Happy Easter

Hope you had a great Easter. It was nice to have today to really focus on the Savior. I appreciated the opportunity that I had to bear my testimony in Primary.
I also appreciated the memory I had of being in Atlanta last Easter with Turin, Jenn and Vivian. We had gone to Kentucky to be with my family for our Spring Break. Mom went up. Reed and his family were there. Mark and his family came over from Virgina. We took the trip up in 2 days. We stopped in Atlanta and stayed in a hotel on the way up. We had a BLAST while we were there. We went to Fort Knox, where Chris did his Basic Training. We went to Mammoth Cave and did the cave tour, cool! We visited with all my family that lives there and had a great time! We stopped in Chattanooga, Tennessee on the way home and went to the Tennessee Aquarium and stayed in a hotel there. The kids got to swim in the inside pool that they thought was the coolest thing ever. We then stopped at Turin's for the Easter Bunny's presents, and to visit. We arrived home late Easter night but the trip was wonderful. I just thought I would write about it since I wasn't blogging back then.
The kids in Mammoth Cave.
My Dad, Mom and my brothers.
Aislinn and Mom
Chris and the kids at a convenience store stop.
Reed and the kids on the 4 wheeler.
Lauklan on the 4 wheeler
Where Chris went through Basic Training
Patton Museum, Fort Knox

The 40's party

We had a party tonight for Chris, Gail Berge and Katie Sage. They all turned or will turn 40 the beginning of this year. Chris was 40 February 8. Gail was 40 March 15, and Katie will be 40 on April 17. So, we HAD to celebrate. The Garrett's graciously offered their home for the party. We invited friends and had all bring food. It was a fun time. Even a chill was in the air, so we visited outside and downstairs, when outside became too chilly. Happy Birthday all! I'll be there soon enough!

Leave us alone!

I received 2 phone calls this morning! Both from the home owners association about the fence that we are erecting. Please keep in mind that this fence was approved by the board over a year ago. We just are now getting to put up the sides because we are doing it ourselves, AND it is quite expensive. So, the phone calls today were to inquire about the fence. They said that there were complaints from others in the neighborhood that were worried that we were putting up a privacy fence all around instead of the ranch style fence that is allowed in this neighborhood. I answered them, that it was indeed going to be the fence that they had ALREADY approved, and that it was a ranch style fence going in. Do these people have NOTHING BETTER TO DO than to worry about our fence?

General Conference

I was uplifted, motivated and spiritually fed from this weekend! What a great opportunity that I had to sit and listen to the leaders of the church. It was plain 'ole inspiring. And yes, my question was answered! :)

The Cheesecake Factory

Chris and I took Holly and Dane to The Cheesecake Factory tonight for dinner. It was their wedding present. (I just love presents that I get to enjoy too!) We had a great time with them. The food was delicious and the evening was a bunch of fun. Congratulations Holly and Dane! We wish you an eternity of happiness!

Child labor

This in one of the reasons that I have 5 kids! If you can't see the picture very well, Lauklan is standing next to the vacuum. I am learning, that it doesn't have to be done the exact way I want it, just done!

A quick trip

We went to Lakeland today. We left the house at 8 to make it to church by 10. We made it! Thank goodness! We initially thought that Holly, Dane and Devin would be there to spend the day with us, but they had to leave at 12 to make it to Vero Beach for their honeymoon. Can you believe that their beach house was more important than visiting with us? :)

Tijuana Flats

Chris and I went to Tijuana Flats this afternoon for Randy White's surprise 30th birthday party. We had a good time but had to hurry home to get our babysitter to her Young Women's broadcast. We were glad that we got to go, even if it was just for a little.

They eloped

Holly and Dane eloped today in a Tallahassee courthouse. I hope that they will be happy. Congratulations!

Field Day, Take 2

Brennan had Field Day today. I arrived, again, a little after 9. Aislinn was a little fussier today, since I think that she already knew what was coming! Brennan had a good time. We enjoyed watching him. He went to spend the night at Daniel Manry's. He was very excited.

Field Day, Take 1

Today was Kerstyn's Field Day. I arrieved around 9 am and stayed until a little after 12. I had originally planned to stay for lunch, but Aislinn and I were quite tired. Only Aislinn got the nap though, bummer. Kerstyn had a blast and looked quite cute in her Field Day shirt. I didn't remember to take my camera (of course) so I didn't get a picture of her in action.

Gold's Gym

If it weren't for my new membership to the gym... who knows what would happen to me! I really enjoy my hour to two hours a day that I can sweat and HOPE that I am making some progress. It is GREAT stress relief too.

We found another baby!

Lauklan told one of his preschool teachers, Mr. Tony, yesterday morning that "We found another baby!" Greyson told Miss Shawnie that I would probably be late today to pick them up because I "have two extra babies". The kids think that it is just great for me to be babysitting Evan and Ethan. Those 'extra babies' sure do keep me hopping! If you don't see any blogs for a while, you might want to call and see if I am still breathing! :)

Playtime!

The boys have been sent to their room for quiet time (which to them means playtime). I went in to check on them. This is what I found. They have been doing a pretty good job until about 5 minutes ago, when they decided to start fussing at each other. They aren't allowed to wake their sister up, or Mommy gets grumpy. So far, so good... the baby is still asleep, and there isn't any fussing at the present.

Lesson learned, I hope!

Brennan was assigned a talk for Primary today. I gave him the slip Saturday morning that stated his assigned topic and told him to prepare his talk. He said okay. I asked him later in the day if he was ready, he replied, "yes". Okay, this morning. I ask again and remind him. Still the same reply, "Yes, I'm ready". Well, sure enough, he gets up there to give his talk and he doesn't know what to say. I just made him deal with it himself. He actually did a pretty good job considering he said he didn't know what he wanted to say. Hopefully this WON'T happen again! On a good note however, he did bear what I thought to be powerful testimony of his love for the scriptures and how they can get us back to our Heavenly Father. So, I won't tell Brennan that I was happy that he was not as prepared as I wanted him to be, but I will say, "good job for the testimony".
Love you Brennan, you're the best!

Temple Trip

We got to go to the temple tonight for the ward temple night. We had President and Sister Carter and Gail Berge in the car with us on the way down. It was good that we had people riding with us because Chris probably would of had a harder time leaving work if they weren't there. Chris had to talk with a client all the way there, but we made it in time to be waiting in the Chapel at 6:30 as instructed. Well, good news to us, we all got in the 6:30 session. It was wonderful. And the added bonus? We went to The Cheesecake Factory after for dinner with the Carters and the Berges and had a great time.

Dear Dad

Dear Dad,
I am sorry that you read my blogs and found no mention of you. :-( I just can't believe that. However, if you look in December and earlier in February, you're there, of course.
You're the best! Now, everyone knows, if they didn't already. Of course, all they would of had to of done is ask one of the kids. They ALL know that Papa is the best.
To you Dad,
I LOVE YOU!
Mel

Sunday Dinner

Here are the kids enjoying their chili and grilled cheese. I had the chili simmering in the crock pot while we were at church. It was nice to come home and have dinner ready except for doing the grilled cheese. I think they look happy.
Church was nice today. It was fast and testimony meeting and the testimonies were nice. Chris also bore his testimony. The children and I love to hear him do that. It is wonderful that we have the gospel in our lives and that we know that it is true.
Thanks Mom, for the chili and grilled cheese tradition. I will NEVER make grilled cheese as well as you do, but I guess mine will do.

Happy Birthday! I'm 33 on 3/3

The kids already ate half of this before I have even gotten the chance to taste it. That's okay. Their cute chocolaty faces were adorable, and I certainly don't need to eat too much myself. Thanks Chris, Brennan, Kerstyn, Lauklan, Greyson and Aislinn! I love you!

I was quite grumpy today. I'm sure I will be better tomorrow. Tricia Desourdy came and picked me up at 11 and took me to the Mall at Millenia. I had never been there. I now have it confirmed that it is a place that I will only window shop. Everything looked quite expensive. We at lunch at Brio and I really enjoyed that.
Brennan and Chris ran to Publix this morning to get me a Cookies and Cream birthday cake and adorned it with candles that said 33. I tried to blow them out after the kids got done singing. It was very nice.
Chris and I left for the temple around 5:30 for the 6:30 session. It was neat to go to the temple and be in a session with only members from our stake. We will have the opportunity to go again on Friday for our ward temple trip.
I will be going to Capillo next Saturday for my day at the spa that Chris got for me for Valentines and my birthday. I can't wait.
Happy Birthday to me. I can't believe how old and chubby I look. Hopefully next year's picture will look better. Below is "the girls". I am glad my girls look so pretty and are so sweet.

Mary Gronlund

Mary arrived around 7:45 this morning with a homemade Chocolate Chip cheesecake for my birthday. It is just delicious! (Which of course you know, since it is over half way gone!) Thanks Mary!

Pinewood Derby

Brennan raced tonight. He did well, but lost in the second round. We'll try again for the ward Pinewood Derby on Friday, March 17.
We also signed Brennan up for Day camp in July. It is a pirate theme. That is PERFECT for Brennan!

Sick Day

Today, tomorrow and Wednesday are FCAT testing days for Brennan. Yesterday when he woke up, he said that he didn't feel well and he had a fever. Of course I started to panic. If you're sick, you can't go to school. If you don't go to school, you will not be able to take FCAT. OH NO!!!
Well, he had a fever again this morning. 100.7, so off to Dr.Soto, AGAIN! She gave Brennan antibiotics because she wanted him to get better as soon as possible. His throat was a little red and he was a little congested. She would of normally told me to wait it out for a few days, but with testing this week, she sent us on our way with our prescription. I think he is already feeling better. I hope that it continues.

Aislinn is doing much better. She thinks that it is just grand that she can feed herself cereal. We have to do it a few times a day. She is getting pretty good at it, if I do say so myself.
Greyson is Buzz Lightyear again this afternoon. It is his normal attire as soon as we get home from pre-school.

Visit with Mom and Carole

Mom and Carole came over today. They arrived a little after noon. It had been quite a crazy morning. I felt like I needed to take Aislinn to the doctor since she had not been sleeping through the night and running a fever the last several days. I was not initially worried because she just finished a round of antibiotics earlier in the week and Greyson had a virus last week with only a fever as the symptoms. But... I was concerned so I called the doctor and got a 9:15 appointment. Well, when I got there, I realized that I didn't have any shoes for Aislinn and that she was still in her pajamas, because I had only intended to drop off all the kids and come back home. Okay, so I was a little embarrassed by that. But we went, and Dr. Soto said that both of her ears did not look good, not bad, but not good either. So, Zithromax was prescribed along with more eye drops for the other eye, that now had pink eye, and Nystatin cream for the yeast infection that always comes with antibiotics. I was glad that I went. I was supposed to of had a Primary presidency meeting at 9:30 at my house, but when I got the appointment for Aislinn, I called Debi and Ashlea and told them I would call them as soon as I was done. When I got in my car from the appointment, I called Ashlea first, because she never returned my call and she didn't get my message until she was already sitting at my house wondering why nobody was there. Bummer!!! I told her that I would be there as soon as I could. But, I wanted to drop of Aislinn's prescriptions first to get the medicine in her as soon as I could and of course, CVS didn't have it, so I had to go to Publix. I waited for them to fill it (15 minutes) since it would of been 20 minutes for me to get home and back, etc. I got a few seafood items for Chris and fruit and I checked out. I finally arrived home around 10:30 with both of my counselors waiting for me. We had a great meeting and got a lot accomplished.
Mom and Carole arrived a little after noon. I went and got Tori to babysit, and the three of us were off to Pisces Rising. We had a scrumptious lunch and then walked to a store in town that sells Crocs. I had to by a pair for all of the kids and me!
We got back and I gave the kids their Crocs. Aislinn slept in them. I then had to hurry off to meet Chris to go to Barbara's farewell at T-Bones. We rushed off from there to the church to set up chairs for Stake Conference. After all of that, we were hungry and decided to go back to T-Bones for a delicious dinner and a great time together.

WHEW! That was a busy day!

A visit to Yoo-Ma's and Papa's

After church yesterday I loaded the kids back in the van and we headed over to Mom and Dad's. We got there around 7:30 and the kids were quite excited. There was no school today so we visited with Mom, Dad and Carole until around 3 or so and then headed back. It was nice to visit and the kids were so excited to be at their grandparent's house. They especially liked getting to visit with Neil, the dog. Now, of course, they all want a dog. Lucky me...

Elder and Sister Nelson

This was a rewarding and spiritual day today. I started it out by going to the regional enrichment meeting from 9 - 12 this morning. Sister Nelson gave an inspiring talk on having faith and receiving answers to questions and prayers. She stated that it was as simple as asking and having enough faith to know that you will be answered. She told us to go with our questions to the scriptures and to general conference and those questions would be answered. Elder Nelson talked about many wonderful things. I specifically remember the blessing that he gave all of us. I wrote it down, but don't have my notes with me right now, but I will write about it later. I was so glad to be at both of the meetings, to hear the wonderful words that were spoken. The evening meeting was for married couples. It was also very inspiring. I feel greatly blessed and loved.

Book Club

Tonight is our book club meeting at Debbie Carter's house. We read "The Memory Keeper's Daughter", by Kim Edwards. I really enjoyed the book. I am excited to attend for several reasons. The first being that I really enjoy the company and conversations and the second being that I actually DID read the book this time and I look forward to hearing what other's had to say about it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I had a great day today! Chris came home at lunch with 3 roses and a card. The card was great. You'll have to indulge me because I want to write it so I will always remember it. (And perhaps remind him if it is ever necessary.) It said on the outside, " My Wife". Inside: "You're all that I want and more than I deserve. I love you. Happy Valentine's Day". And Chris wrote, "I love you and I ALWAYS will." Inside the card there was a gift certificate to Capillo for a Deluxe Day of beauty. He also scheduled my appointment for the first Saturday that we could do it. March 10 at 8:30, I need to arrive for a visit to the Sauna, a 1 hour massage, a spa pedicure and manicure, a shampoo and blow dry. He gave me this same gift for Christmas of 2005 and I absolutely loved it. I told him that any time he wanted to do it again, he would get MAJOR points. Wow Honey, you are really getting good at this mushy stuff in your old age! :)

I fixed it, I fixed it!

I got firefox downloaded today and got rid of IE7 and I can upload pictures now. So, if you have time and care, go back to late December and look forward. I added pictures from Christmas, and other stuff. I am so HAPPY!
Greyson and Aislinn are home sick with me today. Greyson has a little fever which the doctor said must be from a virus and Aislinn is recovering from her long list of ailments. Here's some pictures of them, in all their glory.

Worldwide Leadership Training

We had to arrive bright and early this morning for training. Eight o'clock, to be exact. Well, we had to leave the house by 7:15 to get there on time, so there was no time to play around. We picked up Debbie and Lew Clayton, and off to church we went. The training was until 10 and I never once looked down to see what time it was. That is how great I thought all of what they were saying was. I took over 3 pages of notes and have not stopped thinking about how to apply it to me, Primary and home. I am thankful for the opportunity to hear this training and even more thankful for my membership in the TRUE church. I have a testimony of its teachings. I know it is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that Gordon B. Hinckley is our living prophet today. I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is my savior. I know these things because I have prayed and received confirmation. Find our for yourself if you don't already know, and you too, will receive an answer.

Happy Birthday Chris!

Oh no, the BIG 40! Chris was awaken at 12:03 this morning to me wishing him a happy birthday. He arrived at work to find 23 black and 23 white balloons hanging from the ceiling. I then arrived a few hours later wit a big 40 balloon and 2 gag gifts (which I thought were just hilarious!) It made Chris blush and it was worth all $15.00 that it cost. We went to lunch as an office and the owners of the restaurant made Chris a pumpkin pie, since it is his favorite. The owners are his clients and are Vietnamese. They came out singing Happy Birthday with that accent and beating a pot with a wooden spoon. It was so cute! We topped the day off with the Jimmy Buffett concert which, I must say, I think I enjoyed more than Chris! It was a BLAST! We didn't get home until around midnight, after being pulled over by the police and let off with a warning. I believe that they were intending to get some VERY DRUNK people, from the concert, however, they managed to pull over probably the ONLY 2 people that didn't drink there. Tough luck for them. Anyway, a great day for a great man! I love you honey, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Terrific Kid

Brennan was awarded Terrific Kid today for the month of February. Each month, each teacher picks a student that is a good kid, doing a good job in their class. It was Brennan's month and we are VERY proud of him. Brennan is the "E" in the picture.

A crazy day!

Please remind me that having 2 different doctor appointments on the same day is not a good idea. Especially when one is in Winter Park and the other in Tavares. It looked just fine on paper, but when the Winter Park one ran 1 hour plus late, this just messed the whole day up! Aislinn was a trooper and she even seems to be feeling a little better. Whew!

Happy Anniversary!

Chris got it right this year! He suggested that I get a babysitter so that we could go to dinner. We were hesitant at first since it was a Monday, but we decided to hold FHE on Tuesday so we could go to dinner. I got the babysitter and told him that his job was to decide where we were going. Somewhere different, was my only stipulation. Okay, so I arrived at his office a little after 5 and he had flowers and a wonderful card for me. I was impressed. This is a big thing for Chris to accomplish. I asked him where we were going and he told me The Frosty Mug. I was quite excited since I had been wanting to go there for quite a while. We had a wonderful dinner, the company was just right and the food was really good. Another note, Chris managed to leave the office with me to go to dinner around 5:45 which is amazing since I don't even usually hear from him until around 7 each night. Way to go honey, you got it just right this year!

Aislinn's under the weather

Aislinn started getting sick yesterday while I was at Little Philmont. Today it has not gotten any better at all. I think she needs some extra prayers. She was on antibiotics just 10 days ago and I hope that she is not needing them again. Feel better dear Aislinn...
As a side note. I am very glad to have our anniversary tomorrow. It will be 13 years for us. I think that it is quite an accomplishment and look forward to many more. I love you Chris.

Little Philmont

Today was scout training all day in Orlando. The General Young Men's President was there along with other leaders from seven area stakes. The whole day was wonderful. There was so much to learn. I think what I took home was that I need to do more training. Make sense?

This is not nearly as fun

This is not nearly as much fun without being able to post pictures. I must get serious about fixing this problem.

Our trip

We had a great time in Tallahassee. The kids played and played. We celebrated Brennan's birthday and we got to relax. There was no school or work today due to Martin Luther King day so we got home around 6 this evening. We had a quick meal then off to bed. It is nice to get away sometimes. What is also interesting, Chris can sleep well when he's not close to work. I need to remember that...

Church in Tallahassee 1st ward

It was great to see old friends and familiar faces! We had a great time at church and a wonderful dinner following. Kenney prepared a great meal of salad, broccoli, chicken and rice and squash casserole. It was delicious. The kids had a great time playing and Holly and Dane were just delighted in their time together.

Brennan's Birthday

Today Brennan turned 10! I can't believe it. It seems like yesterday that he was born. We were in Tallahassee and went to the Fun Station to celebrate. Brennan got 2 Game Boy games, and the trip to Fun Station. I think his favorite part there was riding the go karts with Chris. He did really well driving, but wasn't too good with the brakes. Maybe next time. Happy Birthday Brennan, we love you!

NO MORE CHEMO!

Mom had her last chemo treatment yesterday. They gave her a certificate, a cake and sang her a song! It was quite a little celebration at the Cancer Center I am told. I arrived to be with her the same time that Dianne was bringing her home. I spent the night and got up to drive back home at 6 this morning. Mom and I had a blast last night. It was wonderful to get to spend time with her, just the two of us. I feel like going outside and doing cartwheels about her not needing any more chemo. What a blessing!

Worried

Why do I feel it necessary or even warranted to worry about family and friends so much? Isn't it their own life to live? Does what I say even matter in the real scheme of things? Chris has told me many times through the years that I need to stop this 'worry' that I do, but I haven't yet. Anyway, I am going to pray and try to let it go. It's not bad, what I am worrying about, just important and I don't want this person to make a mistake. But back to the beginning, "Does what I say even matter?"

Back to school

I am sitting here waiting for Natalie to arrive for tutoring. Aislinn is taking a nap and I have a quiet here that I haven't had in over 2 weeks. You would think that I am really enjoying it, and I am, however, I am sad too. I really enjoyed getting to be with the kids so much. We had a lot of fun! This Mom job has quite a few perks! I think I'll keep it...

The first meeting for Church of the new year!

Okay, 1-4 p.m. is NOT my favorite time to attend church just in case anyone was wondering and today it was just horrible! (I hate to even say that, but you would agree if you were there!) Aislinn has been fighting a cold since yesterday morning and I have been giving her medicine. She has been okay with that. HOWEVER, it did not work for church attendance today! I was quite optimistic because I even got her to take a nap before we left, but before the sacrament was even passed, she was DONE! I walked the halls with her the remaining time of sacrament meeting and started it in the second hour until I finally realized that it wasn't doing any good. (I know, I'm a slow learner!) So we left, Aislinn and I and went home. She was asleep within in 5 minutes and slept until 4. After that she was better. Hopefully this was a one time thing. I missed being there all 3 hours today. I missed the children, and I missed Primary.
Also, Tricia bore her testimony today and it was so nice to hear it. I am glad that she is my friend and I am thankful for her testimony.
BIG NEWS from Greyson. Today was his 1st day of primary and he just loved it! He announced after he got home, "Mom, I'm a big boy now!" And he meant it, and he is!

Warm weather

It was quite warm today, in the 80's. We have been in short pants and sleeves for the last week or so. The sun has been hiding behind many clouds the last several days and it has not been the 'Sunshine State'. Odd weather for January, but, it has been great for the kids to play outside . We have gone out everyday for several hours at a time and the kids have had a blast.
Tomorrow we have our first day of the year that church starts at 1 p.m. I am not too excited about that since it falls right into nap time. Oh well, life goes on, and it's our turn for that delightful time.
The kids go back to school on Monday which I have mixed feelings about. We have had fun on our break. Sleeping in until 7:30 or 8 in the morning and doing what we want. It is nice to spend time with all of the kids. I am sad in a way for us to go back to school. I will look forward to Spring Break and the summer.

I am grumpy

Well, I think that the reason that I am having trouble uploading photos is because I upgraded to Internet Explorer 7! What a bummer! I have some great pictures that I want to post and I can't get them to work. I had NO PROBLEM WHAT SO EVER before. Now, since IE7, it won't work! The kicker... I can't go back to IE6! Now the saga continues.