WATCH OUT INDY!!!

Chaia has a learners permit!!!! I really can't believe that this time has come....She is so excited yet nervous....Can you imagine how we feel?!?!!?!
She started Driver's Education tonight. I go pick her up in a few hours we'll see how this goes....Stay tuned...

Our Trip to Detroit

Mitch and I had a great time! We went to Detroit to see a hockey game, we went to Canada, we saw the Hockeytown cafe, CoAmerica park were the Detroit Tigers play, etc! Be sure and check out our pictures....

I can't keep up....

Okay, I'm keep finding myself always behind.....It seems I'm always playing catch up---laundry, cooking, cleaning, blogging, emailing, the list goes on and on and on and on...

Seems like I just finish one thing and I turn around and have to start all over!

Whoever said I'd have more time as the kids got older and all in school.....forgot to mention that they eat more so longer grocery bills/trips, their clothes are bigger so more loads of laundry, their messes are bigger & messier than just picking up baby toys, that they all 3 have homework EVERY night that we need to help with, they all have schedules and different places to be at the same time, UGH I could go on and on..... Yes, they help when they can but they are only home from school a few short hours (in which we have to do homework, dinner & baths-maybe play time if there is any extra time).

Sorry for my venting just been one of those weeks when you feel like you just can't get ahead!
I'm doing good to just stay afloat!

I know this too shall pass and then I'll wish for these busy days back when my kids are grown and gone----and Mitch and I are left all alone---what will we do with all our time then -hopefully play with grandkids ;) and re-live these busy days in our memories and wish for them back!

So now that I've had my little therapy session my housework doesn't seem so UGH anymore---thanks for reading.... back to work ---need to make sure all the beds are put back together before I leave for church tonight....

Here's Tile 2.0

LOOK what I did today?

Okay-I was giving the assignment to come up with a gift for our YW in Excellence night. Well, after working on a different craft project for Enrichment, I came across these tiles. They are glass but have a color baking-very pretty! Then I stamped the 2008 theme on them (which makes the glass looked etched), tied a cute ribbon & there you have it! I did 2 different versions-one with gems in the center of 3 flowers & a satin ribbon and the other I did a rolling stamp across the bottom and put a organza ribbon. I even toyed with the idea of put their names on them.

Let me know what you think...these are kinda like the Ornaments I made years ago for the Primary kids one Christmas.

2007 Summer Highlights

* June
Girls Camp was AWESOME--what an adventure! See earlier post for more info
Chaia turns 15--YIKES- not sure how that can be I'm still in my 20's ;)
Mitch is the BEST DAD ever!
Aneka turns 7 -- have we really been in Indy 8 years

* July
Santa Claus Indiana-Holiday World was GREAT
as well as Chicago's Pizza and the train ride!
Fireworks in our own backyard for the 4th of July-YEAH FREEDOM!
Mitch announces no more Birthday's for him
Kaylie turns double digits--the big 10!!
Cooking at Youth Conference for 12 hours was hard but worth it!
Chaia goes back to Band and Band Camp
Aneka learns to ride a bike---AWESOME!

* August
Summers over :( kids head back to school

I give up...

Okay yes, I got behind- I think I'm too far gone at this point to try to recreate everything!?!!? But I wanted to get Kaylie's post in there since I had everyone elses. So here's hoping I get on the ball and get things done in a more timely matter!

Happy Birthday Kaylie--July 22nd

Kaylie took her time getting here just like her older sister, Chaia. Although Kaylie wasn't as late as Chaia--late was still late in my book especially since Kansas was having an extremely HOT July!!! Kaylie was due the 16th-on that day I was still working and even sitting in a staff meeting at work. The gal next to me was so nervous she whispered "Just let me know if we need to get out of here and I'll take you to the hospital!" Thanks Ann Marie-sorry I didn't get you out of the meeting that day ;)
Anyway, the weekend was here and we decided to take Chaia to a movie to spend possibly our last weekend together just the 3 of us. We had everything ready, clothes, crib, diapers, baby names-Mara Delyn or Brendan Mitchell (we didn't find out what we were having)just waiting on a baby! We took Chaia to the movie Quest for Camelot. Well the movie started and the little girls name was Kaylie and I immediately fell in love with it-I don't even remember watching the movie. I just remember sitting there thinking about that name and my baby.

We came home to find no power in our house or most of the city for that fact. The city couldn't keep up the demand due to the extreme heat. We called family to find a cool place to hang out-we hung out at my sisters -she still didn't have AC but her house was cooler until we could find a hotel that had AC. I told Mitch I wasn't sleeping in a hot house 9+ months pregnant. At 11:30 we found a cool hotel and settled in.
Monday morning my sister drug me to the mall to walk to induce labor no such luck. Tuesday Doctor's appointment, still dialated to 2 -so scheduled induction for the next week. Went home bummed, but extremely tired, made dinner-fried chicken mashed potatoes corn on the cob ate and started feeling bad (flu-like) then about 5:30 started having contractions-they continued for couple of hours steady but not too close. About 10 pm they were pretty good, called my sister to watch Chaia and we headed to Wesley Birthing Center. Checked in and I was at 3. The night progressed and I had an epidural about 3 am. My nurse was great and one of my customers at work! It wasn't weird like I thought it would be. Anyway, 5 am came and it was time to start pushing. Pushed 3 times and at 5:13 am my baby was here!! Chaia was also on the phone she had just called to check on me and the nurse said she's a little busy she'll call you in a minuter. I'm trying to see what it is-the Doctor is like well....I'm....not....sure---(taking his time to agitate me) I finally look at Mitch & the Nurse -I'm like what is it a boy or a girl. It's a GIRL!!! 7 lbs. 13. oz & 19 1/2 inches long with big blue eyes and her name is KAYLIE DELYN. So if she had been early or even on time her name would have been different.

I took one look and instantly knew she was smaller than her sister--thank goodness! She was crying & fussing and hasn't stopped. That first night she didn't sleep a wink and neither did Mitch & I....it was rough from the start! She was a great eater!! We are thankful that she's here...it took years hoping, wishing, praying and dreaming. Kaylie has always been a little more of a handful than the other girls. My mother always said it was because Chaia spoiled us by being so good! Mitch says she's the boy we never had-even though she LOVES princesses and everything GIRLIE! There is never a dull moment when Kaylie is around.

Thank Heaven for Little Girls!

Notice something different....

My wonderful friend Elaine, showed me how to "Pimp my Blog". I'm just getting into the creative Digital world I'm finding that I really like it. I won't be giving up my usual creative endeavors (traditional scrapbooking, card making, stamping, crafts, sewing, etc) anytime soon just adding more to my "love to do" list.

Happy Birthday Mitch-July 11th

Mitch recently bought an electric guitar and is teaching himself to play. He has come a long way! He has wanted to learn to play since I met him (17 years ago).
We didn't know what to get him for his birthday so we bought another Guitar Hero game and guitar so he and Chaia could play together. Chaia is quite the Guitar Hero. They have a great time playing and talking about the different games.
Stay tuned I'll post some pictures.

Happy Birthday Mitch!

Fourth of July!

We went to Holiday World Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus Indiana. The day before we drove to French Lick and took a train ride. It was pretty cool. Then we had the best Pizza ever at Chicago's Pizza in French Lick--thanks to Jill for suggessting that we try it. Pizza just isn't pizza now... but anyway we drove to Jasper to stay the night and swim and have some R&R. Then on the 4th we got up and went to Holiday World. It was fun. Aneka rode her 1st roller coaster. I was a nervious mess waiting until it was over. Kaylie and I stayed grounded. Aneka's eyes were HUGE I thought she was going to cry or throw up...anyway, she said she liked it but she didn't want to go again. Then we went to the water side and played and played and played. The girls had a great time. Kaylie even rode some rides that I thought for sure she wouldn't. We watched Mitch, Chaia and Aneka go through a tube on a 4 person raft and then it shoots you out into a HUGE funnel and you swish around it and then go down the drain. We watched them on this observation deck and Kaylie said she wanted to do it. So the 4 of them take off and Kaylie LOVED it. They did it a few more times as well as some other rides. We had a great day!

Happy Birthday Aneka---June 27th

Okay so I'm a little behind. What can I say...

Aneka was born on a Wednesday afternoon, June 27, 2001 @ 4:48 pm. The day before she arrived I had a doctor's appointment and he asked that I arrive the next morning at the hospital to be induced the pockets of fluid around her were not as full or as many as he would have liked and thought it would be best to get her out. I was shocked! A baby that comes BEFORE the due date was I to be this lucky. My due date was July 7th. I never dreamed she would come in JUNE. We got home to prepare things for her arrival. Went to bed and woke at 2 am with contractions coming about 10 minutes apart for the next hour. They continued about 5 -I woke Mitch to see if we should go or just wait for our 7 am appointment. Things really didn't progress so we went to the hospital at 7. Checked in and got ready. Well once we got there and set up-things slowed down so they started the PIT to help me along. Finally about 3 I had my epidural!!! I like to call it Happy Hour!!! I was at a 4 at this point. So I thought we have a while to go. Then an hour they checked me I was at 10 and ready to go. Even though it was my 3rd baby I freaked out a little bit--what right now! Well, Dr. Miles barely got gloves on and seated. I gave one push and she was here. As he was cleaning her eyes/nose out-I could feel her shoulders and body just slide right out. She was a perfect little girl. She didn't cry - she just had these BIG blue eyes. She was so tiny and petite. My smallest baby-7 lbs! Big difference from Chaia 8-13.5. When we left the hospital she was down to 6 lbs 12 oz. I loved it!! Finally a tiny baby!! Mitch left and brought the girls back to meet her--Chaia 8, Kaylie 2 -almost 3. Kaylie wouldn't go near her or me. She just hung on to Mitch. Chaia was all over her--being the oldest she knew how this went. Aneka's little cry was so quiet and gentle. She is our Hoosier baby. Born 10 months after we arrived in Indiana. She is gentle, loving, happy she can change my mood with just a hug or kiss. She loves to leave little love notes around the house. We are so happy to have her in our family. We love you Aneka I can't believe it's been 7 years!!

Girls Camp 2008

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day brings back such emotions for me. First of all I'm so thankful for a Father in Heaven who loves me. I know that I'm a Child of God. I'm thankful for the Plan of Salvation that I can be with Him again.

I'm also very grateful to my Dad! He has taught me hard work, service, patience, unconditional love, how to have fun and so many more things. He was/is a great example to me. He lived as I want to live. I miss him so dearly and I'm not sure that pain will ever go away. I just try to do my best so I can be with him again.

I'm also very grateful for my Husband! He puts up with so much from a house full of women. Only a special guy can endure that. He is often home taking care of kids while I'm out serving others. He is a great Dad who plays with Barbie's, can play house, knows how to set a table for a tea party, can dress Polly Pockets & baby dolls. He can kill spiders/bugs with a single shoe. He rescues girls from top bunks in the middle of the night during a thunderstorm and they are too scared to move. He kisses boo-boos and gives great hugs. He is the best daddy! Thank you for being a great example to our daughters of what a great daddy should be--I love you!

Happy Birthday Chaia!

Yes, I'm a little behind on Blogging. Chaia turned 15 on June 12th. She arrived 15 years ago @ 4:28 am! It had been a long pregnancy 42 weeks and 1 day to be exact. I was induced and labored 22 hours to get her here. My delivery was not easy nor a good experience so I will not scare anyone who plans on having children by sharing the details. Chaia was a great baby from the start. She slept through the night from day one and didn't take too long to get her days & nights turned around. She was always happy and hardly ever cried. My mom told me that she was not a typical baby that all babies weren't as good as she was. Looking back she was trying to prepare me for baby #2 which I will tell you about next month. My mom stayed with us for the first couple of weeks. It was so great having my own OB Nurse to help answer all my 1000's of questions about birth, after birth & of course babies. I cried when she left and begged her not to go. But she assured us that we'd be fine. Chaia being the oldest has been our guinea pig. Despite all our mistakes in learning how to raise kids she has turned our GREAT-we couldn't be more proud of her. She is an awesome girl who is a HUGE help to us, she is smart, funny, beautiful and perfect! Chaia we love you and we are so glad your ours!!!

A little too close...

My friend MaryAnn sent this picture with this email today- "This is my friend's parents home at countyline rd and Morgantown road just behind you guys.
They lost their home. They were able to get about 80% of things out of the house before the walls gave way. I cannot believe this is a mile from our homes. How blessed we are. "

Flood Pictures

Got Water?

Well, I don’t know where to begin….Chaia and I left for Girls Camp Monday evening. We camp straight south of Indianapolis on Highway 37 in a town called Bedford next too the White river. It rained all night and at times it was pouring. We got up finished getting camp ready for the 80 girls coming. It rained off and on all morning. When girls arrived the storms were getting bad and the tornado sirens went off so into the lodge basement we went. We hung out there for 30-45 minutes then they let us out to go back to our cabins. The rain continued off and on but we went about or schedule. I and another leader headed into town to develop pictures we had taken of the girls for a craft later in the week. We headed into Wal-Mart and printed our photos on the way back out to camp is started raining which turned to pouring. The area we camp in is very hilly. As we are driving Mitch’s truck up and down these back roads- the water is rushing all over them I was going about 25 miles per hour just trying to see and stay on the road. We were almost back to camp when we made a turn looked ahead and a tree was down over the road no way around it. Fear of getting lost we headed back to town to go the only other route I knew off. As we are approaching camp again we came up over a hill and looked down there was another tree down in the road this time there was enough room to go in the ditch and get around it. Wednesday we dried out as well as Thursday but the 95 degree heat was what we had to live with both days. Thursday night it rained where we were but in Indianapolis it had been seriously raining. By Saturday morning, we had numerous calls that Indianapolis was having some flooding. The church building down the street from us was turned into a rescue center with fire trucks with boats attached to them. The street we live on as well as MANY others leading to it were closed including the highways we would use to get home Highway 37 & Interstate 65. The counties we needed to cross to reach home were declared state of emergencies and we were not allowed in them. So those that lived in other counties not affected could leave but 30 of us were instructed to stay at camp until further notice. The weather in Bedford was clear but they were expecting the rain waters from the White River which runs from Indianapolis straight down the state to reach us eventually. We finally heard word of a route we could take to get home but that it would be long. We basically had to drive way east then go north and back west over to Indianapolis. Today we heard that highway 50 that we had taken to leave Bedford had been closed the water from Indianapolis had reached there. We are expecting more rain in the next couple of days but at least we are all here together. We basically had to drive almost to Ohio to get back to Indianapolis. At one point we were closer to Cincinnati than Indy. In all of this it was nice to know that the pond behind our house did its job and kept the rain waters away- the flooding didn’t reach our property line—this time. Hopefully we will continue to be dry.



In addition to Mitch working from home and keeping Kaylie and Aneka busy while Chaia and I were away. A friend of mine was watching the kids to give Mitch a break- they played outside a little too long and now have sunburns with blisters and are just miserable. So needless to say we have had quite the week and are ready for things to slow down. This week we will be trying to get back to a normal route and hopefully stay dry. I’m really dreading going into work tomorrow…..I’m sure it will NOT be a slow day!!!

How Cute is this...

When I finished by Camp stuff I whipped up these cards... I really like them! I'm not sure I'll be able to part with them.

Look what I've been working on...

Okay - I've been creating this weekend. Trying to get ready for Girls Camp the 1st Week of JUNE!!! I'm one of 2 in charge of crafts for camp. It is fun and we've been dong it for years. Anyway, we are also cabin moms and we like to leave little treats for our girls during the week. Here is what we are doing this year.



Starting at the left moving right: the matchbook style card has poprocks tucked inside, $1 manicure set that I added some paper, raffia & metal flower to, Pillow box has a s'mores kit inside (chocolate, graham cracker and marshmellow), Paper sleeve with ribbon has a milky way inside, the white box has M&M's inside with camp stickers all around and finally a sleeve of gumballs with raffia and tag attached.

Memorial Weekend & Summer plans

Happy SpringSummer! The days are cool with a gentle breeze and the nights are still chilly! We are suppose to have great weather for Race Weekend (as it is known around here-Memorial weekend for those not into racing) Kaylie and Aneka are laying on a blanket under the tree enjoying the beautiful day as I’m typing. Chaia is either on the computer or texting—what else would a teenager be doing! Mitch is waiting for the 1st game in the Hockey Stanley Cup series to start in a couple of hours-where he will be glued to the TV for 3+ hours. This has been our life for the past season since his Red Wings have been doing well. We ask him if they won-that tells us what kind of mood he will be in---we always hope they win!!

Chaia is done with school and didn’t waste anytime catching up on sleep! Although she does have to report back to school this week for Marching Band practice. Kaylie and Aneka have another 3 days and they can’t wait to be out for the summer.
Chaia will be babysitting the neighbors 2 kids-- Gavin 5 and Katelin 4. She starts after we get back from Girls Camp.

This summer I will be working 14 hours a week so Chaia will watch the girls too while I’m gone. But other than that we plan on visiting the pool, library, the children’s museum, parks, bowling, movies and just plain hanging out!

Make a Smilebox postcard

Funny--

Just got a phone call from Bro. Hubbard he was asking if I would sub in Nursery for him and his wife on Sunday. What was going through my mind was--Is this a new family in the ward-did Sister Taylor & Sister Barclay get released from nursery? Then I asked him what ward he was from and he said Indy 3rd—I said I haven’t been in Indy 3rd since the ward split almost a year ago. It’s nice to know I’m still needed/wanted….. I didn’t have Sis. Barlow’s email address to let her know that Bro. Hubbard needs a new Sub list ;)

Aneka's Art Show Masterpiece

Here is Aneka's cool Mask that was in the Perry Township Art Show. Aneka also had a drawing that was in the show too. I'll add the picture later.
Great Job Aneka-we are so proud of you!

Kaylie's Art Show Masterpiece

Here is Kaylie's picture that was in the Perry Township Art Show.
We are so proud of you--Great Job!

Rice Panic

Okay, I had a little panic attack on Thursday morning. Larger Wholesale companies restricting large quantity rice purchases.
The first thought that ran through my mind is - Have I stored enough????
I know "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear"-D&C 38:30 but I still have to wonder if I have enough stored to feed my family of 5.

I called my husband, who is the only one that can calm me back down when I hit Defcon 1 or Red Alert. So after I freaked out--I went out a purchased a few more estentials for my food storage to make me feel better. It did help but from this point on I've decided to double what I purchase each shopping trip for food storage. I figure it may cost me a little extra now but the way prices have been going up in the end I'll save, right?

What's Shakin'

Well, I never dreamed in a million years that we would be in an earthquake. How funny is that? We were kinda already awake just waiting to see who would drive Chaia to seminary when I heard the bathroom window rattling-it usually does when the wind is blowing. But the wind wasn't blowing, so I laid there and then the bed started moving from side to side. Mitch and I looked at each other I was thinking tornado but that didn't seem right. I tried to get out of bed to go to the girls and that felt wierd with the house still moving. Chaia met me in the hallway saying what was that! Mitch and I both said Earthquake maybe? Mitch turned on the TV to see if he could find out what was going on. And sure enough they were speculating the same thing. It was and is the talk of the town. Even today at work people calling and asking about Earthquake coverage.

Happy Easter!

We had a great weekend. We drove up to Fort Wayne Indiana. My nephew Mike was there to help open a Granite City Restaurant. We fell in love with Granite City a couple of years ago when we went to one in Wichita Kansas. There is one coming to Carmel we are so excited! Anyway, we drove up to spend the weekend with Mike. We went to DeBrand Fine Chocolates--YUM. We had an Ultimate Float with caramel and chocolate that they make...that was a great start to our weekend. We then went to see Horton Hears a Who! Very Cute. We checked out Fort Wayne Mall which has a 2 story Carousel!! The girls just had to try it. Then we had dinner at Granite City (of course)! After dinner we went to a Fort Wayne Komet Hockey game. Need I say Mitch was close to Heaven if it had only been the Red Wings that would have been Heaven!! The girls had a great time and the Komets continue their 22 winning game streak. We spent the night and had brunch at Granite City, said our goodbye's to Mike and headed for home.
We had some excitement on our way home. We were about 10 miles from our house and a car changing lanes right in front of me blew a tire. He started doing figure 8's all over the 4 lanes of traffic. I slammed on my brakes and basically watched this guy fish tail all over the highway. I tried to move over to avoid hitting him it was scary there for a few minutes he finally stopped on the left side of the highway facing the on coming traffic luckily no one was hurt including us!
We did have a furry visitor that left eggs behind and other goodies. We ended our night together as a family talking about the Savior and all that He has done for us and the true meaning of Easter. We are very thankful for all that He has given us-the atonement, repentance, and ever lasting life to name just a few of the many.

March!

Oh my gosh I realized today that March is half over already!! Where have the days gone? The days seem to pass by faster and faster the older I get.
We really haven't been up to much lately...church, work, school.....rinse and repeat.
The girls are looking forward to Easter this next weekend and then Spring Break the first week in April. I'm sure we will have many new adventures and pictures to share.

Happy Valentine's Day

I love showing my family how much I LOVE them. I was off work that day. I called My Valentine and met him for lunch-just the 2 of us. Then I went home to decorate the house. I set the table with a pink tablecloth, picked up fresh flowers (pink, red & white of course) and heart napkins. We made our usual Valentine's Day Dinner-heart shaped steaks, baked potatoes, salad and cherry cheesecake! We always get the girls a valentine and this year we added a heart shaped box of chocolates to their gifts. It was so cute they left us notes around the house all week telling us how much they loved us. Did I mention February was one of my favorite months???

February!!!

February is my favorite month! Especially the 11th!!! My birthday this year came as I am recovering from Bronchitis so I didn't feel all that great. But my family and friends made up for it and made me feel special. My Hubby took me to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. The girls made a chocolate cake while we were gone. So when we returned it was a great surprise. They did a great job and it was fun to see how excited they were for me.

Going Home for Christmas

We had so much fun visiting our family on Christmas Break. When we arrived in Wichita, it was 65 degrees so we went to the Zoo. But then the next day, 8 inches of snow fell. We hung out with Grandma Suzie & Paba during the snowstorm. We spent Sunday at Aunt Vickie's new house-with Jared, Kristina & kids--Adam & Meagan -- Zak, Sara and Vickie. Her house is VERY cute. We all went out to eat at Mitch's favorite place. It was hard to say goodbye. We did some catching up with old friends before heading to Texas on Christmas Eve. It was nice and warm in Texas and the girls loved not having to wear coats. Janice,Kory, Lindsey & Katelyn are so nice to let us stay with them. Christmas day was wonderful-Chuck, Carolyn & Chandler--Mark & Rebeccalynn & Mom all came to have dinner with us. It was great having mom around she played games with the girls. Leah and her girls came after Christmas-MK is adorable. Poor Mitch was surrounded by nothing but girls. We did some shopping, eating, more shopping followed by more eating. It was hard to say goodbye but we were ready to get home. It was so much fun being home for Christmas!