PLEASE FORGIVE ME!

So I send out my sincere apologise to those of you who actually check this thing every now and again to see if I have posted. Things have been CRAZY here I tell ya! I know I vented once before about how much we have going on so let me just update you and bring you some understanding. Last time I posted we had just started school. Well since then we have sold our house, moved into a home half that size and are waiting to build. I sure do wish people would pay there bills so we could get going on this. Allow me to vent-Our original plan was this: Sell house number one in July, move into the rental, start building some time in August while we finish the other house and of course sell it immediately. Meanwhile our home gets built in the 7 months we planned and we are in by March, MAYBE April. Would you like to now hear how things actually went? Good, cause you are about to. We finally sold and closed on our house last month and moved into this snug-as-a-bug rental just down the street. It is about the same size as the old on, just no basement. So no place to send the kids when they are buggin. Rough. We actually did sell the house next door in 3 days (oh, you read that right-3 days) however, we of course were not expecting that so we have been scrambling to try and finish. We should close this week-again, YAY. However, Rob has been CRAZY busy at work so we have had to hire quite a bit out. Oh, well, I promise I will get over that. When we sold our house we sold for quite a bit less than the original plan, but we thought, "That's OK, we have some big checks coming in from the business with all the extra work, we'll just use that". Well that is the point we are at. Some of these big checks were due 5 months ago, so are just due this coming week. We just have to keep bugging these people to pay the bill so we can build. Honestly, should I have to do that I ask ya? No! If you want to build something or remodel something, please have the means prepared to pay for it! OK, I'll hop off the soap box now and get on to some fun pics
This is the kiddos at the Newgate Mall. We had a fun trip there and walked around for a while and on our way out we stopped and let the kids ride on the train. Abby actually rode on the swings and Whit stayed out with us but they had lots of fun.
Here is the picture of our stuff ram-rodded into our new place. No, it does not look like this anymore, though it took some time to get things organized.
Have you ever met a cuter duck? Whitney is getting so big! She is really trying to figure out the crawling thing. Any day now, though I have been saying that for a while. She may just bypass crawling and go to walking. She loves to stand and pull herself up on anything. She's a cutie!
Here are the kids at the Halloween party at Barb's (such a fun tradition every year). I was home sick, but Rob still braved it with the 4. Whit didn't quite make it into her costume, but other than that they had a blast. Shelby was Dora, Coop-Buzz Lightyear, and Abby was Hannah Montana. Good times.I just think this one is so cut cause they are all looking at the camera (which is rare). Abby is giving out the peace sign too, so there ya go.
Well, that is about all the updating I have for now. Wish there was more for ya, but I'm afraid I couldn't handle too much more on my plate right now. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas (let's be honest, I likely won't update again before then) and a Happy New Year.

August came and went

So my plan to try and post at least every month totally bombed. However, we are still not too deep into Sep, so I'll try and stay on top of it from here on out. Winding down summer and getting ready for school is always crazy, but I love how much fun it is getting with the kids getting older. We have a ton of hand me down clothes from my sister and sister in law so school shopping really isn't too difficult. Abby always gets to pick out one new out fit but other than that is completely clothed by other peoples stuff-yeah, I know, I'm totally lucky there. Usually this is the case for Coop too but since Missy moved to Seattle (tear, tear) getting the hand me downs from her has gotten tricky and I've actually had to buy him more than one or two things. Yeah, never had to do that before.
The first day of school came and went without too much drama. Abby was totally pumped to be in first grade and the following week when the "little kindergarteners" started she thought she was pretty hot stuff.She really is pretty cute in her SHOPPING IS MY LIFE shirt. Which by the way, is pretty true.
How about this little guy on his first day of school. He insisted on wearing his Jolley Plumbing shirt that day. Who am I to argue? He is so handsome in it.
Whitney and Shelby are going to going to school before I know it. Whit is already getting so big. We are currently working on sitting up and rolling over. Shelby wishes she could keep up with Abs and Coop and most days, by the end of the day, is pure exhausted from trying.Shelby loves to hold Whit. It doesn't last long but she still does it every day.
Here is my little man on his 4th birthday. We had to open presents before Rob went to work so here he is in his jammies still. Look at that physique!

Here is Abby with her two front teeth missing. She lost the second one yesterday. The tooth fairy did come on time this time where as last time she was a day late and I actually had to go down the morning after and put the dollar under Coop's pillow and tell her the tooth fairy must have made a mistake. I'm a rookie, I know.Here is my handsome man all rugged and ready for the trek. He went in July with our stake. He was an uncle in one of the families. He had so much fun. I'm sure all the ladies fell in love. How hot is he with that beard?!

And here he is clean shaven. Some of the people that were on the trek wore their clothes the next day to church. Who was the high councilman on the stand in trek clothes? Oh, that's right, it was Rob. What a trooper.

I have some time on my hands

So this sunday morning I find myself home with my three girls while Coop is at church with Rob. It feels like I'm in the middle of winter again with half of my family sick. The girls just have runny noses and are coughing, but still, who wants to be the mom to take that church. So we're all home in our jammies watching Enchanted, which by the way cracks me up. Let me just give you a brief over view of the last couple of weeks. Two weeks ago Shelby kept complaining that her throat hurt, I took a look and her tonsils were bright red, she had a fever the night before too. That only lasted about a day and then two days later Coop had the same symptoms, wonderful. Naturally I started feeling sick, but didn't pay too much attention to it because hey, I'm the mom right? I don't get to get sick. Well that started on Friday, by Sunday I felt like I had been hit by a truck and finally paid attention to my body and stayed in bed all day. It actually worked! I got better by Monday morning I was feeling great, but had a little cough still. No big deal. Well Tuesday morning (Rob's birthday BTW) the little cough got so bad that I couldn't talk or walk around to much without coughing up a lung. The fever started to come back and I made my own diagnosis of pneumonia. Well I had to work that night so I called in sick but still went up and saw one of the anestesia docs to confirm my diagnosis...yep, I was right. So after another day of antibiotics I was again on the up swing, plus had healthy kids...ahhh, that was nice to get that over with because we had McDougal family reunion coming up. We were all healthy for it. YAY! We went up to THIS IS THE PLACE MONUMENT for family day. It was really fun. We looked around, rode the train, did some crafts, played some games, rode horses, and of course ate some treats. Here are some pics




We really had a fun day up there and afterward headed over to my brother's house for a bbq, outdoor movie and sleepover. Here's some more pics

Here's the kiddos getting ready for the movie. Shelby is clearly excited to be getting her picture taken.
What a handsome little manSorry, but how cute is she? And eating a roasted marshmallows, mmmmm.
Yes, she was happy for most of the night. Who wouldn't be happy with a root beer float?

Anyway, so that was the long weekend and this morning both girls woke up with coughs and runny noses, so here I am able to update.
In other news, the house is finally for sale and the house next door is still getting finished. The sheet rock should be getting started this week. Hopefully we'll find someone to buy this place soon and we can start building the new one. Time will tell.

Monthly updates

Well, here I am again and another month has passed. I'm going to quit apologizing for myself because clearly this might be how it is for the next little while. Right now we are in the middle of finishing little odds and ends around our house to sell it, we bought the house next door and are fixing it up to flip it, and we are preparing to build our new home out in West Haven (YAY). So needless to say things around here are crazy...oh yeah, need I remind you that I also have 4 children. So I'll do my best to get on here every once in a while and give a shout out. These are all in kind of a random order so just try and keep up.

Right now things are actually feeling pretty sane because we just got back into town yesterday afternoon from Cedar City for the summer games. Rob played basketball with a team that we went down there with last year. It was totally fun and the team did OK too. We kind of counted this as our summer family vacation. We stayed at the Abbey Inn (Cooper decided that next time we go down there that we should stay in the Cooper Inn) and it was lots of fun with an indoor pool and yummy breakfast. We took the camera but it stayed safely in its case the most of the trip. Here is a picture of the kids in there sleeping arrangements. Whitney actually slept in her car seat, but the other three shared a bed, for most of the night at least. At about 2 am Coop fell out of be and that woke Shelby up. He, however, slept right through it. Then she came into bed with us.We took Rob's brother down with us so we had two rooms. The first night Rob, Abby, and Coop slept in with him but the next two nights we all stayed in our room together and let Brian have some space. He was a champ being with the kids the whole time. They love him so much. You'd think that I would have got a picture with them all together, however you are mistaken:(

Last weekend we went camping with some friends from the ward, the Bees and Aardemas (we so love our ward and are having a very hard time thinking about leaving). This basically the only picture we have of Whitney. That's my friend Sharon holding her. Yes, it was raining and Sharon is innovative and through the burp clothe on her head to keep her dry.



Here is Abby on her cool princess bike. She was the oldest one up there and was SO in charge. She is always trying to be helpful in one way or another. She really kept some of the kids taken care of.
Here's Coop and Shelb. Aardema's were geniouses in suggesting that we take up the kids bikes. They were all on them most of the time. We had the little 4-wheeler up there too and they loved it with the open space.
Here is Ms Whitney on her blessing day. I only took a few pictures but Barb is a champ and always takes her grandkids and does a big photoshoot with them with her own camera. Whitney, of course, was adorable and Rob gave a beautiful blessing. I'm so greatful to have a husband who takes his priesthood authority seriously and is worthy to take care of his responsibilities.
And here is Whitney today. She is loving her siblings so much. I was straight in front of her and could get her to smile but the minute I called Abby in she turned into a cheeseball. You can tell that Abby was sitting to the side. She looks so cute when she smiles. She's getting pretty chubby too. I love those cheeks!


And lastly, every summer we have shaved Coop's head. Last year we though it would be funny to shave his head into a mohawk, but he looked so cute that we let him keep it for a few days. This year he kept asking when he gets his mohawk again and finally, the day after Whitney's blessing I gave him one. I did it on a Monday morning so he could have it all week before we cut it for church.Well, that's about it for now. A few milestones on kids (because remember I count this as my journal)...Abby is loving being home for summer vacation, though she gets bored often and I'm on the countdown to school already. She is really a good reader, but isn't really thrilled about having to do it. She needs things to be her idea.
Coop got a big boy bike a couple of weeks ago and loves riding it where ever he can. Hopefully we'll have the training wheels off by the end of summer.
Shelby's new favorite word is "NO", and that is in capital letters for a reason, and "MY SELF". She is sooooo 2 years old. We still love her, but I'm really looking forward to her growing out of this phase.
And of course Ms. Whitney is doing the adorable baby thing. She just started sitting in the bumbo and is kind of a fan. Hopefully we'll start working on rolling over soon.
Rob is crazy busy with work (which is such a blessing in this economy) and I am trying to juggle 18 things at once.

What a crazy, wonderful life!

Things are crazy here!

So when I get on the computer to blog I really get bothered when people haven't updated in a while. Well now that I am one of those people, I apologize. Can you give me some credit though? I just had baby number 4 a month ago. I can't believe she is already a month old! She is doing wonderfully. We had the jaundice issues for a few weeks, then she decided she didn't want to gain weight. But we're back on track again and Ms. Whitney is a champ. She is so good in not minding that she occasionally gets climbed on when she's eating or getting passed back and forth. She is sleeping really well, usually only waking up once in the night, so really, I can't complain. The other kids are adjusting pretty well too. Abby is by far the greatest to have around cause she can hold hold her if she wants to be held while I get other stuff done. Shelby is my delivery girl and is so excited to run and get me a diaper, blanket, burp clothe, whatever. And of course Coop has always been good to entertain himself while I take care of whatever else needs me. Plus my friends in the ward have been so awesome. I've even called one and told her I needed a nap and she came over, picked my kids up and kept them for a few hours so I could sleep. Of course Rob is the best husband in the world and helps out with whatever I need. He hasn't slept in on a Saturday in I don't know how long, but I sure have:) Needless to say we are surviving and getting back into a routine.
Some fun little news about me that I thought you guys might enjoy (by enjoy I mean you're going to laugh, then feel sorry for me, and then laugh some more). I didn't think it was all that fun when it started cause I didn't know how I would pull it off, but things are working out OK, so I will share happily rather than bitterly. Here's the story, on Sunday morning conference weekend my bishop called and asked if the bishopric could come over and visit the family in between sessions. Of course I said yes, not thinking anything of it. When I told Rob, he laughed at me and told me to brace myself for a new calling. I said, "No, they wouldn't come over on conference weekend to extend a calling. They're just doing family visits" (Deep down I think I knew I was being delusional). So when the bishopric got here I wasn't too sure, but had a pretty good idea-either Primary President (our president is getting married next month) or Young Women's President (ours has been in for a while now). Well, I was right, they called be to be the new YW President. Did I about die? Yes! Did I consider going inactive cause I didn't think I could pull it off? Absolutely! This was Sunday, mind you, and I was due to have my fourth child, under 6, that Wednesday, plus had a husband who had just been called to High Council so I hardly see him on Sundays. Yes, all these things went through my mind. Now though, a month later, I am still alive and well. This is just one more thing that we are adjusting to with everything else. I have awesome councilors who make my job pretty easy actually. So overall I'm enjoying it.
Anywho just thought I'd try to make an excuse for my absentness (I just made that word up) in the blogging world this last month, and sincerely ask for your forgiveness:)

PS Happy Mother's Day to you all, I love ya!

My Talented Friend

So for those of you that know me know that I am extremely creative, artistic, crafty, ect. ect. I'm not one to brag, but let's be honest, I'm a regular Martha Stewart. Most of you are laughing right now know that I am full of crap and not any of those things. This is where my good friends come into play. Most of you know Veronica and already are regulars on her blog but for those of you who haven't heard me brag about her yet, she is phinominal! She took Whitney's pictures today, and though Whit wasn't too excited about staying asleep, as soon as I fed her again she was out cold and quite cooperative. However, Veronica did most of the work (although I did get pooped on. It's OK I was in Rob's shorts:)) So anyway go to her photography blog- veronicareeve.blogspot.com and check little Whit out. The first picture is my absolute favorite, but they are all really cute and I may need to do a whole photo collage of just Whitney. Thanks again Veronica for a fun afternoon!:)

She's here

OK so yes I realize that Whitney is a week old and there are no pictures on here yet, but I tell ya this past week has flown by. So finally, here ya go.

I took this one last night when she was chillin with me. Her head looks kind of weird shaped in the one (I promise it isn't) but the double chin is fantastic.
That is one handsome man with two cutie patuties. Shelby only likes to hold her for about 30 seconds, then gets bored. Still she is so proud and loves to play with Whitney's swing and bouncer. Her babies sure are having a good time.
The best brother in the world. Coop isn't quite sure what to do with the new baby. He isn't near as interested as the girls but still loves to kiss her on the head and says, "I love you Whitney". It really is pretty cute. He did it when she is was in my tummy too.

And of course there's my Abby. The one who started it all. She is a wonderful helper and willing to do ALMOST anything (she refused to take out a poopy diaper today. It really was a pretty gross one). But she loves to hold her the most though.
Its been tough because when we got home she was jaundice so she has had what they call a biliblanket, which looks like a small heating pad. The next day her bilirubin was even higher so they deliver a bilibed. So it is kind of hard to let the kids hold her because she needs to be in it as much as possible. Her levels have come down now so I'm going a little easier on it and let her out when she is awake. She makes the funniest faces. I love the faces newborns make.
Funny story: So the other night Rob had gone down to his mom's to get the kids (they went down on Sunday and came home on Tues...it was wonderful) so it was just me and Whit. Well we were just chillin on the couch and I was getting ready to feed her. I was changing her poopy diaper (this kid is a pooper I tell ya) and had just gotten done wiping her bum, her legs in the air, bum exposed and what happens? She shoots poop all over me. Now in the past when my kids have pooped while I've changed their bums it usually just kind of flows if you will. However this kids literally projectile pooped, if you will, all over me. I was laughing to hard to be grossed out. It really was hilarious.
Sorry if that one was a little TMI, but had to spice things up for you guys a bit.

LITTLE WHITNEY

So I went and saw the good Dr today and here's the plan: if I haven't gone before, I will get started next Thursday, April 9th. Hopefully, I will go sooner than that. In fact Hartman said he would be surprised if I did make it to next Thursday. He has not checked me in two weeks because I refuse to let him tell me I not dialating and 0% effaced. This way I don't know what I really am so I can believe anything I want. I could be at a 4 and 80% effaced for all I know. With the other 3 I didn't dialate until I was actually in labor, however it was pretty smooth sailin after that. Anyway, some of you have called or facebooked me wonderin what's going on, so that's the latest. Thanks to all of you for you curiousity and keep checking back and I'll post as soon as something happens.

Did I get boring?

Is it me, or did this blog used to be really funny and lately it's just...blah. So the other day I was wanting to make this recipe that Brandi put on here for me (shout out to Brandi, it was seriously tasty! The kids hated it but Rob and I wolfed it don't like it was our last meal). So I couldn't remember which post it was so I had to just read through a lot until I got there. I was seriously laughing out loud. I can be a pretty funny gal. The thing is I remember typing some of those and was so not writing them to be funny, but really just to fill you all in on the excitement of my life. Well as I read through these last few posts I'm so bored I'm embarrassed for myself. I promise to try and do better from here on out, and expect you all to let me know if you begin to read and just skip onto the next blog because you don't even care what I have to say anymore. Deal? Deal!
Actually though, this post isn't going to be very funny at all, just another one of my proud moments.
So the other day Bree sent me an e-mail linking me to a blog that she thought I might want to take a look at. Shout out to Bree because, yes, I do know this girl, she is in fact my cousin (well second cousin, once removed, something or other, you know how that works), her mom and my mom are cousins. However all growing up both of my parents sibling all lived far away except for my mom's one brother. So until I was like a teenager I honestly thought that Jami and I were normal cousins. Anyway long story short a couple of years ago I remember going to Jami's wedding and then not too much later finding out that she was divorced. We all felt terrible, and wasn't quite sure what had happened, but at this point we had all kind of lost touch with each other and I didn't want to just call and get the scoop, a little inappropriate I thought. Anyway, I had heard that she was having some issues with prescription pain pills but didn't know too many details. Little did I know, there is definatly more to the story, though I have no idea what. Well recently I we found each other on facebook, so that was fun to hear from her again, though I haven't really talked with her yet. Anyway (that was really boring sorry about that, just wanted to fill you in on my relationship with Jami) so when Bree sent me this link it was great to read. I am so proud of her for taking this step and the help that she is giving to others. She is doing it for herself, she mentions that many times. She doesn't care what people think at this point, she just wants to get this out there, to open this door for people, and WOW, it's incredible! When you link onto it read it with the comments too because some of them are amazing and you will know what I mean. She is awesome and an incredibly strong woman with a story that is all too familiar to a lot of people, though it is really not talked about. So here's the link http://thoughtsofanldsaddict.blogspot.com/ . Keep an open mind when reading it. And for those of you who don't know much about addiction, please believe her with what she is trying to teach. It is very real whether we want to open our eyes to it or not. I remember going to an NA meeting when I was in nursing school and the people there didn't realize I was just there to see what it was like. I took my mom with me and when we walked in people came up to us and were giving us hugs like we were old friends. Picture yourself going back to your home ward, where you grew up, and going to relief society with your mom. That is the kind of welcome I recieved while I was there. They are amazing people at these meetings who are really trying to get through this challenge. Addiction is very real, and it's not just the poor, the homeless, the "white trash" society that it affects. It's everybody. She is so good at pointing this out in a couple of the posts too. So go to the link and see what you think (that was so not meant to be a rhyme). Hope you all have a good day and again I will try to back to my funny self soon enough:)

IT'S BEEN A WHILE

So I know that it has been a while since I have been on here but truly, I don't think that there is anything worth posting. We have been doing the same old thing-school, tumbling, preschool, tumbling, ect, ect, ect. Trying to get ready for the baby, yet I still have like 5 weeks to go and if I get too much out then the girls think that they can use it for their babies, then they get lost. I am getting to the point in this pregnancy where you get really uncomfortable. You know-can't sit for long periods of time, hard time getting comfortable to fall asleep (though once I'm asleep, I'm OUT). When standing from a sitting position for too long the old Braxton Hicks give you a visit. Reflux is always fun, TUMS are my best friend, can't leave home without them. Nothing fits that doesn't look like a tent when it isn't on you. Doing the dishes is exhausting. Have to take random breaks throughout the day so that I don't collapse. Random aches and pains that occassionally might actually bring you to your knees, though if that happens you're not sure if you'll be able to get up. You guys know the like. I'm really just worn out and don't remember being this tired with the other ones, though it might be one of those memories that you don't keep.
The kids are so excited for Whitney to be here. Coop loves to come and hug my tummy and says, "Baby Whitney, I love you" then will just walk away. Sorry but that is pretty cute. Abby will talk to her through my tummy cause I told her that she can hear her. Shelby thinks that the baby is inside my boobs, that is where she points when you ask her where baby Whitney is. She is pretty excited though and the baby stuff that is out she will point at and say Whitney. She is talking more and more to, which is always a fun stage. They come up with words for stuff that doesn't really sound at all like the word they are trying to say-example: Pants="Mops", yeah, you figure that one out.
But we are all really good. I finished painting the wall in the kitchen. Now I'm just waiting for the energy to do the baseboards or for Rob to actually have the time. Things are still going good for us with the business, so we are greatful for that with more and more people getting layed off. It is getting kind of ugly out there.
I'm totally getting spring fever too, if my new background is any indication. Anybody else got that going on? Seriously, its rediculous. My daisies in my flower bed are starting to come up and that gets me every year. I know there are usually a few more random snow storms before summer, but we really are on the home stretch, right? I love this weather! It just gets me and the kids excited. I also love being able to send them outside to play. YAY!
Well, I told ya I had nothing exciting to share. I'll keep ya posted on anything new.

Random Notes

So these last few months I have been getting more and more tired of my long hair and for those of you that know me know that I occassionally CHOP my hair off every two years or so. Well my two years is up and there goes the hair. It was all the way down to my lower back, I would guess, so good old Jodi took care of that for me. Eleven inches later I'm a new woman
Notice the blue around Abby's lips, she found a blue candy cane from Christmas time and was munching it today. Anywho, so there's my hair.
The house remodeling is going well. We are kind of at a stand still right now because we are waiting for the sheetrocker to come and fix a few things before we paint. He is actually downstairs now. Then on to painting we come. I bought the baseboards on Thursday and am real excited about them. I'll put some more pictures up after more is done.
Rob went ice fishing today and brought home thisClearly Abby isn't phased at all about holding a fish. However, Coop gave it a try for about 2 seconds, not even long enough for me to snap a pic. But...
Shelby thought it was pretty cool too, and also wanted to show you the roll that she was eating. Rob is thinking Abby and Coop might start going up with him next year. I say more power to ya.
Our ward has a fun activity coming up-The WT 4th Ward Pinewood Derby. That's right folks, scout or not, we are all making cars for the big race in a couple of weeks. Rob and the kids started making our cars a couple of days ago.All Abby wanted to do was decorate, not design, it. Finally we got her to make a design. Coop didn't get to crazy with his, however it is very aerodynamic. Now we get to paint them and put on some really cool stickers (don't you love talking stuff like this up)Rob is going to build one for himself to, but its design is top secret still. I'll post a picture of the finished product later.
Are you guys bored yet, well this is my blog so get over it. So a couple of weeks ago Abby got to dance and WSU basketball halftime. Our next door neighbor is an cheerleader up there and always tells Abby when they have clinics. She danced during football season, when I was in Seattle, so this time I got to see her. She really does a good job of learning the dances with the short amount of time that they give her. Here's some of the pics



She just as cute as a button! That's all the boring details for now. Until next time

Who needs a general contractor?

So who needs a general contractor when you have 3 motivated women with power tools? Not me I say. Last Thursday two of my best friends from the good old Washington Terrace 4th ward came over to help me take out some carpet and replace it with laminet flooring. When Rob left for work the plan was just to have a demo day...but things turned out a little differently. Demo took about an hour and a half and we planned the whole day so we moved on. We got the flooring layed completely and Rob was shocked when he came home. Who's the coolest wife in the world? Yeah, I am. Here's the pics to capture the days activities.
The pink is the carpet pad and the kids are walking on the roll of carpet. I did this part myself by the way. Really I feel this was most of my contribution. That and I bought lunch.


Here is my friend Emily. She was the master-putter-inner with the tongue and groove laminet.

Here is Sharon. She was the master mind behind the whole project cause we just did her house last month so she knew all the advised from the Home Depot guy.
Here's me cutting out the heat vent. (Side note: I ran into the side of the vent and can't get the cover to fit all the way. So this job is actually being delegated to Rob. However I did get most of the wood cut out).
And here is the near finished product. It looks so good and I love it. It took all day but we had a good time. NEXT UP: painting walls and painting and installing baseboards. I'll keep you posted.

PS Coop won out on the new template. Sorry Colie, this one's totally cheesy I know.

IS ROB REALLY THAT OLD?

Yeah, well so it seams. This post is mostly just to make you all feel sorry for me, so if you do then my work here is done. Let me share a little story. About two weeks ago Rob got a phone call from the Stake President's Executive Secretary. Should that have worried us? Yes. Did it? Yes. So we worried until Saturday when Rob called his Dad and asked him what callings only the Stake President could give. Well it just so happens that there are only a small handful of callings that the Stake President will give and High Counsel is one of them. So if you're wondering if I'm going to be a single mom with four kids under the age of 6 sitting through sacrament meeting
I can answer that in the affirmative. Yes, that's right folks, Big Rob is now a High Counselman and I will be sitting alone with my children on Sundays. I guess I'm kind of exagerating in that area because people in the ward have offered to help (the wife of the counselor who extended Rob the calling being one). Any offers to take my children to church with them on Sundays from here on out will gladly be accepted. Offer your condolenses (like everybody in my ward did after congratulating Rob and telling him what a wonderful job he will do) in the comments.
PS I really am excited for Rob and know he will do a good job. Just keeping you posted on our lives:)

MY BRAGGING RIGHTS

So occasionally I have days where I think "I'm the luckiest mom in the world". Yesterday was one of those days. Blessing #1:Rob had to work in the morning (nothing new) but he actually got off at a decent time and took Abby with him to run some errands while I took a nap with the other two. Blessing #2: We went to a friend's wedding last night and when we got home 6 of my friends were parked in front of my house to take me out to Chili's for my birthday. Who doesn't love their chocolate molten cake?! We chatted, laughed and vented until about 10:45, good times. I love you guys! Blessing #3: upon arriving home at about 11:00 (after getting Emily's minivan unstuck from in front of Michelle's house...hilarious) I walked in to find all of the kids asleep, downstairs, with Rob, in the tent. How hot is my husband?! He is such a fun dad (sorry I hate it when people say stuff like that on their blog, but sometimes it really needs to be said). So I got to sleep in my own bed (all alone was sad, but I got over it) and didn't have to worry about anybody coming in in the night to announce they had to go potty, just to have me tell them to go ahead and go. I love announcements like that. Or worry about Shelby waking up so that I can go back in and cover her up and say goodnight again. Love her. Anywho, just thought I'd brag a bit about how lucky I am. Now for some pics...And the stockings were hung by the (window) with care. Go ahead and take a closer look...
Yeah, that's right, this is the new addition to our Christmas decorations this year. My very talented friend Heidi made these for us. She is a champ at the old sewing machine so I hired her out. We love 'em.
I love that Rob's mom made these guys do this picture again. So every year from when these guys moved into this house (30+ years) they have had this picture taken. When someone leaves they aren't in the picture anymore. So Brian has been in there alone for a few years since Cheryl got married. Bri, the one in red for you single ladies, just got home from his mission this year so all seven are back together again and good old Barb made them hop in there places once again. Love her. (PS, if you didn't know these are all Rob's siblings) Thanks for the extra pose Christy!Every year Santa comes around on the fire engine and the firemen give out candy canes. You can't tell in this picture but it was terrible weather this year, a blizzard I dare say, but we still braved it and got our candy canes.Here is a picture from Rob's parents house at the Christmas gathering. It is total pandemonium, but my favorite party of the year with his family. You can only see 13 grandkids, but the total is 17 with one more due at the end of this month and ours due in April. PANDEMONIUM I TELL YA!And here is a picture of our Christmas morning. I love this! Wrapping paper everywhere, toys everywhere, chocolate being eaten at 7:00 in the morning. This is great. We read Luke 2 the night before with the manger scene in the lower left hand corner and let the kids put the characters in when we read about them. Is it a problem that we already lost Baby Jesus? Is he vital in this story? Riiiiight. So we pulled another Baby Jesus out of my nice porcelain one and he worked just fine. I love my Little People Nativity scene though cause the kids can play with it and it's not a big deal (of course until they lose Baby Jesus:)Here is the first day of the new year in primary and since I have a new Sunbeam I decided to take pictures of everybody cause they all looked cute. Here's Abby, the poser.
Here's my new little sunbeam. Doesn't he look handsome. The tie even stayed on all day.
And, of course, don't forget Shelby. Yeah, she looks like she got into a brawl before this picture. We're just happy she's smiling.

I think that about covers the bragging for now. Sorry I tend to go on but I like to go into detail for posterity purposes. Until next time...