Sunday, November 29, 2015

Well what can I say?  It is that time again....time for family pictures.  The best way to describe it is voluntary torture.  We had a few winners but for the most part trying to get kids to be normal and smiling is not an easy task.  I do love my family and feel very blessed to have them near.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

      Let me start this post by saying the Lord is very good to us.  Many things are shifting in our lives and we do not need to move for Tim's job.  I am very grateful we are able to stay rooted.  The kids are doing well in school.  We had SEP conferences this past week and I am very proud at how hard my kids are working.  They may not be the best in their classes but they are putting forth a good and honest effort and that makes me very happy. 

      This past week was veteran's day.  I love the heroes of this country who sacrifice so that I can enjoy the freedoms of living in a great country.  I truly appreciate their service.  McCabe got to meet with 2 veterans this past week for cub scouts.  One of the individuals served in world war 2 and told the scouts about his war experience.  It made a great impression on him.  I hope as he grows he will realized how blessed he his to have people fighting for his freedom.

    

     Teagan is only 3 but he has his own schedule.  He loves to eat popcorn and watch t.v.  At the moment his favorite t.v. show is "Team Umizoomi."  This is a great show because it teaches the kids about shapes and numbers.  His favorite character is Bot.  Dad happen to walk into the room when Teagan was watching and decided to join him for part of the show and some popcorn, like father like son.  I love these 2 boys.

     

     Last Saturday Tim and I went on a date to the "Dinner Detective."  It was a lot of fun.  Tim got to be part of the show because he had a letter taped under his chair.  We did not solve the mystery correctly but we sure were entertained.  When you are there, you get to choose a name.  It can be anyone.  I chose Blanche from the Golden Girls and Tim chose Silas (one of his ancestors) but people thought he meant Silas from the t.v. show "Heroes." It was a fun and different activity from our normal date of exercising and then eating out.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

     It is the close of the day.  I finally get to rest and watch the news.  But before I do, I just have to say, "oh my babies."  That is the phrase I use to let off steam.  We had a very busy day.  I got to tutor math today at school for 5th graders.  We had Izzy and Cade McPheters over to play with Xadia and Teagan.  When the older kids got home, they did piano, spelling, chores, and reading while I supervised and assisted where needed.  By the time 6:00 came, we were heading out the door for family night.  We went to the library and found some great books and movies.  We got to hear 2 stories from the story teller.  After the library we stopped at Wendy's for dinner and frosties.  It was a fun night but very busy.  Everybody is already asleep....not me.  This is my time to enjoy the quiet.

      Let me play catch up with a few events.  Halloween was great.  We trick-or-treated for 3.5 hours.  I kept telling the kids, "you've got to burn it to earn it."  The kids did not complain at all, they just kept running house to house like it was some timed event.  Everybody went to bed exhausted that night.  The next day Teagan said, "I want to go trick-or-treating tonight." I had to tell him that halloween only came once a year (thank goodness).  Now I am finding candy wrappers everywhere in my house and every time I turn around some kid is shoving junk in their mouths.  Tim and I try to keep the bags out of their sight and limit the amount they get each day but some how they keep getting into it.  As you can see from the pictures below, Teagan was Spider Man, Xadia was Elsa, Beth Rose was a cat, Jacinda was a vampire and McCabe was an army special ops guy.

I got to attend a sweet little performance from Teagan's pre-school class.  They sang some halloween songs.  Teagan is the Spider Man in the middle.  Cute little Clara kept walking right in front of him and blocking my view.  I did my best to get him on camera along with his other classmates.  

The other day Teagan told me the cutest thing.  He said, "mom carry me up."  That means pick me up and carry me.  I said, "you are getting too big for me to carry."  He said, "mom when I am big like you I will carry you up."  My heart just about melted.  "Ok buddy, when you are big you are going to carry me?"  "Yes."  "Ok Teagan, I will hold you to that promise."  I just love my kids.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

      I just love October.  We have opened the costume bin and the kids are playing dress up everyday.  McCabe has taken a liking to an army combat person costume.  Teagan is spiderman and Xadia likes the witch costume.  Jacinda wants to wear papa McCabe's clown shoes, but that is not going to happen because they don't fit her and Tim is going to be a clown.
     October is a fun month.  We had Xadia's birthday and she planned out the party.  We made graham cracker haunted houses, played bingo, did a ring toss, had a treasure hunt, had a pinata, opened presents, and then ate cupcakes and ice cream.  It was so fun because she so many friends celebrating her special day.
      We also got to celebrate my birthday.  I love living to see another year.  It was so great.  I got a new glass bowl and measuring cups.  I also got to eat lunch in the park with Kerianne and Leslie.  It was so fun to catch up with good friends.

Sasha, Leslie, and Kerianne

Sunday, September 27, 2015

      School has started and we have been busy.  Jacinda made student council.  She had to fill out a form giving reasons why she would be good for student council and what some of her leadership qualities are.  She was one of 3 in her class that was selected.  I was very proud of her.
     McCabe is attending SEM and enjoys learning.  His teacher says he is very smart and wants to challenge him with more learning.  He seems to do a good job at balancing his schedule.
      Xadia likes her kindergarten class.  She was the first student spotlighted.  We had to put together a poster of things that Xadia likes.  The poster contained blue snowflakes because she likes winter and the color blue.  She had a picture of macaroni and cheese, Teen Titans Go, Mrs. Cavanaugh's chocolates, Texas Roadhouse, Roblox, cousins, siblings, and monkeys to represent the monkey bars.  It is always fun to do a poster on the kids to see what they like at that moment in their life.
      Teagan loves going to pre-school.  I got to spend Thursday in his class.  Those kids are so cute.  They try really hard to follow their teacher.  Teagan was great.  He had to draw a picture of himself.  The teacher showed all the students how she draws herself.  Then the students got the chance to draw their self-portrait.  Teagan tried so hard to follow the teacher's example.  He even put dangly earrings on his picture just like the teacher.  That made me laugh so hard.  I just love these kids.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

     Summer is now over.  We did a lot of things to pass the summer.  Some of the most recent activities we did before school started was camping and swimming.  Camping with the ward was fun.  There were games, skits, star gazing, fishing, and yummy food.  It was our last camping trip of the summer and so worth it.  Such good fun and memories.  We also went swimming at Nana Hefner's pool.  We made coconut ice cream and picked peaches at her house.  We love going to Nana's.  She is always so welcoming and energetic.    

     Tim and I took Teagan to the Rec. Center.  We put googles on Teagan and it was an amazing discovery for him.  He kept going under the water and looking at the grates in the pool.  He was loving being able to see in the water.  I was having a great time watching him.  He is such a cutie.

Sunday, August 16, 2015

      Wow!  talk about a busy month.  We trekked to Texas during the end of July and the beginning of August.  We had a fantastic time visiting family.  I made a few movies of our adventures.  These movies are filled with swimming, cooking, playing, and cousins.  I belong to a great family.  Please enjoy the movies!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

     I love the 4th of July.  It is my favorite holiday.  I love America and the freedoms I enjoy.  Patriotism is so important to me so of course I had to celebrate.  We had a great time celebrating our country's birthday.  We went to a friend's house on the 3rd and watched Centerville city's fireworks. There were lots of kids playing on the sports court, a balloon artist, and lots of ice cream and popcorn.  This was Teagan's first time to really watch fireworks.  It was a blast watching Teagan respond to the explosions.  He was cheering and screaming and laughing having so much fun.

     On the 4th of the July we went to Mimi's house for a BBQ and a little slip and slide fun.  The whole family took a turn on the slide.  It was so much fun to be a kid again.  I got a good workout running and sliding on the the plastic.  In fact, I am feeling a little sore from all the fun.  Later that evening we lit fireworks.  We bought some cute little fireworks at Costco that did not go more than 5 feet into the air.  Mimi's neighbors went to Wyoming and bought some show worthy fireworks that shoot 30 to 50 feet into the air and explode with noise and color.  At times, they were scary.  Some of the kids ran from the sidewalk to the house and watched from the porch.  I liked the small fireworks much better.  The bigger ones kept me on the edge.

      McCabe and Jacinda got to light some of the fireworks and they really liked it.  In fact, McCabe is telling me that he needs to go buy some matches so he can play with them.  Just what I want....an eight-year-old boy playing with matches.  I am not a big fan of that idea.  I will try to channel his energy elsewhere, matches are not an option.
     I got some video footage of Teagan watching the fireworks.  Take a moment and watch his enthusiasm.  It brings a smile to the face.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

      Happy Father's day to all those wonderful dads.  We celebrated with a bacon pancake breakfast and then opened presents.  We put together a card for Tim each taking a turn of telling him why we love him.  This is what the children said....."you are funny," from McCabe.  "You are nice," from Jacinda.  "You work," from Xadia.  "You like hot cocoa and quesadillas," from Teagan.  Of course that last one is what Teagan likes not Tim.  Tim also got a can of peanuts and a home-made M&M necklace.  The boys got bubbles and a home-made candy bar necklace.  Teagan ate his before church.  He was really quick at swallowing the chocolate.
     June 19th, was our 16 year wedding anniversary.  What does that bring?  Let me tell you.  It brings 4 kids, gray hair, stress wrinkles, and a whole lot of memories.  I feel very fortunate to be married to Tim.  Marriage is a great union with the right person.  I love him more today than when we first met.  He is an amazing individual.  I cannot believe how caring he is to me and those around him.  It is very rare that he puts himself first.  Wow!  I really lucked out.  How did I get so lucky?  Divine intervention.  I credit God with this one.
       So what did we do to celebrate 16 years of marriage?  We took the family to "Inside Out," a movie by Disney.  It was very cute.  I loved the part where dream boy says, "I would die for Riley," as he waves a dramatic hand in front of his face and then makes a fist.  Disney did a good job on that movie.  It was very entertaining and very relatable.  After the movie, we went to the mall and looked around.  We had to walk off all the popcorn we ate.  Once the kids got hungry we ate at a Chinese buffet in Murray.  The food was decent.  The kids were in heaven.  They could eat all the food/junk they wanted.  McCabe loved the imitation crab.  Jacinda went for seconds on the ice cream and Xadia could not stop raving about the pumpkin pie.  I enjoyed a salad with some ham fried rice.  It was a tasty combination.  Teagan could not sit still.  He kept running around the table.  Thanks goodness he is only 3 and can get away with that type of behavior.  Tim did not comment on what he liked.  He just kept stacking plates full of food.  On the way home, he was getting ready to go into a food coma.  He kept saying, "I am so full."  When he goes into a food coma he just needs to go to sleep because he is too full to do anything else.  So that is how we celebrated our anniversary.  It was a good day.

Mother's Day 2015

A sweet little video from my family regarding thoughts on me.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

      Soccer season has started and McCabe is loving it.  He is #14 on the Knight's team.  He is learning to play many different positions.  Previously in the past, he would play goalie.  I am glad to see that he is running the field.  McCabe also likes to play minecraft.  The first thing that he asks me each day is if he can play minecraft.  My response is always the same.  "Do your reading, piano, and homework and you can play minecraft." He does not get excited about my response but that is life and he is learning.
      Jacinda just had nerd day at school.  She wore some frames without lenses.  Debbie Coburn said that Jacinda looked like Linda Carter wearing those frames.  Jacinda saw a picture of Linda Carter, who once played wonder woman.  Now Jacinda wants to wear the frames all the time.  She wanted to wear them to church today.  That was a big, "no."  She is not letting go of these frames any time soon.  I wonder how long this phase is going to last.
     Xadia is loving preschool.  She also likes to play minecraft.  She is learning to read.  Xadia is my sweet little girl.  She loves to be held, and sits on my lap at night when it is scripture power time.  When we go on family walks, she is the one that wants to hold my hand (besides Tim).  I am glad she is very loving.
      Teagan is a big boy now.  He is potty trained and loves to be like McCabe.  He says that, McCabe is his best friend.  Teagan loves playing in the sand and watching Paw Patrol and Team Umizoomi.  Teagan has also learned how to buckle himself in his car seat.  He is only 3 but is learning so much.  I just love how all my kids are growing.  They are so special to me.  

Sunday, March 22, 2015

      Let me catch up with all that has happened.  We recently passed the 11 year anniversary of my mom's passing.  She is missed and I feel so bad that none of my children got to meet her on earth.  I have such good memories of time spent with my grandma.  I wish my kids could have the same memories.  Oh well.....such is life.
      March 7th, was Teagan's birthday and the 9th was Tim's birthday.  We celebrated by going to Texas Roadhouse with Nana Hefner and Dan.  I love having Deb and Dan in our lives.  Even though my mom is gone, Deb does a great job of loving my kids like a grandmother and that means so much to me and my children.  Dan is also very giving to my children.  I thank God daily for good people like them.
     The weather has been so beautiful and we are taking advantage of that.  Tim and McCabe made a white trash fire ring.  They took apart a washing machine and used the drum as a fire ring.  I love seeing dad and son working together.  The girls and I did yard work.  Now my irises and lilies can grow without dead leaves barreling down on them.  We also put out some hanging baskets with hydrangeas and ferns.  I just love spring and seeing all the blooming flowers.  It is so beautiful.  I live in such an amazing place.  God did a good job with this earth.
     The kids are growing so fast.  I am very pleased with how they are learning.  Jacinda is getting better with her spelling and becoming more independent with her homework.  She loves to draw and likes to follow Katie's (her cousin) example of being artistic.  If Katie gets markers, Jacinda wants markers.  If Katie gets clay, Jacinda wants clay.  This a time of discovery and a time to hear, "no," a little more than she wants.  Sorry girl, I can't get you everything.
      McCabe is all about asking about nutrients in food.  "Mom, what does vitamin C do?"  He constantly asks what foods do to our bodies.  It is a good thing I studied dietetics.  He is also working on his 6-pack because some of the 2nd grade boys have formed a 6-pack club.  Just the other day he showed me his little 6-pack.  I don't what is in store but if he is only 8 and starting this, I think I am going to be in trouble when he is a teen.
      Xadia and Teagan are both in swim lessons.  They love swimming.  during their class there is a water aerobics class that is happening in the next pool a few feet over.  Teagan just stares at the instructor because she is dancing on the edge of the pool.  It is so funny.  I think he is trying to process what is happening. 
      Xadia is getting ready for kindergarten.  We just go her signed up.  I can't believe how big she is getting.  I love seeing my babies grow.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

We had such a crazy wonderful weekend.  McCabe got baptized.  His baptism was incredible.  Jacinda gave a great talk on the holy ghost….see below.

“I am proud of you, McCabe for making the decision to get baptized.  I am going to give a talk on the Holy Ghost.  Now that you are baptized, you will be confirmed.  Dad will place his hands on your head and through the power of the Melchezediek priesthood you will receive the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost will be a guide and a teacher. As the scriptures say, the Holy Ghost will bring all things to your remembrance and help you make decisions.  We saw an example of this the day Xadia drowned.  Good thing Dad had the promptings of the Holy Ghost to check on her and immediately pulled her unconscious body from the pool.  The Holy Ghost guided dad to do CPR differently on her because she was only 2 ½ years old and dad had only learned how to do CPR on an adult.  Because of the Holy Ghost, dad was guided to check on Xadia and was able to modify the CPR he had learned.  Because of the Holy Ghost, Xadia is alive today.

The Holy Ghost is also a comforter.  When mom was diagnosed with cancer, she was very scared and frightened because her mom and our grandma had died from cancer and mom thought she might not get to raise me and you.  You were only 10 months old.  Mom did a lot of praying and had a lot of priesthood blessings.  The Holy Ghost gave her comfort and peace.  She knew that everything would turn out ok and it did.  The Holy Ghost gave her the comfort and strength she needed to continue here on earth.

The Holy Ghost is also a witness.  He testifies of truths.  When I was younger I remember sitting in fast and testimony meeting and seeing people cry when they talked into the microphone.  I asked mom why they were crying and she said because the Holy Ghost is testifying to them that what they are saying is true.  The Holy Ghost will help us know right from wrong, truth from lies.

I am so thankful that Heavenly Father gives us the gift of the Holy Ghost.  He is truly a loving Father.  I am grateful that I got baptized and received the Holy Ghost.  I try hard each day to listen to its promptings and I hope you do the same McCabe.  In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.”

                There were so many people at the baptism.  The room was full and some people could not make it because of the weather.  Grandma and Grandpa Butterfield got to Parowan and had to turn around because the snow was so bad.  Papa Nalder could not make it because he is still recovering from the flu.  We did get to have Chris and Tricia and family.  That was a blast.  We had so much fun playing at the house, in the snow, and swimming.  We also got to attend the ward chili cook off and talent show.  I had the opportunity to sing with Stormy Goddard, “California Dreamin,” by the Mamas and the Papas.  It was so much fun, we even dressed the part.

                 Now the weekend is over and we are starting to get ready for the upcoming week.  My kids are so sad that their cousins are gone.  McCabe cried a little after they left.  He asked when we will see them again.  He still wants to play. 

                I also wanted to add the Baptismal talk given for McCabe in this posting.  It was given by me, his mom.  See below.

“The day you were born your dad and I felt an indescribable joy.  As the nurse put you in my arms, the first words I ever said to you were, “I am your mama.”  I was so elated that my McCabe was there in my arms.  It was an extremely happy day.

What would it have been like to watch Jesus being baptized? The New Testament tells us about what happened that holy day.

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13, 16–17).

On the special day when you are baptized and confirmed, you are following Jesus Christ. You become like a new person and those feelings of indescribable joy felt at your birth return.

 McCabe, you are making an important decision as you get baptized.  You are choosing to promise and to always remember and follow Jesus Christ, you are become a member of His Church, you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and you become completely clean.

McCabe, I love you very much.  I am your mama, but you are on loan to me from your Heavenly Father.  Our goal is to return to our Heavenly Father so we can live forever with Him as an eternal family.  I am happy with your decision to get baptized. 

Our Heavenly Father is very happy with you. Baptism opens the gate to the path that leads us back to Heavenly Father.”

Friday, February 20, 2015

We are getting ready for McCabe’s baptism.  He turned 8 on Feb. 2^nd.  I am so happy he is part of our family and that he is a kind and sweet boy.  He is trying hard to make the right decisions.  At the moment he goes to cub scouts and loves passing off the requirements.  He is also very big into mine craft. 

Sunday, February 1, 2015

This past week was filled with many activities.  It started out with kids getting out early from school because of parent teacher conferences.  I got to meet with Mrs. Rafferty and Mrs. Mitchell to discuss the children’s efforts in school.  I am very pleased with McCabe’s and Jacinda’s performances in school.  They are working hard and helping the teacher when they see an opportunity.  Xadia likes her preschool class especially the letter of the week.  Wednesday was the letter “M” and Xadia chose to take a bag of pennies and tell the class that it is money and that starts with “M.”

                Saturday was McCabe’s birthday party.  We had a great time.  We played the bean and straw game.  Then we wrapped each other like a mummy.  We took a moment to decorate some mugs…..which turned out so cute.  McCabe was not excited at first because of the pictures that came with them.  They had dinosaurs, robots, and ABC’s.  I told him that they could flip the paper over and do their own pictures.  That is exactly what they did.  We had stickers, markers, and crayons so they could decorate the mugs how they wanted.  It was really fun and the kids were super creative.  After the mug craft, we played the balloon popping game where you tie a balloon to your ankle and then you run around trying to pop the opponent’s balloon.  The kids loved this game and it got really serious when Tim joined.  I don’t know who had more fun, Tim or the kids.  After the game it was on to presents and then cake and ice cream.  By that time, the party was over and parents started coming for their children.  It was a successful party.  The rest of the day was filled with Mine Craft and some swimming at the rec. center.  We had dinner as soon as we got home.  I had a casserole in the oven which was ready as soon as we got home.  We had a delicious dinner of chicken enchilada casserole, corn, salad, and chips.  McCabe plowed through the chips and salsa.  He really likes that stuff.

                I just want to mention some favorites of my kids at this time in their lives.  Teagan loves to watch a t.v. show called “Paw Patrol.”  This show portrays dogs as rescue people like a fire fighter, a policeman, a pilot, etc…  He also likes to watch Spongebob Squarepants.  Xadia likes to watch Mine Craft videos on Youtube.  These are clips of people playing Mine Craft.  McCabe likes to play Mine Craft.  He works really quickly through his list of chores and duties so he can play the game.  Jacinda likes to cook and play Mine Craft.  She likes to make chocolate no bake cookies.  It is hit and miss with her cooking.   Sometimes she reads the recipe and puts in the correct amount of ingredients.  Other times she just guesses.  Either way, I have a mess to clean.  Just the other day, I had to vacuum the oats from the stove.  In the end, it is a good learning experience for her.  

Sunday, January 25, 2015

First let me say, "Happy 77th birthday Myron Nalder."

Yesterday was so much fun.  We took the front runner to temple square.  We walked around temple square and visited with the sister missionaries.  My favorite part was meeting with the missionaries from the Philippines and telling them that Tim speaks Tagalog.  Then they would have a little chat in Tagalog.  After our visit we went to the Joseph Smith building and watched, “Meet the Mormons.”  What an incredible movie.  There are so many beautiful heartwarming moments.  One of my favorite parts was seeing the Navy football coach being stern and authoritative to these big football players and then the next day being a sweet Sunday school teacher to a bunch of ten year olds.  I also liked watching the wife during the football games cheer and squirm in her seat.  I can totally relate to that as I attend my children’s’ games.  There was also an excellent example of renewal of human spirit with the missionary mom.  Wow…..I am so amazed at her dedication with turning around her life in her darkest hour.  Such incredible stories….God is good.

After the movie, we ate at Johnny Rockets, yummy burgers, fries, and shakes for everyone.  Then we got to see the trout at the City Creek Mall.  McCabe and Teagan were ready to cast in their fishing poles.  After a quick stroll through the mall we had to catch the train back to the car.  Before catching the train we handed out, to the homeless, some granola bars with $5 attached to them.  This is such a good activity for the kids.  I hope they realized how blessed and comfortable their life is.

Friday, January 9, 2015

Christmas is over and it was a lot of fun.  Jacinda got the computer version on minecraft.  McCabe received a Nintendo 3DS.  Xadia received a pageant crown and Teagan got some battery operated cars.  Tim surprised me with a cruise to Ensanada, Mexico.  The cruise was a blast.  We karoaked, binged on food, watched some shows, and did some exercising.  When we docked in Ensanada, we got a taxi to take us to church.  It was amazing.  We got to experience sacrament meeting and Sunday school.  We also met some fellow members, David and Adrian.  David is a tour guide and after church gave us a tour of Ensanada.  We went to the markets and saw the bufadora.  We also got to eat at Adrian’s house.  We had tamales and a homney soup.  It was really yummy.

    
After the cruise it was off to the rose parade with the kids and the Stubb’s family.  It was much cooler this time at the parade.  I had to wear two pair of socks.  The floats were unbelievable.  I love the creativity and the massive amount of flowers on each float.  After the parade we found out that some items were stolen from our car.  One of the items was McCabe’s Nintendo 3DS.  What a heartbreaker….he has wanted a 3DS for over a year and now it is gone.  We are doing what we can to replace it but all I can say is that thieves suck.

     Before we left California, Jacinda got her ears pierced along with her cousins Soli and Sydney.  It was so exciting for her.  She was very nervous so she held Soli’s hand for comfort.  It is so cute.  I also had to distract Jacinda by asking her the date of her birthday.  I recorded the event and put it on youtube.

      On our way home from California, we stopped in Vegas and spent the day with Tarra at Circus Circus.  We rode rides at the adventure dome and then had a huge dinner at the buffet.  It was so fun to see Xavius and Cody.  Xavius has the cutest curly hair and got along so well with Teagan.  Cody was interesting to talk with regarding books and chemistry.  He had some pretty funny chemistry jokes.

     Eventually we made it home and now we are back in the swing of things.  The first week back to school was successful.  We got all the homework done and did well on the spelling tests.  I am very pleased with the kids and how hard they are working.