Kerstyn all done up!

Janie came over to babysit the other night and Kerstyn wanted to do makeup. After Janie called to make sure it was okay, she did her all up and took some pictures to let us see all the fun. Kerstyn loved every minute of it.

Watch out!

The kid shuffle

Greyson was out of school on Thursday and I took him to the doctor and found out that he did not have strep, ear or sinus infections. Therefore, it must have been a virus. All he complained of was his head and then throat hurting.

He went to school Friday and played all day Saturday. We did notice a rash on his torso on Saturday, but he was acting fine and playing, so we just watched it.

This morning, after Chris left for Belleview, I heard Greyson up in the bathroom vomiting. Great.

I sent a text to Chris who was in a meeting and told him about our fun events. We then tossed around a few ideas of how to deal with him being sick, getting him to the doctor, getting all of the others of us to church and stuff. We decided to leave Kerstyn with Greyson, I would take all the other kids to church and Chris would leave Belleview after Sacrament Meeting and get Greyson to After Hours Pediatrics.

I got a text while at church that Greyson threw up again and now Kerstyn wasn't feeling well.

When it rains, it pours.

Chris took both of them to the doctor. No strep for either, Greyson's rash was an allergic reaction. Virus for him, I think Kerstyn was sick by association...

I see fun beginning... who's next?

Pool Party

After a quick trip to get a pedicure and stocking up on groceries, I returned home to promptly kick the kids out of the house and into the pool.

I wouldn't let them stay inside all day. They had to be outside. Not necessarily in the pool, but out of the house.

It was that way all day. I'll admit that it wasn't easy to keep a few of them out, but we all survived and I think we had fun too.

We swam and ate and swam and ate. The Garrett's came over around 4 and we grilled out and swam some more. Kirstie even joined in on the swimming a little this afternoon.

I'll just say that after all that, the kids went to bed very easily.

A different date

Yesterday, today and tomorrow, Chris was in training in Orlando. So, tonight, I went to meet him down in the area for our date.

I decided that we would go to Downtown Disney and eat then go to Cirque du Soliel. We went there together for my 30th birthday, meaning over 6 years ago (wow, 6 years already?), and we had said to each other a few times lately that we would like to go again. Tonight was the night. We ate at House of Blues and then walked around a little before our show.

The dinner was good.

The show was great.

The company was perfect!

Book Club

I still don't read. I've missed the last two meetings, but I was still invited back tonight.

I'm glad that I went because we discuss the book very little, but lift each other a lot. I am thankful for that.

Teacher Training

I was invited to attend the Primary Teacher Training tonight. They fed us physically and spiritually.

Each member in the presidency gave a message about teaching. Each bore a powerful testimony of gospel truths. Each person told of the special spirit of each of the children.

What I really loved was that we all agree that these children are precious gifts with amazingly strong spirits and that we are blessed to be able to serve them.

I've know that for a long time. That was one of my 'blessings' from being Primary President. I get it. So do they. These children are going places!

Really?

Michelle took this when she came to visit during Spring Break.

Look at me, once again running my mouth!

Do I ever shut up?

I did notice however, that I have nice muscles in my forearm...

Mother's Day breakfast with Lauklan

Mary just sent me this picture from Lauklan's Mother's Day breakfast. We had it in his classroom on May 7.

He's quite a cutie.

Lauklan has really worked hard in school this year and his academic progress has been quite significant.

He LOVES to help his father around the house and is always quick to volunteer to help on projects.

He's going to be quite a 'catch' some day...

A Special Stake Conference

Elder Neil L. Andersen of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came to be with us today. He taught and shared a wonderful message of love and faith. I took notes which I will post another day.

Right now, it still seems kinda surreal. I don't even know where to begin.

The meeting was powerful.

The spirit was amazingly strong.

The choir was better than ever.

I am humbled and honored to have been able to participate in this day.

Mom came over and Elder Andersen even mentioned something in his message that was just for her. He gave us all words or encouragement.

Elder Andersen made it a point to shake my hand after the meeting. He told me how wonderful the music was and how talented I am. I couldn't believe, and I still can't believe, how kind he was to me.

Kerstyn and Grandma shook Elder Andersen's hand separately from the other 4 kids. Grandma told Elder Andersen that Kerstyn was 'the choir director's daughter' and Elder Andersen again complemented me to her. Wow!

I stood in line with Brennan, Lauklan, Greyson and Aislinn. The boys didn't want to get in line and shake his hand. That upset me, to be honest, but I told them that they were going to shake the hand of an Apostle of the Lord and that one day, they will be glad that I had them do it.

The line was long and they waited fairly patiently. When it was finally our turn, I said to Elder Andersen, "Elder Andersen, these are a few of my children and I wanted them to be able to shake your hand". He shook each one of their little hands and looked them in the eye. He spoke to each of them individually and told them how talented their mother was and how blessed they are to have me. Can you believe that? I could have fallen to the floor. Then, he turned to me again, took my hand, and thanked me for a wonderful job.

Wow.

This day, is one I will remember forever.

As if all that wasn't enough, President Carter called this afternoon to thank me for the music. He also called to thank Chris for all his efforts with the parking.

We are both happy to serve.

Sister Andersen

We had a meeting with Sister Andersen this morning. I will admit that it was a little, lets just say, less formal, than I thought it would be. However, I really enjoyed the meeting.

Debbie Carter bore a wonderful, heart-felt testimony which I just loved. I also knew that she was most likely very uncomfortable up there but she did just great, of course.

Sister Anderson was a Florida girl, which I didn't know until that meeting and I found her ties to Florida quite neat.

There was a very nice luncheon planned immediately following the meeting and I was tickled, because I was really quite hungry.

Chris' mom was with me, which made the meeting even more special.

I can't wait for tomorrow... I sure hope we do well with the choir and I can't wait to hear and learn from Elder Andersen.

One for the team

Chris and I went on our date tonight. It was my turn to pick what we were going to see at the movies, if we went, since Chris picked last time.

I wanted to see Letters to Juliet, but Chris was really wanting to see Robin Hood. He said that if I would see Robin Hood, that I could pick the next two times. So, being the wonderful wife that I am, I said okay.

We saw Robin Hood. I actually liked it better than I thought I would because there was a neat little love story in it.

I think we had a win, win situation.

Next movie, Letters to Juliet.

Nightmare

I had a nightmare the other night about the special stake conference coming up this Sunday.

In my dream the choir started without me. How does the choir start without me? I mean, don't they have to watch me to know when to 'go'?

I my dream I couldn't see the members of the choir because it was dark and they were really far away. I have no idea where we were, but it was big and dark and scary.

I did NOT dream that I tripped. Apparently, I am past the tripping worry, but certainly worried about pulling this off.

We'll just say that I am praying. A lot! I am praying for the spirit to be there. With me, with the choir members and with the congregation. I take music very seriously and I know how much it can affect the spirit of the meeting.

I pray I do my part.

Kerstyn's performance

Kerstyn had her last elementary school music concert last night. I guess she takes after me in the fact that she really enjoys that stuff. Singing and playing instruments comes naturally for her. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.

Chorus picture

Jamming out on the orff instrument.

Good job Kerstyn!

Another scary visit

I got a call from St. Edward's yesterday afternoon around 2:30 saying that Aislinn woke up from nap with a fever of 103. So, I hurried there, got her at 2:45 and gave her Motrin. She only wanted to sleep, because of the fever and I thought that it would start coming down soon.

However, it went up to 104 and was still up around 103 or 104 by 3:45 so I talked to Chris and we decided to take her to the Emergency Room at Arnold Palmer Hospital. Meanwhile, Chris called Dr. Montane, her nephrologist, and she said to do exactly that, take her to the ER at Arnold Palmer.

We got there at 4:40 and her fever was down to 101 when we got to the first triage nurse.

After we were taken back, they did their assessment and said that her lungs sounded clear, which surprised me because she had been coughing. But, they were clear. So then they were starting to be dismissive and saying that it was viral.

However, she needed to go to the bathroom, so they took a urine sample. The sample turned out to 'dirty' so they sent it to the lab for further testing. Dirty, meaning that it looked like, from their initial dipstick test, that something was wrong with it.

When it came back from the lab, the leukocytes were at 100, meaning there is an infection. So, they called Dr. Montane so she could tell them what medicine to give her. She prescribed a shot or Rocefin and Cipro to take at home.

Needless to say, Aislinn was not happy about the shot, but she made it through.

Dr. Montane called me this afternoon and said the the urine is not growing in the culture, so she is not sure it is a urinary infection. However, we only have had 1, yes 1 grow anything and that was the day she was admitted to the hospital in October of 2008 and was EXTREMELY sick. So, Chris and I are not too sure that she is okay in that aspect.

We both feel that something is not right. Something is going wrong, but it doesn't show itself yet. We'll just have to wait and see, I guess. We are to continue the Cipro and Dr. Montane said she would check the lab again today. I'm sure nothing will be there, but I am also sure that doesn't really mean anything.

So, take home message is, we're still on the roller coaster!

Blogworthy

Chris got this for me for Mother's Day. At first, I must admit, that I didn't fully appreciate them for what they are. I don't mean to say that I wasn't glad to get them, because I was. It made me smile.

But...

What made me smile even more was when he just casually said, "There is a rose there for each of the children"...

I thought, really? There are 5 roses? Yep, there were 5. I asked him, "How did you get that?" Come to find out, he picked out the stuff that he wanted and made me his own little bouquet.

I am touched. I love it!

Score for Chris!

Mother's Day 2010

Chris hustled out of the bedroom this morning and started the routine, I thought. Later, the kids brought me my breakfast. Chris and the kids made me a delicious omelet and some sliced strawberries along with toast with grape jelly and some orange juice! I was so pleased! They had never done that before, and I was very glad to get it!

After all that, we headed to church, and Mom met us there. It was so special to me to be able to spend some of Mother's Day with my mom.
I feel so blessed that I can also call her my friend! Isn't she beautiful?

After church, we just came home and relaxed. Well, kind of relaxed, it is hard to do that with all the kids, but we tried, at least.

Family fun at Grandma's

We headed over to Lakeland to visit with Grandma today. Of course, it is not really a trip to Grandma's if we don't eat at Zaxby's. We also went to see Iron Man 2. Chris and I went last night and previewed it. The kids seemed to enjoy it. Aislinn went to the bathroom about 5 times though and one time, as we were leaving, she said, 'those are really cool bathroom's Mommy'. Hmmm.

Anyway, we didn't get home until about 10:30 tonight, so I'm going be tired tomorrow.

Mother's Day celebrations

I was at Round Lake Elementary this morning for a Mother's Day Breakfast with Lauklan at 7:30. Then I headed home to the get the other kids off to school.

I dropped off Aislinn then ran to work for a few minutes and then back to the preschool for some fun with Aislinn.

Those were her thoughts on me this Mother's Day. I don't think I have EVER eaten Spaghetti O's, and I don't really have a favorite color, I think her favorite is purple. I asked her how she knew my age and she replied, "Remember when we had your birthday at Daddy's office and the numbers were on the cake, they said that and I remember it in my head." Love her!

I'm so sad that I have wings in this picture, but that is what happens when I'm having a bad hair day...

Mary, Lauklan's teacher took some pictures and I will post them when I get them.

Girl fun

Frances, Maria, Dannette, Debbie and I headed out tonight to Cheesecake Factory.

Good food and good company are always a great combination!

I believe that we all had a great time. I can't wait to do it again.

Time for haircuts!

It's almost summer and the girls were in desperate need of a trim. I think they look really cute. I was hoping that Kerstyn would look younger, but I'm afraid that backfired on me, she looks older. Oh my, my kids are growing up!

Kerstyn back and front.

Aislinn back and front.

Lauklan the Terrific Kid!

Congratulations Lauklan! You truly are a Terrific Kid!

Not so much fun.

We had our second stake choir rehearsal today. We'll just say that it goes right along with ward choir in that I have a very up and down relationship with it. What is my deal? Well, anyway, I'm going to do a lot of praying and studying before the 'big day' and hopefully it will all work out.

On another note, Fast and Testimony meeting was WONDERFUL! The spirit was there, it was strong and the meeting was powerful. Exactly what I needed!

Impromptu swimming fun!

Our family was assigned to clean the building this morning, but we had to go 2 children short. Brennan was off to the Scout Show while Kerstyn was not yet back from her overnight Sea World field trip.

After cleaning the building, I headed to cycle and Chris took the youngest 3 kids to Perkins and then to Lew's book signing.

Then, it was pool time! I had the Garrett's and Kirstie Berge come over and swim too. It made for one fun pool party!

To top it all off, Grandma got to stop by too and see all the fun and get hugs and kisses from all of us. Perfect!

The kids were out at the pool from around noon until bedtime. It was a great day!

Nobody

I have this person in our house and their name is "Nobody". Nobody does all the bad things around the house.

Here are a few examples:

1. Nobody put my novel, "Breaking Dawn" underneath the boy's bathroom sink.

2. Nobody peed in the cleaning bucket in the laundry room which created a FOUL smell!

3. Nobody puts toys on the floor.

4. Nobody puts dirty underwear behind the bookcase.

5. Nobody is talking when it is time to go to sleep.

You just wait until I get my hands on Nobody!

Aislinn's Pre-school concert

Chris, Greyson, Aislinn and I headed to St. Edward's last night to see Aislinn in her spring concert. I'm not really sure why she had her fingers in her mouth, but I think she was a little nervous. In her line, are all the 'kindergarten friends'. My baby is growing up!

Aislinn was a great 'Mama duck'.
The three oldest kids didn't get to go since the boys had scouts and Kerstyn had her Activity Days meeting.

It is kind of bitter sweet that my kids are growing up. I'm enjoying it, but missing having younger kids too. That makes absolutely no sense, I know.

What a difference

a year can make!

Family Picture 2008

Family 2009

The parents 2008

All I have to say here is, "OH MY!"

The parents 2009
Much, much better! I sure hope I can keep it off!

Couponing

I went to a Relief Society Meeting tonight about couponing. I am hoping to do better at this and Maria and Kristen are more than willing to help.

First step, today I cut out the Albertson's coupon for saving $5.00 on $50.00 or more. I can spend that without blinking, so I'm looking forward to using it. The only catch, it is only good on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Guess I need to make a trip to Publix on Friday...

That is the beginning of my plan to spend less and save more. We'll see how it goes.

Not as young as I think

I had my personal training appointment tonight, like I always do on Monday nights. I look forward to 6 p.m. because I know that I will be pushed to my limit, and I love that! However, tonight was a little different. I was doing lunges with 20 pound weights in each hand but every time I went forward with the right leg, my knee would hurt, right under the knee cap. When I told Charlie where it was hurting, he wouldn't allow me to use the weights on my last set.

This was the first time that I have ever had something hurt like that. A bad hurt, not a good one...

So, my point of this post is just that, I guess I'm not as young as I used to be. :(

Chris says I need to take care of myself. I wonder why?

Here are a few...

of my favorite things:

Sunday family time - I really like no fussing and complete harmony in the home, however, I've realized that is not something that is going to happen. So, I'll take just 'kinda' getting along for now.

Music - All kinds. In particular, today, I love the opportunities I have been given to share my music gift with others by playing the piano and conducting music. Yes, I'm on the 'top' of my roller coaster relationship with being the choir director right now so I'm going to write about it here so when I'm 'down' I can look on here and remember. Note to self, look here next Sunday... ;)

The stake choir is going to be amazing when we sing on May 16. I can't wait...

The gospel - I love that I can feel the spirit. I love that I know what it is and that I have the opportunity to acknowledge it in my life. I am thankful for the scriptures and the opportunity I have to learn from them. I am thankful for my opportunity to grow when I receive callings.

The gym - I love that I can go there and improve my physical health. I love even more, that I can go there, and it allows my children to have a happier mom and my husband, a happier wife. Get my drift?

How we spell fun

We got up this morning and headed to Typhoon Lagoon. However, we were short Brennan since he is camping at his last 'Shakedown' camp out before they head to the National Jamboree the end of July.

Chris and I commented throughout the day that we really missed him being there. We certainly didn't feel complete...

However, I had no trouble at all finding my favorite things...

T A S T Y!

As if we hadn't eaten enough at the park, we stopped at Chili's in Apopka and ate some more...Kerstyn, Aislinn and Lauklan

My girls
Greyson and me

Very tired parents...

My good deal

My sister in law Holly loves a good deal. Well, I do too, but I find that I am not as patient as she is and therefore, I don't get as many 'good deals' as she does.

However, I got what I considered to be good deal last night.

I am rushed on Wednesday to get everyone where they need to be when they need to get there, so I usually feed the kids McDonald's that night and they eat it in the car on the way to church. But, with 5 kids to feed, even McDonald's can be pricey. It usually ran me around $25 to get them all meals.

Until today...

I got each of them either dollar menu items or less and I left McDonald's only $16 lighter! They had cheeseburgers on sale for 69 cents and I got 5 of them. 2 for Brennan, 2 for Kerstyn and one for Lauklan minus pickles.

Aislinn got a McChicken for a buck and Greyson got one too, minus the mayo. ( I love mayo, therefore is he really my child?)

5 dollar fries

3 dollar powerades and 2 dollar sprites.

Done!

Good for me!

Totally cool!

We were told Sunday at church that Elder Anderson from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles would be attending a special Stake Conference for our stake on May 16.

Wow! An apostle in our building talking to me (and several hundred others, but me, none the less)! To say that I am excited, would be an understatement.

To top it off...

President Carter has asked me to lead a stake choir!

I sure hope I don't fall or trip or anything else totally weird.

I can't wait for the opportunity to rehearse and perform for this conference. I know what music can do for a meeting and I am super blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of it.

What the boys do...

Friday night, Brennan headed out with his troop to a Camporee. Chris arrived late Friday night to spend the night and all of Saturday with him. Chris took some pictures of what cool activities they had for the boys to do.

Brennan and the boys doing the water rocket.

Tire changing activity.
Team building exercise

Decifering Morse Code.

As a parent, I am thankful for Boy Scouting. I believe that it teaches great things to our boys, leadership and being well rounded just to get started.

From what I heard they all had a great time and the mosquitos were quite happy to see Chris...

Just so you know...

He is still alive. Me too.

Good thing!

I had to get in there right after I took the picture from yesterday and help him out. He was supposed to be sorting and organizing and I think he was more playing. Anyway, it is done. I am happier. He is alive.

All is well.

See anything here that might bother me?

The above picture would be Brennan's room right now.

H E L P.

Talk about a roller coaster!

I cried the whole way to church.

When I got there and I tried to get a hold of myself. I farmed out Lauklan, Greyson and Aislinn to Nellie and Frances Lugo and I sat on the stand with the choir.

We sang If You Could Hie To Kolob. All I have to say is "wow".

I played the piano worse today in Primary than ever, but I thought the children sang "We are True" perfectly.

I made grilled cheese for lunch but I didn't burn any which is good.

We'll see what lies ahead...

Mornings like the one I had today make me realize how much I have to learn about this parenting job of mine.

Typhoon Lagoon

While Chris and Brennan were having good 'ole Boy Scout fun, Kerstyn, Lauklan, Greyson, Aislinn and I headed to Typhoon Lagoon.

Aislinn took that of me, I think she did pretty well.

Lauklan and Greyson
Ouch! Lauklan was in a bit too shallow of water in the wave pool today. I am really glad that he had his shirt on because I know it would have been much worse without it. He said, "I'm fine Mom, really I am".

Kerstyn


Aislinn


The kids really did have fun today. There was minimal fussing and that made me have a good time. We ate at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner and the kids really liked that.


Needless to say, everyone went to sleep without any trouble.

Just a glimpse

Kerstyn was selected to be in the Lake and Sumter Honor Choir for the Elementary school children.

She had rehearsals yesterday from 3 - 7 and today from 1 until performance time at 7. I know that she had a wonderful time because she smiled from ear to ear the whole time. It was so nice to see it.

While they were performing tonight, I believe that I started to get a glimpse of how my parents felt while they watched me perform through all the years. I had tears rolling down my face.

I was so proud of her.

Why is it so hard for me to tell her? Is it because we are so much alike?

Kerstyn and I after the performance. She is wearing my shirt and I am wearing heels and she is not. We're getting to the end of me being taller than her that is for sure!

Proud parents

Ouch!

I trained with Charlie, my personal trainer, for an hour today. We usually only meet for 30 minutes, but today, lucky me, I got an hour.

We only did legs.

This isn't going to be pretty... Motrin and I are going to be really good friends, I can tell already. ;)

I'm not really complaining, I like this kind of hurting. It means that I'm making good progress. I like that. A lot.

The visit

I had an appointment for my yearly stuff yesterday.

I passed one section but not the other.

My ob/gyn referred me to another primary care physician to address the night sweats that I have several times a month.

He also referred me to a breast specialist because I have something there that they don't know what it is. I've already had a mammogram and an ultrasound along with extensive blood work so I'm not too concerned, more annoyed, I guess.

However, I guess I do need to find out what is really going on with me. :( I don't have time for this.