Happy, Happy Birthday, K!!!!!

K turned 8 today! I am so proud of her and pleased to have her as my daughter. She is a wonderful girl with so many talents. How blessed I am to be able to watch her grow.

I realized I've never done the birth story thing with her. Here is the condensed version: I was teaching school in Oregon until June 23rd (the last day of school). Then, I was ready for the baby to be born (we did not know what gender). We had had the due date changed three times, so I really didn't know when the baby would be born (June 30th, June 6th, July 8th). I spent one night walking and walking and walking (trying to induce labor). DH got bit by a hamster, so I was on hold talking to the Advice Nurse at like midnight to see if he needed shots or anything. I went to be around 12:15. At 12:30ish, I thought I'd wet the bed...not so...my water had broken. I was so nervous that when I called Labor and Delivery I said something funny..I can't remember exactly but maybe "My labor broke." or "My waters in labor." Something silly. I remember wondering how I would ever get to the hospital, since the waters kept gushing and I was afraid to leave the toilet.

Eventually I did. DH gave me a blessing and we packed a bag and headed to the hospital (one mile away). After about 16hours of labor I had an epidural..heaven! Then she was born about two hours later. I remember that DH, the doctor, and the nurses were all worried about making sure she was okay...while I was immediately checking to see the gender. DH finally spoke up and said, "Oh, what is it?" and the doctor replied that he had not checked. I was able to yell out from the bed, "It's a girl!" We really wanted a girl...we only had a name for a girl and we were ready for her.

That wasn't so short, but I could've made it longer!

Unfortunately, today did not turn out to be a spectacular birthday. As you might have figured out, DH and I are on the verge of a collective nervous break down. We have so much going on: finding an employee, training said employee, finding babysitters, getting ready for the trip, running a blossoming clinic, having a birthday, feeling sick, and various other extremely important and time consuming duties. Did I mention that we have a baby and two big kids as well? Let's just say that life is not easy right now and that I am not getting much sleep.

So... for K's birthday.....
We went visiting teaching (yea to TXMommy!)....then TXMommy watched my kids (again...second time in less than a week...I owe her BIG time!) and I went to train at the clinic (AGAIN). Then we went to get the license plates that just came in for our van and ran into a whole bunch of problems that kept us at the dealership for about three hours. By then it was 7:00 and I hadn't yet wrapped the presents or made K her cake...so we stopped at WalMart and bought one. I thought it was nasty, but K loved it and that's what counts. She began opening presents at 9:30. What a day!

Luckily for her...she already had her party, she told me we needed to do whatever it took to get ready and she would have a smaller birthday today, and SHE GOT A KITTEN! (Well, all the stuff for her kitten. We will pick up the little guy when we get back from our trip). Personally, I think her parents are crazy for allowing this, but that is what she really wanted. When we brought out the cat litter box, scratching post, etc...she got tears in her eyes when she realized what all the stuff meant...her very own pet for her to take care of and love (or should I say her MOM to take care of....I just have a feeling).

Well, it is now 12:49 am and the kitchen is still a huge mess and I have yet to sleep. Little Dan might wake at any moment, too!

I still have laundry and packing and so on and so forth to do. Thank goodness for an inspired mom. My mom is flying here tomorrow to help me finish getting ready and then driving with me to Colorado so I don't have to do it alone (I've driven alone before...but never this exhausted). I am grateful for her sacrifice to come and I know that we would've canceled the trip without her. I think the drive from CO to UT will be okay alone (with the three kids). K is getting baptized with her cousins (three of them are three months or less apart!). It will be such a wonderful occasion! It's just getting there that is difficult!

(I have pictures to post, but I'm too tired...check back soon!)

First Fever

So, as we drove home from the clinic after our second interview of the day--LD fell asleep. It was only about 7:45, way early for bedtime for him. I put him in his crib and he amazingly stayed asleep forever..until 1 am. When I picked him up, he was burning up. For some reason my thermometer has been lost for the last few weeks. I have a sneaky suspicion that it ended up as a part of a science experiment somewhere, so I don't know how high the fever is, but it is LD's first fever. The odd part is he is soooooooooo happy. He is cruising all over smiling, cooing, laughing, as happy as can be. He thinks it funny that I am lying on the floor, 4/5 asleep, trying to be awake enough to monitor him. Right now, he is just sitting on my lap talking and smiling. If this is what a fever does to him (as long as he's okay physically, of course) I'd take it every day! :)

Not-so-Lazy Summer Days

To me, the list of things to do is never ending, but I seem to be better able to handle it for the moment. I think mostly it is due to a renewed effort in reading scriptures twice a day and praying vocally on my knees also at least twice a day. I always (well, nearly always) read scriptures and pray, but sometimes the fervency and intensity is lacking and it is more perfunctory. That is something I constantly battle, but hopefully I can do better and better and be more frequently consistent.

I have also been reading a nifty book called The Total Mom Makeover that has some really good ideas. A couple of things that I have been striving to implement are...to ask "why not?" when the kids want to do something before "why?" or "not right now," etc. This means K and I painted nails when we only had five minutes before we had to leave and they ate snack only a short time before dinner...but it seems to be more enjoyable for the kids and I feel like a better mom, too. I also have been working on acting like I was the person I dream of being, like asking myself would the healthy me really want to eat ice cream at 9:00 at night? Of course not, the healthy me would be brushing and flossing her teeth...so that is what I did!

We have a relatively new system at our house called "Wow" sticks. The kids earn them by doing good things and lose them by whining, complaining, fighting, etc. They can then "spend" them for things that they love. Yesterday, they decided that they wanted to eat lunch at McD's. That's 30 "wow" sticks. They worked the hardest I have ever seen them work. Every moment I was turning around to find them working hard at something else. It was so cool. You see, they get 2 wow sticks if they do a service without being asked, but only 1 if I ask them. Little Dan also had a blast, since entertaining him from 15 minutes earned them 2 wow sticks.

Today was a busy day from the beginning, but when I got out to my car.. the tire was flat. Thank goodness for roadside assistance. I let them change it for me (I pay for it...why not?) . With the right tools, changing the tire was so fast. It always takes me a lot longer and the service guy said that the jacks in the vans are really dangerous...and that it would be a lot safer to call him every time. Sounds good to me! So, we ate lunch at the tire place where they fixed the flat so I wouldn't be on a donut any longer. Then we interviewed someone for the clinic job.

Then we got to go swimming at TXMommy's pool. Yea! It was so fun. I love her and our friend A was there, too. I love her too. It is so relaxing to swim with friends...physically in the water, and emotionally with the companionship. K swam better today than I'd ever seen her. I was so proud of her! C was almost back to being a fish. I was proud of him, too. He and TXMommy's son look so much alike, particularly in the water, that we just have to make sure two little brown heads come up!

I guess it is majorly obvious when I haven't posted for awhile...the words just keep spilling out! :)

Happy Father's Day!

I have been blessed to have so many wonderful fathers in my life and today is a great day to pay tribute to them.

My own father: He has always been an example of faith and obedience in the church. He is very loving and taught his children the gospel and then let us make our own decisions. He is very generous and would give away everything he has for his kids and grandkids. How blessed I am.

My DH: I have spoken of him already many times, but I really do have a wonderful DH. He really cares about people, including his patients and I respect him so much for this. This was made even clearer this weekend as we conducted interviews for our opening at the clinic. Some of the applicants had worked for other chiropractors before and they were amazed that we wouldn't just do therapies to get more money from the insurance carrier or that we'd customize a treatment plan to fit the health needs of the patients, rather than the needs of our pocket books. Granted, these other chiros are the exception, not the rule, but I am so glad that my DH will spend hours if that is what is necessary to help a patient get better, even if he makes very, very little. My DH also is such a great storyteller. He has a tremendous talent that I hope to see him use even more in the future. He fulfills his priesthood responsibility by taking care of our family temporally and spiritually and I am grateful.

My Grandpa L: He died a couple of years after we got married, but he also was a great example of generosity. I think that is why my dad comes at it so naturally.

My Grandpa B: He died when I was in 6th grade, so it has been awhile, but I remember his dedication to work and following the prophet. He spent hours gardening and doing family history.

My many Bishops ("Fathers of our Wards"): As the song goes they truly, "tend with loving care..each member's needs with kindly deeds, our Bishop's always there." Just with the situations that I have been aware of over the years, I am in awe of Bishops and their responsibility, and I know that there are many more needs that I have never known that they have graciously taken care of. What a great example of fathers.

Finally, my Father in Heaven: I cannot express how grateful I am to Him. He has blessed me beyond measure and my eyes water as I think of the bounties with which I am blessed. So many times in my life I feel that He has literally carried me through the tough times. I cannot and should not ever complain. In fact, I know that I am unworthy of all that I have received. But, I know He is a loving God and is pleased to shower me with the blessings that I am still certain I do not deserve.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers in my life! I love you all!

Proof is in the timestamp!

I guess you could alter the timestamp of these blogs, but I never have...although sometimes it has timestamped it with some crazy time. Anyhow....I am still here at the clinic working...and I just wanted to document the craziness of the hour! Like I don't have enough sleep deprivation!

Everyone is moving

It seems like a lot of people have moved, are moving, or are planning on moving soon. It is so sad. I had to say goodbye to my good friend, S, tonight. I don't think I will see her again before they leave. C also had to say goodbye to C and K had to say goodbye to B. They have been good friends to us and it is hard to say goodbye. They will be in Utah when we go in a couple of weeks, so that is nice to think that we'll be able to see them soon. Also, things have fallen into place so beautifully for their family that I know it is the right thing for them, and this makes it easier as well. They are a great family and I wish them the best in their new lives. Changes are just hard.

No Sleep and a firing!

Well....guess what time I went to bed. 2:30 am. I then woke up every half an hour or so to check on and/or calm down girls. I still had two awake at 5:30 am, but by the time I got up at 6:10, they were asleep. CRAZY. Needless to say I am EXHAUSTED! K told me, however, that she thought that her friends were all going to think that this was the best party EVER! She was really happy and that was worth it.

Then, as many of you know, we have been having staff problems at the clinic. We have felt like the current employee was just not working hard and had lied and continued to lie to us and she has only worked for us for a week and a half. Well, today, while I was out, I ran into a friend that is also a patient. She told me that our employee had been complaining to her regarding the job, hours, duties, etc. She did this for an extended amount of time, instead of working (and we were wondering why she didn't get much done in a shift!). Anyhow, this was the last straw. DH and I both felt immediately that it was time to let her go. So, we did---this afternoon. This is our second firing and it is always kind of hard. I get so nervous before hand, but it was the best move. Now we have to once again go on the employee search. There just aren't a lot of trustworthy, hardworking people looking for jobs!

C is having a friend sleepover. His family is moving this weekend and so we have to get in all the time with him we can! K has been already zonked for hours, and I think it is time for me to join her. At least it is a much calmer sleepover with one 5-year-old boy over instead of all those girls last night.

Slumber Party

In theory, I knew exactly how exhausting a sleepover party would be. In reality, I had no idea. Picture ten screaming and wild and running 8-year-old girls. Let's just say it was a blast! I am just so glad that K had fun. She has been in heaven and all the exhaustion is very worth it. Right now it is nearly midnight and not one has gone to sleep yet! I could be up for awhile!

We have

• eaten Pizza



• played a fun pillow game that is similar to hot potato, but each person that gets out gets to choose and open a small gift



• made cool fuzzy flip flops



• decorated and ate cupcakes



• opened presents



• played twister



• ran and screamed



• had a 'dark party'.....with glow-in-the dark necklaces



• watched "Over the Hedge"



• currently watching "Annie"

DH was busy working and stressing over the clinic and C is spending the night with a friend, so I had to take care of Little Dan and all the party games and kids at the same time. Poor little guy. He was so tired. I guess he will frequently feel that way being kid #3. But the older kids also have to deal with me taking care of him when they feel they need me, as well. I guess it all evens out in the end.

What a Poor Poster Am I!

-Sigh- I just don't have a ton of time to post. I still want to catch up from the events of the last few weeks, but I just can't seem to. Today is K's birthday party. Her birthday is not for another two weeks, but two of her best friends are moving before then and a third best friend will be out of town at that time. So...we quickly through a sleepover party together. We are still missing out on many of her friends that are currently on vacation (the joys of having a summer birthday!), but I think that none of them are moving away...so at least we'll see them again.

I was at the clinic until late last night and I also had to fix a toilet at the clinic this morning (6 am) and I have to go pick up K's second cousins (that live about an hour each way), as well as get ready for a fun sleepover party! -sigh-
Oh well, look tomorrow for some fun pictures of ten 8-year-olds sleeping over! (Realistically, the pictures might take 2-3 weeks to get posted....just look at my track record!)

Houston: May 25-May 28

We got to go to Houston and we sure needed a break from our daily life and stress. It was nice to get away. We stayed with DH's cousin. She is the best hostess ever. She doesn't have kids and loves to spoil mine. She had the kids' bed all made up with brand-new pillows with new pillowcases, and lanterns. In the bathroom, she had toothbrushes and toothpaste and kids' body wash. K and C were THRILLED! They thought that was the coolest thing ever. They kept asking her if they could really keep all the stuff. Of course, she said "yes." I love this cousin so much and we have the same name...so I guess we are kindred spirits.

The next morning we met DH's Aunt and his Uncle, wife, and daughter at the zoo. It was really cool. LD was grumpy-he was so tired. Finally he fell asleep and stayed asleep. We were there 45ish minutes when it began to dump rain and rain and rain. We were drenched. We stayed under a shelter until it eased a little then exited. We had planned to have a picnic, but, of course, that did not happen. The kids had a lot of fun dancing in the rain with their umbrellas that they'd wisely brought with us.

We went and ate the yummiest food ever...Guatemalan food! It was so yummy! When we got home, we jumped in the hot tub then waited to watch the Jazz game....which was an awesome win!

The next morning, we went to a Spanish ward with his aunt. I love her ward. We have been there before. The kids were a little scared, but were troupers and went even though they really don't speak Spanish (something we are really trying to work with them on!). Their ward has a really special spirit to it and all the members are really welcoming. It is also always nice to practice my Spanish. I love that I could hear the primary singing the same songs that we sing, only in Spanish. I loved that the testimonies were born of the same principles and that the Sunday School lesson was the same as I would have gotten in my ward at home. It always helps me to remember how true the church is.

After church, we drove by the Houston temple and then over to his Uncle's for dinner. Again, the yummiest food EVER! His wife made carne asada, frijoles negros, guacamole, chimole...it was so yummy! So yummy! I can't say it enough!

The next morning we had to leave relatively early...but not before another stop at the yummy guatemalan restaurant. It was even better for breakfast! YUM!

It poured all the way home, sometimes raining so hard that it was difficult to see. We were very blessed to make it safely. I'm glad we have our van, which is easier for other cars to see and heavier, as well. I would've been much more scared in our little Corolla!

So, that was our fun little mini-vacation to Houston. Unfortunately, as we were driving back, we could feel the stresses get heavier and heavier the closer we got to home!

May 21-25

Wow! It has been awhile since I blogged, and even when I did, I had more to catch up on! CRAZY! We have been so insane at the clinic. They say that the hardest part of owning your own business is the employees. Boy! That is true! It is hard to find a great employee. We are really struggling and that is what is causing DH and I to go crazy! I am at the clinic still until all hours of the night/morning.

But, tonight DH took the two big kids to see "Shrek" tonight, so I actually have a moment to myself. I meant to go into the clinic and work, but since I was left with LD, who is a major terror...I couldn't and instead I got him bathed and to sleep, cleaned up the house, and now I have maybe ten minutes until they all return. We'll see how much I can catch up on! (They are already here!)

My aunt and uncle came to visit on May 21st. They live in Utah, but had conferences in various parts of the country, and so they had set out for a few weeks on an extended road trip. It was nice to see them. The last time they visited, the clinic was only a few beams and a foundation in the mud. They had fun touring it this time and we even took a dual x-ray picture, which, for the record, we never do in real life!

On May 24th, the kids had field day. C had his first. Here is a picture of his class in tug-of-war. It was kind of a nasty day...very threatening. C's time ended two minutes before K's time began....but in those two minutes, the heavens opened and down came the rain. It literally dumped. Needless to say, K's field day was canceled and changed to the next day. Here is a picture of her in the sack race. It was still wet and muddy and sprinkling, but they completed it all anyhow.

We then left the night of the 25th to go to Houston for Memorial Day. We didn't even leave our home until late, so we didn't get into Houston until 12:30 am!!

Last Day of School!

Today was the last day of school. I have to say that it has been a great year for my kids. We started at a brand-new elementary school that opened just down the street from us. I actually had them transferred to another school, but felt right about them going to this school so I rescinded the transfer request less than two weeks before the beginning of school. I love the principal. I love the school. I love the teachers. It has been a great year. It will be fun for C, since he will be in the first class to go through all the grades at this school. K loved her teacher so much that there were tears in both of their eyes (her teacher's and hers) as they hugged goodbye.

I am excited to have them home with me, too. I am not looking forward to the bickering, which I know will go on...but other than that...I have great kids and I love being with them. We had even seriously considered the homeschooling thing for next year, but finally I felt better about having them in this awesome school we have been blessed with. It just wasn't right for our family at this time. For one thing, with a baby and a business, I don't think I could really do school right. Perhaps the time will come a little later. I would love to homeschool and I think with my teaching degree and experience, as well as love and dedication, that I could do a really good job at it.