This Book Was So Good!

It seemed like I was never going to finish it because we had a busy week and I was at places I couldn't read almost everyday! But every night I picked it up and tonight I was finally able to finish! What a great last book to a great series! Thanks again Nicole for introducing me! I have to tell you that this book ended the story in a perfect way for me - even though I was Team Jacob all along! It just works out beautifully for everyone and it makes me happy.

Well I'm off to meet the author herself - STEPHENIE MEYER in Seattle next week!!!

I can't wait!!!!!

I Love My Family!!!

It's been awhile, but it isn't because nothing's been going on - of course it's quite the opposite! Here's some pictures of the kids, etc. that I've been needing to put up. I still need to do both my son's b-day and party posts in addition to 2 family member b-days (Melanie's and Sage's) that I missed last year right after I started the blog ... oh, yeah...

Happy 1st "Blog B-day to Me" - in April!!!

And of course I need to post a lot about our fun-filled summer we've been having. (Plus I never posted our fun in the sun from last summer - woops. I'm not someone who has to be on the computer every day so I do get behind on my blogging and checking other's blogs - but I'm sure I'll improve one of these days!)

Audrey had a great year doing ballet at Studio One! They put on Swan Lake this June and of course it made me cry. I have to admit her acting (she was in all of act 3 and did two dances in it and had to act in between) was exceptional! (She had acted when we were in the Nutcracker also and had a real knack!) She is such a natural! And of course her ballet was gorgeous - she's also a natural at that! The production was so beautiful! Unfortunately it required a TON of extra rehearsals btw. ballet and jazz- we were doing something for dance 1-2xs a day 4-6 days a week the last month - and it was too much. We found a different Studio called "Infinity" that isn't in to a lot of extra practices (hardly any) and also is 50% less expensive. We'll miss Studio One a lot though! Especially her teacher Miss Dantzel!!!

During her year at Studio One they did two competitions for jazz and one recital. It was to the song "Hit the Road Jack" (Sara Grant, I totally remember you doing your tap dance to that song in the Ward Talent Show!) She did great - that's her in the center doing the split - she's VERY flexible like me. They did very well and Audrey did this dance by herself in the school Talent Show (she had to try out in front of her whole class and be voted by the students as the one and only A.M. Kindergartner to perform!) A lot of parents came to me afterwards and commented on how talented she was!

This was in the paper on July 5th. That's Audrey the 3rd from the right on the Infinity Dance float during the 4th of July Parade! I think it will be a good switch - I love the owner already and Audrey's made new friends from being 0n the float together. She'll start the Dance Camp next Monday.

AND Audrey was in the newspaper again yesterday! (Kyle's in there too in the big group picture.) They had a professional storyteller come for storytime at the Library and he picked her to be his spider daughter (he was the father spider and he also chose a boy to be his spider son.) Yes that's her on the bottom right with two missing teeth front and center!!! She did so good at everything he asked her to do - I definitely see acting in her future.

And then there's Kyle - my big 4 year old! He is starting to be a really funny kid. He also is starting to be another helper to mom a lot of the time and is very good with his brother and sister (most of the time.) He is lucky because he's very good friends with Audrey and Kaden. He can play a lot with either one! He can still be very shy and unpredictable. But as always he is very cute, charming, fun-loving and he's always been my most affectionate (with me) and really the child that acts like he needs me the most (which can be good and bad!) He is starting to warm up to a people quickly at random times - just yesterday he started telling a stranger at the store all about his new backpack for preschool. He's funny because usually he can be so slow to warm up to new situations or people (getting pictures taken, swimming lessons, church classes, refusing to give talks in Primary or sing in sacrament with his peers for mother's or father's day, etc.) but other times he surprises you and doesn't act shy at all!

Kyle is growing up so fast. He's getting smarter by the minute and preschool will only be to assist him socially because he's already starting to read and write and do simple math!

These pictures were a challenge to get. As always, he is very slow to warm up at the photo studio! It took me almost 20 minutes just to coax him into sitting down where he needed to! Thank goodness I always get the manager, Kerry at Pennies Studio, to take his pics - she' so patient and fun and we're actually starting to form a relationship with her! (He's probably one of her hardest subjects to shoot!)

I probably should mention that, although it may surprise you, Kyle is a lot like how I used to be! Yes that's right - until around 1st grade or so, I was very shy and had anxiety about new things! Here's some proof if you don't believe me - these pictures were taken at home... because I would cry (at least Ky doesn't do that - he just won't budge) when my mom tried to get my picture taken at a Studio. My mom wasn't as stubborn as I am (big surprise) and just did them at home for a few years. By the way, I'm 4 here - do you see a resemblance btw. Ky and I?

OH and Kyle loves to color (paint, do playdough, anything artsy) and is starting to use as many colors at one time like his sister always does! He also loves singing, dancing, swimming and playing outside (and finally got on his bike after having it for a year and now LOVES riding it!)

And then there's my baby - who's TWO?!?!?! It's sad because he is so not a baby anymore!!! I mean he looks sooooo grown up in this picture to me! :(

This kid can hold his own in the family! He is a lot like Audrey was - very talkative, not a shy bone in his body and ready to take on the world wherever he is and whoever he's with! NO problems going into nursery, getting babysat by my friends, trying new things - he just says bring it on! No problem going from one thing to another -it's o.k. if we stuff in 4 or 5 activities in one day! He's outgoing and loves attention! And he is the FUNNIEST kid - he's always doing or saying something to make us laugh out loud - he has one of those clown personalities!

And although he is a lot like Audrey - even extremely communicative - which is not as common for a BOY - there are some differences. He is an extreme sports, daredevil kind of kid. Sadly enough I don't think those stitches he just got will be the only ones he'll ever get! Also, it's funny but he is actually more cuddly than Audrey ever was (she pretty much wasn't as a baby - but now she loves hugs and kisses - thank goodness!) Kaden still has an EXTREMELY good arm - he's changed from left to right (although he is still left-handed when he writes and colors.) His first loves are still BALLS and being OUTSIDE and I have a feeling those things always will be. Although he does love to sing and dance (and he will even act, too) like the rest of us!

Oh and I had to add this - it's out of one of Kyle's favorite books and one day when we were reading it he said - that looks like Kaden. Kaden is my best eater - he's never said no to ANY food (even jalapeno peppers) - except cotton candy! He eats anything and everything (unfortunately that still includes yarn.) It's funny because he's actually very small (REALLY short) for his age and the other kids (especially Audrey) have always been tall! But when he's done with his food - he has to throw it! (And put the bowl on his head if he has one!) Luckily, he eats a lot (usually more than Audrey and Kyle) so there's not that much to clean up!

SO, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL AND I LOVE IT...A LOT!!!

The Not so Good and the GOOD

This song has really helped me since Thursday. You see, Audrey has SCOLIOSIS - it all happened so fast! A couple of months ago her dance teacher showed it to me - she was the first one to notice it! It's seemed like a whirlwind since then - off to the pediatrician, then to the spine specialist, onto the prosthetist/orthotist and now- since Monday - my baby girl has a brace to wear! You know that awhile ago I mentioned we were going to be getting ready to build a house? Well since then we've been approved by two loan companies for a construction loan only to have them both close down there doors on giving out construction loans weeks after - one for 90 plus days and one indefinitely. The thing is, I wasn't upset - I thought it meant maybe we were supposed to buy a house here in this same neighborhood and be able to stay in this ward and school district I and my family have fallen in love with! You see now that Audrey's going to be in a brace for who knows how long - I thought it'd be great to let her stay with all of the numerous, awesome friends she's made. Some of her best friends being boys who take care of her like you would not believe - who I know would protect her from anyone making fun of her! Plus her (and I) know practically every kid in her grade and many many more in all of the other grades. And to tell you the truth - from helping at the school 1-2 times a week every week, I know that there isn't one child that I've met that doesn't like the girl! Most really adore her! And if she came in with a brace next year, it would just be the Audrey they know and love, but with a brace.

But, buying a house is not what we're supposed to do right now and although I knew it and know it, when Kevin came home and told me the news Thursday night, I have to admit, I was devastated! You see, he told me another loan company qualified us and the contractor wants to break ground on Monday! (Our lot has been secured for quite sometime now.) I should have been happy, but I just cried and cried. It may sound silly but all I could think of was now Audrey will just be known as the girl with the brace. Not one of the new kids she'll meet will have known her without it! It really worried me and after many prayers, many scriptures that I read that really spoke to me about this and with a priesthood blessing, I was able to sleep a couple of hours that night. But, we were going to be getting up very early to go to the temple because we were supposed to sign the papers the next day at lunch. The 5am session was the only time we could go together before then. So at 3:30am when my alarm went off, the song "In Your Arms" by Plumb started. I sat there and listened to it intently for the first time (I've heard it before and loved it but never had a chance to catch all of the words.) I had such a spiritual experience through listening to it - I knew that there was a reason I woke up to that song. I was being comforted in knowing that Audrey, just like any person on this earth, will have trials but she can get through them and I will always be there for her. Also, more importantly, her Savior will also always be there for her, and as long as I keep teaching her that, she'll make it through any roadblock in her life just fine! Well after that we went to the temple and although it was so early, it was one of the best experiences I've had at the temple. I felt complete peace and I knew that we're all going to get through this and even more, come out better for it!

Another thing that has helped me through this is Audrey herself. She has not had any problems with this at all. She was just as excited to get her brace as she was glasses! And when she found out it's not the most comfortable thing- she's persevered. There really hasn't been a bad word uttered. Even if there's an "ow" here and there, she remains upbeat. (She's only wearing it for 2 hours a day so far, tomorrow she gets some pads and eventually it will be up to 23 hours a day with the exception of swimming, dancing and gymnastics - maybe sports to?) And like everyone who knows her has said "if it were to happen to any kid, it might as well be Audrey." You see, I honestly haven't met many children like her in my life. She really is one of the most friendly, social, fun, sweet, kind and loving girls around. (Not to mention the smartest Kindergartner I know.) There really aren't any kids (or grownups for that matter) who wouldn't consider her their friend! My mom has told me a couple of times that"This is not going to change who Audrey is, nothing could do that." And I really need to to remember that - she really does have a VERY special personality and especially where she's so young (and darn cute) any new peers should be able to see that there's more to her than a disability!

So there's been some things that are not so good happening around here, but even during our hard times, we can see the good. I know this will help us all in life somehow and someday we'll know exactly how!

And there are a million good things - if not awesome things happening

1.) Kevin's getting more customers at Teton Toyota and has been doing some great work in the Elders Quorum with the ward.

2.) I started doing Mary Kay classes/parties again and have new customers myself along with a new team member under me (and one wanting to sign up tomorrow.)

3.) Audrey is doing awesome at school - she's met her Accelerated Reading goal for the year (for the 2nd grade reading class she goes to) and was the winner of the talent show tryouts for her class and did awesome performing her solo dance in it. Also, a little sidenote - while at the the SLC temple square visitor center looking and the statue of Christ and hearing the voice speaking His words, she felt the Spirit, had tears and was able to bear her testimony about it at church - one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

4.) Kyle turned 4 and is cuter and smarter than ever. The other day I spelled talk out being secretive about something with Audrey (every day she says "mom can I m-i-s-s n-a-p?" And I said "we'll t-a-l-k later.") and he said "that means talk!"

5.) Speaking of talking Kaden talks all day now - he says anything and everything. He'll say what he wants to say when he wants to and communicate about all kinds of things, and also he will parrot things you say if he knows they'll be cute! Whenever I give the kids a choice on time for example "do you want to take nap now or in five minutes" he always says the latter because he knows it means more time.

6.) And it's Mother's Day and between beautiful flowers, cards, a great homemade egg mcmuffin for breakfast, chocolate covered strawberries and the message my husband signed on his card below, I feel very appreciated today - and that means the world to me!

Stitches and Laura

WARNING: IF BLOOD GROSSES YOU OUT, DO NOT CONTINUE TO VIEW THIS POST!

I knew Kaden would be my first to wind up in the hospital due to an accident. None of my children have ever gone to the hospital (except Audrey when she was a baby and had a mild case of R.S.V.) ... until NOW!

Monday night Kaden decided to flip off of our bed and in doing so his head ran into a corner of the nightstand. This is after Kevin cleaned up the cut (and the blood on the floor - I was trying not to faint through all of it) and said "Nettie, I'm going to need to take him to the hospital, I think he's going to have to get stitches."

He took some pictures on his cell phone while they were at the hospital (without me asking - thanks honey for thinking of that!)

Kev said he was a trooper.

He kept saying "Owie" and pointing to the wound.

Kevin said he actually did awesome until they had to put this over his head (to keep everything sterile) and then he cried and got upset - but that was the only time he had to hold him down.

6 stitches all together!

Poor baby!!!

Kaden's always been into everything and he's my biggest climber. He's also my biggest dare-devil and has no fear. I just knew he'd have to go to the hospital sometime soon.

He went to sleep fine after that. Too bad he couldn't have just gone to sleep when we put him to bed. The reason he was on our bed in the first place is because he likes to cry at night and a lot of the time we feel bad for Kyle (they share a room) so we bring him to our room for awhile - so frustrating!!!

And the next morning he slept in until after 10am!!! (He's usually up btw 7-8am.)

Oh and Laura I hate to put your pretty face here after all that gore - but I had to give a shout out to you since Sunday was your birthday! I love you and you know you are like a sister to me! Hope you had a great day!

Glasses and Paul

9 days ago I finally got Audrey into the eye doctor. She's been complaining about the words on the chalkboard and overhead at school being blurry for a little while.

Once she mentioned her problems with blurriness I knew it would mean she would end up being a Kindergartner with glasses, just like her mom was!


So after she said she was having trouble seeing I told her we would have to get her in to the eye doctor and have her tested - and that she'd probably get glasses. Well ever since that day she was so excited to get glasses! She would ask me if I'd made the appointment right when she got home from school. It took me awhile because I wanted her to take the eye exam at school first to make sure, and the school nurse was out of town for 2 weeks. Once she took that test and failed the distance portion I made the appointment with Dr. Sparks. She was so happy!

It was so funny because Dr. Sparks has been my optometrist since I've been married (going on 8 years) and right after he had Audrey take the first test (he had 5 or 6 different ones) he said:

"WELL, THERE'S NO WAY THE NURSES GAVE YOU THE WRONG BABY AT THE HOSPITAL!"

He said she will probably follow in my footsteps (how sad) and end up with really bad eyesight like me (I'm legally blind.) He said when children have to get glasses before 2nd grade there's about a 90% chance they'll end up with a very high prescription as an adult. He said most kids who have glasses first get them from 2nd-5th grade.

I find it humorous how ecstatic she's been about getting glasses.

This was her on the way to go pick them up today. She knew that it was supposed to be 7-10 days and yesterday she mentioned that Tuesday would be the 10th day and they had to be there by then! (She counted the days out on her own.) I honestly can't remember how I felt as a 5 year old when I got my glasses but all the memories I do have of glasses are all pretty much the opposite of happiness! But, good for her! I hope she enjoys them until I let her get contacts (and I'll definitely let her get them fairly young - I was 12 and could've had them earlier.)

She only has to wear them for seeing things 6 feet or more away. I'm going to try and be strict with that because if she wears them more than she needs she might get worse faster. (The eye doctor said she'll probably get worse as often as I did and that was once a year for a long time...)
I have to mention that a couple of weeks ago Kevin and I took her to a highschool production of Bye Bye Birdie (one of my all time favorite movies) and she said to us:

"MOM, THE FACES WERE BLURRY BUT I STILL ENJOYED IT!"

THE GLASSES ARE SO TINY!

My purse in the picture is not one of those huge purses - it's very average size.

Oh and I feel very forgetful because over 3 months ago my sister-in-law Kellie's husband had a birthday. (The day after Christmas - and he's said to be used to having his b-day forgotten because of the day it is, but I still feel bad.)

So, PAUL, Happy (Extremely Late) Birthday!

We think you're the perfect husband for Kellie and a great father to your 2 (going on 3) children!

Love ya,

Kev and Nettie

Birthday Roundup

Happy Late Birthday to some, just plain Happy Birthday to others and Happy Early Birthday to more

(and least I won't miss the ones that haven't happened yet this way!!!)

January 19th - Kevin - 29 years old!

Kev I can NOT express to you what it means to me how you are so wonderful to our kids. That day last month when you spent 5 hours (without EVER coming in the whole time) in the snow with the kids making this snow fort (and the snowman) amazed me. I just felt so special to have a husband who is so fun and dedicated to being there for his children.

This was taken the night of the ward Valentines dinner and dance. It was so fun to ballroom dance with you for over an hour. You are so good and it's awesome (and necessary) for me to have a sweetheart to dance with.

February 11th - (niece) Ivy - 13 years old!

Ivy you have always been the sweetest thing! You are a great older sister to Sage and you KNOW my kids adore you!! The other day we heard "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne on the radio and Kyle said "mom this girl's voice is beautiful, she sounds like Ivy." And Audrey still to this day asks if her laugh sounds "like Ivy's" when she giggles whole heartily!

Ivy I just can NOT believe you're a teenager now. I remember when I met you and you where a little toddler, when you were younger than Audrey and one of my flower girls at the receptions, and when you used to leave the cutest singing messages on the answering machines. Now you (and your mom) are a NUMBER #1 Edward -from Twilight - fan!!! And you were a (gorgeous) fork in Beauty and the Beast!!!

February 22nd - my mom - 68 years old??!!??!!??

I know the math works out to that number but I just can NOT believe it. I know you use Mary Kay and that has to be a part of it but - hello! Seriously!

Anyways you know you are the world to me and because of you, any good I am to those people in the picture (my husband and kids) is from what you taught me.

It's so fun to see you with all of your grandchildren. You are one of the best moms ever and now you are one of the best grandmothers on earth!!!

March 9th - (nephews) Michael and Joshua - 3 years old!

Mike and Josh - what can I say? Look at how tiny you started out (and you were 2 months old here - what cuties.) You were and are such a miracle to everybody.

And now you are the most handsome, fun-loving, energetic, smart and athletic twin boys I've ever known! And I love this picture that gives the glimpse of the future missionaries!

March 25th - (nephew) Isaac - 1 year old!

Isaac this is the first time we met you - when you were one month old -and you and your parents came to visit from AZ. We had to get a picture of you next to Kaden - you're only 9 months apart so you'll always be close and have lots of fun playing when we all get together!

Now you are so big and good-looking. A heart breaker already!

March 28th (sister in law) Mindy - 26 years old!
March 29th (Kev's brother) Steven - 26 years old!

You guys are awesome! I can see why you're so alike (and yet different) - you almost have the same birthday! You're perfect for each other!!

And although 26 isn't old - it doesn't seem like you could have reached that age yet - you're so young at heart!!! (And I love it.)

Goodbye President Hinckley

I'm so happy President Hinckey is with his beloved wife and eternal companion again. Since his death I have been thinking about how glad I am that he's with her, after waiting to be for awhile. Also, I have thought about how I know that he was told "Well done thy good and faithful servant" by his Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. And, what a joyuous reunion it must have been! Him knowing he had truly done his very best he could do on this earth - and God and Our Lord Jesus being so thankful for all that he did.

Today I was able to watch his funeral on t.v. and I was so touched by the Spirit during all of the wonderful talks and enjoyed every word

(that I was able to hear - I'm glad I taped it since Kev's at work today, now I can hear more when I watch it with him, tonight.)

I have to admit that during the closing song when they had the video of him I lost it. It was the first time I had seen him since I heard of his death and with the beautiful music and everything, the Spirit and my emotions took over me. I love to feel the Spirit and try to (and depending on the day or week - usually do) often. But once in a while - there are moments and experiences that allow you to feel it in an overwhelming, powerful way that just takes over your whole body. Today was one of those days. I am so glad and thankful to be able to have had that experience and let the tears flow during it as I reflected on his life. Like one of the talk's theme of footprints in the sand - I am such a better person becauase of this man and his teachings than I would be without his life.

Another thing I wanted to mention was that I was watching it on a local news channel at first until the Presiding Bishop started talking in 3-4 different languages other than English all at once. After about 2 minutes of this, I switched to KBYU and there were no technical problems so I left it there. But I do admit it hit me - there are millions and millions of people all over this world who loved this man as much as me! What a widespread legacy he is leaving!

One more thing I want to add is that Audrey is the same exact age I was when President Spencer W. Kimball died. I remember the day my mom told me he died. I remember it was over breakfast and I remember I cried. Now Audrey has never cried over President Hinckley's death, but she has mentioned how she knows he's in heaven. Today during the funeral she was pretty attentive during the beginning and ending of it's airing. I hope she realizes some day what a special Prophet she had in her first 6 years and 4 months of her life. I was also thinking about how the next Prophet will probably live long enough to be as big of an influence to her as President Hinckley was to me. What new changes and stricter standards of the church will we see in the next 20 years or so? Look at all President Hinckley did. Look at how the world changed one way as he asked us to make changes the other way. Wow, today is just one of those thought-provoking days for me and I am so thankful for the Gospel and my testimony of it! I will follow our next Prophet in faith just as I followed our beloved and now "late"

President Gordon Bitner Hinckley!