Family, June 2011

A New Year

2012-01-15T07:20:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how we got to the middle of January! I also am not sure where all of my pictures are or if I even took any. But I am sure we have been busy. These pictures are of Bryant's Science Project. He built balloon hovercrafts. He loves science so he really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed finishing. We had company for the first few days of January. Then Brett started the big push for the audit. Now the audit has been indefinitely postponed. We are all grateful. Calli cut a top front tooth so she's been a little louder than we are used to but still awfully smiley. She loves to clap, play peek a boo, bump noses, walk with her walker from Christmas, eat bananas, try to eat whatever I'm eating, and she says 'dada', 'mummum' and yells a lot. Emma is getting ready for girls camp. We have girls camp over spring break here because it is too hot in the summer. She has made some secret sister gifts and received a girly pocket knife for christmas, along with a blow up bed. Bryant has worked on his science project, webelos stuff, and started flag football. I went to a parent teacher conference for him this last week and when I got to the office and opened up my purse to get out my ID...it was filled with ants. I know, you wish you were me. May is loving her friends at school and spends a lot of time getting phone numbers and trying to place calls to them. She also tries to set up playdates with me and their mothers. Derek is enjoying my return to the YMCA. He has a friend that comes about the same time so he thinks we are going for a playdate just for him. And since Calli loves it there also I have noooo excuses. I do like going there but feel guilty not exercising outside where it is absolutely gorgeous these days. I am loving my CTR4's (5's?) at church. They are darling and I love the lessons. I am also grateful for Brett taking Calli for two hours while I am with them. Last weekend we moved a lot of furniture around. We swapped the boys room with Emma and put May in Calli's room. The house has a much better flow and I love that it's clean under all of the beds for now =). I still have a few decorations to hang up, add that to my Monday list. I had my check up for my eye and all looks good. I got to see the MRI and it was pretty amazing. We live in an amazing time don't we? I guess I didn't blog about my eye trouble. I had pain behind my right eye the week before Christmas. I thought I had a sinus infection (which I did, but on the left side=)). Then one morning I woke up and my vision was blurry, no matter if I wore my glasses or contacts. I put in a call to my eye doctor who was, of course, out of town. It was the 23rd afterall. I called his backup doctor and the nurse on call told me to get some drops, she didn't think it sounded serious. I just felt uneasy so I drug myself to my family doctor. He said he saw some swelling and told me to see an eye doctor. I asked if I could wait until the 26th, I had a dinner party the next day and Christmas obviously. He said, 'no, you need to be seen today or go to the emergency room.' UGH. I still held out hope that it was all precautionary and no big deal. Thankfully, Brett got off work and took me to the eye doctor (the only appt available in town). This doctor took a look and told me I had Optic Neuritis. It is a swelling of the optic nerve and I would need to go to the EYE ER. I broke down sobbing. Not because I was worried about my eye so much but because of all the plans I had made for the weekend. He was stunned and asked if anyone came with me. When Brett came in the doctor talked about how this could be an indicator of MS. Now I really did sob. We must've floated to the car and headed home to arrange for the kids to be watched by our neighbor. Then we headed to Miami for the Eye ER. I cried most of the rest of the day. They called in the MRI team and I had an MRI at 11 that night. It finished around 1. I called my mom and cried some more. Finally the results came in that there were no indications of MS and that I would need an aggressive treatment of steroids. We were so grateful. When they came in to hook me up to an IV they couldn't get a vein and on the second try I broke down and about fainted. I am usually not a wimp around IV's but I think it all just hit me, all of the stress of the day and worry for the future and the fact I hadn't drank anything for many hours. They brought me food and a drink. Let me calm down and then tried again with success. I would go back Christmas Eve and Day for continued IV treatment. I kept the IV in for those days. So, why do these things happen? I don't know. But two things are apparent to me from this experience. One is that health issues put things into perspective for me and remind me how blessed I am. I am more grateful for my husband and children and their health, I am more grateful for insurance, I am more grateful for friends who step in at the last minute, I am more grateful for my healthy days, I am more grateful for the simple things in life. The second occurred in the waiting room at the ER. We sat by a grandma and her son and his baby. The baby was about two, Kayla is her name. When she woke up we were surprised to see a little body that reminded us of our nieces, Mikaela and Mckenzie! Kayla had a rare form of dwarfism very similar to our nieces and nephew. Same eye sight, and very similar body shape. As we chatted with them we were so pleased to tell them of all of the wonderful things our nieces and nephew are working on and accomplishing. I think it gave them hope and comfort. Maybe I had this experience because they needed a little boost, a little more hope, a little comfort. I know I talk a lot, Brett says I make stranger's ears bleed. But perhaps the Lords uses us talkers because we open our mouths and make connections with random strangers wherever we are. And perhaps we talkers sometimes get to be in the right place, at the right time, to help somebody else not lose faith...even in the ER in Miami in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve.

Happy New Year!!!!

2012-01-03T05:16:00.000-08:00

On Monday, we sent the big kids off to school and headed to the beach! What a beautiful morning! Derek and Calli both enjoyed the surf and sand. And we enjoyed the sun...very relaxing. We had our friend Jenni and Joslyn come play with us and really had a great time. We went to the Blue Marlin Fish restaurant afterward for some delicious smoked fish and other seafood (featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives). We were glad to have a morning to relax before the looming audit.

Christmas Portraits

2012-01-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some of our portraits this year...

Definite outtake...

My favorite

Yay for baby!

Merry Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve at the Zirkers! We ate like kings, enjoyed good friends, and did the Nativity. What a fun bunch!

Good Morning Santa!

We had a very snuggly, fun Christmas, hope you did too!

December happenings

2011-12-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Emma had her first band concert playing the flute. She did such a nice job and has worked hard.

Bryant was Student of the Month for Kindness. Fits him to a 'T'. He was very proud.

Calli wore an elastic in her hair for the first time! It was more elastic than hair but we'll take it! She looked darling and wore jeggings for the first time that day also. CUUUUUUTE!

Look at this cute boy. Derek made a nativity scene in primary with his awesome teachers the Shanes. So darling.

We have been enjoying the weather outside these days and enjoying our days off from school. I love vacations. Poor Brett has had to work so much that he hasn't started his vacation yet, maybe next week. We are all excited about this weekend, we are planning to have some friends over for Christmas Eve. And of course we are excited for Christmas. Wish you were here to celebrate but wish you joy and happiness wherever you are this weekend! Lots of love!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-11T14:49:00.001-08:00

We visited a home close to the Stake Center that was all lit up for the Christmas Season. It was so fun. You probably think I'm being negligent for not putting socks on Calli but it is still 80 degrees here most days...thank goodness for Christmas lights to make it feel like the season!

Emma was in the Nativity at the church Christmas Party Friday night. She is the angel all the way on the left. (Mom, she was wearing the temple dress you gave me for the first time that I went through the temple). She complained that her hands sweat the whole time...she was really cute.

Emma Goes to the Temple!

2011-12-11T14:39:00.001-08:00

We were so thrilled to go with Emma to the Orlando Temple on Saturday. She was excited to perform baptisms for the dead for the first time. It is special to go with a spouse to the temple and exquisite to go with your child. I got to be with her every step of the process and Brett was able to baptize her. Is there anything better?

Calli's busy schedule this week

2011-12-11T14:20:00.001-08:00

She's exhausted because...

Calli has had a busy week. She was a 'living canvas' for our friend Joslyn. I am not used to having a 2 year old around and left a Sharpie out...Joslyn entertained Calli and gave her a new look for free! Look how upset Derek was. I told him it wasn't her fault, it was mine for leaving the marker out.

I was able to scrub the marker off her face and ears but I didn't dare scrub her precious little hair. It will just have to fade from there.

The next day Calli needed to finish up Derek's soup. She really enjoyed stealing it off the table and licking it.

Yum! Her second tooth broke through this week and she has tried it out on a lot of things. She yells and squeals. She says, 'dadadadada' and sucks in air when she's excited. She really scrunches up her nose when she smiles. She had the sacrament for the first time today.

On a side note, we got a new couch. Here in FL they have 'bulk day' every three months. You can put anything out by the curb to be picked up by the waste company or dumpster divers. Somebody put a couch out by the curb. It was getting rained on but I loved the shape. It was green velvet but the legs and back were so pretty on it. I couldn't stop thinking about it so I drug Emma over there and we hauled it home and ripped off all the stinky velvet. Then we sprinkled it with baking soda and salt to deodorize it. It worked! But what to cover it with? I read on line about a girl who recovered her couch by buying 22 yards of fabric, washing and ironing it and painstakingly reconstructing all of the cushion pieces etc... Now I can honestly say that getting to any ironing whatsoever for me takes major effort. I dread ironing my sons church pants and that's ONE yard. So I knew that option was not going to work. AND I'm also not a masochist. So I decided to visit my local Ikea and low and behold, there was a perfect slipcover for $39.00. I snatched it up and viola! A new couch for our kitchen for a cool $40.00. Yes, I am proud of that dumpster diving treasure. PS, I don't know why the blog layout is funky...

Emma's Sacrament Talk

2011-12-04T20:56:00.001-08:00

I forgot to mention that Emma gave her first talk in Sacrament meeting on November 13. She did a wonderful job and it seemed like second nature to her.

"My talk abouttithing:

Hello my name isEmma Stevens and my talk is about tithing.

1^st ofall what is tithing?

Tithing is 10% of what heavenly fathergave us that we are giving back to him. Brother Hale says in a talk “The law oftithing is part of a celestial law which we mustlive if we are to attain eternal life and exaltation in the celestial kingdom.”And President Joseph F. Smith says “The law of tithing is a test by which thepeople as individuals shall be proved.”

2^nd What do we receive back for paying our tithing?

We get our faithtested and it makes our faith grow stronger, paying tithing helps toqualify us to receive the higher ordinances of the priesthood, and helps us not be so greedy. Our tithing goes to build meetinghouses and temples, or help get supplies for missionaries. And no matter if wepay more or less than others, if we pay faithfully and honestly we will get thesame amount of blessings. Elder John Taylor had someone ask him if whetherany who had not paid their tithing could be baptized for the dead. Elder Taylorthen taught: “It is our duty to pay our tithing, one-tenth of the increase, anda man who has not paid his tithing is unfit to be baptized for his dead. … It is our duty to pay our tithing. If a man has not faith enoughto attend to these little things, he has not faith enough to save himself andhis friends.” it says in Malachi 3:10… bring ye all the tithes into thestorehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewithsaith the lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pouryou out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Heavenlyfather is saying that if we pay our tithing that we will receive so manyblessings. And some mat be temporary and some eternal.

3^rd Do you need faith to make a tithe?

The answer is yes. George Q. Morris taught that paying an honest titherequires faith.“I think when people say they haven’t money enough to paytithing, they should say they haven’t faith enough to pay tithing. It is myconviction that we pay tithing with faith and not with money, because when aman has so much money that he has a large tithing, he can’t pay tithing. He hastoo much money and too little faith to pay tithing, and just feels he can’tafford it. No one is too rich or too poor to pay tithing. No one canafford not to pay tithing.” To make atithe that will give you the blessings you must have faith and not be scaredthat you might regret it. Even if you have the choice between something youwant or tithing, if you have faith you would chose tithing.

I’d like to tella story that illustrates the unexpected blessings that can come from payingtithing.

“Should wepay our tithing or make our farm payment?”

In 1920 aserious dilemma faced a wheat farmer named Henry smith. The selling price forwheat was very low that year. Everyone was poor. Now the mortgage payment wasdue, several families had purchased farmland as a group. They all had to paytheir portion of the mortgage on the same day or they would all lose theirland. Unfortunately the farm payment came due at the same day as tithingsettlement, he could pay 1 or the other but not both. Henry did have severalsacks of wheat he could sell, but no interested buyers. And the bank would onlytake cash.

Henry wrote in his journal “We felt we had topay our tithing, but we could not fail with our land payment. We went to thelord and placed our problem before him. When we were through we had the impressionwe should pay our tithing first.”

A few daysafter he paid tithing Henry wrote “a man whom I had never seen before, came andpurchased all of our wheat, at a good price. we now had the money for the landpayment we felt the lord had a way of taking care of us, if we were faithfuland put our trust in him.”

I want to bear mytestimony that I know these things are true that we will receive blessings ifwe are faithful and pay an honest Tithe. And that even if some are temporaryand some are eternal they are all special. In the name Jesus Christ amen. "

We are excited to attend the temple with her for the first time this weekend!

Christmas Time Is Here

2011-12-04T18:12:00.001-08:00

Guess what?!?! It's Christmastime!

The kids decorated the Christmas Tree and did a swell job. It looks a bit like some of our Christmas Tubs threw up in our family room but the tree looks nice. May told grandma the next day that "now there are Baby Jesus' all over the house."

We had a surprise this week. After a week of a tired May I finally took her in to the doctor. We had heard a nephew had similar symptoms and had pneumonia. I second guessed myself all the way to the doctors but sure enough, she had pneumonia. X-rays don't lie. We are now on our second round of antibiotics and a steroid. She seems a bit perkier. So, we packed up and headed to the Bass Pro Shop to see Santa! May wrote her letter, "Dear Santa, How do you get to the pleple arond the wrold. I hope you give me a lot of presits. I love you. I hope you have a grat Christmis."

Derek wrote to Santa, "Santa, I love you. Santa I hope you give me a lot of presits. Derek"

Bass Pro Shop did not disappoint! We had a great time!

Santa was so nice! He read the kids letters and talked to them about everything. A real sweetheart.

Wait...who is this guy?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T18:05:00.001-08:00

Shopping for our Thanksgiving dinner...

Making turkey cookies with neighbors to get ready for Thanksgiving Dinner...

Turkey Cookie Overseer

Perfect everytime...Now for dinner. What? Where are the pictures? That's right, I didn't take one picture of our Thanksgiving day. Boo! BUT we had some great families over and they brought some delicious food. I cooked the turkey upside down, the bottom was a gorgeous caramel color...the top, not so much. It was delicious anyhow. We had such a nice time visiting with Christy and kids and Allison and kids. The kids had a great time playing basketball, eating turkey cookies and watching some of the Dolphins football game. Really relaxing and so fun to catch up with friends. We are so thankful this year for our home, Brett's job, the kids health, good friends and most especially for our Savior.

Fall things...

2011-11-13T07:34:00.001-08:00

This has been a fun month so far! Calli has her first tooth! She has also started to crawl and pull herself up to standing position. She eats really well and got through her first cold without major problems.

Here's some of our Thanksgiving decor...

It is in the eighties most days and just right to sit by the pool...the water is a bit cold but the kids still swim anyway.

Even Calli! She doesn't make a peep about how cold it is and seems to love it!

Here's Calli at the soccer games...as you can see we have some wind.

On Friday Emma and her friend Ana Maria treated us (Marilola and I) to a surprise spa day! They did our nails, soaked our feet, scrubbed our hands, smoothed with lotion, brought us treats and made us homemade lemonade. It was so thoughtful and kind. We really felt special and are GRATEFUL for our GREAT girls!

We had some friends over for a couple of days while their parents were out of town. On Saturday Brett and I put off getting up for as long as possible but I soon regretted that decision when I came down and slid across the kitchen floor. Derek and his friend were thirsty and thought our huge jug of olive oil from costco looked like apple juice! Derek said, "we wanted some apple juice but it just kept spilling". The kids and I squirted dish soap on the floor and scrubbed until we had to leave for soccer. I think it is finally recovering after 3 moppings! We had a good laugh, this was also the pair that went through a half a stick of butter in one afternoon...making 'toast'. Oh dear...the kids had a ball and played so hard that I'm sure they worked it all off in no time!

Halloween!

2011-11-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

Here's the scary bunch!

May lost her first tooth on Sunday morning. And by 'lost' I mean I pulled it out because, as you can see, she has her big tooth in already!

Derek and Ryken at preschool. He was so excited because they were not only having a Halloween party, they were having a Halloween Swimming party! It was a blast!

Calli enjoyed passing out candy on Halloween. The most notable thing this week is that Calli crawled for the first time on Friday October 28. We even got video of it!

Does anyone else feel like they have enough candy for a few years?


On Halloween Bryant decided to be a boxer. He did have an impressive fake black eye but by the time we remembered to take a picture it had 'healed up'.

October Days

2011-11-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

May's Soccer team banner!

Brett and I get into the spirit of Halloween and go to a ward costume party.

Derek is studying the ocean in preschool and brought home some snorkel gear.

I finished a little quilt for my front table for Fall.

Calli has had a lot of firsts this month...first time sitting in a cart without her seat...

First time eating bananas...

and she likes them!

The kids had a day off on Friday so we took our dollars from Grandma Allen and bought a treat and a pumpkin to carve.

All of the kids took turns carving! I was so impressed that they could all cut so straight and so well!

And some roasted pumpkin seeds to eat while we watched Charlie Brown on TV. What a fun day!

UH OH!!!

2011-10-16T16:23:00.000-07:00


Calli was standing up in her crib after her nap this week! It seems too early but then again, she is SEVEN MONTHS OLD today. how can this be? She was screaming because she didn't know how to sit down. Derek has been a hoot this week. One night the moon was a gorgeous orange ball in the sky. He told me the next day that he thought it was decorated for Halloween and that the aliens did it. Then, one morning we all went in for May's Parent Teacher Conference and everyone had to come by and talk to the baby. Derek asked, Why does everyone like our baby? And I said, because babies are special. And he said, No mom, it's because our baby is the cutest baby in the whole world. (SWEET BOY!) May's conference went very well, She is in the highest reading group and gets along with every one. Her teacher really enjoys her. Bryant and Emma started a little basketball clinic this week and have been practicing some here at home. I went to a baby shower this week without Calli and REALLY enjoyed the novelty of going somewhere without the baby. I also really enjoyed the ladies and grown up treats...lots of fun and laughs. Brett was called as the Webelos leader and had an activity this week. Today was our Primary Program. Derek stood up and said, "I can follow the prophet by being nice!" It was perfect! May said, "Jesus Christ set a perfect example for me. I can follow his example by serving and loving others." Perfect! Bryant said, "I can prepare early to be worthy to go to the temple. I have been given guide(d)lines to show me how to do this. Perfect! And Emma bore her testimony of the first vision and sang a duet "I Wonder When He Comes Again," with her friend Natalie while Natalie's twin brother played the piano. It was really pretty. My sunbeams also did a nice job with their parts. One of my sunbeams is a hoot...very busy. I told Brett that she is this insanely intelligent spirit stuffed into this little body that wiggles a lot. She fell off her chair not once but three times! One of the times I was moving her chair and she decided to sit down...whoops! They are a joy. It has been a nice week but I wish the weekend was a few days longer...

Odds and Ends

2011-10-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Emma heading to her first mutual activity! they made Briggadaros and cheese rolls.

Calli at soccer practice, and this is Brody, a friend.

May and Derek love to brush and fix my hair...here is one of the ponytails they put in. I must say I enjoy the hair brushing...

FHE

2011-10-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Our friends, the Allen's, invited us over for FHE and caramel apples...Yum!

Notice who is wearing makeup? And enjoying her apple...

Add caption

Party Time!

2011-10-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Emma's birthday with a Harry Potter Party! We divided the kids into 'houses' when they got here, ate a replica of Harry's first meal at Hogwart's, watched Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone, and played games to earn house points, had a castle cake etc etc. We had a great time!

Good Morning Birthday Girl!

2011-10-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Happy 12th Birthday Emma! I had to ask her to get back into bed for breakfast...I got up early enough, she was just excited to start her day and got up early too! Off to school and tests...

Action!

2011-10-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

Derek played a fierce game of soccer on Saturday. He really seemed to enjoy it...finally! We have decided he is in a stage, 'I don't want to!' follows EVERY request we make of him. It is annoying but I will hold on to the hope that it lasts only six months then passes. That's what they say right? Stages last six months, right? Pleeeeeeeease say yes.

Six months old!

2011-10-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Because we can't go a month without visiting our second home...the doctor's office, we decided to take some pictures. Just kidding. I just wanted to show how May holds Calli...is anyone else jumping out of their seats to help? May doesn't take as much interest in Calli as the other kids so when she does I try not to interfere but ooooooooo be careful! Calli's six month check up was excellent. She's 13 pounds or so and is growing like all the others. She is finally taking formula in a bottle and takes a binky!

Activity Days

2011-10-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

Emma's last activity day activity was a talent show. For her talents she wrote a story (3 chapters long), showed some artwork, and I can't remember the third. She did a nice job! She is sad to leave her friends behind...

Here is her group...so much fun!

New Tricks!

2011-10-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Look who's sitting! She is also on her way to crawling...I think this is the earliest any of my kids have done this. Get out the gates! I also find her sitting in her crib when I go to get her from her naps. She is growing way too fast.

Halloween is almost here...

2011-10-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

We love Halloween at our house! Happy October everyone!

Brett's Boar

2011-09-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

Brett crossed 'hunting boar' off his bucket list this year in June. He hadn't been hunting since we moved to FL and decided to right that wrong in a BIG way! He and a buddy from the ward went toward Naples and (legally) got themselves some bacon. This beauty weighed in over 250 lbs. We now have a freezer full of mystery meat that we will gladly share, any takers? Look how happy he is!

Soccer Season has Just Begun

2011-09-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

We had our first soccer games last Saturday. May got right in and kicked the ball here and there. Derek would not go in and instead rolled around on the sideline crying that he wanted to go home. It was sooooo hot that I didn't blame him but I couldn't help thinking 'did we just buy a really expensive uniform?' I tried not to make a big deal of it and said we'd get in there next time...stay tuned!

Last of Vacation Photos

2011-09-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

We played hard all week and had a hard time saying goodbye to our dear friends. Lauri decided she should stay in Florida and send her family home...it didn't work out for some reason ;). We loved having them and are glad that they made the effort to come see us.

More 2 See

2011-09-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

We are huge Harry Potter fans here and so we were excited to finally get to Universal and see for ourselves the movies come to life. It was AWESOME! We thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of the great details and riding the rides. We were there on a great day with little or no waiting on any of the rides. We waited the longest to enter Ollivanders for the 'wand experience'...that was funny. Then all of the kids got themselves a wand as a souvenir...except Calli. The rest of Universal was a lot of fun also. There was a ride called Rockit Rollercoaster that took you straight up and straight down...you got to pick music to listen to as you went careening to your death. It was fun but my brain could only take it once...or maybe I did it twice, see how bad brain damage can be?

More...

2011-09-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

So we talked our neighbor into boating us to Boca Chita Key. A gorgeous little island with a lighthouse! It was so picturesque. When we got to the little beach there was a stingray in the water that hung around for a while so we could all check it out. The shells were also very plentiful and big. It was a fun experience to picnic on our own little island.

Vacation Continued...

2011-09-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

We went to Boca to brown up a bit...

Vacation!

2011-09-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! We got to vacation with the Fergusons! They were in Florida for WDW and decided to come south to visit us. We went on an airboat ride and visited the adjoining zoo. Lauri sweet talked Gator Tim into giving us a private gator show. It was so fun, everything was sooo fun!

SIX MONTHS OLD!!!!

2011-09-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Calli is six months old! She went to the doctors yesterday and weighs 13 lbs, 9 oz. She is between the 10th and 25th percentile for weight, she's at the 50th percentile for height and her head. She also has a new trick....she can sit! She has tried all sorts of baby food and can drink from a bottle but sometimes chooses not to ;). It is fun to see how thrilled each of the older kids get whenever she learns something new. She brings a lot of laughter and joy to our house. Happy half birthday beautiful!

News

2011-09-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

So I've sat down several times to write this post and just don't know how to go about it. This month has been a MONTH and it's only half over. I got mastitis a couple of weeks ago after suffering from a sinus thing. Mastitis was worse than any flu I've ever had. I had fever and chills for days. Sooo cold that I took baths in the hottest water our faucet would spit out just to warm up, and then proceed to sweat through everything I owned. Like I said, I've never been that sick. I'm tired of being sick. Am I that person that's just always going to have something weird going on? I mean, in the last two years I've been to the ER at least four times for myself and nothing baby related. I even rode in an ambulance once. I've gotten CAT scans and MRI's, I've done physical therapy and taken major drugs. I'm tired of it. I was always the kid who had something going on. There was one stretch as a kid that I was taking something everyday for a long time...I don't remember what was wrong with me then but when we moved and the table was taken down a whole lot of pills fell out of the little rails underneath. If someone was going to get ring worm or warts...it was me. If someone was going to be plagued with varicose veins or poor eye sight, I got the lion's share.

So here is why I am writing this very negative sounding post. My Aunt Carol was diagnosed in June with cancer. She passed away about two months later. She was FULL OF LIFE. I'm talking the very happy, dynamic, fun, bright, sunshine, kooky, loving kind of person. The person everyone wanted to be around and be more like. She was 46.

So I was able to go to her funeral and I came away thinking, 'what if my health just keeps getting worse?' Have I lived life happily and to the fullest? Maybe I should be less rigid with the kids, and more spontaneous. I mean, I think going to the library is a monumental effort and that I'm such a good mom to get everyone there and back. What kind of life is that?

I know we should not live in fear. Heavenly Father does not want us to live in fear. My aunt couldn't have detected her cancer(still not comforting). But she must have somehow been prompted to know because she did all those spontaneous things. She threw big parties, goofy parties, her daughter's tooth fairy had a name and wrote detailed letters about tooth furniture, she went on many cruises, and she filled her life with charity...she really, really lived. So am I just going to be rigid and scheduled and worry about money until I am crippled in bed?

I want to really live and I want to people to say at my funeral that I LIVED and LAUGHED and was LOVING.

Take a breath parental units...you know me, baby steps will have to suffice as far as change.

Anyway, that has been bouncing around in my head. That and grief. I know not everything is about me but since I write this blog my thoughts are eventually going to be written =). Anyway, love you Aunt Carol, thanks for inspiring some changes for good in my life!

The other people in my life have had it hard. I have been so moody since the funeral. I am fighting a fear I think and I hope that with time it will dispell.

Calli has been really hard lately...maybe she has ear issues from the plane, maybe she's just voicing her opinion now. Whatever the case I have had the word 'she-devil' cross my mind a few times this week. She is eating baby food better...she hates formula and bottles and pacifiers so I guess we may go straight to sippy cups. She has been cat napping lately and I need to get out my babywise book and see what's going on. She is kind of clapping now but I'm not sure if she's aware of it yet.

Derek is loving his preschool. He recognizes the other kids are younger and that is hard but he still enjoys it.

May is doing well in first grade and is much faster on her bike this year than she was last year.

Bryant was moved to a different area for safety patrol and seems to think his new area is great. He works really hard on his homework.

Emma is playing the flute in band but complains that she doesn't have enough air for a whole note. Her favorite teacher is her Critical Thinking teacher AKA her reading teacher....big surprise. We are in the thick of preparing for the Primary Program at church. We asked Emma what her part was and she said, "I'm supposed to bear my testimony and tell about the third version." HMMMM, I think I would also like to know about this third version, it sounds very interesting. AHHHH!

Brett will be involved in a big project at work all month. He, thankfully, was able to stay home for two of the weeks and will travel the others.

The Best thing this month is that I am officially the Sunbeam teacher! YAY! Best job at church. I love the YW but the Sunbeam lessons are like eight pages long with activities and songs, fingerplays and stories and the subject matter is simple and fun. Compare that to the three pages of serious matters in the YW lessons you can see why my mind might appreciate the Sunbeam calling right now.

Sorry if this is a bummer of a post, you can see why I waited and waffled. But it didn't seem right not to mention Aunt Carol or not to mention why I've not written lately. That's why. Now, I've got to go to sleep because I've got a cold...I'm not kidding....grrrrrr.

Derek's first day of Preschool

2011-09-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

Derek had his first day of preschool today. He said, "mom, we played and ran and ate snack." And I said, "what?" Then he decided to add, "and learned?" He had a great time. His shirt is wet from fixing his hair. He took great pains to create this look and we think he looks terrific!

Peaches

2011-09-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Calli tried peaches for the first time this last week. She loved them soooo much that Bryant and i took a video of her but we were giggling so much during the video that it was hard to hear all of the 'umming and ahhing' that she made. The sleeping picture is after school pick up one day. Soooo cute!

A New Car!!!

2011-09-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

We got a new ride at our house! Emma is a bit miffed that Calli got a car before she did but we told her Calli is our favorite ;).

A Couple Funnies

2011-09-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Bryant in reference to his Safety Patrol duties: "Dad, I don't have any powers once I leave the school. I mean, my powers leave me when I get to the sidewalk." AND another day he said so and so was doing such and such..."should I write them up dad?"

Derek said, "Mom, I do not like sin, he's a bad guy."
Me, "you mean Satan?"
D, "no, Sin. You know, (singing this next part) SCRIPTURE POWER! KEEPS ME SAFE FROM SIN! See? Sin's a bad guy."

Derek and Calli on the first day of school

2011-08-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Derek and Calli rode in the bike trailer on the first day of school to pick up the kids. Calli seemed to enjoy her ride and Derek enjoyed being in charge of her!

There's A New Sheriff in Town!

2011-08-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

I'm watching YOU!

Bryant's one wish this year was to be on safety patrol. He is so excited to do whatever it is that safety patrollers do. And today he got his shot. It started thundering and lightning right when school let out, he was by the bike rack when a huge thunderclap scared him spitless and he ran back to his classroom (in his defense, the thunderclaps here are really really loud and very terrifying so I always hustle indoors too). BUT he did help some other kids calm down by helping them sing "Rain rain go away" and he got some younger kids to the gathering point at the school to wait for their parents in the safety of the hall. We are proud of him for wanting to take on such an important responsibility. Just remember....he'll be watching.

First Day Of School August 22, 2011

2011-08-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Our first day of school, August 22, 2011. We had a great first day of school. Brett had come home at 2 in the morning from a business trip and the boys started their day at five something! They were all so excited to wear their new clothes, eat the cinnamon rolls I made for breakfast and visit with their dad. When I went out to bike with the kids to school my bikes tires were flat flat FLAT. So they went on ahead while I tried to inflate them, then gave up and went in the minivan. They were to the doors of the school by the time I caught up with them. Bryant came home thrilled with class and teacher and talked nonstop all afternoon about everything. May was still not happy that her friend wasn't in her class and said they spent a long time outside in the heat for PE. Emma caught a ride to school with Brett and was immediately swept up by friends. So quickly that neither Brett nor I got a chance to reiterate that she was to take the bus home. Thankfully, she got on the bus and made it home but I spent a half an hour going in and out the front door looking for her. She had much better color coming home than going! And, because it's Florida they all came home talking of Hurricane Irene that is threatening the FL coast this week....lovely.

School Bus {cake}

2011-08-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

We are soooo sick of cake around here so instead of our usual school bus cake we decided to use our imaginations to make a savory version. Alright, the kids were fine with having another cake...I just didn't think my waistline could handle another so we compromised and had crackers with frosting decor. I think it turned out great! And the kids practically licked the plate so it must've tasted ok.

Open Houses

2011-08-23T12:17:00.000-07:00


We had all the kids open houses on Friday, August 19. I took this picture...and forgot to get the camera out for the rest =). Emma will start school with 488 sixth graders. I don't know how many seventh and eighth. It was really {scary} for us. Once we were in the classroom with a smaller number of kids it felt a bit better. She has six periods and is in all advanced classes. May's open house was next. Her teacher is Mrs. Mills. She seemed really nice and May has class with a little neighbor boy. She wasn't happy her best friend wasn't in her class but seemed fine with the rest. Bryant got Mrs. Rubenstein. Her classroom was so great and well set up. She seems really warm and just the kind of teacher Bryant will really enjoy. We are very glad for him! He was really excited to get in her class.

Calli!

2011-08-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Our little photo shoot. Calli is five months old this month and we are just loving her. She rolls across the floor and gets stuck everywhere. She is loving her rice cereal and spends eating time "mmming" and giggling.

Derek's Party!

2011-08-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

We had a party for Derek on Saturday and invited five little boys over to swim. They had a great time chasing toys around the pool, jumping in and just plain being boys. Then we played beach bingo, had a fish cake, went fishing for our goodie bags, shot targets with nerf guns, played a bit of pictionary...we had a lot of fun! Later that evening Brett took me out with the McOmbers to a restaurant called La Baracas (sp?). It is a tapas restaurant with a show. We had such a good time, the show was really great with a violinist and dancers that were really impressive. And then there was the food....YUM. Anybody who comes to visit will need to check this place out. It was great!

Rice anyone?A

2011-08-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

As soon as I started exercising again, Calli started waking up in the night again. So we decided to try a little rice cereal. She does not want anything to do with a bottle but really likes to eat from a spoon. She's eaten about a tablespoon each day so far. We'll slowly build on it in the next weeks and see if she'll sleep through the night again...please!

Look who's FIVE!

2011-08-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Derek! He wanted cheese pizza, pop, and an assortment of toasts for his dinner. Then he wanted 'tiny cupcakes'. It was a yummy dinner! We cannot believe he is five...he is losing his baby features and thinks it's funny when I beg him to stay little. We really enjoy him!

Sewing!

2011-08-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

I have been sewing! My sister made me a gorgeous bag a couple of years ago that I love so I thought I'd give it a try. This is a bag from the free pattern called 'Diana's Hobo'. It was fun to do and I'm excited to use it!

Derek's party is this Saturday-here is the invite we gave out and the goodie bag for the kids to take home with them. These were fun to make and I love these colors!

Family Home Evening

2011-08-02T12:13:00.000-07:00


The EQ planned a FHE night with the ward. Some possible reasons why Brett would help plan this excursion are as follows: 1) the Miami Dolphins combine two of Brett's favorite things: football and hunter's orange, 2) it's an excuse to tailgate and partake of bratwurst, and 3) family and friends. I've said it before and I will say it again, Brett is my favorite party planner. (please excuse the awful lack of hair...it's just not right to lose hair after having a baby, and it's not like I'm losing my gray hair, it's all the good stuff. Course the humidity doesn't help at all)

Bravest Boy ever!

2011-07-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

Look who got his kindergarten shots! On Monday, three of my children got shots. Calli, Derek and Emma. Derek went first and got four shots. He was amazing, he didn't even shed a tear! Then Calli got three and screamed for a minute. Emma was most surprising. She got two and was very...well, let's just say, full of anxiety? I think it was because she knew what was coming and that wasn't a good thing. She survived and did just fine...it just made me giggle that she was more concerned and nervous than Derek.

Shot day deserves to be softened by a trip to Yogurtland. The kids enjoyed their yogurts and felt sufficiently paid for their hard work that day.

This week Brett went to Boston for a few days. We attempted going to the beach without him and it wasn't very fun and didn't last long. I found out Wednesday that I would be released today from my calling as YW pres. I was sad but put on a brave face today. I immediately decided I would get a few sewing projects done with all my 'spare time' (HAHAHA). Brett was set apart and put back into the EQ, they have planned many activities involving guns. May gave a talk today in Primary about Temples. She read it for the first time on her own. She did so well but we did have a few concerns while we were practicing. She kept saying, "In the temple you make secret continents" instead of 'sacred covenants'. Every time! So I changed sacred to special and it seemed to do the trick..she said it perfectly today and was really proud of herself. Derek is on the countdown to his birthday. It's on Tuesday and for his birthday dinner he requested cheese pizza, pop and an assortment of toasts. Oh yeah, and 'little cupcakes' with rainbow fish on them. I talked him into swedish fish (phew) since I am not sure where to find rainbow fish. We have been enjoying the pool in the heat, even Calli likes it. It is sweltering hot here but still so pretty. The thunderstorms that come through have been magnificent. One night the thunder shook our house all night long...magnificent! (but leaves me tired!) And the sunsets are magazine worthy, so pretty. Wish me luck with my sewing!

Summer Living Part 3!

2011-07-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Cousins on the Allen side.

Gem shop at Vantage.

This is a shop with petrified wood and dinosaur bones and arrowheads...we also found some petrified coral from Florida!

Calli is 4 months old!!!! We can't believe it! She is the sweetest baby, so mellow and smiley. She laughed for the first time on June 25th at Grandma Allen's. Then she rolled over for the first time (fully) yesterday, July 23rd. We're in trouble now! We switched her to size 6mos clothing and think some of her headbands are getting too tight. So many fun new changes but I want her to stay little a bit longer...

Derek wanted to take a picture...

These two fell asleep holding hands. The quilt they are sleeping on was one of the projects my sister and sister in law and I worked on while home...it's a picnic blanket. It was super easy and I love the result! We had such a fun vacation. There was family, fishing, beach days, pool days, movies, lazy days, waterpark day, yummy food, sewing and crafting days, airsoft wars, and lots of fun. It was a perfect visit and we miss everyone already.

Summer Living Part 2!

2011-07-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

Visiting Great Grandma Walker

Four generations picture

Visiting Great Grandpa Walker at work at the gravel pit.

Grandpa Stevens

Brett trying to get some work in...awesome view!

Summer Living!

2011-07-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

Swimming in the Columbia River. Alright, there wasn't much swimming but we enjoyed the sunshine and the kids enjoyed exploring.

Posers.

We got to Washington just in time for cherry harvest, asparagus harvest, and raspberries...YUM! Farm living is DELICIOUS!

Grandpa and Grandma Stevens put in a huge new pool. It was a bit colder than what we were used to but the kids sucked it up and got in anyway. So many hours were spent in this pool with cousins...lazy summer days defined.


There was another draw for the boys this year. Everyone was equipped with an airsoft gun and the boys would get all bundled up (in 90 degree weather) and head out into the sagebrush for an airsoft war. They spent hours out there, then would come home, shed their armor and jump in the pool. Young boy's paradise!

Bryant Turns 10!!

2011-07-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

Bryant always has the best birthday parties because we get to be with cousins!!! He asked for a doughnut cake this year (same as last) and we all enjoyed it very much!

We love you Bryant, happy birthday!

Calli's Blessing Day!

2011-06-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2011
Calli received a name and a blessing today from her dad. Her blessing talked a lot about her calm spirit and how she will bless others because of her calm spirit. She was also blessed to have a healthy body to carry her through her life and blessed that she would be able to participate in the ordinances of the gospel so that she could return to her Heavenly Father. It was a lovely blessing. We are so grateful for the Priesthood and for the men who stood in her circle today to bless her. We had some families over for dessert tonight and had such a nice visit. After school gets out we'll all be here, there, and everywhere so it was nice to have some time to visit before that.

It was quite comical today, I had ward council and apparently got to miss the excitement this morning when the kids were getting ready for church. I had told them all I wanted them to look nice so that we could take a family picture at the chapel. Emma showed up with crazy hair (We had time so I ran her to the mother's lounge to redo it and she told me all the things she had to do to help May get ready this morning so she didn't have time to do her hair). May showed up in a velvet long sleeved Christmas Dress, and Derek showed up in the dirtiest, peanut buttery, markered on shirt I have ever seen. But, they showed up. We postponed picture taking until later so we could change.

Favorite Note

2011-06-02T18:43:00.001-07:00

On Sunday May sent me a note (down the pew) that said,"I love ol uv you". Gotta love those six year olds!!!

Memorial Day!

2011-06-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Calli's first boat ride...she was thrilled. I had to coax her to wake up to eat and then she wanted to go right back to sleep...all that wonderful rocking on the waves.

Our neighbors kindly took us out on their boat for the holiday. We went to a sand bar out by the Keys. This is a sand bar that turns into a boat city on holidays and weekends. There were hundreds of boats there, barbequing, playing music, and using water toys. It was a gorgeous day and absolutely relaxing!

The bridge to Key Biscayne.

The Miami skyline in the background.

If you are not familiar with big city marinas (like Brett and I) you will be fascinated by them. I remember in college having a friend tell me that they stored her dad's boat on a shelf...I don't know that I quite knew what she meant...but that is how you would describe it...they store the boats on shelves! When you would like to take your boat out you can call ahead and they will put it in the water for you. When you are done, they will take it out of the water and put it back on it's perch. Awesome.

Here is the boat we got to cruise around on...thanks Esteban and Marilola! And, you may recognize this (and the neighboring marina) as the marina featured in the final episode of 'The Amazing Race'. Pretty cool!

BOCA!

2011-06-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Calli's first time to the beach...she had a great time until the very end when 'nobody' accidentally got sand on her. That 'nobody' is very busy at our house and must have followed us to the beach! She was such a good sport and didn't complain. Next time maybe she'll get in the water...it is soooo warm she'd really like it I think.

There's our fish. I watched him take several waves right in the face, all of which looked like they went right up his nose, but it didn't seem to phase him. He must've figured out how to blow out his nose when they hit. At any rate, he's an animal out there and a joy to watch!

Another perfect day at the beach....

Derek's Preschool Graduation 2011

2011-06-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

The whole gang: Derek, Izzie, Kline, Lauren, Ben, Cassidy, Ham, and Brynli. KEY-UTE!

"Just tip me over and pour me out..."

Derek had a great year in preschool!

May's Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the graduate! She had a super cute graduation program: we looked at her 'Kindergarten Memories' book, watched a photo slide show, and then they performed two adorable songs. She has had a wonderful year and loved her teacher and classmates, what more could you ask for?

NUMBER ONE!!!

2011-05-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

As you can see, we just had our Cub Scout's Pinewood Derby. After a very eventful morning, and lots of stress with the car (poor Brett), Bryant came out victor after winning all six of the heats he was in! What a great day! He said, "It was kinda nice to win." He was thrilled with the first place prize of a Hot Wheels car wash. Great job Bryant!!!

Update

2011-05-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give you a look at the cheeks happening around here...We have been busy and it seems our calendar is filling up fast with all of the school events and doctor appointments we're trying to get in before summer. This week I have decided I'm officially brainless. Monday I flooded our Master bathroom when I forgot to turn off a faucet. While cleaning that disaster up I forgot an eye appointment. Tuesday I forgot Brett was going out of town, so I forgot to get a sitter for our evening events. Luckily, a neighbor came to our rescue and I got Emma to her middle school orientation just to find out that I forgot Bryant had scouts! Wednesday I burnt sausage (turkey sausage stinks even when not burned so this was extra disgusting), then I turned around and burned eggs. I am really on a roll. I did get our Easter decorations down so that was progress...

Here Calli is in her bumbo!

Isn't this picture the coolest!?!?!? As you can see, Derek is taking swim lessons. He loves it!

Derek decided he wanted to take some pictures this morning...Yikes!

Look at the picture he took of May, cute girl! May has had a lot of trouble with her hair now that it is swimming season. She woke up one morning with a knot the size of a walnut in it. So she got a haircut and we're trying new shampoos and conditioners to see if we can keep her from going bald by summers end. Saturday Brett took the boys deep sea fishing. They had a wonderful time but weren't successful in bringing anything home. Emma and May had play dates. I overheard May tell her friend, "My favorite song is Justin Beaver." HEEHEE. Derek is very vocal in the car. Friday he told me that he wanted to drive a semi when he grows up and that Emma needs to find someone to marry. I told him she has a long time until then. He thought about that then said, "I have a longer time than her." Yes you do. Then he said, "I'm not going to marry one of those messy girls or girls who are INmodest." It was so cute! Four year olds are the greatest!

Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Happy mother's day to all moms! At this very moment my little lovelies (and my lovely husband) are in making me dinner. I was served breakfast in bed...monkey bread, blueberries and sunrise drink. Delicious!! They each gave me thoughtful cards and gifts. Brett sent me flowers and chocolates and bath time salts. And I got to take a nap before church and not get after anyone to get ready to go. It was delightful!!! I put a new black and white shirt on and Bryant said, "you look like a zebra." May said, "you look like a white and black tiger" and I told them, "I'm actually an escaped inmate so take it easy!" Derek was quoted in our sacrament meeting: he was asked about his mom and he said, "She's really good at playing UNO, a fun game. And she's good at making Bob but she came out a girl so we named her Calli." Now we are waiting for friends to come over for dinner...this is by far the BEST mother's day EVER!!!

Smiles!

2011-05-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

Calli's 'fascinator' in lieu of the Royal Wedding.

For our 13th anniversary we went to Texas De Brazil- and enjoyed major meat and cheese. Delicious!

Easter Pictures April 24, 2011

2011-04-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a lovely Easter meeting and a good Easter dinner. Happy Easter to all of our loved ones!

Easter Morning

2011-04-27T10:12:00.000-07:00


7 am: "Good Morning! Happy Easter! If I find any wrappers on the floor I will take a candy from each of your baskets and I like chocolate ones...." I know, I'm awful...at least I said Happy Easter first, I almost forgot to. The kids had fun looking for their baskets and eating lots of candy.

Decorating Easter Eggs

2011-04-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

We decorated Easter Eggs: glittery ones, crazy hair ones, crazy face ones, and pretty ones. They all turned out great. Why isn't Bryant here? He helped decorate until the neighbor boys wanted to play basketball, then our activity was no longer fun...it's as it should be, he is a boy. We were given a really nice basketball hoop by one of Brett's friends. Bryant has clocked many hours on it thanks in part to Jimmermania. There is nothing that says 'childhood' more to me than my boy coming in after hours of play, hot, sweaty and hungry for something. I'm so glad he enjoys being outside even in the Florida humidity and heat!

Calli at one month old!

2011-04-16T12:48:00.000-07:00


There's something about sleeping babies and diapered bottoms that is so blissful. This week I've finally accepted that Calli is a very spitty baby. She also has a grumpy time in the evening. BUT she started smiling this week...can I tell you how sweet baby smiles are? I'm not sure if she's knows she's doing it yet but it melts my heart no matter. She has been sleeping a five hour stretch at night and last night I got a six hour stretch (this may or may not have been because I didn't hear when she woke up....whoops!). She is growing blissfully chubby in the cheek area and I can tell she can see better each day. She has grown out of her delicious newborn outfits to my great dismay and her umbilical cord finally fell off. She has her month old appointment on Monday and I'm excited to see how much she's grown. Alright, I have more than one child so we are due for an update on the others. Emma and Bryant both had the dreaded state testing this week. I actually enjoyed the week without homework for them! They tried to get the rest they needed and Bryant got up a half hour early each day on his own. Brett and I tried to drag ourselves from bed to be of assistance but weren't very successful. Bryant's teacher called two Mondays ago to tell us that he is doing really well, he's worked really hard and is making terrific progress and will probably pass the FCAT. All great news, all things I've had nervous breakdowns about. We were thrilled with the news so we went to Yogurtland to celebrate (ps, don't get the honeycomb tart flavor, it's yucky). He also got to pick a Lego set as reward. May finished up her school swim lessons and had a great time. She did not like to have homework when the big kids did not. Derek loved the visit from Uncle Nate this week. Uncle Nate came for one day and Derek kept him busy and his ears busy. He and Nate enjoyed watching Swamp people together and made a goal to call each other about it sometime. Derek was soooo chatty and Nate was so great to enjoy him. It was a fun visit. We also all got to go back to church this past week...why so early? Because I couldn't stand to stay home one more Sunday with my sick family-it was not a break for me at all. So off we went. The baby slept through all of church but the big kids had a harder time behaving for some reason. One child drew a smiley face on another childs forehead, not good. It was a tough Sunday, we needed naps after. And now May is fighting off a pretty good fever...ugh. What now?!?! Here we go. CALLI'S ONE MONTH APPOINTMENT: 9 lbs 3 oz (75%), 21 inches long!

Calli at three weeks

2011-04-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

Loves taking pictures, kind of reminds me of what I look like in the mirror in the mornings, and afternoons...alright, all the time.

Picture of the hair...

I'm glad I made it a goal to do this every Wednesday because otherwise, I haven't got the camera out. As you can see she is growing! I hurried to get her hospital pictures out because they are already outdated! She is doing what all babies do, eat, sleep, cry a little, poop a lot. We are enjoying her!

kid-isms

2011-04-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today Derek popped his head into the kitchen, "are you making something delicious?"
What does he expect me to say to that?

We were at the park talking to another gal who was holding her (adorable) baby. Derek took one look and said, "Our baby's cuter than yours." And in case the mother didn't hear (I tried to talk over him) he said louder, "OUR BABY IS CUTER THAN YOURS!" {crickets} Me, "heh, heh, all babies are cute Derek...} I'm not quite on my game or I would've tried to think of something else to say but was stumped in the moment.

Late one night the baby was crying and Derek came from his room, "mom, why is Baby Calli crying?"
"Because she is hungry."
"Oh, she eats little tiny pieces of bread."

"May, did you know Baby Calli eats from here?" Points to the middle of his chest.
May: "Oh, I thought she ate from here" Points to her armpit.

Brett took the boys to get some fishing gear a few months ago. Derek has not forgotten. This last week was the last straw, he went to Brett and put out his hand like a lawyer giving his last statement in court and said, "If you buy fishing stuff, you've got to go fishing." Can't argue with that logic....

Derek sitting down to watch a movie with the family, "Make sure to not bother me during the movie."

Brett "Go brush your teeth."
Bryant "I don't have a toothbrush."
Brett "Where is your toothbrush?"
Bryant "I can't find it, I've had to use my finger."
Brett "How long has it been lost?' (this may or may not have been said with some excitement)
Bryant "Only a day?" We hope so!

And one I wish I hadn't heard..."Who pooped on the stairs?" Don't ask.

Calli's Hospital Picture

2011-04-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

Calli at one day old.

Calli at two weeks

2011-04-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

Calli has grown a whole pound this week! She has started to grunt really loud when she messes her pants...it makes the five year old in me laugh. She is still eating well and has some four hour stretches at night that I appreciate. She has a little baby rash on her cheeks this week probably due to something I shouldn't have eaten. The gray polka dot outfit is my favorite...but if she grows a pound a week it won't fit long!

Checkup: 7 lbs 14 oz (25 %), 20 in long (50%)

Baby Shower

2011-04-01T04:19:00.000-07:00

Aunt Suzie and family sent us a baby shower in a box! It came with all the party necessities inside and instructions for each of the kids on how to throw a shower. It was a lot of fun to put together and we enjoyed it very much!

Calli at one week

2011-03-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

So we've had a week to get to know Callie and so I thought I'd write down some of what we've learned:
She is very content when she's awake and spends her time looking around. She sticks her tongue out a lot. She likes to sleep so awake time has to be worked at. She does not like mom to eat any chocolate whatsoever or she will stay up at night to protest. She can be hard to burp at times. She can sleep through the other kids' noise amazingly enough. The pictures with the white stuffed animal above were when she was hungry...I don't know what her mom was thinking. Love her!

First Week checkup: 6 lbs 12 oz, 19 1/2 inches (Back to birth weight)

Grandma and Calli

2011-03-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

These two just sitting around during awake time...

Calli

2011-03-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

Calli after first sponge bath at home. Some of the following pictures may seem similar...I just couldn't choose.

Calli and her flower...

Her double chins...

her kissy lips...

and

her telling me it's time to be done with pictures for now...=).

Relaxing at the Hospital

2011-03-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

Calli and I both enjoyed our hospital stay. I know most people can't wait to get home but I do not. I know, once I go home, this special time between Calli and I will have to adjust to a very busy life. I also love hospital food, love that I don't have to cook, clean or discipline...just eat, rest, and love Calli.

March has been a very hard month for us. Brett had two working trips, one the week before Calli was born. I was so mad that he was going...but in reality, it wasn't that I didn't understand why he needed to go, it was that I was scared of having a baby without him and being mad was easier. Now, I am surrounded by a wonderful ward and neighbors that would've helped me had I gone into labor but there's always that worry that you'll go into labor and you won't be able to reach anyone. And then there's the school and it's rules about when you can come and get your kids, what if I had gone into labor and there was no way to get word to the kids? Obviously, none of this happened and we can put those worries behind us. But then there was the sickness. Brett came home sooo sick from his trip, Derek and May were both sick with a cough. They all went to the doctor's to get on antibiotics before the baby came and the kids seemed to improve, but Brett did not. He got worse until finally, the day after Calli came home, he went to the doctors again and found he had bronchitis. He wasn't to be around the baby for at least 48 hours. Luckily, he had been keeping his distance from her already in the hospital. We are ready to be done with the sicknesses so we can enjoy the baby together. It was sad to bring the baby home then tell all the kids to stay back. Brett has done what he can even feeling as crappy as he does, poor guy. Thank goodness my mom is here, and that she, Calli, and I are well. We three have managed alright thanks to mom more than anything. We're glad to have sent Bryant and May back to school today and hopefully Emma tomorrow or the next. We just might make it!

Calli is born!

2011-03-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Callista Brooklyn Stevens

March 16, 2011

6:43 pm

6 lbs 12 oz

19 1/2 inches

Here's our family. So blessed!

May is SIX!!!

2011-03-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Birthday Girl! May got to open a gift at breakfast. She chose the gift from the Morrisons, a craft kit perfect for our Spring Break day!

May also wanted to go swimming at the Community Pool. After a while our fun neighbors showed up to swim too. May also saw her friend from school, Caroline. It was a fun outing!

May wanted German Pancakes for breakfast, pizza, peaches, carrots and pop for dinner. Here's the spread.

She chose to have rainbow deocrated cupcakes for candles and singing. YUM!!!

Her favorite gift was rollerblades. Here's Emma helping her train on them! We also had a special visitor for May's birthday...Grandma Allen! What a fun day!

An outing to the park

2011-03-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Our family has had a series of coughs and colds roll through. We were feeling major cabin fever last Sunday so we headed to a local park for sanity. This particular park holds model boat races every Sunday and we happened to land there just in time to see them. It was a beautiful sunshiney day and a relaxing sight to see.

May Celebrates At School

2011-03-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Because May's Birthday lands during Spring Break we brought doughnuts in to her class on Friday. Derek and I got to eat lunch with her class and share in the fun (very LOUD fun) of the cafeteria. I was pretty impressed with the fare: steamed broccoli, pizza, apple and carrots. Of course, there was a lot that didn't get eaten: steamed broccoli and carrots esp. Anyhow, she felt very special and had a good lunch.

Belly Shot

2011-03-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my nine month belly. This has been the hardest pregnancy yet. I'm ready to be done being pregnant but not sure if I'm ready for a new born. The kids and Brett seem to think this pregnancy has gone by so fast...figures.

On Thursday the gals in my ward held a baby shower at Sweet Tomatoes. It was yummy and we had a fun night out chatting. They gave me a lot of cute things and things to fill in all the missing pieces in our nursery. I'm so grateful for our ward.

Here we go!

Flag Football Ends

2011-03-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

Bryant finished up his flag football season with a touchdown catch! We enjoyed watching him play and have fun.

Derek's Field Trip to the Everglades Zoo

2011-03-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Derek got to go to the Everglades Recreational Park with his preschool on Tuesday. He had fun seeing all the alligators with his buddies.

Getting Ready for Baby

2011-03-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

The star of the show isn't here yet but I wanted to show you the crib bedding etc. Mom's quilt got here yesterday and is gorgeous!! If I could I would hang the baby clothes all over the walls too because they are sooo adorable. But I am sure they will be cuter on her...let's hope I'm awake enough to remember to take pictures then!

Confession

2011-02-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

Confession: I lost my camera battery charger and missed some really important highlights...so hopefully this will help:

Bryant is STUDENT OF THE MONTH for February! He was chosen to represent the month with the characteristic of Honesty. It was fun to go and see him on School TV and receive his award at an assembly...Great job!

Bryant earned his WOLF and BEAR badges in cub scouts. We enjoyed a fabulous Blue and Gold Banquet and are glad for his desire to participate and accomplish goals!

We are so sad not to have pictures for these significant events...boo.
In other news, I did order a charger so that we'll have one for when the baby comes...
The other day my neighbors begged me away from dinner prep and surprised me with a pile of baby gifts! They are so thoughtful and are so kind to think of me.

One of the moms was explaining to her 3 yr old that there was a baby in my tummy. The little girl put her hand on my tummy and asked, "did you ate her?" Hilarious! You cannot make this stuff up. Derek asked me the other day if the baby was going to come out my elbow. I told him no, and he didn't ask any more questions...not sure where to go from there I guess.

Flag FootballSpecat

2011-02-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

The little kids aren't the best spectators but they find fun things to do...they color, race, pick up trash...

Bryant and his team. He is getting better and better and enjoying the boys on his team.

I guess I should've gotten some action shots, they do more than just walking around, I promise!

Derek's Preschool Valentines Party

2011-02-27T19:37:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to put in a few pictures of Derek's preschool group run by my sweet friend Jenni. He loves it and would go every day if it was available.

Chocolate Cake

2011-02-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

Yummy chocolate cake....and a delicious kid to share it with! He helped me make a chocolate cake for the kids on the day they were bringing home their grades. All of them are doing well and absolutely deserved cake!

Pictures of Fun Club Obstacle Course

2011-02-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

Emma and friends arranged a fantastic Fun Club one Saturday complete with obstacle course and awards!

Heart Attack

2011-02-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

So cute, right?!?! Thanks to Emma getting up early on Valentines and decorating our door...so sweet!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

We woke up to a decorated door, Emma heart attacked us! It was cute and I'll add a pic of it soon. Brett and I got away on Saturday for a lovely dinner. It was fun to go to a restaurant and not visit the bathroom several times or go look at the fish tank or wipe up any spills....dating is fun and a much needed break from being mom.

We are just busy doing our things...Emma with school and tennis, Bryant with school and football, May with school and massive homework, and Derek with Preschool and mess making. I have gotten very little sleep thanks to heartburn and restless leg syndrome. I look forward to the weekends where I can take a sleeping pill and try to catch up. I think I've got the heartburn under control thankfully but am very careful with what I eat near the end of the day.

I was helping May with her homework. I was going to write something for her to copy...and she told me, "okay, but don't write it in sign language!" OK, I promise I won't.

We have a date scheduled for an induction....St Patrick's Day! March 17. It will be fun to have a good reason to celebrate on that day. I am not a fan of St Pat's Day since the Spokane St Pat's Day Parade...it was not a kids parade and I was sad we wasted our time. SOOOOOO, we are glad to have a great reason to celebrate on that day and no, we will not name her Patricia. She is very active these days and has the hiccups two or three times a day. In her last ultrasound she reminded me of May. I am still working on the nursery so I just can't bare to take any pics until it is done. I have finished the crib bedding and it is wild, but I think the room needs it since we can't paint the walls. I repainted a lamp for the nightstand and took down all the older girls decor to move around and rearrange. Who knows, maybe I will wait for mom to get here and help me decide where to put everything.

We got a present for Valentines Day but I am not allowed to say. But Derek does not know how to keep a secret so you may want to give him a call and ask.

Gardening, fun club, and football

2011-02-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

So, here is the bounty from our garden...jealous? One cherry tomato and I don't think it was off a cherry tomato bush. Brett saw this and said, 'and you think my hobbies are expensive?' Gardening here is really hard, even with year round warmth. The soil is cruddy so I have had to resort to the ugly upside down hanging planters. The foliage was thriving but no fruit. Then one day there was this little gem and the foliage was dying. It was like a last ditch effort. I am not sure what else to do...besides take down the eyesores. However, our geraniums are loving this weather and blossoming. I hope they taste yummy in time of need...

Emma has a fun club for the neighborhood kids and yesterday held a field day. It was fun to watch them run routes, jump hurdles, carry eggs, spin, slide, etc. They even held a rewards ceremony. I'll post pictures of it later. Then they all went swimming...yes swimming. It was too cold to stay in very long but I was impressed they got in.

Bryant had a flag football game earlier. Sadly, they did not prevail but it was a good game and Bryant caught his first pass! He came to the sidelines and said, 'I got some kids' flags off, I don't know why I couldn't before'. Awesome.

Today I had ward council. Being pregnant I was sweltering hot and then amidst my trying to cool off, I got heartburn...which for me means burping....a LOT. I felt sooooo bad for the people sitting next to me. I was dying. After I had to race to the bathroom and try to cool off...it was embarassing. Just six more weeks....

New Beginnings

2011-02-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

This week was mostly about getting ready for and executing New Beginnings. It was a special night for us because Emma was invited to attend as one of the incoming beehives of 2011!!! Can you believe she will be 12 in October?!?! We can't. The YW worked hard on posters and invitations and skits for the special night. It turned out so nice. I got to give some mini bios about the girls and thought I'd post Emma's here:

This new beehive was born with a lot of brown hair that stuck staight up and never held a bow or headband very well.
She is the oldest of four, almost five.
She loves to read and reread books.
When she was nine her dad brought a puzzle home from work that his coworkers and he took all day to solve. He flippantly promised her a thousand dollars if she could solve it. She solved it in less than 5 minutes. He has put a promissory note in her piggy bank that he will pay one thousand dollars into her college fund when the time comes. She is always up for a challenge.
She like to organize projects and has put together a neighborhood fun club for the little kids.
She wants to be a teacher like her grandmother when she grows up.
She loves school, piano, and time with friends.
She is a great example to her siblings of kindness and doing what's right.

It was a special night for us.

End of January 2011

2011-01-31T13:54:00.000-08:00

We spent the last days of the reunion relaxing and recovering from some food poisoning. After the cousins left I couldn't get the kids to do much, they were so weepy from missing their cousins.

We got home really early on Tuesday morning (1:30). Emma and Bryant had things they needed to turn in so off they went to school. May had picked up a cold so we let her sleep in some. I don't know how the big kids did it, I had to go back to bed after they left! May woke up with a fever around 10:30. Derek slept in until noon! We got unpacked and laundry done.

Wednesday May didn't have a fever so we sent her to school. The school called around noon saying she was in the sick room...and that she was falling asleep as we speak. I went to pick her up and she was zonked out in the clinic. She slept all afternoon and woke up with a fever again. The next morning she complained of ear pain so we headed off to the pediatrician. Poor girl. She is on the mend although she is still very sleepy.

Wednesday night the YW threw a surprise baby shower for me and two other YW leaders! They made us yummy desserts and cute fleece blankets! They played baby shower games and had a Q&A. They mostly wanted to hear about our dating lives...not our theories on mothering (go figure!). It was fun to tell about how Brett proposed, I still marvel at his creativity and at how perfect it was.

The kids are slowly adjusting to being back to school. I finished the crib bumpers and am now working on the dust ruffle. Brett put the baby's dresser together with help from Emma and Bryant and unsolicited help from Derek (he shoved some parts into holes and it took Brett a lot of time to pull them out). It was fun to put her clothes into it and try to organize a bit.

Bryant started flag football and his team won their first game by one point! It was a nail biter. Emma started tennis today.

And here comes February!!!

More Family Reunion January 2011

2011-01-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

This was seen in route to Disney. Its made from flowers, so pretty!

We had a wonderful time and were so glad to see all the cousins! I had more pictures but they are refusing to upload properly...

More Family Reunion January 2011

2011-01-27T17:42:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Allen took all the girls out to eat at Ariel's Grotto. A fancy lunch with all the princesses. We had a yummy meal and had a fun time posing with all the princesses.

I told them to put their arms around each other and boy did they respond! Those two little ones truly miss living closer to each other. They are such good buddies. These three and baby Gage hung out with me while the others went on Tower of Terror...or as Derek calls it the "Tyler of Tara".

We had a good laugh on the Monsters Inc ride. One ride May and Derek were next to each other and Roz said, "Little girl in the second seat, is that your brother next to you?" She said yes. Roz said, "I thought so, you both have eyes." Then when the parents car came by Roz accused Brett of making googly eyes at her, we got a good laugh at that.

More to come tomorrow....