Please don't go!

I was given a bread maker from my Great Aunt Betty after her passing. I don't know how old it is, but it's dying. It's a real tragedy that it's dying. Because that means no more freshly baked bread. When we bought bread from the store we had to throw away too much moldy bread. So we started making our own bread, which helped us not to waste that much bread. There is nothing like eating freshly baked bread. Bread maker, we will miss you!

More than she knows.

Our family has been really blessed this year. We have many family and friends new and old. We've moved from a small two bedroom basement in Calgary to a 3 bedroom townhome in Lethbridge. We love our new home and ward. We're very grateful for all of our many blessings. 

We've had a difficult time since we moved. The transfer for Ben's job didn't come through and the loss of income for a month. Through this time my Mum has been a there to help us with moving items to our new home or with money. Thank you Mum for everything that you have done for me and my family. The truth is she is my favorite Christmas present. I have the best Mum ever. Sorry to all the other Mom's because mine is the best. She's always been there my family and others. I know she doesn't know how much I love and appreciate her. She has touched others more than she knows. 

It has been wonderful to have Grandma Sabin come down and spend Christmas with us. It means more to me than anything that can be bought. My kids love it when Grandma comes to sleep over. Emily usually tries to sneak downstairs during the night to sleep next to Grandma. I don't know how she does it because she's asleep when I check on her. Emily usually snuggles up with Grandma about an hour after I went to sleep. 

A couple of months back James, Emily and Grandma picked out fabric for quilts. Grandma worked very hard and got the quilts done in time for Christmas. The quilts are perfect for the kids. I love the colors, but I'm not the only one. James and Emily love their new blankies. Thank you Grandma. 

Emily gave James a light saber for Christmas, and it's hardly left his side. It's great that he loves the present from his sister so much. James gave Emily a Cinderella Barbie, Prince Charming doll and Tinkerbell sunglasses.  She loves her gifts too. They were both given Spiderman walkie talkies. The main conversation over them is "I love you" or "I love you more". It's great to hear them talk lovingly to each other. James calles them "hockey talkies" and for a while Emily was calling them "talkie talkies". 

It was great seeing James open his first present. Which was the item I was looking forward to the most. I was tempted to give it to James early. For a while I was sad because I thought we would not be able to get it for him. If we couldn't get it for Christmas then we wanted to get it for sure before Matthew is born.  I was really blessed because through airmiles I was able to get a great present, which was... a kids digital camera. James has been sharing his camera with Emily so both of them have been taking pictures.

The smell of Onions

The other day I was making dinner and a familiar smell reminded me of my dad's favorite dip. He loved to eat, no matter what it was. Even if he didn't like what it was he would eat it and complain about it. He did insist on having this dip even up to the time he could barely feed himself. The dip was mostly made around the holiday season. It's a very simple dip. I don't know the actual name for the dip, so I just call it "John's Dip". Because it always reminded me of my dad.

I remember the Christmas when my brother Aaron and his beautiful wife Jenny lived with us. My favorite part was staying up late playing games. We had the favorite dip and 7 layer dip. I loved teaming up against my brother. I miss playing games with them, but especially with Jenny. 

John's Dip

1 Onion, finely chopped

2 packages of cream cheese, softened

Enough milk to make it spreadable

Beat the onion, cream cheese and milk. Refridgerate. It will thicken over time. If it's too thick add more milk to thin it out. 

Children are Hobbits in disguised.

I honestly believe that Children are actually Hobbits. Especially my own two little ones. I have believed this since I been around kids, but more so since the birth of my own. 

On Friday Ben and I made Crepes for breakfast. He makes the batter and I cook them. The recipe "says" it makes about 24 crepes. Ben ate two, I had one and the kids ate all the rest. So more batter was made, actually he made a double batch. It was a good thing because the kids did eat a lot more, and I got to eat a decent breakfast.

That night at dinner I gave the kids left over chicken noodle soup (meal 1) while I was making dinner for Ben and myself. I made alfredo shells (meal 2), but I thought there would be plenty for us and if the kids wanted more. I had a small serving, and Ben along with the kids ate the rest. They asked for more (like always) so I made more alfredo shells (meal 3). I told Ben that if anyone wanted anything more to eat he had to make it himself. Because I refused to make more. I made the same amount of shells and wasn't suprised that they could still eat more. 

Tonight I made meatloaf, rice and green beans. Usually I don't make meatloaf because I don't like to make it because I don't like it for a couple of reasons. One is I don't like meatloaf, second I don't like to mix it in with my hands, third I don't like extra dirty dishes. Tonight I thawed the meat like usual, but instead of dumping the meat into a mixing bowl I just dumped the rest of the ingredients in the ziplock bag with the meat. I was able to mix the meatloaf in the bag without getting my hands dirty. Then dumped it into the loaf pan. I smoothed it with the measuring cup that I had already used. Added BBQ sauce and smoothed again. I was happy that I didn't have a mixing bowl and spatual to clean after. It was great to just throw out the bag.

Usually I have to give the kids their sides like rice and green beans first then the meat. Rice and beans were served while the meatloaf was still cooking. The kids devoured the meatloaf. I lost track of how many servings the kids had, they ate a lot more than me. So out of everything that the kids ate, they wanted more green beans. We had to open another can of beans. They were really excited to have more beans. Ben and I think 1 1/2 cans of green beans were eaten by James and Emily. It's great that the kids wanted more green beans. I have very little food leftover from dinner. It's too bad that the kids and Ben were too full to eat the little meatloaf that was left. 

Our little girl is growing up!

So we've been wondering when Emily will "want" to be potty trained. Well, Thursday she told me that she's going to sit on the potty so she can get a potty treat. So I expected her to sit on it for a short bit then automatically ask for a potty treat. It was nice to be wrong. She sat on the potty for about an hour, got up a few times, got books, and returned to her potty. While I was chatting with my little sister I heard "I went Potty". What a nice suprise to actually have her go potty. I do realize it was a procastination technique on my daughter's part. 

Great news Emily has spent  today in Panties! She only had one accident. I guess I'm the one to blame for that. We have two potties the only difference is one is pink and the other is red. Because she will only use the Pink potty, and I left it upstairs after I emptied it. She tried to get upstairs in time to use it, but didn't make it. 

She's been very good at peeing a little bit at a time then peeing more after I emptied it. Sad to say I did find it very annoying that she did it that way. With about 76 days left of being pregnant I don't like the frequent trips to the bathroom to empty the potty. I'm glad that she's doing it I just want her to pee more at a time. About a 1/2 hour ago I had just barely emptied the potty when she got up and told me that she pooped in the potty. I was very happy with the news. Emily kept telling Ben to come upstairs and look at it for over 20 minutes. Great Job Emily!

I know that I'm about to pop another baby out, but I don't want my little girl to grow up. James and her are already too grown up. I was looking at their baby pictures and WOW how they have grown. I love my kids and hubby! 

Funny things kids say.

An acquaintance of mine who is a physician told this story about her then-four-year-old daughter. On the way to preschool, the doctor had left her stethoscope on the car seat, and her little girl picked it up and began playing with it. 'Be still, my heart,' thought my friend, 'my daughter wants to follow in my footsteps!' Then the child spoke into the instrument: "Welcome to McDonald's. May I take your order?" 

A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination, he looked at the old pages as he turned them. Then something fell out of the Bible and he picked up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a tree that had been pressed in between pages. "Momma, look what I found," the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked. With astonishment in the young boy's voice he answered: "It's Adam's suit!!" 

Statements Made in Sacrament Meeting & Ward Newsletters

Our opening song is "Angels We Have Heard Get High"

Don't let worry kill you -- let the church help.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Homemaking this week will meet at 7 p.m. The topic is weight management. Please use the large double doors at the side entrance.

Sister Jones will be leading the weight management Homemaking Wednesday nights. She's used the program herself and has been growing like crazy!

This morning we are happy to announce the birth of David Alan Smith, the sin of Brother and Sister Julius Smith.

This afternoon there will be baptisms in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.

On a fast Sunday the opening song was listed as "Because We Have Been Given Mush.”

Anyone wishing to donate money to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the carpet should come forward and do so.

The Relief Society has cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.

Eight new choir dresses are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

At the fireside tonight, the topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

During the absence of our bishop, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good talk when Bro. Adams supplied our pulpit.

Bishop Smith spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.

Some of the youth are in the high school presentation Shakespeare's Hamlet Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

The 1991 Girls Camp will be hell the week of May 10.

Please join us as we show our support for Amy and Alan in preparing for the girth of their first child.

Why do my kids cause trouble when Daddy's in charge?

That is the question that I want answered. Ben and I stayed up kind of late, but then with being pregnant I wasn't able to actually get to sleep until 2am. So this morning was not one I was looking forward to. Ben took care of the kids so I could get an extra hour of sleep. I slept better during that hour than during the night.

I noticed that the kids were in their rooms, but didn't know why? So I asked Ben if they were in trouble. "Oh, yeah!" was his reply. He went to Emily's room first to show me her. I asked if they got into my stuff? For once the answer was no. I was relieved for a short bit. He would not let me see Emily until she had taken off her clothes to show me. So I was starting to panic, I thought they must have cut off her hair. I was relieved again I saw her head. Then I looked at her body. Her body was covered with something brownish, so my mom brain thinks Poop, Ben then had James answer my question "what was it?". Finger paint was the last thing on my mind.

After they all ate Ben watched tv for about 10 minutes which was long enough for the kids to cause trouble. The kids opened some finger paint and proceeded to get it over everything. I had a basket of clean clothes near by which were covered with the paint. So most of the paint went all over my clean laundry. Ben put the clean kids in their rooms then started a load of laundry. He was trying to take care of the mess before I got up, but the washing machine will only wash a certain amount of laundry at a time. He threw away all of that finger paint, and we're going to make the kids throw away the rest themselves. I know that they wont like that but they made their choice.

Right now he's going up to make them help him finish cleaning up their mess. So my question to you is... If these was your kids what would you do to punish them? 

Been there, done that

Here is how it works, cut and paste to your blog and bold (or color) the things you have done. Mine are in blue.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/World
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (only to my kids)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (by my kids)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person

101. Learned to play an instrument

I tag anyone who is living.

Your Other Names!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Angel Caliber

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream and favorite cookie) Hokey-Pokey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) Kdow

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Lime Green Octopus

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Lucille Provo

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Dowka

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put “The”) The Red Lemonade

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Virgal Kent

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) DKNY Twix

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Lucille David

I tag anyone with a name!

Naughty Daddy

Our lovely home has a light carpet in the front room. So the rule is "No food or drink in the front room". I've occasionally have let the family have pretzels and sippy cups in the front room. Usually Ben and I will bring a drink or something in the front room after the kids are asleep.
This morning Ben got caught not once, not twice but three times! We had some munchies last night. I thought the unspoken rule was that you are responsible to remove your own evidence before you go to bed so you don't get caught in the morning by the kids. This morning Emily went straight to Daddy's mini candy bar wrappers and gave them to him. Then James asked "who's cup is this?" and then asked "who ate cookies out here?" which led to the kids asking if they could eat them. Daddy quickly removed those items and the unseen ice cream bowl.
This wasn't the first time or the last time that he was caught. We'll see how often it will happen.

Top 10 dvds watched in your home TAG.

My reason for doing this tag is because of my loving sil Corinne. She lovingly gave us the the #1 dvd. I'm still looking for the perfect dvd to give to her kids. If anyone has any suggestions PLEASE send them my way. We really want to return the favor to Corinne! :)

10. Thumblina
9. Over the Hedge
8. Robin Hood
7. Shrek 2
6. Scooby Doo
5. Cars
4. A Little Mermaid
3. Peter Pan
2. Cinderella
1. Rescure Heros - if I could I would lovingly give this to someone else. James always has to know where the dvd is.

I usually buy a new dvd when the kids are sick so I don't have to have the same old dvds on the whole time, but they do love these.

I lovingly tag the following people: Corinne, Becky, Jocelynn, Tori, Lanna, and Jenny. Just list the Top 10 dvds that are on a regular basis in your home.

4th Folder 4th Picture

I'm it, but not for long. So here is my 4th folder 4th picture. It was taken on October 4, 2008. Becky and I were scrapbooking. James wanted to get into the fun. So he found a pair of children's scissors.



I tag Jenny, Becky, Lanna and Jocelynn. Go to your pictures, choose the 4th folder, the 4th picture and see what wonderful picture is waiting for you to share.

Mysterious creatures and bites.

Yesterday we had an infestion of mysterious creatures. They kept attacking Ben. We had to take pictures to proof that our home was infested. What was I supposed to do with my kids being eatin by creatures with only their faces left to see.

I brought home some costumes from Grandma Sabin's. The kids spent all of yesterday as creatures. The Dinosaur was in denial, it thought it was a crocodile. The crocodile kept going "tick tock, tick tock". The giraffe bug liked to snuggle with her barbie. The caterpiller "James bug" kept going after Ben.

For those who know me this should not suprise them. I had a wonderful idea. I emailed my mother-in-law saying "Ben got some bites earlier today. I was wondering if you could tell me what creature did it. I'm attaching pictures of the attacks and the creatures." Then I had Ben call his mom and tell her just enough to get her to check her email. She was busy and needed to leave soon so she didn't know when she'll be able to call us back. Within five minutes we hear the phone ring, it was Grandma Dowdle. Big suprise, it wasn't what she thought. She loved seeing adorable pictures of her grandchildren.

Brothers will always be boys.

This morning James went downstairs and told Ben "Emily's not being nice to him or to mommy". I heard the whole thing, but when he came back up I talked with him about it. He eventually admitted that he just wanted to get Emily into trouble. I had him go back to Ben and tell him that he was trying to get Emily into trouble. Either Ben didn't hear him or James didn't tell him it right.
We asked James to finish the little bit of Emily's yogurt. Since James' plan to get Emily into trouble didn't work he decided on something else. Next thing I hear is Emily crying. She came into the living room with yogurt on her face and in her eye. James threw yogurt at her because he was upset that she didn't get into trouble.
While Ben and I were talking to James about his choice, Ben was having trouble with not laughing. Yes, I know that Ben is a brother and that he thought it kind of funny how determined James was to do something to his sister. I sent Ben upstairs to get the hair items so I could do Emily's hair. It was easier with him out of the room to talk to James. For some reason I don't find it as funny as Ben. It must be because I've been on the receiving end of my brothers attention.

I can't go through doors like Casper.

There is no point in giving others dirty looks for YOUR own parking job. I have had too many times where I've had to squeeze into my car. Remember I'm 6 1/2 months pregnant so it's not an easy job. I usually have to buckle my kids into their car seats.

Yesterday the kids and I went to Southcentre and ate dinner with Grandma Sabin. When I had parked, I made sure I left enough space on both sides of my car so the other drivers would have no problem getting in or out of their cars. I have a Dodge Caliber so it doesn't take up as much space as others. So what right does a SUV or any other driver have that they get to park really close to my car that I have to squeeze my pregnant body into car. I know that the other drivers don't know that I'm pregnant but that should not matter at all.

I was at superstore with Becky before Halloween. When returning to my car we noticed that the suv next to me was parked really close to the driver's side. I was not thrilled about this, but I squeezed myself in. The whole time I was squeezing myself into my car, the passenger who was waiting in the suv was giving me dirty looks. I didn't even touch the suv with my body or my door. So why do I deserve the dirty look? I was parked there before the suv was.

The point I'm trying to make is please be considerate of others not just when your driving put when your parking. If you haven't noticed parking bothers me the same if not more than idiot drivers.


This was taken October 13. I stick out from the very beginning.

This is for you, Shorty!

I got tagged. So, here goes:

1. Link to the person that tagged you: Lanna
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
6. Let your tagged peeps know once your entry is UP.

My Non-Important Things...Habits...Quirks...

1. I take any chance I can to travel. I love to travel.

2. drivers that park too close to other cars get me more upset than bad drivers.

3. I use any excuse to take pictures. Especially of my family while they're sleeping.

4. Every Fall I buy Candy Corn. I love them. The candy pumpkins are better, but can't usually find them up here.

5. I love Veggie Tales. Especially the silly songs. I can sing a lot by heart.

6. For some odd reason I can't stand dead skin. If my kids, Ben or Mum have their feet by me then I pick it off them. It probably comes from having Mum and brothers making me do it when I was younger.

Well, I tag the following people: Anyone who has a birthday in January through December.

New Pledge of Allegiance

WRITTEN BY A 15 yr. OLD SCHOOL KID IN ARIZONA



New Pledge of Allegiance (TOTALLY AWESOME) !

Since the Pledge of Allegiance and
The Lord's Prayer
Are not allowed in most
Public schools anymore
Because the word 'God' is mentioned....
A kid in Arizona wrote the attached

NEW School prayer :

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

If you aren't ashamed to do this,
Please pass this on.
Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of me,
I will be ashamed of you before my Father.'


Not ashamed. Pass this on.

Skittles

I don't remember where or when James first asked me "why is that kids skin black?" I think the first time I think I put off the answering him. I was asked again, but the second time was just after I told the kids they couldn't have any skittles. I was expecting to be asked again for more skittles, so I was ready to snap "NO!" at them, but was blown away. My first thought was "how was I going to explain to my 4 year old why that kid's skin is black?" I know that I heard that still small voice whisper to me "skittles". I thought about it for awhile then I understood "Skittles". I told James that "Heavenly Father made that person with that skin color, but there is nothing wrong with it. There is not a skin color which is better than another. Just like skittles, there is not one skittle color which is better." I believe James understood that. It doesn't matter what color he gets, he just wants more skittles.
Since then James might say "that black kid is my friend". He doesn't say it to be mean. It's said to tell me who he is talking about.

We don't need more to be thankful for. We need to be more thankful.

There is a "Church of Christ" which is located next to our LDS Stake Center. We walk past it every time we walk to and from church. On it's billboard it says "We don't need more to be thankful for. We need to be more thankful."

I've always been grateful for the gifts which I've been given. There is no way that I can thank everyone who has given me something. Like all the soliders who have fought for freedom. I know that not all of them died, but those who survived were never the same. To those and their families "Thank you very much without your gift my life would not be the way it is".

By the time I arrived for enrichment it was almost over. There was a lesson being given and quilts being tied. The part of the night that affected me the most was after it was all over. I talked with a sister who lived in Germany during the war, it was very interesting hearing stories from her. She mentioned that she finally wrote down her life story. She kept putting it off, but finally did it last year. She mentioned that since she wrote it down it has been easier for her to think or talk about it. I'm grateful for hearing those stories. It makes the war more real to me. I've actually never met someone who lived in Germany or even fought in the war, so I was intranced in her stories. I know that I will never fully understand what it was like during those times, but I want to hear the stories. It makes it real to me. It doesn't seem like a nightmare in history. I know the stories are not fairy tales, but it is real life history.
She told me about the first time she saw an airplane. It was low enough that her and the two girls walking with her to school were able to see the pilot. They waved to the pilot, then he started shooting at them. She was in the middle of the three. One girl lost her leg and the other was shot in the eye.

To those who share your stories thank you. I know it is difficult to relive and share those personal stories. Thank you!

With these stories it puts a new view with how much my older brother sacreficed. I know that Jesus Christ suffered and died for me. I know that he died not just for me but for everyone.

One Word

So I decided to tag myself. {what can I say I love these things} The rules are that you can only answer each question with one word - not a simple as it sounds. Here goes...
1. Where is your cell phone? Mum's
2. Your significant other? downstairs
3. Your hair? boring
4. Your mother? inspiring
5. Your father? dead
6. Your favorite thing? loves
7. Your dream last night? none
8. Your favorite drink? lemonade
9. Your dream/goal? travel
10. The room you're in? front
11. Your fear? kidnapping
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? secure
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? aggressive
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. One of your wish list items? house
17. Where did you grow up? Orem
18. The last thing you did? blog
19. What are you wearing? clothes
20. Your TV? distracting
21. Your pet? none
22. Your computer? addicting
23. Your life? eventful
24. Your mood? calm
25. Missing someone? family
26. Your car? Caliber
27. Something you're not wearing? money
28. Favorite Store? Dollarama
29. Your summer? hot
30. Your favorite color? green
31. When is the last time you laughed? today
32. Last time you cried? questionable
33. Who will/would re-post this? EVERYONE
34. FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER:
a) Crazy b) Church c) Grandma's d) doctors
35. FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME:
a) Becky b) Jocelyn c) Ben d) facebookers
36. FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
a) enchiladas b) pasta c) chocolate d) chicken
37. FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW? a) Utah b) Ireland c) Scotland d) Corinne's

I tag Becky, Jenny, Corinne, anyone

Off to Never Never Land

Halloween was filled with a lot to do. We drove out to Strathmore to have my cousin take our family pictures. She even took some pictures of James and Emily in their Halloween costumes. James was dressed up as Peter Pan and Emily was of course Tinkerbell. At first the kids didn't want to have their pictures taken. It didn't take long for them to realize that they're the center of attention.
I'll add some of those pictures after I get them.

The kids tried to wait patiently while we waited for Aunt Becky to get off work. We Tricked & Treated at a few houses. We left to pick up her up while she was still on her way home. We expected to pick her up and leave right away. Wrong! We waited there for over a 1/2 hour because she was stuck in traffic. James and Emily sorry I mean Peter Pan and Tinkerbell ran around the house and kept Becky's roommates entertained while we waited.



Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Wendy (yes, I know that Wendy in the movie isn't pregnant) and a lost girl.

Scared out of my mind!

After the kids went to bed I went to the store for a few items. I got home and gave my mum her stuff. I knew that Emily went downstairs with Daddy when I was leaving. Then I went to give James kisses. When I went into his room, he wasn't there. So I turned on lights, looked in every rooms. I told Daddy and Grandma that I couldn't find James. So the three of looked. In the front room Daddy looked behind the couch. A little head popped out from under the fireplace ledge and behind Grandma's brown footrest which was against the fireplace. He was in the process of falling asleep when Daddy yelled his name. I think James maybe hit his head.
I had a talk with James. He asked why I was scared. I explained that I was scared because I love him and I couldn't find him. He said "but no body took me". I'm relieved to have found him.

Bedtime routines into the trash!

Since we went on a trip with Grandma Sabin to Idaho and Washington the kids have had a difficult time going to bed at a regular time. The bedtime routine was back in order, at least for a little bit. Until we went with Daddy to Oregon and Idaho to visit the Dowdle's side. The bedtime routine went down hill when we were at Aunt Corinne's. They didn't want to sleep because they wanted to spend all of their time with their cousins.

In September we moved in with Grandma Sabin, which threw the routine totally in the trash. They were up late while we were moving. So I gave in and let them snuggle with Grandma until they fell asleep. So now the kids don't go to bed at a regular bedtime and wont stay in their beds. I want to scream in frustrations, but I made my bed and now I have to sleep in it.





James was extremely tired, so we made him lay down. He didn't want to take a nap, but did any way. He was rather cranky when daddy woke him up.

James and Emily are my children for sure. I was called Tiger when I was younger because I kept coming out when I was supposed to be going to sleep.

Last night Emily was exhausted, but determined not to sleep. I wanted to play on my new laptop so I ignored her. She must have thought that she was getting away with something. She climbed into Grandma's comfy chair, and not long later was out. She moves a lot in her sleep. So I had to take some pictures of her last position before I moved her to her bed.

Almost a year

Well, someone decided that my life wasn't crazy enough when we were moving. We were trying to done moving and cleaning by September 20. I did get a break from moving, but not a wanted break.
So it's been almost a year since I've had to take Emily to the Children's ER. Last October was the last visit because of the injuried finger. It kept getting infected so for awhile (most of September) I was taking her to the Children's ER once a week.
On September 18 around 6:20pm James was trying to help me take some blankets down the hall to the bedrooms. He started running, didn't see Emily and accidently rammed her into the wall. Ben ran to his little princess and got it to stop bleeding. While I went to get dressed. James ran into his room crying. He felt very bad. It was while we were outside about to leave that Ben noticed that there was a tooth missing. The force knocked out a tooth with the root, another tooth was loose and cut open her top lip. Emily and I were at the children's hospital from 7pm to 5am waiting. She got two stitches in her lip.
The next day she went and saw a dentist for the first time. She was scared because she didn't want to be poked with needles. The dentist told me that she needs to be on a "No Chew" diet for at least two weeks so the loose tooth could set right. The diet lasted not very long. She was on it, but not happy. Later that night while she was supposed to be asleep in her bed she snuck out of her room. Went downstairs with a bowl of soft strawberries, two large spoons and two small spoons. When Grandma found her all the strawberries and the juice were gone.
So I figured that I would not do exactly what the dentist said about the diet. I've given in to letting her have some soft food to chew. She's stopped sneaking food when no one's looking since I've started giving her some food to chew.

Matthew Richard Dowdle

Yesterday we got to see the first pictures of Matthew Richard Dowdle. I thought it was going to be a girl. I'm not disappointed at all, just excited. So this is the first pregnancy which I have been wrong about the gender of the baby. I believed it was a girl because I got sinus infections, which I only had with Emily. I was sicker with this one to.



During the ultrasound Matthew kept moving around and was making it challenging for the tech to take the required pictures. She even had to get another tech to come in and help take the required pictures. It took so long that I had to use the bathroom twice before it was over and another after it was done.
It was awesome to watch the screen and see his little mouth move open and shut. He kept moving his arms and legs. It was wonderful to see him and hear his heart beat.



When we got home from the ultrasound we showed James and Emily the ultrasound pictures. They were very excited about seeing the pictures. To be honest it did take awhile to tear James away from the cartoons. Grandma let them play outside where Emily got soaked from the hose. Most likely James decided to "Help" Emily. Then watch cartoons while waiting for us to get back.



When James was born he was given a very cute blanket from Gymboree. So when we found out that Emily, was a girl we took him to Gymboree and chose a special blanket for her. When James saw Emily for the first time at the hospital he gave it to her. So we're planning on going back to Gymboree and picking out a blanket for Matthew. Then letting the kids give it to him at the hospital.

Life Savor

So I know that everyone has their own favorite treat. I've been blessed with a extremely wonderful "Life Savor". Ok, I know that she is not a edible treat, but she's been a treat to my family. She's been helping me pack and move for most of this week. If I could ask for someone that is loving, sweet, understanding, fun, and over all a great person then I would get Becky Irving. My kids were the first to decide, but we agree that she is now "Aunt Becky".
I have no idea how I would have accomplished everything if she wasn't there. Thank you Becky!

We're done moving, for now.

As of this afternoon we're officially moved out of the basement suite. So we're living with my fabulous Mum for about a month. This way we can save some money for a our home, if it's a rental or buying we don't know yet. Ben's been wondering if there is some kind of miracle that we'll be able to buy a home. I've put him in charge of researching it.

Pop Tarts in Bed

I deeply love my husband, but I do want to strangle him too. When he's watching James and Emily, he's not really watching them. I don't mean that he has to spend every second watching them. Just be aware of what their doing, listening and if you hear. Get up and go check. Remember silence means their doing something their not supposed to be doing.
I returned tonight looking forward to a real easy night because everyone was already asleep. Emily woke up because she didn't have her sippy cup. I give her a hug and notice her diaper is hanging off because how wet it is. I change it and go to put her back in bed when I noticed that there was Pop tart crumbs all over her bed. I clean it up, and try to find the box that I just bought earlier today. It is rare that I buy them. I couldn't find them so I check their room again. The box was on James' bed open with some missing. James was even sleeping on a open pop tart.

Not only you have feelings!

I would like to voice my opinion.
It might not seem like people who work at Walmart, Gas Stations or any where else might deserve to be treated like a human. Just because someone is working a job that you don't have or want to doesn't give someone the excuse to be rude. Any job that I would not do or want to do, I try to make sure that those that do have those jobs, I tell them "Thank you". There are many jobs out there that I personally do not want or could not do. So I'm very grateful for everyone who does those jobs. THANK YOU! It might make someone's day if a total stranger tells them thank you. That person might hate their job, dread going to every shift, but one person could help make the difference that day. Please be considerate to everyone.

Laugh a little, everyone makes mistakes.

Tonight I filled my car up with gas. I thought it would be like any other time that I've gotten gas. I walked into the store to pay and go home. It's my turn to pay, I tell Jeremy "I'm pump #14, $45.00". Then he realizes that he rung up my gas bill for the lady before me. He got another employee, and told him what happened. By this time the lady returns and informs him about the mistake. She looked very tired, but was reasonable about the mistake. The employee's then go and get their supervisor. She came and started trying to try to refund the extra charge, it took so long that she eventually turned off the system and restarted. While we were waiting for it reboot another customer came in, waited a couple of minutes. Then asked if it was going to take long. She was told yes, then she stormed away returned the items and stalked out of the store. Right before she left she said "I'm on my way to the hospital." It took a while longer to finish. While we waited the lady told us about how she's been working since 9am, missed dinner and is exhausted. Jokes were made about the mistake. I even found out that Jeremy had done it earlier today.
I was there for over 20 minutes waiting to pay for my gas. Just because you're in a hurry that doesn't excuse you to be rude to others. I find it very annoying when people seem to be rude when there is no reason. It's ok to ask how long to something might take, but don't be rude. The experience made me laugh. It was nice to see that others make mistakes too. I'm not the only mistake maker. Thank you Jeremy for making me laugh tonight.

Moving to Lethbridge, Alberta

So we had a long day, but we're home. We drove to Cardston. Ben and the kids waited at Grandma Pilling's house while I attended the temple. It was a wonderful experience. We've finally know where to move. We're going to move to Lethbridge when we get a place. It feels good to finally know if we're supposed to stay here or not. We both excited about moving. While in Lethbridge James asked "what we're doing here?", we told him that we're in Lethbridge looking for a new home. James was so excited about it that he wanted to go home pack then move to Lethbridge today. He wanted to do it all in one day. Sorry honey, we need more time than one day to do that. We still need to find a place to move into, finish packing, clean the old place and move into the new home. We're trying to be patient, but want to move real soon. We feel like we're moving onto the right path.  Our goal is to be out of here before Halloween. 



While we were at Grandma Pilling's house Emily found one of Grandma's neat exercise equipment. It was more fun to play with it upside down.



She had a lot of fun. I couldn't resist taking some pictures.

Sleeping Beauty in the Beast's arms.

We have days that start off good then just get very crazy. Yesterday was on of those days. For quiet/nap time we watched "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Emily is getting to stage of wanting no more naps. So if her and I lay on the couch and "watch" a movie with James, then she doesn't realize that she usually falls asleep and still takes the naps. During the movie I thought she fell asleep. We usually fall asleep about the same time. It wasn't until later that I realized that she actually just snuggled with me the whole time. Later I was busy making dinner and saw Emily starting to crash on the couch. I mentioned to her that she was falling asleep, so she woke up and started playing. After dinner James went to bed early and Ben snuggled with Emily. It didn't take long to get her out cold. I had to take take pictures of Sleeping Beauty and the handsome Beast.



The exhausted Beauty had nothing left to fight the sleeping powers of the handsome Beast.

The handsome Beast enjoyed snuggling with Sleeping Beauty. He wants to snuggle her while she still fits into his arms.

I've finally done it.

So others have told us that we should have a blog. We'll I've finally came up with a name for it that I like. I really think that there is "Too Little Time". Children don't stay young and innocent forever. At times I want the kids to stop acting like children and stop disobeying. Then something happens and it makes me want them small longer.
We ask James "who gave you permission to grow up" his reply is usually something along the lines "Emily did, and I gave her permission to grow up".