tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2884628938932080302024-03-13T17:19:11.228-06:00Snips and SnailsWhat little Blads are made of!
The story of Gus, Mel, Zach, Parker and Alivia.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-65720327411820607292012-10-14T15:36:00.000-06:002012-11-27T15:37:12.358-07:00TorontoGus and I had the opportunity to go to Toronto for a NP conference. I went just for the ride. At first I was very apprehensive to leave my kids for 5 days, but I am glad that I went. Because Gus spent most of the day in classes, I was left to explore the city all by myself. <br />
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The first night we were there, we saw the Toronto Blue Jays play the Minnesota Twins. This is how close our seats were to the field. It was AstroTurf, so I felt kinda jibbed! At the beginning of the game, they played the Star Spangled Banner and the Canadian national anthem. The Blue Jays won. Go Blue Jays (although you will never be my Mariners!)<br />
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The next day I set out on my own to explore. I rode the subway for the first time and went and saw Casa Loma. It is a house that was built in the 1910's for the wealthiest family in Toronto. They later had financial trouble and the house was abandoned only to be renovated and turned into a museum. It was beautiful! By far my favorite place.<br />
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We also went to the Toronto temple. It took us 2 1/2 hours to travel to Brampton, approx. 20 miles away, using public transportation. NOT my favorite thing. We couldn't do a session, but we were able to get a mini tour of the temple.<br />
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In Toronto, they have the CN tower which was built as a lightening pole, but turned into a tourist attraction. We ate dinner at the top in a spinning restaurant that overlooked the city.<br />
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The thing that I loved about Toronto is that there is so much cultural diversion. We ate a different ethnic food each night. I love Jamacian! There isn't any cultural segregation because there are so many cultures. Toronto is a city where the old meets the new. There will be old buildings towered by skyscrapers. <br />
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This was by far the scariest thing I saw:<br />
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A black squirrel!!<br /><br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-44747085021350042582012-09-02T19:01:00.000-06:002012-10-14T16:08:05.122-06:00Summer 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Summer flew by, as always. I think a theme I keep writing about is how fast time goes. It makes me sad. My kids are growing up.</div>
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We had a great summer. Here is one of the rare pictures of the 4 of them together. We watched the fireworks from a friend's house.</div>
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We stayed in Pocatello this year because Gus was involved in making a float for work. After much blood, sweat and tears (yes, all three were actually shed) here is the final result:</div>
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After the 4th, we took it easy until our 2012 London Olympic party! For 2 weeks, we partied with our neighbors and watched the olympics. We had shirts made and everything. Sadly, this is the only picture I took.<br />
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Of coarse, we also had time with cousins. Here are all the Jones cousins together. That's trouble!<br />
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Another summer gone!</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-36360116739041683932012-06-24T19:00:00.000-06:002012-10-13T19:01:01.708-06:00Cooper is 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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June is our super Birthday month!! This little guy joined our family one year ago. Time flies. He is such a great, easy-going baby. He loves his brothers and sister and is constantly on the move!<br />
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This year we had a barn birthday cake for him, complete with chickens, pigs, and sheep. We got to celebrate with family and friends. He loved his cupcakes, well the icing.<br />
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We love you Cooper and are so glad that you are part of our family!<br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-68516694798130608102012-06-07T17:10:00.000-06:002012-07-18T17:11:53.596-06:00Alivia turns 4!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Four years ago we welcomed this little one. Oh how time flies! Look how little they all look! Alivia was so excited for her birthday this year. She got to have a party with her friends this year. Alivia is in love with Hello Kitty. For her party, we baked pizza and decorated cupcakes. All things girly and fun. </div>
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She got her ears pierced for her birthday present. Her earrings are Hello Kitty.<br />
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We had family over for cake and ice cream. Her cake was, surprise, Hello Kitty! Thanks Jade for the cake pan! </div>
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Alivia is such a joy in our lives. She loves all things girly and fun, but can hold her own with her brothers! Her favorite food is bread (not toasted) and butter. She loves to watch My Little Pony on TV and her favorite colors are pink and purple. She wants to be a princess with her own castle when she grows up. Happy Birthday Alivia! We love you!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-68987123938704745832012-06-03T15:55:00.000-06:002012-07-18T17:12:23.589-06:00Zach is 10!I cannot believe that it has been 10 years since this little guy joined our family!! Zach has a special place in our hearts. He was born with so much hair!! <br />
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This is my favorite picture of him. I love his hair!!!<br />
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We didn't do too much for his birthday. He had a baseball game and then we came back for cake and ice cream. I told him he could invite his friends over for cake, but it wasn't a party. He ended up inviting the whole neighborhoodl. He's social like that. His birthday cake was a giant baseball sitting on grass. It's a good thing that I made a ton! Here are some pics of the evening.<br />
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The next day we got to celebrate June birthdays with the Jones family. Papa's birthday is June 2, Alivia is June 6, my grandma's (Nana) is June 9, and Cooper is June 23. Crazy busy month!</div>
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Happy birthday Zach!! We love you!!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-41509073836917002462012-05-09T19:11:00.001-06:002012-05-09T19:11:52.112-06:0011 Going StrongGus and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary on May 3. 11 years! I can hardly believe that much time has gone by!! Of coarse, we always do our corny gifts that correspond with the year's traditional gifts. This year is Steel/Jewelry. We had to stretch it. We went to lunch at Winger's because they have 'steel' on the walls. We watched the 'Avengers' because, well I don't know, because it was good! The gift that we gave each other was a 'steel' fire pit for our backyard.<br />
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At our reception, we had a dance. Tony was our DJ. One dance that we did was the money dance. Anyone who wanted to dance with us had to pin money onto my veil or Gus' jacket. My dad pinned a $50 bill to my veil! It was a fun way to earn some money for our honeymoon!<br />
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Here we are today:<br />
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Well, last fall at least. Four kids and 11 years later, I love him more now than I did then. I am so grateful for all that he does for our family. I love you Gus!! Happy Anniversary!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-59146580150191429242012-03-01T13:42:00.003-07:002012-03-01T13:42:48.781-07:00Our new house!!Finally, life has settled down enough to post about our new house! What a roller coaster of a ride! Our story is a long one, but such a learning experience. I'm going to tell the story to have it down, but feel free to skip over it to get to the pictures!!<br />
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Back in August we saw an ad in the paper for an open house. The house had 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and was going for $189,000. It sounded almost too good to be true!! We couldn't go to the open house so we called the realtor and set up an appointment. After walking through the house, we were in love with it. With no intention of moving, we prayed and prayed. We got the answer that we needed to buy the house and that is where we needed to be.<br />
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We were not going to buy until we sold the other house. I was comfortable where we were at. The boys were both doing very well in school and I loved our ward and our neighbors. It was a really hard decision, but I knew we had an answer to our prayers.<br />
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Then comes December. The owners of the house were going to accept another offer. After more praying and fasting, we decided to go ahead and close on the house without selling our other one. This put me into a lot of stress! I hated the idea of making 2 house payments, 2 utility payments, and having to worry about 2 houses! I hate jumping into things without having a plan. One night, I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned. I knew what the answer was to our prayers, but I didn't know why it was going to be so hard. I went out into the living room and prayed. I was sobbing and just wanted to stop worrying. All at once, I felt such a calm peaceful feeling. I stopped crying. This scripture kept entering my mind:<br />
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"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths."<br />
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In knew this was the answer to my prayers and I just had to trust. I took a big leap of faith and we went ahead and closed and moved in before we sold the other house. I had to remind myself of that scripture MANY times during the whole process! The Lord does have a plan for us. We ended up selling our other house and just closed on it this week. I cute young couple bought it. I hope they will enjoy it as much as we have these past 10 years!<br />
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So....without much adieu, here are some pics. This house has a story! The lady had almost everything faux painted and painted in murals. We had a lot of painting to do, but we are getting around to it! We love this house and it fits us so well. We still haven't done all of the rooms, but those will come. Zach is in heaven with all the boys his age in our neighborhood. We are enjoying our ward and enjoying getting to know new people. There will always be a place in our hearts for our old home and our old neighbors, but we aren't too far away!<br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-78684549293105984622011-12-31T22:14:00.000-07:002012-01-09T22:15:21.206-07:002011 Wrap upYes, we still are alive. I have not been good at blogging at all. That's one of my new year's resolutions. That and start a scripture journal. And lose weight. And do more family history. Anyway, here' a recap of what has been going on these last months:<br />
We celebrated Halloween:<br />
Yes, we did even though I hate the holiday. Zach and Parker were the Knights who saved Princess Alivia from the Evil Dragon Cooper:<br />
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Yeah, REAL Scary!!<br />
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We spent Thanksgiving at Mamoo's and Papa's in Rigby. I didn't take pictures of that one, but I usually don't take pictures of us after we have gorged ourselves with good food. We did start one thing that I would like to use as tradition: we did our Black Friday shopping in our jammies, online, while drinking hot chocolate and eating popcorn. So much better!</div>
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Parker celebrated his 6th birthday! Wow he went from this to this in like two seconds!!</div>
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He got to have his first friend party at Outer Limits. He had a blast with his cousins and friends. His birthday cake was a lego construction sight. Complete with a dump truck and bulldozer. It was really fun to make.<br />
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Zach got to play basketball this winter. His team was the Orange Crush. Truley the other teams always crushed them, but they were so fun to watch!! I love when it's not such a big deal to be the best. They just play to have fun. (He totally posed for this picture. He 'acted' surprised that I got him!)</div>
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Just before Christmas, GUS PASSED HIS FNP BOARDS!!!! After 2 years of hard work and 4 times taking the test, he finally passed. He is a legite Family Nurse Practitioner. I am so proud of him! I know that there was a lot of help from Heavenly Father!! There is a saying "Trust in the Lord means trust in His timing" that keeps going through my head. This really was one of those times! It all happened when it was supposed to and we did learn a great deal of patience and faith from this. Many prayers were answered. Thank you to all of you who remembered him!</div>
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Christmas came and went in a blink!! The kids opened their presents, we went to Sacrament meeting (I love Christmas on Sundays) and then we went to help serve lunch at the Salvation Army. That was a good experience! It was slow and it seemed like the people didn't really want to talk a whole bunch, but it was good to get out of our little comfort zone and help others.</div>
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So as I look back on this year, I see that the Lord's hand is in all things. I am so truly blessed with my wonderful family and friends. I am so grateful for my Savior and all that He has done for me. I love the Lord and know that through Him all things are possible!</div>
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Happy 2012!!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-3112991161479595682011-09-27T12:01:00.000-06:002011-09-27T12:02:07.403-06:00You are my chocolate!A lot of things have been on my mind lately. We are in a transition in life and it seems like it is taking forever for the changes to happen. We've put our house up for sale because we've found a house with more room, but things aren't moving very fast. Gus finished school, but has yet to jump that last hurdle and pass his boards test. A lot of things are on the verge of changing, but nothing has happened.<br />
On Saturday, I watched the General Relief Society meeting. The last speaker was President Uchtdorf. I love listening to him speak. It always seem like something is meant just for me. He talked about forgetting not. He compared them to the 5 petals of a forget-me-not flower. The one that stuck out to me the most was #3-Forget not to be happy now.<br />
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President Uchtdorf related the story of one of my most favorite children's book and movie of all time <em>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</em> (the movie with Gene Wilder, not Johnny Depp, although that one stayed truer to the book). Anyway, he recalled how everyone wanted a Golden Ticket. Everyone wanted it so bad, that they forgot the chocolate bar that they still had. President Uchtdorf then talked about being happy now and not waiting for your Golden Ticket in life. Be happy with what you have now. </div>
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So, I have been thinking a lot about my chocolate. I've been waiting for a Golden Ticket and I need to focus on my chocolate (not literally, but I wish it were!). So here is my chocolate:</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-64523324263910783572011-09-06T14:47:00.004-06:002011-09-06T14:55:32.063-06:00Summer 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaC2sTryCW6LtIegVzVEu_f1bG8QCh2RlEiRZXXX9dYCeKhqu4u8HysS1rHTIxWAHvjXZAaDQB0MkObG_pStj4wkVWfyNafgpMcQDO6QiLDTTdueAYL1XyhaG6i0jjvuiMrvqedowXfg/s1600/summer11.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649351353264147122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaC2sTryCW6LtIegVzVEu_f1bG8QCh2RlEiRZXXX9dYCeKhqu4u8HysS1rHTIxWAHvjXZAaDQB0MkObG_pStj4wkVWfyNafgpMcQDO6QiLDTTdueAYL1XyhaG6i0jjvuiMrvqedowXfg/s320/summer11.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>So I promise that we did have a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">summer</span> this year! Here is a top 10 list of things we did this summer:</div><br /><div>1- Had a baby (and a very cute one, may I say!)</div><br /><div>2- Celebrated the 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> of July. (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pocatello</span> is not my favorite place to go, nor will we stay here again. The parade was awful, but the fireworks were all right.)</div><br /><div>3- Spent some time in Island Park with the Jones' and some really big ANTS!</div><br /><div>4-Parker and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alivia</span> took swim lessons.</div><br /><div>5- Played in the water- a lot!</div><br /><div>6- Had the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blad</span> reunion at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steadman's</span> in Raft River.</div><br /><div>7- Played with cousins.</div><br /><div>8- Blessed the cute baby.</div><br /><div>9- Visited the Dinosaur Park in Ogden.</div><br /><div>10- Visited Temple Square.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I know that sounds like a pretty lame summer, but we didn't have the funds to go somewhere extravagant. I have to admit that this summer has been very stressful. Gus is waiting to take his boards again after he didn't pass. He is studying like mad!! Money has also been tight because we had that cute baby. My hospital bill was $6000! Thank goodness for insurance and thank goodness my husband works at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hospital</span>. I am very grateful for his job. All in all, the kids didn't let anything deter them from entertaining themselves. Oh, to be a kid again!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-27405858594466087002011-09-06T14:07:00.004-06:002011-09-06T14:12:37.727-06:00Cooper's Blessing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK0VR7SxOaJiG1v2u8KOW_YiSjNZPji4_JnJ2CGpJsqtb5LuZyu9VvUyoQk2gRKM5PA01kNNDh8OPpyJd9pYlYfnsZ_86a-zs8PFRwF-J3ggQXWBDeQoShLuS1b9R4xSgwd7VH1lSkA/s1600/coopbless11.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649341042763340530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK0VR7SxOaJiG1v2u8KOW_YiSjNZPji4_JnJ2CGpJsqtb5LuZyu9VvUyoQk2gRKM5PA01kNNDh8OPpyJd9pYlYfnsZ_86a-zs8PFRwF-J3ggQXWBDeQoShLuS1b9R4xSgwd7VH1lSkA/s320/coopbless11.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Oh, how time flies when you are super busy! I'm finally getting around to posting about our summer. Cooper was blessed on August 14, 2011, by his father. He was blessed in the Alameda 9th Ward in Pocatello, ID.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>We are so very fortunate that we have family and friends that live so close and can come share our special days with us. Cooper is such a great little guy and we are so blessed to have him in our family!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-992385390673951022011-06-27T14:40:00.006-06:002011-06-27T15:07:14.208-06:00Welcome Cooper!<div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDMIqASCHN2eP9tnCQHmZ4dT-ve8IZ2Irp9ZWEmOTFxZbE5a-6mLLRIDQbuao9mYyDxBzKneXoYcfIbtIC0wTFeWCrf5rphg5nkoQ1ZFolYSNGaclCPXQ7rrCR9CCe8EMDTw9ogrBLQ/s1600/cooper.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623002759350216898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDMIqASCHN2eP9tnCQHmZ4dT-ve8IZ2Irp9ZWEmOTFxZbE5a-6mLLRIDQbuao9mYyDxBzKneXoYcfIbtIC0wTFeWCrf5rphg5nkoQ1ZFolYSNGaclCPXQ7rrCR9CCe8EMDTw9ogrBLQ/s320/cooper.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Cooper Allan <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blad</span> made his entrance to this world on June 23, 2011 at 2:10 p.m. He weighed 7lbs 12oz and was 21" long. Everyone keeps asking me who he looks like, and I really can't tell! I thought he looked like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alivia</span> at first, but then I can see Parker and Zach in him too!</p><br /><p>I had to be induced with Cooper because my blood pressure was too high. After they broke my water, I really started feeling contractions and got my epidural. Not 5 minutes later, I knew it was time to go! His heart rate dropped and I don't remember much after that. Things got a little scary. They threw oxygen on me and started telling me to push. He came down so fast and was turned the wrong way so the doctor had to use forceps. It happened all so fast and I don't remember much, but I am so grateful that I had a very attentive staff and a wonderful doctor! I'm grateful for Gus, and his willingness to be there by my side for everything. And I am very grateful to my Heavenly Father for sending us another beautiful baby boy and that he arrived here safely.</p><br /><p>The kids got to see him before they left with Grandma and Grandpa to a reunion. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alivia</span> said "Oh, he's so cute! Can we keep him?" Zach and Parker were fun to see with him.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623007460467684226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oNLYZdyI4eVZfP6p0KxRkUYKqLW6UDp-oYTtCb1DB8fZJ2tjQ1qUJ47uJndTB8i-A_jT5mHOaoZeGvwz3IAW0CFGmcNL73TfO6iBZ5Qd6ZZ9t-SBpW1MMUBjcAVRRcfCur_7RnXyRA/s320/DSCF0519.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623007086064494626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmbWZ0Qf-cmHu-dAh58QAsj991Xco0m8QbjEs5GTlTippahMdL7DmUwu20748Sst2ueUo3gNzuTAF0xsQETVjlxo_PNl-7KxOR7c81-Sgt5_fQAsqnDFvg8igIcC9_EPC_fpHkbyq6Q/s320/DSCF0514.JPG" /></p></div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623007907577841714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3yF7Gv03Wq4nv2AoLI59X3KKY3GDToKAcZ1BxvaflueMC32XAcKumnHRKW23Tx-ZjxLIv0OMi39y7OByTXNLwQvGZv7q-mi0D6rDIwEt2U3dTd3u2YUoM9r1TKZKnKp8R3TEworICw/s320/DSCF0539.JPG" />We are so happy to finally have Cooper here. We decided to name him Cooper Allan after his grandpa, Merlin Allan. So far, everything looks good and he is a great little baby. Welcome to the world Cooper!!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-45908591446740527062011-06-22T13:43:00.006-06:002011-06-22T13:50:47.773-06:00Alivia is 3Alivia had her 3rd birthday on June 6. It's hard to believe how fast time flies! She was 7lbs. 13oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. She was also 3 days late, which shows her little personality! She will do things when she's ready! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621132965997643298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLPwaOroqh_qH-ZcM4bdygDea4gZVjbJXLxzp9ROORDoQKWCOgipQNTvjcEUWF0l9IKLZJCbZzi8yLLsved54yCUbjuXhutYPCdcoEi8MRutD3VGs2lF8f6oY1ImLZ_ga4nJqvc5wEg/s320/067.JPG" /> <br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Again, we just had a quiet get together with friends and family. She loves the movie Tangled, so I attemped to make a tower cake with the characters from the movie on it. It was cute, even though it was leaning and falling apart!! She loved it.<br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621132471255826418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWNbblO6M3ycmflK2NEi-FLY9nZykSF16PMwyPHdqFlmzPwLxpFEBxVRE5hRNrnLRjkocsY9KJ7myQe7RNW4i1DApGhE-TFVZb17fTJ-52tzO4hOO9ecQu53FOq3fdHMSTHxX_637pw/s320/DSCF0503.JPG" /></div><br /><div>We are so glad Alivia is part of our family. She loves playing with her brothers, but also is such a girl! Her favorite color is purple and her favorite food is Mac and Cheese. She loves to talk to people (I wonder where she gets that from!) and loves to sing. We love you Alivia!! </div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-68102496988228041432011-06-02T10:01:00.011-06:002011-06-06T08:47:45.070-06:00Happy 9th Zach!<div>It's really hard to believe that 9 years ago we brought home this little guy:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613653365474814642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3k9aINQnucrvYx5aYtldGNAbQlSxiJ0iionANjEFj2Mw9FtdhMgZ4e8ieR9SaMrdhpAsd5RS2Eb9IYr0P93uEI-OPq76cu8DAUFNkHYcgGOTuCQGCst7KK7cI-OEZb9qUOnCZ5GHGw/s320/zach2.jpg" />I remember Zach was born with lots of hair. The nurses in the hospital combed it over and loved it. His red hair has been a favorite of a lot of people-especially old people. They love to touch it and remember their brother or uncle or dad with red hair. We love his red hair too! It fits his personality. <br /><div><br /><p>We kept his birthday pretty low key for this year. I didn't feel much like having a huge party while I'm 9 months pregnant! He had to go to school, but it was his last day so they got to go roller skating and watch movies. Gus took in ice cream sandwiches to his class and then took him out to lunch to Bamboo Gardens.</p><br /><p>That night we had our friends over for cake and ice cream. He wanted a skateboard cake. After researching options this is what we came up with:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613656244465963938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHBNCAgP1hSNqXdghvBSfODyT8cDkaUxMTVjNrCA483wIk6qk0l2sdtfkigjUBDEX_IRaFv-T1oXA-GhZVGv-GAJ26YzdqBhjJmbN-EYYegDk99scnDyxuQRVXHZyaGufAZ7nSORCEg/s320/DSCF0481.JPG" />He got a new bike, shirts, Legos, a water gun, and a new hamster. We wrapped up the cage and put a fake hamster in it so he could go later and pick out his own. It was funny to see his face when he unwrapped it. He has been wanting a pet forever and we finally decided on a hamster. Partly because we got the cage and everything from Laura (thanks Laura!). We'll see how he takes care of it. Then we might move to something bigger! </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615118187892105618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-1oO4LyUf1PhvVrHjogsvwMugRktWgOWnbmEojdp-Cx4onWAPIz5R9vLOZISZFz3uFKHXlttdALExb0mUpKgKdfsCeApVeWxq0Kw5CADw0LXr5wZkgY55YSPpi4dxiB6GDw9O-LR1g/s320/DSCF0488.JPG" />Happy Birthday Zach! We love you and the spirit that you bring into our family. I'm so glad that you were born first to help take care of the rest of us!!</div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-41027292445864624002011-06-01T12:23:00.004-06:002011-06-01T12:36:27.158-06:00Preschool GraduateIt seems that we have had a lot of graduating going on this year! Parker finished preschool and we had his graduation last week. Here he is with some of his classmates.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613321485818080386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-MMHs18RRdK-27ZHt558w0llu4U1puGhM7C7lrKTlpzgKar_X_wdeTu3kHrnx8v3QpaK_g4VIkByuJw9j-4kexrrzTlLHBH-X9YIKTfmBA3tdQE22mDEP_C1EL0Q4Djwm6yAhywV9w/s320/DSCF0468.JPG" /><br /><br /><div>Parker loves school and loves learning. His teachers called him the smart, quiet type. He identified all his letters, numbers, colors and shapes and can count past twenty (he gets mixed up after 40). His favorite thing about preschool this year was learning all about dinosaurs. We love you and are proud of you Parker!!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-1096495011946373692011-05-21T13:04:00.004-06:002011-05-21T13:15:03.541-06:00Graduation!!!I am so proud of this man: (Don't mind the fat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">preggo</span> lady)<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609247699567070930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpz7qub79lO9TMzqbpuaZNLL89ZT4I_xrDBmBBZJXa8rumZ_nEgYSFrgDiXFuk8e0W1vV3n85zt1q6p9fKwf0V5oxiyWqSHZAhrtXsgQedA3DsUNTmIFQAKYHh72ccSFQ9_eUH2Cc-pw/s400/DSCF0371.JPG" />Seriously, he is one hard worker. He knows what he wants and he goes after it and NEVER gives up. That is one thing that I absolutely love about him. After he graduated with his Bachelor's he knew that he wanted to go back to get his Master's. All I thought was "Crap! More school???" Two years ago he started back to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. School hasn't always been easy for him. He learns best by doing and not by reading. That's what makes him a great nurse. There were times that he struggles with the program, but he came out on top. I must admit that this last semester was HORRIBLE! He was gone all of the time either doing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">clinicals</span> or working and it was hard to be a single parent! I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished.</p><br /><p>So what does this mean for our little family?<br /></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7Tcrz059nE2JV0wynVrsoOoYzMmPS7I1I8ui7s52-DIsPZxCL0DkHXRF5ts66TAyofidUYyQfJisfsOoQcfGMc-9yvyOGGULuLnr51oZET8WoFoL1cdR_eWQdirJH-47wZ7CVGe6Zw/s1600/DSCF0440.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609249177469752290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7Tcrz059nE2JV0wynVrsoOoYzMmPS7I1I8ui7s52-DIsPZxCL0DkHXRF5ts66TAyofidUYyQfJisfsOoQcfGMc-9yvyOGGULuLnr51oZET8WoFoL1cdR_eWQdirJH-47wZ7CVGe6Zw/s320/DSCF0440.JPG" /></a> I don't quite know yet! Gus has to take his Boards before he can apply for any job-which will be within the next month or so. He has some options rolling around for a job. I'm just glad that he can diagnose and treat our kids when they get sick! We'll see what the future holds and I am just going to pray that he doesn't want to get a Doctorate now!!!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-45561993561906346282011-05-06T15:33:00.005-06:002011-05-06T15:53:40.572-06:00Wickedly fun!!<div>So for each anniversary we have, we like to get gifts or do something that goes with that year. The 10th anniversary is tin/aluminum. I thought it was a perfect fit that this was coming to Boise this year, and even on the week of our anniversary:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603721286228647218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DqHln7AF-xsxJlzEWVDSQPXOE9dEu8BA8KkvcCz4BPQcyyhciTAuJwzL6tI1-lP0knUFnnfPdjluHVkqHwc-4NFFWM2dyhKjCJBhbKfJRf_1JJlDnXRz6QPhACMXIrWnpS9TGbd5Sg/s320/wicked_img.jpg" /></div><br />For those who don't know the story, it is about the witches of Oz before Dorothy came. So of coarse in it you will find:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603721975050612002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJnZzrkfxtXyBIzW4hCIfnTwayG87uWO7Im8K_GYwts7pR5lKyRWgJZSHwFrEZRNa21VIUkvW7KFF2KDymEzXlRF88NCOnXraJLq1eit6wbUtgHKaTAp9nIEp5hn5KFlGnu7qy2luCA/s320/tin_man.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div>The tin man!! It was so awesome! We went over to Boise and stayed the night. We were able to go to a session at the Boise temple. Then we ate at Tucano's. The next day we shopped a little and went to see Wicked. I'm lucky to have great in-law's who took our kids for the night and let us get away. All in all it was a great little jaunt over to Boise and I'm glad we went.</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-79154252853719097502011-05-03T12:48:00.008-06:002011-05-03T13:10:25.121-06:0010 Years!!10 years ago I married this handsome stud:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602563866653471970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM84BLH_BIOKmPKuc8712w2gwemPT-sRZB1W0fhDbgdF9zyXsEGyHAjkjO31DxxGKC1UiAmyN5FekW6Y-QYrRNrfyG_prbilr-0Jchcc7VddGBO1LenrH_PsV1yFdKLQZxLLrR6lGg2w/s320/FH000010.jpg" /> I know! He looks so young, doesn't he?? I can't believe that it has been 10 years already. Since this is kinda like my journal (that everyone can read) I thought that each year I should start sharing some of my memories of our wedding day. Then when I get old and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">senile</span> I can read all about them.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here is a funny memory ( I apologize for the quality of theses pictures. Digital photography was not used back then!)</div></div></div><br /><br /><p>We are cutting our lovely cake. I warned him that he better not try anything funny with shoving the cake in my face. I trusted him and let him go first:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602564903299198946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLw8udVuiV-9c7w6Jxo03M0nyHFVqt6sId1NNm5UxWT-RiuwRmcLHo-_yhtJ-D4Sd2gcgrg6twan-WDVdHqUjbwnjEYNU32p_n7fe2VKbonBhmFhorWyTnG-AHgjEs9_3zbgSp8Sb7Mw/s320/FH000026.jpg" />Totally shoved it!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602565564808764354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_Xww1VGX9mebHsvF4uXG8ISaiVnwd44MHIbB_hh9gKu8LFdEc-CpFYWMLKSSpu8E_pzfqnF4njpyVk7YN-yuBXzZHufhLxPKVlpMj6m76t1FCmUaROmMcWvUyLhCfNRhDZMZh9mglg/s320/FH000032.jpg" /></p><br /><br /><p>So I had to shove it back. He knew what was coming (notice the napkin).<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602565869292929554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GaBGy221Q7QE9ve-XmzFt4HDBlMTm5TmUP5IH7hzQWGl9vJRLTl5lFUl5i4Ppl6KdE5R1hk94NY6dZYtuhkyU4pULREqHRcAp0wO-mtRvI5Fk0dQFdJEUb1m8pUc4rHNBEkVO2w93A/s320/FH000035.jpg" /></p><br /><br /><p>Typical wedding cake eating scenario until....</p><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602566227617372482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7J4NaenQw863I0xxWo6XDLgMRVVD4oKFmjzFyA-BLCmquaT4LyyHrUmYHGAiqscuCXM8B9vqtHkwHx9AhKMGDf_V4Z9Qv2ZCjhi-gk26rIUIuIqUxrcPg80EM1tuebhW-shZpdAx9w/s320/FH000038.jpg" /></p><br /><br /><div>If you really know Gus, you know that he has to have the last whatever...last word, last laugh, last anything, so he couldn't be outdone. He kisses me with a mouth full of cake and actually regurgitates it back into my mouth. If you notice, my look is of disgust in this picture. It was nasty! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Looking back on these last 10 years we have been through a lot. He has always been there for me no matter what. We have had some wonderful memories and also some very challenging ones, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. He has loved me no matter what. Through very trying pregnancies and a very emotional miscarriage. He has given me 3 beautiful children and another on the way. He has taught me patience and love and service. I can't imagine my life without him. He is my best friend and I didn't think it was possible, but I love him more now than I did on that day 10 years ago. When I don't think it's possible to love him anymore, I can't wait to see how I feel in 10 more years!! I love you Gus!! Happy Anniversary!!</div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-84657623132389975372011-03-24T11:13:00.006-06:002011-03-24T11:20:36.017-06:00Pinewood Derby, Baby!<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587696070803304130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTzoD4TCqUxYYRKC49zuCEI6-X-Bsh0lshZBH_zRFQTn8ae8jKE6R2so5B9E4nsI9LodgXinkQKxjH70G2va1_uBy-yI85Hj9jjSSRxHHY1VXJ2MXx2Bgf5HImt1RDbLpjhgp8rMBzA/s320/DSCF0344.JPG" />Zach had his first Pinewood Derby on Tuesday. Boy was he excited! He wanted a skateboard for his racecar. I think that was all Zach contributed! He did get to spray paint it and help a little with the construction. Coming from a family of all girls, I never experienced the Pinewood Derby. I guess it's a big deal! I would have just given Zach the car and let his whittle it out of wood and slap some paint on it!!! I'm sure glad that he had his dad to help him!<br /><div><div> </div><div>He won his first race. It actually sped down the track. Then he lost his 2nd race and raced one more time. He loved it, but was sad he won. He takes losing hard. I guess that's something we have to work on. In the end, it was fun and he is thinking about his car for next year!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587697429581229490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIisD1RbHy3nBz9Suo5ILwU0_iPIFQvQ6Izo5Kv8D0oBsoGtyTTjg0vQlEW5MT_zG9YwsNPvCLE1uWNVkjKxMvxOW0U00hhorMitSnFdeK2TnQ_o6_d7MBB3e2mDRjns29u9cCD5UKjw/s320/DSCF0352.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587696953453026418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ijdOOfDthqXHIJvf0dkZZVYBX7wbsUMD5N4XUqrkdyb-bvQdAqae5Hf6t5STsvrLU1-xhmuGLr8HGrZ9cgx_z7sKfBc08smXGwsO-J03bqfA5m8kuDRq-Gx-PleUeDp40-V3YSYNbg/s320/DSCF0349.JPG" /></div></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-60610299562074954772011-02-18T09:34:00.007-07:002011-02-18T10:35:54.094-07:00Sheep<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIglSYOiOPHVMs1NTkkd82LbNfFzAwMUlgLXFBfUkGF50zNAme-fdptfVkyP1sKU9leAjXmoETmZoxsH48tYuV8BJmlbMgfUD6XlotTB3howVjTsmDFms8ChD3ROMtIl2_5kXjxW7hOg/s1600/classy_sheep.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575068898939129090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIglSYOiOPHVMs1NTkkd82LbNfFzAwMUlgLXFBfUkGF50zNAme-fdptfVkyP1sKU9leAjXmoETmZoxsH48tYuV8BJmlbMgfUD6XlotTB3howVjTsmDFms8ChD3ROMtIl2_5kXjxW7hOg/s320/classy_sheep.png" /></a><br /><div>Dear Diary (blog),</div><div>I have to admit that last night was one of my WORST ever nights as a parent. Lately I have been so tired and last night was no different. It has been sooooo hard with Gus gone all the time to clinics/work/or doing church stuff. He doesn't make it home until 10 on the nights he has clinicals and 8 if he is working, which leaves me pretty much as a single parent. I have to admit that it is hard especially when I am pregnant.</div><div>Last night my kids were being complete hellions. I had one throwing fits over everything I asked him to do, one making messes everywhere she went, one completely defying me in every way. Well, one thing led to another and after I had one in time-out for the 3rd time in 2 hours, I lost it. Too much at one time! I let out a yell and slammed my door shut and started sobbing. I have never felt so incapable of doing something as I had right then. I wondered why I ever wanted to be a parent and even worse why I was bringing another one into this world. I have been struggling lately with my self worth. I feel like a glorified babysitter. I miss teaching so much and feel that I really don't do much while I'm at home. At least while I was teaching I felt some sort of accomplishment with my days. I wasn't throwing up, cleaning up, vacuuming, cooking dinner, picking up Legos, and yelling every 5 minutes.</div><div>I knew I had to say a prayer. The words of a song started coming to my mind. I heard this song one Sunday and it sent me into tears. I have to remind myself of its message constantly. Here are the words:</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I have a little flock of sheep,</div><div>And they are mine to tend and keep.</div><div>I must guard them every day,</div><div>For little lambs when left alone, will loose their way.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>So many voices say to me,</div><div>A sheepfold is no place to be.</div><div>Your time in there is dull and slow,</div><div>And lambs leave very little room for you to grow.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>For if I ever start to stray,</div><div>Deceived of thoughts of greener pastures,</div><div>Remind me Lord that keeping sheep</div><div>Will lead to happier ever afters.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Oh surely there will come a day</div><div>When all the lambs have left my side</div><div>And I am free to roam and about</div><div>And go exploring other meadows green and wide.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Yet something whispers in my heart</div><div>That when my sheep have left this pen</div><div>I'll long to stroke their little heads</div><div>To draw them close to me and have them young again.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>So while they still are in my care</div><div>I pray that I will clearly see,</div><div>These little lambs within my folds</div><div>Are tender gifts the master shepherd has given me.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>After I had calmed down, I called each one of them in my room and we all cried. I explained that I get upset when Dad isn't home and I am tired and they won't listen. I apologized for getting mad. They were really good after that. I was so embarrassed for the way I acted around them. I do love them all so much and I am so blessed to have good kids. I do have to be thankful that I am here every day for them. I get to kiss the boo-boos, snuggle with them, read them stories, and listen to them laugh. I get to share in their ups and downs, their silly jokes, their smiles and kisses. I'm so blessed that Heavenly Father sent them to me. So they are my lovely sheep and I am happy being Little Bo Peep!!</div><div></div><div>Love,</div><div>Melanie</div><div></div><div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-30974728222969244332011-02-07T13:36:00.003-07:002011-02-07T13:52:25.304-07:00It's a Boy!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXjaF9Hw-uMB-8cqN6RhozkLpgyxhicqCgM3t8MZEMEKQu07yKUB54Jbdxpn_GHeyZOrwqPB5Hn1L-O_gXNZ_I3_BUcixI5VcgGnv4vqW9zZJ38HSREYWGAz7jkbAbS9kGPUr7j_CQg/s1600/BLADMELANIE20110207102540915.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571049514557973650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXjaF9Hw-uMB-8cqN6RhozkLpgyxhicqCgM3t8MZEMEKQu07yKUB54Jbdxpn_GHeyZOrwqPB5Hn1L-O_gXNZ_I3_BUcixI5VcgGnv4vqW9zZJ38HSREYWGAz7jkbAbS9kGPUr7j_CQg/s400/BLADMELANIE20110207102540915.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Yeah! It's another boy! Today we went in for our ultrasound and were way surprised! Gus was sure that this was another girl, and so did I because I have been so sick, but secretly wanted another boy. Everyone else thought it was a girl too. This little one is so active. My other babies weren't this busy during the ultrasound. The tech actually had a hard time getting some pictures because the baby kept moving! He kept flashing his boy parts, so there is no doubt this is a little boy! He is about 12 oz. and my due date has moved to June 28! I think I will go with that date from now on!</div><div> </div><div>I am so excited! I would have loved another girl, but boys are so much easier! I do feel bad that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alivia</span> doesn't get to have a sister, but she will be able to hold her own! We gave the kids each a blue sucker and had them guess what we were having. Zach is really excited. Parker is okay with it and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alivia</span> is kinda oblivious at what is going on. She just liked the sugar. We are super excited and blessed to welcome another little one into our home.</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-14428997369090905622010-12-30T16:39:00.002-07:002010-12-30T16:48:00.165-07:00Christmas 2010This year we had a easy going Christmas. Nothing too fancy. At our Blad Christmas party, Santa came to give the kids their gifts from their cousins. On Christmas morning, Zach woke up Parker and Alivia at 4:30!! After I went out and told them to go back to bed, they were restless. Zach was 'starving' and wanted breakfast. After I offered him some go-gurts, he didn't want any saying "That's all we get for breakfast?" I told him it wasn't time for breakfast. They finally went back to sleep until 7:30, but I was not in a good mood!! Next year, they will not be able to get out of bed until 7:00!!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556624523778554738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkTrNdigG6x5IDb3WHqjIRgVckkkUMHGyRNnNKu-PK2uyI_gD3KrVH42qLaL2Y2RZ9NOpvdk7up0jVe4qV_qMuxERIA5CsJt7-doff9E52nA4eMLGnjK8py0uRJSVhsHLy51SEK1YUw/s400/christmas10.jpg" /><br />We have a tradition that came from Gus' childhood days. The kids write a note to Santa telling him where to leave their presents. After we took turns and opened all of our presents, the boys played with all of their toys and Alivia fell back asleep. We went and saw <em>The Voyage of the Dawn Treader</em> with Grandma & Grandpa and Brian & Laura. Then we went up to Brian's for dinner. It was a great day!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-8850717835822196542010-12-30T16:04:00.004-07:002010-12-30T16:11:52.086-07:00Parker is 5!Okay so Parker turned 5 the beginning of this month. I really wanted to post this before the end of the year. I'm just working on extra slow time.<br /><div> </div><div>I can't believe it has been 5 years since I brought home this little guy:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556615580712350754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_nmmSr3OCAVVtPtPHiAfvRen4caVsGGV7BzzDqeJXbzRQmN_kplAku87Qb-sV6VLbR6mcrlh4fJ_TQi0Wocx2WS1po1Jc2a5uK5oEsxn91id7NhCaoKgv-RA2bz4PyjNlmiyIkTaVw/s320/PARKERBLAD.JPG" /></div><br /><div>He really wasn't all that little-coming in at 8lbs 3oz. He has been a great blessing to our family. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For his birthday this year he wanted a dinosaur cake. I planted a couple of cakes together and let him cover it with dinosaurs. Then we made a volcano with lava flowing out of it. He loved it. He chose honey chicken for his dinner and then we had cake and ice cream. Very simple, but it was his special day. We love you Parker!<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556616638329520002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMaeJJa7uBSLMhxGGs0V0K37qz9ScAoHGkJlUuwaLu9LBhwpqM0TQpNUxpCrS62Zi7vgdduVz9ktQgEily_gn-BkTsm4swe50Scd80jrMmQ0B9Pda-t3dS2Yg3yFPr4sYpdIW76GEZQ/s400/parker5.jpg" />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-10361808441638479702010-11-18T12:29:00.004-07:002010-11-18T12:39:28.266-07:00Yes, It's True<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98ddotv-EBXd9ZBvqTkOpTIUNwlDy7884QGDfe-5Lav__ti9bv_pCXRE6LDcD_FrrstkpC2pp32mrB41rEG0G6y9SfvU92WDS3ShHSVlqsk6QxJ1DKCGXv_FMfNYFAxPtzhwhaAPIbg/s1600/Stork.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540974231436192626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98ddotv-EBXd9ZBvqTkOpTIUNwlDy7884QGDfe-5Lav__ti9bv_pCXRE6LDcD_FrrstkpC2pp32mrB41rEG0G6y9SfvU92WDS3ShHSVlqsk6QxJ1DKCGXv_FMfNYFAxPtzhwhaAPIbg/s320/Stork.gif" /></a><br /><div>I'm sure you've been hearing rumors! It's true. I am pregnant. I'm due July 1.</div><div> </div><div>"But you said you were done," you must be thinking. I was. Someone with higher powers had something else in mind for me. I hate being pregnant and wish away these 9 months and I did not want to go through this misery again. I'm a mean, selfish person when I'm pregnant and I hate it. After I swore off being pregnant again, I started having these 'feelings'. I wasn't done and I knew it. I tried to talk myself out of it. I tried to ignore those promptings, but they didn't go away. I decided that I was going to give it 3 months-no more- and if it was supposed to happen, then it would. It happened. It's like having something to do and you really don't want to do it, but you know you have to do it anyway. Yeah, that's my life. Don't get me wrong. I want more kids, but getting them here is sooooo hard.</div><div> </div><div>We really wanted to wait to tell people. After I had my miscarriage, I found it was hard spreading the word and then being really disappointed. I have been really sick lately, which I know is a good sign. I'm sorry if I have been mean lately. I'm sorry that my house isn't the best right now. And, I'm sorry that my kids are spending WAY too much time in front of the TV, but I am in survival mode right now. I promise I will get better in about 7 months!! Until then, don't expect much!!! I'm just sayin'.....</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288462893893208030.post-36053107106174918282010-11-04T17:00:00.004-06:002010-11-04T17:05:06.359-06:00Halloween 2010<div>I convinced the kids to match this Halloween. Since Alivia loves Tinkerbell, I talked Zach and Parker to go along. We watched lots of Peter Pan to get them excited!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535833797181936642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwqPQes1VXtQh-12BItKqFNInyjmNLhIk11WXeAspQoiY1L3Bq-5vr1AKGjt8d62ii3tg7MRON3hUjcYDQukjICQvy58Fz2rPV-vL50qO7RfsLbjkvtd6F84C5gz07KDP4eTD3nP1ow/s400/halloween10.jpg" /><br /><div></div><div>We never seem to stray much from our Halloween activities. We went to our church for some Trunk or Treating. Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa trunk or treat. Can I just say candy overload?? All in all, I'm glad that Halloween is over for another 11 months!</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911162053667898757noreply@blogger.com4