Sickness

EE looks rather happy in this picture but he hasn't left that spot all day long. He is so sick. He is so sick that he isn't even complaining. He just sits there and watches cartoons. It has been nice because I am sick too. Normally if I am sick, it doesn't matter because this little guy is always going, but this day was nice because I got to rest.

Shadrach is sick too but doing much better than everyone else. Because of his Asthma, they often put him on a steroid to get over his colds because he coughs himself into asthma attacks. I feel asleep during Enoch's nap time. Shadrach is such an awesome boy. He is so good and so responsible I can let him do his own thing and he always makes good decisions. When I woke up, I noticed he had little read dots all over him. ( You can barely see them) When I asked him what happened, he didn't know. We finally figured out that while I was sleeping he poured himself a glass of sugar free cool aid and it splashed every where. He cleaned up the counters, but didn't realize it was on his face, foot, and hand. ( and yes I am watching the Cobert Report in the background - the best show ever)

Poor Ali has been board out of her mind with everyone sick. No one can come over, and we can't go anywhere. You might be asking why she has a piece of paper stuck to her face. I didn't need to ask. I knew right away. (Mothers and daughters think a like) It is her microphone. She was singing Justin Bieber(sp) for the umteenth time. She can't hold a mic because that would mess up her dance moves, so she has one of those ones that are on your face. :)

Cousin Zoe came for the day

Presidency day was a fun day. Zoe came to play. Ali had school but Shad did not. This is a big group pile up they thought was fun.

They all decided to march around the house. I thought about keeping Ali home from school but didn't. She got to play with Zoe for an hour before school and then over 2 hours after school. I think I made a good choice. Shadrach and Zoe had fun playing together the rest of the time.

Dance Party. We always have "dance parties" when people come over. It doesn't make a mess, and it wears them out. :)

Shadrach- 2005

The fall of 2005 was very stressful. I think the most stressful time in my life so far. We had just moved to Lebanon. We mistakenly thought it would only take 2 weeks to fix our house up enough to be livable. It really took more like 4 months. It was SO dirty and plus we had trouble getting the big projects done because we kept running into problems. Greg had only been working for a few months. He felt a lot of pressure and stress to preform well at his job. The person he was replacing was someone he knew from High School, and he was being replaced because he couldn't "cut it". Greg would be stressed because there was so much to learn to balance at work. ( Now, he loves it: It just took time to figure out.) I was student teaching. I had to put Ali in Day Care -- Something I had sworn I would never do. My heart was broken. I felt like I had broken one of my biggest goals in life, and I was only 21. PLUS student teaching was AWFUL! My teacher was a good teacher. I am glad I got to see her teach, but she was a perfectionist and everything I did was WRONG. And not just a little wrong. If she told me to sing more educational songs during singing time, the next week she would scowld me for not singing enough fun songs. I was so insecure. I felt awful. I would come home exausted and pick up Ali from day care and start to clean the kitchen so I could cook dinner ( I had to clean it every day because of all of the construction going on in our house). Ali was covered in dirt from crawling around on the dirty floors for the same reason. I was so stressed that I got in a huge fight with Greg's mom. I don't even know what it was about. I just remember screaming a whole lot-- which I don't think I have ever screamed that much in the last 5 years.
Ok that was the back ground information.
One day at church we were sitting in church. It was a normal Sunday. A new family (Milocovics-sp-)had moved in and they were assigned to speak. When their little boy got up to speak, I didn't really hear a word he said. But I didn't hear other words either. Something odd happened in my mind. Something that had only happened one other time (When I met Greg). Feelings and thoughts came into my mind- but they were not words. I will try to put them into words now. "A little boy was waiting to come down to our family. It was important to have another child soon. He was going to do many important things. He was going to be pale and sickly. He was going to have pale skin, pale eyes, and pale hair. I was going to worry about his health but I would be blessed with knowledge to know how to help him. All of his health problems would be ok by the time he reached adolescents." I just remember crying. Crying and Crying because I was so stressed out. I couldn't have another baby right now. I did tell Greg about it but I decided to ignore it. The next Sunday the same thing happened and the Sunday after that. Soon I almost dreaded going to church because I knew the feeling would over power me. Then I started feeling it before I went to bed at night. After around two months, I surcame to the prompting. I decided we needed to listen to the spirit even if it didn't logically make since. I didn't tell anyone besides Greg. I thought I sounded like a crazy person- I still sort of think that. I still will not say for sure that this little boy is Shadrach. I just know a little boy was waiting and another child needed to be born. Maybe he is still to come. But so far, Shadrach fits the bill. And what a blessing Shadrach is to our family. I am glad I did not wait to have another baby. Ali and him are best friends and I think it it because they are so close in age. That is why I believe.

My neighbor's kids came over on Thursday. Her house got flooded!! What a head ache! I am so glad I don't have to deal with that. Shadrach and Enoch enjoyed having friends over. This was the DANCE PARTY we had.

Playing in the kitchen with Polly Pockets.

Playing with Cars.

Family Home Evening 2/14/2011- YMCA

So we threw planning to the wind for Family Home Evening. Greg bought a Family Membership to the Y on Monday morning. We have been wanting to do it since it opened but I had too much trouble committing that much money to it. (typical) So Greg did it for me. We both thought it would be fun to take the kids swimming for Family Home Evening. Well, fun was one word for it. When they found out that is what we were doing, it was like Christmas and vacation put together and on steroids. They were SO EXCITED! There was tons of screaming and Greg and I thought we were going to lose our minds. It took forever to get everyone dressed and out the door. Here is a picture of Greg trying to find Shadrach's shoes in the shoe bin. It was the only one I took because I didn't want to risk getting my camera wet.

They loved the pool, and it was a work out!! Ali knows how to swim but it has been since summer. It was either 2 on 1 or 1 on 1. Greg and I switched about every 10 min. All three wanted to do their own thing with one of us, so it was busy. Everyone had fun.

Song:A Child's Prayer ( picked by Shadrach- We sang in the car on the way over. Greg and I always "fight" about how to start the song. He starts it too high and I start too low. I started this time and Greg switched octaves half way through and was singing the same notes I was.

Lesson: NONE

Dessert: NONE - There was almost mutiny because there was no treat! It was Valentines day and every child had more than a pound of sugar in them. I thought they didn't need a dessert- BOY WAS I WRONG!! Luckily they were so worn out from swimming that they all passed out as soon as we got home.

College-2002

My freshman year of college, I got really depressed. Things just weren't going right. I am embarrassed to say that most of it probably had to do with a boy. We had broken up, and I just had trouble getting back on track. I was so depressed. I was also still struggling with the fact that Jason Kirton had left the church. He had such big dreams and was going to do so much good. It hurt me inside to think of the things that would never happen now. Also, I respected Jason. He was my best friend. My best Friend since 2nd grade-- for really 10 years. That is longer than I have even known Greg now. He made me have my doubts. He made me believe that the Spirit, I had felt so many times, was all in my head. That during a testimony meeting, I was working myself up, and making my brain realise endorphins to feel that way. He said that often times people feel that feeling on a football team or even at summer camp. Which is true- I have felt really strong feelings like -I stress the word like that at camp and I know other people have had feelings like that about band.
I was not only depressed inside; I was mad. I am not sure why I was mad but I was. The anger burned in my heart. Full of hate and bitterness one night, I started to read my scriptures. Why? I am not sure. Habit? When I have my life in order one of the things I always do is read my scriptures every day. I was trying to put my life back in order, so I got them out to read so i could check it off of my list of things to do before bed. I was reading full of this raging darkness that was inside of me and then suddenly.... the feeling started from somewhere deep inside of me. It started out small and just grew stronger and stronger. The calm quiet peace slowly destroyed the bitterness that had been inside. It almost exploded out of me by the time I was done. So much so that I started to cry sitting at my desk in my room with my scriptures open. I don't remember what I read. I wish I did. But I don't think it was important or meaningful at the time. I felt the spirit not just whisper but tell me "It is true" I was not planning on feeling the spirit. I was planning on reading 1 chapter in the scriptures and then continue on being bitter as I got the rest of my to do list done. BUT then the spirit came. It testified to me that all the things I have been taught are true. I did not make it up in my head. I was not causing endorphins to be realised. I did not work myself up. It just happened. After that I changed. I started serving others and doing positive things. I volunteered to be a reading couch for a little 2nd grade boy, I joined Big Sisters, I volunteered at Habitat for Humanity once a week, I joined Liberal Arts Student Council, I assistant directed "To Kill a Mocking Bird", I prayed every day, I read my scriptures, and I became the branch Sunday School Teacher. Soon after this I was happy every day. I replaced that sad time with things that were good and made me happy. It was one of the best things I ever did. I am so thankful for that night when I read the scriptures and the Spirit spoke to me and told me to hold on even though I was in a dark place. That it would get better and that I need to hold on to the rod-- because looking back now I think I almost let go. That is why I believe.

Things I love about Shadrach and things I love that he says

Shadrach
4 1/2 (Feb 2011)

• He has so much going on up there in that brain of his. You can just see him thinking about stuff. He is my ponderer.
• He still loves to cuddle. He has no problems hopping on your lap and snuggling for awhile
• He loves to watch shows like "How it is made" , "Food Tech" , and "NOVA" which most adults might not like to watch but he is glued too.
• When he plays, he is always making explosion sounds. We have asked him what these explosions are, but he just gets really embarrassed. Every toy is played with the same way.... it makes explosions. It can be men, cars, blocks, and really no toys at all. They just exploded.

1. Walking home from preschool he asked me this. "I just don't understand how the sun can shine on the whole earth at one time. How does it do that?" So I explained how it didn't and about night and day and winter and summer.
2. Driving to church he looked at the window and said, "Those are telephone line and electricity lines. They go to everyone's house all over and give them phones and lights so they can do things." I have no idea how he knows this.

4 1/2 (March 2011)

• "Mom, I just think you are exquisite." I think he got this from Word Girl ( T.V. Show) but I can never know for sure.
• (Looking at the trash can) Shadrach: "Are these ForceFlex trash bags?" Me: "No" Shadrach: "Oh, well you should really use ForceFlex Trash bags. They are a lot better." Commercials really influence him.
• Me: "Did you know that Jesus died and that he lived again?" Shadrach "Yes, because he can rise with living breath." This is from the primary song "He Sent his Son" that we learned in primary recently.

The last week

This is everyone making valentines. Everyone had fun, but of coarse it was really Ali's cup of tea. She could have made 100. I never like to buy them at the store. Where is the thought in that? So I make my kids make them and then we stick some candy to it with tape.

So it was REALLY quite in the house and then I heard and explosion of GIGGLES!!!! Ali and Shad decided to switch clothes!!! Those two are crazy!!! I love them to pieces!

Library Story Time. They are "shaking their sillies out" at the end. (That is their favorite part!)

Enoch enjoying the story at the library.

Greg went up to check on Enoch who was screaming at the top of his lungs in his bed at bed time. And then there was Shad. So tired he could sleep through the screaming, but not yet willing to let go of the Star Wars guy.

Family Home Evening 2/7/2011

We had chocolate and vanilla layered pudding for dessert.

Yummmmm. And it reminds me of being little and having Family Home Evening. We had this often.

We watched "Willow" for the activity. Greg wanted to. I often get out voted on these things. I like the movie and I think it is family friendly but Ali kept drawling pictures about evil people trying to kill babies after it was over...... hummmm.....

Our lesson was on "how to brush your teeth properly." I was horrified last month when they had cavities after going to the dentist. I cried. So I thought we would really talk about how it was important to take your time and make sure you get all parts of your teeth.

Brush, Brush, Brush!

Prayer: Shadrach ( he showed us how reverent he could be-- kneeling on the floor with eyes pinched shut)
Song: Enoch picked "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam" and knew all of the words!! He is getting so big!!!!

Lesson: Clean teeth

Activity: Willow

Dessert: Layered Pudding

Science Fair- Ali

This is Ali's Board for Science Fair. I had ribbons in her hair and around her dress that matched her board and of coarse the table cloth. Mrs. Zeck would be proud of me. Maybe next year I will make her dress out of the table cloth like she did.

Ali got 2nd place for kindergarten. She was so excited to get a medal. She slept with it on and wore it every second she has been home for the last week.

Each grade had a honorable mention, 2nd, and 1st place. This is everyone. Lots of Ali's friends got honorable mentions or metals. They all went/go to be neighbors day care so we think it has something to do with that. We are going to do an experiment to test our hypotheses.

Ali rubbing the bacteria on the petri dish.

Getting the q-tip full of bacteria to test.

Our computer keyboard was the worst!!

Ali analyzing and recording data. This is my favorite picture.

This is the 3rd time she practiced her speech for the judges. I think she got better later on but i don't have recording of that.

People often complain about the school system not doing enough in this area or the other. This science fair was optional, but I was going to do it. This is one way I can help educate Ali with the school. We had a great time doing it to. We read lots of books on germs and bacteria. Ali kept a journal that she would draw and write in about what she learned from the books and the experiment that we did. I am already excited for next year.

Greg's blessing

Greg and I went out to eat for my Birthday on Saturday and his parents watch all three kids. It was wonderful. His dad had mentioned earlier in the week that Brother Rock and him could give Greg a blessing about his eye. Brother Rock was Greg's bishop growing up and his friend Dan's dad. He now lives just three houses down from Greg's parents and is the stake patriarch. The blessing was so powerful. Words can't describe the feelings that were felt. I love to feel the Holy Ghost. Most of the time lately, we are so busy with the kids and callings and things to do, it is too easy to get going so fast that you miss the feeling. The Holy Ghost is there, but I am too busy to feel it. It was so nice to have that powerful testimony that Christ lives and loves us. That the priesthood is real and of God. I know that Christ lives and I know by living by his guidance, happiness will fill my heart and soul. I KNOW hard time will come and they will make life hard but with His help I will make it through the trial learning what needed to be learned. The feeling is real. It is not made up. And because it is real I must "drop my net and come follow him" ( Greg's Sunday school lesson today) That is why I believe.

Snow days

We really enjoyed our snow days together. Greg got two days off of work and Ali got three and a half off of school, and Shadrach didn't have to go to school at all. This is a picture of everyone working together putting up a banister on our stairs.

Enoch was soooo cute this morning. I could have eaten him up. I don't understand why he can't act like that all of the time. He decided he was going to "walk to school." So he got some shoes and asked me to put them on him. ( It didn't matter to him that they didn't match and that he didn't have pants on) Then he said he needed his back pack and he got one from the closet that is one of the Libraries Reading Rainbow back packs. He then told me that it was his "cachow" back pack which is his word for "Lightning Mcqueen" which is is favorite movie and toys. I then had to "walk" him to school all through the house and then he started his homework- a coloring page. Then I had him practice saying his letter names with me. He still wanted to do more, so I brought Ali into because I had some things I had to get done. Ali became the Teacher and later so did Shad and they all played school for around 2 hours. It was GREAT!

FHE Februray Plan

If you haven't noticed, I love to plan and Greg does not. So I try to compromise. I have a plan made out but if for some reason Greg wants to do something else, i let him. He like to do his own thing about 30% of the time. Here is my Plan for next week.

Feb. 7
Lesson: How to brush your teeth well
Activity: Mother May I
Dessert: Pudding layers

Feb. 14
Lesson: Love and Charity- Make Valentines
Activity: Deliver them
Dessert: Valentines cookies

Feb. 21
Lesson: Table Manners
Activity: Daddy Game
Dessert: Chocolate chip cookies

Feb 28
Lesson: Manners II
Activity: scaventure hunt
Dessert: ice cream Sundays

Family Home Evening 2/1/2011

We changed lesson for this week and Greg taught the parable of the Talents. This is a picture of him passing out talents. The children really enjoyed the lesson although I think the word "talent" being the form of money was a little confusing. ( You can tell today was a snow day because Ali is wearing a princess dress, Shadrach's shirt is on backwards, Enoch has no clothes on but shoes, and Greg is in his PJs)

We had a scaventure hunt that lead to snicker doodles for our activity. The children had to read the messages on the cards all by themselves-- Which made it even trickier. Here is Greg helping Shadrach sound out a word.

SNICKER DOODLES!!!!!
It was hard for Enoch to know what was going on. He heard the part that we got cookies but didn't realize that we had to follow the clues to get them. So he just followed everyone around the house crying/whining/yelling cookie every where we went. When we finally made it to the end he was happy because he had a cookie.

Prayer:?

Song: A child's Prayer

Lesson: Parable of the Talents

Activity: Scaventure hunt

Dessert: Snicker doodles

ice storm

Ali and Shadrach are playing in the snow but also trying to save our trampoline. There was about four inches of ice on it and the weight of the ice I think made it bend. I went out there with a mop ( I know a MOP??? but it worked really well, I was afraid a shovel would rip it)and pounded it as hard as I could for about 20 min. Then Ali and Shadrach took turns braking chunks off and throwing theme off. Shadrach is under the trampoline trying to break some of the ice with his feet so Ali can get more off. This proved to be fun for them to do and kept theme busy for a loooong time.

This was the day before when there was really only Snow cover in ice. Shadrach and his best friend, Tyler, went ice skating in the back yard.

We have no garage. It makes me sooooo sad on days like this. Our cars get stuck so easily because we park them next to the street. When the snow plows come by they just push all the snow back over your car. If you park on the snow, and it melts just a little and then refreezes at night, your tires are now trapped in the groove. Our Neighbor had to pull us out with his truck because there was no way to get though that ice.