Stockton's 16th birthday
1 week ago
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Forgotten Carols
*sigh* Oh where to start. We just got home from a most incredible night. The Forgotten Carols with Michael McLean. It was . . . wow. Words can't even describe the emotions that I went through tonight. Thoughts of my granddad as the audience got to sing "We can be together forever someday." And then "Silent Night." It was a special, magical night, and I'm still in tears over it. The Spirit was SO strong, and I'm so incredibly grateful for all that I have. I've got the best hubby, who surprised me with the chance to go tonight. Thank you Brandon for sharing it with me tonight and making it possible for us to go. I love you.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
B (aka Braden)
Gratitude Day 10 - Today, I'm thankful for this little bug:
Braden was sort of our "planned accident." We couldn't afford birth control pills, so we planned and calculated, then prayed that whatever was supposed to happen would happen. And, it did! B was born 14 months and one day after Scottie was.
He was big compared to Scott - Scott was 6 lbs. 14 oz. when he was born. B was 8 lbs. 3 oz. To jump a full pound and a half was huge for me. It took me a really long time to heal with him. My legs, ankles, and feet were so swollen that the only things I could wear on my feet were Brandon's moccasins.
But, B was always a happy baby. And he was CHUNKY! He was over 20 pounds by the time he was 6 months old, was wearing 12 - 18 month clothes when he was not even a year old, and had such cute rolls. Roll after roll after roll. He was so kissable!
He's always been my snuggle bug. He would wake up in the morning and come climb into bed with me, lay on my chest and fall back to sleep. Then he'd wake up next to me and we'd giggle as we I tickled his feet or growled at him. Sometimes I wish he was still little enough to lay on my chest and just let me hold him. (I guess that's why I have Connor now.)
And, he has such a tender heart. When Koko died, he sobbed for such a long time. And when our fish all mysteriously died (including our HUGE 7" goldfish), he was heartbroken. The same with my parents dog, Champ. He drew pictures of his fish and of his Champy and to this day, they're still hanging on his wall. He didn't know his great-grandpa, or his great-grandma very well, but we visited with both of them throughout the years, and Braden remembered enough. He was so sad, and could often be found curled up next to me as we both cried.
B has always been very smart. He's always done well in school, and is currently doing 5th grade reading and spelling. He loves to read, and make up stories. That's one thing to know about Braden. He LOVES to talk. He can't just explain a simple something in a simple way. He explains it to the max.
Most times I love it.
He's had some fun expressions, too. For instance, on our way up to Yellowstone for a family vacation one year, we were driving through Newton, Utah. B looked out his window and said, "Look at all those pretty flowers! That looks like a good place to have a war. Mom, is that where the people of Newton have their wars?"
And, just the other night, Brandon was replacing a cracked face plate on a bathroom plug. Brandon asked how it got broken, and B said, "I don't know. I just know that I heard Gavin say, 'Huh?' So, I followed his gaze and saw the broken cover."
I had the chance to sit B down on my lap this afternoon and talk about Connie with him. He really wanted to help out the family, but didn't know how. After suggesting they rake leaves, I admit, I watched proudly as he rode his bike down to their house, then jumped right in to rake up the leaves. He frustrates me to the limits sometimes, but I'm still so proud of him.
I love you, my B. Keep up the good work!
This is the picture he drew for Brandon & I after my granddad's funeral in February. Despite our struggles with him during Primary, somehow he's getting it.
Braden was sort of our "planned accident." We couldn't afford birth control pills, so we planned and calculated, then prayed that whatever was supposed to happen would happen. And, it did! B was born 14 months and one day after Scottie was.
He was big compared to Scott - Scott was 6 lbs. 14 oz. when he was born. B was 8 lbs. 3 oz. To jump a full pound and a half was huge for me. It took me a really long time to heal with him. My legs, ankles, and feet were so swollen that the only things I could wear on my feet were Brandon's moccasins.
But, B was always a happy baby. And he was CHUNKY! He was over 20 pounds by the time he was 6 months old, was wearing 12 - 18 month clothes when he was not even a year old, and had such cute rolls. Roll after roll after roll. He was so kissable!
He's always been my snuggle bug. He would wake up in the morning and come climb into bed with me, lay on my chest and fall back to sleep. Then he'd wake up next to me and we'd giggle as we I tickled his feet or growled at him. Sometimes I wish he was still little enough to lay on my chest and just let me hold him. (I guess that's why I have Connor now.)
And, he has such a tender heart. When Koko died, he sobbed for such a long time. And when our fish all mysteriously died (including our HUGE 7" goldfish), he was heartbroken. The same with my parents dog, Champ. He drew pictures of his fish and of his Champy and to this day, they're still hanging on his wall. He didn't know his great-grandpa, or his great-grandma very well, but we visited with both of them throughout the years, and Braden remembered enough. He was so sad, and could often be found curled up next to me as we both cried.
B has always been very smart. He's always done well in school, and is currently doing 5th grade reading and spelling. He loves to read, and make up stories. That's one thing to know about Braden. He LOVES to talk. He can't just explain a simple something in a simple way. He explains it to the max.
Most times I love it.
He's had some fun expressions, too. For instance, on our way up to Yellowstone for a family vacation one year, we were driving through Newton, Utah. B looked out his window and said, "Look at all those pretty flowers! That looks like a good place to have a war. Mom, is that where the people of Newton have their wars?"
And, just the other night, Brandon was replacing a cracked face plate on a bathroom plug. Brandon asked how it got broken, and B said, "I don't know. I just know that I heard Gavin say, 'Huh?' So, I followed his gaze and saw the broken cover."
I had the chance to sit B down on my lap this afternoon and talk about Connie with him. He really wanted to help out the family, but didn't know how. After suggesting they rake leaves, I admit, I watched proudly as he rode his bike down to their house, then jumped right in to rake up the leaves. He frustrates me to the limits sometimes, but I'm still so proud of him.
I love you, my B. Keep up the good work!
This is the picture he drew for Brandon & I after my granddad's funeral in February. Despite our struggles with him during Primary, somehow he's getting it.
Connie
Today has felt very surreal for me. I found out on Monday that my friend, Connie Hogan, was very sick with the stomach flu. Wednesday night, just down the street from us, were several police cars and an ambulance.
As I was heading out the door to go to our Relief Society activity, I stopped by Connie's house to see if she was being taken to the hospital, and what the police cars and ambulance were all about, and if there was anything I could do to help. One of our neighbors, and the Hogans really good friend, was there with them and told me that Connie had passed away just an hour or so earlier. That moment will be forever etched in my mind.
My head is still having a hard time wrapping around this news. We weren't super close friends, but Connie is one of those people that just works her way into your heart, and I grew to love her so much. She's one of the smartest people I know, and she knows something about everything. With a super testimony of the Gospel, a beautiful smile and attitude, and an infectious laugh.
And it's hard to let go.
I've lost cousins and grandparents, and have known people throughout high school that have passed away, but I've never had a friend that I cared so deeply about pass away. This is really hard for me. And, I never thought that my first funeral as the RS President would be for a friend.
So, that's why today has been surreal. I keep thinking that I'll drive down the road and see Connie coming around the corner after picking up one of her six kids from some activity or another. Or see her at Scouts. She was B's scout leader right now. And Scott's last year. So, they're feeling her loss as well.
Because of my calling in the church, I have received numerous phone calls and fb messages with offers of help and wanting to know what was needed. But, it's hard to be strong when all I want to do is break down and cry. But, my mom reminded me to look to the Savior and He will help me be strong at those exact times when I need to be.
Case in point - B and one of the Hogan boys is in the same class at school and church. They're best friends, and since that first day when Zach came over to play with the "new neighbors" (us), they've been almost inseparable. B told me that at school all of their classmates made cards for Zach to give to him when he comes back to school. I asked B if he wanted to do something for the Hogan family, and he said that he did, but didn't know what he could do.
But, I knew. Because as I was heading out to run some errands and escape fb for a little bit, I looked over at the Hogan's home and saw some leaves in the front yard. Not a lot, but enough that my boys could go rake. And, I had the thought come to my mind that my boys could do a small act of service for the Hogan's (really the only thing a 6, 9, & 10 year old can do) by raking up their leaves. And I know that thought came from a loving Heavenly Father.
And, when I mentioned that idea B loved it. So, we packed up our rakes and some bags, and the boys went and raked up their leaves. I was so happy and touched watching my boys do an act of service for somebody else - and to do it willingly. At that moment, I was able to be strong for my boys and teach them about acts of service. And in the next several days as the funeral is being planned, as well as the luncheon afterward, I know my Savior will help me to be strong.
Because He promised to lift and guide me during the difficult times in this calling.
So, to a wonderful friend . . . Connie Hogan, thank you for your example to me, your words of advice, the laughter, sharing the frustrations over our boys, and, ultimately, for working your way into my heart.
I'll never forget.
As I was heading out the door to go to our Relief Society activity, I stopped by Connie's house to see if she was being taken to the hospital, and what the police cars and ambulance were all about, and if there was anything I could do to help. One of our neighbors, and the Hogans really good friend, was there with them and told me that Connie had passed away just an hour or so earlier. That moment will be forever etched in my mind.
My head is still having a hard time wrapping around this news. We weren't super close friends, but Connie is one of those people that just works her way into your heart, and I grew to love her so much. She's one of the smartest people I know, and she knows something about everything. With a super testimony of the Gospel, a beautiful smile and attitude, and an infectious laugh.
And it's hard to let go.
I've lost cousins and grandparents, and have known people throughout high school that have passed away, but I've never had a friend that I cared so deeply about pass away. This is really hard for me. And, I never thought that my first funeral as the RS President would be for a friend.
So, that's why today has been surreal. I keep thinking that I'll drive down the road and see Connie coming around the corner after picking up one of her six kids from some activity or another. Or see her at Scouts. She was B's scout leader right now. And Scott's last year. So, they're feeling her loss as well.
Because of my calling in the church, I have received numerous phone calls and fb messages with offers of help and wanting to know what was needed. But, it's hard to be strong when all I want to do is break down and cry. But, my mom reminded me to look to the Savior and He will help me be strong at those exact times when I need to be.
Case in point - B and one of the Hogan boys is in the same class at school and church. They're best friends, and since that first day when Zach came over to play with the "new neighbors" (us), they've been almost inseparable. B told me that at school all of their classmates made cards for Zach to give to him when he comes back to school. I asked B if he wanted to do something for the Hogan family, and he said that he did, but didn't know what he could do.
But, I knew. Because as I was heading out to run some errands and escape fb for a little bit, I looked over at the Hogan's home and saw some leaves in the front yard. Not a lot, but enough that my boys could go rake. And, I had the thought come to my mind that my boys could do a small act of service for the Hogan's (really the only thing a 6, 9, & 10 year old can do) by raking up their leaves. And I know that thought came from a loving Heavenly Father.
And, when I mentioned that idea B loved it. So, we packed up our rakes and some bags, and the boys went and raked up their leaves. I was so happy and touched watching my boys do an act of service for somebody else - and to do it willingly. At that moment, I was able to be strong for my boys and teach them about acts of service. And in the next several days as the funeral is being planned, as well as the luncheon afterward, I know my Savior will help me to be strong.
Because He promised to lift and guide me during the difficult times in this calling.
So, to a wonderful friend . . . Connie Hogan, thank you for your example to me, your words of advice, the laughter, sharing the frustrations over our boys, and, ultimately, for working your way into my heart.
I'll never forget.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Peter Scibbus (aka Scottie)
Day 9 - Today I'm thankful for this little boy:
Scottie - my oldest - is such a joyful little bug. We decided to get pregnant just four months after we were married. Brandon was working long hours, and I was often alone in our apartment from 1:00 in the afternoon to 7:00 or so at night. We didn't know anybody, really, and were very poor newlyweds, and there's only so many times a one-bedroom apartment can be vacuumed, dusted, and shined. We prayed and went to the temple, and Heavenly Father confirmed that it was right.
Scottie - my oldest - is such a joyful little bug. We decided to get pregnant just four months after we were married. Brandon was working long hours, and I was often alone in our apartment from 1:00 in the afternoon to 7:00 or so at night. We didn't know anybody, really, and were very poor newlyweds, and there's only so many times a one-bedroom apartment can be vacuumed, dusted, and shined. We prayed and went to the temple, and Heavenly Father confirmed that it was right.
So, we had a Scottie bug. And then 14 months later, we had a B. And then 14 months later, he stuck two keys into an electrical outlet and burned his hand really bad. We're very blessed that we didn't lose him that day. If the electrical current had just gone through one key, the electricity would have traveled up his arm and into his heart and very likely killed him. From the day of his accident he's had numerous surgeries. But, he loves it! He loves going in to have surgery and waking up with pink coban wrapped around his hand. Not sure why he loves it, but the two times we've canceled surgery, he's been sorely disappointed.
During the summer, he can always be found in a tree. Or climbing a tree. He has such unusual expressions sometimes (like, "Oh that is just a wonderful sight" or "I've a new classmate, instead of I have a new classmate). He has a cute smile, and an infectious laugh. He can be silly (which is a good thing since his mom can be silly, too), serious, insightful, and a good friend.
He loves to read, and has currently read the Harry Potter series several times. We've had to threaten to take his books away before because he'll stay up reading until late (sometimes even until 11:30 at night).
So, today is for my Scottie Bug. Aka Scibbs. Aka Skeeters. Aka Skeeter Pibbus. Aka Peter Scibbus! Love you, little P. Scibbus!
All images belong to me (myfiveguysandme.blogspot.com). Copying or using them in any way without my express permission is denied.
During the summer, he can always be found in a tree. Or climbing a tree. He has such unusual expressions sometimes (like, "Oh that is just a wonderful sight" or "I've a new classmate, instead of I have a new classmate). He has a cute smile, and an infectious laugh. He can be silly (which is a good thing since his mom can be silly, too), serious, insightful, and a good friend.
He loves to read, and has currently read the Harry Potter series several times. We've had to threaten to take his books away before because he'll stay up reading until late (sometimes even until 11:30 at night).
So, today is for my Scottie Bug. Aka Scibbs. Aka Skeeters. Aka Skeeter Pibbus. Aka Peter Scibbus! Love you, little P. Scibbus!
All images belong to me (myfiveguysandme.blogspot.com). Copying or using them in any way without my express permission is denied.
Gratitude Days 5 - 8
Day 5 - Today I'm just thankful! It's a beautiful day outside. The Naproxen I took last night killed my headache and helped me sleep. It snowed and the world is gorgeous right now. :) I'm happy. I'm thankful to be alive.
And, to finish off our day, we went glasses shopping for me to replace the ones that Connor snapped when I was sick last week. Then we headed up to the Spectrum with the boys for the Aggie basketball game. After that, we came home, grabbed a certificate for two free kids buffets at Pizza Pie Cafe that B earned for doing all of his homework, and took the family out to dinner. It was a great day. :)
Day 6 - Sort of taking the easy road with my gratitude project today, but I'm EXHAUSTED. It's not even 9:00 yet, and I'm headed to bed.
Mom w/Scott & 2 month old Braden
Cuddling with a sick Scottie bug
Best thing in the world - cuddling with my bugs
Loving on a Gavin (do you think he looks like Connor??)
Sleeping with a sick Connor Bear
Today, I'm thankful for the ability to bottle my own foods. It's long, hard work, but seeing all of those bottles of applesauce and jelly on my counter makes me happy. :) Only 1/3 of the box done - the rest tomorrow.
B & Gavin helping me make applesauce
I love that they're so excited to help!
It's a family affair
Now Scott's come to join the fun
20 pints of applesauce
Almost 2 dozen pints of apple "jelly"
I'm a bit frustrated that the only jelly that set up is the little bit of leftover that I had and put in a bowl. It set up just fine. The rest of it - nope. Not a single jar has set up. So, we have a whole bunch of apple syrup. *sigh*
Pic found here
And, to finish off our day, we went glasses shopping for me to replace the ones that Connor snapped when I was sick last week. Then we headed up to the Spectrum with the boys for the Aggie basketball game. After that, we came home, grabbed a certificate for two free kids buffets at Pizza Pie Cafe that B earned for doing all of his homework, and took the family out to dinner. It was a great day. :)
Day 6 - Sort of taking the easy road with my gratitude project today, but I'm EXHAUSTED. It's not even 9:00 yet, and I'm headed to bed.
Mom w/Scott & 2 month old Braden
Cuddling with a sick Scottie bug
Best thing in the world - cuddling with my bugs
Loving on a Gavin (do you think he looks like Connor??)
Sleeping with a sick Connor Bear
Today, I'm thankful for the ability to bottle my own foods. It's long, hard work, but seeing all of those bottles of applesauce and jelly on my counter makes me happy. :) Only 1/3 of the box done - the rest tomorrow.
B & Gavin helping me make applesauce
I love that they're so excited to help!
It's a family affair
Now Scott's come to join the fun
20 pints of applesauce
Almost 2 dozen pints of apple "jelly"
I'm a bit frustrated that the only jelly that set up is the little bit of leftover that I had and put in a bowl. It set up just fine. The rest of it - nope. Not a single jar has set up. So, we have a whole bunch of apple syrup. *sigh*
Pic found here
Friday, November 4, 2011
Day 4
Day 4 - Thankful to own my own home. (Okay, okay, we're still paying the mortgage . . .) I'm thankful that we've never had to go without shelter, but 8+ years in various apartments, most of those with small children (literally - we had Scottie only 14 months after we were married), was hard at times, so I'm thankful to have our own place. My own walls to paint, floor to rip up, pictures to decorate with . . .
It's also good for sheltering us from the cold, wet weather that's blowing in tonight. I love being warm. :) I just finished making applesauce cookies - maybe I'll have some hot chocolate to go with them when I get back from my song rehearsal tonight. Yummy!
http://flavordiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Hot-Chocolate-w-Cookies.jpg
It's also good for sheltering us from the cold, wet weather that's blowing in tonight. I love being warm. :) I just finished making applesauce cookies - maybe I'll have some hot chocolate to go with them when I get back from my song rehearsal tonight. Yummy!
http://flavordiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Hot-Chocolate-w-Cookies.jpg
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Day 3
Day 3 - my kids. My four kids are my life . . .
Okay, nope, I can't do this. Each child deserves their own post, 'cause they're all so unique and worth their own day. I'll do them next week when I can devote a little more time to a good post for each of them.
So instead, today I'm thankful for sweet smelling babies (and baby toes) when they're fresh out of the tub. And, honestly, there's almost nothing better than a bare baby bum! :D
Okay, nope, I can't do this. Each child deserves their own post, 'cause they're all so unique and worth their own day. I'll do them next week when I can devote a little more time to a good post for each of them.
So instead, today I'm thankful for sweet smelling babies (and baby toes) when they're fresh out of the tub. And, honestly, there's almost nothing better than a bare baby bum! :D
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Gratitude Project
Okay, so a friend of mine from high school did a gratitude project last year starting the month of November up until Thanksgiving. I decided this year that I would participate by posting something each day on my Facebook page and here on my blog. I'm a day behind since I was so sick yesterday, so I'll do Day 1 & Day 2 today.
So, here goes . . .
My sweetheart
Day 1 - I'm SO thankful for my hubby. Brandon is the most awesome guy alive! He takes care of me, loves me, rolls his eyes at me when I'm being silly but laughs along with me, and oh, did I mention that he loves me? Well, it's worth mentioning again. :D
How can I not love that face?
Day 2 -
So, here goes . . .
My sweetheart
Day 1 - I'm SO thankful for my hubby. Brandon is the most awesome guy alive! He takes care of me, loves me, rolls his eyes at me when I'm being silly but laughs along with me, and oh, did I mention that he loves me? Well, it's worth mentioning again. :D
How can I not love that face?
Day 2 -
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