Well, my new nephew turned out to be a neice!! Kenadie Ann Mayfield was born yesterday at 1:50 PM. She weighs 7 lbs 1 oz, and is 20 inches long (the exact measurements as Josh... he was thrilled!). I had a dental appt. today, and stopped by the hospital to see momma and baby afterwards. She is so completely beautiful, and Alisha looked great, too. I thoroughly enjoyed snuggling with Kenadie! Alisha asked me if I enjoyed holding a little one and not getting baby-hungry anymore. I had to tell her that truthfully I still get baby-hungry, but I'm pretty happy at this point in life, so the "hunger" passes. When it gets really bad, I have to see one of the babies, then I'm good!
Kayti has told me several times that she thinks I should have another baby. I told here that all she had to do was wait another 5 years or so, and she could be the one having the babies! But she HAS to wait at least 5 years... and be married first!! That thought freaks her out, so the conversation usually ends there.
I didn't have my camera with me when I stopped by the hospital, but there are some beautiful pictures of Kenadie on Alisha's blog. Go check her out!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Hmmm... not much going on.
We really haven't had much going on over the past week, but I guess that I can touch on a few highlights.
We went out Saturday and helped my sis-in-law and her family move. They have really put a lot of work into the "new" house, and it looks great. Barry pulled something in his back while he was lifting something, and spent that night and the next day in bed. It really stinks getting older.
We had a great lesson in YW on Sunday about God the Father. One of our girls brought her non-member "friend" who happens to be a guy (she wouldn't call him her boyfriend!). He wanted to stay with her during YW because he doesn't know any of the YM. Half-way through the lesson he tells us that he is an athiest! OK... that one threw me!
Kayti and I went to the movies last night to see 27 Dresses. It was really cute, and we had a good time. We met a bunch of the "girls" for a Girls Night Out. Kayti's aunt was trying to help censor parts of the movie for her... it was pretty funny. You can read all about it on Kayti's blog.
Tonight the kids are headed to their Barry's parent's for the weekend. Barry will be working late tonight, so I will actually get the whole evening to myself. It's been a long time since that happened last, and I'm not quite sure what I'll do with myself! I should be stamping... I have a party in a couple of weeks that I need to start getting ready for. I think that we will sleep in tomorrow, then maybe go out tomorrow evening. Of course, I haven't even talked to Barry about it yet, so he may rather be lazy bums all day tomorrow! As long as I have to do as little cooking as possible, I'll be fine with whatever we do.
The weather is killing me! It's so dang cold! I'm over winter, and ready for some warm weather!! If it is going to be this cold it should be snowing, but of course it's not. It warms up into the 40's and 50's to rain, then back down into the 30's we go. It was 15 this morning!! I can't seem to get warm at all today, so I may just sit under the electric blanket tonight and veg in front of the tv!
It looks like I will have a new nephew probably on Monday, if he doesn't decided to come any earlier! I'm so excited! I love being an aunt!
Well, I'm actually at work right now, so I should be good and look like I'm actually trying to get something done today.
We went out Saturday and helped my sis-in-law and her family move. They have really put a lot of work into the "new" house, and it looks great. Barry pulled something in his back while he was lifting something, and spent that night and the next day in bed. It really stinks getting older.
We had a great lesson in YW on Sunday about God the Father. One of our girls brought her non-member "friend" who happens to be a guy (she wouldn't call him her boyfriend!). He wanted to stay with her during YW because he doesn't know any of the YM. Half-way through the lesson he tells us that he is an athiest! OK... that one threw me!
Kayti and I went to the movies last night to see 27 Dresses. It was really cute, and we had a good time. We met a bunch of the "girls" for a Girls Night Out. Kayti's aunt was trying to help censor parts of the movie for her... it was pretty funny. You can read all about it on Kayti's blog.
Tonight the kids are headed to their Barry's parent's for the weekend. Barry will be working late tonight, so I will actually get the whole evening to myself. It's been a long time since that happened last, and I'm not quite sure what I'll do with myself! I should be stamping... I have a party in a couple of weeks that I need to start getting ready for. I think that we will sleep in tomorrow, then maybe go out tomorrow evening. Of course, I haven't even talked to Barry about it yet, so he may rather be lazy bums all day tomorrow! As long as I have to do as little cooking as possible, I'll be fine with whatever we do.
The weather is killing me! It's so dang cold! I'm over winter, and ready for some warm weather!! If it is going to be this cold it should be snowing, but of course it's not. It warms up into the 40's and 50's to rain, then back down into the 30's we go. It was 15 this morning!! I can't seem to get warm at all today, so I may just sit under the electric blanket tonight and veg in front of the tv!
It looks like I will have a new nephew probably on Monday, if he doesn't decided to come any earlier! I'm so excited! I love being an aunt!
Well, I'm actually at work right now, so I should be good and look like I'm actually trying to get something done today.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
What is this stuff?
No... that isn't dandruff in his hair! It actually snowed today in Alabama!! The boys have been out "playing in it" since we got home from school. Not that it is actually sticking... it's melting on contact, but it has been fun to run around and watch it fall. We are supposed to get sleet and freezing rain tonight, and possibly more flurries this weekend.
Hmmm... I wonder how much milk and bread is available at the store right now? ;)
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Growing Pains
I've experienced some growing pains this week, and I have to tell you, it ain't fun!
Kayti is not like most teenagers. In fact, she has pretty much been an anti-teen; she could care less about fashion, boys, make-up, talking on the telephone, and any other obsession most teen-age girls have. I have always been very thankful for this, and I really have never had too much to worry about with her. We get along great, and I can always count on her to be my easy-going girl.
Keeping all this in mind, image my surprise when this week we got into a huge blow-up. I can't remember a time that I have been more mad at her. And I'm not sure if I was more mad at her, or hurt by her. It was a pretty minor incident, really, when I look back on it. I was talking to all of the kids, venting some frustrations that their father and I share over the cleaning habits, when all of the sudden my sweet, mild-mannered girl smarted off to me! I was floored. I have heard other girls her age speak to their parents in a way that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end, and I have always prided myself on the fact that my daughter would never speak to me in such a way. And, truthfully, she didn't, but the fact that she talked back at all really had me riled up. I stewed about it all day, and even gave her the silent treatment for half of the day. I was able to calm down and we talked things over that night, but I'm not sure how I will handle this again if it happens in the future. I know that it will happen, that is just the nature of things... kids grow up and learn to speak for themselves, and express opinions in ways that we as parents find unnerving. We teach our kids to think for themselves, and stand up for themselves, and then get really mad at them when it is aimed towards us ;)
When Kayti was 11 or 12 she told me and her dad that she didn't want to become a teen-ager because whe couldn't stand the thought of being mad at us or having us mad at her all the time. Barry told her then that as long as she was respectful that we shouldn't have a problem. We told her that it was ok to have a different opinion about something than us, and as long as she voiced that difference with calmness and respect we could always talk about it. I guess that it what I have to keep in mind. And I guess that I need to remind her of that as well. In the immortal words of Aretha Franklin, it all boils down to R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
On a much lighter side of things, Barry took Kayti out driving for the first time yesterday! I have video of her pulling in and out of the parking space! It took them about 15 minutes to actually back out and get going. They drove around the neighborhood a few times, and Kayti had had enough of it. Her poor Driver's Ed teacher! I feel for him! You can read her thoughts on the experience on her blog.
Josh made it home safe and sound last night. He had a great time, and although he is sporting some bruises, he is fine otherwise. He did run into and knock down an "old lady" (his term) on his first run down the bunny slope! It sounds like she was not the only one that sufferd that fate, either!
School starts back tomorrow for the kids. All of mine are dreading it, but it will be kind of nice to be back in the routine of things. Well, everything except the alarm going off at 5:00 AM. I could really do without that. Only 10 more weeks until Spring Break!
Kayti is not like most teenagers. In fact, she has pretty much been an anti-teen; she could care less about fashion, boys, make-up, talking on the telephone, and any other obsession most teen-age girls have. I have always been very thankful for this, and I really have never had too much to worry about with her. We get along great, and I can always count on her to be my easy-going girl.
Keeping all this in mind, image my surprise when this week we got into a huge blow-up. I can't remember a time that I have been more mad at her. And I'm not sure if I was more mad at her, or hurt by her. It was a pretty minor incident, really, when I look back on it. I was talking to all of the kids, venting some frustrations that their father and I share over the cleaning habits, when all of the sudden my sweet, mild-mannered girl smarted off to me! I was floored. I have heard other girls her age speak to their parents in a way that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end, and I have always prided myself on the fact that my daughter would never speak to me in such a way. And, truthfully, she didn't, but the fact that she talked back at all really had me riled up. I stewed about it all day, and even gave her the silent treatment for half of the day. I was able to calm down and we talked things over that night, but I'm not sure how I will handle this again if it happens in the future. I know that it will happen, that is just the nature of things... kids grow up and learn to speak for themselves, and express opinions in ways that we as parents find unnerving. We teach our kids to think for themselves, and stand up for themselves, and then get really mad at them when it is aimed towards us ;)
When Kayti was 11 or 12 she told me and her dad that she didn't want to become a teen-ager because whe couldn't stand the thought of being mad at us or having us mad at her all the time. Barry told her then that as long as she was respectful that we shouldn't have a problem. We told her that it was ok to have a different opinion about something than us, and as long as she voiced that difference with calmness and respect we could always talk about it. I guess that it what I have to keep in mind. And I guess that I need to remind her of that as well. In the immortal words of Aretha Franklin, it all boils down to R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
On a much lighter side of things, Barry took Kayti out driving for the first time yesterday! I have video of her pulling in and out of the parking space! It took them about 15 minutes to actually back out and get going. They drove around the neighborhood a few times, and Kayti had had enough of it. Her poor Driver's Ed teacher! I feel for him! You can read her thoughts on the experience on her blog.
Josh made it home safe and sound last night. He had a great time, and although he is sporting some bruises, he is fine otherwise. He did run into and knock down an "old lady" (his term) on his first run down the bunny slope! It sounds like she was not the only one that sufferd that fate, either!
School starts back tomorrow for the kids. All of mine are dreading it, but it will be kind of nice to be back in the routine of things. Well, everything except the alarm going off at 5:00 AM. I could really do without that. Only 10 more weeks until Spring Break!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
New Glasses and a "Snow Bunny"
I just had a few things to post about today. Kayti and I got new glasses today! I really only wear contacts, but I haven't updated my glasses in years, so I figured that I had better do that. And, although Kayti has contacts that she can wear, she prefers to wear her glasses, and needed a new pair as well. We are pretty pleased with them. What do y'all think?
And, here is my little "snow bunny!" We had to drive all over Huntsville to look for snow pants, but finally found some at (of all places) Burlington Coat Factory! Well, we did find one pair at Gander Mountain as well, but Burlington had tons! Here he is... all ready to head out into the cold bright and early tomorrow morning. Hopefully he comes home in one piece!
And, here is my little "snow bunny!" We had to drive all over Huntsville to look for snow pants, but finally found some at (of all places) Burlington Coat Factory! Well, we did find one pair at Gander Mountain as well, but Burlington had tons! Here he is... all ready to head out into the cold bright and early tomorrow morning. Hopefully he comes home in one piece!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
It has been a while since I posted, so I guess that I need to do a bit of catch-up. This is going to be a long post!
We had a good Christmas, but we had several sickies. We planned on going up to Nashville on Sat, the 22nd of Dec (Kyle's birthday). Kayti woke up that morning sick to her stomach. We had planned on leaving around 1:00 or 2:00, so we were hoping that would give her time to feel better. She got up and showered and said that she felt better, so we headed out. We got almost to Nashville, and had to make an emergency stop on the side of the interstate! We tried to chalk it up to car-sickness, which she experiences every time she takes long trips, but that was not the case. We made it over to the Opry Mills Mall, but never made it to the Hotel. Thankfully Kayti slept all the way home, but by the time she crawled into bed, she was running a fever. Poor kid! I felt so bad for her.
On Sunday, Dec. 23, Kyle was ordained a Deacon, and Josh was ordained a Teacher. I was so proud of both of them. Thanks to all of the Mayfield clan that were able to make it. My mom and dad were headed down, but dad then got sick, so they were not able to make it. Kayti woke up that morning feeling great (amazingly!), so she was able to be there as well. It's so hard for me to believe that I now have 2 Aaronic Priesthood holders in my family, and only one child left in Primary!! The Primary kids had to get up and sing during Sacrament Meeting that Sunday as part of the Christmas program, and Kyle was so happy that he didn't have to go up!
Barry had to work for part of the day on Christmas Eve. I took him to work that morning, and we grabbed some breakfast together. Then I had plans to come home, bake a bunch of goodies, take them to Barry's work, grab a few more last minute gifts, then bring Barry home from work. You know that saying about best laid plans? Well, I should have known things would not run that smoothly. Megan woke up that morning sick to her stomach. She seemed to feel much worse than Kayti, and stayed in bed all day. Barry called much earlier than expected to say he was ready to come home, so I didn't have the goodies ready to take to his work. We also had plans to go out to Granny and Grandpa Mayfield's, then visit our friends, the Sparkmans, that night. We had to call and cancel those plans as well. This is the first Christmas Eve that we have been home in years. We made the most of it... I finished up the baking, we made popcorn, and watched movies. Megan came down so the kids could open up their Christmas Eve gifts... new pajamas. She felt so bad that she really didn't even want to do that. This year was the first year that I wrapped all of the Santa gifts and put them under the tree before Christmas Eve, so really all that had to be done this year was put together the stockings. That didn't take too long, and I was actually in bed before 10:00!
Mrs. Claus brings the kids a new book every Christmas morning. Barry made a rule long ago that the kids had to stay in bed (or in their rooms) until 7:00 AM, so Mrs. Claus helps them pass the time by giving them something to do. The books are always wrapped, so at least they get to rip open something! As soon as the clock struck 7:00 the kids were all in our room, ready to pounce on their dad. Megan felt great, and thankfully no one else woke up sick that morning. After the kids finally convinced Barry to wake up, we read the Christmas Story from Luke and every ran downstairs. The kids were thrilled with their gifts. Kayti got some new black boots that she has been begging for, the 5th Harry Potter movie, and a gift card for Build-a-Bear. I tease her that at her age she shouldn't still want Teddy Bears, but she is such a big kid at heart still that she can't help herself! Josh and Kyle have been eyeing these Nerf Blasters for several months, and they both got Maverick Blasters, and the Nerf Dart Tag set. We have all had so much fun playing with those stupid guns! Josh and I had a huge battle last week, and of course I won!! Kyle also got a polo and an Avatar game for their Gamecube. Josh got a watch and the Pirates 3 movie. Megan also got a BaB gift card, a scrapbooking kit, and a new outfit. The kids draw names for each other every year, and have a $5 limit they can spend. Kayti got Megan some black leggings; Josh got Kyle a huge bag of Cocoa-Dynobites ( I refuse to buy chocolate cereal, so he though this was great!); Kyle got Kayti a snow-globe (he picked this out when his class went to the Chattanooga Aquarium a few weeks ago); Megan got Josh a Halo book. We got Barry a new Nerf Steelers football, some tools, CDs, and a Marvel comic book vault... a book full of history and sketches from Marvel comic books. Barry and the kids got me a MP3 player! After we opened gifts, we got ready and headed up to my parent's. We decided that this year we would not exchange gifts, and we wouldn't feel guilty about it. We would just enjoy Christmas dinner together. It was very nice! Kris and Kurt came over for a little while, but Kurt was not feeling well, so they didn't stay long. Carol came down, and Troy and his family were there. The food was yummy, and the company was even better.
About 3 weeks ago I sat down and made out a list of everything that I still needed to get done, gifts that still needed to be bought, and places that we needed go between then and now. The list was 2 pages long, and I had to realize that what got done, got done, and what didn't, wouldn't kill me. A lot of you know that I have made our family Chirstmas card for the past 14 or 15 years now, and this year was no different. The big difference this year is that I didn't get most of them sent out! Please don't take it personally if you didn't get one, just realize that I thought about you enough to make one, but was too stressed out to get it sent! Here is a picture of what it looked like this year:
Megan stayed with mom and dad for a few days. She LOVES to be on the farm, helping her Grandpa with the cows. Dad was given a couple of registered Tennessee Walking Horses, and they are both broken. Megan fell in love with them, and had a ball riding.
The rest of the kids and I took goodies to Barry's work on Wedensday, and we saw his new "office". He now has the "corner" cubicle!
Kyle headed out Thursday morning for a back-packing trip with the scouts. Josh went on this trip last year and had a great time, so Kyle was excited to go this year. The guys had to pack all of their food and gear on their backs, and hike in about 5 miles to their campsite. It rained one of the days that they were there. We actually had tornado warnings all around us, so I was a little worried about them. They were all fine, of course, and Kyle had a great time. I didn't embarrass him by taking my camera with me to see him off, so I don't have any pictures to share. :(
Barry took Kayti to get her permit Thursday morning. She has to have it before Driver's Ed starts, which is the first day of school. She was so nervous, but she passed! Now I am the one who is so nervous!!
Josh and Kayti participated in a Winter Youth Conference last weekend. Our stake hosted, and invited the Franklin, Tn. Stake to join us. They had a dance on Friday night (Josh's first!) and I chaperoned it. I guess I should say here that I loved youth dances as a kid. I loved to dance, and couldn't stand to sit still! My friend and I realized that if we wanted to dance, we had to ask the guys because most of them wouldn't ask the girls, and we had no problem asking. (In fact, the first time that Barry and I actually talked was when I asked him to dance at a stake dance. It was a fast song, and he replied, "I don't fast dance. Come back on a slow song." So, I did, and we danced!) My children so far seem to take after their dad. Josh was more content to sit and read. Kayti wanted to be out in the hall with her friends. I'm holding out hope that Kyle and Megan will take after me! Josh was approached by 3 cute girls from Franklin Stake, who introduced themselves, and ask him what his name was. One of them came back and asked him to dance later on. I finally got Kayti to stay put in the gym, and she danced as well. The next day they had workshops, and a testimony meeting. They both said that they really enjoyed it.
I started getting sick Friday night... a nasty cold that has since settled in my chest. I lost my voice Sunday morning. I went on to church, saw and Kyle pass the Sacrament for the first time, but then started feeling really bad so we came back home after Sacrament Meeting.
I took the girls to Build-a-Bear Workshop the other day. I couldn't help but laugh at both of them. Kayti was really too funny to watch! It was pretty busy, and most of the customers were little kids, but that didn't seem to phase her. Megan picked out a monkey and named her Maggie. She also picked out some cute "diva" glasses for Maggie. Kayti picked out a cute teddy bear that was a lot cheaper than the monkey, so she had money left over to get a complete outfit. She first picked out a "knight in shining armor" suit, but then she saw a wizard outfit and had to have that. She named her bear Nathaniel T. Cummings, but is calling him "Nat" for short. I don't know where she comes up with these things!
Barry had to work last night, so the kids and I planned on going over to Jared and Debbie's to ring in the new year. I felt awful, so we just hung out here. We all stayed up to see the new year in, munching on snacks and watching Spiderman 3. Barry got home around 6 this morning, and by the time he got up this afternoon, the kids had helped me take down the Christmas tree and all of the decorations. They really did more than I did... I directed from the couch, and they did a great job!! It always depresses me when we take the tree down. It hasn't helped that it's really cold today. We have all pretty much stayed in our jammies today, being completely lazy. I can't believe it's almost time to start dinner!! I realized that I never posted a picture of our tree, so here is one:
Tomorrow we get Josh ready to head out on a ski trip with his Teachers Quorum. They are headed to North Carolina early Thursday morning. I head back to work Thursday as well, so at least I don't have to worry about Josh picking on Kyle and Megan while I am not here! I just have to worry about him freezing to death, and breaking his neck!
The kids head back to school on Monday, so life will pretty much be back to normal. We, as a family, are sitting down on Monday night during FHE to go over our personal and family goals for the year. I don't have my complete list yet, but I do know that I would like to attend the temple more this year. One thing that I have learned since I started working is that when things are important, you find a way to get them done. I need to make this more of a priority.
Well, I guess that's all for this post. I need to be better about keeping on top of things! I guess I can list that as one of my goals for the new year ;)
We had a good Christmas, but we had several sickies. We planned on going up to Nashville on Sat, the 22nd of Dec (Kyle's birthday). Kayti woke up that morning sick to her stomach. We had planned on leaving around 1:00 or 2:00, so we were hoping that would give her time to feel better. She got up and showered and said that she felt better, so we headed out. We got almost to Nashville, and had to make an emergency stop on the side of the interstate! We tried to chalk it up to car-sickness, which she experiences every time she takes long trips, but that was not the case. We made it over to the Opry Mills Mall, but never made it to the Hotel. Thankfully Kayti slept all the way home, but by the time she crawled into bed, she was running a fever. Poor kid! I felt so bad for her.
On Sunday, Dec. 23, Kyle was ordained a Deacon, and Josh was ordained a Teacher. I was so proud of both of them. Thanks to all of the Mayfield clan that were able to make it. My mom and dad were headed down, but dad then got sick, so they were not able to make it. Kayti woke up that morning feeling great (amazingly!), so she was able to be there as well. It's so hard for me to believe that I now have 2 Aaronic Priesthood holders in my family, and only one child left in Primary!! The Primary kids had to get up and sing during Sacrament Meeting that Sunday as part of the Christmas program, and Kyle was so happy that he didn't have to go up!
Barry had to work for part of the day on Christmas Eve. I took him to work that morning, and we grabbed some breakfast together. Then I had plans to come home, bake a bunch of goodies, take them to Barry's work, grab a few more last minute gifts, then bring Barry home from work. You know that saying about best laid plans? Well, I should have known things would not run that smoothly. Megan woke up that morning sick to her stomach. She seemed to feel much worse than Kayti, and stayed in bed all day. Barry called much earlier than expected to say he was ready to come home, so I didn't have the goodies ready to take to his work. We also had plans to go out to Granny and Grandpa Mayfield's, then visit our friends, the Sparkmans, that night. We had to call and cancel those plans as well. This is the first Christmas Eve that we have been home in years. We made the most of it... I finished up the baking, we made popcorn, and watched movies. Megan came down so the kids could open up their Christmas Eve gifts... new pajamas. She felt so bad that she really didn't even want to do that. This year was the first year that I wrapped all of the Santa gifts and put them under the tree before Christmas Eve, so really all that had to be done this year was put together the stockings. That didn't take too long, and I was actually in bed before 10:00!
Mrs. Claus brings the kids a new book every Christmas morning. Barry made a rule long ago that the kids had to stay in bed (or in their rooms) until 7:00 AM, so Mrs. Claus helps them pass the time by giving them something to do. The books are always wrapped, so at least they get to rip open something! As soon as the clock struck 7:00 the kids were all in our room, ready to pounce on their dad. Megan felt great, and thankfully no one else woke up sick that morning. After the kids finally convinced Barry to wake up, we read the Christmas Story from Luke and every ran downstairs. The kids were thrilled with their gifts. Kayti got some new black boots that she has been begging for, the 5th Harry Potter movie, and a gift card for Build-a-Bear. I tease her that at her age she shouldn't still want Teddy Bears, but she is such a big kid at heart still that she can't help herself! Josh and Kyle have been eyeing these Nerf Blasters for several months, and they both got Maverick Blasters, and the Nerf Dart Tag set. We have all had so much fun playing with those stupid guns! Josh and I had a huge battle last week, and of course I won!! Kyle also got a polo and an Avatar game for their Gamecube. Josh got a watch and the Pirates 3 movie. Megan also got a BaB gift card, a scrapbooking kit, and a new outfit. The kids draw names for each other every year, and have a $5 limit they can spend. Kayti got Megan some black leggings; Josh got Kyle a huge bag of Cocoa-Dynobites ( I refuse to buy chocolate cereal, so he though this was great!); Kyle got Kayti a snow-globe (he picked this out when his class went to the Chattanooga Aquarium a few weeks ago); Megan got Josh a Halo book. We got Barry a new Nerf Steelers football, some tools, CDs, and a Marvel comic book vault... a book full of history and sketches from Marvel comic books. Barry and the kids got me a MP3 player! After we opened gifts, we got ready and headed up to my parent's. We decided that this year we would not exchange gifts, and we wouldn't feel guilty about it. We would just enjoy Christmas dinner together. It was very nice! Kris and Kurt came over for a little while, but Kurt was not feeling well, so they didn't stay long. Carol came down, and Troy and his family were there. The food was yummy, and the company was even better.
About 3 weeks ago I sat down and made out a list of everything that I still needed to get done, gifts that still needed to be bought, and places that we needed go between then and now. The list was 2 pages long, and I had to realize that what got done, got done, and what didn't, wouldn't kill me. A lot of you know that I have made our family Chirstmas card for the past 14 or 15 years now, and this year was no different. The big difference this year is that I didn't get most of them sent out! Please don't take it personally if you didn't get one, just realize that I thought about you enough to make one, but was too stressed out to get it sent! Here is a picture of what it looked like this year:
Megan stayed with mom and dad for a few days. She LOVES to be on the farm, helping her Grandpa with the cows. Dad was given a couple of registered Tennessee Walking Horses, and they are both broken. Megan fell in love with them, and had a ball riding.
The rest of the kids and I took goodies to Barry's work on Wedensday, and we saw his new "office". He now has the "corner" cubicle!
Kyle headed out Thursday morning for a back-packing trip with the scouts. Josh went on this trip last year and had a great time, so Kyle was excited to go this year. The guys had to pack all of their food and gear on their backs, and hike in about 5 miles to their campsite. It rained one of the days that they were there. We actually had tornado warnings all around us, so I was a little worried about them. They were all fine, of course, and Kyle had a great time. I didn't embarrass him by taking my camera with me to see him off, so I don't have any pictures to share. :(
Barry took Kayti to get her permit Thursday morning. She has to have it before Driver's Ed starts, which is the first day of school. She was so nervous, but she passed! Now I am the one who is so nervous!!
Josh and Kayti participated in a Winter Youth Conference last weekend. Our stake hosted, and invited the Franklin, Tn. Stake to join us. They had a dance on Friday night (Josh's first!) and I chaperoned it. I guess I should say here that I loved youth dances as a kid. I loved to dance, and couldn't stand to sit still! My friend and I realized that if we wanted to dance, we had to ask the guys because most of them wouldn't ask the girls, and we had no problem asking. (In fact, the first time that Barry and I actually talked was when I asked him to dance at a stake dance. It was a fast song, and he replied, "I don't fast dance. Come back on a slow song." So, I did, and we danced!) My children so far seem to take after their dad. Josh was more content to sit and read. Kayti wanted to be out in the hall with her friends. I'm holding out hope that Kyle and Megan will take after me! Josh was approached by 3 cute girls from Franklin Stake, who introduced themselves, and ask him what his name was. One of them came back and asked him to dance later on. I finally got Kayti to stay put in the gym, and she danced as well. The next day they had workshops, and a testimony meeting. They both said that they really enjoyed it.
I started getting sick Friday night... a nasty cold that has since settled in my chest. I lost my voice Sunday morning. I went on to church, saw and Kyle pass the Sacrament for the first time, but then started feeling really bad so we came back home after Sacrament Meeting.
I took the girls to Build-a-Bear Workshop the other day. I couldn't help but laugh at both of them. Kayti was really too funny to watch! It was pretty busy, and most of the customers were little kids, but that didn't seem to phase her. Megan picked out a monkey and named her Maggie. She also picked out some cute "diva" glasses for Maggie. Kayti picked out a cute teddy bear that was a lot cheaper than the monkey, so she had money left over to get a complete outfit. She first picked out a "knight in shining armor" suit, but then she saw a wizard outfit and had to have that. She named her bear Nathaniel T. Cummings, but is calling him "Nat" for short. I don't know where she comes up with these things!
Barry had to work last night, so the kids and I planned on going over to Jared and Debbie's to ring in the new year. I felt awful, so we just hung out here. We all stayed up to see the new year in, munching on snacks and watching Spiderman 3. Barry got home around 6 this morning, and by the time he got up this afternoon, the kids had helped me take down the Christmas tree and all of the decorations. They really did more than I did... I directed from the couch, and they did a great job!! It always depresses me when we take the tree down. It hasn't helped that it's really cold today. We have all pretty much stayed in our jammies today, being completely lazy. I can't believe it's almost time to start dinner!! I realized that I never posted a picture of our tree, so here is one:
Tomorrow we get Josh ready to head out on a ski trip with his Teachers Quorum. They are headed to North Carolina early Thursday morning. I head back to work Thursday as well, so at least I don't have to worry about Josh picking on Kyle and Megan while I am not here! I just have to worry about him freezing to death, and breaking his neck!
The kids head back to school on Monday, so life will pretty much be back to normal. We, as a family, are sitting down on Monday night during FHE to go over our personal and family goals for the year. I don't have my complete list yet, but I do know that I would like to attend the temple more this year. One thing that I have learned since I started working is that when things are important, you find a way to get them done. I need to make this more of a priority.
Well, I guess that's all for this post. I need to be better about keeping on top of things! I guess I can list that as one of my goals for the new year ;)
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