There's no place like home.

Well I made it to New Hampshire and back safely. I have some bad news though. When I flew in on Tuesday I arrived in Boston because that is where the hopital is where my grandma was. My mom had arrived the day before me but my grandma's surgery was on Tuesday so she hadn't gotten to see her yet.
So after my grandpa and mom picked me up we went over to the hospital to see how the surgery had gone. When we got there they took us to a quiet room and told us that she hadn't made it through the surgery. I was devistated! I just wanted to see my grandma one last time. And my mom didn't really get to see her mom for one last time. Oh that was the worst feeling I had felt in a LONG time!!! But I know she is in a better place and someday I will be able to see her again. Make this a lesson learned, not to take advantage of the families we have. Go to see them and go often. Share time with them. My grandma only got to ever even meet my oldest daughter Daisha. She had never even met my other 3 children.

I had a great visit with my grandpa and my mom in New Hampshire. I was right there through it all. I got to help with the plannin of the service and all that comes with that. What an experience. Although it was a learning experience I hope I don't have to go through it again any time soon. My grandpa the whole 10 days I was there told stories all the time about my grandma. My mom and my grandma were about the same size as far as clothing and shoes. My mom sent herself home 2 HUGE boxes full of clothes. She just went shopping in her mom's closet. It was kind of fun going through some of her belongings. I never want to see another magazine in my life. My grandma had old magazines from a couple years ago all stacked up everywhere. That's our new family joke, get rid of your magazines. :) We tried to have a good time dispite the bad news and life changing news for my grandpa. He will be alone now so far away from all of us. But since I have left he's gotten a new computer and gotten high speed internet with a webcam and I have chatted with him a few times already. He has gotten to see the children, only via webcam but better than not at all. Grandpa made my trip all worth it by making a special effort to take me out to clam chowdah (chowder). That's my favorite thing in the whole world. Thanks grandpa! I love you!!!


My mom and her dad (my grandpa)


The whole clan: Jim, Gabriella, Ron, Brody, Stacy, Woody (grandpa), Sue (my mom) minus the picture taker my aunt Crystal.


My uncle Jim got some lobster for dinner one night. Eveyone enjoyed it...except me. I am not a seafood eater.


Grandpa sleepin in the chair. Surprisingly enough we didn't catch him like this very often.



Once I got home Jeremy and the children were very excited to see me. I think Jillian was a little upset with me at first. I would try to kiss her and she would turn her shoulder like "don't talk to me you just left me here for 10 days". She is since over that thank goodness, but now she won't leave my side. Jeremy, I hope, got a taste of what I go through in a week, with me being gone. ;) I love my family!

Full of news

So we went on a little road trip with the inlaws to eastern Idaho. We saw a little bit of spud days and we hit the DI's on the way. It was a fun trip. We left Daisha and Tucker home with Anne and Jason, which was an adventure in itself. Daisha and Tucker were both in school when we left and Jas was in charge of getting them off the buses in the afternoon. About half way to our destination I get a phone call from Tucker's school saying nobody picked him up off the bus. Let me remind you that this was the first day they had a bus for him to ride, the other days I had been taking him because it was just the first couple days of school. Long story short Jas pulled through and picked Tucker up at the school. Poor Tucker just had to ride the bus for an hour instead of just the normal 20 minutes.

While we were in Eastern Idaho Jeremy, Bryton, Jillian and I stayed at my friends' house Trevor and Shanna's house. There was so kind to open their house to us even with the messy don't sleep through the night children. :) We had a blast playing games and eating Shanna yummy meals she made for us. I never knew she was such a good cook. Thanks Trev and Shan for opening your house to us. We GREATLY appreciated it!!!!

At one of the DI stops we found a puzzle for Bryton. He made everyone help do the puzzle immediately when we got to our destination.



This is kind of random in the middle of this post but everyone has a picture of their child sleeping in the high chair. This is the first time it has happened with Jillian. So I had to put it on here.



We arrived home from our Eastern Idaho trip and just a couple days later I had a doctors appointment. I found out that I am having a BOY. What a surprise to me. Now I am really connfused as to what life is suppose to bring my way. So Jeremy and I will continue to search for that answer, but I am leaning towards this is the last child for us. I think he is too. He likes the fact that the boys will out number the girls. :) Jeremy is pretty excited to be having another boy! And so I am.

A few days later I watched my nephew Zakary who is 5 months old. That was a handful. Gave me a taste of what it will be like after I have this next baby. Well, it will be quite a bit different because he will be my baby and he won't cry wanting mommy...cause I will be the mommy. :) Anyways, Zak is growing up so fast. I can't believe it. Jillian loved playing with him.



Jillian loves to play hide and seek. Isn't she just so cute. I love my baby girl!!!



Well I wish that could be the end of my post but I can't just end there. We got news on Saturday that my grandma, who lives on the East Coast (New Hampshire), has a tumor on her brain that is cancerous. They have since then done a full body scan and the cancer is no where else to be found. And the tumor can be removed by surgery. We don't know for sure when the surgery will be, they are thinking sometime after Tuesday. So Jeremy's best friend from high school, who is a pilot, has been nice enough to get me a ticket to fly over there to see my grandparents. And help take care of them. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU BRAD!!! So I will be flying out on Tuesday morning the 28th. And I will most likely be there for a week. So I will take some pictures of the area and things there and will post when I get back. Wish me luck and keep me and my family in your prayers. Until I return...

Pictures I promised

Sorry it took me so long to get these pictures on here...But just as promised. Better late than never I guess. :)

Our baby girl is walkin' up a storm. In these pictures she still looks a little wobbly, but she isn't anymore.


Bryton and Tucker on the way to the bus stop.


We got a bit distracted on the way to the bus stop.


"Patiently" waiting

Finally the bus came!

Jillian can walk

That's right. Jillian can walk all by herself. She just started this week so I am really sorry I don't have some pictures to post I will try to get some this coming week, when she is a little stronger and can go a little further by herself.

Also this week, on Sunday she drank out of a straw for the first time too. Her big sister Daisha taught her that one. Nice work Daisha!

Tucker starts school tomorrow. He's pretty excited. The hard part is going to be making him wait until school starts. He doesn't start until 12:00 (noon) so it's going to be a long morning. I will post some pics of him this next week along with ones of Jillian walking.

It's now time to spend some quality time with the husband. He rented me a couple of movies today so I better go see if they are any good. ;)

Almost forgot

I almost forgot to tell you that Tucker can ride a bike without training wheels. He is so proud of himself!!

Didn't realize

Daisha getting ready for her first day of first grade.

Going to school. My big girl is in 1st grade.

Wow, I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted something. Sorry it took me so long. We are finally in a routine around here. Jeremy has school just a couple days a week with a couple online classes, while Daisha is off to school all day every day. And Tucker will be starting school in less than 2 weeks. Getting up so early every morning to get Daisha off to school has been killing me. I am not a morning person and once I get her on the bus usually one of the other kids are awake so I can't go back to sleep. I am hoping I can sleep in tomorrow but Jeremy has this crazy idea of yard saling...I might have to skip this time. I'm draggin'.

With Jeremy's classes he is already doing really well. I know it's early but in all 3 of his online classes he has an A and in one of his other classes he's got an A. I'm not sure that they've done much in the other classes he is taking. But I am proud of him. He has been doing really well studying and being prepared for his classes. I hope this semester he can get his GPA up a little. I know college is hard, especially with a full time job and a big family but Jeremy if you are reading this I want you to know I think you are doing a GREAT job! Keep up the good work. I love you!

I am proud to say I am almost past the first trimester of the pregnancy. YEAH! Not that it's been too bad but it just always seems better after the first trimester. And I am a slacker. On Tuesday I am going to call and get an appointment made to see the doctor. I need to have that on my priority list.

Well, my in laws got their new house in Middleton. They have all their things there, let's just say that. They moved everything to the house before the carpet was put in so they just had everything in the garage. They now have the carpet put in and the next day they found out the had a leaky pipe in their master bedroom, soaked the brand new carpet and ruined the freshly painted walls. So they still can't move all their things in yet. I feel so bad for them. They have been living out of boxes and suitcases for the last month and a half and now they are in their new house and are still living out of boxes and suitcases. But at least they are under the same roof. They were living across the state from each other because of their jobs. I'm sure they are pleased about that. So the point of the story was, we have spent a few nights helping them move things and paint and this and that, things that come with moving to a new house. I sometimes feel like I am not much help with all the children running around but I'm sure they just enjoy the sound of the grandkids. I hope anyway. :)

So I think that about does it for news from us. So until next time. Enjoy life to the fullest.

Finally figured things out.

We finally got Jeremy's schooling figured out. He is signed up for a couple of night classes right now that scare me just a little. Sometimes he struggles going to night classes. He doesn't want to leave the family and the fun things we are doing. So looks like there will be an end to fun things here on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. :)

Daisha found out who her teacher is and that she has a few of her friends in her class. "Mem" took her shopping for her school supplies. They came home with a few extra things too...The joys of grandmas. So she is all ready to go. Thanks Mem!

We have been looking for houses to either rent or buy. We found out that we are on a month to month lease, we didn't know that. So we are just looking to see if we can find something bigger or something we can buy. We are just keeping our options open. I have a feeling that some close people aren't too happy with us thinking of moving so I just want to tell all our family and friends that are close...we are not moving to be away from you. We are not moving at all right now. But if we do move it will ONLY be if it's what is right for our family. If it's closer for Jeremy and his schooling, if it's big enough for our family, and if it's affordable for us. Right now it's just an option. Not every option is always a good one. We ask that everyone support us in the decisions that we are facing for our family. Thanks. We love you all!!!

Auntie

Ok, so I have been a bit of a slacker. I think I have good reason. We have been so busy finishing up projects before school starts back up. Daisha is going to be in first grade and Tucker will be going to Head Start. WOW...only 2 kids all day long. What a great day! :) I love 'em all they are just a lot of work so it's nice to get a break once in a while.

So the following picture is my neice on my husbands side. She is almost 8 months old. I had to post the picture because I am so proud of her for having her first lollipop. Yes I had a little something to do with it. Her parents weren't there when it happened and I'm not sure they were too happy when they found out. Oh well!


So with all that being said...I'm a great autie right? Well it's all going to happen again. My oldest sister Yvonne is having another baby. We are pregant at the same time...what a fun experience this is going to be. Beware husbands!!! ;) So my sister and her husband are very excited and anxious to find out if it's a boy. They both have 2 girls and they both want a little boy. I hope it all works out for them. Congrats Yvonne. I love you!!

My Birthday

So I am offically old in my book. I'm 27 now. Sunday was my birthday and it was an awesome day. The celebration started on Saturday. Laurie (my mother in law) came and picked up the kids. She took them to the store to get my birthday cake. They came back with a beautiful purple cake. (Purple is my favoirte color) Then Jeremy's uncle Bob and Jackie came over. Jeremy helped him pick out a lap top to take to Iraq with him. Then they stayed and had pizza and cake with us. What a great visit we had.



Sunday morning, as much I didn't want to I got up and went to church. After church Laurie and Greg came over and made me dinner. I love Laurie's potatoe salad. So as per my request she made that. It wasn't as good as she normally makes it beings she is in the middle of moving she didn't have all the ingredients, but still it hit the spot. Thanks Laurie!! After dinner we played a game of pinocle. Jeremy and I almost won. We didn't really finish the game but when we stopped we were only down by 30 points. That's the closest we've ever come to beating them...must be my birthday :)

My parents showed up with some browines...YUM! Then my sister came with some no bake oreo cake. It was all so yummy. We all just visited and after a while the kids got a little out of control so Papa Don took them outside. Next thing we know we see Daisha trying to ride her bike without the training wheels. She got scared and made Papa put them back on. But he tilted them so she wasn't really even using them. After about an hour she realized that she could do it and had him take the training wheels back off again. She is now riding a 2 wheeler bike with NO training wheels. My baby is growing up.

Tim McGraw

I forgot to post this but on Thursday of last week my mom and I went to the Tim McGraw concert. She won tickets on the radio...hmm, must run in the family. :) Anyways, she had "pit" tickets which is the standing room only area. My dad didn't want to go especially since he would have to stand for the whole concert so my mom invited me to go with her. We had a great time. Here are just a few pictures.

Lady Antebellum





My mom and me with Tim McGraw in the background. See how close we were. :)

Stressed out!

Well the stress has hit us pretty hard. We are looking into buying a house in this wonderful housing market we are in right now. Well, it's wonderful for us, the buyer. We will not be able to do anything until at least October but we are keeping our heads held high. With Jeremy having his own business we have to prove a steady income for at least 2 years blah blah. So we are just doing what we can.

On top of this Jeremy is trying to decide where to go with his schooling. He was going to be a teacher, and Spanish is the only class he had left to be able to graduate but the language is hard to learn so he is a bit scared. He is thinking now that he'd like to be a counselor. Hmm, that means he has to have his Masters Degree...which means another year and half of schooling. Oh wow! I was beginning to see the light. Now I'm wondering if there is a light or even an end to this tunnel we are in.

For those of you I haven't told yet...I am having my own little "issues". We are expecting another baby. My estimated due date is March 2011. We found out about 2 weeks ago. The idea of another baby is finally sinking in a little more and it's growing on me a little. At first I was very scared and worried. And with responses I got from some very important people made me think I can't do it. I feel like having 4 kids is a daily struggle what is 5 kids going to be like? But I have also had many people tell me that everything will be fine and I am a good mother and things will work out, but I still have my doubts. I feel like I need to share this story with you guys...

When I was getting ready to have Jillian a year ago the doctor asked me since I was having a c-section if I wanted him to just tie my tubes in the process. I thought hard about it and I told the doctor I am not sure but we were thinking towards yes. He told me if I am not 100% sure that I am done having kids then not to do it. So we weren't 100% sure so we decided against it. I had a feeling that there is one more little girl out there for me. Well, when I found out that I am pregnant I thought for sure this has got to be that little girl that is still waiting for me. Oh I hope this is the girl. I will let you know when I find out. :)

Well, I think that will do it for today. I hope everyone is well. Please leave comments and let us know how things are going for you. Love ya all.

Toby Keith Concert

I won tickets on the radio last week for the Toby Keith concert. The concert was last night. I was so excited for a FREE date with just Jeremy and I. Turns out Jeremy bummed out on me. He isn't really a fan of country music but I told him he had to go with me anyway. Long story short and lots of feelings left out of the story I ended up taking my mom. She was originally going to be our babysitter for the night, so I knew she didn't have any other plans. We had a great time. I actually enjoyed Trace Adkins better than Toby Keith. Here are a few pictures from the concert.

Trace Adkins

Trace again

Toby Keith when he first came on stage.

Toby Keith doin' his thing.

These guys were my entertainment for the night. They are the back up singers and instrument players. They were definately havin' a good time. They were dancing and playin around. They were very entertaining.

On our way back to the car we tried to take a short cut around the outside of the building instead of the inside where all the people were. Well we ran into all the trucks for the singers. We had to go around all the trucks, but we got a great memory from it. Thanks mom for going with me. I had a blast!

Jillian's 1st birthday

Jillian's first birthday was a blast. We waited until 6:30pm to have the party so that everyone could be here for it. Some family members were working. But then we ended up missing some other family memebers. Sorry everyone. It's so hard to work with everyone's schedules. Thanks for understanding.

Anyways, we spent the day just having a good time together playing on the trampoline and playing with Jillian's toy from us. Then finally everyone starting to show up for the party. We had a great time opening presents and having cake. We got her a carebear cake. She loved the cake and when we were done she loved playing with the little carebears that were on top of the cake.

We put the sprinkler on the trampoline to cool everyone off while we waited for the birthday party time. In this picture Daisha is doing a flip.

A group picture on the wet trampoline.

Jillian wanting so badly to get into her birthday cake.

"Finally I get to have my cake. But what is that thing glowing on the top of it?" Jeremy had to help her blow out the candle.

Oh Yum my first cake. And the pink stained EVERYTHING!

Finally Pictures of 4th of July in McCall

Bryton in the sand

Tucker in the sand

Daisha playing in the water

Byton saw the bewie in the lake and said "can we go touch the basketballs?" It was very cold and windy that day. So we saw some sitting on land and let him touch them.

Tucker, Daisha and Bryton on the bears in the middle of McCall.

We have to have a campfire if we are in the mountains. We had smores. I do not like my clothes smelling like fire so I tired to wrap up in a blanket, but it didn't work too well. I ended up having Jeremy buy me a new hoodie since mine stunk after the fire and it was the only one I brought. And I definatley needed one. It was cold in the mountains.

Jeremy on the 4 wheeler. I had to take over driving after not very long because I wanted to go FAST.

Bryton Rob and Tucker on the 4 wheeler. The boys would not let anyone else ride with Rob. He is their favorite.

The girl team...Jillian me and Daisha. Jillian liked the 4 wheeler. I couldn't believe it! She must be my girl. :)

After a long day of 4 wheeling we had to relax in the hot tub. Jillian loved it!

We had to run to the store and get some ice cream. We were just in the mood for some. Jillian had her own cone for the first time. She loved it. Boy she sure is growing up fast.

We went in the hot tub every day we were there so I thought we had better had a family picture.

Waiting for the fireworks to start. What beautiful scenery that is!

I tried to get some good pictures of the fireworks with the lake in the picture. Don't think I did so well but here's a couple of them.

Happy Birthday America!

Jillian's first fireworks. She loved them. All of them. Here she is doing her "ooo" face.

4th of July fun in the mountains

We are in McCall for the 4th of July. We are having so much fun! We have been just enjoying the fresh air up here. Sheree and Rob are here too and they brought up their 4 wheelers, so we went 4 wheeling with them. I want one of those! That will be our next investment. :) They are so much fun! I will have to post pictures when we get home because the memory card isn't the right size for the lap top. Anyways, I will post pictures later.

The kids are a lot of work not in their own environment, but it's been worth it. The fireworks are tonight and I am very anxious to see the kids' expressions when they light them off. Well, I told everyone I would try to stay on top of posting on here, so here's a post and check back in a couple days for pictures.