Sunday, January 17, 2010

Blessings

I need to write about how truly blessed I am. Sometimes I see other people, friends, family that have more than we do. They have more money and THINGS.
Dave often asks me how other people can afford all of these things. As we seem to struggle just for the necessities.
My response is usually we have kids and I don't work.
What a wonderful trade. I would rather be poor for the rest of our lives (hoping this doesn't happen:) than not have our children.
We are SO lucky! We have 4 HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL, SMART kids. And the BEST part is I get to stay at home. I get to watch them grow.
I wish we had money to travel more and take the kids skiing more than once a year.
In the end, money doesn't matter. Just the time we GET to spend together.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Lying

Before Christmas we had a situation come up.
One morning the kids were getting ready for school. Ty had fallen out of his high chair. So I was attending to him. Cody was in the family room finishing getting ready. The only people upstairs was Blakely and Porter.
After taking care of Ty. I went upstairs to straighten up. I see that either Blakely or Porter has unloaded a full tube of toothpaste into 2 small play cups. I was in a good mood that morning. It didn't even make me made. BUT I did want to know who had done it.
I wanted to tell whomever had done it. That it was wasteful and that it wasted money. Money that daddy has to go out and earn.
So I walk downstairs and ask Blakely and Porter who did it. Telling them before hand that there will be no punishment. They're not in trouble.
Both of them say it was not them.
I tell them "I know it had to be one of you, so one of you is lying."
Again both deny it was them.
I tell them that they need to tell the truth. And that they are going to get into trouble for lying. Not for the toothpaste. The sooner they come clean the lesser punishment they will get.
Here they are still denying it.
Porter says "Maybe a ghost did it."
I told him I know a ghost couldn't have done it because its hard for them to pick stuff up.
So I say I will spank both of you. Why don't one of you fess up?
Still more lying. So I take each one and give them 1 swat on their behinds. We go 3 rounds. Before Porter confesses it was him.
In the back of my mind, I know it wasn't him.
Throughout the day, I would ask him if he did it. He would say NO. I figured at 4 he couldn't keep up a lie all day.
The kids have a secret elf that leaves gifts for them at our front door. No, I am not that elf. Although I talk to him often.
So I tell the elf not to bring Porter or Blakely a gift. He still brought one but on the note it said "somebody better tell their mom the truth".
Again Porter says it was him. It still doesn't feel right but I try to believe him. Blakely pinky promises me it wasn't her.
I'm sure your thinking this is where the story ends. But no.
2 days after all of this, Blakely comes to me and confesses it was her. Says she feels really bad. But that she didn't want to get into trouble. I reminded her that I told her there would be no punishment.
After pinky promising me and for lying to me for that many days. I told her that she will have to earn back my trust. That now her word means nothing. If anything happens I will think it was her no matter what she says. That being an honest trustworthy person is a priceless quality. And one that you want to have in all relationships. I wish I was better with words. And was able to explain it better to her and to you. But I barely have a High School diploma, LOL.
I said it'll probably take awhile to earn my trust back.
Cody has said to her a few times "Yeah, well your word doesn't mean anything."
Hopefully she learned a lesson about lying. Hopefully she will be an honest person.
I know I could have probably handled it better. But hindsight is always 20/20.
Teaching things like honesty, is kind of scary because it is so important. It makes me realize that I am molding people. Hopefully good people. What an important job I have!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Shalli


Shalli was put to sleep November 21, 2009. She was part of our family. We are sooo sad to see her go.

That week she wasn't eating very much of her food. She looked like she was dropping weight. I went out their Friday morning. She usually jumps right up and comes to you. She took forever to get up she was really week. I stayed out there for half an hour. Just petting her. Talking to her.

Saturday morning Dave took her into the Vet. He called about 20 minutes later. Saying that they wanted to put her down. He asked if I wanted to bring the kids down to say goodbye. Cody was already there with Dave.

I put the other kids in the car and told them what we were going to do. Both Blakely and Porter started to cry. I cried too.

When we got to the Vet, Dave had Shalli outside. As soon as Shalli saw Blakely running to her. Shalli perked right up and her tail started wagging like crazy. Blakely gave her the biggest hug ever. We all started to cry. It was such a bitter sweet moment.

I know Shalli felt love from us. I also know she loved us unconditionally. We were her "people".

I love to think of how she was with my kids. I want her to know how much I appreciated that. She was more patient with them, than I am.

She was so sweet and tender hearted. Always so eager to please.

Dave was her master. She loved him the most. You could tell she would chose him over anyone. She would never get too far away from him even when she was not on a leash. He was her comfort. She loved to "get the birds". Dave would say that and she'd put her nose to the ground and go. She was AWESOME.

I'm so glad that the last few months we were doing more with her. We were taking her to the park and throwing the ball. We went on hikes with her. Took her camping.

I wish we would have given her more attention. She deserved more. She was so loving.

When people were really upset by a passing of their dog. I'd think to myself "It's just a dog".

Now I see. She was more than just a dog she was part of our family.

Now the kids are bugging us for another dog. I've told them Shalli can't be replaced. No dog could be as sweet as she was. Also I will NOT have another outside dog. Shalli didn't get the attention she needed, I think in part because she was outside.

I don't think we are ready for an inside dog. Plus right now money is soooo tight. Dave is having to pick up every possible trip he can get his hands on. And still we are going to be in trouble.

This is kind of a side note and nothing to do with Shalli. I just need to get it off my chest.

Dave usually works 3 jobs to make ends meet. They are Flying, Driving, Selling soap. We are no longer able to sell soap. Dave can't drive anymore because they are out of work for their regular workers to do. I am beyond stressed about this. Dave last month applied at Chevron. If he got the job it would be a lot better pay. Also one of Jude's friends applied along with 1080 other people. We found out yesterday that Jude's friend got the job.

I'm not gonna lie, it hurts. We really needed this. When he first applied it wasn't a must because he had the other jobs. Now with not having those it became more important.

Now I don't know what we are going to do.. I wish I was still a kid. I hate grown up problems.

Sorry to get off the subject of Shalli. We buried her in my in-laws back yard.

Cody made a headstone for her. It is sooo sweet. He chiseled her name into a brick. He hurt his finger a few times. He cried the whole time. I think he and Dave have taken her passing hardest. I'm glad that she was loved. She will be missed.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

My 1st Half Marathon!!


I say my first because I want to do more. I never thought I'd be saying that. I never thought I could be so proud of myself. I used to hear of people running that and thinking no way. But I did it!!

I woke up August 22nd at 4:30am. I got ready made myself a half bagel. Dave had made me coffee. What a sweetheart..

Whitney and I were on our way by 4:50am. We got up to Park City found the place we were suppose to go. While waiting in line for the packet. I ran into Tara Lowe. She was running the full marathon. She was so pumped her enthusiasm was contagious.

We put on our chip and went outside. It was freezing. Right away we both had to pee. Luckily there was port a potties everywhere. And they had plenty of toilet paper in them. And a place to wash your hand and hand sanatizer. I was so happy.

It seemed like time went by so fast. Before I knew it, it was time for the marathoners to get in line. We halfers cheered them on. I cheered Tara by name..

Then 10 minutes later it was our turn. I felt so nervous and excited. Then we were off. I was surprised how many people me and Whitney were passing.

As I came around a corner I saw Dave and Cody waiting on the side yelling and cheering. It was such a boost.

I was talking to Whitney and we had probably gone 2 miles or so. And she says go on without me I need to stretch. (Later she tells me she did this because she didn't want to hold me back).

So, off I went on my own. Trying not to go too fast. I was worrying about burning myself out. I can't believe how good and strong I felt.

On about mile mark 5 maybe 6 there were these funny little metal art things on the side of the trail. I started talking to a girl about them. I ran with her for about a mile. She was 25 from New York and the altitude was killing her. After running with her she told me to go on ahead that she wasn't able to keep up with me.

So again I was by myself. Listening to Dave's ipod. It was up hill for about the first 7 miles. I probably wasn't making that good of time at that point. At the turn around point I saw Whitney. She had almost caught up to me.

The run down felt a bit easier. Until about mile 10. My legs started feeling it a little bit but not bad.

I saw I sign at one of the water stations a girl was holding "FINISH STRONG". That is when I saw my AWESOME family cheering me on. I can't describe to you the boost that gives you knowing your family is there. I smacked all the kids hands as I passed. And listened the the people behind me saying how cute that was..

It seemed like those last 3 miles took forever. And when I came around the bend and saw the finish line "Finish Strong" came into my head and I sprinted to the finish line. I finished strong!!

I came in at 1.59.45. Two hours was my goal and I made that with only 15 seconds to spare. Whitney came in a 2.09. Which was so good. She had a hurt IT band and still made that time.

Also I read on line later that, that is one of the harder 1/2 marathons and marathon because of how much up hill there is in it.

I felt bad about my time until I heard that. I'm proud of my time. Now I can beat that on my next 1/2..

Whitney is trying to get me to run a full marathon next year. She says I run so well that I should do it.

Who knows first I'll see how I do with another 1/2. I want to keep up the running. It may be one thing I may be good at. I feel so STRONG when I run. I can feel my body getting stronger. Running is getting easier for me. I am falling in love with it :)

I would highly recommend it to anyone. What a GREAT experience!
P.S. Again sorry don't know how to rotate. Just crank your head to the side. LOL.

First day of school..

I can't believe the summer is over. It's almost cliche to say that it flew by. But it's still the truth, it went by way too fast.
I can't believe Cody is in the 4th grade. He's going to be in Junior High before I know it.
Blakely is in the 1st grade. I can't describe the feelings I have. I'm sure I felt the same way with Cody when he went into the first grade. I feel like I'm losing her. I want to cry! But I'm also so excited for her. I helped the kids pick out the outfit they're wearing for the first day. I'll have to say for me helping Blakely with this was my favorite part.
When I texted Dave the pics of the kids he said "Should Blakely be wearing that to school?" What a dad she was wearing I black and red t-shirt with a levi skirt, and leggings. I said "What's wrong with what she's wearing?" He said it made her look to old. And way too CUTE. He's already so protective. It'll be funny to see how he is when she's a teenager..
I LOVE having a girl.. Even if she is kinda mean..
I have decided Cody is my Angelic child. He is a blessing beyond words! I hope he stays as sweet as he is now.
They both love school and are doing GREAT. I will post pictures of how cute they looked later. Our camera broke so I only have pictures of them on my phone. But Grandma Barton took pictures of them for me. So when I get them I'll post.

Porter's Funny!!


Wow! It's been forever since I blogged last. Sorry!
I have no good excuse, I wasn't busy the entire summer. I just haven't thought about blogging. So, I guess this will be a jumble of things that have happened. And things that are happening and going to happen. I'll start by telling you about the funny things Porter has been saying. Whitney told me I need to write these things down. I guess that is what blogging is for, right?
The story starts with Porter not being able to go to the family parties that Dave's family has on Sundays. The reason he wasn't able to go is he wouldn't get ready. I told him he wouldn't get to go if he didn't and so I stuck to my word and wouldn't let him go. I think he was a little surprised I did. Because, I'm one of those inconsistent parents.
So, he was so upset crying on the stairs. I was not sympathetic. I started teasing asking him over and over again if he was hungry and what he wanted for dinner. Finally out of frustration he yells "CIGARETTES!! ALL I WANT ARE CIGARETTES!!"
You have to love 3 year olds...Dave was saying to the kids "Moms a champion". Porter says "No she's The Beast of Fire".
Where he comes up with these things I'll never know.
Then we were driving on a dirt road. Through a canyon and Porter asked if we were going camping. I said No, but were dropping you kids off and you'll be camping by yourselves.
Now the pretense to this story is that the kids were being HORRID. They were fighting with each other. Whining, crying, yelling. I am surprised me and Dave still have any hair left.
We get to the top of the mountain and there is a big cliff and Dave says, "This is where the parents throw there naughty kids off. We should push you guys off".
Yes, he said this and I'm telling him even though your joking your giving our kids bad ideas. That is the disclaimer. If your reading this thinking you should call social services.
Later that night we are over at the in laws and I overhear Porter say " My parents are trying to get rid of us. They are going to push us off a mountain and kill us!"
I guess at 3 you don't know you're being teased or what sarcasm is.
Hopefully he doesn't think we are going to smother him in his sleep. The poor kid will never be at peace...
He is so easy to please. For his birthday money was tight for us so, we were only able to afford small things like cap guns, handcuffs, and other small toys..
He LOVED it. He kept saying "Thanks mom for all my presents". For him it was enough. Oh, how I love this guy :) He had a great birthday and I'm thankful..
He also is the sweetest person ever. He is always telling me I'm amazing and a genius. That I'm the BEST. He's always telling me he loves me.. I'm so dang LUCKY!!
I know there is probably tons more I am forgetting.
When I blog it makes me kind of sad. Thinking of how fast time is going by. How fast my kids are growing. And how I am going to miss these times and want them back. Here's to relishing in the moment and living them to the fullest!!
P.S. I couldn't figure out how to rotate his picture. (I guess I'm not a genius, LOL).

Monday, April 27, 2009

Camping in H@!!


Dave was going turkey hunting. He invited the whole family to go. Blakely wanted to go so bad. She said Cody gets to do everything, he gets to go with Dad hunting all the time and he even gets more sleep overs at Grandmas. I think this is true. It made me feel bad that she noticed.
So, I told Dave, he insisted we all go hunting. Although I really didn't want to.
It took us forever to get up there. Dave packed the food. I packed the clothes and bedding for me and all the kids. I noticed we didn't have enough sleeping bags for everyone.
So I made a list for a stop at Walmart. It went like this.
bug spray
sleeping bags
ice
book for Crystal
I forgot the marshmallows. Which is a must when camping.
Well instead of us all going in. Which with 4 kids is never fun. Dave decided to go in by himself.
While I watched kids and took the dog for a potty break. (which is such a joy for me).
Half hour later. Dave comes out with the goods.
As we are driving down the road I ask him about the ice. He forgot it. Then I ask him about the book for me, he forgot it. Really! What good is a list if you don't look at it?
We get up to the area that Dave will be hunting. We scout around for awhile. Until we decide we better find our campsite and get things set up before it gets too late. Plus Dave needed to get out hunting.
We find a spot and setting everything up goes pretty smooth. Except I am totally grumpy because #1 we have nothing for the kids to do. No toys nothing. #2 I don't have a book to read. #3 It is really windy and getting chilly #4 What am I going to do with the kids while Dave and Cody are off hunting.#5 We have no good camping snacks. No marshmallow's to roast. #6 I'm in charge of making the camp fire.
Dave and Cody leave to go hunting. So me and the other kids start making a fire pit.
I never have started a fire by myself before. You may think that makes me a princess. But the fact is true. I have never made a camp fire before.
I have to admit, I was pretty proud of myself. I did a pretty good job. The only problem I had was that I burnt the heck out of my thumbs, with the lighter.
So we had hot dogs for dinner that night. By the time we had dinner the wind was blowing so hard. I decided it was time to get ready for bed.
I got the kids into their pj's and into our sleeping bags. We took turns telling scary stories. Its amazing how into it the kids got. It was pretty fun.
Next morning, Dave left hunting with Cody. I was awakened by turkey's gobbling.
It was colder than the day before had been. I took the kids on a short hike. It was short because Porter couldn't keep up and kept complaining his leg hurt. So back to camp we went.
I had the starting of a UTI. Which when you have to dig and whole and squat in the woods. It makes camping life so much more fun with the UTI. (Add sarcasm here!)
Plus kids are fighting. Luckily we had the DS's but that only lasted an hour then the batteries died. And no my luck does not get any better on this trip!
Later Dave returned. We had lunch then went scouting again. Which wasn't too bad.
That night Dave and Cody leave again hunting. I have to start another fire. With my burned thumbs it was soooo painful. I got it done though and we had hot dogs again for dinner.
Me and the kids told scary stories again and made light puppets. Again I think the kids enjoyed it.
That night it got much colder and started to rain. I was on a cot with the $20.00 Walmart bags Dave had bought. FYI Walmart sleeping bags are worthless.
I have never been so cold in my life. I was actually crying at one point in the night. Because I was so miserable.
Oh, did I mention, I had a bladder infection but kept holding it so that I wouldn't have to pee, in the woods, in the dark at night!
And yes the infection won. I did have to go out and pee in the dark. Scared that any moment a bear was going to attack me. Bare bum and all.
I could not sleep.I couldn't get comfortable because I couldn't get warm enough.
Dave woke to my tossing and turning and whimpering. Yes. I was whimpering like a poor dog! He was mad at me for being a woos and not being able to handle "A little cold". A little cold my @$$!
Cody and Dave went hunting that morning. I had, had a bad attitude the entire trip. I will admit. So that morning I woke and played with the kids we played cops and robbers. Porter kept falling down and crying so that only lasted a few hours. We played I spy, and made up songs. I think they had a pretty good time.
Then I made spam sandwiches for breakfast. The kids loved them. When Dave and Cody got back I made them some too. Also I made hot coffee. I felt better about my attitude. BUT, I still wanted to go home!
I know Dave was tired of my complaining. So we started to pack up. Just in time to do it during a hail storm. My hands stung with every piece of hail that hit them. By the time we had everything packed up we all we're soaked and cold. I looked like a drowned rat. I was the happiest drowned rat ever. I was going home. No more miserable camping for me!
Dave says he's learned his lesson and will never take me hunting with him again. I'm okay with this. I like the kind of camping we usually do up at his families lot in the Unitas. There is a toilet and a shower and we are in a camper. That is my kinda camping!!
The moral to this story. I am a princess so treat me like one! No really the moral to this story is that even though it was a tough trip, I think my kids had a good time and will have good memories. In the end that's all that really matters.