SOO MUCH!!

Today has been a little overwhelming for me! Jeremy started out by going to the dentist to get fitted for a mouth piece. He has been waking up with headaches and so we thought it might be from his grinding his teeth while he sleeps. Well, at the dentist they told him he has a bad case of sleep apnea and TMJ pain. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't know anything about medical stuff, so I just said ok what do we need to do to cure these things. Jeremy said they told him he needs to go see a specialist. He said sleep apnea could lead to many other things also. Goodness. Also the other day he went into a doctor and they told him he has colitis. WOW! He is filled with bad news. Oh and may I remind you all that we have no health insurance. So the last couple of days I been trying to keep myself busy so I don't sit and think about what's happening and get all stressed out about it.
About a week ago Jeremy was told about a job opening at the school, in a department he has worked in before. So that could be just the answer to our prayers. Not necessarily for the extra income (that would be an added bonus) but for the health insurance. I am so excited about it and I want him to take it but he is having a hard time grasping the idea...until after today. I think it hit him that he really needs some kind of health coverage, and this is our chance to get it. So he may be working this school year. I'll keep you posted on that one.

Which brings me to the next bit of excitement. School starts in 12 days. Yes, I am counting down. I'm ready for some quiet time. :) I will have 3 kids in school and 2 kids at home. This is going to be so easy...2 kids. What a breeze. :) I can't believe they are growing up so fast though. I have a 3rd grader, a 1st grader and a kindergartener. WOW! I am getting old.

Summer has been full of some crazy days! We have gotten a lot of little projects around the house done. We didn't get to go on a family trip this summer, but we still had a lot of fun times together. The best is watching the kids pull weeds in the garden. Those kids are definately Jeremy's kids...LOL! They are all complaining it's hot out here. I'm getting dirty. I'm thirsty. I need to go potty. When is the corn going to be ready? Are we almost done? Can we get icees? Really?! Papa started that tradition. Whoever helps pull weeds at the garden gets to get an icee when we're all done working. Good one Papa! ;)

My grandparents spent a day at my parents' house. It was a lot of fun to have them. We had some good food and lots of stories. I learned a little about my grandparents that day. They told stories and I found out some more about my parents when they were younger too. I really enjoy the day!

Jeremy's best friend Brad ("THE Brad"...where Bradley got his name) came to visit us a few times. He lives in Oklahoma, so we don't see him much. It's been so nice to see him more lately. Him and Jeremy tell stories about when they were kids. I love seeing Jeremy so happy when he is with Brad. Even better news, Brad might be moving back to the area. We are super stoked! I had to post a pic of the Bradleys together. :)

I couldn't stay away!

I have so much on my mind and I pulled up the blog and saw that people are still checking it so I thought what the heck. Just don't expect an update often how's that?

So this past weekend we had a general authority come speak at our stake conference, M Russell Ballard. He was definately meant to come at this time and to our stake. I got so much from him and the other speakers that, almost a week later and I am still dwelling on what I was taught. So let me back up a little bit...

About 2 weeks ago I was so overwhelmed with life and the responsibilities I have that I just didn't want to do anything. I just wanted to lay in bed and not go anywhere or do anything. I was trying to be supportive to extended family members that were having problems, and I think I just took on too much. Right when I was ready to quit (the weekend) it was time to go to stake conference. I had asked my parents to watch the kids so Jeremy and I could both go. They did! THANKS SO MUCH MOM AND DAD!!! At our conference they told us that no matter what we are all struggling through right now we can make it through if we turn to the Lord. How many times have I been told that...DUH I know that. But the thing that really hit me after that they told us to make memories with our families. Memories...really, spend time with the kids and have fun doing, it that's all I have to do. I can handle that. I love my kids SO much. I can handle playing with them, take them places, talk with them, share my love with them. This is coming from the Lord. They told us to study our scriptures with our families, and pray with our families. I was ready to give up on my family and now they are telling me to truly be happy is to spend time with them...OK I got this! New focus! Who cares if the house is messy, who cares about dishes or laundry? Well I do, but not as much anymore. (That is fair warning if anyone comes over and the house is messy) I am refocusing my life. Ok, so at one point in my life that was my focus but I lost my focus so now I am back on track.

I have struggled all my life to understand the scriptures. But I am struggling through them because the Lord has told me to. And I hope that my children will be able to teach me and we can learn together.

I have a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know it is the only true church on the Earth today. The Lord is my personal friend. I can talk to him and he is always there to listen to me and counsil with me. The Book of Mormon is true. I know that Joseph Smith translated it for us to have the words in our day today. I know that even though our times are different than the scriptures the same life lessons apply. If we will hold to the Iron Rod (meaning follow the teachings of the Lord) that we can return to live with our brother Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven again. I know that the Lord knows each of us personally and doesn't give us anything that we can't handle. When we are struggling we can call on Him through prayer and he will help us and comfort us in our trying times. I love my Heavenly Father.

I also need to say that I love my husband Jeremy Kiester! We have had our moments good and bad together but without his strength and without his love I would still be lost. I am thankful to Jeremy that we have the Priesthood in our home. The priesthood power is so strong when called upon. Thank you Jeremy! I love you so much!


Ok, sorry, it might not all make sense but I just had to get that all out. Until next time.

No more blog

I am writing this final post to let everyone know that I will not be posting on the blog anymore. I tried to keep it for family and friends that were far away so they could still see what our family was up to. My grandparents were one of those that I kept it up for...and they are no longer with us. I don't feel like a lot of people check it, and I am just fresh out of time and energy....so to end things on a good note:

We are all doing well. Daisha and Tucker are loving school, Bryton is so ready to go to school, Jillian is almost potty trained, and Bradley is almost ready to walk. I am back home helping more with the business that is booming. We recently had some new shelves built...THANKS ROB!!! Another expense but well worth it!



Anyways, thanks to all who checked our blog. Keep in touch through emails or phone calls. With love,

Stacy Kiester

Baby Blessing

Jeremy's brother Jason and his wife Anne blessed their beautiful baby Abbigail today. They got special permission to do it in their home and it was wonderful! I just wanted to post some pictures of my newest neice. :)




Anne was lucky enough to have her family come visit for Christmas, they live in Missouri.

Uh oh...better catch up....holidays

Holy Smokes the whole month of November passed and I didn't even blog anything. Ok, so I'll play the catch up game. First...the best news of all....

JEREMY FINALLY FINISHED COLLEGE!!!!

He has finished and will receive his bachelors in history. He will take the Praxis to get his teaching certificate and be able to be a teacher. Although, I think he's deciding that the book business is doing well enough that he is planning on staying with that until we can't survive from that alone. I am hoping that will be never because I love having him home. Right now he is the only one home. I started working seasonally in October. I work Hickory Farms every year for the past 11 years. I love it and it gives me a break from home life.

So for Thanksgiving all of the Kiester family came over to our house. Most of the food was brought, and all I had to worry about was making sure the house was clean (which is a chore in itself, but a much better one than cooking). It was nice to just be in our own home and have everyone over. We played some games and just enjoyed each others company. What a wonderful way to spend the holidays!





And of course after Thanksgiving comes Christmas. Jeremy made me wait until the day after Thanksgiving to put up the tree. I was so excited this year to get it up but he had to hold me back. Finally it's up and looks great!





Daisha and Tucker are both loving school and the activities that keep them busy. They recently had their Christmas music concerts. Daisha did a wonderful job and looked beautiful. Tucker on the other hand didn't want to attend his. I think he was preoccupied with his birthday celebrations. With the headache of just getting off work and to be there in time and to have everything ready for the birthday party I didn't fight him on it. He just skipped it. Boys want to miss things like that and girls wouldn't miss it for the world.



Happy 6th Birthday Tucker. For those of you who don't know or don't remember...6 years ago December 6th Tucker was born dead and with blood transfusions and lots of special attention was brought back to life to be a very important member of our family. We are so happy to have him in our lives. He truly is a special spirit.


Also, I must remind the family also 6 years ago December 6th was the first time Laurie was ejected from her basketball game, making Jason's record 1-0 as a varsity coach. :) 6 years later on the same day, Laurie had a game and we are proud to report...not ejections. :) Sorry Laurie, 6 years ago it was kind of the highlight of my some what depressing day. :)

One day the kids were being awfully quiet I thought it was a little suspicous. After looking all over the house for them I found them here. It took me so long to find them because I thought Bradley was sleeping so I didn't even look in his room. Guess he wasn't sleeping.



My mom's birthday is Dec 17th and this year she turned 50 so my dad put together a fabulous day for her. She spent the day with dad until evening time, then we all joined them. They took the entire family out for dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. Everyone enjoyed the seafood, except Bryton and I. We had chicken. :) But then everyone came to our house and Sheree had decorated with black balloons and over the hill decorations. We had brownies, pastry perfection cookies, and baskin robbins chocolate peanut butter ice cream. (all my mom's requests)


And then since we had everyone together. We got a picture of the whole family. I can't believe it. And it turned out pretty good I think!



Today was a fun day. We had a lot of goofing off and just enjoying each other's company. This is Tucker and Bryton with their "gangster" look. Tucker is just so innocent. He tried so hard to look mean, it's just not in his blood. Bryton on the other hand...everyone better watch out! He will take you out!



Jeremy took me shopping today. He knew what he wanted to buy me for Christmas but he wanted to make sure everything was the right sizes. He bought me this awesome Boise State outfit. Then I convinced him that I needed to have it early because Boise State's bowl game is coming up and I need something to wear. :) He gave in and let me have it. Isn't he the best. Merry Christmas to me!





Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

Pictures

I JUST LOVE MY KIDS! Daisha, Tucker, Bryton, Jillian, Bradley




What cute boys! I love the fall colors. What a beautiful life I have!

Work, Family, Work

Well, I guess it's nothing new to some of you but having mom work outside of the home is a challenge all in itself. I have gone back to work to my seasonal job at Hickory Farms. I love it but it makes home life difficult. With a "broken" daddy and a mommy gone all day our house is kayotic.

Jeremy's back has still been bothering him from back in what July? when he hurt it. And I am to work, to home, to meetings, to work and sometimes I get a little rest in between.

On my day off this past week I got to go with Tucker's class to the pumpkin patch. Wouldn't you know it, I forgot my camera. I was so devistated! I did take a few pictures with my phone. So here they are.





I had such a good time. And I am so glad I went. I got some special time with Tucker to just let loose and enjoy myself. I love Tucker and I am so glad I got that one on one time with him!

Tonight I had a great time at my parents' house. Dad had a pile of weeds he needed to burn so he did that and then we roasted some hot dogs and marshmellows. It was so much fun. The kids loved it. We spent all evening out by the fire. Jillian even touched the fire. She was trying to get to somebody and she tripped and fell right into the fire. The back side of her hand it blistery. Thank goodness that's all she hurt and she's acting ok about it. Poor girl, but she will be ok. :)

Well another day at work tomorrow, so I better get to bed.

No grade

It is a good thing I don't get graded on my blog because I don't post enough, I would fail. Let me catch everyone up on a few things....

One of my friends from church is into photography. She is much smarter than I, and she has been sharing some of her knowledge with me. So I have been taking lots of pictures mainly just for practice.

My cousin randomly called me and asked me to come get some practice at her cousin's wedding. Of course I accepted, so I got to do my first wedding. There was a "hired photographer" there, so there was no pressure on me. Although I was just practicing I am lead to believe that my pictures turned out better than hers. beings all she had just a regular dinky digital camera. Anyways, so here are a few of what I did.













Another step in life...potty training. It's been off and on with our busy schedules but Jillian is so excited to go potty. We have an Elmo potty seat that she calls "lala". (La-la la-la la-la la-la elmo's world) She pretty much just goes into the bathroom and goes by herself most of the time. She is doing a fantastic job considering we've just started.


Oh and she loves Dora and her Dora underwear. :)


So this month we dealt with the passing of Jeremy's 42 year old aunt Gidget. What an eye opener that was, to see that a life can be taken at any time. It makes me appreciate my life a lot more! I am so thankful for a wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally and treats me with nothing but respect. I love you Jeremy!

And to have the knowledge of the after life and that I will some day be able to see aunt Gidget again was so comforting.


I know that it is only the beginning!


Jeremy and his beautiful cousin Amber.


And with funeral comes family all together. I was so happy to see everyone together again. Some visits are so few and far between. It's sad that it took a death in the family to get everyone together, but whatever the reason I am glad I got to see everyone again. I love family!

Grandma Everett and all the great grandkids from our side.

A Complete 5 Generation picture! This is MY whole crew. What a wonderful picture that is!


And a complete 5 generation picture of THE whole crew. What a special moment. Thanks to all who came and made this possible. We will treasure these pictures FOREVER!

sick and tired.

Literally we are all sick and I am so tired. I feel so worn out...but don't we all. Today is Jillian's turn to be sick. The rest of us have already had it. Jeremy and Daisha are the only ones who hasn't gotten it yet...watch out! Oh it's so hard having sick kids.

I just wanted to post today mainly to tell everyone how proud I am to be married to Jeremy. He is so smart! Lately our business has been through the roof. He has decided to make this business our lives and he has put so much into learning about it and searching for good deals and he has been very successful! I am so proud of him. Jeremy is filled with unconditional love for me. Some days I am so short tempered and still all he says to me is "I love you". Really? What a comfort he is to me. He's always telling me to stop stress about things and to just enjoy life. It's so true, life is short enjoy it! Even when I am stressed out, upset and short tempered I love him too! I am so glad I have him, not just for while we are here on earth but for eternity.

What a relief it is to know a little about the eternities. Well I don't really know much about it but I do know that our family will be together even after this life. Lately there have been lots of deaths in our families. It is such a comfort to know that I will have the opportunity to see those people again. It's been almost a year since my grandma pasted away and my mom is working on getting her temple work started. I am so excited! She is going to let me be involved too. I can't wait!!

Oh and now for some fun news...I have been playing with my camera and trying to learn how to use the different modes. I have a friend from church who is helping me and teaching me all she knows. I got to practice at my cousins' cousin's wedding. It was so much fun! I don't feel like a professional at all, but it's pictures and it's a good start. I can't wait to be able to do professional shots. :) It will come with time. Anyone who would let me take some "stacy practice pictures" feel free to call me anytime!

I have been pretty overwhelmed lately with my church calling. I am serving in the primary presidency. What a job that is! The kids are great though and the people I work with in the presidency are wonderful. With everything going on in my life right now they have been my little support group. They are all fabulous people! I am so blessed to have gotten this calling. And I have lots of learning ahead of me.

Jeremy has started his last semester and so far has all A's. Hopefully he can keep it that way. Daisha is doing well, my big 2nd grader! Tucker is loving school. It seems like he hardly ever goes though. His schedule is weird, Monday, Tuesday and every other Wednesday. Well there's already been a Monday holiday and another Monday off next week. But he likes school, so any day he can get he loves it. I got my first call home from the teacher the other day. I thought for sure she was going to tell me Tucker talks to much in class, but nope. She said he is wonderful and such a great kid. It's nice to hear good things about the kids from their teachers but it kind of gets boring...they are such a pleasure to have in class blah blah. Guess that's better than them in trouble all the time and being a disruption. :) Good job kids momma taught you well. :)

Well, I'm sure I left out a very things but that's all I have for now. Sorry I'm not a very good blogger.

Lovin' Life

Ok, it's late and I am tired but I feel bad because I haven't posted in so long.

I just wanted to let everyone know how things have been going. Right now things are GREAT! First things first, Jeremy and I have finally gotten back into a routine of doing our scripture study together. How awesome that has been for me. I have been able to ask him questions about what we are reading and he's so smart he always knows the right answers. I love him so much! And I know that without the Lord as a part of our marriage it's nothing. Since we have been working on being closer to Heavenly Father our lives have been so much happier. We have been more willing to help others and that alone has been a blessing. Our business is booming right now. What a testimony I have of tithing, faith, scripture study, family prayer, couples prayer and personal prayer. Without those daily things...well I just don't want to think about life without them!

The kids are all getting excited to start school. Daisha starts on Wednesday the 24th. She is going to be in 2nd grade. Tucker starts on the 29th. He is going to be in kindergarden. He will be going all day every Monday and Tuesday and then every OTHER Wednesday. And we have Bryton on a waiting list for preschool so we will see how that goes. He asks me every day when he is going to get to go to school, so I really hope he gets in. And once school starts Jillian and I will have lots of time to work on potty training. YEAH!!! I think she is ready but right now it kind of just feels like kayos around here.

My dad has had more stents put in, in the artery to his heart. He has a total of 6 I believe now. He is recovering well.

My sister, Sheree, just recently had surgery on her foot. She did something bad to her ankle. I don't really understand. Sorry I medically challenged. But she can't put weight on her foot at all for 6 weeks. What a challenge that is going to be!

My other sister, Yvonne, is working on moving to Vale. Good luck with that Yvonne. I hate moving. It's so much work!

And my sister in law, Anne, is going to have a baby girl any day now. We have been trying to help with their little girl, Maddilyn, now that my brother in law, Jas, is back to work. She is so fun to have over. She just walks around with no expressions on her face really, almost like she is lost. I wish I knew what her little mind was thinking.

Anyways, oh, I can't forget my mother in law and father in law. They are back to work. One at Eagle High and the other at Centennial. They both have eye infections and are trying to blame me...well it might have been but who knows, I'm a giving person. :) I just hope they get better soon.

And saved the best for last...my mom. She is the best mom in the world, well besides me. :) J/K I can't go without saying thank you to my mom! Thank you for always being there when I needed you. Thank you for sharing your recipes with me. Thank you for all the fun nights of swimming. Thank you for being a wonderful grandma to my kids. I love you mom. I would never be the person I am without you! And I am proud of who I am and where I came from. I love you mom...and dad!

Oregon Coast Day 3...The Beach

This morning we started by playing games at our beach house while everyone was taking turns getting ready for the day.

By the way did I mention how nice this house is that we are staying in? The game room is in the garage. I love it! There are a few things in the house that Jeremy want to try to incorporate into our own home.

This is at the Museum before going to the lighthouse. The museum area told us a little about the birds and animals we might see around the area. Bradley was such a good baby all day. I am so blessed to have him.

Everyone stops so Jeremy can take a picture of our kiesters leaving the museum on the way to see the lighthouse.

We are treckin' to the lighthouse.

My handsome husband, still sore, but making a wonderful vacation for me. He trys to do everything that the rest of us do to make it a great family vacation, sore or not sore. Thank you Jeremy! I love you!

I think these are Sea Lions sun bathing. They were so hard to see. They just looked like dirty spots on the rocks.

We were so excited to see the Sea Lions that we almost missed the whale further out. I have to give Jeremy credit for catching this picture, because I couldn't see it.

We took a lot of "family pictures" but in some of them a part of our family was missing. In this one Jillian was asleep and Bradley well, he's just too little to be climbing rocks. But still a beautiful picture.

Daisha so badly wanted to find a starfish. We found one but it is still alive. Daisha was a little disappointed she couldn't find one to take home. So I had to post this picture for her. Here's her starfish.

Jeremy and I just enjoying the trip. It's been so nice to have so many people here with us to help with the kids and we have had some time alone that we can just enjoy our beautiful surroundings and each other.

But sometimes Jillian just doesn't want to leave my side. But who can turn down the cute little face?!

Jillian did NOT want to get her feet dirty at all. Finally I had to just put her down and show that it was ok to go in the dirt/sand. Finally she got comfortable with it and she was off. She loved the sand between her toes.

Boy was that water cold! I knew it would be cold but I wasn't thinking it would numb my toes, and everything else that got wet.

And the kids must agree with me..."RUN! We are going to get wet"

Papa had the boys so far out into the water they were over their heads, literally. They enjoyed it but mom and grandma did not. We were worried papa would lose one of the kids in those big waves.



Some how the little girls, Jillian and Maddilyn, both fell and ended up soaked, and then of course all muddy.

But through it all they are still BEST BUDS! All I can say is ADORABLE!

Grandpa Guy. This is Laurie's dad. What a great picture of him enjoying life. We love you grandpa!

We are all on a search for Daisha a starfish...NO LUCK. :( But still we had a great time at the beach.

Aww, and the sparks fly. I love you Jeremy! Thank you for bringing me to this beautiful place. I love you and I love the wonderful family we have. And I love getting away from "life" and just enjoying the your company.

But after playing at the beach Papa gets to play. The kids all got hosed off outside before being able to go in the house. I think Papa enjoyed that part. The kids not so much. Tucker, which water was colder, the ocean or the hose?

We all had a wonderful day. We had lunch at a place called Mo's. They have the best clam chowder. It was so yummy. And right across the street is a candy shop that of course we had to stop at. Laurie bought us all something at the candy shop. I think I got the best deal...she let me get a whole bag of salt water taffy, and I got to fill the bag with the flavors I wanted. Oh yum! The mint oreo taffy is to die for. Thanks Laurie for putting this all together for us. You're the best!!!!