Living The Crazy Wonderful

This is Dan posting about my Century Ride

2010-08-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

I hope Rachel doesn't mind me using her blog to post this, but Facebook limits you to 420 characters and I am too wordy 8^).

Get ready for my story...

Yesterday was a super great day and the culmination of almost 2 years of hard work. Many of you in my friends list have known me for most of my life. I have always been overweight and struggled with asthma since grade school. We all have our challenges and struggles and mine has always been my health and making healthy choices.

By 2008 I weighed 427 pounds and I had a number of health problems including asthma, chronic allergies, sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, and plantar fasciitis. I know it is easy to look at someone that is that overweight and have a lot of thoughts cross your mind. I can attest that for some it is very very easy to get that big and once you are that large it is almost impossible to correct. You health and weight and your body's constant hormonal cravings tend to breed more overeating and sedentary lifestyle. Think of it in my case as carrying 20+ 10lb sacks of potatoes around all day, it can wear you out and discourage you.

Memorial day weekend 2008 was my turning point when a serious 4 wheeler accident split my head open and broke my neck in 3 places. It made me realize that life is short and I wanted to spend more time alive with my family. I also wanted to change for myself. This is the key - all change has to come from within. I decided to have gastric bypass surgery. Trust me that this is not the easy way out and for many who reach weights like mine it is the only way out. Oct 27, 2008 I went in for surgery. This first 100lbs came off fairly easily. The last 100 came off from strict diet and exercise. I still struggle getting the last 20 or so pounds off and from being so overweight I don't look normal from all my loose skin around my upper body.

That being said I FEEL GREAT. I am more than 200lbs lighter and my asthma is much better as are the allergies, the other ailments are all gone except for joint pain. No more diabetes, no more sleep apnea, no more high blood pressure. My energy levels are up.

Yesterday was the culmination because I completed my first CENTURY ride, I rode in the Bike the Bear race, and I completed 102.15 miles in 2 laps around Bear Lake in North Eastern Utah and Southern Idaho. This has been a goal of mine for more than a year and it felt so good to complete it.

I want to thank my wife, Rachel, and my kids for supporting me and believing in me. I want to thank my Mom and Dad Bowman for coming out and participating yesterday and for their support. Edgar and Jenny Villacorta for their support and participation - We all had so much fun and thanks for taking Rach and I out to dinner last night to celebrate! I also want to thank my brother, Dave Taylor and Doxtek for gifting me the Trek bike over a year ago.

There were hundreds of riders, mostly Boy Scouts. Many had signed up for the 50 mile race and I have to say that the first half was much more fun riding with all the other cyclists. The second lap I was by myself and I saw only a handful of other riders. I did have an accident at about mile 65 when I made a turn and didn't notice a patch of dirt and I slid. The last 30 miles were the hardest as I had to tackle some tough hills for the second time and I was running out of energy. The Aid stations were mostly closed. I ran out of water at mile 80 and rode another 8 miles to the last aid station where they were packed up to go. I grabbed water and filled up my Camelbak and ate 3 apples for energy. I rode a few more miles and was feeling tired and wiped when Rach called me. She came out to me and I was 8.5 miles from the finish. I stopped and drank some more and had some more to eat. Her and the kids that were with her would follow and then pass and wait for me and yell as I passed. We leap frogged like this until there were the last 2 miles. She then drove ahead to wait for me at the finish line.

It makes me emotional as I write this to think of all the love and support I received yesterday from my wife and family. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I love you Rach and I love all my kiddos. I love all of my family and friends - thanks for putting up with me!

This is not going to be my last bike ride - I told my wife that I am a cyclist now and so I look forward to more rides next season!

Thanks for indulging me in my story.

The Big Game

2009-09-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

Brigg approached his principal about a month and a half ago, asking if there was a possibility of having an unofficial soccer game after school some time. She thought it was a wonderful idea and encouraged him to do it, but explained that he would have to be responsible for finding teachers and or parents to volunteer their time after school to coach. He talked to the P.E. teacher first, he couldn't do it but offered the school Jerseys to be used. He found 4 other people, two teachers and two fathers who gave their time.

Yesterday was the big day, after all the permission slips were turned in, the game started with 58!! players. We're so proud of Brigg and his determination to get this game accomplished.

Don't worry....I wont give you the proud parent slide show commentary with each picture. These are some of the highlights from the super fun game.

Brigg is wearing a green shirt with tan shorts and is on the blue jersey team

Tate is wearing a red shirt and jeans and was on the red jersey team.

I love it when.....

2009-09-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Its all too easy to look at the same old day staring us in the face and feel worn or down about our lot in life and how mundane tasks become. The same routines day in and day out. The same whining, the same tattling, the same struggle to make ends meet.

Self admittedly I've been a bit down lately, or focusing on the negative instead of the positive. I've lost sight of how much I have to be grateful for. So a couple days ago, I started thinking of things that I love in my crazy wonderful routine called life. These are a few of the things I thought about, some small and insignifigant but I've noticed them and they have made me smile......

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I love it when my three year old tells me...."I want to bought that" on every commercial promoting a new toy.

I love it when the boys read with sleepy voices and yawns during family scriptures in the mornings.

I love it when I get butterflies from hubby's picture showing up on my cell phone when he calls.

I love it when Tanner, at the age of 14 still kisses my cheek and tells me goodnight before he heads to bed.

I love it when Tate laughs his real uncontrolled laugh

I love it when Brigg calls me Ma.

I love it when Kobe dances like a ballerina

I love it when Emma tucks her hair behind her ears

I love it when Corwin tells me about his day at school in intricate detail

I love it when Briar wants to be held like a baby

I love it when my siblings call me

I love it when I get a text from a friend

I love it when my kids recall memories of my parents

I love it when the kids use too much ketchup

I love it when my kids say "back forward" instead of rewind

I love it when our youngest, every time she hears a set of keys jingle, she yells.."Bye Dad"

I love it when my hubby leaves for work, because he has a job to go to and..... I especially love it when he comes home at night

=o)

HOLY FAT SUIT THAT SWALLOWED DAN...BATMAN!

2009-08-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

We pulled up these shots today and my jaw hit the floor.

YUM AND RAWR BABE!!! HUBBA HUBBA!!!! MMEEOOWW!!!(insert a sexy whistle and an eyebrow raise here)

Shameless Plug

2009-04-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

My Sweetheart of 14 years, has been through a lot this last year. He is, as always a huge source of strength to me. I am so proud of him and the decisions he's made. As many of you know, he cut his head open in a quad accident, broke his neck in two places and he had Gastric Bypass surgery. He has been working really hard at his weight loss. He has a new BLOG, where he is journaling his journey. He has decided to take part in the Tour DE Scottsdale marathon. It is a 70 mile race. I have watched him train and he is nothing short of an inspiration. So everyone please, stop by his sight and give him a well deserved pat on the back. two nights ago, he rode 40 miles. Watching this transformation has been a miracle and blessing in our lives.

"Shortcut"

2009-04-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight after Miss Em's bath, we were brushing her hair, and she was crying. "I want a shortcut Mommy, it hurts when you brush it" So I started thinking. Last year during swimming season, if I didn't put it into a tight bun before she swam, it was a nightmare to brush through. So I did it, something I thought I would NEVER do. Cut my babies hair short. Short hair is for boys after all. BUT we LOVE IT!

Easter 2009

2009-04-15T19:38:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter from our little bunch of Crazy Wonderfuls. =o)

Confused?

2009-04-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

So we're watching a movie as a family and this conversation happens, and I wonder. Do kids really understand what they are watching?

Watching "Journey To The Center Of The Earth"

Main boy actor says: I call dibs on the Tour guide
Main adult actor says: Your 13 you can't call dibs on her

Kobe: What are dibs?

Brigg: Ice cream thingies

Seeing Red...

2009-02-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

Not that kind of red....

This kind of red. Briar spent 30 minutes doing this. "Dora's all red mommy LOOK"

Ah the wonders of a child.

Feeling Especially Gypped Today...

2009-01-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling especially Gypped today. I don't normally talk about it, but I'm just so sad.
I decided to take the kids to the mall to play. I needed to pick up a little gift for a baby shower, so kill 2 birds with one stone right?

Well I got to the mall before they opened at 9:30 while all the fun cute little snow birds are still there walking the mall for exercise. So the first little couple passes me and I smile, they nod and smile, the second set stops and pats Corwin on the head making a comment about how cute he is. At this point a little twinge in my heart reminding me how much I miss my Mom and Dad.
So we make it to the little play center and I look up and on the second story is the cutest little couple so far, the man has his arm around his wife and they are looking over the railing adoring and talking about all the cute little kids. I bite my lip to stop myself from crying, then in comes one, two, then Three couples to sit and watch the kids. Two sets have a couple grand kids in tow. And I couldn't help it. I started crying, in front of all these people I don't know.
I felt like a 30 year old orphan who's kids are seriously Gypped out of grandparents. Mom and Dad were the best grandparents, always reading books, a sitting just to rock or hold the kids.

GRRRRR Why! Why do some people get to have parents until they are old themselves, while I have none, and no Grandma's and Grandpa's to spoil my babies.
I hate sounding bitter. I'm grateful for the years that I did have with them. I'm just sad today for some reason. More so than usual.

Dinner Time Conversation

2009-01-25T16:21:00.000-08:00

Emma: Damn it! I can't get in behind the bench

Mom: What did you say Emma?

Emma: Damn it......

Tanner.....(snickers)
Brigham....(eyes wide)
Tate...(lowers his eyes to his plate)

Dad: Emma, that is a bad word

Emma: What is....Damn it?

Mom: Yes Emma, it's a bad word and you can't say it.

Emma: Only Mom's and Dad's can?.....................

Dan: Only very angry Mom's and Dad's can.

Mom: (flash Dad a dirty look) SIGH..............

My weekend in Numbers

2009-01-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

2~ Sick Babies

Dan spent 1.5~ hours working on the pool and fishing a total of 10~ oranges, (1 of which was sucked in and stuck in the return) 3~ pool toys and 1~ pair of goggles. (all thanks to the above mentioned sick babies, aka my daily double dose of "Don't do that!")

1~ Crazy Son who doesn't know its Winter

He successfully retrieved 5~ Rocks and 1~ bottle cap (also thanks to the "wonder twins")

2~ future missionaries, reminding their mother why it was all worth it.

1~ Finally pink toting sister moving to Utah with her 6~ sons and 1~ baby girl.

Countless tears falling by all the Oakes clan that will miss them terribly.

1st~ family get together at Mama and Daddies house (Now Lynnie's House) in 5~ years. 47~ family members

Hundreds upon Hundreds of Meals made in this kitchen.

4~ Siblings, 4~ in-laws, 34~ Nieces and Nephews 3~ Great nephews

1~ Favorite Sis-in-law (that's right I said it)

And 1~ Super awesome (most sexy and wonderful, down officially ~107~ lbs) Sweetheart.

RAWR baby! Nuf said

Picture of the Day

2008-12-30T20:24:00.000-08:00

I was walking down the hall today and spotted this on the end of Briar's bed. I don't really know what to tell you about it. I never asked who did it, or what it was exactly. Perhaps she is on life support, or she's rigged to blow. Either way, it doesn't look good for Bri's baby doll.

What's in a Text Message......

2008-12-23T22:05:00.001-08:00

Here, is a small glimpse of life in the crazy wonderful. Its one of those moments that stops me and makes me say....I love my life!!

The following is a text message between Tanner and Daniel.

Tanner: I seek they advice oh master, for I am a padawan. Art thou going to be home soon, making it unwise to play thy x box? and, thy other son wishes for a pill....Thy permission is required.

Daniel: Pill granted my student. It is unwise to play more than 20 minutes under pain of death

Tanner: Pain of death?! 20 Minutes?! Curse thee!! I meant to say that thy decisions are wise above all others

Daniel: Thy forked tongue will cost thee lashings. Best to hold thy tongue than suffer

Tanner: Thou art hysterical oh lord, but not as I......

=o) That's all. It made me laugh. I love my family.

Merry Christmas

Confession

2008-12-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

So I have this friend, who has a blog, and on her blog she does these "confessions" I love them, not because they are funny (which they are) but because they are real. So much out there is appearances and keeping up with the Jones. Well, I decided to try to free myself, and I'm doing my first confession. Its horrible and I can't believe I'm putting it out there but here goes

Confessions of a bad mom

I'll do 5 today, because that's all I can handle without feeling like I need to give my children to social services because I'm too inadequate to raise them

1. I hung up on my son when he called me on our date
2. It took me three days to drive half a mile to pick up Kobe's prescription from Walgreen's.
3. Emma came crying to me that Corwin hurt her, to which my reply was...Should we go beat him up?
4. I called my 2 year old a "fart knocker" because she took the lids off of my contact case and emptied the contents.
5. .#2 aka Tate, came home from school singing this song....."don't you wish your girlfriend was a FREAK like me.... to which...I laughed. Did I explain kindly that its an inappropriate song? no...I LAUGHED

Rachel Needs

2008-12-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

So I was reading Rhonda's blog and she was talking about googling your name (Rachel) with the word (needs) after it, interesting right? So I decided to do it, never heard of it before but when I did the search it made me laugh so here goes...

Rachel Needs

Rachel Needs to get over herself......

OK I'll try, but we all know how fabulous I am....

Rachel Needs netflix friends.....

what is that exactly? Any of my peeps out there have netflix cuz apparently I need ya.....

Rachel Needs guidance and normal supervision.....

as opposed to what, abnormal supervision?

Rachel needs bearded dudes.....

OK...I'm leaving that one alone

Rachel Needs bikinis.....

I don't hate anyone that much

Thats a good place to stop.... its fun try it.

Yummy Gingerbread

2008-12-10T08:49:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for gingerbread houses! We had a lot of fun with the kids. Miss Em didn't participate, she was in bed sick =o( and Tanner was out doing fast offerings with Dan but made it back just in time to start the second house.

As soon as the last piece of candy went on the houses, they asked if they could eat them. The houses were demolished within 15 seconds.

Go ahead! Tell me the sugar didn't affect the crazy wonderful kidlets.

Psycho kids high on sweets.

.....good times

~Domesticity~

2008-11-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

do·mes·tic·i·ty (dm-sts-t)
n. pl. do·mes·tic·i·ties

1. The quality or condition of being domestic.
2. Home life or devotion to it.

Kobe~ we're like chipmunks Mom. Your storing our food for the winter

Tate~ we could be bears

All Caught Up

2008-11-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

First....The Man is 3 weeks post op. tomorrow and doing Fabulous!

Thanks to our ward family who brought meals and made sure I wasn't too bogged down the first few days. Thanks to Connie for the awesome waiting room bag full of fun games, magazines and treats. And a special thanks to Jed and Rhonda for being AWESOME! Thanks Rhonda for sitting in the waiting room with me for hours then rushing home just in time to finish up making dinner for your 6 kids and my 7, and Jed for calling and visiting the Man all the way out in Scottsdale. We are so blessed to have such amazing friends. Thanks to everyone else for phone calls, cards and visits.

_________________________________________________________________

Second, we celebrated out 14th Anniversary

We actually celebrated a couple weeks early because of Dan's surgery. Thanks to everyone who took our kids so we could have some alone time. Especially Steph for taking the girls. I had such a hard time leaving Briar. But since she loves Steph so much, it made it easier.

__________________________________________________________

Third, we had a fun Halloween.

We went out to my brothers house, we took Red Riding Hood and her Gramma, a goofy looking nerd, An Army Man, Count Dracula, Bat Girl and Buzz Light year with us. They had a lot of fun and being with family is always Great.

________________________________________________________________

We (and by we I mean ME!) have loved the weather cooling off just enough for the kids to play outside.

_______________________________________________________________
Tate had a special Day.

All of the Mesa Elementary Schools participate in a music program every year, where the teachers each pick the top 14 singers and then they get together with all the other schools and put on a big program. I got to be a parent volunteer the day of the program. These guys worked really hard, and did an AMAZING job. Performance day they were in rehearsal for 7 hours. TROOPERS! Then Dan and the kids came for the actual concert that evening. It was GREAT! Good job Son.

__________________________________________________________

Tanner went on yet another camp out.

He came home yesterday, dirty and tired, but said he had a wonderful time. =o)

________________________________________________________

And last but not least....Game Night.

The first of hopefully many! We had so much fun. We played games and ate yummy food. Ahhh Good times. We all realized that Dan and Jed are connected in some unearthly way, like the live on the same brain frequency and all 12 of us now have new appreciation for the words...Boy and Toilet Training. Thanks guys for hanging out. We had a blast!

Why, oh Why?

2008-10-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Is there anyone out there that can answer this question for me? Why oh Why does the silverware organizer always get so DIRTY??? I mean, Seriously! All the silverware I put in it is clean!!

anyone?

Just For Fun

2008-10-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

I decided this morning that I wanted to spend the day with the kiddos.

Bad parenting moment I know, but I let them all stay home from school.

We spent a few hours at the park and then did a little grocery shopping and now they are in various rooms of the house playing legos and games.

I'm tempted to keep them out tomorrow too and just have a fun play week since they are already out for October break Thursday and Friday.

Miss Em

I bet you didn't know there were war trenches at the park and guns made out of sticks. Aren't little boys funny?

I know I'm bias, but this is the cutest picture!

Brigg, like his Daddy. Has to pose for every picture

Corn...hittin on the ladies

Bri taking the slide. She says weeeeeeeeeee the entire trip down.

Kobe found these glasses by our van at the grocery store. He kept repeating, in an old Man voice....."I told you kids to get off my grass"

Yes, they came home with us....sigh

2008-10-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

I done been tagged! Thanks Leslie!!

Hmmm Random or weird facts. Here goes.

1. I believe that Jello is NOT a dessert. My husband has tried for years to convince me that it is but.... It isn't

2. I watch TV out of the corner of my eye, I never look at it directly. People sitting next to me on the couch think I'm watching them instead of the television. Its a weird inherited thing, all us Oakes do it.

3. I rarely finish a thought. My mind goes to 5 different things while I'm talking and I forget where I was going with it. In other words, I get side tracked easily. Drives Stephanie NUTS

4. I like ketchup on pot roast.

5. I love cleaning my sink and vacuuming.

6. When I was 3 I punched a Doberman Pincher in the nose. He stood between me and the house I was trying to trick or treat at. He whimpered and ran away. Mom said it scared her to death but I'm pretty sure I got my candy. that's how the story goes anyway

7. When I was little, Not sure how young, maybe 4 or 5. My brothers put me in the leg of my moms pantyhose and hung me on the clothes line. True story, I've even seen pictures. Can you believe they were that cruel to me? I think that's why I need therapy.

So there you have it. I enjoy being tagged, unlike some. They always challenge me. I have read SO many blogs where people HATE getting tagged. So I'm leaving it up to you, dear readers. Anyone who feels like it, Please take the tag.

My first Awards Yo!

2008-10-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

SO.. Apparently in my lack of paying attention to blogging, I've missed a couple awards. Not just any awards mind you, but my first awards and given to me by our AWESOME friends.

Rhonda gave me this one. Then bless her heart she had to walk me through putting it on my page. Then linking a word, My 13 year old had to show me how to do that. I'm like that computer illiterate, slow person who's little kids have to show her how to work the TV and DVR.

But better late than never right?

Thanks so much Rhonda for this award. It made me feel special (not that kind of special, geeze!)

And thank you Jed for this award.

As for paying these puppies forward here goes. The smile award goes to......Leslie, Allison and Billie. Cuz y'all always make me smile when I read your posts.

And the "Blogging that hits the mark" award goes to..... Diane, Jana and Tanner. Cuz y'all ROCK IT!

A Fun First

2008-10-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

I was painting my nails yesterday and Miss Em came to sit by me. After painting Briars I offered to paint hers. She asked if she could do it herself. *sniff* my baby is growing up. It's not a big deal by any means, but still a first for her to paint solo. She did a pretty good job too!

Dear Peeps!

2008-09-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Peeps who sent me text messages reminding me that I needed to update my blog, Thank you for making me feel special.

Dear Mean Peeps who sent Hate Mail because I wasn't keeping up on my blogging...Bite Me!

I KNOW ALREADY, I'm such a BUM!!! Lazy me, I've lost the drive to blog!!!

We stay so busy lately. Dan has been working really long hours and taking on side jobs. Some days last week he went to work at 5am and was gone until after 9. While I'm not a fan of flying solo, I handled it but the kids had a hard time not seeing him at all during the day. Briar kept asking where Daddy was and the boys homework? I know one thing, I'm not smarter than a 5th grader. Seriously, I don't know how I graduated high school.

I'm starting school. I am going to get my RN. I am waiting to hear about financial aid before I start, however I'm getting impatient so I think I'll start next week then hope for reimbursement from the grant.

We've continued to work on the house. Slowly but surely things are coming together.

Dan is having surgery on the 27th of October, and our Anniversary is on the 28th. He's having gastric bypass. We are pretty excited about it and we're praying for positive results for our entire family. We are hoping that it can start some VERY needed changes in our eating habits at home. Weight Watchers here I come!!!

I'm so excited for the cooler weather to come on, My kids need some serious outside play time!

PICTURE OF THE DAY

We need to get our kids out more.

Too Funny!

2008-09-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting in the chair in the front living room and see Tate do this. I couldn't stop laughing and made him do it again so I could get it on tape, er...phone. Its a cell phone so quaility isn't great. I hope y'all enjoy it as much as we did.

I picture in my mind, the boys bathroom, remember....5 BOYS BATHROOM!!!! The bathroom came alive and sucked him in.

Mo Renovations, YW & a Baby Blessing

2008-09-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

We're almost done with our Renovations. Ok not really but at least I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. Only one more room needs floors layed (Way to go MY MAN!) there's a lot left to paint. We ordered our baseboards from a company in California, so we'll have all of those to put in when they get here, then we start on the bathrooms!

I feel like we've taken "real life" off for the last couple months trying to get this done. Hopefully we will get back to it here soon. I need to make doctor, dentist and vision appointments for all the kids. (I'm such a slacker)

Little shout out to our friends who still put up with us on the weekend for our dates.

extra lil shout out to Steph and Cory, we had fun Friday even though the movie was totally GAY!

K so here are the pictures of the kitchen. Its amazing to me how WT a house can look without baseboards, so try to ignore that part ;o)

BEFORE

AFTER

I did the backsplash all by myself while the man put in the floors. Proud "do it yourself" moment for me.

Little catch up on my week, Wednesday I got a call round 7:30 ish, the YW had a service project scheduled that got canceled last minute, so LeLe (orange shirt) called me to see if they could come "babysit" while Bro. T and I took a little break. I was up to my elbows in paint, so I told them they could come wash my table and mirrors. I SO LOVE THESE GIRLS! and wish I was still in YW with them. It was great to sit and chat with Jamie and Karen their leaders, while they entertained my kiddos. THANKS GUYS!!!

Sunday we blessed Cydney Dawn. It's always awesome getting together with my family. We had lunch after church back and Danny and Shannon's house. Here's a couple pics that I snapped of my sweet Sis and her adorable pink baby!

I also went out during the week and we made little itty bitty bracelets and I pierced her ears. We're having so much fun playing baby girl.

BUH BYE! 80's green carpet!!!

2008-08-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is why I've been MIA for the last couple weeks. We have been in renovation mode!
FINALLY!!! So we do it one room at a time (by we I mean my sweetheart The Man) empty the furniture then DEMO! My kids LOVED it.

The boys went to town and had the living room base boards and carpet out of the house in about an hour. Unfortunately my office has been the dump sight for all the furniture, books and toys that have been temporarily relocated, I just found my computer again a couple days ago.

BEFORE

Ready for the cutest thing ever? He wore the tool belt to be cool like his grandpa, who gave it to him. What was in it you ask? Tools? NAH...Band aids, in case he cut himself.

My boys ROCKED IT!!!

AFTER

We still have 4 rooms left to do, 7 walls to paint and baseboards to put in trough out the house, BUT we started So that's something....right?

Wait for it..........

2008-08-25T09:36:00.001-07:00

Good Dinner Time Conversation

2008-08-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Just a glimpse into dinner here in the Crazy Wonderful. This is what I made, Crockpot beef stew...

Brigg~ Mom you make the BEST! Beef stew...you should enter it into a beef stew contest.....
Brigg~ You would TOTALLY win!!
Brigg~ If I were the judge....
Brigg~ I'd say...This one here is 1st place.
Brigg~ None others would get 1st place
Brigg~ If I were the judge.

*

Kobe~ My thumb hurts
Kobe~ The potatoes are gross....do I have to eat the red part?
Brigg~ That's rude
Kobe~ That's not rude, its gross

*

Emma~ I'm full
Mom~ But you haven't eaten anything
Emma~ UH HUH!, I ate a chicken

* and my favorite *

Tanner~ Mom, thanks that was good. I'm done, all I have left are the carrots...
Dan~ There are rabbits starving in Ethiopia that would give anything for those carrots.

Our first french braid!

2008-08-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Briar has always been a little "lacking" in the hair dept. Very different from my other kids. When Emma was 2.5 like Briar is now, she had hair almost to her bottom. Well I am happy to announce that Briar's hair has finally reached french braid status. YAY! I'm so excited.

Education here we come!!!

2008-08-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

My turn to post fun back to school pictures!

Tanner ~ 8th Grade

Tate ~ 5th Grade

Brigg ~ 4th Grade

Kobe ~ 2nd Grade

Miss Em ~ Kindergarten

Little Man aka Corwin ~ Pre School

Briar...wishing she were part of the school bound kidos.

Our traditional kids photo. This year we included 2 new faces making our stack higher

I just love these crazy wonderful cuties.

So...I have one kido home in the mornings. I'm not sure what to do with myself.... AH YES! I remember now. Bon Bons and a masseuse!

Tagged!

2008-08-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Aunt Robbie Tagged me =o) here goes...

Rules:Each player answers the questions themselves.
At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names,
then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that
they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answers.

The Five:

Ten years ago…
1. I had 2 little boys
2. I lived in a little 2 bedroom apartment
3. I was 5 months pregnant with my third son
4. I had been married almost 4 years
5. I had less wrinkles erm... smile lines

Five things on today’s “to do” list...
1. Take 5 of my kids to thier first day of school (done)
2. Cleaning
3. Make my bed
4. Color with Corwin & Briar
5. Put the pot roast in the crock pot

Five snacks I enjoy...
1. Chocolate
2. Diet DP
3. Chocolate
4. Diet DP
5. Chocolate

Five things I would do if I was a millionaire…
1. Buy a house where everyone has their own room
2. Relocate to the midwest where I'd put my new pimpin huge house
3. Family Vacation... I'm pretty sure that would use up the Mil!
4.
5.

Five places I have lived…
1. the house I grew up in on Diamond
2. My little white house and first away from home in PHX
3. My little apartment on Stapley where I had a little yard
4. Indiana....sigh I miss it
5. My house now where I still have wonderful memories of Mom and Dad

I tag.....
Rhonda
Steph
Fanny
Jana
Dan

Just Pics

2008-08-03T19:59:00.001-07:00

I'm not in the mood to blog lately. Jed mentioned the other day, that I needed to update more often. What can I say, I'm a boring, boring person and everyday is just another day of the same old stuff. =o) So with that being said, here they are. Just some pictures of the last few days of life here in the crazy wonderful.

Thursday~ Stromboli Day

Bunch of Characters

Let me tell you why I love this picture. See those hands on Briar, the ones with the rockin pink nails?...That is Rhonda. I love this picture because This is who she is to me. Those kind hands. She's always so sweet, gentle, giving and loving to my kids. She is a classy, classy lady. (not to sounds all mushy or anything, she's just an amazing friend (I'm totally flashing the whetten gang sign right now homes)

Desi~ Such a cutie. You always make me smile. She is a beautiful girl, inside and out

HOMEFRIES~ Gotta love this picture

Friday ~ Yard work day

after I got done mowing the yards. Emma, Corwin and Briar helped me water. They are very helpful!!

Saturday ~ Morning Chores

I have the best kids. They never complain about their jobs.

Briar's and Emma's jobs were to be cute. Mission accomplished!

She got this puppy with her tooth fairy money

This is what happens when I'm busy cleaning with the boys and Briar gets hungry.

Bath time~ After all Saturday is a special day, its the day we get ready for Sunday. So when all the work is done and the sun has gone to bed, its bath time and bedtime for the crazy wonderful kiddos.

Then its off to date night. With a little bit of this

and a little bit of this

and a whole lotta this!

with these Rockin awesome Friends. Aaron are you ready for a rematch yet??

Finally my Pic of the Day

Just remember the children are your future. Yes America.....This is your future. Be afraid...Be very afraid.

~hehe~

2008-08-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

The End

NaUgHtY~StInKiNg~RoTtEn

2008-07-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Ask me what I made for dinner...Go ahead!......

Thanks for asking!! I made crock pot mac and cheese, slow cooked for almost 5 hours, pork chops on the grill (thanks Dan) salad smothered in yummy roma tomatoes and some corn. So we're sitting down to eat. Briar takes a few bites and disappears. I ask everyone. Did you see where briar went? No one knows. So I call for her a few times...no answer. Naturally I excuse myself from the table to go find her. Where do ya figure she went.....

Well Look at that! she's right here

(little holla to Sarah and her pickle ExTrEmE pringles)

Apparently the Oreos were more appetizing that my big yummy dinner.

Did she get in trouble? Nope This is the extent of her punishment.

"The Look" It's all I've got when I just can't get mad.

~Cydney Dawn Merkley~

2008-07-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Heather arrived at the Showlow Medical center Early in the morning. Not sure how she always pulls off the pretty, super early in the am or just having a baby, but it happens. =o)

Ok ~ ShE iS jUsT sO pInK

Big brother Rylin

Big brother Tristin

We are all so excited that Cydney is finally here.

~!!~It's a GIRL~!!~

2008-07-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

After having 6 boys, My wonderful sister finally got her girl. These were sent form Chad's cell phone. I'll post better ones within the next few days.

~*Cydney Dawn Merkley*~

OH YA!

2008-07-23T19:42:00.001-07:00

Anyone else excited for school to start??!!

Prescott or BUST!!

2008-07-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

We had another fun weekend. We loaded up and went to Prescott

My brother Danny and his family and sis Ann and her fam went up to a cabin. Other than the air conditioner not working in the cabin it was a lot of fun. We arrived, unloaded the van and what is the first thing I did? Come on now, anyone that knows me can answer this question. Dan took a picture and commented...."it took you 2.2 seconds to find the diet dp in the house" Sigh...I'm such an addict!

We stayed up late playing games and eating junk. The kids all stayed up till about 1am. It really was a blast!

Manda fell asleep first... So of course we were able to take pictures of her odd sleeping habits. She stayed this way for over an hour. SHE'S SO CUTE. I love my Nieces!

Life has changed so much it seems. I was in the kitchen the next morning and realized, even though I still feel like I'm 18, I must be getting old cuz I look up from making some cereal and see my brother sitting at the table reading and realize, DUDE YOUR GETTING OLD! (sorry Danny) Gotta love this guy. He's my Favorite.

The kids went climbing. What a fun backyard huh! Tanner and Dallin got stung by wasps but other than that, it was just tadpole hunting and climbing...a boys paradise.

I'm sending a shout out to my Totally Rockin Brother and Sis. Thanks for inviting us. It is always fun to hang. I love my family so much.

~PIC OF THE DAY~

We got home from Prescott and unloaded the van. We were literally home 10 minutes and this is what I find. I think she wanted to go swimming. What do you think?

~MEMORY LANE~

2008-07-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. This is one that makes a moderated blog a perk.

Ideas Please!!!

2008-07-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

OK, So I know its summer time and I'm used to my kids eating at school, but I'm dying here! My kids eat breakfast and are STARVING, not just hungry but "I don't have any strength because your STARVING me" hungry by 10:30am. Every Day I'm getting more and more frustrated that I can't keep them on a better schedule as far as eating goes and they are eating me out of house and home. They eat breakfast at 7am and are hungry for lunch by 10 or 10:30, which makes them want to eat again around 2 and dinner no later than 5. Its easy for me to tell the older kids to eat an apple or plum or something to tide them over, but when I have Briar screaming at me because she's starving! It breaks my heart. I'm out of ideas. Keeping groceries in my house has become such a chore. I know, I know... y'all are sitting there thinking....."first she hatches 7 kidletts THEN she complains about it".... I'm really not, I just need some advice and or ideas.

And secondly, I'm out of ideas for dinner. For 14 years we've rotated between several of the same dinners. PLEASE HELP!! Anyone who reads this and doesn't mind PLEASE post one of your favorite EASY dinners or lunches and recipes, I will LOVE YA for it!!

My Weekend in Numbers

2008-07-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

7- The weeks it's been since Dan-Da-Man broke his neck

1- Date Night. Thanks for hanging with us Homies...Da Whettens

6.5- The hours of yard work done Saturday

YAY It's finally green~!~

6- The loads of laundry done

∞ - The number of loads I have left

3- The times we vacuumed this weekend

1- Trailer unloaded of camping equipment

1- Quad, FINALLY unloaded from the trailer

5- Things crossed off the "To Do" list

116.91- Reminders why we don't take the kids out to dinner very often

579.31- Reasons why I'm Hating SRP today

~ The best part, look at the envelope. HAHA "Your New Improved SRP Bill Inside"......Can I have the less improved one back....please!?!

3- Naughty kids during sacrament meeting

1- The number of those Naughty kids taken home early

103.5- Briar's Temp (no wonder she was so naughty)

7- kids playing in the rain

4- The number of outfits Briar has changed into today. You can tell she's not feeling well, its usually at least 6

Checkin her bad self out!

1- Crazy wonderful Weekend

Little Bit O Catch up

2008-07-07T09:18:00.003-07:00

This is a shoutout to my Home slice, RHONDA! She texted me this am and told me to update the blog. Love yas girly, we're thinking about you guys and keeping you in our prayers...... So here goes...

We had a super fun 4th, Danny and Shannon and fam along with Ann and her kidos came over for a partay, Tan also invited some friends, Aaron his #1 sidekick, Dallin, Bryce, Trent & Nick. Thanks for coming y'all, we had a lot of fun. So ya, we're officially the parents of a teenager. WOOT!

We're also sending a shoutout to Heaven...G'pa Oakes, Happy Birthday to you

~*~Yay for Em...she lost yet another tooth, that's 3 now and she looks so funny

So I started feeling sick on the 4th, Dan was sick last week....I guess he kissed me too much cuz I got it. So this is my life today

Oh My.....thats just not pretty

But i'm all set up. The meds (thank heavens) The phone, thermomitor and cell phone, BRING IT ON WORLD I'M READY!

So does anyone wonder what the crazy wonderful looks like when mom is in bed sick? Well wonder no more..........

This is the first thing I see....SO CUTE....how could such sweet innocent children do this.....

and this.....the bins those toys should be in

.....sigh

I'm sorry....is that cereal? Ya I might have yelled a little at this point. So all together (and I counted) 8 ceiling fans and lights were on, No wonder I had a 400 dollar electric bill. Totally out of control. Needless to say I stayed up for a bit to make sure it got cleaned up.

I'm going back to bed now...

And my pic of the day......

um.....ok

Its rare when I'm speechless, but I am. Nuf said

Tag I'm It!

2008-06-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks Rhonda for Tagging me, It's my first time too ROCKIN! K here goes; list 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 surprising facts about yourself, then tag 5 people other people.

~Joys~

1. My Family...anything that involves my kids and my most excellent husband. spending time with extended family and really close friends that I consider family.
2. Listening to my kids laugh
3. Seeing my husband smile

~Fears~

1. Losing one of my children
2. Losing my husband
3. Failing my family as a wife and mother

~Goals~

1. Remaining worthy so that I can have an eternal family
2. To become completely money savvy, quit spending so much (OK, I kinda just laughed...but ya)
3. To improve on the kind of mother I am.

~Current Obsessions~

1. QT ICE....I want ice, in fact I want some right now (be right back)
2. Sigh.....Chocolate
3. Loving on my kids and hubby =o)

~Surprising Facts about me~

1. I don't love ice cream, I won't say hate because I will eat it if I have to, but ya totally overrated stuff! Bring me cake or a brownie or something else, anything else...Ice cream is blah
2. I love watching people, the way they talk to each other, the way they interact. Dan a lot of times has to get my attention when we go to dinner because I'm always studying other people. People fascinate me.
3. I don't trust anything man made. Airplanes, bridges, dams, the stupid little defib thing they keep trying to talk me into putting in my heart! NO WAY! Gives me the heebies just thinking about them.

OK, now I'm gonna tag people I don't know a lot about so....Cami, Christina, Jess, Rachel and Traci.

Hair, Teeth and a Shower.

2008-06-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

Seems like a month has passed since Fathers Day. Life here in the crazy wonderful is still just that, crazy and wonderful. Dan continues to heal from his injuries, he has an appointment with the neurosurgeon next week. It was supposed to be this week, but unfortunately his Grandmother passed away. She has been ill for quite awhile so we were grateful from her release from suffering.

The "BIG news" in hour little house, is that Emma lost her first tooth this week. So today I went to take a picture of it and lo and behold, the tooth right next to it was just hanging there, yikes! so anyone who knows ME knows that I just HAD to pull it out.

I've never had a kid lose a tooth before they were six, so it was unexpected. Also, her top right is loose. Needless to say the tooth fairy is going broke here in the crazy wonderful!

So today I picked up Dan's sister Jen from the airport, she will be staying with us this week YAY! We met Dan for lunch, and came home for haircuts. Ready for the before and after? JUST A HEADS UP! tHeY aRe CuTe (ok~ok I'm bias what can I say)

Corwin was up first....

Then Tanner...he didn't want his picture taken, (must be a teenage thing, did I mention I'll be the mom of a teenager in 2 weeks I'M SO OLD) but I managed to sneak in a shot a little after I started. Go figure he wasn't looking at the camera for the After shot either! I got your teenage attitude RIGHT HERE~WHATEVER!~

Is it just me or does he look scared?

Poor Kobe, the poor looked over middle child. I forgot his BEFORE picture so this one will have to do. It was going to be my pic of the day, taken a couple days ago. Note: his hair grows like mine.....it doesn't, but we couldn't leave him out now could we.

Notice the missing teeth, I think he's missing 5 currently. Like I said..... La hada dental no tiene mas dinero!

Then Brigg, he was mad at me for cutting his hair, he said, and I quote...."but mom, long hair is SO IN and I want it long because I like the way it feels.....here feel." We can all see how that conversation ended, with my scissors attacking his mop.

Ya know, I'd kill for my hair to grow as fast as this kids!

Then Tatie Boo

So if I accomplish nothing else today (and I won't) At least my kids don't look like WT anymore.

Now to the PiNk Baby Shower....No BoYs AlLoWeD!

All these cute little chocolate faces...and the culprit????

oH yA bAbY!

Now, to wind down my post, My "Pic Of The Day"

I asked Tanner to put Briar to bed last night, this is how that turned out...No jam's and whats that?

OH YA a Dora Tennis shoe. But she is asleep and thats all that matters.....right?

Reporting Live from The Crazy Wonderful, I'm Rachel Taylor.....Peace Out!

Happy Fathers Day

2008-06-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Reflecting on the events of the last few weeks in our lives, I find myself today, so very relieved to embrace this wonderful holiday where we celebrate fathers.

It is my first, without my sweet Daddy.

Honestly, all of May I was dreading this day coming. I knew it would serve as a reminder of what I have lost. Instead, (although I do feel sadness missing him) I find myself very happy and content.

I've grown up with a wonderful Father, who I am indeed grateful for. His lasting impression in my life is a positive one full of happy and heart felt moments. But what I want today, more than anything else, is to focus on my wonderful, sweet husband.

In my eyes, he stands as a daily reminder of the kind of parent I want to be. He is patient and kind, intelligent,gentle and long suffering. He is quick to find humor in situations that otherwise wouldn't be funny. He sees beauty in things others don't even notice. Dan, I draw strength from you. I respect you and Love the Man that you are. I want to thank you for living the crazy wonderful with me. For sharing your love with our 7 children. I am so blessed. Happy Fathers Day Dan. I thank you, and love you.

I'm sure, like me, you often feel

When all is said and done

The job of raising kids today

Is not an easy one.

I'm glad you're there beside me

To counsel and advise

And help me find the answers

To their never ending "whys?"

I'd be lost without your shoulders

So much broader than my own

To lean upon when problems

Seem to big to solve alone.

As long as we're together

We can weather storm and strife

And take in stride the ups and downs

That go with family life.

And someday when our little ones

Are old enough to stand

Straight and tall without the need

Of any helping hand -

We won't recall how hard it was

We'll just be proud and glad

We happened to be chosen

For the roles of Mom and Dad

What's in a day?

2008-06-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to see kung fu panda, 10:20am showing (such a cute movie). The kids were all fantastic and NOT ONE had to get up and go to the bathroom. The last movie we saw (iron man) each kid went pee like 3 times...sigh.

Then it was home to swim for couple hours. I'm toasted on my back....feels really good!
After dinner I took out Dan's stitches. KICKIN HUH!

Remember the before?

Here's the After...LOVE the green eyes RAWR!
Progress is progress eh?

Almost 3 weeks down 9 more to go. Next week is X rays and back to the neurosurgeon to check on the progress of the neck fractures, and one visit to the Wound Center in Chandler for his head. He still has staples in...I was kinda bummed I wasn't brave enough to take them out too. Its so good to see him looking normal again. I missed his sweet face.

BEDTIME ROUTINE one of my favorite parts of the day. Tonight however Emma and Briar were fighting over a baby doll. Emma has it hidden under her tummy (tell me thats not uncomfortable), Briar decided to go hulk on her. The picture is frightening to say the least!

Finally, I am reminded of a story in the scriptures......

KINGS Chapter 3

22 And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.

23 Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.

24 And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.

25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other..... We all know how that story ends. It made me smile thinking about cutting the doll in half. Good thing that baby doll is one of a set of twins huh!

And lastly my Corwin. Just to prove that I do have sons too, since it seems I only write about the girls. This is Corwin's favorite shirt. His buddy and namesake Corwin Oakes brought it to him. My sister-in-law Maribel found it in Kohl's, and after spending 3 days with Corwin, she said she had to get it for him. Its very fitting. My poor misunderstood child. The last boy AND he's stuck between the two girls. He never had a chance.

Stolen Cookies & Swimming

2008-06-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

I caught Briar with these cookies. I stood watching her wishing that I didn't have to scold her for getting into them. So as I stood there for a moment trying to decide the best approach to her "consequences" I realized this pattern. (pretty funny) Take the cookie, break it open, eat out all the cream in the center, lick it a few times, JUST to make sure she got it all off then says "here Navvy" and throws whats left over the arm of the chair to the overly excited cookie loving dog...repeated oh...6 or 7 times. I couldn't help but laugh.

step one...scrape as much out with your top teeth

step two, finish it up with the lowers, before tossing aside

I mentioned the other day that Ann (my sis) came and got Tanner, Emma and Corwin to stay a few days. The 3 boys left at home kept whining, "we never get to do anything fun" "why don't we get to have a sleep over at Annie's house" (again...insert mental image of me rolling my eyes) So I let them each have a friend over to go swimming.

Tate and his friend Victor

Brigg and his friend from church Wil

Kobe and his buddy Ben

I always have a hard time when all my kids aren't home. I kept telling myself that I could make it until Wednesday evening, they are having fun, think of all the housework you can get done without Corwin and Em....needless to say I was miserable, even with the kids that came over to play. 3 boys, 3 extra friends 3 of my kids at Ann's it evens out right? WRONG. As soon as I dropped off their friends I drove out to Ann's and picked them up. Dan called me about 40 minutes after I left to find out where the heck I went. I admitted I caved and went to get the kids. He just laughed at me.

When we got home Dan and I went swimming with the kiddos, had dinner then watched the boys play on the X box. AHHH LIFE IS GOOD AGAIN!

Weekend Water & Invitations

2008-06-08T21:44:00.000-07:00

Our weekend was good, full of family, friends and fun. Friday we went on our first date in awhile. We went to dinner with Jed & Rhonda. It was nice to get out of the house together going somewhere besides doctors offices.

Then Saturday morning we got our housework and yardwork done early. Tanner helped me with the yardwork, while Dan and the other kids tackled the jobs inside. A little after noon, Becky & Jeff and thier wonderful kids, along with Mary & Rick came for a barbeque. Dan fried up some hamburgers and hotdogs, while Jeff and Beck let the kids help with making homemade ice cream (So yummy btw). G&G brought with them a bunch of those swimming noodles, the kids had a blast swimming and hanging out with cousins.

After our company left, we watched Mr. Beans holiday (so stupid!) but my kids and hubby thought it was wonderful and funny. Around 6:30 my sis Ann and her kidos showed up and swam for an hour. It was a really fun (and tiring) day.

Today I sat down to put together the invitations to Heather's (my sister) baby shower. She has 6 boys and Doc says this one is a girl. I'm not sure who's more excited, her or her me. =o)

I think they turned out pretty cute. She is naming her Cydney Lee after our Mother. While I was putting these together, my sister Ann stopped by and kidnapped 3 of my kidos for a few days. Tanner, Emma and Corwin all went to her house until Wednesday....or until I miss them too much and go pick them up.

I mostly wanted to post so that when I came to the blog, those gross pictures of Dan's head weren't the first thing that popped up. =o)

<< CAUTION >> GRAPHIC IMAGES

2008-06-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Dan got the packing taken out of his wound today. They have told us that it has to heal open. He's doing a little better and we shouldn't have to deal with the trauma center anymore. He's been referred to a "Wound Center" that deals only in open wounds, that's progress I think. His doctor said it looked good, at least he didn't have an alien growing out of his head anymore. =o)

He's such a trooper.

Goose Egg

2008-06-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

So Dan Da Man went to his primary care doc, because he has this goose egg on his head and the pressure was getting really uncomfortable. Doc said it was a hematoma, that he had a rogue blood vessel that didn't want to heal and was still bleeding. He sent us to the Neurosurgeon, who sent us directly to the trauma center where he was flown.

They numbed his head up again I think I counted 6 shots, took out the back 3 staples and used a scalpel and cut him open again. They drained 3/4 a cup of puss mixed with blood. Sent him home with 2 really strong antibiotics. Scary infections in his blood we don't need.

They have left the incision open and packed it full of gauze. He will return tomorrow morning to have it removed. But the incision they made won't be stitched or stapled shut....gross huh!

Well, it was a really hard and painful day, definitely a step in the wrong direction as far as healing goes. He did his best to stay in good spirits, even cracked a joke or two for me. My favorite? went something like this.......Does this bandage make my face look fat? Gotta love him.

Thank you Stephanie BTW for getting a sitter for your kids to make a trip to pick up mine. Your a classy Lady, and I love ya.

Catch Up!

2008-05-31T20:20:00.001-07:00

So Much has happened that I'm not quite sure where to start. But I'm wanting to get back on schedule here. I spent most of the week after Mothers Day preparing for our annual family campout. We got a new Quad (aka Dan's new baby) A tent, with a wood burning stove in it, because I'm a wimp and can't handle the cold, =o) an outdoor kitchen, a dining tarp and a few extra cots for those crazy wonderful kidos of ours. Dan took off 2 extra days and we were going to be gone from May 22nd to the 26th.

We bought it on Monday the 12th, we called the kids before we got home and told them to meet us outside. They all wanted a ride, except tanner who wanted to drive it. (go figure) Its street legal so Dan aired up the tires a bit and I had fun taking them for rides around our block and yes, Tanner got to drive it, with his incredibly over protective mother sitting behind him. Poor kid.

Later when the trailer was unloaded and all was settled in the house, I noticed that Emma had what looked like a burn on her forehead. I asked her what happened, and she said she rubbed it with a lizard. Does this sound weird to anyone else? I've asked her several times because I just couldn't wrap my head around it. The culprit?.......

So I'm thinking fabric burn, kinda like a rug burn, only self inflicted. (insert mental image of me rolling my eyes here) That crazy girl. Whats funny is, when she was in the hospital as an infant, on the respirator from RSV, this little guy propped her vent tube. Ironic huh. So the aftermath......

So funny!

So I spent the next few days getting the house ready to be empty for awhile. Deep soaking the lawn and over watering the flowers. Briar decided to help me. The picture that's missing is, I knelt down right after this shot to get a better close up of her, and she turned and soaked me. I never saw it coming with the camera up to my face.

We pulled out Thursday the 22nd around 10am, we drove in rain all the way. When we got there, it was snowing....in May...in Arizona. Dan got the tent set up quickly and we settled into our little home away from home. Around 10 that evening a few more members of my family started arriving. FUN FUN!

Then Saturday...there was an accident. My sweetheart, myself and 2 of my nieces (Kayla & Manda) decided to go do some riding. When we entered the clearing, I got off the back of the quad so Dan could go it alone. I wanted him to have fun without worrying about me on the back. I saw him go over the first rise and down, he flew off and went head first into the ground. It was horrifying, I felt so helpless.

I screamed to my nieces who had just successfully gone over that hill, telling them to get back down to him, they were closer than I was, while running to him I heard my niece scream and Dan started yelling help me. I wasn't sure what I was going to see when I got down to him. Paralyzed, head injury, broken bones... I just wasn't sure.

When I got to him, there was a lot of blood and he was holding his head, trying to sit up, since he landed head down on a down hill slope. His head was pretty much broken open from front to back. I was standing there holding his head together while my nieces went back to camp to get my brothers. I can't explain the relief I felt when they got back to us. Danny got there first and administered to Dan. Tom, Pat, Chad, Cory and Donny pulled up a minute or two later. My brothers got him all put together and into the souped up golf cart thingy, Chad took over holding his head together and I got on our quad and rode back to camp.

My family was all gathered around the fire and had just had a prayer for him. I got the van ready and pulled out to the road so he could ride in it. Danny drove and Tom took over holding his head together. They got him to Strawberry where an ambulance was waiting for him. They took one look at his head and said he would have to be life flighted into a trauma center in Phoenix.

My van pulled back into camp a little over an hour later and my brothers got busy dividing up my kids and getting me loaded with Briar so I could join Dan in the valley. Everyone was so fantastic. I was horrified at the events that had taken place, it was all so surreal. My 2 nephews, Cory and Donny drove me home. I was given a phone number of the paramedic that took Dan to the airport. He was supposed to tell me which trauma center he went to. When I finally got a signal just before pine, I called the number and it kept going straight to voicemail.

I called our friends, Jed and Rhonda and asked if Jed (Dan's best friend) could go to the hospital to meet him, when I could find out where he was taken, and to see if Rhonda would be available to be with me in case he didn't make it, then Called Stephanie to see if she would meet me at my house. I called Becky, my wonderful sister-in-law, told her what had happened and she started making phone calls to find him. When she did, she called me and told me she was heading down there, that he had just landed and they wouldn't give her any information. My niece Jessie and her hubby got our truck from my sister and came to the house to watch Briar for me. When I got home, Stephanie, Jess, Mac, Rhonda and Desi (J&R's daughter) were at the house. I jumped in the shower while they put Briar to bed and then we loaded up and headed out to Good Sam. Steph and I in our truck and Rhonda and Desi following right behind.

When we finally got there, Beck, Jed and our Bishop were there waiting, We got in to see him about 40 minutes later. I've never been so relieved in all my life. He smiled at me and was cracking jokes. Such relief washed over me. The first thing I asked him was, Are we selling the quad or buying helmets. His answer was...buying helmets.

Needless to say, he was admitted. His C3 and C4 were fractured and he had several chip fractures. The neurosurgeon put him in a neck brace and a strict set of rules to follow for the next 3 months. No bending, twisting, no driving, no lifting anything above 10 lbs, and lastly to stay mainly stationary. All of the doctors we talked to said that it was nothing short of a miracle that he didn't have a huge skull fracture, or major brain injury. We were so lucky.

Thanks for sticking around baby.

His face was so swollen! So its an ongoing process. My Mother-in-law came to stay with us and is currently here. It has been a lot of fun spending time with her. Thanks Mom for everything!

Onto happier things. Our pool has been finished. The decking put in, then the acrylic lace

They were hilarious, and couldn't wait so they put on suits and played in it all day while it was filling up. It all full now, and the saltwater system will be put in, in about 25 days. The pebble tech has to cure in chlorine water for about a month. YAY let the party begin.

This has been the beginning of our summer here in the Crazy Wonderful, lets hope the rest of the summer is uneventful.

In the process of writing this blog, Dan went to the doctor and returned. They say he has a hematoma. I should put a picture in, maybe tomorrow...looks like elephant man. He will have to have surgery here in the next few days. Bless his heart.

And last but not least my Picture Of The Day

How do you know that your kids have been in your makeup case? There's a package of blueberry pop tarts in it. Crazy? YUP but wonderful. =o)

Mothers Day

2008-05-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ah the glorious day. Mine started with breakfast in bed, a first...wooot! It was so cute how excited the kids were about it, telling me each thing they had done to help. Dan ordered a beautiful orchid corsage that I wore to church. Our meetings were great, with fun upbeat talks.

After Church, We gathered up the food we'd prepared, loaded up the 7 kiddos and headed to the Cemetery. All included there were 35 of us gathered there. I made a new bouquet of flowers, the first put out since Daddy passed, about (wow, I had to count) 7 months ago. We sang several songs, after which most of the adults spoke for a moment on memories of Mother and things they felt. I don't remember exactly what I said, but wanted to put it down in writing, a few words about my Mother.

I remember the days, when I found peace in her arms. As a child being distraught or frustrated, I remember her rocking me, singing softly the words Bye O Bye O Bye, repeated over and over. It doesn't sound like much, but its affect on me will stay forever. I had a Mother who wasn't perfect. She was flawed like the rest of us. But the good that she did so far outweighed anything else, that her faults were hard to see.

Never a day goes by that I don't think about her, and the things that she taught me about being a Woman, a Wife and a Mother. I wish that I did her more justice. One of the things that I think of often when I talk about Mom, is her unwillingness to say an unkind thing about others. She never had anything but good to say. My brother Danny once said..."She could find something good to say about the Devil" to which Mother replied...."well, he does work really hard."

There are many mornings, that I start my day with my big family and think...How am I going to do this...again...I long for her arms, to be the innocent child, to sit on her lap, to be held and comforted with her sweet song, to hear her encouragement, her belief in me that I am enough. Who I am, with all my faults, is still wonderful. I've spent a lot of time over the last 2 years, being sad, feeling lonely for her, missing her constant encouraging words. I've prayed not to feel this hurt that just refuses to go away. But lately, I've found a new feeling as well, one that has always been there, but was hidden beneath my self pity and that is Gratitude. I am grateful for a Mother who wasn't perfect, but for a mother who's love was perfect. I applaud her, for her relentless effort, always putting her family first. I'm indeed grateful for a Mother who's influence stretches far beyond this world. I love you Mama.

After leaving the cemetery, we went to my brothers house and enjoyed a good old fashioned Mormon Feast. Full of lots of kids and of course twice over the amount of food than was necessary. It was a beautiful day, full of love and happiness, full of old memories, making new memories. It truly was a Happy Mothers Day.

Turning 29...again

2008-05-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

I woke up to the beautiful sound of my Husband and 7 kids singing happy birthday to me. Dan got everyone up and had them make cards for me. (He let me sleep in!!!) He gave them a floral theme, so all of the cards had colorful flowers on them. It was so fun to see the different products that came from their little minds. They all climbed in bed with me as I read the cards, then passed out hugs and kisses and headed to school. What a fun way to start my day.

At 7:30 my phone rang and my brother Danny and his sweet family sang happy birthday to me. They are always so great.

Around 9 ish I received a delivery of my favorite flowers, Calla Lilies from my Love. (Thank you Sweetheart, they are beautiful and I love them)

I haven't had any of them since we moved back from Indiana.

Then my sweet friend Rhonda stopped by with this stinking cute towel, isn't it the funnest ever! Does this girl know me or what!! So fun.

Its a flip flop thing. I never wear shoes...not even in the snow, only flip flops

Steph called around 10:30 and stopped by to drop off these beautiful flowers. I'm not sure how I got blessed to have 2 such wonderful ladies as my best friends, but they ROCK!

Dan took the day off and we went and did some shopping, and he took me to lunch. We went to Chili's and we ordered our favorite dessert, the Chocolate molten lava cake. One word....MMMMMMMMMM (is that a word? It is now!)

Oh ya, its that good.....

This is my present, again Thanks babe. Our deck box

How fun was it to get the toys and towels...We got the two umbrellas for the deck also. During the shopping trip, I was reluctant to purchase some things and made the comment. Isn't this all a bit premature, To which my wonderful husband, Dan makes this smart alec comment..."Yeah, cuz we aren't sure if we are getting a pool yet." =o) I love him

When we got home from picking up dinner, I caught two of my former YW putting this on my garage door. They are so stinking cute! I LOVE YOU GUYS

Kathy is on the left, and Brit on the right. They are Awesome!

My Sisters Ann and Heather called, and some other friends. Needless to say it was a wonderful day filled with Birthday wishes and hugs and kisses.

Lots of little kisses

And my favorite cake from Costco, with the cheesecake cream in the middle. We didn't bother with candles. I forgot to pick some up and as Kobe pointed out, it would take too long to light them all anyway. =o)

A wonderful birthday ended as great as it started. My Awesome, wonderful, niece Jess and her hubby Mac (aka Big Train) came over, brought me a pizookie from Oregenos and then Rocked out with us on Rock Band for a couple hours.

You guys are the greatest!

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday feel very special. 2 years ago I decided I wasn't going to celebrate my birthdays anymore and last year I was very bah humbug about it. This year was awesome. Thank you all for making me feel so loved. I am blessed.

Da Water be fallin!

2008-05-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

These poor guys had to haul all these rocks in from the front. We told them they could use the alley and rv gate enterance, but he said the giant dolly would sink in the dirt from the weight of the rocks. They were so big!

They start the deck forming on Monday and should pour the deck by the middle of next week. I'm getting more excited =o)

Looks like a Pool

2008-05-02T12:26:00.001-07:00

Shotcrete! It was so much fun to watch. These guys worked so fast and after shooting it, would sculpt it. It was awesome to watch it turn into what looked like a pool instead of a hole in the ground.

Next step...Waterfall

Just the highlights...

2008-05-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, over a week since I posted last. A lot has happened so I won't bore y'all with the details. I'll just fill in some of the highlights.

Tanner had his last concert of the year Yay! He did great. The Cello's had a solo song, they rocked it.

My boy is growing up WAY too fast for my liking.

The next morning he left for a 3 day "Northern Arizona Tour" trip, all expences paid (by his parents). His school does it every year for good grades.

He sent me this picture from his phone.

We took the other kids to Chuck E. Cheese's as a consolation prize. Brigg said, and I quote "Tanner lives the good life" (insert mental image of me rolling my eyes here)

Tate (aka TR)

Brigg

Em and Kobe

Corwin (aka Corn)

And last but not least Bri

Dan and I are going out on a date tonight with my niece Jessie and her hubby Mac. I'm looking forward to a little "adult time"

Pic of the day

2008-04-24T21:16:00.001-07:00

So, self admitedly I was grouchy today, my house was a mess, and I felt powerless in my fight against the dirty and chaos. I feel sometimes, like i'm standing in this big hole in the ground, and my kids are throwing things in after me. For every one thing I get back out, they put 3 more in. I felt really defeated. Then, standing outside after dinner, I look down and snap this picture and I think to myself....My life is crazy and hard sometimes, but these babies are so wonderful, and I wouldn't change one minute of it. I'm so blessed.

Rebar!

2008-04-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Halfway through the day I realized there were men in our back yard. By 5 in the evening, the rebar was in and done. So exciting to see the progress. Next step Shotcrete!

Where's Mom?

2008-04-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

I imagine my kids had a conversation that went something like this.....Where's mom....still sleeping....hmmm, I think I'll make breakfast, spill it and leave it on the table. Amazingly enough, when mom did wake up the conversation went like this. Who left cereal on the table? Tanner responds...not me, Tate responds...not me, Brigg responds...not me, Kobe responds...(you guessed it) not me. Corwin just looks at me and smiles, Emma is still asleep and Briar hadn't eaten. Hmmm I think someone isn't telling me the truth.

So I round the corner and see all this in my sink. Mind you the dishes were done when I went to bed. And food in the sink? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? UGH a big no no in my house.
So how do I know Briar hasn't eaten yet? Because sitting on the counter, next to the sink full of dishes is my baby, eating mike-n-ikes. How is it possible to get mad at a face like that, especially when she has such a cute bed head.

Needless to say, I was a little bit grouchy. I hate starting my days frustrated. I didn't seem to recover from it. My grouchy was in full gear most of the day. I hate feeling like a bad mom. If only I'd have woken up just a little earlier.

Typical Wednesday

2008-04-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

So a fairly normal Wednesday for us here in the crazy wonderful. Wake up at 6:30, get kids fed and ready for school, Leave the house at 7:25 to pick up the carpool kids, drop off the elementary school kids at 7:35, make our way to Tanners school, making a pit stop for my morning QT (a bad habit, I know) dropping him off by 7:50 then home.

Get the 3 little ones dressed and the girls hair done, then hang out, read, play and watch some tv until 12:00, then out the door to Emma's gymnastics. She calls it dancenastics =o). She's doing very well, she's working on the balance beam and the uneven bars. She's got her pike down and is working on her "strong arms" while on the bars. Seems like we have a new vocabulary lately...pike, stradle, pancakes, bridge, walkover, stick it, stretch it, stretch the bridge, strong arms, steady the stance, point the toes, touch tap front, touch tap back, bend your knees...........yada yada

Proud mom moment.

Got home from dancenastics just in time for the boys to get home from school. They get out early on Wednesdays. Shortly after the boys got home Dan arrived and we made a trip to the home depot, got a door for my pantry, hopefully my kids will stay out of there now, did I mention the awesome LOCK I got for the door =o) then he took me to dinner (yay mini date).

The plumbers were here doing the pump, skimmer and drain on the pool. I'll take some pictures of it tomorrow. Now to my evening. I am looking forward to watching some TV and relaxing with my sweetheart.

Pic of the Day

2008-04-20T09:04:00.001-07:00

Isn't it crazy that in my house baby dolls wear big monkey flip flops? YES, but isn't it wonderful. =o)

Miss Briar

2008-04-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Briar was very persistant in wanting me to get her dressed, however, I was up to my elbows in something with the boys and told her several times..."just a minute baby." Needless to say she gave up on me and attempted it herself. The result (insert drum roll here)...............................

I am happy to announce that we did manage to get her dressed and she was rather pleased about it. =o)

The Sock Hop

2008-04-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Three of the boys had their first school dance. They had a blast dressing up in the 50's theme. Brigham informed me before he left that he was "very nervous" because he was going to ask his girlfriend to dance. Tate on the other hand has no interest in the ladies and went out on the floor to dance by himself, several girls came to dance by him and he got embarassed and sat down. Kobe is just a hoot and was jumping, dancing with everyone and roaming the party. The difference in personalities are so fun.

Gosh I think they are cute.

I think Kobe could go pro...do they have those, professional hula hoopers?

My Pic of the Day

2008-04-18T07:46:00.001-07:00

So, staying with the theme of this blog "Living the Crazy Wonderful" I've decided to do a pic of the day. One picture that stands out to me, and represents my day in the crazy wonderful.

So here it is...We had a good laugh with this one. In my house, Dinosaurs ride horses. Is it crazy? YES but isn't it wonderful!

The Great Dig

2008-04-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

So it happened today, the great dig. The kids (ok and Mom) wanted to watch the progress, which meant opening the blinds on the back door AND washing the windows, first time that's happened in awhile.

The First scoop..WOOOT!

Ah! Real progress

Ok, its a lot bigger than I thought it would be

yes, I climbed in to take a picture. Getting out was the fun part. I think I actually pretended to swim, moving my arms and making burbling sounds. Didn't quite have the same feel to it, but still made the kids and Daddy laugh.

Getting Started

2008-04-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Getting started on this blog has been an adventrue. My poor sister-in-law has spent a lot of time on the phone walking me through things, (thanks Beck!) I'm excited to get started, ready to have some fun. This will mostly be a dump sight for whatever is on my mind, which fortunately isn't much most of the time ;o)

Just a touch on my life to get started. My name is Rachel, I've been married to my sweetheart for 13 years. We have 7 spunky and fun kids, 5 boys 2 girls, our oldest is 12 and our youngest is 2. We have a lot of fun raising our family, we enjoy friends and extended family, laughing, playing and having a good time.

We are in the process of putting a pool in our backyard, the first year i've been able to look at the three months of summer with the kids all home and shout....BRING IT ON!!!