dominating..just as his brothers are this year. Carl is hanging in as best he can..he sometimes will pull out hits or plays that are not expected because the kid is not in love with the game..but he plays anyway.
Clarissa, is adjusting to the social life school has brought her..she is still more shy than most..but she is starting to recognize other children in the community and will play if they ask her too..which is a step above last year.
Jeri is struggling in school and at home a bit. We are going to do an intake and hopefully get some different kind of therapies going so that we can try to help with some behavior modifications. She would like some more freedom and we would like to trust her.
Rob is working 12 hour shift at night still--hopefully it will stop in November..because harvest will be ending..I think we are all tired of it as well as he..we would just like to have our family back to normal.

I am preparing for my mission trip by trying to work ahead so when I leave I can submit all of my assignments and not worry about school while I am gone...When I come back I will be in finals week which kind of stinks because of all the study time I will be missing..but I am doing God's work so I am sure I will be taken care of ....I have to believe that! I am very excited about this trip--when I went to our cross cultural conference I learned so many great things and bonded with my fellow team and I am really looking forward to this experience. They explained that ...you will never know how much it impacts your life until you come home...but just the conference alone affected me ...so I know I am expecting great strides in my future.

After I come home we will be leaving for Disney land just a couple weeks later...I will be so happy to have that down time with my family...just us..no worries concerns..homework or anything!

Things I want to remember:

1. I need to realize the things I worry about today...aren't as important as I think they are......SO I should quit worrying about things.

2. Clarissa colored her new shoes with permenent marker.......I hope this stage ends soon.

3. Fall is my most favorite time of the year...the smell of apples and cinnamon..yummy!

4. I have been eating healthy for 3 weeks...( minus a few days) and it takes 6 weeks to implement a plan..so I am half-way there..I need to learn how to not sabatoge myself.

5. I have a really supportive family and I am lucky to be married to Rob ...who tells me he doesn't care how long it takes me to graduate a nurse..he will support me financially and mentally!


SO these are the things I am pondering today.....any bits of wisdom?

Back to School Again......

HI ALl,

Well, School started for me on Monday. I originally signed up for 23 credits 18 credits at BBCC which is 30 minutes away from my home in Moses lake and 5 credits at WVC which is an hour from my home..I take my Biology class at night in Wenatchee 2 nights a week. I dropped my college allgebra class from BBCC , I am worried about missing a week when I go on my mission and I can always make up a math class somewhere...but I can't make up science b/c I need to take 2 science classes one quarter as it is..to be able to apply for the nursing program spring quarter. I have been talking to other students and it looks as if I won't be accepted in the spring anyway..but I am going to give it my best shot.
I am excited about my biology class in WVC...I have a young teacher, he is easy on the eyes and I think he is going to be able to actually teach me science unlike my last chemistry teacher who was a bit weird. I am taking one class every semester at WVC to keep my options open for the nursing program..plus WVC college offers several classes of the same subjects so it is easier to get into a class you need at that college...rather than BBCC ..it is so small and it is hard to get into some classes...so this helps me get what I need.
Other than science..all of my classes are really easy classes and I am excited to actually have an easier quarter...I am still taking 18 credits but I am taking spanish, Lifetime wellness and Art appreciation....and of course Cell Biology.

YEsterday was my first science class and things didn't go very well with me leaving at 3:00 at night and coming home at 10...things didn't go as I had planned..I had everything set out and organized for my family..but they didn't comply--so we will try again tomorrow.

The kids are all doing well..the 4 boys are playing football and they love it....trying to make sure everything gets done before practices..is no easy feat...but somehow we manage everything!

JEri has been keeping up on her grades and Clarissa is testing her limits with her new found freedom of school ....I think this never ends.

Well I hope you all have a good week!

The Most Romantic Weekend of My Life.......

Only it was with "THE GIRLS!"



Oh the four of us had such a good time I didn't want it to end...We went to Leavenworth for the weekend ..we started it off with an OK dinner at ( I can't remember the name) ..didn't have a great selection of food but we were together...then we went for a carriage ride about the town..we had always wanted to do this and we never got around to it the other time..so we went right at the end and during the time the sun went down...perfect weather ... we laughed and enjoyed our ride.


The next morning we got up...went for breakfast did some light shopping...then got ready for our big adventure..we had booked a wine tour..we thought we would be getting a stretch Hummer..it turned out to be a stretch excursion..either way ..I thought it was nice and we toured 3 different winery's however--by the time we finished with the first wine tasting..they had given us 5 or 6 different tastes...so I was really warm by the time we left there. The other 2 winery's were really beautiful and we learned alot about wine. This was a blast..and we can't wait to do another one.


After we left the tour......We decided to go to a place called Katzenjammers for Dinner and it was so YUMMY! We had steak and Lobster ..it was so Yummy! It was the best dinner I have had in such a long time. After dinner we went back to our hotel room, enjoyed the hot tub and laughed, talked, shared secrets and dreams...and really enjoyed each others company....by the time Sunday came.....we had decided to get lunch in Wenatchee and then go see the movie called "The Women" on our way home...All I can say about this movie is that it was so beautiful in the way it depicts women relationships and I loved it..I will definatly buy this movie when it comes out...I cried during many scenes in this movie because it was all so true.


All I can say for the girls that went on this trip with me is that I love you all..I am glad we got to share all of those experiences together and I couldn't ask for better friends in my life. We were missing a few ....Hopefully we can catch up with them next time...and I hope everyone has a great week this week.

Clarissa the Cutie

Well, in our house we have 3 children that have mild personalities and are somewhat easy to get along with...and then we have the 3 that have strong personalities...Clarissa is one of the head strong children..I have no idea where she got this from??? The German side or MY side?? I thinks he didn't really have a chance to be easy going.

This summer was really a turning point for her..as soon as she cut all her hair off everyone got to see her personality ..not just the ones close to her. Until she cut her hair..the only ones that knew the "real" Clarissa was Linda ( her daycare provider), The Dawsons and all of us, of course!
Now she will talk to some strangers..usually not men ( I wonder if I have a man hater in the making?)and she is singing louder, laughing louder and cracking jokes. She has an odd sense of humor like her brother Carl..Not sure where they get that from?? She does have reservations about certain situations...problem is she doesn't give into peer pressure and there is no convincing her of anything once she makes up her mind. It is hard for me not to break this spirit she has..because i want her to do what I want sometimes and she refuses..but we are learning to deal with each other.


AS young as Clarissa is she has an unshakable Faith and she will tell people she is around very often that Jesus lives in your heart.I love that about her! If you talk about Jesus she listens intently..and she has the memory of an elephant! She is just like Bryce with that kind of stuff. She also has a great imagination. She loves communicating and doing domestic duties..as of now..because she is young.

Clarissa is stubborn, shy at times, loving and she will let you know when she is unhappy with something. She is a true girly-girl.. she loves it when Jeri dresses her up and makes a big deal about her. Clarissa is also an animal lover and over the summer we have given her the chore of taking care of all the animals.

I know she is so young and I have no idea how God will use her in this life..but I know she will always be a leader and a strong one at that!

Pretty Preston

I know most boys, including Preston hate being called "Pretty" , but I can't help it ..HE is so Pretty. When I was pregnant ( with Preston) I prayed that one of my children would get my eyes. Preston did...When I ask him where he got those Blue eyes..he responds with .."God gave them to me.." I love that.


Preston is the youngest of the four boys and tries very hard to keep up with all of them..so much so that people around us or that don't know us very well...forget how old he really is...which is hard on him sometimes because we are all used to him being able to keep up with everyone.

Preston is still my baby boy...It is hard for me to think of him any other way. Preston is funny, likes to be a show boat and always needs that pat on the back to say that he is doing well or fine. He has a strong personality ( just as Bryce ..although Different)that makes it easier for him to defend himself..but also a weakness of using it in the improper ways..I hope this comes with maturity.


Preston is very loving and kind to everyone around him..he loves animals and attention. He does well at all sports because he has trained with the best ( his brothers) and he is very social..he can never have to many friends. HE is always trying to bring home someone ..even if he doesn't necessarily like them just because they want to come over..he will put up with just about anything or anyway someone will treat him.....I like this about him because I know he will help anyone in need..but I also don't want him to lose himself in the process of helping others. I think Preston has the ability to charm anyone with his big blue eyes and charming smile.

Confident Cole

I have this wonderfully confident child, Cole. Cole is confident but he doesn't rub it in your face. HE is a very hard worker and he is sensitive and good at most things he does or tries for the first time. Cole is that one child that can get along in any situation you put him..that doesn't mean he always wants to be in certain situations..but he will always make do ..so to say.

I have been having issues with Cole lately. I think he is just trying to find his way in the world and within our family structure..he is pressing buttons a little more and getting frustrated because we give him alot of responsibility because we know he can handle it and will do what we ask...for the most part.


Cole is also artistic and organized, I never have to worry about what he looks like because he knows how to match his clothes and he organizes everything in his room so he can find it..I love that about him.

I imagine Cole when he grows up as being the one that will stay close to home to be near his family..he will take care of me in my old age and he will be the stable one that everyone turns to when they have a problem. HE is on a very even keel. I think he will be an example to all of us..once he gets out of this "stage." GOd has blessed him with these qualities and I am thankful his family will have this to rely on.

Creative Carl

I have this most amazingly creative child..that is so unsure of himself..he is always so afraid of everything. Carl is the easiest child to get along with he is so afraid of any tension that he stays constantly under the radar. You know when something is bothering him..he starts to studder, his eyes start to squint shut for the tears and you can almost see the uncertainty in his body.

Carl refuses to do homework yet he scores so high on all of his tests that it is hard to get mad at him ..other than the fact that he can't be so lazy..( he is so much like his father ..it is spooky!) I had a hard time punishing Carl for such a long time ( we are talking years..I know..I know ..it was bad, I still punished him.... it took me awhile) because he has such a wounded look on his face all of the time..but I had to get over it because he started getting a bit sassy and he would walk away from me and do the opposite of what I told him...I know again..this was my fault..but I have made the change. I get so frustrated with him at times because he is this way..but then..I see him in his LIGHT.....


Carl is artful and soulful if you look and listen...on top of that he is getting some of the "systems" as I say it.....he will organize things sometimes and come up with patterns and faster ways to accomplish things..which is what I do ..so I love that he is getting some of my OCD issues..( I am not sure I should be proud of this in any other case ..other than he is so much like Rob and his future wife will appreciate this). I also love art..it was my dream as a youth ..so to see that Carl has these talents ..warms my heart.


Carl will read poetry for longer periods of time than he is assigned and he will spend a little extra time drawing pictures and he sees things that others don't see and I love that about him. HE will often catch me off guard with some of his strategies..and I will have to honor them just for the sheer cleverness of his mind....His imagination is endless.....Just as his insecurities..I wonder if he will ever become secure in any situation....that is my biggest fear for him.

HE and I had a talk about his fears..and I told him since he has God in his heart he has nothing to fear...at the time i didn't know how dear he would take this to heart...you never know how children react to the things you say...and we talked about a night mare a few months back..he told me ---

" Mom, I just did what you told me, I prayed."
I said " Did it work?"
Carl said " I fell right back to sleep."

I am glad he listened and that his faith is strengthening and all I can do is hope that I can use as much faith as he in my everyday struggles to keep him safe and make him feel secure.
God will protect him and use these fears for something good along with with special talents.

The "Famous" Bryce

We all have that strong willed child that is sometimes hard to get along with, right? ( I hope that I am not just assuming this for everyone to make myself feel better here)...In my family this is Bryce....Bryce has a tall list of things that are sometimes hard to deal with ( like his short man syndrome) but then...he wipes it all away with his random acts of kindness that he shares every once in awhile to throw me a bone so to say ..or he exposes a peice of his heart that reminds you that he actually does have one.( I know he does..but sometimes he frustrates me so...)


Bryce has this knack for reading into people, seeing bad situations he loves little kids ( and special needs kids) ..and all of these kids love him. Bryce would never be seen in public holding hands with a boy..he is far to cool for that ..but if Quinn needs help at Silverwood or any public place for that matter ..Bryce will hold his hand and guide him where he needs to be and that warms my heart. Quinn is special needs and towers over Bryce ..asks him alot of questions and Bryce is very patient with him.....amidst all of the frustrating things Bryce does..this takes away all of the bad....because this shows me that he really loves people and he will go out of his way to help people in need.

As soon as Bryce sees a person holding a sign he will ask if we can give them money...not only that he will ask them..What is that you really need? I love that about him...

So I will let him think that he is so "Cool" and that everyone loves him ..hopefully he will learn in time to reveal the thinsg that really matter to anyone and everyone ..adn be used for his inteded purposes.

My Sweet Daughter, Jeralyn

I know Jeri and I have had our struggles..trying to find a common ground with eachother and we finally got there awhile ago and with all of the suffereing she has been through it is amazing how brave and strong a person of her age can be. Thru this summer there has been a slight change...( I am sure it has been coming for quite some time..just hard for me to face) ..she has now officially grown taller than me...I keep saying I am of average height but no one in my family believes me....


Jerlayn has become obsessed with clothing ( she has been for quite some time..but it is getting worse)...she loves to make -up her little sister and all of her friends..are always painting their nails and playing dress-up. There is something more grown-up about her lately--I mean all of teh hard work and struggles it seems are paying off..she seems to be taking more responsibility for her self and telling me everything I want to hear..I so hope she follows through..so we can trust eachother. Why do we always have to struggle with our parents when we become teenagers?

My favorite thing about Jeri ia that she loves everyone..even though she has been hurt by many..she loves many more ..that is her worse and best trait...I wish I could be as loving as she.

It is so hard to let her go..I know I have to balance things and let her live..
When I see Jeri react with her friends it takes me back to a time in my life when we ran in packs and we cared so much about what other people thought about us.. Jeri is going through all of that same trauma..you don't know who you can trust...you don't value your parents thoughts and you want more freedom that you can think about.....I would never want to return to this awkward time of my life...for those reasons...but also.... I remember the carefree days of adolescence and wonder why when we are young we never truly enjoy those days. As jeri is fighting pimples (that she will only let me pop...thanks HOney...I guess that is a mom's job!), trying to battle her weight and figuring out who she is ...I wonder--when does it all stop? I am fighting all of these things along with wrinkles and gray hairs!! How come us ladies never get a break?
These are pictures in the last couple of weeks and Jeri's first day of 8th grade..before you know it she will be in high school...and I know my days are numbered...I get misty eyed thinking about letting her go and experiencing more hurt the world has to offer..I just have to hope that with God's protection and my love ..she will float through life and live life for all it's worth and not be afraid of what is coming...because I know God will use her for something powerful and I would love to see what he unfolds for her.....I love you, Jeri!

catchin up

HI everyone,
It has been such a long time since I have blogged.....and I haven't even loaded any new pictures on the computer to post on here...I have been a little busy....Yesterday was Clarissa's first day of kindergarten..I thought I was OK until I got there and delivered her...then all I could do was cry because my last little baby is gone...she was so ready to go ...she didn't even beg me to stay , she wasn't nervous or anything...it doesn't seem so long ago that she told me she didn't ever want to leave me to go to school ..and now she is....although she only wanted me to take her ..she made Rob stay home..I am not sure why that is..I tried to talk her into it but she refused to let him go to school with her.
The other kids' first day of school was August 27th and the night before was the open house...we went to the open house then out to dinner..we came home and Chi chi was limping...we took her to our neighbor ...who also happens to be our Vet and he told us to go to the office. HE followed us down there..she has a spiral fracture and he leg was broken in three places...there were no puncture wounds or bruises...so we don't know what happened. The break was in a difficult spot to fix so even with 1000's of dollars worth of surgeries it would most likely not be fixable. So we would have to amputate....I didn't know what to do...I was home with the kids..so I told Rob to decide..he opted for "The Sleep Shot" ( that is how we explained it to our kids) The kids were devastated and didn't even want to go to school..I feel guilty killing a dog over a leg.....but what do you do?
SO the next weekend we got a kitten to ease the pain..I refuse to get any more dogs....and a cat is WAY less work...so it was a compromise ...and it worked to make the kids feel better.
My house feels empty without Clarissa during the day...in 11 years I have never had an empty house like this...maybe if the kids were gone for short periods of time or something...but there is a finality to it all..I know she is only 5 and I have many more years...but there is still this little piece of me that knows that things will never be the same and it makes me think about my future and what things will be like without all of the chaos...I will surely miss these days in my life no matter how hectic it sometimes is...I love the noise and the familiar sounds of my home.

Almost summer vacation......hurray!

Hi to all........
I know it has been a long stretch..Sorry for all who inquire on our family. I am in my last week of summer quarter..and I am struggling worse than ever before..they shorten summer quarter to 6 weeks so you have 11 weeks worth of material in about half of the time and I took some hard courses along with 20 credits which was just INSANE! So needless to say..I don't have much of a social life. I knew I needed a chemistry tutor right away and they could not find one for me until last week..and well it is a bit late--and she doesn't know her chemistry very well because it has been such a long time since she has taken the class herself ..so I have to explain alot to her myself and we aren't getting very far when my final is on thursday..so I could possible fail this class which will set me back so far because I won't be able to apply for nursing school until 2010..I will have to wait a full year. I am thinking if I have to wait that long I may change my major--we will see what happens. PRAY for me!
ALthough I am struggling in school I am glad it is almost over so I can start spending time with all of my friends and family , clean my house, weed my flower beds and work on our missionary trip needs.
The boys have been going back and fourth from here to Landon's and I hate summer for that reason...it seems that all of the good things that we used to celebrate are ruined by the fact that I have to share the kids with landon..oh well such as life.
I know I haven't caught everyone up on all of the updates on everything--I haven't even downloaded any pictures that I have taken in the last 7 weeks.....Clarissa decided to cut her own hair..so now the long beautiful hair she had is gone and she got a tinkerbell pixie cut..which looks terrible on her and she will have to start kindergarten this year with ugly hair.....Preston was published in a children's poetry book--the books will arrive here in Januray and he is going to autograph them for anyone who orders one. Bryce, Carl, Preston and Cole are gonna start football in a few weeks..I spoke with the coach last week. Jeralyn is pretty much up to the same things..buy crazy and getting more more and more self conscious , I think. Typical eigth grader...I know I never want to go back to the age!
I went to a movie last weekend with Melissa---it was so great! I loved it...it was Mamma Mia and I am definatly buying the DVD when it comes out!
Well, that is all I can think of at this point--next week when I have time--adn no studying I will catch up again!

I am LOST......

I don't know what to do with myself now that I don't need to study every waking moment..taday went out to breakfast with Melissa....went to Wally's to pick up Cole's birthday supplies and now I am cleaning a bit here and there..wondering what I will do with myself all weekend. SO much free time. I could start working on the boys' rooms, finish Jeri's room, scrapbook, garden, or finish all of the house paperwork I haven't had time to do ?? SO many options...I think I shall pick a fun one...SO I am going to dust off my scrapbooking stuff and possibly get out the quilting supplies maybe sew up a table runner or two for the fundraising auction we are having in August. Our last auction was a success...but we still need about 7000.00 dollars for our trip. I am hoping we get it soon because all of this fundraising can wear a person out!
Rob is working 7pm until 7am and it is hard on all of us..but even harder on him to adjust ..this is his first week so I am sure by the end of the month it will get easier. I no longer need daycare though...I am just hoping when school gets out this week that they will let him sleep until I get home from school.
Well I should go clean some more...in all of my free time --I haven't gotten to clean and I miss it..only because I hate having such a filthy house!

Finals Week!

Well I am in finals weeks---I had my philosophy final on Tuesday so I am officially done with that class. On the same day I finished my last nutrition assignment! Wooo hooo! Which leaves me with Math ...final on the 11th...and English last essay due on Tuesday..got my rough draft done last night..taking it to the English lab today to get it fine tuned. Gave my final speech yesterday and my written final is on Monday! Then I will be able to rest for a week! ( Actually 4 days until my on-line class starts). I am taking 20 credits over the summer and they aren't going to be easy...but it is only going to be 6 weeks...which will make it even harder but I am ready...almost! I am taking Intermediate algebra, Chemistry, Sociology and Psychology 210. Psychology 210 will actually be a 10 week online class...but the rest are 6 weeks classes through BBCC.
I bought a pool pass for my kids, and I am going to buy a laptop ..so I can take it to the pool with me and work while the kids play at the pool. That way they are not cooped up in the house all day and I will feel better about giving myself time to work.
We are having Cole's birthday party tomorrow after school...his birthday is in July..but he wants his school friends to be there and I will be in finals week during the last week in July , so this works out better for him. He just wants a trampoline/pizza party...that is fine with me. I need to head out to school..chat at ya later!

It's getting closer.......

To the end of the quarter...Thank God! I had a bit of a mishap last week and didn't turn in my assignment or take my test for my on-line class by the appropriate time....so I had a bit of a scare because due to a family emergency my instructor hasn't been as active in the classroom...so I thought I was going to have to drop nutrition which would be bad because there is only 3 weeks left of the quarter...I would probably get a better grade next quarter just because the cirriculum stays the same and I have the answers to most of the tests....so it was tempting... but my teacher let me take the test when she finally got back to me and she accepted my late assignment. HURRAY! So although I will have to accept my grade as it is...I am glad I don't have to pay for the same class twice.
I have been studying so much lately...the only time I really get out is lunch on Tuesdays with a special friend, and when my family takes a trip to Wal-mart or to the lake to run the dogs. I swear I need to scrpbook my relationship with Wally's. I have also been doing some fundraising activities for my mission trip.
Clarissa is 5 today! SHe thinks she is a grown up now...and I can almost see it...she has definatley grown out of the baby and toddler looking stage and has grown into a beautiful young girl. I have her kindergarten registration papers....it doesn't seem possible. They are doing all day kindergarten next fall, due to gas prices, the bus barn doens't want to take double trips anymore. Although, it is good for our family because I will no longer need daycare....it is also an ending to a chapter in our life, which is sad in a way. But I am happy to be in this stage of our life and family.
School is coming to an end, the kids are getting restless and I am looking forward to being able to spend some more time with them.
This kid has been bothering Bryce at school apparently, the kid is new and he has been bullying Bryce...I don't know why Bryce is the one that keeps getting picked on...I know he is a smartmouth and bully at home...but not usually in public..hehe...Anyway he wouldn't discuss the issue with me because apparently he think I wouldn't handle it the way he wants to handle it, he refuses to let me call the school, he thinks it will make it worse and he will look like a baby or something. so yesterday , he and Rob devised a plan. I Am always scared of Rob's plans!
But apparently the kid told Bryce he has an older sister that is coming to school to help him beat up Bryce( I think, I should let you know how the bus system works, they drop off the kids from the further schools at whichever grade school is closest to their house, so the older kids walk home with the younger kids). Well, the girl is in one of Jeri's classes. So Jeri Offered to ride the bus home also, so she would be riding the same bus as this guys older sister. Usually the younger boys just walk home without Bryce so they offered to stick around for the extra 15 minutes and wait for Bryce. This kid who has been picking on Bryce has already gotten " talked to" on the bus for kicking and hitting Bryce, so Bryce is convinced that he will try and beat him up.
Well, now this kid is and his sister are going to have to fight off 5 kids rather than just one. Rob instructed Jeri to just stay close by and if the sister gets involved...then Jeri can get involved...HE also instructed the boys to just be watchful and get involved if need be ..because Bryce isn't afraid of getting hurt, and he isn't afraid of anyone...but he doesn't need to be ganged up on either..he is just a "little guy" after all. Of course I am hearing all of this on Rob's lunch hour because these "manly" boys don't want their Mommy rescuing them???? What is this a conspiracy?? I think it is great that all of my children are going to back one another up...like they are supposed to ...but I don't want fighting..and Rob didn't even tell them to take a cell phone in case they need me?? What is that?
SO I may just drive up to the school and see how it all plays out...and try not to interfere...if I can help it!
Well I need to get back to work...I posted these pics from some of the nights that we take the dogs out to the lake for fetch...I don't have much time to walk them in the mornings now...so we take them out to the lake a few times a week for running.

May 14th

Hi All,
Well, the puppies are ready to go to their homes...I believe now that they are minipin and weiner dog.....Cute as can be and very little. I have homes for 2 of them..but I need a home for the little girl now..her owners backed out.
School is going...I have 2 research papers I have to write this weekend....for the most part--I will be able to fine tune them next week...so I will be spending alot of time at the library this weekend. One is for philosophy, I am writing about Martin Luther King jr. and his non-violent resistence. For my English paper I have to write a paper, apply a topic that pertains to the book " All the pretty horses" by Cormac McCarthy. All I can tell you about that book is that.....it is no pick me upper. It is a western that has no mercy or sunshiny feelings in it...so I am struggling to find something interesting enough for me to research.
Rob is doing well at his job. However...he went to the doctor today, he hasn't been feeling well. So pray for him. I am hoping it isn't diabetes...it runs in his family and I think he has some symptoms.
The kids are doing well....I feel like I am neglecting them some..because school is all consuming for me at this point. Next quarter I am only taking 20 credits so it will be a little bit better.
The trampoline was a really good thing for my kids...they love it and I keep forgetting to get the camera and take pics of them jumping about. It is good exercise for them! They are handling my homework desk pretty well..they always come behind me and ask...MOm...Are you doing homework? That way they know if I say yes--they will go ask Dad...for whatever they need. That is really nice of them, I am so glad they are helping in their little way to support me.
Clarissa is turning 5 next week and she thinks she is a "grown-up" now. 5 is apparently the BIG number! We are having a wedding birthday.
Bryce is acting so much better , I think the counseling is helping...just so he has someone neutral to talk to about his troubles. Apparently Landon and my divorce still bothers him some...I feel bad about that...but such as life. JEri is going to counseling....her issues are a bit stronger...so it is just an ongoing process..but so far so good..I like this counselor.
Cole is acting out a bit, I think he is trying to compete with the older kids...Carl lost a tooth today...I think he was embarrassed or something to give it to me because it had a cavity..haha! HE told me he really does brush his teeth...hahaha! Preston is keeping up with everything...growing up into a "little man" and everytime I look at him and see how big he gets ..a little peice of me weeps. My little baby..hasn't been a baby for such a long time--he is 8. They will all be gone before I know it.
Well I need to get dinner started...I hope you all have a great week!

It's May...Hurray!

HI All ,
Today is the first day of May...I am sure that is exciting for some people...it is exciting for me because I know I only have 5 weeks left of this quarter...UGH! I took way to many credits and it is to late to back out now...I will never take 25 credits again..so to all the people that told me I shouldn't do it....You were right! I pretty much have no life! I get up at 5:00 am to study...go to school...come home, eat lunch and study until bedtime. Rob has been having to take care of the kids and clean ( he doesn't do very much cleaning...our house is embarrassing..but he is keeping enough dishes clean so we can eat). I make dinner and eat dinner with my family...and that is about it.
I am getting a 4.0 in only one class..thank God it is a class I need for nursing! Philosophy I am getting a C...I think I can raise this grade..depending on how well I do on my research project..UGH! I have been scoring 100% on all of my assignments..and I scored a 90% on my mid terms..it is the first week of assignments and the first test that have brought my grade down so much...I didn't understand it all at first. I am struggling with algebra a little also--I am getting C in that class...it was my last test that brought my grade down..I think I could have gotten at least a B, but there was construction on the way to school and I was late to class 15 minutes, to take my test and I didn't get to finish the test. Yeah, and college isn't like high school...they don't care! HAHAHA! So that had been my week of mid terms! Oh well..as long as I pass...The only classes i absolutely have to get an A in..are the pre-req's for nursing.
The puppies are doing well...they are so cute! They are walking around and playing. ChiChi is feeling at home because she has turned into a YAPPER! great just what I didn't want! Anyway..she is cute and I love her! So I will deal with her imperfections!
Jeri is excited because next weekend in the Avril concert---so we will be heading to Spokane. Rob took the boys paint balling last weekend..I have a feeling this is going to be an every weekend pastime..although I am a little worried about the bruises...it is so bad...I feel like it is a bit of child abuse , but the boys assure me it isn't. Poor Preston, came home with huge welts...I didn't want him to go in the first place because he is so young, I don't know if he understands what he is getting himself into?? But he assured me he has fun ....oh well.
Well there is our update...I hope you are all enjoying the spring and sunshine!

Windows, fence and homework.........

Hi To all.......
Well this last week we had all of our windows replaced......had a new fence installed and I have had a mountain of homework! I Am actually starting to enjoy philosophy...to a degree. I like to hear the differing responses, but I think it would be bad for my soul to continue being in the class ( if it were to be long term). I pray everytime I enter that class , just so God will protect me from the enemy! Funny thing there are other christians in the class--and sometimes we all miss a few of the same things because I think God is looking out for us! HE is so amazing! I get so nervous that the atheists are going to rip me to shreds when I post my GOdly answers.....it tears apart my guts until the lesson is over! ANyhow--other than that....All of my classes are going well...I have to get on-line and visit a math tutor for some of my lessons--but I seem to be doing well otherwise. I am also taking speech and I am learning alot about preparing a speech.....However once I get on the podium...all I can think is humna..humna...humna...I need to get better at actually speaking! IT is really hard when he gives you something personal to talk about and I am such a bawl baby.......I can't focus! BUt this last week...it was an impromptu speech...we had to draw a card and present a speech that minute...I drew the card that said talk about the best gift you have ever recieved...had I had time to talk about something serious it would have been a child or God's blessings...However--I kept it light and talked about my strawberry shortcake Sing along tape that said (my mom dubbed over) --C is for Charisma..While SS was saying the abc'c..... I was 5 and I thought SS knew who I was...I was so excited! I waited SS to mention me on the cartoon Saturday mornings( she never did). I made my classmates laugh with all of my enthusiasm! SO I think I did well on that speech! We shall see with my grade!
My kids brought home report cards this last week and all of them got good grades ...except one which shall remain nameless...but what really upsets me is .....SHE will not accept responsibility for her actions! Ugh are we ever going to get this? Anyhow.....I told her if she doesn't get grades under control by the time Avril comes---She won't go to the concert..so maybe that will motivate her!
The kids are all doing well otheriwse--we are having Prestons birthday on Friday.....and he will be 8..my little tiny baby Preston...boohooo! BUt Rob put up the trampoline yesterday for his party on Friday ...we are having a trampoline backyard BBQ party..after school. Lots of fun!
Anyway--I am heading off to our car wash/ bake sale --it is a fundraiser tohelp earn money for a mission trip I am going to go on in Nov. I am so excited--I hope it warms up! Everyone pray that we earn alot of money!

The second week of school, Spring quarter

HI to all my friends,
Well this is the second week of school . I feel like it is already the 10th week....UGH! I spent all weekend doing homework. Rob took the boys to Cusick, Gpa brown is making kayaks for the kids. HE needed to take measurements and the kids tested it out. We had Jeri's limo party on Friday night. It was a success, I think the girls had such a good time. Of course, after we picked up all the girls and were on the way to Moses Lake, my batteries died in my camera. I asked Jeri if it was OK to stop at Wally's so I could buy some...she said Yes and the girls were excited to go to Wally's . They made up the story that we were a traveling band. I was their agent , so I had to walk in front of them. Since Jeri was the birthday girl she was the lead singer. We went to Paradise for dinner which was really a nice place and it was so cute........
One of the girls gets her salad and says to me on the sly........Am I supposed to use a special fork? Then ONe of the girls asked me " what are these for?" motioning to the neatly folded napkins in the water glass. ( that was halfway through our salad) I told her they are napkins, you are supposed to put them on your lap. The glass was her water glass. Then she spilled something on the table, she leans over and whispers " Can I wipe this with my napkin? It was all so cute. They said the nicest place they had ever eaten was Red Robin. All in all it was a good night.
JEri screeched with delight when she opened her gifts......Rob and I had bought her tickets to Avril Lavigne...she gets to take one friend....I told her not to decide right away, the concert in a month away. I don't want it to turn out like the limo list.....2 months before her birthday she was telling girls that they could go in the limo for her birthday, the list changed every week......I hate that. I don't want her to feel obligated to anyone...this is her gift and I want her to take someone she really likes.
WEll I hope everyone has a great week!

Our Puppies have arrived!

HI All,
Well I came home from girls weekend in Tri-cities to a stressed out dog. I knew she was going to have her puppies on SUnday night. Melissa came over and stayed for awhile to see if she would go into active labor ...Melissa left around 10 and told me to call her when the babies arrived---I told her OK--I will call you at 3 o'clock in the morning......am I a psychic??...HEr first baby arrived at 3am. I called Melissa at 3:33 am. SHe had them in my bed...so Rob and I woke up when the first one was born...with all of the places we tried to get her to nest...she felt most comfy in our bed...oh well what is a ruined pair of sheets when we got to experience such a blessed event? After the first baby....she struggled with the second baby and he didn't make it--she was trying her hardest to make it live and so was I ...I was an emotional wreck....after that one she gave birth to the last 2 in my lap....I have a ruined pair of socks and sweat pants. IT was all worth it. We have 3 beautiful puppies and she is a really good mommy. We have given the puppies names until they are adopted.....I named the chubby one...Choncho--that is the chubby orphan from the movie.."Nacho Libre" and Clarissa named the littlest one who is also the only girl Tiarra ( who knows where she got that, I have never heard of it)...the debate is still out on the last one. We woke up the kids to watch the births of the last 2 babies .....Clarissa and Jeri loved it...Carl didn't want to see. HAha. So my first day of school I was so tired living off of 4 hours of sleep b/c I stayed up with her all night helping Chichi with her babies ...I was far to excited to sleep. I took pictures during the birthing process...but I will post the pictures when the puppies open their eyes. I took 25 credits this quarter ...which is just craziness for me...I hope I can keep up! A normal load is 12 credits....I think that I will appreciate that load when, I actually get into the nursing program.
I am taking a philosophy class....week 2 and I am already struggling...so if anyone is a philosophy buff and wants to help me.....I would appreciate it! This class is going to lower my GPA...how depressing!
Other than that...on the home front--the 3 boys are gone ..they come home on Thursday. We have someone coming to install new windows on our house...and when they install them they are going to frame them in vinyl siding...we are locked into whatever color they frame them in...well I hate the rust orange trim that we have...so I have to change the color or be locked in forever...so we are painting our trim. We are also having a new fence put in our back yard.....I hope to get all of this done soon...they said the windows would be done within 30 working days and of course the fencing company hasn't locked into a time yet...UGH!
Anyway...there is our update...I hope you all are having a great spring break! Mine was last week.