Utah!!!

We had a fun little quick trip to Utah last week. James got home on Friday around 5 and we finally left. We made it about 3 hours and stopped for the night. We stayed in a goofy little hotel that was hot and stuffy and no one slept....James had a funny dream where he started yelling and that was funny (another story to tell). We got up and headed for a long trek to Utah...about 12 hours!!! The kids were so excited to see Grandma and Grandpa! We even got to be greeted by Austin, Julianne, and Addy! Sunday was Beka's birthday so we had a celebration and got to meet Eric too...he's a nice guy that we're really excited about! Grandma made a yummy dinner and we had some fun for Grandpa and Beka's birthday. Monday we hung out and had a fun FHE with the whole gang. James took us to his Alma Mater to visit some teachers of his. Tuesday James went out to see more teachers on his own and have some fun reminiscing. Later that night he went shooting with Bob and Gramps while Grams took the two older girls for birthday ice cream...so lucky girls!!! Wednesday we went to see Bedtime Stories with Grandma which was really cute. She took the boys to the nickle cade and had a blast. We also did a little celebration for Ana's birthday. Thursday we went to SLC and had some fun. James found one of his good friends from high school, Phil Stevens, and we hung out with his cute family before heading to Aunt Amy's new place. We had dinner with Amy and then headed home with overtired and grouchy kids! Friday we went to lunch with Grams and Gramps and then had dinner with the Crandalls. It was fun seeing them and being able to hang out and catch up a bit. Marcie made a cake and the boys went and got ice cream which was all delicious!!! We had to leave Saturday but it was so fun to get a little break from Monterey and visit the old resting spot. We look forward to the next time we see everyone over 4th of July!!!

Gratitude!

We had an amazing lesson in RS on Sunday and so I decided that there was something that I needed to do. I have so much to be grateful for and so I decided to share.
1. Good health for all in my family...I will never take it for granted again!
2. My family...James, Teancum, Ana, Jarom, Rebekah, and Sariah...they are my life and I love them so much.
3. My extended family...Mom, Dad, Craig, Cristina, Kristi, Jonathon, Erik, and all their kids...I don't know what I would do without their love and support. They are always there for me and I know that they love me no matter what!
4. My in-laws...Bill, Vonnie, Jen, Dave, Amanda, Stephen, Austin, Julianne, Robby, Amy, Eric, and all their kids. They raised a wonderful son that I love with all my heart. They love to get together and always have so much fun. They've introduced to me to lots of new things and I love it!!!
5. My body...kinda goofy but I am. It's not perfect and it doesn't look the way I want it to, but I'm grateful that I have one and that I can work hard to make improvements. I have been working hard and I like the things that have changed and I like the way I feel.
6. The gospel...I love the knowledge that I have and the things that I continue to learn. I enjoy going to church and being uplifted by those around me who are so smart and wonderful. I'm grateful for the things that it's helped me with in my life because of the knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me!
7. Music....I love music and the impact it has on us. My kids love music and always want to sing and dance. I love the music we get to enjoy when we go to church and the music that we can enjoy in our home.
8. Friends...I won't even try to write all the names because I know I'll forget. We have been blessed with some of the best friends anyone could ask for. They have been there for us through everything and I am so happy.
9. Military...it's crazy to say but I am. It is a steady income and a reliable job right now and what more can you ask for? James loves to learn and he does well at learning the languages. The family enjoys being in Monterey, CA. We love our house and our neighborhood and all that there is to offer.
10. My Savior! I am so grateful that he was willing to give His life for me so that through all my imperfections I can repent and strive to be more like Him. I am grateful to know that I can live with Him again after I have done all I can here on this earth. I am grateful to know that James and I can be together for all eternity and pray that our children will do the same. I love my Savior and pray that I can strive to live worthy of being with He and our Heavenly Father again.

Ana Banana

We just thought we'd show you a picture of our cute little Ana Banana at the hospital in her cute little green gown and yellow socks. She sure was a cute one. So, Wed we spent the whole day getting ready to come to Utah...packing, laundry, cleaning, cutting up fruits and vegetables...everything. Ana was cute and even helped with cleaning out the car so that things would be super easy for Thursday morning. Around 5a.m. Ana came in and told me that she wet the bed but she had already changed her clothes and everything...she was really keyed up about the trip and took a while to go back to sleep. I had her lay down in my bed because James was leaving. About 6:45 I had just fallen back asleep and I noticed the blanket was vibrating and I was a tad bit annoyed. I turned over to ask Ana what was going on when I got the surprise of my life. Ana was have a full on seizure. It took a minute for me to process what was going on. I looked at her, grabbed her shoulders to get a good look and then jumped off the bed to call 911. She had finished the seizure before they got there but I was very shaken up. The kids were all down stairs letting the paramedics in the house. 7 people come running up the stairs to check her out and said she look platonic. As I was being questioned by the fireman and police officer one of the paramedics scooped her up and carried off to the ambulance. That was not so fun. I got all the boys in the shower for something to do and go them out the door for school and took the two little ones to the neighbor. I went to pick up James and finally made it to the hospital to see how our little gal was doing. She didn't like the IV and her only concern was wetting the bed...she didn't remember anything else. I had to try not to laugh.
We met with a pediatric neurologist and he did a test on Ana and said she was fine. She had an ultrasound of her heart and then an EEG. She had a MRI also just to cover all the bases. I went to get the other kids and we went to the store where everyone picked out a little something for Ana. It was so much fun for them to do something nice for their sister. They were so excited. We hung out with her at the hospital and finally left while James waited for the doctor to come back with all the test results. She was diagnosed with Begning Rolandic Epilepsy and a heart murmur. As scary as it is...it could be much worse. The heart murmur is not a big deal and the epilepsy is something that won't hurt her. We are happy with the results since we know they could have been much worse. I had her sleep on the floor next to my bed so that I could keep an eye on her. I think I got about 3 hours of sleep that night....the dr. said that's typical behavior of the parents. Oh well. I have had a hard time adjusting and letting it all sink in. One thing that I know for sure is that the Lord knows us and what we are going through and he has never left us. I know that He loves us and is mindful of our little family. I'm thankful to have such a beautiful daughter and I know that we will all move forward and trust in the Lord. I am so thankful for all the support and love we have felt from our family and friends! I don't know how I would have gotten through this without everyone....I'm a bit of a baby but I appreciate all of you!!!

Oh my goodness!!!

Beka...Beka...Beka!!!! I don't even know what to say about this little gal. This morning Beka's primary teacher called to tell me about her little "quotes of the day". A couple of weeks ago they were talking about the Holy Ghost and they asked Beka how she felt when she didn't something good. Her response..."i like whales." What the?!?!?!? I can't believe she said that crazy little chick! So, yesterday one of the other little boys in the class was talking about just getting back from Utah. Beka pipes up and says..."I just went and saw my grandma with a big bum". Oh my....!!!! I don't know where this little girl gets it all from. She says stuff like that all the time and it cracks me up! She also told her class that I'm pregnant with a little boy. I can't believe her!!!! I'm not pregnant and if I was it would way to early to tell what the sex is!!! I really don't know where she comes up with this stuff but it sure makes for a good laugh!!!