Saturday happenings!

Chris and I decided that it was time for our family to do the "Disney thing" again. So, we headed off to Disney on Saturday for a day of fun!

The kids and I in the parking lot. I didn't want to have to worry about my camera all day, so I left it in the car. But I will take it into the park some soon.

Chris and the kids.

Before we headed to Disney, the children took my camera outside to capture some fun they were having while Chris had a morning client appointment. After he got home, we headed to the park.

Kerstyn taking her own picture, I think.

Aislinn apparently got someone to take her picture.

The boys on the 4 wheeler.
Fun going around the pool. Aislinn just snapped and snapped and snapped.
Like the finger?
Finger again.
The woods, as the kids call it, which is in the backyard behind the pool.

Ward Conference

We had Ward Conference today. For those of you that don't know what that means, it just means that all of your stake leaders are there and they come to teach and watch what is going on in your ward.

The primary was asked to sing the prelude music. We were supposed to start about 10 minutes before Sacrament meeting was to begin and end about 1 minute before the 12:30 start time.

The children sang beautifully! We sang If The Savior Stood Beside Me, Teach Me To Walk In The Light and closed with Love is Spoken Here. The only thing that could have been better was if my children had actually been there!

I had to be at church at 11 for a Ward Council meeting with the Stake Leaders, so I left Chris home with the kids with directions to be at church 15 minutes early. Well, as you know from the previous paragraph, that didn't happen!

When I asked Chris why he wasn't there, he kind of cracked me up. He said that they didn't do anything that he asked and that he couldn't get ready. I know exactly what he means since I live that life everyday.

I went out to call Chris right after we finished the prelude music and he was pulling into the parking lot. I walked in with 3 out of the 5 kids in time for the last verse of the opening hymn. I was sitting there wondering why the opening prayer person wasn't coming up to do the prayer and then I realized that I was the person saying the opening prayer! OOPS! So I hustled to the stand and gave the prayer. Oh my!

The rest of church ran smoothly and it was a nice Sabbath day.

I wanna go!

I am a Time Out For Women junkie!

It is going to be in Olrando March 20 & 21.

I really want to go, but I don't want to go by myself.

Anyone interested in going with me?

It is a great way to recharge in a relaxed atmosphere where you feel great about being a daughter of God and a women/mother.

Full weekend which is Friday night and Saturday all day is $57.

Saturday only is $50.

Come on you all...enjoy it with me. Please?

No water!

I didn't realize that it was going to be as cold last night, but we woke up this morning and I took a shower as usual. But, when Chris went to go start shaving, he didn't have any water!

It was 26 again this morning, and Chris was outside with the hairdryer trying to get the pump unfrozen so we would have water.

I had Melissa come early today, at 3:45 or so and I headed to the Mall at Mellinia for some shopping and dinner. Chris was in training all day at Sea World, so he met me at the mall.

I got a really cute skirt and two shirts at Anthropologie.

We had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory and it was delicious. After dinner, we did some shopping in Victoria's Secret and then did some people watching.

It was a nice day and date. :)

Brrr

The front yard.

Ice dripping from the slide. I know I don't want to jump in that pool anytime soon!

Backyard

Ice hanging off the pavilion and plants. I hope our plants made it. It was looking pretty scary, for sure!

When I got in the car this morning to take Brennan and Kerstyn to school, the temperature was 26.

Wow!

First YW/YM activity

Brennan had his first combined YW/YM activity tonight at the church. They Young Women were teaching the Young Men how to dance.

I'm sure that was a sight I would have enjoyed watching!

Brennan's friend, Thomas went too and both of the boys said they had a good time. I asked the Bishop how Brennan did and he said, "About as well as you would expect any 12 year old boy to do". Not sounding good....

Have I mentioned lately?

How much I LOVE going to the gym?

It gives me some much needed time alone and I feel better about myself when I'm done.

I believe that is a win - win situation for all!

Kennedy Space Center

Kerstyn the astronaut.

Kenney took "the girls" to the Kennedy Space Center today for Kerstyn's birthday present. I had never been there before and Kerstyn has gone once before. We had a really nice time together and I really appreciated it.

This is Kerstyn with the space shuttle in the background. They already moved it out for a launch that is scheduled in a few weeks. I thought it was quite an impressive sight.

Kerstyn and I on the observation tower.

This was the view that Kenney, Carolyn and I had for most of the day. Cute, huh?

We got home around 5:30 p.m. and the Tallahassee family headed straight home. I am told that they arrived safely around 11:30.

Chris and Dad/Ryck, stayed with the other 4 kids today. They went to the dump, bowling and to Publix. They also rode the 4 wheelers and played hard. I am told however, that it was not a good day for them. Apparently all they do is fuss.

I feel really bad for Chris and Dad. :(

Brennan's Big Day!

This is the whole crew that came to be here on the day that Brennan received the priesthood. I know that one day, he will love to see how many people cared enough to travel so far to be with him for such an important event.
From Tallahassee came Grandpa, Grandma Kenney, Alyssa, Aunt Carolyn and Bay. From New Port Richey came Yoo-Ma and Papa. I know that Aunt Holly and Grandma would have loved to be here, but I know they were here in spirit.

Our family.

Chris and Brennan

My dad, Brennan and my mom.

Grandma Kenney, Brennan and Grandpa.

After leaving church, we stopped by to see the progress being made on our new Stake Center. We are so excited to have this new building to meet in.

Shuffle, shuffle

Both Kerstyn and Brennan had a busy day today. Brennan had his first Young Men's activity today from 11 - 2 and Kerstyn had Natalie's Birthday Party at 11:30 - 4. We went to breakfast as a family, then dropped Brennan off at his activity.

I dropped Chris and all the other kids off and took Kerstyn to her party.

We all went to Target to get some stuff and then picked up Brennan and took him to his party. I picked up birthday gifts for their friends, which Brennan would not give to his friend because he didn't think that he would like it. Too childish, I guess.

After that, I took Chris's car to the car wash and went to pick up Kerstyn. After dropping off Kerstyn, I went to go get Brennan and then got home to make dinner.

Around 7, Ryck, Kenney, Alyssa, Carolyn and Bay arrived to eat and relax.

I love having a full house!

School's out

The younger 4 kids and I tried to have some fun today. We were actually pretty busy. We went to the gym this morning for 2 hours and then to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. After lunch we came home and the kids played in the yard until time to load back up and get Brennan.

Tonight was date night for Chris and I and we had a nice time being alone together. I can't wait for the end of the month, except for the fact that it has sunk in that I am going to freeze to death up there!

Random shots and thoughts

Greyson took this of me just a few minutes ago. I am really surprised at how old I look sometimes. :(

He's really getting big! He is my SOLID boy.

We went to Chris' office on Tuesday night, to sing Happy Birthday and have Brennan's cake. Then right off to other activities, but we had fun.

All of the kids except Brennan are out of school tomorrow for a teacher planning day. I think I'm going to go to the gym for the full 2 and a half hours tomorrow morning. Sounds like a good plan to me!

I'm so excited!

I can't keep a secret!

I get too excited and have to tell EVERYONE!

I just booked 2 plane tickets and hotel rooms for two nights!

Chris and I are going on a trip for our 15 year anniversary!

We have been married 15 years on January 29, 2009 and we are leaving the morning of Friday, January 30 and coming back on the evening of Sunday, February 1.

Guess where we're going....

NEW YORK CITY!

Chris hasn't been there since he was a child and I have been the last two summers but not with Chris. I can't wait to experience it with him.

Any volunteers to help with my kids while I'm gone? Chris's mom will be here Friday afternoon and needs to leave Sunday afternoon. I need a place for Kerstyn and Brennan and rides for the others on Friday. Anyone have an itch to help? :)

Happy 12th Birthday, Brennan!

Brennan showing that he is 12 years old. I took this picture this morning before he left for school.

This was taken in November. I think it is really good of him and every time I look at it I think that he looks like he's really growing up!

I believe that this is the oldest digital picture I have of him. It was taken the day Lauklan was born. So, Brennan was 4 and a half.

Brennan at 8 years old.

Brennan 9 years old.

He came into this world 6 weeks to the day early weighing 4 lbs. 15 oz. and 18 1/2 inches long. He has always been a fighter! Brennan was off oxygen and ready to go home from the hospital before I even was. The doctors were quite surprised.

Brennan is a very spiritual person and is definitely the oldest child in our family. He worries about his siblings and wants them to do well. He is an excellent example to all around him.

This Sunday, Brennan will receive the priesthood from his father. I know that I will cry, because I already am! We sang to him this past Sunday in Primary, Happy, Happy Birthday Brennan dear and the goodbye song that I make up. I cried, of course!

I love you Brennan! Happy Birthday!

Terrific Kid

Kerstyn and I at her Terrific Kid ceremony.

Almost everyone says she looks just like me. What do you think?

I tried to get video of Mrs. Bartberger reading what Mrs. Desourdy said about Kerstyn. I hope you can hear it.

I am proud of you Kerstyn! You truly are TERRIFIC!

Strawberry Farm

The parents before the farm...

We picked, and picked

and picked.

And followed.

It was a beautiful day and we had a good time.

My final visit :(

Holly and I

Chris and Aislinn towing Greyson and Lauklan in the backyard.

They would go round and round for hours this afternoon, the kids thought it was great!

Holly, Devin and Jarom came over today for their last visit before they go back to Germany. We are waiting for Kenney, Carolyn, Alyssa and Bay to arrive at any minute.

Chris, Holly, the kids and I went to the Strawberry Farm too and we ate tons of fresh and sweet strawberries that we got to pick on our own. Tasty! I took pictures, but haven't uploaded them yet.

Chris, Carolyn, Holly and I are going out to dinner tonight while Kenney stays home with all the kids. I think she is just plain crazy!

Busy

I think I might be ready for another school break! That is really bad considering this is only day 3 and I'm over it all!

There has been turmoil and unrest in the office. That trickles to the house since Chris of course deals with it all day and I am there part of the day. I am ready to be done with that, for sure!

I didn't get to go to the gym today. BUT, I did get Melissa applied to Utah Valley University, I visited with Suzy and got Brennan to Scouts.

A busy but productive day.

All back

All of the children were back to school this morning. I worked and then we did homework.

Following that - the gym! So many people are there right now. Hopefully the resolution goers will be done soon so it is less crowded.

At 6:30 Lauklan had Tiger Cubs so Chris took Lauklan, Greyson and Aislinn and let me come home and have a shower in peace and relax. It was very nice.

Back to it!

All of the kids with the exception of Brennan returned to school today.

I took Brennan to work with me and he shredded and shredded and shredded.

After the kids got done with homework, we headed to they gym for some good sweatin!

I was finished around 6:15 and we picked up Chris and went as a family for F.H.E. to Kiku's. The kids LOVE that place!

It was a great start to our week.

All 5 in Primary!

Today was the first Sunday of the new year and that always means changes in Primary. All of the classes move up on the first Sunday of January. A lot of preparation goes into this change. Mary has worked very hard following up on all of my directions.

This was a special day for me.

I had all five of my children sitting in Primary with me today.

Aislinn is now a Sunbeam.

Greyson is a CTR 6.

Lauklan is a CTR 8.

Kerstyn is a Valiant 11.

Brennan is a Valiant 12.

I only have one more Sunday with them all there. Brennan moves up to Young Men on January 18 after he turns 12 on January 13.

When I spoke to the children during my closing remarks this morning, I was surprised when I heard myself telling them of their strong spirits and what they are able to do spiritually.

They are mighty and strong spiritually and have been saved for these times because of their strength and promise.

I am humbled to serve them!

Shopping with Holly

Holly and I went to Kohl's today with NO KIDS!

Fun!

Happy New Year!

I can't believe in is 2009!

Hopefully this year will be better than the last.

Chris and I put the kids to bed around 8:30 last night and we were asleep around 10. I guess I'm getting old!

I woke up this morning feeling like it was just another day.

We headed to Lakeland around 10 this morning and hit the ground running with Holly, the kids and Chris's mom and siblings. The kids are having a blast!

Fun, fun, fun

The kids and I had a nice day today. We didn't do much of anything.

I stopped in the office for a little while to help with the big deal that was going on. I had to get some papers to the recording office with a check before 5. I pulled in and was in the office at 4:58 and they would not help me. I was GRUMPY!

Chris didn't get home until around 8, so we will not be going to Lakeland until tomorrow morning.

Monday after Christmas

OH MY!

That's all I have to say about that.

Well, maybe not.

Can you believe that I am letting Aislinn ride her bicycle in my house?

The boys are shooting Nerf guns at each other.

Kerstyn walks around singing.

I went to work!

And, I almost forgot. Happy Birthday Jarom! The big 1!

Church and home

We woke up this morning and I composed a song! It was quite comical how all of us got ready. There were 13 of us there trying to get ready for church and be there by 9.

Holly and I did our hair in the dining room. Kids were scattered here and there going to the bathroom and getting dressed.

Church was wonderful as it always is. Chris and I love to see the familiar faces of Tallahassee First ward.

Following church, we loaded up to go home. The kids cried because they did not want to leave. It was nice for me though because Chris drove home. Traffic was much worse going home than going up, but I survived even being the bad passenger that I am.

Chick-Fil-A and Guthries

Apparently all my trips to Tallahassee are centered around food.

We met Nana and much of her family at Chick-Fil-A this morning. The kids could play in the play place and we adults could visit.

Later, Holly and I had to go through Guthrie's but you will all be glad to know that I was not nearly as glutinous as I usually am and we both just shared a box. Tasty!

I must announce that I DID NOT eat any Krispy Kreme doughnuts this trip. Hurray for me!

Zoinks and a golf cart

I charged my camera and everything but I apparently only took it out on Christmas day! Sorry.

We loaded the kids up this afternoon and took them to a bouncy place in Tallahassee called Zoinks. They had a good time.

Dad and Kenney also have a golf cart that they can drive all around the neighborhood and that thing is the best babysitter ever! I think we put about 50 miles on that thing!

Christmas, again, but in Tallahassee.

Aislinn opening up her Dora chair.

The kids having fun.

Brennan with the blanket that Alyssa made for him. She made blankets for each of the kids and they were beautiful!

Bay, Alyssa and Kerstyn

Chris opening up his presents. He got 2 weapons, guns, whatever you call them.

We left our house around 11:30 to head to Tallahassee. We of course had to turn around, because I forgot Chris's belt. So, we ended up leaving at 12 and arrived there around 3:30. (I drive quickly.)

The kids got to celebrate again and Kenney made a wonderful Christmas dinner for all of us to enjoy.

Christmas Day

After Santa came but before the kids awoke. At 5:30 a.m., no less!

Lauklan getting some shoes. Thank goodness because that boy is really hard on his tennis shoes!

Kerstyn got an ipod.

Brennan got a lump of coal! And a game he wanted, but the lump first. :)

Greyson and the gun that his daddy bought him to terrorize the others with. Lauklan got the same one.

Aislinn got another baby doll and a stroller to push her in. Santa also delivered a Dora bicycle with training wheels for her to go up and down the 'mountain'.

Greyson's tennis shoes.

Aislinn's Dora bathtub toys.

Brennan and Lauklan checking out their gifts.