Good news November

I guess that this will be my month. I finally have a nurse to help me out in the day. Hip hip huray! At least for the next three weeks I will have a nurse to help me out during the day 5 days a week. Isen't that crazy. I dont know what I'll do come December, but we will cross that road when we have to.

Happy Halloween

The baby has been sick for the past two months, and the kids keep bringing home one bug after another. I am starting to wonder if any of us will ever be well again. I have always loved Halloween, but this year I was just to tired to get in the spirit. Adam had a costume day at school, so I sent Chris to pick something out at wal-mart. It ended up to be cute, and Adam was happy. Other then that, the only Halloween decoration we had was a pumpkin that our friend brought over when he came to visit. Somehow, it just randomly grew in his yard. How does that happen? I have to plant, water, fertilize, and pollinate, and I'm lucky if I get anything to grow. He just lets random things pop up and grow. Hmmm.... Anyway back to the story. Halloween comes along, and Chris woke up and wanted to make a big breakfast. I tried to say no. I had a million reasons why I did not want to do it, the mess, the time etc... Chris said that it was a holiday, and he wanted to celebrate. So, we did a big breakfast. Then he pulled out the pumpkin that his friend had given us, and carved it with Adam. Adam had so much fun, and the fun was contagious. Soon we were all in the mood to make this a memorable holiday. We got down the Halloween boxes and started decorating the yard. Chris got out the projector and we played a Halloween movie on some sheets in front of our garage. At one point I came out to find a group of teenagers sitting in our driveway to watch the show. Its nice to be the cool house. I made a nice sausage and potato soup with bread sticks for dinner and at the end of the day felt wonderful. Of course the next day I had a mess to clean up, but I think that it was worth it!

A name for puppers

The votes have all been counted, and the puppy has been named. Her name is..... Crush! I know what your thinking, that name wasn't on the list, but it is her name. Her owners saw our poster yesterday, and came to pick her up. We had only had her for two days, but somehow got very attached. We were all sad to say the least. The boys want a new dog, but I don't think that it's the right time right now. With the baby, Adam, and all of the other things that go on in our house, I just don't have time for dogie training, and poo poo pick up. Maybe someday.

Too Cute!

Yesterday I came home to find that they boys (Aaron & Adam) had adopted a stray or lost puppy. Now I'm not a big dog fan, but even I had to admit that this dog is adorable!!! "Found dog" posters were put up last night, and every time the phone rings, I think that it will be the owners calling for their beloved pet. We have been having so much fun with this little pup, and we are already trying to give it a name.
The names are...
Hot cocoa By Adam
Fuzzy Wuzzy By Aaron
Hyper Pyper By Angie
Smokey -the bear By Angie
Dr. Pepper By Chris
What do you think?
When we were taking the dog for a walk I remembered that it is a New Mexico state law for all dogs to be micro chipped. We are taking him in to pet smart to be scanned today @ 3:30. This could all be over soon...... look for an update tomorrow.

KAYLA AND RYAN - HOMECOMING 2009

Wow it's been a while. We have had a lot going on here, but no time to post. I just wanted to get these pictures of Kayla and Ryan up ASAP for the Grandmas!!! I'll post all of the other updates latter.



Ryan is fake opening the door for Kayla, but Kayla is actually the one driving! Ryan would love to be the one driving, but he has no car right now =(

Are you ready for some Football?

One of the reasons that Christian wanted to go to school this year was for the Football. Wow, his life has changed so much this year. Last year he did Cyber School which was only two days a week, and they were only half days. The rest of his schooling he did at home. It was good, but it was time for a change, and this year will be a big change. It's his first year of seminary. He wakes up at 5:00 and is to seminary by 6:00, then to school which starts just after 7:00, then to football practice from 3-5:30. By the time he is home it's 6:00 or latter and he eats dinner as fast as he can so that he can have friend time before I make him come in for homework and back to bed. Things get really crazy when he has youth night at church. I wonder how long it will be before he gets burned out. Teenagers think that they are invincible, we will see!

This is a pic. of Adam in Christians helmet. What a difference 10 years make.

BACK TO SCHOOL

I could hear my mom singing these words in my head all day. "It's the most wonderful time of the year." Can you hear it too? Kayla, Christian, Aaron and Adam have all started school. I was thinking about homeschooling all of them this year, but they voted Public school. Thank goodness!! What was I thinking? I may have been able to do it with the older kids, but Adam and Zach are so demanding! Momma needs some down time!!!!

Chris went out get some school clothes for Adam yesterday. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about handing the job over, but he did a fantastic Job. Two polo shirts, two pants, and an adorable pair of shoes. When I woke up this morning however, I realized that it was to warm for heavy shirts, and long pants. I was hoping that Chris wouldn't be to upset when he saw that I put Adam in Shorts and a T-shit. At least he could where his new shoes. Well, maybe not. When I put the new shoes on, they slipped off every time he took a step. When Chris saw Adam he was sad that he did all of that work for nothing. Then he put the new shoes on Adam, and tied them really tight. Those shoes were going nowhere. Adam is so cute. He was so excited about going to school!

I lost the blogging bug

I just checked my blog and realized that I haven't posted in July, and my posts in June were short and few. I must have lost the blogging bug. Even now I'm not to excited about writing, but I am forcing myself to do it, or I know I'll stop forever, and I will kick my self in the butt latter. Well maybe I'll start with a few updates.

Topsy Turvey-
Well, the plants grew, and they flowered. I watered them every day hoping to see fruit, but after weeks, and weeks, nothing. I'm not sure why, maybe lack of bees? Who knows. In any case.... I was ready to give up on them when we left for vacation. (We have been in Utah for the past week) When I came home I was not surprised to see a mostly dead tomato plant. I was in shock however when the kids told me that they had two tomatoes on them. They were small and green, but they were there. We hurried and gave them water, but I'm not sure if they will live or die. we'll see.

Mom and Dad-
Well it's been a few hard months. As you know we were in the hospital with the baby, and just made it home in time for mothers day, however the baby was still sick and stayed that way for weeks. He was just starting to get better when Chris left for Hawaii on Fathers day. I was more then a bit JEALOUS! Chris's mom came down to help with the kids while he was gone. That helped a lot, but I was Counting the days until he would be home. He came home just in time for our 18th anniversary which landed on a Sunday. The only problem is that we were so worn out by that time, that neither of us remembered. On Monday, Grandma left with the three older kids to Utah, and things started to calm down. In two weeks we would be driving down to get them. We just rested for the first week, and on the second week started cleaning things up and started getting ready for the big trip. It takes a lot when you are traveling with a medically fragile baby. Anyway, the nurse said that she had to come in early that week, so I thought it would be a good time for Chris and I to have some time with just the two of us. The nurse came at 7:00 and I found a babysitter for Adam, and I was off on my first date with Chris in over 18 months! I met him for dinner on his way home from work. After we sat down, he said happy Anniversary! I was so surprised, for a minute I could not remember what day our anniversary was, then I remembered. I couldn't believe that we both forgot, and he was the first to remember! If he hadn't remembered, we may have just totally missed it this year. How sad is that. Oh well whats 18 years anyway? I just hope we don't forget our 20th! The next week, we went out to pick up the kids. We spent some time with my family, and then went up to Wolf creek in Eden Utah to play at the condos with Chris's family. We had a great time.

The Big kids-
As I mentioned earlier, the big kids when home with Grandma Hart. Kayla stayed in Utah to hang out with the grandmas, and the girl cousins, and the boys went to Idaho to hang out with the boy cousins. They both had a fantastic time. Kayla had fun Hanging out with Kelsey, they had tons of fun. She also went to a play with Grandma Brown (Joseph and the colored coat) it was awesome. She also went on a few dates with some boys she knew. All and all she had a wonderful time. The boys were busy doing boy things. Along with all the video games they went to the lake, played with fireworks, went to the water park, and went rafting down a river. They had a blast and came home just a little burnt.

The little kids-
While the big kids were gone, Adam had a birthday. He is four now. I just love that age. We had a birthday week, getting one gift a day. It was fun. His favorite was the "big boy" bike. He loves it. I love to see him growing up. It is so much fun. Then we went to Utah. He had so much fun playing with his cousin Payton who is about the same age. They were so cute together. It made me wish Adam had a brother closer to his age that he could play with. Talking about brothers, Zachary is doing well. He has gotten so much better this month. He was wonderful for our drive, and all vacation. Thank you so much Zach. It had to have been hard on you, but you did it. You are such a cute and loving baby all of the relatives just loved you and your smiles. I love you so much, thanks for letting us have a vacation!

Now it's time to get back into the swing of things, and get ready for school to start! Who knows what fun things this year will bring.

THE RETURN

The kids came home from trek safe and sound. They were worn out and dirty, but had a fantastic time. The next day at church Chris and I both received loads of comments about how amazing our kids were. It's nice to know that they are the type of kids who are leaders, and hard workers, and not whiners. Well, they are Harts, and Harts can do anything. I just wish they could keep up that attitude at home. House work seems to be their undoing. Oh well. I guess it's just a kid thing.

GONE TREKKING

The kids have gone on trek this week, and I hope that they are having a wonderful time. For those of you who don't know, Trek is the ultimate camping experience. They kids go dressed up in pioneer clothes, put their supplies in handcarts, and go trekking across the mountains. the whole point is to learn what it was like for pioneers, and leave the world behind. It is an amazing thing to leave all worldly things behind, and just focus on yourself- body, and spirit. They looked so cute as they left on their long trip to nowhere. Lets hope they all come home in one peice.

The first test

Well, The plants have passed the first test. It's been a few weeks now, and they are still alive. They are growing, and the tomato plant actually has a few flowers on it. The second test will be if they bare fruit...the third will be if the fruit ripens or rots....

Grow baby grow

Just in case the title of this blog got you wondering. No I'm not pregnant. I'm not talking about babies or kids today, I'm talking vegetables. In my fondest dreams I am living a totally self sustained life. Growing and making all that I need, and being blissfully happy in my simple life. Of course in my dreams, nothing is hard, and life is easy. Lets wake up now! I have always wanted a home garden, and I have always failed. It's not easy when you live in places like Florida, the Upper peninsula of Michigan, or New Mexico. I would love to blame it all on the harsh climates of those places, but the truth is I can barley keep a house plant alive. This year I have decided to try the Topsy-turvy. I will start with my favorites, cucumbers and tomatoes, and we'll see how it goes. If they die I might as well give up. Well at least until my dreams convince me to try again!

GETTING ON WITH IT

Well, we are slowly all getting better. Adam is developing a rash that I am keeping my eye on. I think that he may be having a reaction to the antibiotic that he has been on for an ear infection. Tomorrow is the last day of school for Adam, and Aaron. The other two are already out. Summer is officially here. My Grandma Maisak left yesterday. She came to stay with us for a week and a half to help us recover after the hospital. We loved having her. She was so much help. When she said that she was going home Adam said, "I don't like that". Well Adam, I did not like it either, but we can't keep her forever. Today is my first full day with out her. I woke up this morning to a sink full of dishes, crumbs on the counters and floor, and wondered how the house could have gotten so messy so fast. I took a deep breath as I took a look around and realized that I would be doing it all by myself today. I know that the kids could always help, but for now they are to busy celebrating the fact that school is coming to an end. I'll have to get a summer work schedule in place soon! Now that Grandma is gone, I just cant think of what to have for dinner. I have such a hard time with that chore, and it happens every day. Just one of the reasons why my kids are addicted to fast food. One of my Goals for the summer will have to be eat out less. Wish me luck with that!

final update

Zachary is still in the hospital. He is better, but not 100%. They asked us today if we wanted to stay and have him seen by more Doctors, or go home. I bet you can guess what we said. WE WANT TO GO HOME! Now we just have to wait for our discharge papers which take forever, but I hope to have my baby home by bed time. It's just our luck that our nurse is going out of town and wont be back until the 22nd. It will be hard not to have a break at night, but anything would be better then another day in that hospital.

Getting stronger

Just wanted to let you know that Zachary is getting stronger. His fever is going down, and he is needing the Oxygen less and less. I was surprised however when the Doctor said that I would probably still be here on Monday. ahhh.... we will see if we can make it

update

After 20 hours of waiting in the E.R. Zachary has been moved up to the G.P.U.
Chris is still with him. It will be my turn on Thursday. The doctors say he has some type of Flu/croup thing. They say tomorrow should be worse, then better from there. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that he gets better soon.

Try walking in my shoes

This week has been hard on Zachary. Since we have been home from Florida his seizures have been getting worse and worse. Kayla and Aaron have been sick with Some type of respiratory/flu thing. On Monday we decided that we wanted to take Zachary into the hospital to get some help with the seizures, but found out that his Nuro. was out of town until Wednesday. So we thought that we would wait until then. Tuesday night Zachary started getting a fever, and throwing up. His nurse came at 8 and by 9 she was thinking that he needed to be taken to the E.R. His heart rate was really high, he was vomiting and having diarrea. We tried giving him small amounts of fluid, but even when we gave him only 1 teaspoon he would throw it right back up. I asked Chris if he would take him in for me this time. He said he would and arrived to the E.R. around 10:45. The E.R. was packed so he knew it would be a long night. After they took him back, they could not get a I.V. in him, so he went all night with out any food or meds. Around 4 o'clock they finally got someone to come down from the P.I.C.U. and they got the I.V. in. I can't believe that it took that long. That's not the worst part, Chris and Zach are still in the E.R. The hospital is full and they have to wait for someone to be discharged before they can get Zachary into a room. It is now 9:30, and they have been in the E.R. for almost 11 hours. I hope they get a room soon. I told Chris how bad I felt for him, but he said not to worry about it. He knows I have had my share of sleepless nights in a hospital room chair. (hence the title: try walking in my shoes.) It's not 4 Weeks in Miami, but he has the idea. I hope that they get a room soon. Can you imagine what it will be like if we do get a pandemic like the swine flu! Scary!

Florida

Well,I am back from Florida, and had a wonderful time! I loved the humidity, and miss it greatly. I was only there for one day when I noticed how smooth and beautiful my hands and arms were. I couldn't stop touching them. They were as soft as a baby's butt. Not to mention a beautiful golden brown. Now that I am back they look like an elephants butt. Not so beautiful any more. On the first day I planned to spend time with my sister and her kids at the pool all day, but she called and said they were sick with the flu. What bad luck, the pool at the resort was awesome, and her kids would have had so much fun. Zachary and I still went swimming and had as much fun as we could. Thank goodness we did, because the next day a storm came in and cooled everything down. The rest of the week it was about 75 degrees which was nice, but not what I call swimming weather. The next day, I drove down to see my good friend Kristen, and her son Morgan. If you don't know, Kristen's son Morgan is very smiler to my Sarah, and Zachary. We are not sure if they have the same thing, because nobody knows what they have. Maybe one day we will know. Any way, if you were wondering, Morgan is doing very well. He is 11 now, and quite tall. I'm not sure how Kristen can carry him, but she does. She held Zachary, and commented on how light he was. I hold Zachary and think my arms are going to fall off. I guess I will get stronger as he gets bigger. Kristen's non-profit, the MORGAN project is doing well. She has done such wonderful things with it. She was chosen to be on the Montel show to receive a cash award given to the Morgan project. She was one of four woman chosen because of the amazing things they were doing for their community. She will also be on a cable channel I think it's TLC, to do a show about the day in the life of a handicapped child. I don't have cable, but I hope I can get a friend who will record it for me. A few days latter, I had a girls night out. Chris watched the baby, and my girlfriends, and my sister met me for a walk along the beach, and a late night snack after. It was awesome. Girls need friends!!!! If you don't have friends right now, get some, one day you will need them. The next day, one of our friends hosted a pot-luck for us, so our church friends could come by and say hi! That was fun. After, we went to see our old house. It looked beautiful, I love how my friend is taking care of it. I hope to move back someday. On our last day, we shopped for souvenirs for the kids and pick up a boars house sub from our favorite grocery store Publix. I was soooooo good. Not everything about Florida was wonderful. I had forgotten about the taste of the water, YUCK! And when I tried to dry my clothes, It took for ever. Oh well no one is perfect, and no place is for that matter. I am going to try and enjoy where I am for the moment, who knows where I will be next year!

PS- I finally got to see my sisters kids at the pot-luck. This is a picture of her premee Silas. Look at those eyes, he seems healthy, he just needs to grow into those peepers! Also a picture of Anna. I love that girl. I'm missing a picture of the other three kids because they were playing out side most of the time Sorry guys, I love you too!

EASTER

Wow what can I say about Easter? It's another one of those holidays I just love. I remember when the older kids were young and we had so much fun on each and every holiday. Then they grew up! they still wanted the gifts, candy, and the food that came along with each holiday, but they could care less for all of the little extra things that make holidays so fun. It was no longer fun to talk about Santa, or the Easter bunny. No need to color eggs, or make decorations. I still require that they sing Christmas songs, and, make time to talk about the saviour, but it's just not as fun as it used to be. Now we have Adam, and he is the only child still willing and able to enjoy all of those fun extras! I have to try hard to remember to do those extra things, so that he wont miss out on the fun. As you can see by the picture, Adam loved painting eggs. Aaron helped out so that Adam wouldn't have to do it alone. (I was tied up with a baby in my arms.) He had tons of fun trying to find the eggs that the Easter bunny had hidden, all of the kids helped with this part. They all had fun finding the eggs, and it helped the older kids to know that some of the plastic eggs that the Easter bunny had brought had candy in some, and money in others. Every time Adam found an egg that he had colored, he would get all excited and tell me that he found HIS egg. I hope that you all had a wonderful Easter.

Florida update

tic...toc....tic...toc....tic....toc

Well it's almost time to go to Florida! I am still excited, but extreamly scared. The past few weeks have been hard ones for Zachy. His seizures have been getting out of control. We bumped up one of his medicines, and it made him so limp that he started refluxing all of the time, and to top it off it did not help the seizures. the Doctor sugested bumping up the other two medicines. We are keeping our fingers crossed. We already have our tickets and are still going. It might not be much of a vacation. I bet you are all wondering if I lost my 10 pounds. Well..... not quite. I was loosing for the first few days about half a pound a day. I was fealing great and exercising all of the time, but to keep my calorie count down, I had to give up cooking so much. After about 6 days, I fell off the wagon. What can I say, I'm adddicted to food, and having the baby sick and Chris working over time all week, I just coulden't do it. I am a weakling!! I havent been on the scale in a few days, and I am worried that I might have actually gained weight. Oh well, I matterith not. Wish me luck in Florida.

Look out Florida, I am on my way!

Chris has a conference in Florida in a few days, 11 to be exact, and guess who gets to tag along. ME! Zachary gets to come along for the ride considering Chris and I are the only ones that know how to take care of him. I wish that we could take all of the kids, but with a family of this size, cost was an issue. Things will work out well for us considering Chris's work will be picking up the bill for food, lodging, and his airfare. I got a great deal on airfare for me, so It's almost like to free vacation. I am so excited!! I can't Waite to feel the humidity, and the weather should be perfect this time of year. Not to hot, and not hurricane season. I will get to see my house, my friends, and my sister. How cool is that? The only problem? I hate to go back to Florida fatter then when I left! How vain of me. When I left Florida, I was still carrying the baby fat from my then 5 month old. Three years latter I am still carrying that fat, and some more from my now 14 month old. How sad is that? I am about 10 pounds heavier, and one pants size bigger. I have 10 days to loose 10 pounds! Can I do it? I'll let you know, wish me luck!!

Spring break!!

Yea! Spring is here, and I'm loving it. What a fantastic time of year. My plants are growing, although they seem to be slow bloomers, they are beautiful. I love to watch things grow. Plants as well as kids. We were going to go on a vacation this week, but a cold front put a damper on our plans. Who wants to drive 8-12 hours, and not be able to enjoy the outdoors. It's not a vacation for me unless it includes allot of hiking, and water sports. After giving up my sorrow about not going away, Chris and I decided to make staying home fun. On the First day, I used the spa gift certificate that Chris gave me for christmas to get a salt scrub. It was awesome! No, I'm not a spa snob, but I wish I could be. After that I decided to go on a walk with Adam, and Aaron. I wanted to make at least 5 miles, but Kayla kept calling me saying, "Are you done yet? I need a ride to my friends." I cut the walk short just to get her off my back. It was still a 3 mile walk, and good enough for me. The next day, we went to the Mall to eat lunch and get some See's candies before heading to the Zoo. (Can you believe I have lived in New Mexico for three years, and have never been to the Zoo.) We all had a wonderful time, excluding Zach who felt the ride was to bumpy. He needs shock absorbers on his wheelchair. I don't have any pictures of the Zoo because Kayla was taking all of the pictures with a film camera for her photo class. The assignment was texture. She found loads of it at the zoo. We walked over 6 miles that day, and we were bushed. Good luck to the kids that are going on trek this summer and have to walk 12-16 miles in one day. On the third day, we took the kids, as well as Ryan (Kayla's boyfriend), and his brother Kevin(who is Aaron's age) to ITZ. ITZ is a place with games, rides , and an all you can eat buffet. they also have rooms to eat your food with movies playing in them. This kids had a blast. On the fourth day, I woke up with the need to do some work around the house. The up stairs needed to be painted badly. Chris and I were at odds about the color. I wanted a blue/grey, or a red/brown. Chris wanted a light tan, or a light pink/brown. We finally decided on a color that was darker like I wanted, but more of Chris's color choice. I think that It was called burnt apricot. It is beautiful at night, when the lights are on, but a Little to peach-ish in the day light. Oh well, I am the worst at picking colors, but I think I like it anyway. On the last day, I thought it would be fun to make different kids of pizza. I made a deep dish pizza with a buttery, garlic crust and a round thinner crusty pizza. I also made the sauce from scratch, which was a new thing for me. It took allot longer then I thought, and we ended up with an early dinner, instead of the late lunch I was planning. Today Chris went back to work, and things are back to normal. We might have one last family fun day on Friday, or Saturday. We'll see. Oh yes, and the kids are helping with spring cleaning. These pictures are proof that they do clean. Christian helps too, but I can never seem to get him in a picture.



Aaron is shirtless an usuall, and doing a wonderful job of dusting. Kayla is working on the kitchen. She always ends up with the kitchen!

For your own good, keep away!

On Tuesday afternoon I had an appointment to meet Zacharys new Doctor. Kayla comes home sick from school that day, and I'm thinking, why does she have to get every Little bug that comes along? I was going to leave Adam home with her, but she was really sick, and spending a lot of time running to the bathroom. Adam, Zach, and I were at the Doctors forever. I think we spent close to an hour in the waiting room. Adam was having fun, playing with the toys, and Zach was sleeping, but I was a little stress ball. Kids all around us were coughing. All I could think of was please, please, please, don't share your germs with us! I was about to leave when they finally called us back. The Doctor was running late because he had a kid with an appendix problem ouch! We made it home just in time for me to run to the bathroom. Shoot! Kayla wasn't the only one that was sick. I called Chris to make sure he was OK, and he was. All of the boys were good, so Kayla and I took turns making horrid sound in the bathroom. Chris came home and decided to join in the fun. The nurse was schedule to come that night, and every time the phone rang, we thought that it was her calling to cancel. Thank goodness she came. As soon as she came, we passed off the baby, and put the kids to sleep, and went to bed. Sleep was hard to come by. Kayla, Chris, and I were running to the bathroom all night. The next morning, I came down stairs, and told the nurse she had better go home before she got sick to. She only made it as far as her car. I felt so bad. We rested that day, and by Thursday, I'm thinking we are going to recover. Friday morning, When I tried to wake Adam up for school, he said that he was sick. He had a fever and was shaky then he started to cough. Well, It was more like a bark then a cough. It sounded a lot like what I heard at the Doctors office. He got sick so fast, every time he coughed he said that it hurt. He was feverish and very week. I felt so bad for him. I took extra care of him all day, with the attention that is usually reserved for Zachary. It was strange to see Adam so frail. Today is Saturday, Adam is still sick and after being up for most of the night Chris and I are so tired. We also woke up with headaches, and a head cold. I even have an itch at the back of my throat and I want to cough, but I refuse to(for now). I hope that I don't get this bug as well, and we are all praying that Zachary doesn't get it. I'm not sure how he would deal with it. I am hoping that I will get strong enough to disinfect the house soon. I go crazy with the pine-sol sometimes. Adam said that our house is sick. he said that we need to "get a guy to build us a new house." If it were only that easy! As soon as I'm strong, I will get the house cleaned, and please no more germs. I want to go on vacation this spring break, but we have to be healthy! wish us luck!

Hello spring!

I went out side with Adam yesterday, and it was so beautiful. It was warm with a slight breeze, and I couldn't help but think, when did this happen? Has the weather been nice, and I just haven't noticed it? I actually have a flower that had started sprouting. I was so excited, that I was seriously thinking of starting a garden. No time this year, but I should start planning on next year. Does anyone know anything about vegetable gardening in New Mexico? I actually found some information on a community garden in Albuquerque, and I might go and visit, and maybe even volunteer some time just for the learning experience.

Here is a pic. of Aaron making eggs for Adam. Aaron is the king of egg making.

Thanks Aaron.
(Origionally written on 2/25 I had a problem with the post.)

Kids say the darndest things

This morning as I was sweeping the kitchen floor, Adam said he was thirsty. I told him I was sweeping, and he would have to wait. Then he said mommy I need a drink! I said I was sweeping and that he would have to be patient, and be a NICE boy. Then he said in his nicest nice boy voice, I'm sorry that your sweeping right now momma, but I want a drink! I had to laugh as a got him a drink. He may not know a lot about patience, but he sure tries hard to be nice.

Books, Books, Books...

I love books, but once I became a mother books have definitely taken a back seat. In fact, except for a few Agatha Christies, the only adult book I can remember reading is the DaVinci Code. I just cant understand how all my friends find so much time to read. They have book shelves on their blog, and they go to book clubs. Almost every woman and girl I knew was reading the Twilight books last year. Those books are huge!! How do they do it? A few years ago, when my daughter was still reading children's books, I would pick them up and read too. I love children's books. Even If I had the time for more mature reading, I think I would still prefer the children's books. Anyway... a few months ago, my daughter asked me if I remembered the book we had read with the girl who finds a secret door, and it had dolls in it with button eyes. Yes, I said, I do remember reading that book and I remember it was a good one, but neither of us could remember the name. She wanted to read it again. Only a few days latter we saw the commercial for a movie with the name "Coraline" that was it. We went to the library, and checked it out. The plan was that we could all read it, and then go and see the movie. Kayla read it first, then it was my turn. It was so fun to be reading again. I picked up the book every chance that I got and read. Thank goodness the chapters were short! I could read a little bit in between all of my mom duties, and when ever Adam was not looking, I was reading. I even found myself one day trying to play wii bowling with Adam with the baby in my lap. I was holding the book in one hand and the wii remote in the other, I would read, bowl, read, bowl. I was a woman obsessed, Luckily, it is a short book. The book was good, but I have yet to see the movie. Next I saw a commercial for the movie Inkheart. Another children's book. I thought hey, I should read that one too. Big mistake, again I was obsessed, and this time the chapters were longer and the book was over 500 pages. I found myself reading every chance I could and forgetting to do things like make dinner. LOL! my kids did not mind that to much! Oh well as much as I want to pick up another good book, It will have to wait until I get caught up on the house. Then again, everyone else is doing it why cant I?

We Survived!

I haven't blogged for a while due to a hard few weeks, but I'm back, and still kicking! My nurse went on vacation, and it just happened to be the same week that my husband was gone to D.C. I was bracing for the worst with both of them gone which seemed to last forever due to the fact that my husbands work sent him to meetings in Colorado straight from D.C. and my nurses daughter was sick when she came home so she had to take an additional few days off! Every thing seemed to go wrong that week, including my oldest getting sick, and ending up in the hospital for most of the week. ( Don't worry she is doing much better .) My in-laws called to check on me, and although I told them that I would be fine, the decided to stop by on their way to Saint George. What the heck it was only 9 hours out of their way! I was so glad they came, and for a few days, things went a little smother. Chris is back now, and so is the nurse. All of the kids are healthy, and so am I. It is amazing what you can do when you have to.

Sweet treat(s) of the week

This is the recipe is for you, if your not a planer, and you need something to take to a friend fast. I should plan a head, but never do. I look at my days as they come. When I realize that it is three, and I am going to a friends for dinner at five, this is what I bring. It is quick, easy, and I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Who has time to run to the store. Unlike most women, I hate going to the store. Any way......back to the good part. I think this recipe came from my Grandma Maisaks visiting teacher. I think? If I'm wrong, then give the recipe credit to Grandma!

SPEEDY BROWNIES
2 cups sugar

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1t. salt

5 eggs

1 cup veg. oil

1t. vanilla

1cup chocolate chips

(I use two cups. One cup in the batter, one cup on the top)

Combine the first 7 ingredients, and beat until smooth

pour into a greased baking pan, and sprinkle with chocolate chips

Bake @ 350 for 20-30 min.

cool on wire rack

I made these for valentines day. I give the cupcakes five stars and the frosting three stars. the frosting was a bit to strawberry for me. To tell you the truth, I did not measure that part very carefully. oops!

This cup cake goes to Grandma Maisak! It was her birthday on feb. 15th! Happy birthday Grandma I wish we were not so far away, and I could give you a real cup cake, but this one has far less calories!

Perfect Cake Mix Cupcakes

1 box (18.25 oz) cake mix (vanilla, devil’s food, or yellow)

1 cup buttermilk (in place of water called for on the box)

Vegetable oil (the amount on the box)

4 eggs (in place of the number called for on the box)

Preheat oven to 350F.

Line muffin cups with paper liners.Follow the box instructions, putting all the ingredients in a large bowl and using the buttermilk in place of the water specified on the box, using the amount of vegetable oil that is called for, and adding the eggs. Beet with an electric mixer until moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and beat until thick, 2 minutes longer. Fill paper liners two-thirds full. Bake 12 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool completely before icing.

Strawberry Jam Butter cream

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

5-6 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup Strawberry jam (the really smooth kind)

red food coloring (enough to make it a pretty pink color)

Place butter and jam in a mixing bowl or an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and cream until well incorporated, about 2 minutes.Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you reach desired consistency. If frosting gets too thick you can add a little milk to thin it out.

Update on Zach

Just wanted to let you know that Zach is doing better. This is a picture of him in a wheel chair that we are borrowing from his P.T. until his comes in. He is not very happy about it, but when asked to smile, he always does. We took a walk with Adam, and saw that they are finally putting in a playground at the park YEAH!! Adam wanted to just stay at the park until they finished putting it up, but we had to go home for lunch.

ONE HOT BABY - NOT SO HOT MOMMA

After Zacharys Wonderful night full of sleep, I started to notice that he was getting sick. I should have guessed it. His fever was 101.7 so I took him into a Dr. My insurance just dropped my original Doctor, who I loved, so I was off to the new Doctors office. By the time I arrived, the fever had broke, and he was back to his extremely cute self. I think that he is one of the cutest babies ever, but that's just mom speaking. The Doctor said that he looked good, and his ears and lungs were good. Maybe it was just a stomach bug. That night his fever came back, and he was crying most of the night. His fever kept rising all day on Wednesday. When my husband came home Wednesday around 5 I took his temp again. It was 103.7 scary hot. We started pumping in cool fluids, gave more meds., and put a cool cloth on his head. By the time My call got through to the office it had closed, but I left a message for a nurse to call me back. After talking to the nurse for a while, she suggested I take him to the hospital. I took his temp again, and it was going down. An hour latter, he was back to 101. Still high, but looking better. He was starting to perk up a bit. He was looking so cute with a wash cloth that I thought that I should take some pictures. As soon as he noticed what I was doing, he started to smile. He was hot, in pain, and miserable. He had been crying all day, but once he saw the camera, he knew that he had to smile. His smile is such a gift. I LOVE IT! He is the ultimate example of enduring to the end. Lets all try and smile a Little more today, and say a prayer for Zachery.

We chose not to take him to the hospital and I am taking him back to the Doctors today. Thursday @ 11:00. We'll see what happens next.

Happy it's 2009

You may, or may not know this, but I have to say that 2008 was my worst year on record. I started 2008 by learning that my new baby had a terminal non treatable disease. The same disease that my 4th baby died from 8 years ago. It was devastating and I was so lonely. I was missing my friends in Florida, and my family was about to have their worst year ever making it hard for them to support me. Only a few months latter, my husbands grandfather died from cancer. It was sad for us. We were not able to go to the funeral because my baby was going into surgery to get a feeding tube which he desperately needed because he was rapidly loosing his ability to swallow. That summer my sister from Florida was visiting My mother in Utah. She was pregnant with twins. I really wanted to go out and see her, but we thought that the baby was to fragile for such a long ride. Just before she was scheduled to fly home to Florida, she went into labor. It was way to early to have her babies (3 months early). The doctors could not stop what had started, and she had her babies. She lost one, and one was in the intensive care. I had to go and support her as she buried her baby. His name was Joesph named after his father. He was buried not far from my baby Sarah who was named after my sister. It was a very sad time from all of us. It brought up a lot of sad feelings remembering what I went through with my Sarah, and I could not help but think that the next funeral I would attend would be that of my precious baby Zachary. On the way home Zachary had a cluster of long hard seizures. We were about an hour from the closest city and four hours from home. I was worried that we would have to call 911, and be stuck in a hospital far from home. With a lot of medications, and silent prayers Zachary finally calmed down and fell asleep. We made it home but Zacharys seizures were getting out of control. We ended up in the Hospital again to get some help regulating the medications, and calming his seizure pattern down. It was one of many visits in 2008. Back home in Utah, my sister was living with my grandma Maisak. She could not go home to Florida because her baby was in the intensive care and nobody knew if he would live or die. The poor baby was life-flighted to Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake where he underwent numerous surgeries and stayed for many months. Five months latter the baby was doing miraculously well, and was able to go home. Only a few days latter, my sister and her family flew back to Florida. Things, however did not seem to calm down for my family. By the end of 2008 My Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My grandma had terrible pain due to back problems, and my husbands Grandmother is in an assisted living facility and not doing well, requiring daily visits from my in laws to help make sure she has all that she needs. I was so happy to see 2008 go! And I am hopeful in 2009. I so much want to be happy this year, and I'm trying my best to have a positive attitude. So far so GOOD! In January my dad had surgery to remove his prostate, and it went well. I was nervous for February because Zachary's nurse who comes three times a week at night will be out of town for 9 days. Last night was our first night of a long week, and guess what, Zachary slept all night long! Not normal behaviour. I was so happy for the good start to a long week. Chris will be going out of town soon, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Wish me luck, and I hope that everyone has a wonderful 2009!

SWEET TREAT OF THE WEEK

I love food blogs, and I'm finding so many good things that I would like to try. Yesterday, I found a recipe for Homemade Oreos . I actually have a similar recipe that my husband got from my sister in law Nanci over 15 years ago. I have always wanted to make them, but never have. I guess I just get stuck in a rut, and make the same old, same old. Most of my recipes are that way. Well, 15 years is long enough. It's time to try something new! I am going to try and make this for Monday night, Family night. If you try it let me know how it goes.

Homemade Oreos
2 boxes devil food mix
2/3 cup oil
4 eggs
Mix by hand, drop spoonfuls on to cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake @ 350° for 8-9 minutes. Will make 48 cookies, so 24 sandwiches.

Frosting
4 oz cream cheese
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 Cups powdered sugar
Mix together, it will seem really thick but just keep mixing.

WARNING! BLOGGING CAN BE ADDICTIVE!

When I was checking my mail today, I decided to check on a few of my friends blogs. I love to read about what is going on in their lives. When I was on one site I saw a link to some more Friends blogs. I loved reading their blogs, and went from one site to another. then I found a food blog. They are my weakness! I love looking for new recipes. Then my computer suddenly turns off. How long have I been in blogger land? My batteries were dead! I am feeling pretty bad about wasting so much time. I'm thinking it's no worse then siting by the pool, or shopping at the mall. Then I realize all that I have done today. I woke up! (You have no idea how hard that was today.) I fed the baby and gave him his medications, I ate breakfast, cut my husbands hair, helped Adam get breakfast,washed the sheets, held the baby, played with Adam, and made Christian and I salmon and rice for lunch. I did all of that before my blogging break. Not bad. Now If I can just get back to work. I will try to do the dishes and clean out the fridge before the kids get home. Then all heck will brake loose and I'm not sure what else I can get done. Oh well, some days are better then others. Tomorrow is another day! Wish me luck!

Kids say the darnedest things

The other day my daughter asked me if my son (the three year old) had A-D-D. Before I could respond, my three year old answered for me. He said," My names not A-D-D, it's ADAM! I had to laugh. He was right, he was ADAM, but he still may have A-D-D!

I'm glad I don't live in Minnesota

What a beautiful day. I usually don't go out side, I'm just to busy with the baby, and the weather hasn't been warm enough for much out side play. Today however was an exception. The weather had to be in the Mid 50's or close to the 60 even. (I haven't seen the news to know for sure.) After Adam came home from preschool and had lunch, we headed outside for a jump on the trampoline. We also took some time to go on the swing. (the baby was asleep.) It was so nice to have mommy, Adam time in the beautiful weather. Latter I took the baby out to sit in the sun while dad was grilling stakes. It was a beautiful day. All I can say is..............I'm glad I don't live in Minnesota! I would never be outside in 40 below.

Getting to know you

Because I am going to use this blog as a family journal, I thought that I should write a little about the kids. As a child I would love reading things about myself in my journal. Just basic things like what I had for breakfast, or my favorite T.V. show. So I interviewed the kids, that way next year they can see what they were like in 2008.

Kayla
Age 16
Favorite Christmas gift: Not sure
Favorite thing to do: play Guitar hero
Favorite music: Any, loves all kinds
Favorite T.V. show: None, she rarely watches T.V.
Favorite movie: Twilight
( that was also he favorite book.)
Favorite food: Fast food any kind
Best friend: Ryan Howell
Want to go on a mission to : New Zealand
New years resolution: Get my Y.W. personal progress finished
Big deals in 2008: Hard classes, great grades, Driving school, got braces off!

I can't get Christian to pose for a picture, he is the one in the black jacket

Christian
Age 13
Favorite Christmas gift: skate board
Favorite thing to do: skate board
Favorite music: Any, pop rock
Favorite T.V. show: None
Favorite movie: not sure
Favorite food: Dads red chicken and rice
Best friend: Dalton Payne
Want to go on a mission to : anywhere
New years resolution: stay ahead in school
Big deals in 2008: Doing well in Cyber school, making lots of friends in the neighborhood, Went from a size 14 pants to a 16, and into mens, he just keeps growing.

Aaron
Age 12
Favorite Christmas gift: Razor scooter
Favorite thing to do: play Go to skate park with friends
Favorite music: Pop Rock and weird Al
Favorite T.V. show: Sponge Bob
Favorite movie: Not sure
Favorite food: cinnamon toast crunch
Best friend: James Harris
Want to go on a mission to : Japan
New years resolution: Make more friends ( he has plenty )
Big deals in 2008: Turned 12, received the priesthood, a passes the sacrament, and got braces.

Adam
Age 3
Favorite Christmas gift: dog (not a real dog) He named "four"
Favorite thing to do: play wii sports
Favorite music: any music with a strong beat that makes him dance
Favorite T.V. show: ?
Favorite movie: ?
Favorite food: chips
Best friend: mom
Big deals in 2008: Started going to shinning stars preschool two day a week, he is now a sunbeam starting Jan 2009. He says he is a big boy, but not a big, big boy. He wants to grow up but not to fast.

Zachary
Age 1
Favorite Christmas gift: none
Favorite thing to do: look at mom, smile, and play peek-a-boo
Favorite music: soft sleepy time music
Favorite T.V. show: cant get him to watch T.V.
Favorite movie: None
Favorite food: anything cold on his lips.
Best friend: Mom, Really loves all of his family
New years resolution: keep smiling
Big deals in 2008: Got a night nurse 3 nights a week, has more teeth then he needs (8), for the most part has stayed healthy and out of the hospital. Finally got on the Medically fragile waver in Jan of 2008. We applied in Feb of 2007. 11 months