Wow - 2 years!!

So, it's been quite some time.  Right?  At least two years.  About 5 months ago I decided to deactivate my Facebook account.  I was sick of the negativity and politics involved.  If I wanted negativity, I need look no farther than my life.  If I wanted politics, I only needed to turn on the news.  These last 5 months have been eye opening.  At first, I missed it.  I missed knowing what everyone was doing and thinking.  That was quickly replaced with prepping for our move, enjoying the kids, and enjoying our last little bit in San Diego. 

The lesson I have learned the last 5 months is something that I have been taught many different ways throughout my lifetime.  We have a set amount of time.  We have a choice as to what to do with that time.  Instead of being addicted to social media, I find myself making a much better choice.  I spend my time working on homework, being present with my kids, reading my scriptures more, and really finding out who I am again.  It's been a long time since I did that.  I am even looking forward to scrapbooking again!!

So - here is a catch up of what we are all up to now!

As a family - we are now living in Las Vegas.  That is the biggest news!  We have rented a home in North Las Vegas and are enjoying our 2900+ square feet compared to our 1700 square feet.  We have a real functioning dishwasher and a kitchen that can fit more than 1 person!!

Aaron -  He finished his fellowship in gastroenterology at Balboa Medical Center in San Diego.  We figured out that we have spent more time at a Navy base than at an Air Force base now.  He thoroughly enjoyed his fellowship.  He met and got to know some of the greatest people in the gastroenterology world.  He was recently called as the ward organist in our new ward.  This will present a challenge to him because it's a pipe organ and he hasn't had much practice on that.  There is no magic button on this organ that will play the pedal for him - so he really has to play!

Sassy - She is still continuing her education as a student at BYU-Idaho in the Health Care Management field.  She is close to finishing up her Sophomore year and looks forward to taking classes in her chosen major.  She is enjoying the extra 1200 square feet that we have in our house in Vegas.  There still seem to be some pesky boxes, but as soon as school starts they should disappear.  She looks forward for school to start so she can resume her exercise routine at the gym since it's too hot to run outside in Vegas.  At least during the summer.  She has no runs planned for now but is looking for something to sign up for.

Kennie - He turned 12 in August and received the Aaronic Priesthood.  We are so incredibly proud of the young man he is turning in to.  He enjoyed going back to San Diego for Boy Scout camp at Fiesta Island a week after we signed the papers for our house.  We won't talk about the crickets he ate or the snake he had around his neck.  He about caused Sassy to have a heart attack!  He will be starting 8th grade this month and is excited to be the top dog in middle school.   He is becoming more aware of the consequences of his choices and is trying to hard to do what is right!

Justin promoted from the 5th grade in June and will be starting middle school.  He still lives and breathes sports but can't decide what sport he wants to play this fall.  He is hoping to play baseball in the spring but is looking forward for the football season to start!  He is bummed that no one plays outside in Vegas.  He can't quite wrap his head around the fact that there is never anyone outside riding their bikes or messing around in the street.  There are quite a few boys at church that are his same age and he has enjoyed getting to know them.  He was super excited to redo his own room in Seahawks colors.  He, more than anyone else, enjoys that we live in a 5 bedroom house.  This means that all the kids get their own room. 

Nate still struggles with being the 3rd boy.  He is always trying to find his place.  He is not quite old enough (or tall enough) to keep up with the big boys but doesn't want to hang with Maggie.  He is quite perturbed that he is 47.5 inches.  All the cool rides and attractions require you to be 48 inches to ride.  We have stopped his ADHD medication for the reminder of the summer hoping to grow that last half an inch and a few more pounds.  (He is underweight for football.)  He still fights to play Nook instead of read, but once he gets into a book - he can't put it down.  He too is enjoying his own room {and loves that next to the master, his room is the biggest} until it comes to bed time.  Then he doesn't like to be alone.  He will be starting the 4th grade and is excited to be the top kid in the family at the elementary school

Maggie is still the princess but walks around like she is the queen.  She is the one kid that didn't want to share a room - but is realizing that she will probably always have her own room, since she is the only girl.  She still loves all things pink and sparkle!!  She has it in her mind that she is the little mom in all things.  She recently spent a few days with our friends and loved being the oldest.  She kept begging to stay another day.  The boys were all getting along so well without her that we let her stay with friends.  Sure enough - not 5 minutes after she arrived back home they were all fighting.  She also loves watching Veggie Tales and anything Princess.  She's excited to be starting 2nd grade but wishes that we were back in San Diego.  Of everyone, she has taken the move to Vegas the hardest.  She misses all her friends back in San Diego.  Hopefully once we get into school and a routine, she will be able to create a similar life here. 

During our time in San Diego we added a whole lot of friends to our Christmas Card list.  It was so difficult to leave our awesome neighborhood and the built in support system that we had there.  Gone are our impromtu neighborhood get togethers with all the kids playing Manhunt!  Gone is the perfect weather. 

We welcome any and all visitors to Las Vegas.  Our phone numbers haven't changed so look us up if your in the area.  We can be your visit away from the strip!  That's it for now - and hopefully it will be less than 2 years before I post again!


 

ADHD - Gratitude!

 

ADHD

 

This is a very sensitive subject to most people I meet.  They are ashamed that they or a loved one have it.  A lot of people feel like ADHD is a label and the label will never be removed once a diagnosis is made.  I know that this is true because I was one of those people.  I have learned that ADHD will be a label if you let it.  Don't let it!  When we had Nate diagnosed at age 4, I was terrified that this would follow him his whole life and prohibit him from being able to do the things he wanted in his life.  However, in my heart, I knew that the diagnosis was correct and we needed to take action.

 

I am not scared to admit that Nate has ADHD.  We openly discuss with him his diagnosis and what it means.  We talk about ways to not only control himself but also to be able to help those he sees who could use his help.  He has the ability to pick out kids that need help.  He is such a kind, sweet and caring boy.  He has such an amazing heart.  We also don't let him use his ADHD as an excuse.  His choices are his choices and he needs to take accountability for them. 

 

I ran into a woman today who with only seeing me for a second started to cry and tell me about her problems with her daughter.  I have run across this woman in passing a time or two at the store she works at, but I haven't really had any sort of conversation past the hi, how are you.  When I walked into the store today, it was just her and I.  It remained that way until I left.  I spent over 45 minutes explaining the science behind ADHD and some of that ways that we have dealt with certain issues.  She gave me some examples and asked how I would have handled it and I was 100% honest in my answer.  Again, I have nothing to hide.  She couldn't believe my honesty and my willingness to be so open about what we have learned. 

 

We are only alone in our battles and struggles if we choose to be.  I can fight the ADHD, PTO or church calling alone if I want.  Or, I can open myself up to help and guidance and be willing to learn from other people.  Being alone isn't fun.  I would much rather be with people who could understand how I am feeling and be in a position where we can all help each other.  Today, I am thankful that I have been given trials in my life that have put me in a position to be able to help another.  It's the whole Golden Rule or Good Samaritan thing.  Don't ever be ashamed of the trails in your life.  Don't ever be ashamed of the mistakes you have made.  We are here to live and help each other.  To make mistakes and learn from them.  To grow together.  Sometimes, we may have to ask for help.  I know that's hard, but in todays world, we become so absorbed in our trials that we fail to see someone who needs our assistance.  Lean on those who you love and trust.  Let them, or even complete strangers, help you during your most alone times.  The times when you need help!  Don't be ashamed to be you.  Take what you have learned and help others. Make an impact in someone else's life.  All of what I have been through has prepared me for the here and now to help those who are put in my life. 

 

I am thankful I know this!! 

 

Roads

I came across this song not to long ago, but didn't really listen to the words until today.  I feel a power through music that I can feel no other way.  I started thinking about the words to this song and how true they are.  As I look back, some of my stormy roads felt like I was walking through a tornado or hurricane, but I came through them thanks to those who have been on my roads with me.  Thank you to those of you who have traveled on my road.  I am so grateful you are in my life and I can call you friend. 

 

Roads

Sung by Chris Mann

 

 

There are roads in this life that we all travel,

There are scars and they are battles where we roam.

When we are lost, or wherever we may go,

They will always lead you home!

There are roads, that have led me to another,

To a friend or to a lover, I have known. 

For every turn, is it year that I have grown,

As I walk along these roads.

Some are  long and some are weathered,

Some will lead you through a storm.

When you've gone astray you will find your way,

As you walk along these roads.

There were times when I stumbled and I wondered,

But every choice and every step, I don't regret. 

'Cause I have lived and I have loved like no other,

I won't fear what lies ahead.

Some are long and some are weathered,

Some will lead you through a storm.

When you've gone astray you will find your way,

As you walk along these roads. 

 

There are roads in this life that I have traveled,

There are scars and there are battles this I know. 

I'd be lost but no matter where I go,

They will one day lead me home.

They will one day lead me home.

 

 

You can find the song on YouTube here.

 

 

 

 

Pinkerific

When I found out Maggie was a girl, I swore that pink would not be a main color in my house.  I have never liked pink.  If I had to pick between pink and any other color, I would choose the other color.  Of coarse, Maggie's favorite color is pink.  Imagine how much fun I had planning her Pinkalicous Birthday Party.  Yep, - FUN!!  

In case you don't know the story of the book, she eats too many pink cupcakes and in order to return to her normal color, she has to eat a steady diet of green food.  She chooses not to and instead eats another pink cupcake and turns red.  This makes her unhappy so she eats the steady diet of green food and changed back to her normal self.  So everything today was either pink, red or green.

Maggie in front of the food table.  We had pink pasta (with green Alfredo sauce), strawberries, raspberries, red jello, pink covered pretzels, pink gogurts and pink lemonade punch mixed with lime sherbet.  The green food consisted of cucumbers, pickles, applesauce, grapes and kiwi.

All the kids eating.  We had 15 kids total.  (While they were eating, I read to them the Pinkalicious Story.)

After eating, we played Pinko (bingo).  I spent hours making each of the 16 boards different so that the boards weren't all matching.  (We didn't get a picture of that.  Sorry.  If you are interested in the boards, let me know and I can e-mail them to you.)

After Pinko we played pin the candle on the cupcake.  Here is the birthday girl.

Here is Adrianna getting ready.

Here is the birthday girl who couldn't really focus because she was so excited.

I just had to throw this one in there.  She looks so happy here.

Cupcakes!!!

Next was cupcakes.  She picked pink lemonade and (the very best) lemon buttercream frosting.  Oh, so good!!

Here is Sassy Junior enjoying her cupcake!  (Again, too cute)

We had to burn off some of the sugar, so we jumped on the tramp.  Our poor tramp hasn't had that many kids on at one time ever.  

Present time - this was especially fun for me to watch because besides Christmas, Maggie hasn't ever really had a big opening presents thing.  She was ripping paper everywhere.

Presents were paused while everyone attacked Aaron and tickled him.  He didn't like that part very much.

This was the kids favorite part.  Pinata time!!  That thing weighed so much.  But the kids loved it.  Check out the next few pictures.

Everyone going crazy.  So funny to watch.

Here are the kids with all their loot.  Happy kids.

This was the goody bag.  There was the steady diet of green food, pink crown sucker, watermelon sucker, pencil with phone number notebook, pink chocolate coin, tootsie roll (pink), birthday/cupcake sticker sheet, pink gooey putty, crown bubbles, and hand sanitizer.  Not picture but included in the bag is a bookmark that I made with a quote from the Pinkalicious book (If you would like this file, let me know and I can e-mail it to you).  

Maggie was in Heaven the whole time.  I am so thankful she has been able to find her niche here in San Diego and surrounds herself with people she enjoys being with.  Now - that's it until April of 2015!!  Hooray!

Ssssuch a good time!

Today was Kennie's birthday party.  Kennie's actual birithday is April 24th, but that was the worst day of my antibiotics from my bone infection, so I spent the majority of the day laying on the floor in the bathroom.  I didn't have energy to do much.  I wasn't able to get his invites out in time for a party around his birthday, so we fit it in today.  He choose a while back to do a reptile party and I was stumped when I tried to figure out what to do.  We finally decided to do Reptile Jeopardy since most of the kids were going to be older.  Take a look at how it went?

The food table.  We enjoyed Swamp Juice (limeade, sprite & lime sorbet), Frogs in Dirt (like dirt in worms only frogs), Snake Sandwich (french bread sandwich), Snake Eyes (green grapes), Red Gecko Eggs (strawberries), Red Iguana Tail (watermelon), Red Racer Scales (Nacho Cheese Doritos), Orange Belly Newt Fingers (Cheetos), and awesome cupcakes.

Closer picture of my spectacular cupcakes.

Kids (and Aaron) enjoying the food.

Jeopardy!  (This took so much of my time.  Seriously stressed myself out.  If you would like to do reptile jeopardy, let me know and I'll send you my file.  It'll cut out a bunch of work for you!)

I love his face in this picture.  He was planning on using his money from Grandma & Grandpa Burnside to buy him a tennis racket so he could play with Justin!  Love it!!

Blowing out his candles.  He took his wishing seriously!!

Pinata.  He LOVED beating his from up!!  (Do you know how hard it is to find a reptile pinata.  Just saying!  Thankfully I found this frog!!)

All in all, it was a very successful party!!  Happy Birthday my Tween Boy!!

Justin Loves Football!! Happy 9th!

Justin turns 9 today.  He was super excited to have his birthday on a Saturday so his party could be on a Saturday.  (Mom - not so much.  I have 3 birthday parties for my kids on 3 consecutive Saturdays!!)

Justin Choose a Seahawks Football Party

The Party Landscape

The Food.  We had Quarterback Cupcakes, Game Day Nachos, Goal Time Pizza, First Down Fruit and Half Time Hot dogs   I wrapped the green utensils in a Seahawks Napkin and then tied a football paper around it.  

Close-up of the Quarterback Cupcakes and treat bags.  (I amazed myself here folks!)

This picture is a bunch of burping boys who kind-of ate their food.

First game we played.  Football corn hole.  Is there such a thing?

Next came the pinata.  Everyone got 2 turns then we let Justin beat the crap out of it.  He sure had fun!

We had one happy birthday boy.  I am a miracle worker today in his eyes!!  I had a lot of fun.  1 down 2 to go.  Happy Birthday to my cuddly, sweet and super hard working 9 year old!!

Pinewood Derby 2013

The Pinewood Derby was held March 5th.  The boys were pretty proud of their cars but they didn't perform as well as they would have hoped.  Maybe we will do better next year.

Kennie & the violin!

One of the programs at the boys school is the music program.  During the coarse of the year, the 5th grade classes get a chance to play the flute, violin and the drums.  Here is Kennie's violin performance.  So far he has done the flute and the violin.  His favorite one was the flute.  We're hoping he can get into the music program at the middle school where he starts in fall.  YIKES!!  I am going to have a middle schooler.  I'm not old enough for that yet!

I've been terrible!

I have been terrible at keeping the blog updated.  Things have been super crazy around here.  I didn't realize how much Aaron was gone when we were in Idaho because we were surrounded by so many people that stepped in to help out.  We don't really have that here so I notice every minute that he is gone.  It's been a hard adjustment for me.  We had lots of visitors in March so I have quite a bit to catch up on!  I'll do my best during Spring break to catch up!!  If you are reading this - thank you for being there for us.  If you have thought about visiting - just give us a holler!!