And So It Was...

And so it was Christmas at our home. The lovely tree has now been replaced by the train tracks. The quiet, no-batteries-needed, wooden train set that somehow manages to keep my three children occupied and QUIET. Well, until one of them does something to wreck the elevated part of the tracks, and then "all-whine" breaks loose. Here's the track I built last night for Stuart. He begged me all day to build one, so I came through for him after he went to bed. It didn't last long enough for me to see it this morning, so I'm happy I got a photo before I turned in. Yesterday had to be the oddest day ever. I was sick. I was tired. I was sick and tired of being sick. The kids were sick. They were tired. They were whining. I had 200 invoices to write out and mail. The phone rang. The phone rang again. The phone rang some more. I couldn't talk even a bit normal, but I still answered it. Why? I still don't know why I did it. Stuart and Fiona both started in with swollen red eyes that later turned into a large bit of uncomfortness for them. Grady had to work late. I wanted the living room vacuumed. I had only one hand and arm to do anything with. Myles was attached to the other. I managed to convince myself that I could order pizza online with one hand easier than I could cook dinner with one hand. So there you have it....we ate pizza. The only other thing that I could do with one hand was remove Christmas ornaments from the tree, and I did it. The millions of dropped needles, tiny bits of wrapping paper and tape, crumbs from Christmas snacks, and all of the other goodies that come with living in a house full of children were screaming to be vacuumed up. I just figured that if I was going to vacuum while playing (yes, playing, I can't be sick and actually get any rest, so I've come to the conclusion that this is just an act of some kind!) sick, I might as well make it worth my while, so down came Christmas. The once beautiful tree now lies freezing, waiting, hoping to become something more, out by the street. The lights, train, stockings, and decor are stored away in the garage until next year. How sad it is that we so look forward to a season, a memory, and it can all be taken down in a hour.

Anyhoooo. Myles is having a fit and typing with one had is getting harder since he will not stop kicking me, so have a happy sunshiny day (at least it is here)!

Merry Christmas To All

"I'm Dreaming of a WET Christmas..." That's right, no snow for us folks. It RAINED yesterday, but never quite made it to the white stuff. This is my first Christmas in snow country that I haven't had any snow.

We started out our Christmas Eve watching Santa and his reindeer fly over Billings last night. I tried to get some pictures, but he was just too far away for our camera to snap a shot. He was escorted through our airspace by a helicopter. The kids loved it. Here's the pre-gift-opening picture.

The kids had a blast opening up their gifts. They received some very precious loveys from our friends in Alaska.
Stuart's face was priceless when he opened this Transformers jet.
Macy got a nice princess makeup kit from Great Grandma Rosie. She is also getting dance lessons from her grandparents, which she is very, very excited about.
Myles had a great time watching everyone keeping busy and looking at the stuffed animals that he received. The poor little guy still doesn't have a voice, so he can't say thank you to anyone.Fiona and the boys received new bedding from Nana & Poppy. Here's Fiona's new bed..

And the boys' bedding that matches the top and bottom bunk.

Macy was up early today looking at the loot from Santa. She woke me up saying that he had been here since her stocking had stuff in it. They all received sleeping bags from Santa for their new camper....but are "camping" in them tonight too!

We had a nice relaxing Christmas at home. I'm happy that we didn't go anywhere now since we are all battling this terrible cold. We were not able to make it to our friend's house today because we didn't want to contaminate anyone else. I was able to visit with a few people on the telephone last night and today, but my vocals are fading fast. I've been napping tons with the baby, and Grady has been such a wonderful help with the cooking, cleaning, and children. I could not have found myself a better husband! I just hope that he can overcome his headache and sore throat without going through what I'm battling right now. We're praying for a good nights rest tonight.

I hope that everyone had a wondeful Christmas. I'm gonna go rest some more. Love to you all from us.

A Christmas Wish from us to you.

(Please read the following to the "tune " of "We Wish You...")

WE

FISH EWE AMARE
EGRETMOOSE

(go back to top & repeat two more times), then..

PANDAHIPPO
GNU

DEER!

This was a song that was shared with us from some friends here in town. I loved it and had to teach it to the kids. I have them singing it recorded on my telephone, but can not get it to the computer and haven't had the time to record it on the camera for a transfer.

We are all battling another cold. Many of us have lost our voices and are in various stages pulling through. I just came down with it today, so I guess that my theory of "moms can't get sick" is now being flushed down the drain. It's a good thing that we'll be home for Christmas to keep from sharing the not-so-fun stuff with others.

We're opening presents tonight, so I will try to post some pictures later.
Have a Merry Christmas!

Battle of the Telephones!

It's been a little over a year since we've made the BIG move. And, for most of that time I have been battling with Qwest over some of my charges. When I first opened my account with them (which had unlimited long distance, mind you) I was being billed for someone else's long distance charges. The gal's name was right on my bill??? It took FIVE months of calling to finally get that off of my account. Then, I had the grand idea to sign up for Direct TV through them in September. We were promised the local channels (that is what we watch) and AFTER the installation, we were informed that we would not get them. Back to the telephone I went. I disconnected that service the SAME day it was installed. I was told t0 pay my account with Qwest short until the credit was received, and have been billed a late fee on it! What the Heck? After 30 minutes on hold yesterday, I hung up on Qwest. I went to the Verizon Wireless store after dinner last night and had my telephone number transferred to them. It will take a few days to complete, but I will no longer be a Qwest customer. Today, I finally called DirectTV myself to figure out what is going on with Qwest. I hope that I have things figured out now. So, don't be alarmed if you call and get my Verizon voicemail instead of the good ole answering machine or Qwest mail. Qwest vs. Verizon, who will please me?

Okay, now that I've given my bit of "whining" today, here are a few pictures of our "big" little boy. He has been rolling over to his tummy, but doesn't care too much for it once he gets there. I wanted a few pictures of him holding his head, but he was tired by the time I returned with the camera. So, here's what I got for you all:

Macy& Myles
Myles trying to get his legs up under himself.

He rolled over in his crib this morning and was stuck next to the bars. I need to get a bumper for the poor guy so he doesn't hurt his head again. That's it from us. We're expecting nice weather for a few days so hopefully the kids can get out to play for a bit. Have a great week.

I've Been Tagged....

Sandy has tagged me to post "6 Habits or Truths About Myself". As if replying to the emails hasn't given enough information about me...I've gotta think about this one for a minute.

1. I am a NAIL BITER! I always find myself biting on my fingernails. Be it the actual nail part, or the hangnails. Macy has picked up this habit and Grady has been trying to discourage me from doing it since. However, I still find myself doing it, especially when watching television. I've even chewed down to blood before.

2. I am a PICKER! I pick at pimples, pull out hairs that I don't like. I've even picked out that lovely cradle cap on each of my kids' heads. I have never pinched a pimple on my children though. I pick at scabs, my teeth, eye sleepers, under my finger and my toe nails. This sounds extremely gross now that I have typed it out....but that's me baby.

3. I am a CLEANER! I can't stand a dirty house. I have my days when I don't vacuum or pick up, but it never fails that someone comes over. I hate people seeing a dirty house and car. Makes me pretty nuts now that I have FIVE children to clean up after. I hate clutter and try to organize all of the time. I hate dirty bathrooms, kitchen countertops, hard surface floors (can NOT walk barefooted one them at all without sweeping first), and a full garbage. I have a hard time keeping things as clean as I would like and find myself letting Myles SCREAM when something needs cleaned and is bugging me bad. (Is that a bad Momma?) I've found out that Windex is now my bestfriend...not only for glass, but the table, floors, walls, etc. I also LOVE the Clorox wipes!

4. I like things QUIET! I can not stand the TV loud, the children all running and screaming at once, whining or crying. I have a very hard time feeling any pitty when the playtime takes a downfall and someone gets hurt. I do not deal with chaos well, but I had four kids??? I'm still questioning that one too. Doing any shopping right now is enough to make me have a freak out session. Way too many people in Walmart and Costco. Lately, I've found myself making a "B-LINE" for the doors at church too.

5. I am a SUPER SMELLER! I can smell tons of things, and I don't like it. I won't cook bacon because the smell sticks to everything all day. I don't like a stinky trash can and find myself wiping it out everytime the trash is removed. I don't like the room sprays that are scented. I can stand them for a few mintues, but then the smell becomes overwhelming to me and I have to leave. Those country stores are the best when you first enter, but I have to leave quickly or else I get a headache. We had steamed broccoli last night for dinner and I could still smell it when I came upstairs from the basement...YUCK!

6. I am FRUGAL! I don't like to spend money or waste anything. I can't throw out toys, or watch my children throw out food. They burn through things quickly and often toss an apple with a few more bites still left. I get so mad. I have a very expensive taste habit, but find myself making do with what is cheaper. I think that I could have lived well during the depression era. I do, however, get on a spending tangent and catch myself buying on impulse because "I already have a credit card payment to make this month", which I often regret later.

Okay, it only took me a half an hour to do this. I have Myles on my lap clawing my arms and grunting right now. I hope that this is something new for most of you. I can only tag others via the comment section. My fellow bloggers have already posted on their sites. So, if you have any inkling...even if it is a little one...post for me PLEASE.

Finished Floors, Apples Galores!

Here's a picture of the kitchen floor. We did complete this project and get EVERY PIECE of furniture returned to it's proper position yesterday afternoon. Gotta say I LOVE IT!!! The dining room BEFORE grouting.
And, my dessert for our Ward Christmas party. My mom reminded me of these the other day on the telephone, and I just couldn't get the craving out of my head. I did modify a little, and used another cereal instead of the cinnamon candies for berries.
I received a call around 5 tonight that there was a truck accident today and that the entire semi trailer was parked at the church giving away 30 pound boxes of dried apples. I sent Grady over to pick up some while I finished dinner. He called a few minutes later and said that he was going to help unload the trailer into the building, so he'd be a while. He also asked me how many boxes I wanted. I told him that I didn't care (expecting two or three).
Well, when he arrived, he toted 17 of these suckers into the garage. Someone else was helping put them in the suburban and just kept finding "another" place to stash a box. I must say that they are delicious, and I already have plans for making a few things.
Towards the end of the unhaul...
Our new box of "mind boggling". If anyone has any ideas on what to do with these, I'd appreciate a few of them . We have plenty to share if anyone gets up our direction too! Grady said that one coat closet at the church is FULL of these boxes and that it overflowed into the hall area. I asked about the driver, but he didn't know anything.

In other news, Grady's scriptures were returned to him yesterday morning. We lost them at Stake Conference in October, and I had prayed, called, and emailed around for them. I finally emailed our Stake President on Saturday asking for ideas. He said he'd look for them Sunday and announce it. First thing Sunday morning, one of our Stake members brought them to Grady at church. I'm so happy that they made it home.

A Few Laughs from Stu

Stuart has said some of the funniest things here lately, so I had to share them:

**He was playing with a little car thing today and said that he was going back to Ten Sleep. Once there, he said that he had to go to Worland. I asked him if he was going to work with Poppy for a few days. He said yes, and then came over and whispered in my ear that he was really going "to tell Poppy that they needed to move to Billings".

**Myles didn't eat much yesterday, and I was talking with Grady about skipping the evening dose. Listening in on the conversation, Stuart asked, "will he shrink if he doesn't eat then?"

There was another one, but I can't remember it right now, so I may post it later if my memory returns.

Quick Update on Myles

Today was a very, very tough day for our little man. He hardly ate or slept at all today. I did get a good meal in with the medication this morning, but the rest of the day was just small nibbles and a quick nap. The longest one was about 20 minutes. I think that this medication is hurting him. He hind end is getting a slight rash despite me putting medication on it every diaper change (which is a quite often). I called the pharmacist, and together we decided to skip tonight's dose and then call the doctor back tomorrow morning. I just can't stand hearing him cry in pain. I'll let you all know what happens tomorrow. Hopefully we will have a better night tonight and I can get him back into eating well.

Ear Infection, Coughing, Waiting....

Poor little Myles had to take another trip to the pediatrician's office yesterday. He was spiking a low fever on Sunday, but the health nurse assured me it was fine until it hit a certain temperature. I blew it off, and just kept the little cough machine upright as much as possible. Yesterday morning he woke up rather late...loved the sleeping in part....and just started in on a terrible coughing spill. It lasted between ten and fifteen minutes. I called the doctor's office and when the nurse heard him, she told me to get him in right away. Since the back seat was still not in the suburban, I called Grady to come home and sit with the older kids. The cough is due to nothing else, but a cold, and an inhailer would do wonders for the little guy. But, the trick would be getting it to work with him. He also found an ear infection. So, we are going to treat the infection with some antibiotics and watch the cough. If it doesn't get better in a few days, we will attempt the inhailer. MY FIRST CHILD WITH AN EAR INFECTION...AUGHHHH!

In other news, the tile has come to a standstill. We bought this "high tech, nothing can stop it now" grout and have to wait three full days before we can put the kitchen back together. So, the dining table is on the back deck, the stove and refrigerator are on the hardibacker in the dining room, and the other half of the dining room is tiled...but waiting for grout until the kitchen sets and we can successfully move the appliances back. I will post pictures when the entire ordeal is complete~and we are back to cooking like normal folks again.

Nana and Auntie Carly came up for a quick visit yesterday. They brough some cute jammies that Auntie Anita sent back from Hanna Andersson....THANK YOU! I took a few pictures. Getting the attention of four little kids at one time took BOTH parents and the snap shots had to be done FAST, but we did manage to get a few cute poses.

That's it from Montana...OH...we hit 59 degrees yesterday! Snow on the ground Monday night along with rain falling from the sky....only here could that happen without people questioning the weathermaker. Have a wonderful week, and we'll post come hard surface updates along with the Myles progress later.

Christmas Tree & Tile

We headed out Saturday morning to buy a Christmas tree. Once there, I told the guy that I wanted a Charlie Brown tree. Grady said, "Of course you do, we go through this every year. This is why I don't like to come Christmas tree shopping." I shockingly looked over at him. He went over to some fuller trees and said, "I want this one, come on kids, let's go to the car." He says it was because Macy was whining that she was freezing, but I know it was his way of getting what he wanted :) So, standing there and freezing myself, I took a look at a few others that looked like what he pointed out. I wanted a cheaper tree (being my frugal self), but opted to buy "THAT ONE" for him. The poor salesman said that his wife was on her way down and that they would be going through the SAME EXACT THING! Living it twice in one day....poor man. I must add that I never took the time to think about what Grady wanted. I just assumed that he like the same thing and never thought to ask. LESSON LEARNED HERE AND TODAY FOLKS! Sorry, Grady, for not even thinking to ask your opinion...although, looking back, I guess that I do that alot. I DO need to pay MORE attention to your thoughts and feelings. Just give me a swift kick in the hinny next time and say..."remember your blog?". It'll work, I promise.

Anyway, here is a picture of Myles before we headed out for the shopping adventure. I just love this hat! We received it as a gift with an outfit from the neighbors across the street when he was born. He's almost big enough to fit the clothes.

Here's the tree all decorated up. The kids made decorating the tree a snap. These pictures are bad....AGAIN. I just found a finger print on the lens, so hopefully I can keep little fingers away from the camera long enough to get some clearer pictures.
And, as if disagreeing on a tree wasn't enough, Grady opted to remove the carpet and hardwood from the kitchen and dining area. We have had several tile samples sitting around, but have failed to completely agree on ONE. I told him that I wasn't in any big hurry to pick something and (should have kept my mouth shut) if he wanted it rushed, he could just rip out the old and I would compromise on the choices. TA*DA! Twice in one day he got his WAY!

We did hit a snag with the leveling of the floor and had to spend more that we had in the budget, but isn't that how ALL renovations go? We had to bring up the dining floor to level with the kitchen since the hardwood was laid over some vinyl and a subfloor that were under the cabinets. Lovely housebuilders.... But, it worked out just fine.

See the little shot of the floor change in the lower left corner?

And the carpeted dining room.....who would ever do that???? I guess someone without four little wild animals that eat like four little piggies...(LITERALLY!) living with them. Here's the general layout to prepare cuts for the gluedown! How much larger the kitchen seems with out the angled floor change. Here are a few old pictures of the before (even before we moved in!)
Cutting tile in the garage (it was cold out there, so I used the zoom...together with the fingerprint makes for a terrible photo, but you get the just of it). Thanks to our friends for the use of the saw. And what we woke up to this morning after Macy did her job of removing all spacers. I'm on the search for some grout. We're in another debate over which to go with. I like the cheap mix it yourself stuff, but would have to put on a sealer; and Grady is on the path of a more expensive urethane based premixed grout that is wonderful in color and just a one time deal. We'll see what we compromise on this time...I'm thinking that he'll win again though. The camoflauge name should say it all about his choice!

I better go check on Myles. He came down with the gucky germy runny nose and cough that everyone else in the house has had...except he and I...knock on wood. I was up with him until 3 a.m. on Saturday night (Sunday morning). We slept in until almost 10, so everyone stayed home from Church to try to STOP the spread. Last night it was about midnight before I was able to get to bed (tile laying and Myles). I am a bit sleepy, but the day is perfect for staying in...and we can't go anywere since the backseat and two carseats are still sitting in the garage!

Have a great week!

A Bottle full of "Katsup" .. Update!

Grady painted over the blue in Fiona's room last night. Here are a few pictures of it. They are not the best, and I am still searching for the perfect shabby chic bed quilt, but you get the point. I am giving some big consideration to painting all of the trim in her room white, but may wait until Myles gets a better schedule. A few more decorative things I plan to make should fill in the empty wall well.
And this picture in the corner, Macy drew a picture of Dora for Fiona yesterday. She did a wonderful job.....YES, another creative gal in the house!
Here's the cabinet covers that I promised in the last post. These pictures are terrible, but Myles is thinking that he needs his momma again.


Fiona's new thing right now is saying, "Oh Gosh" and covering her mouth like this. She started it during a television show or the commercial, and has kept it up since. Funny Gal. A photo of Myles and Daddy!
Here is the boys' room. We are going to paint the walls (probably after tiling the kitchen and dining area...which is in the process of becoming a reality, if we could agree on some tile!)
Again, I have big plans for a few more signs and I need to spray paint a propeller hook rack and these walls should be filled up too.

We're getting snow again, so I'm decorating the inside of the house for Christmas. I will pick up a tree this weekend for the final touches. I'm not so sure that the weather is going to cooperate for outside decorating this year. But, we'll see. The baby is screaming right now upstairs, so I better go check on him. Have a great day!

Thanksgiving, Christmas & Shopping

Thanksgiving day was spent laughing and playing while the oh-so-yummy dinner was cooking. Thanks, Dad and Sheila, for another wonderful meal. My sister and her family came up from Colorado and my brother, his wife, and their son was there too. We were able to get a picture of all of the grandkids together and it was so exciting. Here's one of the many that I tried to get "just right".

Yes, I still have the majority of the children!
Myles and Great Grandpa. This was the first time that my grandpa held him. So precious.
We also shared our Christmas gifts. I was pretty stuck on getting the ones that I gave opened while I was there since we will be spending Christmas at home this year. This is my sister, Tosha, opening a gift while Nathan and Nicholas look on. My brother, Timmy, and his son, Damion opening the gifts that I made them.

Macy and Stuart opening one of their gifts.

Here's the gift that I made for Sheila. I can share some of them now that these have been opened.

My hand painted sign for my Dad.

The floating frames that I made for the great grandparents.

Here's our fireplace accessories that we received from my parents. Don't they just look awesome? I love them and can't wait to haul some wood for a REAL fire this year!

Here is the television that Grady woke up at 4 a.m. to go get. We looked around on the internet and through all of the sale flyers last night to see what was the best deal. It will be our Anniversary (tomorrow is 8 years), Christmas, and birthday gifts to each other for the year. I bought the stand while out today, and am going upstairs to make a "scrapbook" page to put behind each of the bottom window panes to cover up the movies and diapers. I will try to remember to post a picture of the final project once completed.

Did anyone else get out on this busy, busy, busy day to get any shopping done? We wrapped presents tonight and are now finished with the gift purchasing. I just need to spend some time decorating the house now.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed the day as much as we did. We are so blessed to have family to laugh and visit with. Have a wonderful weekend.