PAUL & CADDIE WELLING FAMILY

JAYDON GAVE ME A BLACK EYE

2012-02-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

Somehow Jaydon was bent over, while Jeran stood over or right by him, and when he stood up quickly he hit the back of his head right on Jeran's eye. At least, this is the story we put together between Jaydon, Jeran, and Jordan's rendition of events. Jaydon felt badly and was adamant that it wasn't on purpose. Jordan confirmed that it was an accident. Jeran just screamed. Within a few hours Jeran's eye turned dark purple and it looked horrible. When he saw what he looked like in the mirror, he asked me "Mom, will my friends make fun of me"? Jordan exclaimed, "Yes". Jeran's mouth opened in shock and I quickly stepped in to tell him that they'd ask him what happened because they'd want to know if he's o.k. I made Jordan apologize. Just a month ago Jeran and Jordan got into a fight and Jordan scratched Jeran's face. Between the two marks left on his face this last month it seems like he's getting beat up by his brothers. The reality is he is the instigator of wrestling with his brother's 90% of the time. (2-13-12)

WINTER CARNIVAL

2012-02-11T22:03:00.000-08:00

Jaydon's PTA from his Elementary School, put together a 'Winter Carnival' this last Saturday. Tausha (Paul's sister) and I took the boys to the event. We started with the outside activities: snow painting (water bottles filled with food coloring), sledding, and cross-country skiing. After being outside for an hour and getting cold, we went inside for some pizza and hot chocolate. The boys went around to the bounce houses, cake walks, face painting, fishing for candy, silly stringing teachers, and other types of carnival activities. Here's Jeran with the green spray bottle (of course) getting ready to spray Jordan... (2-11-12)

and Jordan ready with his blue bottle. They were stopped immediately. The principle (Mrs. Demester) just happened to be supervising this activity. She asked me if they are coming to Kindergarten next year. I said, "Yes they are" with a smile. She asked, "Are you putting them in separate classrooms"? I replied, "Yes. If I put them in the same classroom the poor teacher wouldn't get anything taught". Paul and I decided they'd be in separate classrooms a long time ago. We want them to form their own personal identities. They will be together in every other aspect of their lives, so a little break from each other will be healthy.

Jordan chasing Jeran.

Jaydon

Jaydon, Jordan, and Jeran getting ready to race.

Jordan went the furthest. He held his feet up the whole time down the hill.

Jaydon decided to become the score keeper and would mark how far Jeran and Jordan would go sledding down the hill.

This was Jordan and Jeran's first time cross country skiing, so Jaydon stepped right in telling them how to do it. They did very well. I was happy to see they remembered some things from taking ski lessons last year. They've asked me more than 50 times when we're going skiing this year, but with me being pregnant and Paul working on the addition it might not happen. I'm glad that they have good memories of skiing last year.

Jordan, Jaydon, and Jeran

Jaydon eating his pizza and showing off the skull he got painted on his face.

When the carnival ended, we wondered where Jordan was. He used his cuteness to get the face painting lady to do one more face painting. He got a spider on each of his cheeks.

MY DADS BUTT CUT MY EYE

2012-02-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

A couple months ago, Paul was working on the addition to our home and was cutting sheet rock with an exacto type knife. Paul put the razor sharp knife in his back pocket and came in for a drink. As he was leaving, Jaydon followed behind just talking to daddy as usual. Jaydon tripped over a toy and hit his face on Paul's bottom (right where he had the tool). Jaydon screamed from the blood dripping down his eye and Paul rushed him into our front room concerned that the knife had cut his eye. Luckily, it was only the eye lid, but he will most likely have a scar from this. He looked like a war victim for weeks after and I'm sure teachers were puzzled when he told the story of how he tripped, hit his dad's butt, and ended up with a big cut on his eye lid. What are the odds? (2-8-12)

"MOMMY, A MONSTER ATE MY HAIR"

2012-02-11T21:55:00.000-08:00

One morning, around 6 a.m., Jazlin came into my room about in tears. I was dead asleep and woke to her in my face saying, "Mommy, a monster ate my hair...a monster ate my hair". I had her feel her hair so she knew it wasn't gone and then put her in bed for snuggles. She was fast asleep within a few minutes. (2-6-12)

WHAT I WILL LOOK LIKE WHEN I'M 100

2012-02-11T21:40:00.000-08:00

Jaydon says he wants to be an inventor when he grows up. I believe him. He went out to work with Paul in the addition one Saturday and came back in with this. Paul said he helped for 10 minutes before he went into building this creation. (1-29-12)

Jeran and Jordan made these sunflower's at Kinder Kamp. (2-1-12)

Jaydon brought this home on his 100th day of school. I had a good laugh seeing that he drew himself growing two heads. (2-8-12)

Jaydon made this game for us to play. I can't tell you how many he games he makes up for us to play. Jordan and Jeran wanted to play this game longer than Jaydon. (2-8-12)

"Jordan what finger do you point with"? "Oops. Sorry Mom". I wonder if the day will come that he will point with the correct finger...and this is why we call him "pointing bird".

Jeran made this boot at pre-school. (2-9-12)

Jordan

MY 31ST BIRTHDAY!

2012-02-11T21:21:00.000-08:00

My birthday started out like every other Monday: taught water aerobics, picked up the twins from Kinder Kamp/Jaz day care, made lunch, laundry, to do list, have the kids lay down for nap/rest time, home work/learning time with kids, snack, and bath time. I usually make dinner and we have Family Home Evening after that, but since it was my birthday we went out to dinner at a Chinese Buffet Restaurant. The kids loved going back over and over and getting what they wanted, so it was a good choice. Mom and Dad Welling and Kevin Larson (brother-in-law) showed up to eat dinner with us. Mom brought a cake for me. It was a nice ending to my birthday day. (2-6-12)

We were a bit worried that the restaurants sprinkler system would turn on when we lit the candles; luckily they didn't.

All that Jazlin wanted to eat off the cake was the big frosting flower.

Jordan agreed. "Look at us Grandma". Grandma almost lost her stomach watching them eat big chunks of frosting.

Jaydon, Kevin, Paul, Me (Caddie), Jeran, Jazlin, Mom, Dad, and Jordan

The next day was when I really celebrated my birthday. Paul and I took the day and went down to Utah. I started the day by doing some shopping at Kohl's while Paul went to the auto auction. It was nice not being rushed by having children with me and leisurely shopping for kids clothes and such. We went to lunch and over to Costco to buy a lot of food storage items. Our goal is to get our years supply done soon after the addition to our home is finished. It's hard to figure out exactly what our family needs for a years worth of food, without buying the wrong or too much and then wasting. We were planning on visiting Brooke (my business partner) in the hospital after that. Brooke has been having some pregnancy complications and is being required to stay down by the hospital. We weren't able to meet up because they decided to move her into an apartment next to the hospital until they consult with her next week. She had lots of things she had to take care of and it didn't work out seeing her. I'm just glad she's o.k. and they have a plan to care for her. Paul and I met up with some of my best High School friends for dinner. They are also good friends with Brooke and agreed to take my baby present over to Brooke when they visit her. We went to the Texas Roadhouse Grill and they had us sit at two separate tables. The ladies sat at one table: Shiloh and I (on left) & Miriam, Mandy, and Gabby (on right). We had a blast catching up as usual. Miriam brought me pancakes, syrup, Nutella, and bubalicious for my birthday. It gave me a good laugh and I absolutely loved it. Now I have someone to blame for all of my extra weight game in my pregnancy:) I'm around 5 months along now. To complete my day, Paul and I went to the Bountiful Temple for some temple work. There is nothing better than feeling a moments worth of peace and going to the temple provides that. It was an exhausting but fun day spent with my best friend (Paul). Honestly, just a day away from my responsibilities as a mom was a nice treat for my birthday.

The guys at their table: Josh & Alex (left), Paul & Chad (right)

NIGHT NIGHT JAZLIN

2012-02-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

On my birthday, the twins came to me saying "Come see what we did. We made a bed for Jazlin". They had covered their circle table with pillows and tucked Jazlin in for a nap. She loved pretending to be a baby and get such loving attention from her older brothers. They found every stuffed animal in the room and tucked them in with her. They each took a turn kissing her before running off to play another game. (2-6-12)

SWIMMING IS EXHAUSTINGLY FUN

2012-02-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

Paul and his dad have been working on the addition to our home practically every weekend since this summer. The last couple months, they have been going out in the evenings as well. The kids and I have spent many Saturdays at home since I've been pregnant and not feeling well. Lately I have been feeling much better and so I decided to take all the kids swimming. They had a blast and Jaydon even got approval by the life guard to go into the big pool. The boys did get in trouble for hanging onto each other and making the other person go under the water. I followed Jazlin around the whole time. I swear an hour watching and playing with my children in the pool is a lot more tiring than teaching two straight hours of water aerobics (which I did prior to getting pregnant). Jazlin curled up in her blanky and zonked out when we got home. (2-4-12)

Jeran

Jordan

Jaydon

Paul and his dad working on the addition. They are doing the walls in the bathroom and laundry/storage room.

SQUIRM BURPEE CIRCUS

2012-01-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

We took the kids to a funny play that came to our town with circus acts and lots of humor. It was perfect for kids with its' slapstick humor. The audience booed at the bad guy and clapped often at the many funny or entertaining acts. Our boys loved it and laughed through-out the whole performance. Paul and I enjoyed it as well and was pleased to see how much the boys got into it. (1-27-12)

Jordan waiting for the show to begin.

Jaydon

A gal from our ward got called up on stage for 'The Ladder of Love' scene.

She was a good sport.

The cast: The twins (that juggled balls, hats, bowling pins, and even chain saws), their assistant (one of the twins was in love with her), and the evil guy (that taunted the audience, pretended to get shot in the cannon, and ended up being the twins lost brother)

I'M A BIG GIRL NOW

2012-01-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

I mentioned that my New Year's resolution was to potty train Jazlin. I'm sure she was ready to train several months ago, but it is me that is never ready. I did want her trained before she turned 3 and the baby was here, so after talking myself into it for a week or so we began. It only took her a couple weeks till she was in panties and could recognize when she needed to go and go by herself. We had a few potty charts that she'd get a toy prize after getting all her stickers on the chart. By the third chart, she had kept her pull-ups dry for a week and was asking or going in on her own. This is when she got the big prize - a Dora The Explorer (one of her favorite cartoon shows) doll and panties. She only had a couple mishaps. One day, early in the process, I ran out of pull-up so I put her in panties. She pooped and brought it to me in her hand. Later that day she didn't make it to the bathroom and peed on the floor. I had Paul pick up pull-ups the next day, but we ended up only using a few of them before she was done having accidents. She likes to sing "I'm a big girl now" after she goes potty. (1-24-12)

WAKE UP JERAN

2012-01-28T20:57:00.001-08:00

One Saturday morning, Paul had gone outside and said the view from our home was amazing. He grabbed the camera and took a few shots. (1-24-12)

In the distance is the railroad tracks; where we can see trains pass through-out the day.

It can be hard for some people to live in Wyoming because they get cabin fever. I've had this at times. It's funny because when Paul and I lived in Hawaii for over four years, he would start to feel island fever. We would be sitting on the beaches of Hawaii and he would say, "I really miss the snow right now". I didn't understand that, but I sure understand missing constant warm weather and never having a reason to stay inside. I don't feel cabin fever as long as I am taking the kids to their daily activities, teaching aerobics, participating in local events, and having date nights. We usually go down to Utah about twice a month, but with Paul working on the addition to our home every Saturday we've stayed home a lot. If I wasn't pregnant and wanting to just relax by the end of the week, I'm sure I would have gone stir crazy on the weekends by now. Last year I didn't feel it at all because we did ski lessons and snow boarded with our boys most Saturdays.

One evening I was looking for Jazlin and found her in her baby doll crib. She can fit in it curled up and laying down. To think I was ever that small. (1-10-12)

One day, after getting home from Kinder Kamp, Jeran curled up in a blanket and was talking to me while I was folding laundry. His eyes started getting droopy and mid-sentence he fell asleep. Jordan came in looking for his best buddy and looked at me like he wouldn't know what to do with himself without Jeran. He tried for several minutes to wake him saying, "Wake up Jeran. Wake up". I told him to go play with Jazlin and relief filled his face. It's not often that Jazlin gets one of her brothers all to herself. (1-20-12)

Jordan giving up and giving Jeran kisses good night.

BLACK LIGHT ZUMBA

2012-01-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

The Rec Center put on a family event where they had four Zumba Instructors (including me) come and teach a few dances each. We did it in the dark with glow sticks and black lights. It was a blast. All you could see was the glow sticks and the instructor right in front of the mirror. I taught Zumbatomic (Zumba for kids) since I have an extra certification in it and my kids knew one of the dances. (1-13-12)

Paul lasted for about half of it before he lost his steam. Jazlin lasted the whole time and was very adorable with trying to copy the instructors.

Jeran did some break dancing when he couldn't keep up with the moves.

Jaydon did pretty well keeping up and said he had the best time ever.

At the very end we gathered the children and danced in a circle.

This is what it really looked like (with the flash off on the camera).

Afterwards they brought out refreshments.

Jazlin on the way home. She was exhausted and ready for bed.

A NEW TRADITION

2012-01-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

Paul says one day to me during the Christmas season, "I want to burn our Christmas Tree". He decided it would be fun to start a new tradition with our kids that they would not forget. We live out of county lines, so we can burn and let off fire works all year long if we want. Paul wanted to take advantage of this and burn our dried out Christmas Tree after Christmas was over. So, for Family Home Evening, we reviewed the meaning Christmas and then went out and set the tree on fire in the middle of the snow. It was bitter cold outside, but because the tree was so dry it took only a few minutes for it to completely burn up. Grandma and Aunt Tausha came over to watch the tree burn too. (1-9-12)

JAYDON TURNS 7

2012-01-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

Jaydon's birthday is on January 10th, but we celebrated it a few days early because he wanted his cousins (Tracey and Nikki's kids) to be there. I did let him invite five of his friends from school too, but only one friend (seen with him above) was able to come. We did an ice skating party down at the Bear River Ponds. We started out with eating pizza, ice skating, then cake/hot chocolate, and opening presents. The day started out cold and crummy, but by the time we went down to the ponds it warmed up and ended up being the perfect day. (1-7-12)

I bought way too much pizza (5 boxes), but we ended up using it that night when we fed the kids the left-over pizza and got a sitter for all the kids. All the adults (Paul's parents and brothers and sisters) went out to speed eat at Don Pedro's and to a movie.

Jeran dumped his hot chocolate all over himself, so Paul cleaned him off in the snow. Jeran became happy again when he got more hot chocolate.

Jazlin really liked her hot chocolate.

Jeran with a smile back on his face.

Some of the kids out on the ice.

All of the kids did very well. I thought we'd be picking them up the whole time, but there was very few mishaps. Meaghan (cousin) was the only one that gave up on ice skating.

Jeran and Jordan

Madison, the oldest cousin, did the best with her ice skating. She was the last off the ice at the end of the party.

Jaydon and Miriah had fun showing off for each other.

Jordan and Jazlin making snow balls. All the little kids walked around and got pulled in sleds on the ice.

Thayne and Monson

Jazlin and Madelyn

Jordan taking a break.

Jordan and I. I didn't get to go ice skating due to me having a bun in the oven. Every time I walked on the ice to help the kids or pull some of the kids in the sleds, Paul would tell me to get off the ice. Paul does not like when I'm around ice. He follows me around worried I might slip and fall on the baby. I haven't had a fall yet, but I have to be careful living in a place where 9 months of the year is winter.

Jaydon picked out this cake.

Happy Birthday Jaydon! On his actual birthday, he shared treats with his class-mates and came home with a birthday hat on. He said everyone he passed in the hall wished him "happy birthday". He went to his weekly gymnastics class that he's been taking since the beginning of the school year. Afterwards, Grandma picked him up to take him to pick out a toy. I made lasagna and we met up at Grandma's house for dinner, cake, and ice cream. When we arrived, I about turned around and went back home because it stunk like skunk. Apparently, Bentley (Grandma's dog) got sprayed by a skunk and their house wreaked. Grandpa was able to get most of the smell out of him and Tausha brought out her essential oils to help deflect the smell.

THAYNE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

2012-01-18T21:18:00.001-08:00

Hailey told me that Thayne's only request was to have his birthday at McDonald's like his twin cousins. (1-5-12)

We sang Thayne Happy Birthday, but before he could blow out his candles Ashton beat him to it and blew them out for him. After Ashton got scolded, Hailey re-lit the candles and he made his wish. Thayne's face in this picture is priceless.

Jaydon, Jordan, and Jeran offered up their services in licking the frosting off the candles.

Since Tracey and Nikki's family didn't make it up during the holidays they decided to come up the weekend after New Year's. Grandma and Aunt Tausha had an appointment in Utah on Thayne's birthday and brought back Miriah, Madelyn, and Monson to ensure Tracey and Nikki would come up. I let Jaydon stay home from school the next day to play with his beloved cousin Miriah.

Jazlin enjoying her food.

Grandma and Grandpa Welling

HAPPY NEW YEARS 2012!

2012-01-18T21:08:00.001-08:00

Our town does an amazing fireworks display. We parked behind where they light off the fireworks, turn up the heat, let the kids stand through the sun roof, or gaze through their window. (1-1-12)

Jaydon, Thayne, and I standing out of the sun roof. The fireworks practically go right above our heads.

Jaydon, Jordan, and I. It was freezing outside, so it was nice that our buns kept toasty warm. Grandma, Tausha, Kevin, Hailey, and Ashton came in another vehicle.

Happy New Years! My only resolution is to get Jazlin potty trained.

NEW YEARS EVE

2012-01-18T21:01:00.001-08:00

Grandma wanted to make cookies, so we spent a good part of the day cutting and baking and frosting. Jaydon and Jeran waiting to use the cookie cutters and snag pieces of dough to eat. Grandma and I took a break in the middle of baking cookies to take all the kids to an 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' movie at the theatre. All six kids (Evan had to stay to take a nap) sat side by side and did well watching the movie. I got them each a bag of popcorn and they had the best time ever. (12-31-11)

After the movie, we went back to baking cookies. I was busy rolling out dough and looked up to find Jazlin covered in flour, sitting on the counter, with dough stuffed in her mouth. I had to laugh because I knew at that point I would have to strip her down from all the mess. We were exhausted by the end of the day. Honestly, if I hadn't told the kids we were going to go watch the downtown fireworks at midnight, then I probably would have lied to them and told them midnight came at 9 pm, so I could go to bed early. It was a sight to see all of the adults trying to make it to midnight. Dad, Paul, and Kevin worked on the addition so they were exhausted too. Corey had taken heavy duty pain medication and Hailey was tired from working on their trailer home they bought to fix up. Tausha hadn't slept the night before, so we were all dragging and trying to keep each other up. We played our favorite card game "pounce", which always stirs the competition and laughter.

I was impressed that all of my kids made it to midnight. We kept getting asked "When is midnight going to be here?", but eventually it came and we headed downtown to bring in the New Year with fire works.

DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS

2012-01-18T20:49:00.001-08:00

The morning after Christmas, Jazlin was up bright and early playing with her new baby doll set. She is going to be a big helper to me when the new baby comes.

We went to Grandma's house practically every day to eat left-overs together. Jordan liked that idea. (12-26-11)

Aunt Tasha came up for Christmas at her mother's home, so she brought the boys over to play one day before heading back home. My kids always love time with their cousins and can't wait till the next time they get to see them. Kevin brought a spy set he got for Christmas and Jaydon just happened to have the same set. So they spied on Tasha and I practically they whole time. Dallan gets double spoiled with attention from the twins. Quentin and Jazlin make sure they are in on all the action too. (back) Kevin, Jordan (front) Jazlin, Jaydon, Dallan, Quentin, and Jeran (12-27-11)

The kids pulled out the marble maze one day and wanted me to build with them. Jordan, Jaydon, and Jeran showing off our highest maze. (12-29-11)

Jazlin kept feeling left out when we were building, so I made a maze with just her. Later that day, we went down to the Library to get books and play learning games on the computers. Our library does a great job for a small town and they know us well because we usually go once a week. I love reading to my kids every day, but hate reading the same books over and over again.

CHRISTMAS DAY

2012-01-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

The tree with presents; before the kids tore into them. (12-25-11)

Paul and I's stockings

The kids stockings

How are we ever going to make room for all these presents in our little home?

And the fun begins, well, part of it. We told the kids they could get into their stockings and only open a couple presents before church at 10 am. They reluctantly agreed.

Jordan and Jeran playing with the marble maze.

Jaydon

Daddy and Jazlin

Jazlin and I checking out her new motorized bike. She woke up before us and got on it. She pushed the gas petal and it moved forward, so she didn't want to get on it again. Prior to church, I saw her driving it into the presents and laughing. Since then, she hasn't been on it too much because of heavy snow and she is nervous to drive it. We'll see how she is this summer.

Jeran

Jazlin got a lot of panties in her stocking. I told her Santa must her to potty train. She tried on every single pair until she barely could walk because she was thickly padded. While Paul got the kids ready for church, I made our traditional crepe breakfast. We ate breakfast and did our "I love you because..." toast where we toast to each family member with egg nog and say a few reasons why we love them. Jeran didn't say too much. When it was his turn to be toasted to, Paul told him why he loved him and all of a sudden he got the biggest smile, hopped out of his chair, and ran to Paul saying, "I love you daddy". After that, he seemed like he was on cloud nine telling everyone how much he loved them. He told Jordan that he was his "best friend". It was nice to see that Jaydon was thoughtful in all that he said.

Grandma bought the kids these new church outfits. After church, we went straight into unwrapping presents. Jaydon got his robot...

and more Lego's. All three boys are into building Lego's. I don't understand how they can fight over one little tiny piece when they have 1,000 others to choose from. Jeran and Jordan got remote control helicopters. The boys also got some Zhu Zhu pet stuff and other misc. gifts.

Throughout the unwrapping process, Jaydon and Jordan got their Nintendo DS's (game boy) that they wanted more than anything. Towards the end of unwrapping, Jeran found that he got one as well and screamed on the top of his lungs with joy, "I got one too. Santa got me one too". He jumped up and down and hugged it with delight. Paul and I were shocked at his reaction. I asked him, "Did you think Santa got Jaydon and Jordan one, but not you"? He said, "I didn't know. I was waiting and waiting and he did get me one..." Apparently, he had been opening presents in anticipation for the one gift. I wondered why he threw each gift aside after opening.

Jazlin got a little people's twist n' twirl castle that she absolutely loves. She also got a baby doll set (crib, stroller, bouncer, play set) that she also loves and is so cute when playing with.

Jazlin opening a Secret Santa present.

Jordan opening one of the Secret Santa presents I got him.

Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Tausha, and Uncle Kevin showed up towards the end of unwrapping presents. We couldn't hold the kids off any longer to wait for them. Jazlin is dancing with the robot. This became the most fascinating gift for the adults.

Jazlin playing with her twist n' twirl castle. I love listening to her little conversation between the little people.

Can you guess what the boys did practically the rest of the day? I told them to enjoy it while it lasts because I'm a stickler at only letting them play them at the end of the day, after they've done all they were supposed to, and they are waiting for their dad to come home for dinner. Paul's big gift was a Wii video game set with video games, Wii fit, and accessories. I got a new camera. I use it so much that it seems I need a new one about every other year. Paul got me a maternity dress and a maternity pillow. He says the pillow is the worst gift he's ever gotten me because it wraps from my head all the way down my back and between my knees. I've been sleeping amazing since I got it, but he no longer gets to spoon me because it's in the way.

After unwrapping presents, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house. I made crepes for the whole entire family. I tried to make lots of extra crepes, but they didn't last long. After eating, we went into the Living Room to open their presents. They got everyone pj's, which we all wore Christmas night. The boys each got dinosaurs and other various gifts. Jazlin got a pillow pet that she sleeps on now at nap time and a few other things. Paul mainly got tools, shirts, and other guy stuff. They got the women scarf, hat, and glove sets, new watches, and money for a ladies day out. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Welling! Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins sent gifts for each of us in the mail: giant puzzle sets for Jeran and Jordan, a kids dictionary that Jaydon has been carrying with him in his back-pack everywhere, a potty time book that was perfect for Jazlin since she's potty training, a book by President Bednar that Paul's been wanting, and a silk scarf for me. Grandma Lali (my mom) and Grandma Kowalski (my grandma) both sent a card and money. The kids were thrilled that Christmas continued after Christmas with stuff coming in the mail.

Grandpa and Grandma Welling

Jaydon showing off his new robe from Grandma and Grandpa Welling. They got all the kids one, so I put up some hooks in their room to hang them on. They use them practically every day.

Jordan is so happy.

Jeran, Jordan, and Jaydon eating ring pops.

Jazlin testing out her pillow pet.

Corey with Evan, Thayne, and Ashton.

Grandpa got headlamps for all the grandchildren. I was impressed that he thought to write each childs names on them to avoid fighting..

Paul brought over some of his new Wii stuff to play Mario cart with Jeran, Jaydon, and Jordan. They've done well at learning how to play and it's something they can play all at once.

Jazlin stole a game boy and hid under the chair to play. She wanted to know what all the excitement was about. The very next morning, the kids wanted to know how many more days till the next Christmas.

A STREP, PINK EYE, AND FLU CHRISTMAS EVE

2012-01-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

A few days prior, we found out Corey and Hailey's whole family (which are living next door at Paul's parents home) had strep. Paul's throat started to bother him, so he got tested and found out he was positive. We took our whole family in and the doctor thought most of us showed signs of strep. Being pregnant, I am resistant to go on anti-biotics but when being ambushed by four kids in your face all the time I knew I didn't have a choice. Jaydon showed heavy signs of the flu as well. Then I noticed pink eye being spread from Jordan to Jeran to Jazlin. It was one fun whiny exhausting week. It was probably good they all got a week off of school just to recover from all the sickness. Since all of us were on anti-biotics, we decided we'd still have Christmas Eve dinner and activities together. Tracey and Nikki's family opted not to come up and get contaminated, but everyone else was there. Tausha doped up on all of her herbal remedies and essential oils to avoid sickness. Paul's mom prepared crab, like she does every Christmas Eve, and Jaydon ate the meat out of the claws just so he could play with them. I got after him to not play with his food, but was unsuccessful because Grandpa thought it was funny. (12-24-11)

Jaydon, Jordan, and Jeran waiting for their Christmas Eve presents. They've started to figure out one of the presents will be pj's. The other is a family gift: which is always a game of some sort that we play after the kids change into their pj's.

Jazlin

Jeran and Jaydon opening their gifts.

Jaydon and Jordan

Jazlin

All the kids got pj's with monkey's on them.

Paul got me maternity pj's that I can use when nursing. Very thoughtful. The family game this year was 'Operation'. The kids had a blast playing it.

This is a typical moment for Jeran & Jordan. They start out talking silly to each other and laughing...

...then comes the hugs and more laughter...

...and then the wrestling... Half the time it ends in tears and sometimes it ends in chasing each other down the hall to imaginative play.

Jaydon, Jazlin, Jeran, and Jordan in front of Grandma Wellings' tree.

Jeran thought it would be funny to put a hanger on daddy's ear.

"Ha Ha. I'm soooo hilarious".

PRESENTS FOR MOM

2012-01-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

Jeran and Jordan made these Gingerbread houses at pre-school. They were instructed not to eat them because the frosting had raw egg in it. However they made the frosting, it was like cement. They tried to pull candy off and couldn't. I was pleased because I had their houses to display without half of it missing.

Jeran made this ornament for me as a gift for Christmas.

Jordan is my little guy that will say to me several times a day, "I love you mom or I love you soooo much" and give me a sweet smile with hugs and kisses.

JAYDON'S CLASS ROOM CHRISTMAS PARTY

2012-01-17T21:01:00.000-08:00

The kids got to where their pj's to school for having good behavior. The kids decorated cookies, made candy cane bead ornaments, played Christmas bingo that I brought, ate treats & snacks, and other various games. Later that day, I picked Jaydon up for his bi-annual dentist appointment & he made it back in time to watch a movie with his class. He said it was the best day ever. (12-20-11)

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AWARDS

2012-01-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

We gave out our annual 'Christmas Lights Awards' for Family Home Evening the week before Christmas. Some awards given out this year was "Most Disneyest, Santa got stuck in your tree, and The Most Noel". Jeran and Jaydon couldn't get through this persons locked gate, so they left the award in the mail box. (12-19-11)

One of the twins knocking and getting ready to run back to the car. The goal is to not get caught leaving the award. We usually get caught a few times and just wish the people a "Merry Christmas".

There was an elderly woman at this house that didn't bother to get up when we rang her door bell.

This is always the favorite home for Halloween and Christmas. We gave them "The highest electricity bill in town award". They have their lights blinking in sink with an AM radio station that they must pay for just for their production. It's hard to tell, but the whole house and lawn in lit up. The twins were too frightened to go up to the door with the massive a amount of blinking lights, so we sent Jaydon.

OUR 1ST SECRET SANTA

2012-01-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

This year we decided the kids were old enough that we could assign names and let them pick out presents for each other. Paul, Jeran, and Jazlin were on a team buying presents for Jaydon, Jordan, and I. We each took a name and bought for them. We went to the dollar store and each of us bought 5 presents for our person. The kids were thrilled and it turned out to be a great experience. Afterwards, we went home and wrapped presents in our teams. This was the end result. (12-17-11)

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

2012-01-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

For the month of December, the twins and I took a Christmas Crafts class at the Rec Center on Fridays together. Here's Jordan showing off the snow flake he made. (12-17-11)

They made these reindeer using water bottles and felt fabric.

Jeran's snowman ornament.

Jordan went button crazy on his.

They made these candy Christmas trees using an ice cream cone & frosting for the tree, candy for ornaments, star bursts for wrapped presents, and coconut shavings for the snow. Jazlin got to make one too.

Jeran's

Jordan's

On the last day, Ronnie (the teacher) had us meet in the day care so those kids could participate too; which included Jazlin. She liked to start crafts with a Christmas story about whatever we were going to make that day. (12-16-11)

Here the twins (Jordan-left & Jeran-right) are making their candy trees. After the last day of Christmas Crafts, we had a Christmas party in the nursery. The Rec Center does several employee party's throughout the year, but we (day care workers/morning aerobics instructors/pre-school activity teachers) like to do our own party. All of us pitched in on a Don Pedro's platter and talked till our kids let us know it was time to go. This year Paul and I bought our favorite chocolates from Hawaii to give to our friends and family.

JAZLIN'S 1ST HAIRCUT

2012-01-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

I decided it was finally time to have Jazlin's hair cut (she's 2 1/2), so that her ends would be straight. Her and I went next door to Grandma's and within 10 minutes she was done. Now I can leave her beautiful red hair down if I want to. (12-10-11)

There is rarely a day go by that she doesn't get a compliment on her beautiful hair. Paul is very proud of it and wants to let it keep growing.

I love doing her hair and she's usually pretty good about letting me do it. I often put sponge curlers in her hair at night and I do her hair while she's eating her breakfast in the mornings.

READING IS RECREATION

2012-01-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

We took the kids for the 3rd time to Reading is Recreation at the Rec Center. They made Christmas ornaments, went on an adventure in the gymnastics area, played bingo for books, and listened to stories by Mrs. Claus. On their way out they got candy and another book from Mrs. Claus. When we got home, I read a few of the books to the kids. Here is Jazlin, Jordan, Jaydon, and Jeran showing off their new books. (12-9-11)

Who doesn't like free books?

WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY

2012-01-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

Our ward had two Christmas party's this year, one for family's and one for adults only. We attended both. The primary had an impromptu singing performance from the kids. Jordan, Jeran, and Jazlin are ready to sing... (12-7-11)

That is until Jeran and Jazlin started poking each other.

After dinner and singing, Santa came to town. Jazlin was not shy at all and decided she would take charge in handing the bags of candy to the children after they got off of Santa's lap. Kathy Barton, the new bishop's wife and my friend, allowed her to help.

Jazlin was one of the 1st children on Santa's lap and had a great conversation with him.

Jaydon asked for a Nintendo DS (game boy), a robot, and a few other things.

Jeran asked for a Nintendo DS

Do you have any idea what Jordan asked for? No other than a Nintendo DS.

Cousin Ashton

Cousin Thayne

"CAN WE EAT IT NOW"?

2012-01-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

We made a gingerbread house for Family Home Evening the beginning of December. The kids wanted to eat it right away, but I wanted to display our masterpiece though-out the month. They kept bugging me, so I told them they could eat it the day after Christmas. I thought they'd surely forgotten about it because they quite asking me. The day after Christmas the twins asked if they could eat it. I didn't actually think they'd remember, let alone ask for the stale house, but I made good on my promise and let them munch on it. I tried warning them that it wouldn't taste very good, but they didn't care and had a great time taking it apart and sampling the candy. (12-5-11)

Jeran decorating the windows.

"Jazlin, that's for the gingerbread house".

Jordan is a perfectionist, just like his mom & dad, so he made sure everything he did was just right.

...with a sampling of candy here and there.

FESTIVAL OF TREES PERFORMANCE

2012-01-16T15:01:00.000-08:00

We (The Artz Academy) had our Christmas performance at a local event called the Festival of Trees. We had about six groups perform, but right after I took this picture of my Creative Dance Class my camera died. Jeran and Jordan are in this class and performed to "All I want for Christmas is a Hippopotamus". My Zumbatomic class (including Jaydon, Jeran, & Jordan) performed to "Freezer (penguin dance)". Jaydon also performed with the Jazz/Ballet/Hip-Hop class. I asked my boys how they thought they did and Jordan said, "I was the best. Everyone in the audience smiled at me". Jeran said, "I was the best too". Jaydon said, "Do you think anyone noticed that I was the only boy"? I reminded him that he was the only boy in one of the numbers and he did very well. He replied, "Well, it was scary but fun". We had a little conversation about how it can be scary to perform in front of an audience and it is a normal feeling. The rest of the performance included different classes and ages for Jazz/Ballet/Hip-Hop and Cheer Dance. (12-2-11)

A couple days prior to our performance, The Artz Academy (including my kids) was part of the Annual Christmas Lights Parade. Brooke, my partner, put lights and decorated a truck off of the Auto Depot lot. We sat on cushioned seats in the bed of the truck with several of our students and Brooke's mom (who previously owned a dance studio for 15+ years). Our cheer girls taught us some Christmas cheers they had been learning. We sang carols, banged on tambourines, and waved to the crowd. At the end of the parade, we pulled out hot chocolate and cookies for the kids to munch on. The kids had a blast and didn't seem to care how cold it was!

DECORATING THE TREE

2012-01-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

Paul has been driving a little electronic car (off of the dealership lot) lately. It saves on gas and he thinks it's fun to drive. Although, it looks like someone shoved him in a shoe box because Paul is so tall and the car is only a two seater. One evening he was driving and he began thinking about what his little car could do. He wondered if the vehicle could hall a Christmas tree on top, so he tested his theory. He came home with a Christmas tree (as long as the car mind you) strapped to the top. He said he saw a lot of people getting a good laugh at the sight of a tall man in a little car with a large tree strapped to the top. Grandma and Aunt Tausha just happened to be out and passed him on the highway to our homes. They began to laugh until they noticed it was Paul, then they really started to laugh. He sometimes does stuff just because he thinks it will be funny. (11-27-11)

Jazlin was a little tired when we started to decorate the tree.

The boys, being competitive as usual, wanted to see who could get the decorations highest on the tree. Jeran was determined to be the winner.

Jordan made sure he got a turn.

Jaydon bragged that he didn't need to stand on the couch's edge. We put an end to that competition right then.

Jazzie saw how much fun her brothers were having and joined in.

Jordan

Paul helping Jordan hang them high.

We were all tired when the tree was finished, so we watched a collection of Christmas cartoons.

THANKSGIVING DAY

2012-01-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

We took it easy on Thanksgiving, baking through-out the day and letting the kids play out in the snow. Paul, his dad, and Kevin worked hard on are addition since it was a day off of work. I was still feeling some morning sickness (lots of throwing up and exhaustion during the 1st trimester), so I cooked, layed down, and cooked some more. By the evening, we finally had our feast ready. I tried not feeding the kids too much through-out the day, so they were ready and hungry by the time the food was ready. After dinner, we let the kids watch a movie while some of the adults played games. (12-24-11)

Jazlin ready to eat.

Since Tracey and Nikki's family weren't there, we could fit the kids at the table. The boys occupied one end of the table: Jaydon, Jordan, Thayne, Ashton, and Jeran.

"Show me your silly faces".

Grandma and Jazlin

Jazzie and I smooching

Grandpa (with a cracked rib) and Grandma

Paul and I

A very tired Tausha (she almost fell asleep at the table) and Kevin

Corey and Hailey

JORDAN & JERAN'S 5TH BIRTHDAY

2012-01-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

I asked Jeran and Jordan what they wanted to do for their 5th birthday. They wanted a McDonald's birthday, just like Jaydon had almost a year prior. I let them each pick what they wanted on their cake. Jordan picked Curious George and Jeran picked Spiderman. Earlier in the day, they went to preschool and shared cupcakes with their classmates and Grandma took them out to pick out presents. (11-23-11)

Jordan

Cousins Kevin, Dallan, and Quentin was able to come to their party with Aunt Tasha. I recently found out that my brother, Ryan, left the country for a year contract to Kuwait through the military.

Paul invited a family he helped get started with the missionary discussions. This was a couple of their kids. We went over to their house the following Monday for Family Home Evening.

Jeran and Jordan

Jeran loves hamburgers.

Aunt Tausha had left town for a few weeks prior, but showed up at their birthday party. She's sitting next to Grandma and Grandpa Welling.

Quentin

Jazlin kept coming back to me over and over to fix her party hat that kept falling off.

I think she thought she looked like a princess with it on.

Jordan's 1/2 of the cake

Jeran's

Time to blow out candles. We always take turns singing to each one of them and letting them blow out their own candles.

Jeran

Jordan was a little bashful.

They couldn't wait to lick the frosting off the candles.

Grandpa helping Jazlin eat her cake and ice cream. She came back for seconds.

Aunt Hailey, Uncle Corey, Thayne, and Evan

Ashton

Jordan and Jeran are ready to open presents.

Jaydon wanted Jordan to open his present first because he wanted to play with it.

Jeran. We took turns back and forth this year.

Sometimes they couldn't wait for their next turn, so they opened presents at the same time.

Paul cleaning up the mess.

The twins and I. I cannot believe they are five. I get a little teary eyed knowing they've grown too fast. Just yesterday I was wrapping them in the same blanket to sleep in the same crib.

They love their mommy. They come running to me yelling, "Mommy" with big hugs when I pick them up from pre-school or Kinder Kamp.

Corey and Evan

Evan thought the balloon sticking to his head was a pretty good game.

LET'S BUILD AN IGLOO

2012-01-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

After the first big snow fall of the season, Paul tried building an igloo with these brick moldings. They didn't get a wall built before the kids lost interest and each went off to build their own masterpieces. (11-19-11)

Jazlin was the last to come in from playing outside.

Jaydon

Paul explaining how to make a snow brick to Jeran

Jordan thought he could do two bricks at a time.

He quickly found out it's harder than it looks.

JAYDON PLAYS AN OWL

2012-01-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

Jaydon memorized a part in his class room play. Paul, Jaydon's siblings, and I went and watched. (11-16-11)

Jazlin

I asked for kisses and this is what I got.

Jaydon played an owl.

Jeran was proud of his brother.

A NINJA PRINCESS HALLOWEEN

2012-01-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

Our family prior to the down town trick-or-treat: Paul, Caddie, Jazlin, Jeran, Jordan, and Jazlin. The boys were ninjas. Jaz and I were princesses. (10-31-11)

Jaydon started the day with a Halloween party in his class room. I brought Halloween carnival games. We separated the kids into groups and had them rotate through each station. The other room mom had a group Halloween game and we ended with lots of nummy treats and snacks.

Jaydon

Mrs. Sponenburgh talking to the children.

I couldn't find the kids trick-or-treats baskets and they were sold out at Walmart, so I bought orange pillow cases and decorated each child's pillow case with puff paint.

Aunt Tausha joined the fun and dressed up as a princess too.

Grandma Welling spent a couple hours doing a professional hair-do on Tausha's hair.

I did Jazlin's hair. We went outside and sprayed our hair with glitter.

The kids were ready to start trick-or-treating.

Grandma met up with us bringing Thayne and Ashton.

Jazlin stuck close to me. She didn't want to be left behind.

Grandma Welling reaching out her hands for Jazlin. Soon after, Jaydon started dragging behind and complaining about his sprained ankle. A day or so prior to Halloween, Jaydon climbed up in a tree (which Paul has told him a number of times not to do) and fell down to the ground. Paul was worried that he had broken his ankle, so I took him to the emergency room to get x-rays. He didn't have a break, but did have a bad sprain. By the time we got to the Library, he said he couldn't walk any further. Paul got the car and picked us up.

Jazlin and Aunt Tausha. After the down town trick-or-treat, we stopped off at Arby's for dinner before the church's trunk-or-treat and door-to-door trick-or-treating.

Thayne and Ashton were super hero's.

Jeran

Paul took the twins down a block to do some door-to-door trick-or-treating. Jaydon didn't want to go due to his ankle.

A HALLOWEEN ANNOUNCEMENT!

2012-01-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

A few days prior to getting together with my high school friends for a Halloween get-together, I went into my OBGYN because I'm pregnant! I found out that I was pregnant right after Paul and I got back from our vacation to Virginia. Due to my miscarriage in August, which only immediate family and a few friends knew about, I decided to wait till my 1st doctors appointment to announce that I was pregnant. My 1st appointment was when I was 8 weeks along. Basically, right after I miscarried I got pregnant again. Dr. Evans did an ultrasound and we found out that we were not having twins and the baby's heart beat was strong. I didn't think I would get pregnant right away after miscarrying, so it was a shock. Paul and I had decided not to tell our kids about the miscarriage for awhile and try for another little one. All of our children are still very young, so we didn't want to cause confusion and sadness if I was going to get pregnant again. (10-29-11)

A few of my High School friends and I met down at Mandy's house to decorate cupcakes, carve pumpkins, chit chat, eat pizza, and such. Paul had to work on the addition to our home (extra bedroom, bathroom, and laundry/food storage room), so I took the four kids by myself to Utah. We stopped off at Costco for pizza and a veggie tray for the party on the way to her house. My friends were surprised that I would take all four kids with me to the store, but with some threats prior to going in and making the twins and Jaz stay in the cart we did o.k. They had a blast at Mandy's house and in her back yard. Jazlin loved making the cupcakes and eating it even more.

I let the boys wear their ninja outfits and Jazlin her Rapunzel outfit.

Miriam, Shiloh, and I. And, yes, I am already in maternity clothes because I've almost gained 20 pounds already (10 lbs was left-over from the miscarriage). The next week I began announcing to my aerobics classes. Most of my water aerobic students said they could tell. That's the great part of teaching water, every little pound in noticed.

Miriam, Shiloh, Caddie, Mandy

Mandy's little girl-Gabby

Mandy's little boy-Alex

Shiloh got into the pumpkin carving.

Jazlin wanted to do her own.

So did Jaydon

Mandy gave him some assistance. The twins helped out for a little bit then ran off to play in the back yard. Once it started getting a little chilly, we went inside, cooked the pizza's, talked, and let the kids watch a movie. Jazlin and Gabby ran off to play in her room and came back all dressed up. Jazlin started acting sick, so we said our goodbye's and headed home. Paul gets anxious when I go to Utah without him. He was relieved when we came home safely. He said it was too quiet all day without the noise of the kids, but his dad and him got a lot done on our home.

FREE PUMPKINS

2012-01-11T22:24:00.000-08:00

A few days before Halloween, the Rec Center did some free Halloween activities for kids at the Bear River Information Center. We were practically the last to show up; due to Jazlin puking all over the ground when it was time to go. Paul ended up staying home with her, so I took the boys and they had a blast. Many of the Rec Center staff were there running the booths (including their Kinder Kamp teachers, sports & play teacher, ect...) They had face painting, making skeletons out of twigs, fishing for candy in a cauldron, and other various games. At the end they got to go out into a field and pick out a pumpkin to take home. We grabbed one for Jazlin too since she wasn't able to make it. (10-28-11)

Jeran, Jordan, and Jaydon sitting on their prized pumpkins.

One of the twig skeletons.

Jaydon got a bat painted on his face.

JERAN & JORDAN'S SELF PORTRAITS

2012-01-11T22:16:00.000-08:00

Some of the art work they've done recently at Kinder Kamp and preschool. (9-26-11)

Jeran's self portrait. (10-20-11)

Jordan's

Jeran and Jordan got sick the day they made these pumpkins at preschool, but their teachers saved the supplies for them. We made them at home with the help of Jaydon and Jazlin. (10-22-11)

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

2012-01-11T22:14:00.001-08:00

My favorite TV show is 'So You Think You Can Dance'. I watched this last season and when their tour went on sale I bought tickets for Paul and I. The production was great from beginning to end. It was near where Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins lived, so we dropped the kids off to spend a few hours at their home. Paul bought me this shirt during the show; which has all the reality cast members on it. (10-26-11)

COUSINS ARE MOVING IN NEXT DOOR

2012-01-11T22:10:00.000-08:00

Thayne, Ashton, and Evan came over for the day while their parents moved them out of the Prairie Inn (where Hailey worked and they lived). They moved in with Grandma and Grandpa Wellings' home. My kids are happy to have there cousins living right next door. (10-20-11)

Mmmmmm. This is a good lunch.

LAST WEEKEND AT THE CABIN

2012-01-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

We knew that the snow was going to hit hard soon, so we decided we'd better make one last trip to the cabin before Grandpa winterized it. Jazlin and I played a bug game, but she mostly wanted me to cover her in bugs. (10-16-11)

Jaydon's second tooth is loose, but will not let anyone pull it out. He lost his first tooth a year ago. He left it in for weeks and the new tooth was growing in behind it. Grandpa tried to talk Jaydon into letting him get it out, but Jaydon refused. Although, I agree with Jaydon when it comes to not letting Grandpa touch his mouth. Grandpa wanted to use his handy pocket knife (that he uses on everything) to pop it out. I don't like the idea of a knife in a child's mouth. I prefer tying a string to the tooth and let the child pull on it till it finally comes out.

Jaydon didn't like any of our ideas. A week later, Paul got fed up with Jaydon's excuses and made him lie down so he could pull it out. Jaydon screamed bloody murder, but afterwards said it didn't even hurt. He got extra money and a letter from the tooth fairy for being so brave. The gum had become swollen, so I'm sure it was a relief after is was out. The next loose tooth, he refused to pull it out himself again. Eventually, Paul, Uncle Kevin, and Aunt Tausha took him in a room at Grandma's house and pulled it out. He came out with a tear stained face telling me how brave he was and how it didn't hurt at all. Uncle Kevin and Aunt Tausha came out looking traumatized. They said they never saw a child scream like that before. After that, he hasn't seem to have a problem wiggling them out himself. In fact, he just lost one the other day during singing time at church.

Jazlin ready to play another game.

Jordan has the best cheeks to pinch.

Paul tired from working several days on the bath house with his dad.

Jaydon made himself a cool pair of glasses.

KINDER KAMP HALLOWEEN PARTY

2012-01-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

Jordan and Jeran with Ms. Jenny (their teacher) after the Halloween Party. I love when they have this party because they will let the kids go trick-or-treating at Rec staff members offices. Then, take them down to the pool and let them walk by the class that I teach (Senior Water Aerobics) to show off their costumes. It's a fun brag day for me! I love hearing my seniors comment on how cute my kids are. (10-19-11)

The boys with a couple of their Kinder Kamp friends. I love that my kids have activities to do while I teach aerobics. It's a good break for me and lots of fun for them. And, as everyone asks me, I do pay for all their activities and child care. My pay checks pretty much go back to the Rec Center. It's a good trade off. The gal that cuts my pay check has made the comment "After paying for your kids activities, you might have enough left over for your husband and you to go out to dinner".

1ST GRADE 1ST PRESENTATION

2012-01-11T21:32:00.000-08:00

Grandma, Aunt Tausha, Thayne, Ashton, Evan, Paul, Jeran, Jordan, Jazlin, and I went to Mrs. Sponenburgh's 1st grade presentation. She showed various work the students had been doing in her class room so far. Jaydon wrote about the fun rides he went on at Lagoon this past summer. He was the most enthusiastic reader out of his class when describing his adventure. Paul was amazed at how clear and well Jaydon reads. I make sure he does his reading every day, so it was not a surprise to me. Plus, I read once a day to the kids and dad reads to them before bed. My hope is that the kids will love reading as they get older. (10-12-11)

Jeran and Jordan can't wait to go to Kindergarten next year. They looked at the lockers and school work other children have done on the way out.

ANNUAL PUMPKIN CARVING

2012-01-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

The kids love when we carve pumpkins for Family Home Evening. Jordan is describing what he thinks the pumpkin should look like. Jeran is to the right waiting to add his input. (10-10-11)

Jaydon

Paul drawing the pumpkins design.

"Awe...The guts".

Jazlin ran to me saying, "Scarwee momma. Scarwee".

She got over it pretty quickly when she got to touch the slime.

Jeran taking the first few scoops.

Jordan was next.

Jazlin couldn't wait till her turn.

Jordan offered to help Jazlin so he could get a second turn.

Paul carving the pumkin.

Jaydon

Jordan, Jeran, Jazlin, and Jaydon with the finished product.

The kids and I

Jazlin talking to the pumpkin.

Happy Halloween!

ROCKET POWERED FUN

2012-01-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

Jordan and Jeran made these cool rockets at Kinder Kamp. They played with them for days after. (10-5-11)

Schschshch schschshcsch

Jazlin pretended she had one of her own.

ASHTON'S 3RD BIRTHDAY

2012-01-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

Cousin Ashton had his birthday party at the Prairy Inn. (10-2-11)

The boys on the wagon out front: (front) Ashton, Thayne (back) Evan, Jordan, Jeran, & Jaydon.

My boys couldn't wait for Ashton to open their presents.

Jordan telling Ashton what an awesome present he got him.

"See what a great present I got him".

Jeran making sure everyone knows what an awesomely awesome present he got Ashton.

Ashton blowing out his candles.

PAUL AND I'S TRIP TO VIRGINIA

2012-01-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

After getting the kids settled into their new schedule for the school year and registration for The Artz Academy, Paul and I decided to take off for a week together. With all of the busyness of the start of a new school year, I didn't have a lot of time to deal with my feeling and emotions associated with the miscarriage. It was good to get away and let myself deal with this heartache along side my husband. We went to Williamsburg, VA and stayed at Wyndam's Kingsgate. This is the living room area. (9-17-11)

Our bedroom

The second bedroom

The dining room and kitchen

We left Jaydon and Jazlin with Grandma Welling and took Jeran and Jordan down to Provo, Utah to stay with their Aunt Tasha. Tasha and I have kept a good relationship even though her and my brother have been in the process of divorcing for over a year. We thought it would be a good opportunity for the twins to spend some time with their cousins. It worked out great and the kids had at least one sibling with them. We spent the first night in a hotel by the airport and got up bright and early for a long day of flying. We flew into Richmond, VA and then drove an hour down to Williamsburg, VA. By the time we got to Virginia, we were hungry and exhausted. We drove down the main strip in Williamsburg and saw a restaurant that looked like it was in an old barn. It was the first time we ever had crackers and cheese spread for an appetizer. All of the food was southern style and very good.

After dinner, we got all the pamphlets we could and made a plan for our stay in historic Virginia. The next day was Sunday, so we went to church and then spent most of the day sight seeing and relaxing at our condo. While making dinner together, I was chopping vegetables and accidentally cut deep into my finger. After feeling faint and watching blood spill out of my finger, I was able to sit and let it rinse while Paul ran to the store for bandaids and such.

On Monday, we went down to historic Williamsburg, Virginia. It is a town of restored homes, shops, museums, and play actors. Here I am in the chopping block with my wrapped finger. (9-19-11)

I told Paul he'd better behave on our vacation or I might not let him out. It took us over an hour to walk down one street of the restored town and back. I tried sneaking into a performance that had full seating, but got caught and kicked out. Paul thought it was hilarious that I got caught because he always plays by the rules.

Here was an old building with the type of artillery they used in early America. Most were replica's but some were restored originals.

Paul wished he had a gun like this. He likes to hunt but has gone once or twice since we moved back to Wyoming four years ago.

Some of the old homes with a carriage in front.

The performance that I was most interested in going to was on Martha Washington. I learned that Washington never had any biological children of his own, but did adopt and help raise the children of Martha Washington. Later on in the week we went to Washington's estate and it was beyond fascinating to see how they lived. You could spend a week at each museum or restorative town we went to this week. We called this our speed vacation because we tried to see as many things as we could in such a short amount of time. Paul and I would love to go back again someday when our children are older.

Here is a chair that they would strap a crazy person into. If you notice, there is a hole in the middle of the seat for the person to relieve themself. The whole town was one large museum with example after restorative example of how they lived back then.

Later that evening, we went to the evening presentation. Actors told the story of what happened right before the revolutionary war. Martha Washington showed up in a carriage.

Then we walked over to another stage area to watch a presentation about a spy for George Washington and the first black preacher.

Back to the main stage to hear from George Washington himself.

Capitol Building

Paul

...so dramatic

Relaxing on a pile of wood chips

That evening we went to a Cambodian restaurant

Paul wanted something authentically spicy. The waiter tried to warn him.

Too bad he ran out of water.

Tuesday we spent the day sight seeing in some of the towns near Williamsburg and ended up at Norfolk botanical garden. (9-20-11)

We took a boat ride out onto Lake Whitehurst.

We took a romantic stroll through a rose garden and ate a picnic lunch overlooking the garden.

"Help me"

We took a tour around the garden and stopped off at a butterfly sanctuary.

We started to miss the kids when we saw the caterpillars. They would have loved looking and wanting to touch them.

After leaving the botanical garden we decided to take an hour or so longer drive to Virginia beach. We got some ice cream and walked along the beach strip. I would love to take the kids there someday.

We ran into King Tritan while we were walking.

Wednesday, we went to Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center, and Yorktown Battlefield. Jamestown had demonstrations and tours of how the Indians lived. (9-21-11)

Here I am on what an Indian bed would have looked like.

Jamestown had life size replicas of the boats that were driven bringing pilgrims and supplies to America.

A little smaller than the Titanic

Next we went over to the Jamestown Settlement where we watched a demonstration of a musket being fired and walked through the homes, church buildings, etc...

Driving out of Jamestown, we stopped off to watch glass blowing in a kiln. I found out that they melt sand to make glass and glass is naturally green.

My camera died after this, so I didn't get any pictures of Yorktown Victory Center. We got to watch some scientists working on restoration work there, walk around museums, and stopped to eat at a little cafe over-looking the water.

We stopped off at our condo on our way out to Yorktown battlefield so I could charge my camera. This is where America finally got its' freedom from England.

The field where the final battle took place. There was a feeling of calm at this field. We went inside the museum, but got kicked out after being in there for ten minutes due to closing time.

Afterwards, we drove around viewing different battlefields and military stations.

That evening we went to a dinner mystery theatre.

We were supposedly eating at a Speakeasy and someone got killed in the middle of dinner. It was pretty funny. Paul and I both guessed wronged on who the killer was.

Thursday was the day we headed up to Washington D.C. On the way, we stopped off at George Washington's estate. It was my favorite historical site that we went to on vacation. It was fascinating to see how our first president lived. He had a couple hundred slaves to run a massive plantation and lived very well. (9-22-11)

I imagined what it would have been like to have been married to the 1st president.

Paul got jealous and made a move on Martha.

George Washington's house is behind us. We enjoyed the tour through Washington's restored home. Everything was the highest quality for those days (better than most of what we have now days) and so much detail was put into the walls and furniture. I was amazed that they had visitors practically all year long and kept a log of all the many people that came to stay.

This is the view from Washington's back porch.

Here is a replica of one of Washington's carriages.

Paul randomly took a picture of their drainage system. He found it fascinating.

Washington's tomb. I saw tears in a few people's eyes as they gave their respect for our president. Everyone became silent when passing by and observing Washington's final resting place. I felt deep gratitude for the role that he played in securing our freedoms.

Here we are entering Washington D.C. This was Paul and I's first time ever coming to the Capital, so we were both feeling very excited

Paul in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Across the way is the Washington Monument. We weren't able to go up close to it due to cracking in the structure from a recent earth quake. There is supposed to be water between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, but if you can tell they are doing renovations on it.

Paul and I wanted to get up close to the White House, but they have it blockaded and policed for blocks all around. I took this picture while we were driving around trying to find parking and get up close.

They had one look out spot about a block away that we could stop and take pictures of it.

When we turned around we could see the Washington Monument again.

We tried to make the last session of the Washington DC temple, but got there too late. We were both disappointed but exhausted and hungry, so we decided to just take pictures of its' beauty. I took off my shoes and we walked around the grass.

Friday we went to Busch Gardens (an amusement park). It started to rain right when we got there and poured the whole time. We quickly became sopping wet. We were determined to have fun, so we went on several roller coaster rides even though we got pelted by the rain. The rain made the rides seem much more scary. I had to close my eyes quite a bit because the sting from the rain hitting my face a hundred miles per hour hurt like no other. (9-23-11)

Here is a little owl that I thought was cute from their wild life sanctuary.

We gave up on getting pelted by rain on rides and found a couple indoor shows to watch. The first one was a 3D pirate show and the second was this Monster Stomp production. Paul and I snuck in a few kisses before the show began.

The rain got worse, so the park started giving out rainy day return tickets. We were ready to go sit in the hot tub back at the resort, dry off, watch a movie, and relax.

Saturday was our check-out day. We decided to scratch our last day plans and go back to Busch Gardens. (9-24-11)

It started to sprinkle a little, but not enough to make us put on our poncho's on again. This was an outdoor show we had waited on the day before, but got cancelled due to rain. Paul was happy to eat barbeque brisket in between rides and shows. He loves slow cooked smoked meat. We had a smoker grill in Hawaii that I bought him for his birthday one year. We used it all the time barbequing with our friends or just ourselves.

Our last ride. We headed back to Richmond to fly out and drive back home after this. We got our kids all back safely the next day. This time Jazlin ran to us with open arms. The year prior, Paul and I went to the Big Island of Hawaii and she snubbed us when we got back.

SPORTS & PLAY

2012-01-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

On Fridays for 6 weeks, after I'm done teaching water aerobics, the twins and I did a 'Sports and Play' class at the Rec. They learned all the basic skills for playing different sports. Here's Jeran kicking a soccer ball. 9-16-11

Jordan

Jazlin was ready for me to pick her up and love her by the time we got done.

JUST JAZZIE AND ME

2012-01-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

Since the twins are at pre-shool on Thursdays, I decided to take Jazlin to story time. She loved having all of my attention. We stopped off at a new clothing store in town after-wards and the owner thought Jazlin was so cute that she gave her this flying monkey. (9-15-11)

JERAN & JORDAN 1ST DAY OF PRE-SCHOOL

2012-01-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

Jordan and Jeran ready to go back to their pre-school (LUCDA). They thought they were going to Kindergarten, but after explaining that they still have one more year of pre-school (several times) they finally understood. They think that whatever Jaydon gets to do, they get to do the very next year. 9-13-11

Since I switched to teaching Zumba at nights on Tues. & Thurs., Paul takes them to pre-school and I pick them up. I decided that I'd rather teach Zumba at night and shop/clean in the mornings on those days. I wanted to switch things up a little this year.

PLAY DOUGH & A SNAKE EATING A MOUSE

2012-01-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

After Jaydon's second day of school we played play dough. The kids love to mold all types of food and watch me pretend to eat their master pieces. (8-30-11)

One day, I decided to take the kids down to the Library to watch a snake feeding. We got there a couple minutes late and the snake already had the mouse in its' mouth. The kids squealed when they saw the last bit of the mouse go into the snake. (9-9-11)

Jeran (still wearing his favorite spider man costume), Jazlin, Jordan, and Jaydon

JAYDON'S 1ST DAY OF 1ST GRADE

2012-01-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Jaydon was excited to start school again and see all of his friends. He wanted to lay out his clothes the night before. When Paul and I got out of bed in the morning, he was already dressed and ready to make new friends. (8-29-11)

I was sad to see him go and had a few tears in my eyes. Paul took him to school on his way to work and walked him to his new class room.

SINGING IN THE RAIN

2011-08-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

One day the kids where playing outside and came in wet. Since they were already wet, I told them to go back out and have fun. You have to resign sometimes as a parent. Here's cousin Ashton and Jaydon. Jaydon was the only one who did not want to get wet. (8-27-11)

Jordan practicing his Kung Fu

Thayne

Ooooo a puddle. Now the fun really began. Jazlin testing out the puddle before she jumped in. Jeran (with the umbrella) told me he was keeping from getting wet in the rain.

Jazlin, Ashton, and Thayne

Ashton and Jazlin

Jazlin is saying, "Hop. hop. hop".

Thayne got the craziest, loudest, and stayed out the longest. He ran through the puddle over and over screaming with joy.

Jaydon getting a hair cut by daddy.

"I LICK IT"

2011-08-28T21:17:00.001-07:00

Some random pics -- Jaydon's left eating outside by himself. (8-25-11)

Cousin Evan (8-22-11)

Jeran, Jazlin, and Jordan putting together Cootie's (8-25-11)

Jaydon would rather put together Lego's. He loves to build.

"Jazlin what are you doing?" (8-26-11)

"I lick it".