Big Sister......

What will we do when Ruthie goes to school this fall. Actually, it is only weeks away for our kids. We will have 5 out of 6 of them in school for at least half of the day. Mike will be in middle school, 6th grade, Ben 4th, Eli 3rd, Ruthie Kindergarten and Joshua will be in pre-school. Poor little Dan. He will be so lonely. No one around to help do his hair, HELP him "play in the mud", and HELP him take naps.

Oh, how we love our Ruthie.

Summer Vacation

We love being around our extended family and had the wonderful opportunity to have 7 out of 8 of my siblings all together for a big family baptism and the fourth of July. Eli, and cousins Seth and Jared were baptized on July 4th in Vernal Utah. What a fun time we all had. Memories were made that the kids will not forget. Lots of chaos and many late nights. After the baptism we all went back to Pleasant Grove to my brothers house and stayed there for 4 more days. Here are a few photo highlights.......

Bodie and Eli. We are so proud of you Eli!!!

Jared, Seth and Eli. He is not happy that he is the shortest, hoping for a growth spurt soon:)

This is Bodie and Josh at Bridal Falls. WAVING "HI" to MOMMY!!!!!

All the grandkids that were present for the festivities. Just getting them all to sit and stand was quite an effort. They range in age from 24 to 1 year. 35 grandkids, with at least 1 more to come........
The siblings and spouses that were there. We are so blessed that we all have such a great time together. It never seems like enough time before we all have to get back to reality.

Just Cruizin'

Due to some slack that I have been taking, I will post a little about life around here:)  We are doing well.  Josh seems to be back into his swing and the medicines are working for now.  He and Dan are on about the same stage developmentally, so it seems like we have twin 2 year old boys.  They are trouble to say the least.  They are in the "mine" phase and we are hoping they get out of it soon.  Josh is still not verbal, which just means that he screams more than Dan because he gets frustrated at his inability to communicate his needs/desires.  I do have to admit that I love to hear, "no, no, Doshy. Me."  It makes me smile.  I am just hoping that the words rub off on Josh and he finds his voice soon.  They are both so sweet and are good for each other.  

Ruth is busy as ever.  She was bummed that we didn't sign her up for soccer this spring, but is loving all the time she is spending at the baseball fields watching the older brothers practice.  It is free time for her to get dirty.  She loves to draw and the dirt is a great easle.  She is cuter than can be and lost her first tooth last weekend.  So now she talks kinda funny and we all love it.  She is a huge help all the time and is willing to try any job as long as she is not alone.  She is really becoming Grandpa's little helper.  I think she talks his ear off, but he is becoming more tolerant.

Eli, Ben and Michael are all playing baseball, counting down the last few three weeks of school and can't wait for summer.  They are all doing well and having a good time now that spring has finally arrived.  I really have to be fast when they get home from school if I need anything done, otherwise I have to go searching for them outside.  They are currently building a fort with an old tarp and hay bales.  They have some old crate pallets that make for great walls.  They love to be outside and love even more to get out of chores.  They are great about including the little ones too.   Ruth has graduated to the "BIG KIDS" in their eyes, which is a wonderful thing for her. She is included in all the trouble now.  I would say they are pretty normal little boys. Michael is also playing soccer, so our week nights are spent at the ball park, with 6 baseball practices and 2 soccer practices and a soccer game every week.  If I make it through with my sanity, We will have to call it good.

The kids are very excited to have a new baby around the house.  Dan has gotten his own opinion about what he does and where he goes, so they think it will be nice to have one that they can just hold.  They all want a little girl.  Not surprising to hear from Ruth, but the boys think that she is too outnumbered.  Very considerate on their part.  They are pushing to find out what this baby will be.  Every day they put in their votes.  It is very fun for me to know that they are excited and always want to help.

Bodie is doing well at work.  His running has been cut down because of long hours at the  office and even longer hours as Dad.  He is great and always being available and willing for the "hand off" of kids.  One mom at preschool commented to me today that I am braver than she.  I just had to give credit to an amazing husband that is willing to step in and take over when I am "done".  She went on to say that she didn't know those kind existed.  I am grateful that I have one and count my blessings every day.  

I am great.  I am starting to feel better, although that should have happened weeks ago, I am happy it is finally here.  I had to bust out the maternity clothes today. At soon to be 17 weeks, that is almost okay with me:)  It will be nicer when I look pregnant instead of just fat.  At least, that is what I am telling myself these days.  I am happy to be getting some energy back and love the weather that I can go outside with the kids and enjoy our property.  

For those that don't know, my parents have moved in with us.  They are building an "apartment" in the basement.  It is going slower than all had hoped, but we still see the progress. It has been a lot of fun to have them here and the kids love it, most of the time.  It has been a huge blessing to Bodie and I since we have been in and out of the hospital again with Josh and we know that the kids are being well taken care of.  We love them and are grateful for their service.  

Ok, I have gone on and on and don't think I have any more to tell.  Maybe next time we will have some pictures to share.

HELLO!!!!

So we are wondering just how many people out there really do pay attention to this blog.  This is our official announcement. We are expecting #7!!!!!!  Hope all is well with everyone.  October 2nd here we come.

Wacky February

For those of you that don't live in the midwest, February is the craziest of months.  We have the wierdest weather all month.  For instance, right now, it is 70 degrees outside.  Two days from now, we are expecting snow.  Wierd.  It is like Mother Nature can't make up her mind.  For today though, we will take it.  My kids are loving it.  When the boys got home today, they ran in the house, stormed the refrigerator and then left again.  My favorite part?  They took the little guys with them.  I just went to check on them and they are all on the driveway playing basketball/dodgeball.  Danny is sitting on the bench watching and loving being outdoors.  What a fabulous day.

That heaven sent neighbor that pointed out my great kids, well she continues to be a saint. The next day, I woke up from a short nap (which I totally deserved, might I add....) to this. A wonderful chocolate cake, a hilarious card which advised me to take comfort that someone else was having a worse day, and a beautifully wrapped FIRE ENGINE. Just what I needed, a great laugh. Cake, fun and good friends. You can't ask for a better way to wake up from a nap.

Best Husband Ever

I didn't get pictures of the kids or myself, but look at this amazing husband of mine, still smiling at me after working so hard out in the fire. We were all exhausted and very dirty. Unfortunately, he had already had a chance to wash his face before I got the camera. You can imaging what he looked like if this is washed :)

My WORST Day

I wish that I could do justice to these sad excuses for pictures. Let me just say that the black area totals 20 ACRES. The picture on the bottom left was taken just for proof that the fire started over 50 feet from our burn barrels. So let me explain.........

It is the first part of February in the mid-west, not normally expected to be 65 degrees. So, I decide to be the best wife/mom ever and do the farm chores before everyone gets home. Then, I think, we should all be able to take a fun family bike ride or something. Maybe Bodie can go enjoy a nice run. Who knows, the possibilities are endless. I go out and decide it is a beautiful day, why not burn some of the trash while I am at it. We have a million boxes in the basement just waiting for a day like this. So, like hundreds of times before, I start the burn barrels. I am always super careful, unlike some other people in our family, names will not be mentioned, Bodie...... Anyhow, it is going well, so I go to finish feeding the sheep and chickens. Their water is almost full, so I go to check to see if I should start winding up the hose. As I turn back around, to my complete horror, my yard is on fire. At this point, Ruth, my stalwart helper, says, "I better get Grandpa." (My parents are out staying with us..)
A gust of wind came up and grabbed something from the barrel and took it to the dry grass. Within moments I was surrounded and completely helpless. Dad was out there with me. Mom, Ruth and I were dragging hoses to nowhere imparticular and everywhere all at once. It quickly became apparent that there was no way we were going to control this. So, I call 911. Our VOLUNTEER fire department got there 15 minutes later. I am sure that I uttered some less than nice things in the mean time. Of course, I didn't think to get the camera out during all this. These pictures were taken 4 hours later when we finally had it all under control. I called Bodie right after the 911 call. He made it home in surprising time. I think he may have sped, but I will never ask.:) I do have to comment on my kids. Ruth is fearless. She stayed by me until I made her and Mom go in the house. My mom as asthma, not really what you want when fighting a fire. When my 3 oldest boys got off the bus, we were in the thick of it. The fire dept was there, we were all working like crazy. I was so proud of my boys. They ran as fast as they could from the bus and dropped their backpacks on the back door and ripped off their school shoes. With farm boots on and shovels in hand, they all joined in on the line. Stomping and shoveling dirt. I might add that this was the first day in weeks that had been over freezing, so the shoveling was a daunting job. The ground was frozen solid just a few inches down. But they stuck with it. Like I said, we worked for 4 hours. My neighbor is the one who pointed out my boys. She just reminded me that "it should do my heart good to see my boys out working along side their Daddy." It did. I was just sad that I was the one who had caused all the work.
We were very blessed that day. The wind stayed blowing the right direction, away from all the animals and everyones houses. Bodie had to use the chain saw and cut some dead tree trunks down that were on fire, I think that was kinda fun. Although, at the time I was really worried. We all came in late that evening to strip out of very smokey clothes and eat some quick dinner. Never once did anyone really give me a hard time. I was quite impressed. We definitely counted our blessings together as a family. Although, fighting a field fire is not my kind of fun, it made me realize that all the reasons that we moved out here to the "country" are still in tact. Our family works hard together. We even had fun doing it, once the fire was under control, and our kids are learning the value of HARD STINKIN' WORK.


I should also add, that is absolutely the last time for a long time that I will attempt to do the burn pile. I definitely have had my share for a while. What a difference a day makes........

PINEWOOD DERBY

Ben had a great time this year at the Derby. He found a picture of the car he wanted to build. Dad and he cut it out and then he painted it. I got to help a little by drawing some lines on to help. I enjoyed being able to help.

We all had a blast watching the races. Grandpa and Grandma even came, which is always a favorite of the kids. Ben was pretty pleased with his car. It looked great and performed well. He was hoping to dominate two years in a row, but this year he was edged out at the very end. He took second!!!

We were proud of his hard work and his great sportsmanship. There were boys that were shedding tears and upset and Ben would try to console them and kept a smile on his face. We love you Ben. Thanks for being so tender hearted.

BAD Botox!!!

Those of you who don't know Danny, don't know that his upper lip wouldn't normally be protruding out over the top of his bottom lip like this. In only Danny style, he went plowing through the house yesterday at full speed, only to trip on his own two, tired feet. Face first, he plumeted to the floor. Not getting his hands up in time, his face took the hit. He was bleeding everywhere. His nose, his lip, his gums, it was hard to see what was bleeding and what was not. I thought poor Eli, who was standing near by when it happened, was going to lose his cookies. Many cups of crushed ice, popsicles, advil, and one very long night later, this is whathe looks like this morning. I have not yet fought the bear to clean the rest of his face up. That sounds like a fight for two this evening:) He is such a tough little boy. He has been running around all morning laughing with a very tight smile. The only time he has been sad today was when his request for "cooookkkiiieees" was denied first thing this morning. (That decision has been rethought and since then I have given in.....)

What a happy little boy who is full of love for life. This little "bout with bad botox" hasn't stopped him from climbing on the kitchen table, running into everyones legs or tackling his brother. He has such a great personality and so much of it. My favorite part of the day yesterday was watching the rest of the kids cuddle and spoil him for the remainder of the evening. He is going to be spoiled, I am sure. Just like the rest of them.....

Fun with Grandma

I should have posted about this a while ago, I apologize. However, Ruthie was living every little girls dream. Grandma Minster was over for a visit and made fun dress up clothes. Ruthie got to get her hair done super cute and then model all the different fun skirts that Grandma made. She was loving it. The boys, well, I don't think they were quite as impressed.

We have an awesome Grandma. She knows how to spoil each child in just their own way. We love that she gives of herself and time so freely and loves them all so much.

Thank you Grandma for loving us and for being so AWESOME. This day has been talked about many times and always with great awe and adoration.

WE LOVE YOU!!

Honest Abe

Michael had to do a research project in school on Abraham Lincoln. He wrote a wonderful paper and then had to present a speech as Abe for the entire school. He made a display board that touched on important life events and dressed the part. He did a wonderful job. His teacher, although I don't know if she told him, was very impressed.

Mike is not our biggest extrovert, so this was a good stretch of his comfort zone. I was proud of him and that he did it with a smile was even better. He has a great smile that is very contagious.


Mike, being our oldest, sometimes gets more responsibilities than the others. He is well organized, when he wants to be, and seems ready for the challenge. He is a good big brother to the babies, mediocre to the rest. But isn't that how all big brothers are? This year has been a good one for him to learn time management. A hard thing to learn for sure. His teacher is trying to prep him for middle school next year. (my nightmare)

He has really started to be helpful at home too. I love that I can leave him in charge for a short while and run to the grocery store for that last minute dinner item knowing that when I get home all will be well. I love you Mike. Keep smiling and doing what you know is right, even when it isn't the popular choice.

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. Full of smiles and joyful screams. There is nothing really like the awe of a little child. We loved watching them wake up with so much excitement that is was impossible to contain. We had my parents here and loved that just as much. With all the fun of the presents and goodies, what could be better. WELL, watching our children throughout the season and hearing them talk about the Savior and His life and sacrifice topped it hands down. I loved hearing the older ones tell the younger ones what CHRISTmas was really about. Sometimes, we have days that seem like our children never listen to anything we say and certainly don't care. Then, when we aren't ready for it, they blow us away with their beautiful testimonies. I am so grateful for my family. For the gospel of Jesus Christ that shows us the way to be together forever. As I look into the eyes of my Josh and realize that it is truly a miracle to have him here, I am so humbled to count that as a blessing. He is a wonderful peacemaker in our home and although he makes life exciting, to say the least, he reminds us what is really important.

Joshua

Well, I guess Josh doesn't like us to get too comfortable.  I am currently writing from our "hotel" room (Children's Mercy Hospital in downtown Kansas City.) Yesterday morning was apparently a little too mundane for him, so he decided to be completely lethargic and unresponsive.  Which in turn got him a ride in Mom's car to the ER and from there he got to have yet another ride in the ambulance downtown.  I think they must have better cartoons or something, because it wasn't until half way down here that he decided to wake up and "join us".  So for the mean time, he is hooked up to a dozen machines and hating every minute of it.  The room service is awful, the beds are lumpy, the sleeping arrangements horrid, and it is the noisiest place that I have ever stayed in.   Aside from that, with their prices, they are the best "5 star hotel" that we can find.  We are grateful that he gets good care here.  Hopefully, they will have some answers for us this morning.  The kids at home are worried, of course.  My parents are still here which is a huge blessing.  They have just taken over at home.  

I am going to have to have a chat with little Ruth when I get home.  As Josh and I were leaving yesterday to the "doctor", she decided that she needed to tell him, "Goodbye Josh, I will miss you!"  She said it so sad and forelorn that all I could do all day yesterday was hear that in my head.  Not my favorite "mantra".  There is just something about being in a hospital and feeling completely helpless in the situation that does not bring the happy thoughts to mind, so that did not help me much.

He is doing better today, sitting up in the chair right now pulling on all his cords and watching cartoons.  Meaner than Mean.  He will be happy when he can get down and walk around outside a 2 foot circle.  I will be happier when I can take a shower and breathe some fresh, crisp air.  

I continue to be overwhelmed by our blessings and the promptings of the spirit.  I am grateful that I acted on them yesterday and didn't wait to see if he was "just really tired".  Thank you for all the prayers and love.

Thanksgiving

What a wonderful time of year, when everyone turns their hearts and minds to service and love of their fellow beings.  When we are all counting our blessings.  We have seen so many blessings as of late that we continue to thank our Father in Heaven for his numerous tender mercies.  

We had a great time at our house with local cousins, Denver cousins and Grandpa and Grandma from California.  The kids loved all the playmates and the cousins loved helping with all the "farm chores."  (I suppose they are a bit more fun when it is not an every day thing that you do and it is a novelty:)  We all ate way to much food and loved every bite of it.  We were grateful to be able to count our blessings together and very sad to see it end.  I will have to post pictures later.  The kids are all back in school now and counting down the days until Christmas vacation.  Did I mention that I love this time of year?

Update

Bodie started his new job today.  They all went out to lunch today (at one of my favorite restaurants....) and I think that he is excited about this new opportunity.  It will take a few weeks until he feels comfortable in the new setting, but I am sure he will do great.  Josh went back for his neurological check up today.  They are going to change his medication because they think he is having some side effects.  We are so grateful for modern technology and the things they can do. Hopefully, the change will go smoothly and he will be our happy little boy again. 

The kids at home are counting down the days until Thanksgiving.  They love all the food and goodies that we make and they are so excited to have some cousins here for the holiday.  It will be nice to have as much family around as possible.  As for me, I am still just trying to play catch up on all the things that I have fallen behind in.  Someday, I know I will get there.

October!!!

Wow, what a month.  We have seen so many miracles and blessings from our Father in Heaven, that it has been a little bit overwhelming to us. 

 Josh was in the ICU for seizures. He was LifeFlighted to Childrens Mercy Hospital Downtown, where we stayed for the rest of the week. Bummer for him, he got a cool helicopter ride and wasn't even able to enjoy it. He is truly our little miracle.  He seized for over an hour, 20 minutes is life threatening, yet, after some hard work on his part, he is doing great.  He is walking again and showing no signs of the paralysis that plagued him in the hospital.   We have reached his "maintenance dose" on his medication and have seen no problems aside from a really grumpy little boy.  We are trying to cut him some slack after all he has been through.  He really is doing well and seems to be trying more to communicate with us.  We know that the Lord has a plan, I just wish that I could see it on paper and know what I am supposed to do to accomplish His goal.  

The other large part of our month has been.........Bodie got laid off.  He found out that it was coming the day after Josh went into the hospital.  With so much on his mind, that he didn't tell me about, he didn't start looking for a job right away.  When he did, he had a new job with in a weeks time.  Have I mentioned how blessed we have been.  There isn't even going to be any lapse in work, he finishes at his current job on the 14th and starts the new one on the 17th.  

We have been so grateful for all the love and service of our family and friends.  We would be drowning without them.  Bodie's Mom came and took over at home for me while I was with Josh and my girlfriends made dinner for a week after Mom went home so that I didn't have to worry about "what's for dinner?"  We will be never be able to repay the debt that we feel to all of them and hope that they know that they are loved and appreciated.  

The rest of the family has been doing well.  We are all trying to adjust back to a somewhat normal routine.  Mike is playing the clarinet in band this year and is great.  They had their first concert a couple weeks ago.  He just turned 11 and was "bridged" into the scout troop.  He is excited about that.  Ben is constantly playing sports outside and causing trouble inside.  He is a tender hearted turkey!  He is really helpful with the little ones, and not so much with the bigger ones.  Eli is the point guard for his basketball team and has my aggressive spirit.  He was awesome at his double header games last Saturday.  He had amazing steals, great ball handling, tricky passing and some great shots.  He loves it.  After his games he even came home with energy to help in the chicken coop and do farm chores.  Ruth is loving preschool and playing outside.  She waits by the door everyday for the big brothers to get home so they can bounce her on the trampoline.  She loved all the time she got to spend with Grandma. (She always gets spoiled rotten!!!) Danny is getting big.  He is nicknamed Truck.  He just carries himself like a semi.  He loves to play with Josh and is quite the rough and tumble little boy.  

We feel so blessed to have our family home and healthy and all together.  Thank you for all the love and prayers.

Race Day Fun

Bodie ran in the St. George Marathon last Saturday. OUR day started at 3:45 AM, whe I had to leave to take him to the finish line where he would catch a shuttle to the starting line. No one was allowed to drive up the canyon, thus the shuttles. The race started at 6:45 am. It started raining at 4:00 am, and was only about 55 degrees, OUCH!!! My sister in law Becky and some of her kids, her sister in law, myself and Daniel drove up to see him running in Snow Canyon at about mile 17. We got soaked as we stood and cheered, some losing their voices later, but we had a blast. After he ran by, we all raced to the car and drove as fast as we could, (without meeting up with the officer at the bottom of the hill for a second time) and went to the finish line. There, Mom and Dad Meline met up with us to finish out our wait for the end. The kids had fun playing in the water and trying to stay warm. The adults all wondered where Bodie was. He finished a little short of his goal at 3:32:33. We were all very proud of him and were glad to finally be out of the rain. Side note, I have decided that he must be cursed with marathons. When he ran the Olathe one this spring, the day before was beautiful and mild temperatures, the same thing the day after. But the day of, it was 50 degrees with 25 mph winds. Yuck. Then in St. George, absolutely gorgeous the day before and after. Not so much the day of. I think someone is trying to tell him something. Maybe it is me saying, "you're nuts for wanting to run so long....... " Just kidding. I think it is awesome, just don't expect me to be doing it anytime soon. I love to be his cheerleader.


I must give credit to the man. After his marathon, we went back to my sister in laws parents house, he took a shower and then we proceeded to go out to lunch and shopping. When we came home, he went to the Priesthood session with my dad and then came back to hang out. We didn't go to bed until around 10:30 that night. What a trooper. You rock Boadster!!!!!

When The Cats Away........

These are just a couple of the fun pictures that I found on my camera after I had been outside working for a little while the other day. When I saw them, I really just had to laugh. Oh, how the old sayings ring true even when you have the best of kids. Eli must have been having a blast, and I think Ben was the one behind the lens on these.

Pre School

I know that I am a little late with this one, but what can I say, I am a slacker.  This was the first week of Ruth and Josh going to school.  They both love it.  We have seen great things coming home too.  My favorite thing is that they are next to each others classrooms and I get a full report of the day for both of them from Ruth.  She doesn't miss a thing.    The older boys have refused to pose for pictures before school thus far, apparently I am going to have to ambush.  Daniel and I are having a lot of fun in the mornings that they are in school.  We get to do things like clean the house, run errands for the PTO, and wait for it, the best of all, clean someone elses house.   I know, I know, I really need to cut some excitement out of my life, but with all this, where do I start:)