The Mackelberries

The Life in Marshfield

2012-02-01T14:15:00.003-05:00

Wow. Marshfield. You can see the whole town in one day. Well, in ten minutes if you drive straight through. It would probably take longer to walk through the clinic then drive through the town. Cell coverage is awful. Apparently some stubborn company owned all the cell towers when Alltel was bought out by Verizon. Verizon didn't want to pay what this company wanted, so the ONLY place in the US where cell coverage doesn't work for ATT is right here for a hundred miles or so. Not that it NEVER works, it just doesn't work OFTEN.

Lots of Amish, Menonite, and Dairy farmers. Some paper mill workers, sugar plant workers. Big Land O Lakes plant not too far. Snow (but not much, the warm winter is everywhere).

I love the elementary being a block away. Kids like their teachers, and are making quick friends. I've joined the YMCA. It is very friendly. People talk and get to know you. Not like the snooty gyms in OH, where it was a fashion show. (Nice gyms but an all about ME kinda place). This YMCA is very people oriented. I like it a lot. At least 5 lbs worth. Hopefully more.

Besides the Y, not much keeping me busy. Tried to make some curtains for bedroom, but it was a fail. I did the Roman shades from blinds. They ended up short and uneven. I am such a goof ball. Maybe I should just buy some.

I'll probably check out the public library soon. I've been saving that as a place to go.

That's all. Just thought I would give a quick report.

You Asked for It.

2012-01-17T20:50:00.003-05:00

Well, it is time to get back to blogging. Our little family now lives in Marshfield, Wisconsin far away from everyone and everything we know. It is a little lonely, and my life is slowing way down. Many of you asked that I start blogging again. So here goes...

OH MY GOODNESS! Tonight the branch presidency (our church leaders)came by our home to meet us and get to know us a little better. When they arrived I was changing Vinny's diaper. I gave the diaper to Ammon and asked him to throw it away. He threw it in the living room-whizzing past one of the counselors. And that was just the beginning.

Apparently, our boys are attention deprived here without their cousins and grandparents to show out for, so they took advantage of the audience. Ammon and Ivan had a "kick in the nads" contest and giggled. Josh said, "I promise, they did not learn that from me."

Ammon also jumped on the feet of one of the men. Orlando wasn't too bad as long as he could talk about Lego Ninjago. But Ivan was doing gymnastics, and Ammon pushed every limit to get a laugh. Luckily, they only stayed 30 minutes.

What an impression we must make.

Boys. Boys.Boys.

Lessons on Life and Love

2011-09-07T22:40:00.003-04:00

can only come with time.
I'm so amazed that Josh loves me enough he gave up his dream job of becoming a surgeon. It has been a huge sacrifice of his talent and interests. He believed he could be happy in pathology. He knew me and the kids would be.
And, I'm amazed that I love him enough to tell him it is okay to switch back. And it is, it really is. I know it will be hard. Leaving Arkansas will be tearful. But it will be right.
We celebrate 10 years next month. I don't think we could have made such decisions starting out. With time, love is stronger, patience comes, sacrifice is worth it.
I'm looking forward to seeing Josh have a very successful career as a surgeon (after all!)
We don't know details as to where or when his training will start up again for surgery, but it will happen at the right place in the right time. He is setting up interviews.

A Bedtime Prayer to Remember

2011-08-24T21:55:00.002-04:00

So much to catch up on, but I must write this before I forget. Ammon asked for help with his prayer, which usually means he parrots what I say. Tonight, it changed up a bit.
Me: Dear Heavenly Father
Ammon: Dear Heavenly Father
Me: We thank thee for our blessings
Ammon: We thank thee for my mama
Me: We thank thee for our teachers
Ammon: We thanks for our teacher, mama
Me: We love thee
Ammon: We love our mama
Me: In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Ammon: In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

So, so sweet, I had tears in my eyes! And it makes up for all of the rottenness I put up with!! Love that boy, and all my boys. The youngest who desperately needs a blogpost of his own has a tooth shining through already! Go Vince!

You don't have to go to Washington. . .

2011-05-30T15:29:00.002-04:00

Sunday morning we went to the graveyard. We showed the boys the soldier graves and taught them, hopefully, a little about those who sacrificed for our country. Many civil war soldiers are buried here in Arkansas as well as each war since. The graves of the unknown touch me the most.
When we left, Orlando stopped and spontaneously said the Pledge of Allegiance. I felt pride and joy for my country and its future.
I remember:
My dad who served in Korea
My step dad who did land surveying in Panama while in the Army
My grandpa Smith who was a parachute in WWII and a POW -Our son, Vincent, is his name's sake.
I also remember my aunt and Uncle who lived in Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was bombed-it was 3 years before they saw each other again-He went to report to his commander, she was shipped in a zig zag pattern (to avoid submarines) back to CA. She was pregnant and the daughter was 3 when she met her father.
My brother who serves currently in the Army National Guard.

Thank you, Veterans, Soldier, Heroes. May God bless and keep you until we meet again.

Welcome Vincent Ray!

2011-04-26T20:19:00.003-04:00

Welcome, Welcome Vincent Ray McElderry!!

April 20, 2011

8 lbs 14 oz

21.25 inches long

In grandma's arms 2 days old.

At the hospital less then 24 hours.

Only minutes old.

Each baby is a miracle and produces beautiful smiles.

Josh got to deliver our baby. It was so special. He always wanted to catch a baby on his OB rotation, but never got the opportunity. Vincent was his first "catch".

My labor was good. I'm weird in that I actually enjoy the process of labor. (Remember, I've had two non-medicated births). Still, this labor tops them all for difficulty because the epidural didn't take correctly and I had extreme back labor for two hours. Although I have labored much longer, I've never labored in this type of terrible pain. Luckily, we had previous experience and Josh kept me breathing although changing positions with numb legs was nearly impossible. The anesthesiologist gave me a new epidural at a 9.5. Then the pain went to zero. It was fantastic. We cracked jokes, asked for a mirror, and let Josh catch the baby. I only pushed for twenty minutes. He wasn't nearly as big as predicted, and pushing (which I have not enjoyed in the past) suddenly became the best part of the entire labor. In fact, it was joyful. No pain, Josh catching and cheering me on---and Vincent.

Isn't he beautiful?

Almost Here

2011-04-19T22:47:00.003-04:00

Baby Vincent Ray is almost here. I'll be induced on Thursday. I'm at 40 weeks and have been measuring big. I'd like to go into labor tonight, but if not induction can be a blessing!

So, at times I am second guessing this name-Vincent Ray-I like it, but it is just hard to get used to. I think it is hard to wrap your head around the fact that a new life is coming--who is Vincent Ray? What will he be like? How will he be like his brothers and how will he be different? Will he be our last one, or could I endure another pregnancy? Would it be right to ask myself to? Does Josh care? Does Heavenly Father?
Gee. So much to consider.
I am so thankful that I can have kids and be pregnant. You know 15 percent of couples can't get pregnant? It makes me sad.
And a large percent of children need parents. Josh and I have often talked about adoption when our boys get older. Maybe that is when the daughters will come. Or maybe, just when the boys marry and I get some in-laws and grand daughters.
Okay, back to Vincent. In a few short days he'll be here. Am I ready to take on this responsibility? Perhaps it is 'cause the first three came so close (in 3 years) that this over a 4 year gap seems huge. It's no secret I struggle with the newborn phase. The crying and all the troubles I have with nursing. And then no sleep. I feel selfish-but this is a phase I wish I could skip. Still, this time only one child will be in a diaper-not three! I think this is going to make a difference.
I wonder...
who will he look like:
Orlando-long and skinny at birth jet black hair, slightly jaundice.
Ivan-my Hmong child-he seriously looked Chinese-so squished from the birth canal, more jaundice, and huge-just an ounce shy of 10 lbs and 23 inches!! So long he couldn't fit into several outfits. Hair lighter than Lando's went blond and now is strawberry blond, if not just a red head in the summer.
Ammon-Squishy and blond--still squishy and blond. Big, cute and content.

Vincent??? And then personality wise-will he be smart and sensitive like Orlando? A peace maker and detail oriented like Ivan-or a jokester and cuddle bug like Ammon?
Will he be a Lego boy or a sports boy? Or all together something else?

What challenges will he bring? What joy?

This is the most rambling post ever. Perhaps I should have written in my journal-journal and not my blog, but oh well. Now you know my thoughts.
Just wondering-who is Vincent and how will I do at being his mom? I just feel the weight of that responsibility. I really want to do right by all my children. I get nervous. I feel so much responsibility-Josh says when Lando was born I was super-super protective. I suppose I was. It was a mothering instinct. You want to know where and how your child is---it is----well, I suppose it is called motherhood and a bond I believe to be one of the strongest in the world.
I'm looking forward to meeting and bonding with Vincent Ray--to being a mother.

A lil' Nesting

2011-04-19T12:14:00.004-04:00

With spring in the air, time off work, and 9 month pregnancy hormones-nesting is taking place. First, the piano. It was setting bare and boring for so long. But now it has lots of "art". First, a framed piece my mom did with french knots. A kroched piece from my grandma, a family picture I love, some scrap fabrics for color. But my favorite-repurposing these old oval placemats into large spring flowers! My grandma made these from scraps and honestly they are kinda ugly-but how do you get rid of stuff given to you by relatives now deceased-my conscience has struggles. Anyway, my friend Jen, who helped with the jungle, starts rolling them up and walla! a Flower is born. Genius.

What I love is I spent NO money this week. I just gathered stuff around my house that was "springy" and started playing. The recent tornado provided fallen sticks. An estate sale last summer the Easter ornaments and some half off Hobby Lobby the bird art I picked up a few months ago.
I got the old window at a garage sale back in OH and have held onto it. I think it makes a great background.

The downstairs bathroom was not my favorite place. We didn't paint it when we moved in and it just felt yucky. I had a box of Americana stuff from a gargage sale. Jen painted the bottom half navy with paint she had. I added the red chair (which I'd like to put a fern on) and the cute superman picture as well as some American Art.
It looks, and feels so much better.

Yay for nesting-and thanks for helping Jen!!

Feeling Groovy and I believe we have a name!

2011-04-06T13:46:00.003-04:00

So much stress is gone.
Went to the Dr. My ultrasound average was in the 88th percentile for a baby. Which means he's big-like all the boys- but not up to 95th percentile-which means no C-section!!! yay. phew. Unless of course it becomes medically necessary. But, she reminded me of how I've had big boys before. The largest just under ten.
I'm not sure this one is going to get there though, because she checked me and I am at a 3 already!! Now, it is true I can set at a 3 for weeks, but I'm really really really hoping to just go into labor. I've been having some contractions--so maybe today, tonight, this weekend...but surely not the end of the month!
This is great because I was induced with Ammon, and would prefer to go on my own if possible.

And the other info is that we have a name!! At least I think we do and if Josh backs out on me....no, I think we agree.
Anyway this name is a combo of our maternal grandpas.
Vincent Ray.I like it. It's manly. It's normal, but not too common. We can call him Vince, or even Vinny. And the boys like "sting ray" as a nick name.
Ya, I think it will work. Can't wait to meet him.
Guess it is time to pack a hospital bag...

What to do? What to do?

2011-03-29T21:37:00.001-04:00

So, went to my appointment. Baby is big as thought according to tech. I don't have a Drs appointment until middle of next week. She wants me to think about what I want to do. The way I undertand my options are:
1. Induce, have the baby next weekend or early the week of the 11th. Baby will be 38 weeks and fine, lungs may need a little attention, but he'll be fine.
Option 2. Take it easy and keep him in a little longer-look at possibly 11 to 12 pound baby and then c-section or give it a go and try and endure squeezing his head out. Mind you-his head TODAY measures 39 weeks.
Last Friday estimated weight was 7 lbs 7 oz.
Today, Tuesday, estimated weight is 8lbs 1 oz.

He has good fluid, placenta looks good. All is well. He is just large.
What to do? What to do?

I did decide next Friday is my last day at work either way.

I got to see some 4D pictures and he has the cutest cheeks and lips. I'm so excited to meet him!

Pregnancy Update

2011-03-28T17:21:00.003-04:00

So three weeks ago I had the sweetest dream. I went in for a checkup and the doctor replied, "OH my, you are crowning! Go ahead and give a little push" So I did and out came a 6lb 4oz cute dark headed, pointy-nosed boy. I held him and he rooted around for the milk, but just gave me tons of little kisses because his lips were so puckered. It was the absolute sweetest dream.
Then, reality hit. I went in for a real check up. I'm measuring large. I'm not diabetic, and my blood pressure is good. I haven't measured large at previous checkups, but his guy seems to have grown some. In fact, she figures he is over 7.5 pounds! Babies often put on a lb a week the last month-not necessarily-but often. If this were to happen I'd be looking at a 11-12 pound baby!! Yikes! I really don't want the birth trauma of that experience.
I'm going in tomorrow for an ultrasound. I'm pretty excited to see some good pictures of him this far along (maybe it will help with a name?). I'm also curious if with a better ultrasound he will still measure so large. If he does, I'll be on a fetal monitor once a week and they'll keep an eye on the placenta, fluid and stuff just to make sure all is well.
We'll also probably start talking options. I was induced with Ammon and really would like to go into labor naturally. On the other hand, being induced a few weeks early sounds great! But then again, is he still gaining some ground by staying in the womb as long as possible in which case I should let him keep growing and then what? Possibly face a c-section.
Good grief. Why is being a mom so hard. Always want to do right by your kids, but not sure where or what that is. Guess I'm just waiting for more information. Hopefully tomorrow will give me some answers.

THE JUNGLE!!!

2011-03-26T17:02:00.005-04:00

I am loving how this project turned out. It was my first time to tackle something so big-an entire room!! My friend, Jen, who I had only just met, convinced me of the need to celebrate a fourth boy-she is qualified to do this having four boys of her own. Plus she loves to decorate and the wall tatoos were 90% off! She painted in a few areas that needed more than a tatoo and spent hours helping me make decisions and rub on tatoos!
My friend Emberlee gave the cute stuffed animals. Lisa and Emily did some tatoo rubbing. So did Josh, and he put in a dimmer over the changing area so we don't blind the baby. He also spoiled me in letting me get a great chair. My friend Terri did the vinyl letters and we added butterfly tatoos and crickets into them making it all come together. I'm just thrilled with it. Without friends and sales, and second hands, there is no way I could have pulled this off. Thanks everyone!
Oh ya, the words around the room are the lyrics to a hymn and say, "All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all."
That was 100% my idea (about the only thing that I can claim credit for).
Again, thanks everyone for helping our family get excited for this lil' guy.
If your in the area, please stop by and take a look! I can't find my camera (need to before baby comes) so the pictures from my phone really aren't the best.

Sweet Moments

2011-03-22T08:32:00.003-04:00

I want to take a minute and record some sweet moments I've had with the kids before I forget them. I don't have pictures, these are just that--moments.
Orlando and Ivan have both given talks in primary. In each case, they had their own ideas and thoughts and expressed love for Jesus.

Ammon continues to talk to my growing belly each day. He often gives him a voice and speaks for him. He has shared his food with him, brought a blanket for him, told him he is funny, and also once insisted it was his turn for family prayer and so, Ammon said the prayer in "baby" voice. Adorable.

Orlando decided to fast for the first time. He just skipped breakfast. I thought this was really impressive and didn't really encourage this (after he is baptized in Nov. I'll encourage breakfast, but this seemed early). I wasn't real sure why he was doing this (I knew Josh had talked to him). Anyway, he went to pray before lunch and included "thank thee that I can fast and get to know Jesus better."

Finally, I made the mistake? of showing the Velveteen Rabbit to my kids for movie night Friday (Josh was working late). I remembered loving the book as a child and even trying to be good enough to my animals that they might come alive. Well, this movie started a fountain of tears. Orlando because of how much he loves his stuffed animals especially Lion. Ammon because the fire was so sad, and Ivan started crying "because my brothers are so upset."

In trying to deal with this, I came to the conclusion it was okay for them to cry. They were just feeling emotion and love. I think the world has us push our feelings away too often. I want my boys to be emotional and loving. Not wimpy or winey, but I want them to feel love and pain and sadness and happiness. To recognize good and to recognize when someone hurts-to mourn with those that mourn as Ivan was doing.
I'm so thankful for these children. I do hope that they will each have a personal testimony at a young age-just a simple one. One that Jesus lives. One that life is eternal. One that life has a purpose.

My lil' King

2011-03-18T14:57:00.003-04:00

Sometime back in the busy month of December Ammon was the cutest lil' wiseman. His line was "We bring gifts to honor his birth." He said his line and sang his songs with such gusto.
He was so cute and sweet! Great performance!

Ivan turned SIX!!

2011-03-18T14:25:00.002-04:00

Ivan turned SIX!!! We had a small family party with a Scooby cake made at the last minute!
More than anything this year-and I mean ANYTHING-Ivan wanted a party at The Jump Zone. He wanted friends and cousins to come and he wanted to sit in the "king chair". In the past we've done family parties or had friends to our home. It was new to go somewhere and invite more people. I tried dropping all kinds of hints. But, Ivan said I didn't need to get him a present, just have a Jump Zone Party. So, we did. I'm posting just a few of the pictures of him posing in the king chair. I actually forgot my camera, so these are with my phone and I don't have any of the kids jumping. But, there were friends, there was family, there were cupcakes, and presents, and a King Chair!! He had a blast! He also lost his first tooth the week he turned six!

Student Log Cabins!

2011-02-24T21:39:00.003-05:00

Inspired by our quilt block of the month, I decided to challenge my high school students to make one! Enjoy the photos!

Oh, I should add made completley from scraps in my room-I was impressed!

Showered with Love

2011-02-24T21:19:00.002-05:00

So sometime during the hectic week after Christmas my sweet Sisters in law threw me a baby shower. They helped me get excited about having a boy. It was simple and elegant. I felt very loved. We had a delicious meal with a homemade salad dressing I'm still craving. Great food and dessert. Then we spent time crafting! We decorated some onsies and made some bibs for our new one as well as Tasha's new one. I love having such a nice extended family. Even though we are all spread out FL, MI, AR etc, it was nice to let the ladies have an evening together. I think it demands a repeat! And if Josh had to have so many brothers, I'm glad they married well!! Plus Katie and Liz and Kathryn are great. Thanks everyone, and I love you!!

Meet Ave

2011-02-24T21:13:00.002-05:00

Ave is my little California niece. I spent some time with her over Christmas. She is a very typical two year old with some strong opinions of her own! I was glad she warmed up to me after a while. I'm sure it was hard traveling so far.

I was so bummed when I found out I was having a boy, that I let some of my girly girly stuff come out on her. I enjoyed making her this cute skirt, and Katie decorated a shirt to match. She loved it. I also had her name in the gift exchange and picked out a floral, girly raincoat that she seemed to like.

Hopefully they can visit again soon.

We like Dessert!!

2011-01-15T13:19:00.004-05:00

We made a gingerbread house as a family-the boys, me, Aunt Melissa and Grandma.

It was really fun! These snowman melting cookies were a hit for the kids parties at school-and so fun to make!!

Josh made the most delicious cheesecakes for teachers and neighbors.

For Thanksgiving I was in charge of dessert. Yummy!

Josh also shared cheesecake with us-I really liked this one a lil' almond flavor with a homemade strawberry sauce. Mmmm.

November Birthdays

2011-01-15T13:06:00.004-05:00

I had a great time planning this party. I told myself over and over again to keep it simple and I think we did. The Lego pops were fun, but easy and the cake was simple too!

November 2010

Orlando turned 7 on the 7th and Ammon turned 4 on the 3rd. We celebrated with a very fun, very awesome Lego Birthday Party. In addition to getting a good start to a great Lego collection, we had Lego games-the most fun being building a bridge to hold an egg!! Then on the porch testing them-having an earthquake and letting them crack open!! The pinata was also a hit!

We made Lego pops, Lego cakes, and had a "loaded" hot dog lunch. I'm glad I threw the party and they had several friends able to enjoy their special days.

My mom came into town which was great 'cause usually with Thanksgiving and Christmas she doesn't make the Nov. Birthday celebration.

My boys are growing up...

Crime Scene

2011-01-09T21:11:00.001-05:00

When the weather is warm, and the mom is nauseous, children are left to create their own games outside. Crime Scene has been a favorite this fall.

Highlights of Teaching

2011-01-09T20:52:00.004-05:00

My students had the opportunity to enter a gingerbread contest. The benefits went to help a center for the sexually abused in Little Rock. It tied in perfectly to our unit on child abuse, and service in the community-plus it was fun. Two of my favorites were the AR Stadium and a Starbucks. The kids worked hard, raised a little money, and the stadium got first place in the high school age division.

The sign, garland, and little green umbrellas really show how they got into the detail!!

My sewing class also went well with students finishing up their fleece blankets. I'm still a novice sewer, but I love the thrill of a finished product. Seeing them go from turning the machine on, to a complete blanket is so rewarding. I know some of them will take up quilting in the future!

Other highlights can't be shown in photos. Things like students asking you for advice, and actually listening, confiding a pregnancy or STD, or abuse. Having a student give up alcohol or tobacco, or premarital sex. (When you teach things like Parenting and Human Relations-stuff comes up). Being a trusted adult in their lives is a blessing for me. Not sure how having another baby will affect my career, but I know this was right for this year!

August 2010

2011-01-09T20:38:00.002-05:00

Time for some updates. We've got snow on the ground here in Little Rock ,which is rare, but exactly what I needed for a little Blog-Mojo.

Pictures of the first day of school. Orlando is in first, Ivan in K, and Ammon is going to a wonderful little Methodist preschool near the house that we love. Orlando loves math, but detests writing, though a decent speller. Ivan has tested out of any therapies and is doing great. His teacher works them very hard, and I worry about him getting too tired and then off balance, but he is doing well. I am so glad and remember often what a blessing it is for him to be doing so well. He is in the advanced reading group in his class. Ammon has his teachers wrapped around his fingers, and often earns the most "good behavior" stickers.
I love raising boys!
Josh started his pathology residency in July. He has a love/hate relationship with it. So glad he is doing it, but still missing the hands on a patient contact that came from surgery.
I went back to work. A perfect decision, with an ideal job that allows me to drop off and pick up my children from school, teach what I love, and hopefully influence some of the youth. Two days after starting this "perfect" job which I am sure the Lord put in place for me-we discovered I wasn't late due to stress of the job-no, I was pregnant!! HUGE SHOCK!!

Oh Boy!

2010-12-04T23:12:00.002-05:00

Oh boy
oh boy
oh boy
OH BOY!!!

I am so sad. Not because I'll have a son. My sons are amazing and my relationships with them so tender, but I'm sad I won't have a daughter. For several reasons, some more personal than others, this is probably the last kiddo for our family. I always wanted a daughter and so I am in mourning. I'll get over it (today is already better than yesterday). Still I cried. And I chose the restaurant where we ate. And bought myself a new Christmas picture that I really love.
Josh is fine with a fourth son. Would've liked a daughter, but doesn't feel it in the same way as me.
Boys are estactic. Ready to wrestle him already.

I'm tired of blue. What have you seen cute for boys? Camo? Cowboy? Other ideas? We've done sports, and dinos, and trains-I need something different this go around...

Boy or Girl?

2010-12-01T15:09:00.003-05:00

It is easy to tell I'm raising boys. I have a Bat-Man and a Robin in my purse right now. I took them to the book fair at school-which individually they enjoy-but together it was much more fun to give the decoration, a beautiful Frosty the Snowman, a good power punch! I take them to basketball. (I wasn't going to mess with an organized sport, but then I realized my house becomes the gym if they can't be more physical). It is so cute to see them learning to dribble and shoot. They fart and laugh. They burp and laugh. They wrestle and laugh. They jump off of furniture and want to get further and further.
Individually, my boys are pretty well behaved-it is the collective boy mentalitly that is a challenge. Having them all at once they become a gang-imagine the football team jumping up and down, patting each other's butts and getting ready to run out of the tunnel!! That is my life!
In short, they wear me out!
So, do I want a boy or a girl? Most people say "either" "if it is healthy we're happy" or "I don't care."
Well, guess what? I have a preference. I would like a girl. I think it would be fun to get into "girly stuff" after 7 plus years of boys. I was dissappointed Ammon was a boy, but I don't think I love him less. If this one is a boy-I will love him--
but, if it were just up to me, I think I'd take a girl. For variety if nothing else-oh and we'd have a name.
We find out Friday!!

The Bombs

2010-10-06T21:56:00.004-04:00

The first bomb I will mention is a stink bomb. A certain student that has been challenging all 9 weeks decided today would be a fun day to set off a stink bomb in class. I try to be a good teacher, a nice teacher, a fun teacher, a smart teacher and an interesting teacher. But I just couldn't take the stink bomb. And here is why:
Second Bomb: I'm pregnant. Not supposed to be, but it happened. Found out two days after I started my new job. Had some anger, and fears to work through, but am starting to feel okay about it. Do I want a girl-uh, sure, but not as bad as I did with Ammon, and now I'm content with boys, so that would be just fine. But anyways, back to high school.
So, I'm in class, bomb goes off, kids get dramatic, students going bezerk, and frankly, at 11 weeks, I'm nearly puking as I fan myself with papers. Finally I snap, "sit down, calm down and quit telling me about your problems. I'm 11 weeks pregnant and am going to puke! So I don't want to hear about how bad this is for YOU!!"
I figured if I let my students know, it was time to let you know too.
Due date: Late April.

I'm teaching...

2010-08-23T19:07:00.002-04:00

I'm teaching FULL time.

So, I may never blog again.

Just thought I'd let you know. If you miss me, come by my classroom. I'm having a blast!

first student

2010-08-10T18:07:00.002-04:00

I was working in my classroom today-overwhelmed with 23 sewing machines and no bobbins!! Anyway, lots of little stresses and lots of big stresses too. We've moved, changed jobs, and enrolled our own kids in new places. I'm so glad though, to be back among family and friends that have already reached out and blessed our lives. A group of us have been doing back to school breakfasts to practice being somewhere by 7:45 am. We hosted Monday and I had 20 or so people here and some pretty amazing fruit salad...but I digress.
The purpose of this post was to make a note that I met my first student today-she was registering for classes and stopped by to say hi, see where the class was. Her name was Ashley. She was nice-and young! She'll be a junior....I hope I can teach these kids a thing or two, and be an example. I really feel that I have this wonderful opportunity to work with the youth. Will I be successful, or quit by Christmas???!!!
She made me excited. The kids, that is why I miss teaching--I just love 'em and feel for them growing up in this crazy world that we live in. Anyhoo, I'm rambling.
How are things going for you???

Our new home!

2010-07-20T22:10:00.002-04:00

I'll be cleaning and painting all day tomorrow, so stop by!! Hopefully painting will be done by this weekend.

We met our neighbors today when we spent about an hour there-when I say neighbors I mean both sides and across the street. I think I'm going to love a neighborhood feel.

The key is in my pocket, and we own the home--but, I'm still not use to this. How long before something breaks???!!

Lists

2010-07-18T22:42:00.003-04:00

Just making a list in a place I won't loose...

BLOG THE FOLLOWING:

1. Trip to visit the Mitchell's, The Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, and Niagra (back in April).

2. Dan's 60th birthday party.

3. 4th of July/family reunion.

4. Buying our first home.

5. How my children can throw HUGE fits. And how I still somehow (now that they are asleep) love them in a HUGE way.

6. The house-and painting it.-the crazy bid for over 5 grand and how I WILL NOT pay such an amount..(don't forget to take pictures before/after of paint job).

7. Orlando's shoe tying challenge.

Tomorrow:

Call all utilities

Get my TB test

Contact ABF about trailer drop off

Take boys swimming

make dinner for 8

work on lesson plans

write Thank-You Notes

Just FYI-scheduled to get in our new place on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, start painting and hopefully there by next weekend....

What do you need to blog about? What is on your to-do list?

Please Advise...

2010-07-08T12:10:00.002-04:00

I love the natural light and the "big-ness" of my new kitchen. The apple trim has got to go. Also, I found these really cute tile tatoos (see above) I could use over the apple red tiles. Still, I'm really struggling to decide if I paint the cabinets-and if so, do I go with white, black, green, or blue. Yellow? What about the walls? Floors can't change. It's fairly new tile, but a bit orange-ish.

Please Advise!!

Irony

2010-07-07T21:26:00.003-04:00

Josh was nominated for resident of the year at Riverside Methodist by some of the ER docs. We were moving on the night of the award ceremony-which is mostly just recognizing all the Seniors- and he did not attend. There was just too much to do and we didn't get done in time.

He won.

Wow.

That's impressive I think.

I'm so proud of him.

And yet, isn't this a bit ironic? The resident of the year quit. And went to Arkansas.

Are we crazy?

No, we're not. I have to focus on the peace we felt when the change was made. And the cash prize coming our way!

Way to go Josh!!

Orlando at 6.5

2010-07-06T12:05:00.003-04:00

I am really enjoying Orlando these days. What a fun boy! Here are a few of the endearing things he has done recently:

1. Prayed for his lion and teddy that he forgot to bring on the 4th of July trip.

2. Successfully go tubing behind a boat with me and his Aunt-he truly had the biggest smile the entire time! Then he went with just his cousin and felt so grown up!!

3. When we went to hear the band at the football stadium before fireworks he didn't want to play tag, instead he asked me to dance with him.

4. Looks after the safety of everyone.

5. Being in Oklahoma for the 4th just further pushed his Indian questions. Talking with his uncle Ben who is a full-blood fascinated him. When uncle Ben gave him a dream catcher with Indian feathers-Orlando was nearly speechless!

6. Adding to his "Indian Collection" Orlando has made his own "spear" out of a long stick that he is sharpening with rocks. He plans to go fishing with it as well as get any large animals that we might need for their skins. Ya know, like lions, bears, or deer.

7. Also reading more and more and last night caught him up late with his brothers reading to them book after book.

I should be in bed

2010-06-17T22:59:00.003-04:00

I should be in bed resting-sleeping. But, Orlando is in my bed. He is sick. I don't want to wake him-he might need to throw up or something. Ivan has also had the "my butt is broken" problem today. It is my last night at our home here on Glencanyon Drive. Powell (Columbus) has been good to us, and my feelings about this area would probably be different if it wasn't such a darn tough 2 years. Josh is at work all night. This seems also somehow fitting for my last night here. I used to have major problems with being alone at night. Now I look forward to it-watching my shows, crafting my crafts, eating my eats.

Well, did I mention that I was nearly spammed? Ya, we found a rental back in May when we were down in LR. We emailed about it, got a response, but determined still to buy didn't respond again. Yesterday, I found a great rental (I thought) in Alexander-emailed and get this: I got the exact same email response back that I got for the other place in May!! Word for word. First time Michelle, second time Andrea. And-there is a link to put in who knows what all personal info so they can check your credit, etc. NO, I didn't click on it and I certainly didn't give them any info. I've also turned it in to the scam pros. Crazy-oh ya, it was on Craigslist.

What else? Sick kids, and scamming and our 3rd house to put an offer on is also a no go. This time a better offer was given in the same 24 hour period as ours. Well, que sera sera.

Obviously the computer is not packed, neither is my room. Maybe I should go put Lando to bed and work on that. I hate waking up babies. (6, but still my baby).

So, I'm 33 and moving in with my in-laws. In the middle of the hot, hot summer to Little Rock. Well, good thing there were a lot of indications this was what we should do 'cause right now I don't feel like facing it.

Okay, I'll quit rambling. I'm gonna miss my OH friends. Hope you'll comment on my blog occasionally or even often.

Checking out from Ohio,

Lara

Our Week

2010-06-14T23:14:00.002-04:00

Monday: 7 shots for the boys, and Ammon is 100th percentile for height and weight. At least he is proportional! But, oh my he is gonna stay big! Packed basement, some clothes. Finished Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Not the book-the Masterpiece Theater version--a must see!

Tuesday: Packing kitchen. Josh comes home to sleep. Boys have a play date (yay!)

Wednesday: Ivan's MRI. These always make me nervous. More packing, and dinner with a friend.

Thursday: Crunch-time with packing the rest of the house.

Friday: Moving van is loaded (when Josh gets home). Cleaning out our lil' condo that we've called home. That night staying w/friends.

Saturday: Leaving for Hawg Country.

Wishing we had a place to move straight into, but hopefully we can find and close on a home quickly...thankful to have family willing to let us stay!!

Teaching

2010-05-26T09:52:00.003-04:00

I love to teach. I went to school to be a teacher. I taught two years in Rogers, AR. Then Orlando was born, and Ivan, and Ammon. Josh went to medical school and teaching wasn't right.

A year ago, a good friend encouraged me to update my license-because it interested me, and well, you never know. I took her advice, and got my license current in AR.

Is it any coincidence that my husband found the ONLY spot in pathology available back near family and in AR?!! That someone just happened to drop out, leaving this very desirable spot available??!!

Well, Josh got that job.

And this week I got my job. I'll be teaching parenting, human relations, child development, and sewing (only the very basics here!). I'm SO excited. I'll only have three 90 minute classes a day. I'll be at the high school in Bryant, AR a nice community with great schools -oh, and wait the school sits next to the elementary where my boys will be!

Call it coincidence if you want. I call it a miracle. The Lord in his timing planned this for our family. Giving us not only what we need, but in his tender mercy what we also desired.

I am so very thankful!!

Rainbows are Real!!

2010-05-23T23:21:00.006-04:00

My niece Molly was baptized yesterday. I was asked to give the talk on baptism, and with her permission shared the following story that happened to her.

Before we are baptized we need faith. A few months ago Molly was struggling with the concept of faith. After all, faith is a belief in something you can't see. She worried if God and Jesus were real because she had never seen them. She worried about her cousin Owen (who died in the womb full term)-she had never seen him. Did he exist?

Molly has wonderful parents who tried to teach her. They used the example of the wind. We don't see the wind, but we can feel it. We can feel in our hearts things are true, though we don't see them, and that is faith. They prepared a special family lesson on faith. They sang songs on faith. Still, Molly's doubts remained. She was willing to continue to pray, and her parents prayed too-that Molly would come to understand faith and believe that Heavenly Father, Jesus, live and love us!

The morning after her parents had tried so hard to teach her with the examples and music, Molly and her mom went for a walk in their neighborhood. Suddenly, they noticed a beautiful rainbow-which Molly describes as having an extra large orange stripe, but the other colors too. "Mom, Rainbows are real!" she exclaimed.
"Well, of course they are" her mom explained.
"Mom!, I didn't know rainbows were real. I've seen them on t.v. and in books, and always heard of rainbows, but, I thought they were made up!"
Her mom compared this to faith and Molly caught on immediately finishing her mom's thoughts. Teaching herself as she spoke that even if she hadn't seen Heavenly Father, He IS real!

Molly told me that now she understands faith and believing in something even though she hasn't seen it for herself. Molly and her parents consider this an answer to prayer.

I too regard it as a very special experience and am so glad they shared it!
I am glad Molly has faith in a loving Heavenly Father and I am thankful I could witness her special day as she made a promise to do the best she can to live as He would want her to.

Favorites

2010-05-14T11:19:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite things!!

From a child's eyes

2010-05-10T16:56:00.003-04:00

I am in love with my boys and the cards I got for Mother's Day. Just so you know, according to Ammon: I am smart because (scribble, scribble) strong because I can lift him up! The favorite thing I have given him is Batman, and he likes it when we have fun together.

Ivan says I'm smart because I clean up, I'm strong because (blank). The favorite thing I have given him is chocolate cookies and he likes it when we play together.

Orlando says I'm smart because I know all about God. I'm strong because I'm 33. The favorite thing I have given him is story time and he likes it when we bake pancakes.

And now why I love my mom and mother-in-law.

Mother-in-law Kathryn. She is smart because she has all kinds of trivia in her head, and is a faithful reader of Readers Digest! She is strong because she raised 9 children. The favorite thing she has given me is her son, Joshua. And I like it when we quilt together.

My mom-Janis. She is smart because she is in her sixties, ready to retire, has a masters degree and is still taking college classes!! She is strong because she has been widowed twice and lives with life long injuries and chronic pain. The favorite thing she has given me is her time and experiences. I like it when we cook, play, talk, and dream together. (Current dream involves Costa Rica next year!)

Mother's Day

2010-05-02T18:42:00.005-04:00

I decided some time ago, that my gift for mothers day would be pictures of my kids. It is what I want and takes lots of pressure off of Josh to find the perfect gift. Thanks to my wonderful friend Karyn, at http://www.knicpics.blogspot.com/

we have these!! These are just a few, and I'm sure I'll add more later, as I am totally in love with my boys.

Orlando age 6
Ammon age 3
Ivan age 4

20 Questions

2010-04-26T22:28:00.003-04:00

It feels like I need to answer 20 questions, so here goes!!

1. Did Josh hear from UAMS?

YES! He has the job.

2. When are you moving?

The end of June after kids are out of school.

3. When does he start his job?

JULY, 1st. He finishes this years contract with Riverside until the end of June.

4. What is he doing?

He will be a pathologist.

5. What is that?

A pathologist is the doctor's doctor. The one that identifies under the microscope whatever biopsy or sample was taken.

6. How long is residency?

4 years.

7. Does his time in OH count?

NO, too different.

8. Why did he change?

Lifestyle-and realizing lifestyle wouldn't ever be what he wanted even if he practiced for 40 years!

9. What will he miss about surgery?

His words: Cutting people.

He loved and still does love the procedures. He has done lots of stitching both at the hospital and out of the house. He has assisted in many difficult cases, but on his own at this point has done some gall bladders and other "simple" procedures. He has also ran several codes, put in chest tubes, etc. He could handle being the ER doc for a night.

10. When did he decide?

Uh, his senior year of med skl during his path rotation, again after 6 months into surgery, then again last December, and finally just two weeks ago. AFTER match!

11. Match?

ya know, when residents get jobs. See, interviews for MDs happen in Dec, Jan, Feb, Match Day is in March. Match day is when you are told where you will work, based on your interviews. Josh decided the first week of April, and then this time, went through with it, but it was after match-a very scary time.

12. Why did he wait?

He is a good surgeon. He liked it. (parts of it). It is hard to give up a dream.

13. Isn't pathology boring?

Ya probably to most of us, but Josh loves science. He was a phlebotomist and then worked in the lab at the hospital during undergrad. I have no trouble seeing him in this setting.

14. Will you buy a house?

Yes, we plan to buy.

15. Where?

somewhere with a good elementary school and a good price.

16. When?

Probably in June, but even July is possible. We can stay with Josh's folks until we close.

17. How scared were you?

VERY. He decided to quit before we knew UAMS had a position. When they didn't offer him the job immediatley, I went through every (184) programs in the country looking for pathology jobs. Finding none.

18. How scared were you?

Not that scared. We prayed and felt at peace that things would work out.

19. What will you miss about Columbus?

shopping, things to do, people, summer weather

20. What makes you look forward to Little Rock?

family, friends, milder winter, living in Hog country, and good Bar B Que. and of course mosquitoes and water bugs...LOL!!

Pins and Needles

2010-04-23T08:04:00.003-04:00

Well, we are back to Columbus. The interview went well, but no promises. They have other candidates.

We have to wait (possibly until next week) and I'm not good at it!!

We're also looking at options, but a month after match is not a good time to change careers. Still, Josh and I feel at peace-concerned, but at peace.

I'm glad to know I have renewed my teaching certificate. I'm glad to know Josh feels very strongly about supporting our family. I'm glad he is employed through June. Family has already said we can stay with them if things get tough.

All in all, there are far far worse things then being educated in the richest country in the world. We'll be fine even if it is not ideal.

Still, hoping for the best!! (and to be honest that would mean: Josh employed, and our own place!!)

The Good/Bad Versions of Life

2010-04-20T09:16:00.004-04:00

I've often thought of how in life you have your "good" version and your "bad" version. Depending on how well you know someone, or how much you want to divulge, people can very different impressions of you-your life history, experiences, challenges etc.

Recently we went on vacation. Here is the good version:

A young-ish couple with three handsome boys traveled to see friends outside of Kirtland, Ohio. It was beautiful and early spring. We had an egg hunt, enjoyed company and saw some beautiful and historic places.

Then, we traveled to New York where we saw The Sacred Grove, the Boook of Mormon publishing site, and the Hill Cumorah. We also went to see the majestic Niagra Falls. Pictures were taken, and it was a worth while and faith promoting experience.

Now, would you like to hear the bad version?

My back is still sore from the workout we did with our friends!!! The van had crazy issues and we were out nearly one thousand bones!! Ivan threw up just as the tour guide was explaining how Joseph Smith walked in these same places!!

It was so foggy on our day in Niagra, that the kids thanked us for taking them to see the clouds. We never could get the full view of Niagra.

And now for the news-news.

THE BIG NEWS.

Josh tells me on the way home that he is ready to give up surgery. Something he has been struggling with not only 2 years of residency but also his senior year of medical school (when he interviewed in Pathology and Surgery). He is a talented surgeon and has done well. It is a big deal to let this dream go. But, he had decided to choose a better life for himself and his family. He will be a pathologist, a microscope geek, knowing how to identify almost anything. He will get to teach, and become an expert in this field. He will have great hours (yipee!).

We exercised great faith as he told Riverside Methodist he will not be returning for a third year (he will finish this contract through end of June). All of this two weeks after the interview/match season had ended.

He then contacted a few schools hoping that there would be a pathology position somewhere in the country. I feel the Lord's hand is watching over our little family. We are in Little Rock today. There just happens to be a job opening here-in pathology. The chances of that are so small that I am sure the Lord knew the timing of all of this.

Josh just left for his interview.....

and, that is THE BIG NEWS.

What's the News?

2010-04-04T10:19:00.002-04:00

I finished my online Spanish II for educators class! This means my license will be current in AR again. I'm thinking of transferring it into OH. That may involve another course or test. I'm not sure about taking a job though I would love to return to teaching one day.

I sewed a dress for my niece! Huge accomplishment b/c I don't sew clothes. It turned out adorable though, and now I want to do more!!

I bought a new leather chair!! I love it, and it changed up the look of our lil' condo. I'm looking to paint the walls on Wed or Th with Josh.

We're on spring break and going to visit the Mitchells and go to Kirtland for the first time. We are looking forward to the break from routine.

Ivan is riding his bike without training wheels!!! I'm so happy for him. Ammon still thinks he deserves to be pushed everywhere his heart desires!

It's Easter, and though I go to church every Sunday-today I'm at home waiting for General Conference. I love hearing from our prophets.

We've been sad over loosing our little nephew, Owen Miles. He died with a knot in the umbilical cord. His mom was 38 weeks. The baby was perfect in every way with lots of dark hair.

I'm so thankful for the resurrection, and I hope I can always keep the right perspective.

Well, that's the news.

Boys will be boys

2010-03-17T20:54:00.003-04:00

We had some friends(Chandlers from AR, now Cincinnati)over and they are parents of three girls. The girl Ivan's age followed him to the bathroom as they were palling around all night. When she realized he was pulling his pants down, she stepped out and off to the side politely giving him some privacy. Then she said, "I won't look." What a lady.

Ivan then took a step out in the hall, holding his penis like a weapon, and says, "why, cause I might shoot you down?!"

She looked scared.

Ivan looked... well, like a boy.

I'm a grouch.

2010-03-15T15:36:00.003-04:00

If you want to read a happy post.

Stop now.

I am an official grouch. Really, I need a badge to warn people.

First, I blame my monthly feminine proof.

I also blame Josh's mean co-workers. Where nothing is ever good enough. Except perfection. And that is not possible. Even if you give 12 hours of your day off. So, I'm not real pleased with residency at present.

I also blame children in hospitals. Not that it is their fault, but it is just stressful. My grand-niece will be having heart surgery this Wednesday. Things have been really tough on my nephew and everyone involved. She will need a second surgery in a month or so after this first one. She is still on a vent and she is 6 weeks old.

The car needs to go to the shop-AGAIN. time number 3. They have "never seen this problem". Funny, the guy at the sewing machine repair shop told me today,

"I have never seen this problem." (the reverse button is stuck)

Seems like my problems are unique.

I'm working on my typical stress helps, gratitude lists, working out, chocolate, not much is helping.....

one.day.at.a.time.

Scales, Fails, and A Success or two

2010-02-23T18:01:00.003-05:00

First, for those of you just checking my blog regularly, wondering when I would get back to posting about this--here it is: Yes, I chose the 33 miles in 33 day challenge (it clearly got the most votes). For runners, this isn't such a big deal. But, I haven't ran in some time. Surprisingly, it went well and I finished in 23 not 33 days!! Go ME!!

The fail comes in the scale. It didn't budge. Perhaps it is the craving for food afterward, or me resting more in the afternoon 'cuz hello, I'm tired after running 2-3.2 miles! Maybe it's just that I'm 33. I don't know. But it is frustrating.

So, I finished up right before lent and decided I needed a new challenge. Something for 40 days. I thought no sugar, more miles and etc. But finally, the right idea came. Not something physical. Something emotional. Something emotionally good for myself. So, I put my scale away. Now, you must know that I weigh once, twice and occasionally 3 times a day. This is ridiculous. If my weight is down, I'm on cloud 9, If I'm up my emotional self starts trash talking me. I don't like that. I'm still me rather or not my skinny jeans are fitting this month.

So, my scale has been gone for about a week. And I'm in withdrawal. It is so odd not knowing exactly how much I weigh. But, it is also freeing. Who really cares? I'm still trying to eat right and I'm still running, but I'm saying "NO" to the scale.

Primary Uno

2010-02-18T20:26:00.003-05:00

For those of you who are unaware-I am the Primary music leader at Church now. This is a super fun calling! I'm enjoying hearing songs I knew as a child, relearning them, and learning the new ones. I have ideas that I don't wanna forget, so I'm going to share them here. If I start getting too many, I'll start a different blog, but I don't foresee that. Anyway, without further ado, I give you:

Primary UNO!!-great for reviewing a song and committing it to memory

Choose a child to come to the front a choose an Uno card. I actually had Uno attack, and they got to punch the button until they were sprayed with cards!

Anyway, they pick a card and then that determine who or how we will sing.

Number-age that sings (divided ahead junior and senior)

Color-anyone wearing that color and shades of that color

Everyone would join in on the chorus.

If they got a wild card, we took a break from the practice song, and they chose their favorite "wiggle" type song.

The reverse meant that we linked elbows and swayed as we sang (b/c the arrows look like elbows sort of).

The swap decks, meant change seats.

The X2 meant pick a problem area and go over twice

The X meant starting and stopping in funny parts.

That's all for now! Hope someone can use the idea. Thanks Audrey for your help (Audrey is 8 and in my Senior Primary!)

The Super Surprise!

2010-02-18T14:06:00.002-05:00

Josh has been planning to go to Miami for a few months now. He was attending a colo-rectal conference. On Tuesday, he asked me to join him!! Whoa, twist my arm! A trip to Florida-somewhere neither of us have been-with my sweetheart, no kids! Thanks to John and Kristin for watching the boys, and for Robert and Melissa who live in Miami so we had a place to stay and people who knew the roads. (Both John and Robert are Josh's brothers-isn't it great having adult siblings?!)

Anyway, we went to one of the Keys and checked out the Biscayne National Park. We spent a night in the Everglades. We went to Miami Beach. We had Brazilian food-twice! We went to an art show of local artisans-from spray paint to paper collage to graphic design movies, etc.

And we were only gone a few days, but man I feel great. I loved the cultures and house structures in Miami. At times I could have sworn I was back in Brazil. What a fantastic, fun place. Busy, crowded, expensive, but exciting, yummy, and lows in the 60's!

At least 8 miracles...

2010-02-18T14:00:00.000-05:00

As you probably know, it has been a wet winter. Lots of snow and ice. And I hit some-ice that is, going to Ann Arbor to drop the boys off (see my Super-Surprise Post for more on why). Anyway, hit the ice with cruise control on going about 70. Miracle number 1. We did not hit the guardrail 2. We did not hit the semi 3. We did not hit the other semi 4. The van made it to the truck stop and got diagnosed (needed spark plug, it was jumpy) 5. I found a place in no-where Ohio that had the part and only took 30 minutes 6. they had a semi-clean bathroom for a mechanic shop 7. the dairy queen was next door! 8. The tire didn't go flat until after we got to John and Kristin's.

Yes, I am a very thankful!!

He did good, he did.

2010-02-09T18:06:00.004-05:00

This is the beauty that became my "new" wedding ring after I lost my band in the lake last summer. I was upset-it was MY wedding ring of eight years!

But, I love the new one. It is from Pandora and we found it together one night. I love that is has great shine, and a very low profile.

I've always been self conscious with my birth defect on that hand, and Josh has always handled it perfectly-encouraging me to wear something, but understanding why I need something simple.

I think we found the perfect ring for us.

He took me to the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory with orchids in bloom and proposed.

This time on one knee! We skipped that the first time!

His gold band looks beautiful when we hold hands, and I feel married all over again.

We're Penguins!

2010-02-09T17:47:00.002-05:00

So much snow!! We're turning into penguins, or at least the weather gave us some inspiration!

These seemed like the perfect cupcakes to take to Ivan's class...

When the weather is like this on your 5th birthday!!!!

This was taken on the 7th-his birthday-we have about a foot more now!

Warming my Heart and Day

2010-01-31T18:13:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday was a very cold winter day.

And the 33rd anniversary of my birth.

When it is 12 degrees outside, you appreciate these in a whole new way!

Thank you, Josh. I love you!

Watch out-I'm Ranting...

2010-01-26T13:35:00.003-05:00

I'm getting frustrated with the Facebook updates that say something like,

"am saddened by what happened in Haiti, but shame on you America: In our country we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations. 99% of people won't have the guts to copy and repost this."

I would like to ask these people and those that click the "like" button a few questions.

1. Name one person you have known to die and not have a funeral or burial.

2. Name one person you have known to wait for over 2 days with a broken bone.

3. Name one person you have known to have flies lay eggs in their open wound.

4. Name one person you have known that went without food or water for more than a day.

Or perhaps, I should ask: Are you just mad you are missing your favorite show tonight??

Sorry, but our problems here DO NOT compare with those of the Haitian People. If you are without food, it is because you are either able to work and choosing not to, or you are not going through the process of receiving food stamps, or you are selling your food stamps for cash for drugs. (In which case, sadly some children suffer because of their parents in this country.)

I have been "poor" I've spent 30 dollars a week on groceries for weeks during our medical school years. I've also had to ask for government assistance. Imagine my surprise when our budget went from 30-50 a week for groceries to 120 a week-for our small family!! No, our country takes great care of its poor. (plus I got free milk, eggs, and cheese and formula!)

Certainly things are not perfect here. More should be done to help the mentally ill. But isn't that a big part of the challenge-they are ill to the point that they don't always make good decisions for their health. Having help and people using it and accepting it are two different things. Non-compliance to medication and doctor's orders will continue to be a challenge with this group.

I happen to love hard working Americans. Who deliver pizzas with degrees and wait tables at night to go to school.

Heaven help us if we become so self-centered that we cannot give to a country that just lost 60% of its already poor economy.

and courtesy of CNN

THE TOLL

150,000: Latest estimate of the death toll, from the Haitian Health Ministry. The European Union and the Pan American Health Organization, which are coordinating the health-sector response, have estimated the quake killed 200,000 people.
194,000: Number of injured
134: Estimated number of people rescued by international search teams since the quake

THE EFFECT

9 million: Population of Haiti
3 million: Estimated number of people affected by the quake
1 million: Estimated number of displaced people
800,000 to 1 million: People who need temporary shelter
235,000: People who have left Port-au-Prince using free transportation provided by the government. The number who left by private means is undetermined.
At least 50: Aftershocks of magnitude 4.5 or higher that have hit Haiti since the January 12 quake

Oh, and by the way-they can all NAME-by NAME someone in my above questions.

A mom describes her feelings when son looses a tooth..

2010-01-20T21:38:00.005-05:00

Orlando has lost his first TOP front tooth.

And I am feeling very sentimental.

And I'm not going to apologize for it. I just am going to add it to my list of things I didn't know would happen when I took on motherhood.

No one warned me that when your six year old looses a top tooth, that the mom feels like she looses her baby- and gains a BOY!

He is my oldest, but he was my first baby. Come on! I can't believe how he looks so much like a BOY--a real, true, BOY! My baby days are gone forever with him. And I miss my Landino-Bambino.

and I am in mourning.

Orlando was a colicky, difficult baby. But he was the most beautiful one I had ever seen. And I was determined to protect him and love him. When I gave up teaching it was hard. No one warned me how hard it would be to become a mother. I thought often on how I just wasn't good at it. I had no natural talent it seemed.

But I've grown.

I'm still not good at it always, but I understand more. I understand that the joys I find in motherhood ARE sweeter than any other. That time spent with my children IS precious.

And I am also learning this week, with the help of a tooth, that YES they really do grow up fast.

So I sound like the old ladies in the supermarket.

And I sound like my mother-in-law.

And I sound like (gasp) my mother.

And these women are right.

And so am I! So to all of you who have a baby tonight, I say:

Love your babies, they grow up so fast!!

My Speedy Oatmeal Cookies w/ White Beans!

2010-01-17T14:13:00.003-05:00

I know, I know it sounds gross. Or at least weird. But my kids and their friends love these cookies, and honestly have no idea beans are in there, so try 'em!

First, take 1/4 cup of white beans and mix them in a blender or even just with a fork. Make 'em mushy, you don't want to think beans when you eat your cookie! You can drain them first, but a little bean juice will help mix 'em.

STIR UNTIL SMOOTH

1 C Brown Sugar

1/4 C Butter Flavor Shortening (Crisco)

1/4 Cup mashed White Beans

1 Egg

1/2 Tsp. Soda

1/2 Tsp. Baking Powder

1/4 Tsp. Salt

1T Vanilla

ADD

1 C Flour

1 C Oatmeal

1/2 C Nuts or Chocolate Chips (or both!)

Stir Until Smooth, Drop by spoonful on a cookie sheet. Bake approx. 10 minutes at a preheated 350 degrees.

Recipe makes 2-3 dozen.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Personally, I like this fat substitute (beans) better than applesauce. They aren't as spongy or moist "sticky" as when I make cookies with applesauce.

A Great Compliment

2010-01-16T19:48:00.003-05:00

My son's friend commented while eating dinner with us, "these meatballs are good!"

Orlando quickly explained:

Ya. My mom makes really special meatballs.

Friend:

How?

Orlando:

Well, first she gets them out of there (gesture to freezer) and they are cold. Then she puts them in the microwave until they are warm and then they go on the table!

LOL!!

Later, the friend said he liked my cookies.

Orlando said, ya my mom makes special cookies.

This I can't deny, since they have white beans in them (and the kids have no idea!)

Ask, if you're interested in the recipe.

Decisions, Decisions

2010-01-14T13:58:00.003-05:00

Help me dear readers!

So, I haven't started my new years goals-yet. New Years day was met with a BBQ Dinner, the second with a huge Wedding Dinner and the 3-5th traveling and eating to stay awake on a long drive.

Speaking of drive, I don't have much this year. So, I'm asking for some help. On the 28 of this month I will be (drum roll...) 33!! So, I would like to challenge myself to 33 days of one of the following:

1. No whites: no sugar, flour, potatoes (honey and sugar subs allowed)

2. Commit to running 33 miles in those 33 days. ( haven't really ran since that 5K last summer, so this could be interesting).

3. Wake up at 5 do my exercise video, and then basic calorie counting and comparing to my Body Bugg. Go under 500 calories a day.

So, my question, dear readers, is which one would you like to hear about. Because I will be keeping you posted, sharing my ups and downs, etc.

Please let me know. I'm, game for any of 'em, I just need to commit, and hopefully blogging my successes and failures will help me do that. If you read this--please give me your 2 cents!!

Haiti

2010-01-13T08:56:00.002-05:00

Wishing there was more to do to help those in Haiti. Times like this make me reflect on my many blessings.

like water

shelter

and

life.

Wish we could send Josh to help. Maybe in the future that will be more of an option.

Just for the "Hail.a.but."

2010-01-08T19:04:00.002-05:00

I made fish tonight. I don't make fish. I don't like fish. But in an effort to eat a bit healthier, I tried it once again. I made the marinade, baked it to perfection, and served it on the plates. I tried to talk the kids into eating it. I tried to eat it. About the 3rd bite I got that distinct "fishy" flavor.

Anyway, long story short, Josh is bringing home a pizza. And the upside, the salad I made is fantastic!

My only exception to the non-fish thing is fried Catfish. I guess I'm a land-locked state kind-a girl. Texas being the exception, but even then I was only a few miles to Oklahoma (and I've never seen the gulf of Mexico.) I remember going fishing in Texas for catfish when I was 8 or 9. You drag big nets accross muddy ponds. Really quite disgusting. And I fell into the net, getting cut up in the process.

Ya, me and fish we don't get along.

And I'm okay with that!

I Could've Danced All Night. .

2010-01-07T15:27:00.002-05:00

Madeline, is my little niece, and Ammon my son. They are cousins, and they are in love. They danced and danced after the ring ceremony. Beginning with the first dance for the bride and groom when they were removed numerous times from the dance floor!! Of course, Ammon has already spilled something on his shirt, but no bother. Seriously, these two danced and danced and then bear hugged the entire night-until they both fell asleep. Precious.

I also had fun dancing, my hair had a mind of its own that day, and I looked a bit like Cindy Lauper. It was true. And quite funny, except that these pictures will be around forever. (notice none on my blog, but you might come across one somewhere). Any way, I hear that the next song was going out to Lara from my brother in law Jacob?! What ...what could that be?

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!! by of course, Cindy Lauper.

We (the girls) danced like crazy!

What a fun night!

Congratulations!

2010-01-07T15:26:00.002-05:00

John-David and Kristin were married on January 2nd in the Dallas Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Everything eventually came together, and our family made the trip. They were married in the same room as Josh and I. This made us a bit nostalgic, and happy. Have we really been married 8 years? Do we really have three kids? But, I digress.

The wedding was beautiful.

And, I'm excited to have a new sister-in-law! Welcome to the family, Krisitn. And don't forget there really IS a "So I married a McElderry" support group.

Bride and Groom

Josh's Parents

The Wedding Party: 2 Sisters, one Sister in law, 2 friends; 5 brothers with the 6th on a mission in California.

Close Up: Kristin, John-David, Josh, and Robert.

Welcome, Felicity Jane!

2010-01-07T15:21:00.001-05:00

I have a new niece!! Born in October, Felicity Jane is my sisters fourth baby and thrid girl!!

On our trip for John David's (Josh's brothers) wedding, we were able to stay with my sister. My mom and brother came to her house as well, so it was a great time for me to get to see both sides of the family. Also, she was blessed the Sunday we were in town, perfect!

She has the cutest cheeks, and if I could have caught her smiling for you, you would see the smile goes from the eyebrows to the chin. Adorable!!

an Ivan Update

2010-01-05T20:07:00.002-05:00

For those of you who follow my blog and have been worried about Ivan (as I have)-I want you to know we have great news!!

He has gone over 10 days without symptoms, and it is believed that the virus just took longer than usual to leave his hip. So, no bone scan is indicated right now. Of course I'll keep watching him.

Josh gave him a nice blessing which sounded very positive. And many prayers have been offered. His name was also on the temple prayer roll.

Thanks everyone!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:34:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas! I am so thankful for our Savior whose birth we celebrate this day!!

Love,

The McElderry Family

Josh, Lara, Orlando, Ivan and Ammon

Ammon, Dear.

2009-12-23T16:45:00.002-05:00

Ammon. Dear. As your mother I must teach you certain things.

First, do not get food on your face.

Use the bathroom, but do not play in there. Also, please put back on your pants, and finally trashcans are not hats.

Beds are more comfortable than stairs.

Smile often, it is going to serve you well.

Love,

Mom

Christmas in Columbus

2009-12-23T16:41:00.001-05:00

The Sunday before Christmas we explored some of the things to do around here during Christmas time. It was a nice Sunday afternoon. I love that there is still one time of the year when it is politically correct to mention Jesus!

If you put in too much butter...

2009-12-23T16:30:00.001-05:00

Your cookies might try and slide off the pan!

And when you add more flour, they may stick in the bowl, but eventually....

It IS possible to get them just right! Thanks Mary for having us over!

Dear Children

2009-12-23T09:05:00.002-05:00

LAST SATURDAY
Dear Boys,

Today was the first real snow of the season. You had Karate in the morning. But, there WAS snow on the ground. Now, I need to remind you a commitment is a commitment. You should follow through. There should not be excuses. You should go to your class and work hard.

Of course, we could just go to Monday's class.
And there IS snow on the ground. And you are 6, 4, and 3. AND it is MAGICAL!! So, forget commitments, forget plans. Let's ENJOY the moments we have and build FROSTY.

Love,
MOM

relax, Lara.

2009-12-22T09:40:00.003-05:00

Time to try and relax and enjoy the holidays. Ivan is doing fine with random knee pain episodes. I'm determined to try and video the next one-that way I can show a physician. Then again, I'm hoping he won't have a next one.

Bone scan won't be until the 7th because of holidays. That is okay. Patience.

We'll go forward with plans and look forward to getting some answers later.

First, dinners need planned, clothes folded, kids loved, trips taken, marriages made, and a new niece to meet. In short, I need to get out of my funk and have some fun!

Merry Christmas, and thanks for all of your comments. I'm thankful for you!

ps. I'm eating sugar. It IS the week of Christmas ya know!!

Low-Key to this Sucks!

2009-12-21T20:14:00.004-05:00

Remember my previous post about a low-key Christmas and how I kept putting,

"Hmmm."

Life has taught me when you get an all is well period-life will whop you up the side of the head!

So it is again-and this particular whop sucks.

Sorry, (I know you hate that word mom). But it is so true.

Ivan was diagnosed with a viral infection in his hip. It was supposed to clear up within a few days-possibly a little longer-but max week to two weeks-it has been 17-18 days.

AND-I thought he was doing better, although when I'm honest, he had some minor aches and pains 4 or 5 days ago and I gave him Motrin.

Then-last night he has another episode of extreme knee pain-this pain wakes him up (he never wakes up). This is a huge concern. Still no other symptoms, injury, fever, etc.

This could (though I am trying my best not to panic) be more serious.

Dr. appointment today yielded: Bone Scan.

Then we'll know more.

I should get a call tomorrow for a time, but I'm not sure how soon this will happen with the holidays.

So much for a low-key holiday. I'm a basket case. Now I'm juggling getting the things done like our dinner and presents with appointments and the wedding trip to Dallas on the 29th and a room full of laundry, and kids who don't have school-which means I need extra patience.

Prayers are welcome for me and Josh. We are both concerned about our little boy.

A Low-Key Christmas

2009-12-18T08:29:00.003-05:00

It is a week before Christmas, and everything is just fine. My sewing machine is broken so no stress there of trying to make cute anythings. I'm not eating sugar so no stress as to making treats, I just buy them if I need to. The presents were bought on line so no stress there. The kids are big enough not to be tearing down the tree or eating ornaments, so no stress there. I'm in charge of bringing marshmallows for Orlando's party-very low stress.

Hmmm.

no calling right now cause I'm in a new ward.

no family around to have the privilege of dealing with. AND both sides agreed this year to not do gifts due to other expenses (like weddings and travel).

Hmmm.

Not doing cards for the world this year, only our older friends who don't keep in touch in other ways-so like 10 instead of our usual 75!

I'm not really sure this feels like Christmas.

I need to wrap some gifts and make a dinner on Christmas Eve.

We've done some crafts and we're counting down the days. We've sung Christmas songs and talked about the meaning of Christmas. I've also been e-mailing Santa (wink, wink).

So, I think this may end up being the best Christmas ever!!

Pop-Corn and Cauliflower

2009-12-16T19:32:00.003-05:00

You really should know:

You can put popcorn in a brown paper bag, fold it over, tape it with skotch tape and then microwave it. I'd use like a 1/4 cup of kernels.

Listen for it so you don't burn it. Then season as desired.

Just thought you might want a healthy inexpensive snack!

Also, you can cream cauliflower like mashed potatoes, just cook it, add some cream cheese or milk, pepper, garlic, whatever you like! Simple and yummy!

This time of year I struggle with eating healthy--what do you eat that is healthy and easy this time of year? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Mormons are weird.

2009-12-10T10:04:00.004-05:00

Yes, this is true for many reasons. We don't drink or smoke or have premarital sex. We also don't church hop. Or Church shop. When you move some where, you are in a ward or congregation based solely on your address. The building may be down the road or miles away, but that is where you go. When the congregations get large, they split and make new wards. This keeps people in the same neighborhoods able to serve each other and it keeps congregations small enough everyone should be involved and not just lost in the crowd.

So, it has happened here in Ohio. My ward when moving here was the Worthington Ward. Now, members of this ward have been sent to help make a new ward-the Lewis Center Ward, and a few of us (5 families) have been sent to the Powell Ward. This means I will be starting over with friends and responsibilities.

I'm a little nervous to be honest.

I liked my ward! It took me several months to say that-but that is just how it is, you have to get to know people to really love and like them. And I might add, our activities rocked!

Well, the good news is I haven't moved so I can still see my old friends from time to time, but the truth is that weekly contact makes a huge difference.

We'll see how it goes.

Oh ya, Mormons are also weird in that they believe the Church to be true, and its leaders to be inspired! So, we all stood and supported the changes by voting-and we will all be in our new wards on Sunday.

p.s. I love being a Mormon, even if we are weird!

www.mormon.org

¡Feliz Navidad!

2009-12-09T19:52:00.001-05:00

I have enjoyed planning the parties for the ward over the last year or so. This Christmas Party was fantastic due to all of the wonderful people in the ward pitching in. When lots of people do small things, great things happen!! I really believe it!The theme was ¡Feliz Navidad! And we went kinda crazy with it. We had a Mariachi band greet you as you came in the foyer (high priests). We had wonderful Mexican food (activities committee-go SARA!! I helped roll around 80 tamales-but her and her husband made a total 0f 200 homemade tamales!). We also had a burrito bar (think Chipotle) and taquitos, chips, and salsa (yay Janine and Megan!) We ate first and then you could:

go to the cookie buffet and get cookies and hot cocoa with fun, hand dipped marshmallows and other delicious add-ins. The karaoke was also in this room, where you had to be 12 to stay and linger. (The RS did this room!)

For the kids, there was face painting, balloon artists, many games and crafts (way to go primary!!)For kids of all ages, we busted I think 6 or 7 piñatas (thanks, young men!)

Santa, or papa noel, was there.(thanks, uh..Santa)

We had spots for pictures, we did a "posada" which a procession following Mary and Joseph symbolic of the trek they took looking for room in an inn. This was followed briefly with some Music (yay Choir) and our 3 Kings (bishopric) giving us a testimony of Jesus Christ.I'm sure I'm leaving something out-it was a great evening for everyone I hope. The missionaries even managed to string lights to look like a coyote and cactus! Fantastic!We decorated with poinsettias and luminaries since the are Mexican traditions for this time of year, and I think the whole thing just turned out fabulous!

Josh is 31!!

2009-12-06T21:35:00.002-05:00

Josh had his 31st birthday on a very busy day, so we celebrated on the Tuesday night before. The kids picked out some gifts. A new remote control (universal) since they had lost the DVD remote, and some playing cards ('cause we're evil and we actually play face cards wahahah!). So, Josh did a few majic tricks and everyone loved the cake. We also had Taco Bell-so this was quite the party!! I did surprise him on Saturday and instead of going grocery shopping (like he thought) I went and got him some new ties. He seemed to genuinley like them and that made me happy. He is hard to buy for. He has needed some new ties though, and they were fun-I found them at antique store and even an original Lazurus.

PS. The cake was delicious and Orlando carefully placed the candles to represent the 3 and the 1 in 31.

Mom, I can't walk.

2009-12-03T21:28:00.003-05:00

Not exactly what you want to hear first thing in the morning. I had no idea what was going on with Ivan. (Of course it was Ivan-it is ALWAYS Ivan when it comes to medical problems).
Symptoms:
Leg pain, knee pain, couldn't walk
NO
fever.recent illness. injury.swelling.redness. bone protrusion. etc.

What the heck?

I worried all day, finally took him to urgent care since the pediatrician couldn't do an x-ray anyway. (and though a little hysterical inside thinking that maybe that cancer did get away and show up in his bone somehow....) I actually held it together pretty well.

Turns out, I guess he has a viral infection in his hip, that is sending referred pain to the knee. It should clear up on its own over the next several days.
If not, we will worry again.
For now, all is well.
Phew!

ps a hundred thank you's to Jimett for watching my other two boys tonight!

Orlando's Bowling Birthday Party

2009-11-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

Josh was off the weekend after Lando's birthday, so it was time to celebrate. Orlando had a tough time choosing just two friends to take bowling, but he had a blast. We all did. Josh and I haven't been bowling in years!! Thanks goodness the bumpers were up!
Orlando chose the colors and designs, etc for his cake!
My baby boy is six.....

Because I know you want to know..

2009-11-21T19:29:00.002-05:00

So, now that I've seen New Moon, it is time for me to reveal my true thoughts on the books, movies and etc.

First, the books were terrible. Not very well written in my opinion. Now I'm not the most read individual-but hey, I don't need to be to recognize good literature. The lack of vocabulary and Bella was so self centered. But then again, Bella is a teenager.
That said, the story was great. A girl in love with a vampire who leaves her and whose best friend is Jacob.
and Jacob is a werewolf. But, he wouldn't be if it weren't for the vampires coming back.
Any hoo. Here is the list Bella should have made when deciding her future:

Jacob is the man.

He is warm.
Nice.
Comfortable with his family
fun
interesting
"a sun"
"beautiful" (I might add this part was true!)

Okay, now for Edward
cold
treats me like a baby
can't bleed
can't age
can't go out in the sun (hello-depression!)
issues with his family
always in trouble
he wants things he can't have
like a mortal life
and me -as in Bella

Just my opinions, but I'm team Jacob.

I had a blast watching New Moon with the crazy ladies!! It was fun, but not a great movie. Some extremely cheesy laugh out louds-but hey it was a great escape from my real life!! Thanks for a howling good time!

Pretty Sweet

2009-11-17T17:50:00.003-05:00

Ivan called me over to him while I was volunteering with his class.

"Mom, come here. I want to tell you something."

"What do you want to tell me, Ivan?"

"You are pretty."

This sweet boy made my otherwise stressful week-so much better! Thanks for your kind words, Ivan.

For better or worse...

2009-11-17T17:37:00.004-05:00

So ya know when you get married and you think life will be nothing but bliss, romantic dinners, and etc.
And then--we realize, "oh, I married a person.." "Oh, I'm just a person." And though life is good and we love each other so much...

Life happens: for better or worse.

Lately, I'm personally feeling for the worse.
**I tried some new medicine and gained 15 lbs in about 2 months.
**The Mazda broke down today. (530 dollars)
**The new van is acting up-seriously annoying
**We got Ivan's MRI bill-over 700 with insurance (we get these 2X a year, but yuck!)
**A student loan that is supposed to be deferred is slipping through the cracks and it always scares me to see that we owe so much money when we don't have it-and it is a paper trail nightmare.
**Ivan's teacher has recommended therapy again. I just knew we weren't past this-but golly gee-I was hoping..
** Josh's schedule sucks!

Okay, am I done? I don't know, but I'll stop for now.

I know things will get better, they always do...after all, this is for better or worse..

Quit Growing!

2009-11-07T22:10:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO
Balsters
McElderry

Dearest Orlando,
Please quit growing. I can hardly stand how big you are. Especially from age 5 to 6. All baby seems gone. I miss you. And yet, you are so perfect in this stage. Okay, not perfect-perfect-but wonderful! --You are a boy . A good boy. A fun boy. You love karate class, you get excited over gum balls, and going to the park. You like super heroes and more and more cars and less and less Thomas the Tank Engine. You are getting your reading and writings and math skills. You are learning right and wrong. You love your brothers. You love your dad. And tonight when I put you to bed, you also said you love me, and I thank you. Thanks for being my first born. For teaching me and having patience with a first time mom. Thanks for playing chess and monopoly, and cooking meals and treats with me. Thanks for sharing your toys with your brothers. Thanks for being a fun person. Thanks for giving me your love.
Mom

Ammon's Pancake Breakfast

2009-11-07T21:08:00.004-05:00

Ammon's birthday was celebrated with a pancake breakfast. Three year olds are happy in the morning, and it worked well for a school day. Ammon loves the color blue. And Bat-Man, and the Power Rangers.

He is the sweetest little guy...

This is right before his paper flag caught on fire. Yes, I caught something on fire with 10 little boys in the house! Yes, yes I did.

But, the party was sure fun! We are so glad Ammon had so many friends come and celebrate his big 3 years!!

Orlando's wanna-be birthday.

2009-11-07T21:03:00.003-05:00

Orlando participated in all the hoop-la of Ammon's birthday party on Tuesday and has been such a good sport about his very low-key birthday. But, it ended up a little bigger then I thought. Since Josh is working today (the 7th) we had brownies last night with candles. I also took cupcakes to his Kindergarten class and he LOVED the attention!

We decorated left over brownie tonight....also the ward had a primary activity today and they all sang to him. Then some friends and I went to Burger King (sorry to anyone who maybe would have joined us it was very impromptu) and had a "surprise" birthday party for Orlando. OH, and he got to spend 5 dollars at a garage sale. He's been really into games and is even learning the rules to chess (which means I am learning them for the first time). And so no surprise he looked for games at the garage sale. We got Jr. Clue and Jr. Monopoly. Great shape, all the pieces $1.00. Thank you very much! We played for hours today while Ammon napped.

Orlando is SIX!! I can't believe it. I'm putting together a collage of pictures of this kid that I love so, so much.

Next weekend Josh will be off and we are planning on bowling as a family. I may let him bring a friend or two. And, I think he needs a better cake. Those brownies look sad. But his cupcakes (that I did not take pictures of ) rocked!

I love you, Orlando. And I plan on beating you in Monopoly tomorrow!

Halloween Happenings!

2009-11-04T21:06:00.003-05:00

We had an absolute blast this year during the week of festivities around Halloween. It is times like these when I absolutely think being a mom is the best, and raising three boys couldn't be topped for anything in the world.

The joy and excitement of hay mazes, pumpkin patches, spooky stories, dressing up, candy, cupcakes, donuts, trick or treating, church party, preschool party, kindergarten party, etc.

We have had a blast. My favorite of all activities this year was our family dinner. Since Columbus trick or treats on Thursday, Saturday was open. I had done some researching on line and found the best ideas. We had a Mummy Meatloaf, Ghost Mashed Potatoes, a Wall-E sandwich, and a vegetable monster, and a few marshmallow monster ghosts. We all had to come to the table in costume and we ate with candles. Could it get any better?

Orlando was the red power ranger, Ammon the blue, Ivan was Bat-Man, I was a last minute robot, and Josh a ghost.

Here are some pictures of all the happenings!

Holiday Sorrow Softened

2009-10-21T21:34:00.003-04:00

Well, I was having a bit of a pity-party.

Josh is working during the Halloween Party, and Thanksgiving, and Christmas-so he can be off on New Year's to go to Dallas for his brother's wedding (which me and kids probably won't attend b/c we can't afford to fly and don't have time to drive). And then he'll be off a week in February to attend a conference in Ft. Lauderdale and again we won't be joining him. So all of these holidays were just highlighting the yuckiness of a resident's schedule and had me in a bit of a tizzy.

Until I read this:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113966999

and now I have NOTHING to complain about.

100 and counting!

2009-10-19T20:24:00.003-04:00

These are pictures from the wonderful family reunion/birthday party for Grandma Ruby. Grandma Ruby turned 100 on October 3rd. Her husband, Rosco Ivan McElderry, is how we picked up Ivan for our boy. She is Josh's great grandmother and great great grandmother to our children. She is fantastic and up to 97 knew me and could remember which kids went with me. She's having a bit of a struggle at 100, but there were lots of people to get straight. Below we have one family picture of one of her 7 kids' families. (yes we are praying-that is when someone snapped the picture-probably we were finally still!) So, six other families worth of people exist as well. Then, Josh's grandpa, her son giving her a kiss. This should win a photo contest. The sweetness, oh the sweetness. If I'm 100, will one of my boys be there to kiss me? I hope so! I insisted on 100 candles at least on one of the cakes!! The mayor came and presented her with a key to the city, but more touching was photos from her early years -- life is so beautiful and should be treasured.

What a special, rare, cherished time.

p.s. this is my 100th post, fitting isn't it?

With Thankful Heart

2009-10-19T12:11:00.003-04:00

I'm happy to report that Ivan's MRI today looked "normal". Normal, by the way, is a beautiful word. I always get nervous when he has these six month pictures done--wondering maybe, just maybe, that ugly tumor is starting up again--just one little cell got away...

So, it is always a great relief to hear that he's okay. We'll do this again in April. And October. Then maybe just in Octobers. I hope. I worry and worry and buy him special treats, and get movies, and wash his blanky, and pray. Oh, and worry (did I mention that?)

In addition to that, I took Orlando to his field trip. I made him a wonderful sack lunch, got him all excited, made sure he was dressed for the pumpkin patch and then took him to school at 8 when he usually goes in the afternoon....only to find out it is next week.

How embarrassing.

I blame it on stress. Somehow I got the MRI and the field trip on the same date in my head....

Sheesh, I thought Lando might make it to 4th or 5th grade before I started embarrassing him, I guess not!

Well, I'm thankful for my boys even if they may struggle with giving thanks for this scatter brained-worry-wart of a mom.

The Life Changer (6-13 of 10?)

2009-10-13T19:51:00.008-04:00

Learning Love.

Marcelo, Adriano, Josh, Lara, Ivone

Allison Smith (companion who helped teach) Solagne, Lara
Lara, Meroly w/family
Glaci, Sidney, Barbara, Allison, and Lara
These are my last life changing missionary experiences that I will share. Like the others in my list, they are in no particular order. I learned lessons from each of these wonderful people that I taught. Some of them I was with through all the lessons, others just for part. I did attend all their baptisms, pray with them and for them, and learn to love. Yes, I learned to love others; and it was the sweetest of all the things learned!

7. Thaís

She joined the church at just 14. She was our neighbor. She is doing well. Has a two year old and is currently dating an active member. I didn't have her contact information on the trip, but am now on a social network (Orkut-another form of Facebook) and we can keep in touch.

8. Meroly

Meroly has graduated nursing school and is married to a member. They attend church off and on and attended the temple celebration. It took a small miracle to find them when I returned. I believe in miracles.

9. Solange, Jose, Antonino, and Thaís

This family was the most different upon returning Thaís was no longer 6, she was 14 and dancing in the Temple, Antonio was great with the soccer ball. Solange had not joined the church when I met this family. A beautiful thing happened the day her husband came home and found her meeting "secretly" with the sisters. Lives were changed. They were sealed in São Paulo, now they can go to the Curitiba Temple!

10.Ivone, Marcelo, Adriano

I got to teach this family for a short time. They are not active. I was happy to find members who are keeping tabs on them, and were glad to have an excuse to go by their home. We had a wonderful visit. Some day, they will be back.

11. Glaci, Sidney, and Bárbara

The wonderful experience of teaching this family is not comparable to much else. This is the family Josh and I stayed with when we went down. They are fantastic. They have their trials, but are doing well. They were sealed in São Paulo. Additional family members have now joined the church. They are happy, better educated, newer home, and doing great. Their testimonies are strong and attending the temple dedication with them will always stand out as a special highlight in my life.

Sadly, I don't have contact with 12. Kelly or 13. Jonathan. But they are not forgotten.

Te Amo, Brasil!

Tenho Saudades....

The Life Changer (6 of 10)

2009-10-12T22:42:00.003-04:00

I learned about food! And Generosity!

Feijoada
Desserts!
Churrasco's and Antartica Guarana!
The Piñhao

I learned as much as I could about the food! I loved Brazilian food. Especially Curitibano Brazilian Food. Because that meant Italian-like gnocci and noodles and wonderful homemade sauces over polenta.
My birthdays were both celebrated by large parties with cakes and gifts. Too kind! The members were so nice. One found out my family likes to have lasagna for Christmas Eve, guess who had us over? Guess what she made? How nice is that. Very generous indeed.
The lunches were also generous. Large portions of beans and rice. But, oh the beans! I'm still trying to figure out how they tasted so good, I've gotten closer, but it is tough. I had a lunch every day just about. Every day!! Seriously, I paid for my lunch less than a dozen times the entire time. Now that I'm a wife and mom I realize, it is a lot to have people over for dinner-but they didn't seem to mind. They took a genuine interest in us and were very generous with their talents and time. I love them for it!
One memory I have is of us eating lunch, then dishes washed, then them eating lunch. They didn't have enough dishes or space for us all to eat together. The meal was just chicken, rice and beans. The kept apologizing. I was serious when I told the sister, it was delicious and to please not worry. Other times, the members were busy and the maids would make us lunch. Lots of class diversity in Brasil.
Feijoada is the traditional dish of Brasil. I love it too. I don't care for some of the nasty pig parts included, but as long as you could fish your own it was yummy! And the oranges are so good with it! It was if they dished it for you when you might run into trouble! Also, I have a visual of someone sucking a chicken's foot, to get off all the meat, that toe suck--ewww, for some reason that bothered me, more than other things.
Lots of fruit. Mangoes taste better there! Hands down. And I miss them! And specific to Curitiba in the pinhao from the Araucaria tree. The last two pictures above show the large pine cone type thing and then the actual nuts. Interesting-and tasty!
What a great experience. What good food. What a generous and loving people. Who showed love to me, a spoiled American.
A companion and I went to give some small gifts to a family for Christmas. One of the children was saying to her brother, "this is yours, this is yours." I realized she was trying to give him her candy and I corrected her and told her she got more than one in her package. She was trying to give away the candy because she had never had two pieces of candy at once, she thought a mistake had been made, and she was concerned someone didn't get a piece.
Imagine.
and how much will we throw out after trick or treating?
I'm still learning....

The Life Changer (5 of 10)

2009-10-11T19:35:00.003-04:00

I found my pictures!! At least 39 of my favorites. The others are lost, but I'm so glad to have these. Any way, the 5th thing I'm mentioning is that I learned what beauty was. I absolutely love the falls! I've decided it is one of the most beautiful places on earth and when on my mission decided I wanted to honeymoon there. Seven years after I was married, we made it! I encourage everyone to go, as pictures do not do this place justice. There is a panoramic here.

The Life Changer (4 of 10)

2009-10-09T17:05:00.002-04:00

I also learned more clearly and distinctly to love the scriptures. And I learned more than before that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. My favorite scripture to share with others was this one found in the book of Mosiah Chapter 2:41

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and ^ahappy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are ^bblessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out ^cfaithful to the end they are received into ^dheaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

The Lord blesses us and he will bless us. Not all blessings will come to us in this life, but his works are just and in his eternal time all things have a purpose and a season.

I love the Bible and appreciated the testimonies of many faithful Christians who read it frequently. The Bible has helped me to come unto Christ. I especially love the gospels. My favorite Bible story is the story of the Prodigal Son. The unfaithful son comes back to his father with nothing and says he would be happy to be a servant. The father instead gives him a feast and a ring and celebrates. Our father in heaven will also bless us temporarily and spiritually as we come unto him, repent, are baptized in his name, and follow him.

Recently we had General Conference for our Church. Here is a video of one of our apostles giving his testimony of the Book of Mormon.

http://broadcast.lds.org/genconf/2009/10/50/GC_2009_10_503_HollandJR___eng_.wmv

I give my testimony today, not half a world away, not on a small street, and not in a foreign tongue. But in the comfort of my own home and in my first language, that I know the scriptures are true. The Bible is a wonderful blessing brought about through great sacrifice and the Book of Mormon also came about just as Joseph Smith claimed it did. It is a divine witness of our Savior Jesus Christ.

The Life Changer (3 of 10)

2009-10-08T15:53:00.005-04:00

Beautiful Curitiba

I learned a great deal about the city of Curitiba. It is a beautiful place. In fact, Josh agrees that he could imagine living there one day. They boast the largest economy is southern Brazil and the country's first university. They have lots of immigrants from WWII including Italians, Germans and Ukrainians. These cultures come out in language, festivals, and in the food and varying skin colors found.

Curitiba taught me all about buses.

They have an amazing transport system, and though there are over 2.2 million people, you can get around the city without a problem for very inexpensive.

I love the parks in Curitiba. Just picture me with a cheezy grin and some bad sister missionary clothes smiling at the camera in the above pictures. Oh, and I learned about the R.O.U.S.'s (Princess Bride) ya they exist right there in Parque Barigui (last shown). They are called Capybara and I had no idea that they were real!! These Rodents Of Unusual Size can stay under water for hours, but also wander around, they have webbed feet, strange faces and big teeth! I was half afraid of them. They can be the size of a large dog.

We would dare each other to see how close we could get a picture with one!

Another neat thing about this park is the shepherd and his sheep-they would come and eat the grass down so that no lawn mowers were used! Ingenious!

The Life Changer (2 of 10)

2009-10-07T21:31:00.003-04:00

I learned patience. I say that tongue and cheek since I'm not sure we ever learn patience. I remember thinking, "I'm prepared because I've had to learn patience with my sisters and my brother." That was nothing. Patience with companions, patience with investigators, patience with the clock and calendar, patience with the mail, patience with the long walks, patience with the rice and beans still cooking, patience with the members. Patience for damp clothes that were hand washed and never quite dry in the humidity, patience for yourself and your ability to learn a language. Patience for prayers to be answered, promises to be kept, people to follow through on commitments. The art of waiting. And not getting stirred up about it.

How Heavenly Father must truly be patient with his children!!

This skill has helped

with my students

with my children

with my family (the one I'm from and the one I joined)

with my callings

with Ivan's cancer, speech delays, pregnancies, and potty-training,

with long hours of residents

with myself

I am thankful everyday for my mission. It helps me be a better person.

I wish there were pictures to post, but please exercise patience. I haven't been able to find the ones I have in digital form.

The Life Changer (1 of 10)

2009-10-06T22:05:00.004-04:00

Ten years ago today I entered the missionary training center and began a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The experiences I went on to have over the next 18 months changed me and my life. In celebration of this 10 year anniversary I will be posting 10 things that I learned because of this experience. I went to Curitiba,Parana, Brasil.

Tonight I begin with an obvious one: Portuguese. Learning another language is exciting, challenging and wonderful. Finding new words-and not just translations, but real new words that just don't quite translate. My favorite is CHEGA! Chega means full. But it is used like "I'm done" or "enough" usually out of exasperation. I love this expression-and maybe you do to, if you have been lucky enough to use it correctly. I use it almost like a cuss word now. When I get upset I just throw it out there-my poor kids and Josh..What? OH, I'm just CHEGAAA! and they get the picture!

I also begin with language because it opened up so many doors professionally. Before my mission I wanted to be a teacher. I became one, but not that Family and Consumer Science Teacher I had prepared to be. Oh no, I became an ESL teacher and had some sweet experiences. I loved those kids! I only got the job because I knew Portuguese and that was "close enough" (hahaha) and I could go on and get an ESL endorsement (12 more graduate hours) which I did. I sincerely miss teaching. And as time often proves that life is ironic...

10 years ago to the day I am back in school. This time learning Spanish and taking my first on-line course. Wish me Boa Sorte or should I say Buena Suerte!

List

2009-09-28T14:07:00.003-04:00

I'm making a list. I only do this when it is getting too long for my small brain. This is one of those times and I thought I might as well share with my friends and family

costumes to make or at least find

Halloween Ward Party to plan and have

2 kids school Fall Parties (one I'm home room mom for)

actual Halloween

I'll be an aunt again!

Ammon turns 3

Orlando turns 6

(both want parties)

Josh and I celebrate 8 years of marriage

Great-great Grandma turns 100 ( quick trip to AR later this week)

I'm taking 6 hours of online credits with a deadline of December

I have 40 more "seat" hours of professional development to bust out also by December

Thanksgiving (gobble, gobble.)

oh ya, and Christmas (which Josh and I may celebrate a different day due to his ridiculous schedule and a trip to TX)

ward Christmas Party to plan and carry out by the 5th (any ideas?)

Josh's birthday (also the 5th)

volunteering in classes for my boys regularly

Going to Dallas for a wedding by Jan. 2nd. -get tuxes for Josh and Lando

(and what the heck will I wear?!)

And then the "regular stuff"

ya know

homework assignments

Karate classes

laundry

meals

house to clean

etc....

Luau

2009-09-28T13:49:00.005-04:00

The Luau and camp out went pretty well, though not without some last minute stress. My main food lady was attacked with gall bladder issues the day before-still she was SO organized stuff could be re-distributed quite easily. My bad things were a little salty. I didn't know Hawaiian Sea Salt is less Salty than Sea Salt. Hmm...well, I won't forget that lesson!

People came-phew. I always worry about turn out. I know activities don't meet every one's need, but I hope many will find it worth their time. We had dancing, great Hawaiian food, and of course campfires, perfect weather, and s'mores! Who could ask for anything more?

Well, I wish Josh had been there. But a special thanks to those who helped with my tent and my kids, food, decorations, etc. I really appreciate you, Worthington Ward!

Boo!

2009-09-28T13:43:00.002-04:00

I was asked to teach a basic class on cake decorating. That is especially ironic since I don't know that much. Still, I love to decorate cakes for my kids birthdays and I've been wanting to work with fondant again, so I decided in the 7 minute power class (taught 5 times) I would show the ladies how to make a fondant ghost (or something of the sort).

It went pretty well. I learned more about fondant, like buying name brand IS important. (marshmallows and powdered sugar). I also learned how time consuming it is to make and color, plus you need a butter cream icing so it tastes decent.

Overall, I'd call is successful. Hopefully I'll get to work with it again soon!

Gym Top Ten

2009-09-24T23:58:00.002-04:00

Top Ten Reasons to not quit the gym:
Pound #1
Pound #2
Pound #3
Pound #4
Pound#5
Pound #6
Pound #7
Pound #8
Pound #9
Pound #10

Top Ten Reasons To quit the gym
10. My kids always throw a fit and don't like it
9. I compare myself to others more
8. It is very commercial and gets old
7. I see videos and hear music I don't like
6. I worry less about what I eat in social settings and thus enjoy life more
5. less rush to get around, to get to school, to get anywhere
4. it saves money
3. more story time, longer bath time, homework time, down time
2. the boy's are actually watching less TV because we are doing things like board games and baking
1. Ammon has potty trained!

Yes, home is a beautiful place to spend some time. I spent a good part of last year going to the gym almost daily. It worked. Sort of. I eventually lost 10 pounds, but it took months and months, plus dieting. Now, I don't want to gain a bunch of weight and I don't want to be out of shape. But really it wasn't a balance. Spending over 2 hours (getting ready, going and coming, extra showers, etc). Plus even though there was childcare it was busy and hectic.

So, I have a cheapo (Craig's list 80 dollar) elliptical and I have my boys who are only going to be young a very short time and then next year it is full time school.
So, I have a few more pounds.
So, I think I'm getting a better perspective on what is important.
So, I might go back one day.
But for now...
I am content.

Learning English

2009-09-22T07:43:00.003-04:00

Orlando: What is that?

Me: Sauerkraut

Orlando: Oh, I LOVE sour crap!!

Ivan: Mom are you using the squeezers?

Me: Yes, I'm using the tweezers.

Ammon after pooping in the toilet for the first time exclaims (having seen all other poops mooshed in diapers of course),

"Mom, look. It's a banana poop!!"