Easter...LOTS of pictures!

BEWARE...I took over 800 pictures this weekend.



I am going to start out with the good news...

For the past 8 years Jeremy and I have spent every Easter up in the mountains at his grandparents' house and motel. So we had to keep the tradition alive.





We spent Easter weekend in Pine. With the whole house buying process and everything we've been going through it was nice to just forget about everything and get some "fresh air". We both needed the break. I am so glad Grandma Trish and "Papa Pine" always welcome us up there. It's so beautiful. And it's nice to catch up with family. We all had a great time! While we were up there I really did forget about everything going on here at home. I just had a good time with the kids and family.

On Saturday we did our family egg hunt. Grandma puts candy and money in her eggs. The kids love it. They each came out with about $10. They loved it! And it was so relaxed. Thank goodness for Grandma Trish!!!



Krehl (Jeremy's sister's boy) finding eggs.

Zakary (My sister's boy) finding eggs.





Counting the fortunes



We went to scope out where the community egg hunt would be, which was at the local golf course. Inside the lodge there are a bunch of stuffed elk, birds, etc. So we let the kids look around and took some pictures.





Then we decided to drive around and just see what's been being built in the area and what things are looking like these days. Wow! I can't believe how big some of those homes are up there. Mansions to me. After our drive we went back to the motel and played some games. We ended the night with the hot tub. I tried to skip that part but the kids wouldn't let me.

Easter morning the kids woke up and were so excited about the Easter bunny coming. They each got a basket full of candy and found a bunch of eggs. For breakfast of course we had candy. :) It only happens once a year. You gotta live a little. :)









Once we got everything cleaned up and the cars packed to head home we found a beautiful spot to take some pictures. We wanted to surprise my mother in law with a nice picture of all of her grandkids. They weren't able to make it up this year so I thought it would be nice to make her a nice picture of all of her grandkids, since they were all together. It was going to be a surprise but I guess not everyone knew that...so I will just post them on here and Laurie we'll get you your picture. Don't go getting any of them printed.



All the Kiester kids together at last.















We got some good ones of my family too. I love nature. :) Helps make beautiful pictures.







By the time we were done taking pictures it was almost time to go to the community egg hunt. So we headed to the golf course to see what was happening. Every year they have, as part of the hunt, golden eggs. There are yellow eggs that have a dollar sign on them. The kids that get those eggs get one dollar per egg. Daisha was a little worried, because she was in a little older age group, that she wouldn't get any golden eggs. She put on her "Kiester competitive" face and she ended up with 6 golden eggs. JACKPOT!!!



So now as a mom I have to brag just a little. I am so proud of Daisha. She got 6 golden eggs and her little sister Jillian and 2 of her cousins didn't get any golden eggs and without being told or even mentioning it to her she immediately went and gave a golden egg to both her cousins and her baby sister. What a good girl she is! That is exactly what Jesus would have done. I explained that to her and told her about 50 times how proud of her I was. That move right there made all the hard times worth it!



After the community egg hunt we went back to grandma's house and had a nice dinner. Shortly after dinner we had to head home. Back to reality. Get your head out of the mountains. :) Usually by the end of the weekend I am just ready to come home. This time NOT AT ALL. I wanted to stay longer. I knew what my house looked like and I didn't want to come home to that. Not to mention the kids were all being good while we were in the mountains. I didn't want it to end.

Now for the bad news...
Today we got a call from our lender and found out that we are going to have to come up with another thousand dollars to be able to make the house deal work out. Something about in the offer we only asked for a certain amount of closing costs to be paid and they are going to be more than what we asked them to pay. GRR! So to the grinde we go. Let's make some money! Hopefully we can make it work. Everyone please keep us in your prayers. We are going to do our part and leave the rest up to the Lord. What a test of faith. I hope everyone had a good Easter.

Please VOTE!

Ok, so I entered myself into the hot momma contest on the radio station. I only did it because it would be nice to have an extra thousand dollars if I can win. I need everyone to vote. You can vote 5 times and I think you can vote once a day. I'm not sure on that but vote as much as you can. I am mom #81. You'll have to make a login to vote. Please vote. I'd really appreciate it!

http://www.mix106radio.com/pages/hot_moms

So if I win the thousand dollar prize...party at our new house. And it looks like it's going to be ours. We do our inspection tomorrow at noon so we'll let you know for sure how things go. We are starting to pack so our house is a disaster. But if anyone wants to help with packing come on over and we'll put you to work, either packing boxes or playing games with the kids. :) Love ya all!

A day of family

Yesterday was a great day full of family. I got to see my neice play soccer. I have decided that I think soccer is a boring sport. It probably doesn't help that I don't even know the rules of the sport. And then, I don't think this is a normal rule but it was like pee-wee soccer so the game ended in a tie. 1 to 1. Really...no winner and no loser. WOW! I'm not sure I could do that.

So this is my neice Lindsey playing soccer. She did a great job!











Also at the soccer game my cousin Stephanie and her kids all come to watch and hang out. It was great to meet all of her family...finally. And to see her again. I haven't had the chance to just sit and visit with her in a LONG time. It was so nice to learn of things that have happened that I missed out on.

I am so thankful for family. Both my immediate family and my extended family...and my "married into" family. Today my heart is full.

Since it's Sunday of course that means church right? I know that's not what Sunday means to everyone but that has always been what Sunday means to me...and still does. For some reason I feel as though I have been going by myself a lot to church. Well, not by myself. I have wonderful children who love to go to church and learn about Jesus. They love going to their primary classes. And I love that they want to go with me. That is my strength. So many times I would just like to stay home and do something else or just rest...but I know it's important to worship my Heavenly Father. He has done so much for me! I know that each of us is loved by our Father in Heaven. I know that Jesus is our older brother and that he also loves us so much that he gave his life for us. Jesus Christ died for me personally that I might have the opportunity to ask for forgiveness of my weaknesses (repent) and some day live with him and our Heavenly Father again.

I know that I was married/sealed in the temple and the purpose of being married in the temple is to be with my husband for eternity. FOREVER! No matter what he goes through and no matter what I go through I know that I can be with him forever. On some days I feel as if I never even want to see the man again but deep down in my heart I love him and I am thankful that I will have him forever. And that I will be able to have my children with me forever.

Erase it all!

Today was one of those days I wish I could just erase. I tried to work on scrapbooking and doing pictures. UGG! My computer froze up about 10 times then the printer froze and it was all locked up for about 3 hours. Finally I got it all back up and running. And then all the prints came out WAY dark. They look yuck! UGG!

So being the frustrated photographer I took it out on my family. The poor children didn't get dinner. I ended up putting my head set on to listen to music and just sat at my desk and cried. I was so frustrated with the stupid computer. Then Daisha came in....really. She asked me why I was crying and I didn't have a good reason. She made me feel guilty. So I looked at the clock. It was already bed time. So I decided the least I could do was tuck the poor children in bed and kiss them goodnight. So that's just what I did. Then I came to the realization that I better just enjoy the children while I have them. They are what's important. Tomorrow is a new day!

EXTRA! EXTRA! read all about it....

Ok, this morning they accepted our offer and now we are onto the inspection. Jeremy and I are both a little worried about the acceptance of the inspection because there are some cracks in the ceiling. But we think they are minor tape and texture issues and we were told if that's what it is it won't hold up the inspection. YEAH! But wait, don't get too excited yet. Lots of things still have to fall into place.

Ugg, and then packing. I hate that part. It's just a lot of work. But it's well worth it to get into a bigger home.

We'll keep everyone posted on everything that happens.

No news so picture time

Today we were suppose to hear if our offer was accepted on the house we want. We didn't hear anything. Stupid bank! Who do they think they are taking forever. So we will wait another day to hear. I'll let you know when we know.

So today I played with pictures most of the day. Here's a little of what I did.



Some more pictures of the fun we had at the park on Saturday.





Sunday we had to start the day out with taking a bunch of pictures since it was Bradley's blessing day. Plus that's just another excuse for me to play with my camera and editing program.



I didn't really get a chance to play with these ones because Jeremy wants me to watch a movie with him. So these don't have much done to them.













Cousins Maddilyn and Jillian with matching dresses. Aren't they beautiful?! They get their looks from their moms. Can't you tell? :)



My beautiful daughter along with some cool editing. Doesn't it look awesome. That's one of my favorite features of the program.



And this is my absolute FAVORITE picture....LOL It just makes me laugh. He's so cute!

A day together

I started out the day taking pictures of Bradley. This is my Easter picture for him. Isn't it so cute.


Oh and he is just so handsome. I love this picture. How adorable he is!!!



And then we ended out the day at the park.



Jillian LOVED everything at the park. The swing, the slide and the merry-go-round.





And believe it or not even Jeremy joined us at the park. It was like pullin' teeth to get him to go but we got him there.

All kinds of stress...

So I have all kinds of stress going through me right now. The last couple of days I have been just trying to take it easy due to sick kids, just trying to make them better. Well today it hit me...the house is a mess, the laundry is piling up, we have to stay on top of our business, and we are trying to buy a house. We will hear if our offer was accepted tomorrow. Ok, let me just vent a little bit here...

The house we put an offer on. It's huge 3600 sq ft. Beautiful nice new carpet, HUGE kitchen, HUGE master with wonderful everything. But there is a lot of wasted space in my opinion. Jeremy says no but we are not going to go there.
It has the split bedrooms and I have been racking my brain of how I would set everything up. I don't feel comfortable yet with some kids downstairs while the master bedroom is upstairs. The master bedroom closet is big enough to be a bedroom so I suggested make it the baby's room. Jeremy doesn't like that idea. UGG! What do we do?
I really don't like the lot size. It's WAY small. .19 or something. It's pretty much just the neighbors BAM right there in the back yard. So I am having mixed feelings about the place. It's not too far from where we are living now. Daisha would be in the same school. We would be in a different ward for church but still close enough to everyone. The stress of this alone is taking over me. Jeremy LOVES the house and I am just so so about it. Is that bad? Is it a sign? I'm so confused.

Anyways, so today I tried to get the laundry caught up...after about 7 loads I was tired and had to take a nap, so I still have a few more loads to do tomorrow.

Dumb, like you guys want to read about my dirty laundry...literally.
I should get to bed, rest is much needed.

Finally figured out the text thing....

Tucker had to have a picture with his baby brother.



And I had to edit it a million times...



Bryton is so cute...when he wants to be.



Daisha...the model I always wanted to be. Isn't she beautiful?!

Jalissa...my niece

So I got the spend part of the day with my sister yesterday. Here are some pictures I took just taking an opportunity to play with my camera and editing program.


Ok, this picture I made the blanket stay pink and Jalissa is black and white. But for some reason it looks like her outfit still has some color in it. I'm not really sure what I'm doing with that program.



And here I simply put some black around the outsides. And I finally figured out how to add text to my pictures.




I had a great visit with my sister and got to see all my nieces.

Family Photo Shoot

So today we had our first "photo shoot" with my new camera and then this evening I got to play with my new editing program. Here are a few pictures I took and did some editing on. Enjoy...

Kids will be kids. Bryton started out not so happy to take pictures.






But he soon found out that he wouldn't get any candy if he didn't smile...works like a charm.



And then I got out my tri-pod to get our first family picture with Bradley







And playing with my editing program. Making the dresses a different color with the rest black and white. Looks kinda cool. I'm still learning the program though so they don't look as good as they will in the future. :)





And Tucker just wanted a picture of just him...He's turned out to be such a cute boy!

Sick kids

Well life has taken a turn for the worst. Well we have all taken our turn being sick around here. It's hit the littler kids and they aren't handling it as well as the big kids and adults have. Jillian who is 1 1/2 has gotten the cold and hasn't been able to fight it off and it's turned into RSV along with an ear infection. Bradley also has the cold symtoms, and is on very close watch for now. Today we took them into the doctor and Jillian was given a shot of an antibiotic. The medicine must be pretty strong because they had to break it up into two different shots. And she has to get 3 doses of it. So we have to go in for the next 2 days to finish that off. Then they gave her a nebulizer treatment today and told us that they would most likely send us home with a nebulizer machine tomorrow. The reason they are waiting until tomorrow is because today we just saw a physicians assistant at a walk in clinic so they set us up an appointment for tomorrow with the pediatrician. They are going to let him make all the final decisions.

As far as Bradley he is just on close watch. If he gets worse or changes in any way we were instructed to take him in again.

Jillian has been feeling better since we got home from the doctor's office. I put her in the bath put on her comfy jamas and turned on the humidififer. She laid with me and took a nap and has been acting much happier. I finally got her to eat something this afternoon too. She must be feeling a little better. :) YEAH!! We'll see how she's doing in the morning.

So all this going on and I'm still recovering from the c-section...I am a reck. I'm struggling emotionally. My babies are sick and there's not much I can do for them. In the back of my head I keep thinking I am not doing a good job keeping the house clean and it's my fault they are sick. But I know I am doing the best I can. I also can't push myself too hard and digress in my own recovery. So I am having a hard time finding a middle ground. Jeremy has been very busy with his schooling, house searching and being sick that my mom has been my strength lately. I have called her quite a few times just in the last couple of days saying "mom can you come right now" and every time she has been there for me. She helps me make dinners, cleans the house, and loves on sick kids. But most importantly for me she helps me get through my rough times. I cry on her shoulder and she tells me it's going to be ok. She tells me she loves me and that's the strength I need. Love can move mountains...any kind of love.

Oh goodness, now I am crying I better just go to bed.

Adjusting

Bradley is already 3 1/2 weeks old. I can't believe it. We are all starting to adjust to life with a new little one. I feel like I am just starting to do things again. I am still not all the way up and running but today was the first day without help. Jeremy went to school and my mom had to go back to work. She was staying with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays but it's time to get back to reality. She did call and check on me though to make sure I was behaving myself. My mom is so good to me!

Here's an update on the buying a house project....we finally got our approval so we started looking with our realitor. The second house we looked at we both fell completely in love with. It was a Saturday and I didn't want to buy the first house I wanted to shop around so we waiting until Monday morning we went looking some more and went back to the 2nd one we looked at and decided to make an offer. We were told there was another offer put in over the weekend on it but if we got our offer in by that day ours would be considered also. With a lot of hard work we got our offer in before the time they told us, but the response we got back was...It's too late. UGG! They just had an hour earlier accepted the offer from the other people. BACK TO SQUARE ONE. How frustrating. The house was PERFECT for us. In our price range, the perfect size, oh it was spectacular. Jeremy and I are both so bummed out we are already ready to give up. But we keep telling ourselves, it must not have worked out for a reason. It wasn't meant to be. We will find something. But in the back of my mind I am still disappointed. Oh well, nothing we can do. Let's move on. So we are meeting again with the realitor tomorrow to look at a bunch more. We'll keep everyone posted on how it goes.

I finally went back to church since having Bradley. People were probably starting to think I was inactive. :) I just went to part of church though, I didn't want to overdo myself. It was so nice to go back though. I like going to church, even when the kids are out of control and I can't focus on the speakers.

We had Daisha and Bryton's birthdays this past week. Daisha turned 7 and Bryton turned 4. They just got their cakes from the Walmart bakery since I was still down. They liked that idea though. Things turned out great for their parties and everyone helped me and didn't expect much of me, thank goodness. The kids were both happy with their gifts and everyone that came. Thanks to everyone who came. The kids love you all and appreciate all you do for them!

I'm starting to get excited for next month already. We have Easter coming up. Jeremy and I always take the family to Pine. It's been our tradition for 8 years now. Also in April I heard Jeremy's great grandma is coming home for a month. She hasn't gotten to see Bradley yet and I know how much she loves babies. She sent us a beautiful homemade blanket today in the mail for him. She has made all of our kids (her great great grandchildren) beautiful blankets.

My Prince...

I know I know...I should be posting a lot more pictures but I just haven't felt very well lately. But here is one that Jeremy took today and then I tried playing with the new picture program I have.

Bradley has been a GREAT baby. I couldn't have asked for anything better. He sleeps a lot, which is to be expected with a newborn. The best thing about Bradley is, I think he's a momma's boy. One night we was kind of wiggly and making noises, for about 20 minutes. I picked him up, laid him on my chest and he went right to sleep. That night I think he ended up sleeping on me almost all night.

I am definately enjoying Bradley. He is my last baby so I am enjoying every moment I can. Jeremy says I spoil him. My response to that is...well everyone always says the youngest is the most spoiled...so I am doing everything right :) He he.

Lately my throat has been killing me. I have felt just kind of blah and tired. My mom has been doing a GREAT job taking care of me. She comes over on Tuesdays and Thursdays all day (that's when Jeremy's classes are). She makes sure I don't do too much but that I still get some walking in. Thanks so much mom for all your help! It is GREATLY appreciated!!! Bradley has his 2 week check up tomorrow. Jeremy has been busy with homework and schooling. The kids are adapting to Bradley quite well. Jillian is even doing well with him. She is so helpful (so she thinks). Always handing him is bottle and pacifier. She is stuggling the most with mommy not being able to pick her up.

Things are looking good for our house buying process. Jeremy met with the lender and now we are waiting for her to get her paperwork done and by the middle of next week we should know how much they will loan us. Then the fun begins. House shopping....after just having a baby, what am I thinking.

A Blessing in Disguise

On Sunday while I was in the hospital I had my whole extended family together. I had my mom, dad and both my sisters and their children and spouses with them. All in my hospital room. For those of you that don't know my family doesn't all get along. Bradley is my little blessing in disguise. He got them all together in the same room and everyone was talking and happy and getting along. This has actually happened twice now since he has been born. Although in the hospital I was extreemly tired there was NO way I was going to ask any of them to leave so I could rest. I was just so happy to have them all together I had them all stay as long as they wanted, and then that night I slept like a baby, with my baby. :)

To me having my family all together is a big thing and it makes me SO happy to see everyone getting along and enjoying the family that we are. Thanks everyone for your support and for loving each other. I love all of my family and want them to be as happy as I was that day that we were all together. I love you all!