Christmas

Christmas Eve we always open one present - and suprisingly, it is always pajamas! Grandma was very kind to us this year and made the kids pajamas. The best part was how they paired themselves up - Jaxon, Jerrick and Cannon had matching pajamas, as did Ryker and Gunnar. Monica's were invidualized, just like her!! The kids were so excited for Christmas - they all went to bed at 8 p.m. (I almost dropped dead from shock!). Everyone was asleep except Gunnar, who told me, he was too excited to sleep!!

The kids were excited to open their presents - and absolute chaos happened. Isn't that what 6 kids is all about!! Just as a quick side note - check out the leaning tree - last night I was supposed to turn on the lights - but instead I broke the tree stand and it started falling over - we just pushed it back into the wall. Not one of the kids said anything - but I told Jared, next year, we will need to break out the fishing string or the duct tape!! (the stand was already mostly broken - I just helped finish the process!)

Christmas Traps

We have this great tradition every Christmas Eve. Jared and I stay up after the kids have gone to bed, and usually after Santa has come, to set traps down the stairs for the kids. It all started when I was little, and my parents, probably out of frustration, started setting simple traps to make some noise when we were out of bed on Christmas Eve. I loved to go and sit in front of the Christmas tree and admire the lights and the presents (I may have peeked at a few of them) - there were many traps that I set off myself. There was the string of bells in the middle of the hall - I think I was running at full speed when I hit them, and who can forget the bread pans on the top of the stairs that I hit and listened as they tumbled down and down the stairs (at that moment - the stairs were an abyss)!! Dad would usually yell, "Get back into bed" and we (sometimes just me) would run into bed, until I thought they were asleep again and tried it all over again. So our Christmas Eve tradition was born, but in true Emily fashion - we can't do anything simple - it must be complex, take a long time and use elaborate devices. We've had a few incredible ones - like last year, when we put a remote control on the flood lights and blasted the kids when they came down the stairs (making lots of noise with the bells) - we layed in bed and laughed until we cried. It was great! So this year is certainly no exception. The hype starts when we get the Christmas decorations out and the kids start asking if we'll set traps this year. This year, we told Monica that we probably wouldn't - and she told us that if we didn't, she would!! How crazy is that! I think the kids are just as excited for the traps as they are to see what appears under the tree!



So this year, it included PVC pipe, bells, lots of fishing string (it's invisible in the dark), a large roll of tape and of course, the remote control device. This time, hooked up to the vaccuum downstairs in the hall, the flood lights and a vaccuum upstairs in the kitchen. We hid the extention cord behind one of the pvc pipes and when Jared hit the remote - the two vacuums went off as well as the flood lights. I must say, this year, I was way too tired to find too get laughing too hard!! But it was still great! I even remembered to take pictures so I can show just how crazy we are. Sometimes I think most of the fun is setting it up and then hearing the kids try and get through it. They always tells us that this year, it was the easiest to get through. They've started carrying scissors and various other tools I probably don't want to know about! Whenever I tell anyone about our 'traps' tradition - I'm sure they think we're absolutely nuts - which we are!!! It's been one of my favorite Christmas traditions!!

December Memories

December is full of great memories - there is the Christmas parties, decorating the house, making gingerbread houses, making cookies (or candy!), Christmas pajamas, Christmas morning . . . the list goes on and on. So, since I've been a little neglectful of all the wonderful things that I have to share - it's a bonus day! I figured, since I have a little bit of free time, I'd make sure I was completely caught up. I did spend several hours this morning creating a Star Wars lego ship (one of the bad guys - not sure who). It was one of those 'projects' that had 50 pages of instructions and several thousand pieces. So, here goes . . . Monica had here first dance recital. She did a great job. Of course, anything extra in the middle of December is crazy - but this was well worth it! She really enjoys taking dance!


Sleding at Grandma and Grandpas. The kids sure enjoyed the snow in Logan. I forget how much snow they really get there - and how little we get here - and how thankful I am that I don't have to shovel!! But my kids do miss out on the playing in the snow. So, while we were at Grandma and Grandpa's, they made sure the kids had a chance to enjoy the snow. Apparently, the boys had a great time, pushing each other off the sled into the snow. Did I mention I'm really glad I don't have to shovel snow???


And I can't mention Grandma and Grandpa's house without mentioning the spoons injury - yes, it was wild (it always is!) - but this time, instead of sitting around the table, we sat around the living room, with the spoons on a stool in the middle. So, if you got 4 of a kind, or saw that someone else was grabbing a spoon - you had to jump out of your chair and fight your way for a spoon. Monica sustained a very large bruise on the top of her foot - it was a nagging injury for a while!! We think we know who it was, but we probably shouldn't mention Dan's name!! Okay, we don't know who it was for sure - but it's a family party Monica will never forget!!

Cannon's Blessing Day

Cannon was blessed on Sunday, December 7th. We had a lot of family and many friends (our Wendover family) that came and helped us celebrate. We had a great time. Although it's a lot of work - it's always worth it to see everyone and be able to have a big party! Okay, maybe party is an exaggeration - but still, we love to have everyone over. Luckily we didn't run out of food!! Baili made her famous oreo cookies and of course, they were the first dessert to disappear!!

It's a little sad to think that it's the last baby blessing we'll be doing, at least until the grandkids roll around (yes, getting way ahead of myself) - but it's a milestone that sometimes is a little hard to believe. I keep trying to remind myself with Cannon that this will be the last time around and I'm trying to enjoy every minute. That theory is probably not helping how much I miss my baby during the day. I know that he is in good hands, but it's so hard to leave him every morning. And sometimes, after a long hard day, all I do is sit cuddled up on the couch with him - those are the nights when everything goes out the window! I guess they're only young once!

Robinson Crusoe Play

Jaxon, Gunnar and Jerrick participated in the Missoula Children's Theater Play, The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, last Friday night. They had a great time. Jaxon had a few lines and he did great. He was the comic of the play. He would get up and tell a joke and then say, "I have a million of 'em!" He did a great job. Jerrick and Gunnar were chameleons that did a cute little change color dance. Everyone who participated did a great job. It's an amazing program - the director's come, audition the kids on Monday and start play practice. They then practice for everyday for 4 hours (it depends on how complicated your part is) - then they perform on Friday. I was able to play the musical accompanyment for the play - the music was relatively easy - except the timing was very difficult - especially for someone who HATES to count. But, we all managed through! Enjoy the cute pictures!

Baby Updates

We took Cannon to his 2 month check up yesterday. We thought he would weigh around 9 pounds - turns out he's almost 11! He starting to sleep much better too! Sunday night he slept 7 hours. It was wonderful! I'm really trying to enjoy the middle of the night feedings, since I know he's the last one. He even smiled for the first time on Sunday for Jared, then on Monday for Bonnie and finally yesterday for me. I told him the person who gets up in the middle of the night, changes most of the diapers should get the first smile. He thought otherwise! I love how much he's changing.

We put up our Christmas tree on Monday night. It was quite the ordeal with the kids fighting who got to put up which ornament. Everyone has a great time! Jared thought that Cannon should put on the star this year. We got some cute pictures of Cannon and Jared putting the star on the top of the tree - sadly, it almost looks like Jared is putting Cannon on the top of the tree - the star is almost as big as Cannon is! We're trying to get the rest of the decorations up this week before Cannon's blessing day on Sunday. Not sure if it will happen, but it's the grand plan.

Ryker's Birthday & Big Fish

We celebrated Ryker's birthday this weekend in Logan with Grandma and Grandpa. We had a great time - not so sure grandma and grandpa did. We definately invaded. Bringing in all the kids and all their things made for quite the mess that never was completly picked up. I'm sure they were glad they could keep a clean house once we left! Ryker is turning 4 - hard to believe. He's so excited for life! He told us the first night we were there that he wanted something (can't remember what) and when we told him that he couldn't have it - he told us "That's ridiculous." What a big word for a little boy to use!! He definately keeps things interesting. Baili ordered him a Thomas the train cake and he loved it! I think the thing he loved the most was balloons!!



Jared, Jaxon and Grandpa went fishing Saturday morning. They came home with this beauty. We wanted to take a picture of Cannon and the fish to show how tiny Cannon still is. The fish was about 9 pounds and 30 inches long. Cannon's probably about 9 pounds and 20 inches. It's a fun comparision!!

Big Boy Bath

Up to this point Cannon has been bathing in my little sink. It was time to move him into the big bathtub and I asked Jerrick and Ryker if they would help me. They were way too cute about helping, until Cannon starting crying. They were ready for him to get out and get dressed. Cannon doesn't like getting naked. He always lets us know that he isn't very happy - it usually stops right away as soon as he is dressed. After Cannon was all dressed, Ryker and Jerrick wanted more pictures. They were way too cute. Too bad it isn't always like this.

Back to Work

Well, maternity leave is over and it's back to work. Officially now for two days - they've been hard days. I love my job, but I hate leaving my baby. I know he is in capable hands, both when Jared is home and when he's at the babysitters. But, no one is better than mom and it's been hard. Perhaps it's the lack of sleep, I'm always grumpier without plenty of sleep - Cannon is sleeping between 5 and 6 hours each night, so I shouldn't be sleep deprived, that doesn't change how exhausted I feel. Maybe it's the cutting back on all the comfort food I've been eating. I gained too much weight and it's time to get rid of it. Too bad it's much more fun gaining than it is losing. Maybe it's the lack of time that I feel, all I've wanted to do since getting home is sit on the couch and hold my baby. If I do that - I just feel guilty because the other kids aren't getting their homework done, laundry isn't folding itself and the house chaos goes into overload (who knew so many things could mysteriously jump off shelves and onto the floor!).

I know that it'll get better, it always does. I'm just ready for it to happen today or tomorrow, not in a few weeks or months.

Happy Halloween & 1 Month Old

Well, I'm a little late in posting my Halloween pictures. I had a few things going on!! I ended up working quite a bit last week and I must say, I'm not sure I'm ready to go back - but, Christmas will be here before you know it and I'm never as prepared as I should be!!



The kids had a great time for Halloween - Baili and Gage were out and suprisingly, the kids had more fun handing out candy at our door than they did going trick-or-treating. We ended up without a lot of candy, which certainly helps my new commitment to Weight Watchers. Monica went as the step-mother from Snow White, Jaxon went as an army guy, Gunnar went as a Dementor, Jerrick went as Tigger, then changed half way through the night into the wolf costume (that's way too small), Ryker went as a lion and Cannon just hung out in his cute pumpkin outfit that Grandma Carter gave him.

It's hard to believe that Cannon is already one month old. He's already getting big and thankfully, sleeping more during the night. The last few nights he's slept for at least 5 hours. It's been wondeful! I forgot how much I love my sleep and how much I've been missing it! Although there is something magical about cuddling a baby in the middle of the night when all is quiet. Ryker is still loving him to death. He hasn't tried carrying him, but loves to snuggle with him. The other kids love to fight over who will hold him, and if they get to hold him, it's only for about 30 seconds before they say, "Okay, I'm done!" Monica and Jaxon are of course, the exception - but if he starts crying they're very eager to hand him back!

Too Cute

Had to share this cute picture of Ryker and Cannon. Usually it is Cannon that is sleeping and Ryker is cuddled up with him. Ryker loves to sit on the couch with Cannon and watch Dora. There are days, that's all we watch.

Carving Pumpkins

We braved the pumpkin guts and knives to carve our pumpkins. I should say, Jared braved it all. Jared helped the kids carve their pumpkins, I fed Cannon. They had a great time. It was quite the mess. Pumpkin seeds were everywhere in the kitchen - we'll probably be finding them through the end of the year! Everyone was happy to pose with their pumpkins.

Cannon Update

We took Cannon to his 2 week doctor's appointment on Monday. He has gained 15 ounces (almost 7 pounds!) and has grown an inch. The doctor said that he's looking really good! He occassionally even sleeps for 4 hours at a time, which is always wonderful. Although he seems to know the days that I need to be out the door by 8 am and he has a rough night. I guess I'll quit telling everyone that I need to be ready 'on time'. I helped out with school pictures last week and went to work one day this week. It was nice to get out of the house, but I sure did miss the sleep that I usually get from 8 to 10. I'm really trying to 'sleep when the baby sleeps' since this is the last one - there will never be this good of an excuse again!!

We just barely graduated from the newborn size diapers - which technically Cannon could still fit into, but we're out. The size 1 diapers (8 lbs to 14 lbs) are still huge. I'm anxious for him to gain weight and fill out (no more bird legs!) but I'm trying to enjoy having a tiny baby! He loves to be cuddled!

Sprinkles

We made sugar cookies - well, I made sugar cookies and let the kids, including Gracie, Gavin and Zack help frost. All I know is sprinkles are the most important thing when frosting cookies!! They all made sure that I'm rotating my sprinkle stock! Believe it or not, it wasn't too bad of a mess. (I did threaten their lives before we started - and I made them use paper plates!) It was lots of fun!

Six Kids

Wow! Who would have known that I would have been blessed with five boys, five energetic, sometimes uncontrollable boys! It's a good thing that Monica is the oldest - she probably wouldn't have survived if she was the youngest! She is in love with Cannon - she is such a big helper with him. It is so cute how each of the kids have adapted to having him around. Monica loves to hold him and can keep him calm, even when he thinks he's starving. Jaxon loves to show him off and checks on him on a regular basis - he is the one that can't seem to remember that we named him Cannon - not Connor. He also asks a lot of questions. Gunnar loves to hold him, but isn't too happy when he starts crying. Jerrick would pack him around if I would let him. He is always interested in what he is doing and where he is. Ryker isn't too interested in holding Cannon - but I find him laying next to him often. He also loves to sing, "Twinkle twinkle little star" to him when he starts crying. It's so precious.

So, who would have known that I would be running a soup kitchen (we fed the neighborhood on Saturday) and supply any neighborhood child with pants and shoes when they show up without any in the freezing snowy weather - and loving every minute of it! Okay, my house is a disaster - I had to keep Jaxon calm when Ryker destroyed Darth Vaders Lego Ship and promise that I would help him put it back together again, my furniture will always be stained and I'm sure there will always be little names and pictures on my walls - but I can't think of a better way to enjoy life! Now, if I could just get the laundry to fold itself . . .

Soap Box

Yesterday a comment was made to me that I should know not to take my baby to church - after all, he is only a week old. Now, I know that I am psychotic - I'm sure no one will disagree - seriously, I don't know how to do it any different. You can thank my mom for that. She was the one who never let us lay around the house and wallow in pity or complaining how sick we were. She would always tell us to get up, take a shower and we would feel so much better. As much as we all grumbled - she was right - I always felt better. I guess that's why when I was sick at school (or sort of sick at school) the person to call was not mom - but Grandma. Grandma was the one who sat you in the lazy boy and fed you chocolate milk shakes. I'm amazed I made it through elementary school without being sick more often (although I know I had my fair share!).

I guess that's why I find it irritating that people claim they are incapacitated right after they have a baby, or the baby can't be out in public due to germs - but I try to be understanding - I know that I jump right back in and there are times I should take it easy - but again, I don't really know how. It shouldn't take 6 weeks to bring your baby to church - after all, your older kids bring home more germs than the ones the baby could possible catch at church. It just really, really irriated me. My comment back was that I brought all of my kids to church right after they were born and they all seemed to make it through - in fact, all the kids rarely get sick. Hmmmm - maybe it has to do something with being exposed to all those germs.

Ultimately, it is your own choice and this is my choice. I am happy sharing my baby around - even with little toddlers. I figure - they grow so fast, we all should enjoy them when their tiny. Okay, okay - I'll jump off my soap box.

More Pictures

Cannon's Here

Cannon made his appearance early Saturday morning at 1:15 a.m. He weighed 6 pounds even and was 18 1/2 inches long. He is an absolute replica of all the other kids - except he's much smaller (or so it appears!). He didn't have any problems although I had high blood pressure problems which lead to a longer hospital stay than I am used to. Sadly, I didn't mind - the first 36 hours I felt totally miserable. Luckily toward the end, I started feeling more like myself.

His labor was easy - no hard contractions until they broke my water around 11:00 p.m. - luckily, the epidural came an hour later - it made the rest of the delivery very easy! Cannon came after only one push - although with a little excitment since he had his cord wrapped around his neck twice. He did so well they let him stay with us for quite a while before they took him up to the nursery. I got to stay in labor and deliver until 7:00 p.m. that night due to high blood pressure that wouldn't go down. It was very frustrating.

We made it home yesterday to an excited group of kids! Everyone was very excited to have their new brother home, even the neighbor kids were excited to see him! (They all love babies!). He has been an absolute angel and has hardly made any noise (as if he really has a chance!).

Exciting Doctor Update

Things are definately progressing - which is very good news!! I'm dialated to a 4 - yeah - although I'm not sure how I'm not in labor yet. I broke down and came home. I'm missing all of my babies and figured it would be a good time to make sure the bills got paid! But now, my family is betting on which mile marker I will deliver at - since it will probably be a short labor. Jared through in his vote at mile marker 80. I didn't think that was too funny.

So, hopefully something will happen soon - my doctor will induce me next Tuesday if nothing happens until then - but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

Nothing New Except a Name

There is nothing more frustrating than thinking you'll have a baby and then nothing . . . Ahhhhh. It's a good thing - but I'm ready, Jared's ready, the kids are ready, too bad this baby isn't ready!! No real changes in contractions, a little more uncomfortable at night, and more frequent trips to the bathroom - but seriously, nothing. Waiting is so frustrating!! I called Monica a few days ago and she asked, "So have you had the baby yet?" I laughed and told her that she would be one of the first people to know. Too bad it doesn't work like that!!

We've at least we've decided on a name - although until it is on the birth certificate - it could change!! So, here it is: Cannon Clayton Carter. Yeah! Now that he has a name - he can come (does it work like that??) - I hope so! Well another doctor's appointment on Wednesday, but I'll be hopeful for a baby before that!!

Doctor Update

It was another doctor's appointment today! I feel like the whole doctor's staff is family by now! I guess that's what you get when you see them so often! Well, I'm dialated to a 2, 70% thinned out and the baby is still very low. I'm measuring 38 weeks but will only be 36 weeks on Saturday. Hopefully that's a good sign and not a sign of a 10 pound baby (who still has no name). The doctor seemed optimistic that the baby's lungs would be enough developed - and seemed to think that he would see me before my appointment next week. Although my mom is determined that I make it another week - so I'm back in Logan, taking it easy. I guess we'll see what this baby has in mind - since I've yet to be able to 'plan' when a baby wants to come! I joked that today would be a good day, since it's my brother's birthday. She quickly informed me that my grandpa's birthday on the 28th would be better.

Now - we've got to come up with a name. We've tossed around so many that I can't remember what I really liked that what I didn't. Nothing seems to fit just right. Maybe we really will have to put names in a hat and draw one out. That's what I get for having another boy!

Family Pictures

Here's the picture of my siblings! My brother is home for a short leave during his tour in Iraq in the army. We are very excited to see him and his wife. They both are doing great! It would have been nice if I wasn't pregnant - since pregnancy pictures are so glamorous!! But, hey, it's a family picture!!

I'm still having contractions - but nothing else is happening. It's so frustrating . . . I go back to the doctor tomorrow. I guess we'll see what happens then.

Jerrick and Legos

Jerrick is always providing us with great entertainment (at least in hindsight!). I'm still in Logan so I called my family to get an update. Monica is thrilled - she got her braces off! Yeah! That was the positive news, the not so positive news was Jerrick got a lego stuck up his nose at his friend's house. Any parents nightmare to have this happen to someone else's child at their house. (Sorry Mary Lue) Hopefully by now, most of you know that we are not terribly obsessive parents - we're happy it happened to our child and not someone else's at our house! So Jared brings him home, tries tweezers, too large for those small nostrils! Then he tried needle nose pliers - still not working. They finally tried blowing his nose with the one nostril not clogged, closed. Amazingly it worked great! It's sad to think that I missed out on this fun! But I sure did have a good laugh thinking of it!

Much fewer contractions now that I'm taking it easy. Amazing how that works! Occassional contractions and some pressure but it definately has mellowed. I'm slowly getting there. I'm officially 35 weeks today. Hopefully I'll make it another week or two, although I'm miserably pregnant. Walking hurts, sitting hurts, laying down is uncomfortable, I have too many complaints. I should just be happy to be making it one more day. One more day closer to a healthy baby that doesn't need to be in the NICU. Sometimes it's hard to keep the big picture in perspective. I guess, just one day at a time!

More Pregnancy Updates . . .

Another week being pregnant has come and gone - which is good, although I am so ready to be done! The bad news is that I'm starting to dialate, although just to a 1, but things can change way too quickly! I'm already 30% thinned out and the baby is sitting at a -3 position. (I thought a -2 was as low as the baby would get before being here - I guess I was wrong!).

My parents were gracious enough to meet us at Knolls last night to bring me up to their house. It's been calming and it's nice to sit in a clean house and not worry about what needs to be done! I brought Ryker with me and he's been some good entertainment - that and my parent's dog, James. They were both anxious that I get up this morning, no sleeping in! Ryker told me, "It's light outside - time to get up."

My contractions have definately slowed down, so hopefully I'll be able to make it to the 25th, if not a little longer (I hate saying that) - but it would be nice to bring the baby home with me and not leave him in the hospital. I guess now would be a good time to start the 'Twilight' series. My sisters have all the books - and I have all the time in world!

Jerrick gets his staples out today - I'm not sure what Jared will say when I ask him to save them for Jerrick's scrapbook - he'll probably just roll his eyes and agree. By now, he's learned not to argue with a pregnant woman! Monica gets her bottom braces off tomorrow - hard to believe that she's had them on for 13 months - where does the time go?

We had an appointment yesterday with Gunnar's doctor and learned that he will continue to struggle learning how to read if taught the 'phonics' way. He needs a visual reading program. He excels in learning the visual way - and we need to focus on that. Basically he needs to memorize each of the words and not worry about sounding them out and putting all of the sounds together. It's a new approach for us to reading, but the doctor guaranteed us that it would help him read better and feel much more successful at school. Definately worth a try!

Pregnancy Update

Bed rest (even partial bed rest) is lame. I've hung out on the couch most of today, watched lots of t.v., mostly flipping through channels, started reading a book, checked me e-mail at least five times, and starting make a list of all the things I still need to do to get ready for this baby!

I finally admitted to myself that it's time to take it easy - yes, this is a shock for those of you that know me. I hate to slow down, I felt incredibly guilty today while Jared picked up the house while I sat here. I had some killer contractions Thursday and yesterday and thought I might need to go to the hospital. I would really like to avoid another premature baby. I figure, I've been there, done that, hated it, would rather avoid it! So the plan is to take it easy - and see the doctor again on Wednesday. If I start dialating I'm going to head to Logan to stay with my parents at least until I'm 36 weeks - I dread the thought of having a baby in the middle of nowhere. I barely made it to the hospital with Jerrick and I really don't want a baby born at any mile marker on I-80!! Especially a premie!

At least we're getting closer. Hopefully we'll all survive!!

Staples

This pregnancy is killing me! Now - how does this relate to staples. Well, you'll have to read the ranting and raving of a crazy pregnant woman to figure it out!! I made an impromptu doctor's appointment because I'm having a lot of contractions, a lot of pressure and seriously and overwhelming feeling that this just sucks! Luckily, after my appointment today - I am not dialated, but that is about all the good news. My doctor told me that the baby is already at a -2 position, he could come any time now and I really should be spending as much time laying down as I can. Did he mean bed rest? I didn't ask. He also told me that if I could just make it to September 25th, that would be ideal - although he did allude that he could see me sooner, it wouldn't suprise him - definately not a good sign. So, my vision was to come home, put my feet up and boss my children into cleaning the house and making their own dinner. (Okay, I am living in a dream world!)

Not more than 30 minutes from getting home - this happens . . .



Jerrick was trying to put down the back of a 4-wheeler trailer (by himself), which weighs at least 50 lbs and it slipped and it hit him on the head. Of course, all the neighbor kids were around and ran in ahead of Jerrick informing me of all the blood that was gushing out of his head. It was pretty bad - but after all, head wounds tend to bleed a lot. It was gashed open pretty good which in the end required 4 staples. Here's the aftermath . . .



Well, it was a good thought to take it easy!! Maybe tomorrow, after I take Gunnar to a doctor's appointment in Salt Lake!

Back to the Dark Ages

I went home today for lunch - Jared worked graveyard last night and Ryker was in charge. Okay, Jared was really sort of awake but trying to get in some sleep. When I pulled into the drive way and hit the garage door button, nothing happened - so I hit it several more times. Still, nothing happened. Frustrated, I decided I didn't really need to pull into the garage. So after going into the house - there is no sign of my child . . . although the husband is snoring loudly. He came into the house a few minutes later and told me he had been playing with Daisy (the dog).

I started making some lunch but ran into an interesting dilema - no power to the microwave . . . huh? Ryker giggles and tells me he knows what's wrong. We go outside to the breaker box and turn on 2/3rds of the breakers that he's turned off - amazing, now things work, including the garage door. We woke dad up and let him know that the power has returned (not sure he even noticed) and I was going back to work. Seriously, a 3 year old should not know where the breaker box is, let alone, know how to turn them on and off . . .

What . . .

From the avid scrapbooker - I swore I wouldn't create a blog - after all, who really has time? I figured that as long as I scrapbook my pictures I would be doing great! Too bad that really isn't the case - I am so far behind. Poor Monica is probably 10 years behind. Oh well! Life is crazy, busy and just passes by so quickly I'm not sure how we manage some days! So, this is my feeble attempt at an online journal to help keep everyone up to date on our family (with a few pictures mixed in here and there!).