Lessons

Things I've learned, and relearned, this week:

1. I shouldn't whine about people being sick. It will only get worse.
2. Six people can have stomach issues at the same time. Trust me.
3. Five year old girls love Kindergarten. Elise has come home every day with a new story to tell. Her favorite part has been recess, of course. She sits at the Green Office (table), and loves carpooling with her friends.
   
4. My older kids are old enough to load the dishwasher. This may seem really late in Hailey's life to be realizing it, I know. The older three have been unloading it for quite awhile, it was just always a fight whenever I suggested they load it. Greg showed them how to do it and I am so happy!
5. Sometimes the Lord gives us more than we can handle on our own. It's then that we have to have faith that He will give us the strength to carry our burdens.
   
6. We eat a lot of food. Last night I was out of ideas for dinner and made eggs, bacon and toast. I cooked an entire package of bacon and toasted half a loaf of bread. We scrambled six eggs, hard boiled six and used three for an omelet for Greg. That's 15 eggs in one meal! And if there had been more, the boys would have eaten them! You may be saying, "Well, there are 7 of you." Yes, there are, and I've always known that; but it was never more apparent that our grocery bill will do nothing but increase than it was last night.
7. Be sure to rinse a pan that you've cooked bacon in really well before you put it in the dishwasher. Otherwise everything comes out coated in lovely black specks.
   
8. On average I wash 343 articles of clothing a week. This is including socks, underwear, pj's etc. And that's not including towels, sheets, et al. Granted, some days Hailey's clothes aren't dirty, and Greg sends his shirts to the cleaners. But the little ones get everything dirty and I do too. Count how many individual pieces your family goes through, it'll shock you.
   
9. Having a decent night's sleep can work wonders on your attitude.
   
10. I am a very blessed woman that has an amazing husband, fantastic kids and a great group of friends.
    

Happy Birthday Kylee!

I just wanted to tell my little sister Kylee how much I love her and that I hope she had a wonderful birthday! She is such a kind and thoughtful person and my kids are crazy about their Auntie Lee. We love you!

A bit of whining on my part

It's been a long week. I was so excited to tackle my garage this week, having two less kids around. But, wouldn't you know it, the fates have decided I needed my patience tested. We have been to the pediatrician three times in five days. Elise and Rachel both have ear infections and all three young ones have pink eye on top of it. Of course when we were there on Monday for Rachel, the other two were fine, the doctor even checked. But Tuesday had us back for Elise and today for Seth. Oh, and Rachel decided to throw up Wednesday night, so that made for a fun night.

I know I am feeling sorry for myself, but I had big plans this week! Instead, I have had a 15 month old that won't let me out of her site and follows me around crying and whining when I set her down. *Sigh* Here is to hoping this weekend will be better.......

First Day of School

I am sure yesterday mom's throughout Utah said "Hallelujah!". I know I did! Not that I don't love my kids and enjoy their company, but three straight months of "I'm bored!", "Trent hit me!" and "Hailey is bossing me around!", get very old. Therefore, it was with great joy that I dropped off the two older kids at school yesterday. (Elise will start Kindergarten next week.) I am feeling very guilty for writing what I just did, so to make myself feel like a better mom, I'll tell you about the fun morning we had.

Every year on the first day of school, we make homemade donuts for breakfast. I put sugar, cinnamon/sugar and powdered sugar in three separate bags. The kids pick the freshly-fried gooey-goodness they want and put it in a bag and shake, shake, shake. Then they pig out. (I make them eat fruit along with their donuts. I'm not a totally bad mom.) They look forward to this tradition all year long! My mom started doing this when I was young, and I love it that my kids enjoy it so much. After that they got all spiffied up and we took pictures outside. They were bouncing to go, so we went a little early.

When they came home, they were so excited about their day. Hailey is in 6th grade and Trent in 3rd this year, I can't believe it. They each have great teachers and I am so happy about that. Here's hoping for a great school year!

What flavor are you?

I had to post this, it's too funny! You have to read the whole description of it, it is totally me. How do they do that????? Rocky Road is my favorite flavor, too. Thanks, Christie!

Date Nights

Greg and I got to go on TWO dates this past week. One date is more than usual, so two is almost unheard of! We went to Tucanos for his birthday (we went a day early because of Back to School night), and then on Saturday we went to dinner with Debbie and Tarl to Bajio's.

Debbie is in my book group, and our husband's had only 'met' while playing XBox Live. When they finally met face to face, Greg said "Well, we've killed people together, we're already bonded." or something like that. We had such a good time! They are both so much fun and it was nice to be with other adults. As much as Greg and I love each other, we need some interaction with other couples, too! I am sure that won't be the last time we go out together, we had too much fun. Plus, the guys are bonded even more now. Although I am afraid we scared them with stories of pre-pubesent girls and all of the stuff they have to look forward to. :)

Trent's baptism

We've been having issues with our camera, so I wanted to wait until I could get some photos on here to tell the world: Trent was baptized two weeks ago, on August 2nd! He was so excited that morning. He was also very happy that my mom was able to be here. She had been in California for her dad's funeral and wasn't sure if she'd make it. He was baptized along with Katlyn West and Katie Duncan from his class. Greg's dad spoke on baptism. He was also confirmed that day. When he was done, he kept smiling and hugging Greg and I. It was so cute.

Everyone came back to our house for lunch and we had a great time. He was lucky to have so many people there that love him: Nana, Grandma and Grandpa Poulton, Poppy Steve and Marissa, Uncle Jeff and Lily and Chase, Uncle Topher, Uncle Gavin and Adie, Aunt Ginger, Uncle Wendell and 7 of their kids.

We are so proud of you, Trent.