Okay, can I just say that my intentions are good to catch up but it really does seem overwhelming at the moment. So I will just enjoy the holiday season and if I get caught up then I do and if not well then 2011 will be my year:) Last week, Nate had Homicide training in Vegas and I was left to be the sole parent for the week. Can I just say how glad I was when he pulled into the driveway after the week was through? My kids are really pretty good kids and I really can't complain but it just helps me realize how grateful I am for Nate and for all that he does to help me out with all the many practices, appointments, concerts, rehearsals that come with having our crew of kids. Love him tons!!! Also, I really did enjoy just being with my kids and hanging out. We did a lot of fun holiday related things and with Nate being gone it also helped me to appreciate my kids and be grateful for the good kids that they are.

Wow, can I say just how much has happened over the past two months!!!!! Crazy how fast times flies and how I keep having good intentions to update. I know that it seems impossible to catch up, but catch up I will try before the end of 2010. We had a good Thanksgiving and we are busily getting ready for the Christmas season. Decorations, lights, trees, and etc are getting hung and up (even as I type:)) I had to take a break to at least update the background and music on the blog. So please don't forget about us and do keep checking back because I promise that there will be updates, I cannot however promise that they will be the most exciting thing but they will be there nonetheless. So for right now, I better get up off my butt and help my hubby and kids. Wishing all of you a very Happy (almost) December!!!!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!!

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY PEYTON!!!

Wow, seriously can't believe how grown up you are getting. We love you so much and hope that you have an awesome day!!!!

This little princess totally rocks my world!! She brings a little (okay, a lot) of drama, sassiness, and pure sweetness that helps to balance us out from so much testosterone. So glad I am her mom!! (I just wish that she would stop growing up so fast:))

On our walk the other night, Brynlei said the cutest thing. She was riding her scooter up ahead of us and stopped. She rode back to us and said, "Look Mom it's beautiful, the clouds are smearing away." I love how kids view the world. I {heart} my kids. Just thought I would share.

GoOd LuCk Karter and Brekken!!! Club basketball tryouts are today!!!

Do your best and try hard. We love you!!!

Off they go.....

Brynlei and Peyton both started school last Wednesday, August 18th. They were both so excited. They couldn't wait to go. Brynlei is in her last year at Watch Me Grow with Miss Julie and Grandma Smith. She loves it there and so do I. I don't know what I will do when she is done. We have been going there since Karter was 3. Wow!! Time sure doesn't stand still.

Peyton loves going to his brother's big kid school!!! He has a good teacher this year that will make Kindergarten such a fun experience. He goes to PM Kindergarten and loves the fact that he gets to ride home with the big boys.

I am so thankful that my children love school and anticipate going each year.

Back to School!!

Today was the first day of school for Karter, Traevn, and Brekken. Wow, I cannot believe how fast summer went by this year. I thought I would be happy to see school start but I have to admit I was a little sad to say goodbye to my big boys.

Karter is in 5th grade this year! Holy Cow, how did that happen? Do I really have a kid that old? Seriously. He has Mrs. Jennings for a teacher, whom he absolutely loves already (maybe the fact that she is a Utah Jazz fan helps:)) He is growing up so fast and is almost as tall as me!

Traevn is in 3rd grade and he was so excited for school to begin. He hates each year when school comes to an end, and is probably the only kid I know that dislikes summer. He would love it if they offered school year round with no breaks. Good thing he is so smart. Also, he went in for x-rays yesterday and Dr. Leitze decided that his arm was healing so well that he took his cast off, just in time to start school. He has to soft wrap it for a couple weeks and be careful not to bump it but he is glad to be able to move it around again. His teacher is Ms. Lichfield.

Brekken is in 2nd grade and has Ms. Nef for a teacher. He is such a social magnet. His ability to make friends is amazing. Kids just naturally attract to him. When we dropped him off, he already had half his class and friends surrounding him. With two introverted parents, we are super happy that he is so outgoing and such a good example to us. We got a call from his teacher and she said she just wanted to tell us what an awesome kid he was today. They had to take a few tests today and when Brekken finished he went around helping kids understand the problems, etc. She said he was just so good today and that she was thankful for all the help he gave her. Ahhh, what a sweetie!!

Poor Peyton, who starts Kindergarten this year, has to wait one more week to start school. He does have to go in for some testing this week. He is so freaking excited to finally go to his brother's big school. His teacher is Mrs. Brushke and she looks like she will be tons of fun this year. His pictures will be posted next week.

Brynlei also starts her second year of preschool next week with Miss Julie and Grandma Smith at Watch Me Grow. She loves it there and is excited to be in the older class this year. Her pictures will also be posted next week.

I love that my children have such a deep love for school and learning and pray that they can always feel this way about their education. They are all so bright and smart in their own ways and it amazes me what they push themselves to do each year. We love you kids and pray that you will have another amazing school year!!

More broken bones

On July 3rd after celebrating for the 4th all day with swimming, bbq, and being with family and as the day was winding down and we were all preparing for our firework show, disaster struck. Traevn was trying out his donkey kicks on Grandma's trampoline and his arm locked up and he ended up snapping both his ulna and radius bones. Nate and I were inside cleaning up from dinner and swimming when we heard screaming and then my BIL Kress came running inside telling my dad to hurry and get outside. We ran out to see what had happened and I knew in an instant that it was one of my children. I heard the crying and that was all it took. I am not good in moments like these when my children are in pain that I can't control. We found that everyone (all aunts, uncles, and cousins) had Traevn in a chair and were trying to console him. His arm was in an S shape and it was then that I realized that it was broken pretty bad. Grandpa immediately called to see who the orthopedist was on call and told him to meet us in the ER. Nate and the other men gave Traevn such a beautiful blessing comforting him with the peace that he so needed at that moment. Then away Nate, my mom, my dad, Traevn, and me went to the ER. Traevn was pretty adamant at this point that he was not going to the hospital, but knew it was inevitable. We got there, got checked in, took some x-rays, and waited for the orthopedist to show up. Dr. Leitze arrived and they gave Traevn a sedative(way freaky medicine) so that they could set his arm. They set his arm and sent us on our way (of course it took a few hours to do all of this).

Meanwhile the cousins had all said a big prayer for him and made him a huge sign for his return. They also had gotten him some stuffed animals, treats, his favorite drinks, and a new set of Mighty Beans. Traevn was so distraught that he would miss the fireworks that the cousins willingly decided to hold them until the next night. It was amazing to see how family just steps in to help in moments like these. My brothers and sisters and their families had taken my other kids home, bathed and put them to bed so that we wouldn't have to when we got home late that night.

During this whole ordeal Traevn was so worried that he would never be able to play the piano again, we reassured him that he would and that maybe he would play even better. :) Afterwards, Traevn told us how he actually heard his bones snap. His brothers and cousins who were standing by the tramp also heard the snap. YEEOUCH!!!

I am glad everything turned out as well as it did. I also hope that we won't be having another broken bone, at least not anytime soon.

*He now has his blue waterproof cast on. Pictures to come.

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy 7th Birthday Brekken!!!! Wow, I can't believe my middle child is that old! We love you tons Brek!!

*Stay tuned

Okay, here I stand again in the same position I have been in for the last six months or more, being behind on this blog!! It has been a crazy summer for us so far this year and we are loving every minute. I have taken tons of pics and my awesome husband is organizing them for me (one less thing for me to do:)) Anyway, don't give up on us just yet. I promise there will be plenty of updates coming your way. Also, we have had another trip to the ER with a broken arm (stay tuned to find out the story). With camps, trips, birthdays, holidays, and so much more to blog about I had better start getting my brain in working order:) Come back and visit soon.

Traevn's Piano Recital

Last Thursday (13th) Traevn had his first piano recital. He has loved being in piano this year. He looks forward to going each week and getting new songs. It doesn't hurt that he has such an awesome teacher, who truly loves teaching Traevn. In the recital he had the most songs to play out of everyone. He memorized two and then played a duet with his teacher. He was so excited to be able to wear his suit some where other than church!! I can't believe how grown up he looks. We love you Trae and are proud of what you are accomplishing.

Here is a list of the songs that he played:

Singing Along (Behr)

Ode to Joy (Beethoven)

Feeling Spiffy (Alfred-duet)

Thanks to all who came out and supported him, he loved having you all there. After the recital Grandma and Grandpa Graff treated Traevn and all of us to a yummy yogurt at Krave. Thanks!!

Okay, so it has been awhile since I have posted a thankful thursday (or any post for that matter) and I thought that I would share some things that I am really grateful for this week.

*I am thankful for doctors and surgeons that excel in what they do. Brynlei's pins were taken out this week and her arm has healed enough that she didn't need to have a hard cast put on. We just have to do a little physical therapy to get it back to normal. It amazes me how fast little bodies heal!

*I am thankful for experts that are willing to research, study, and dedicate their lives to helping us "normal" people learn about things that completely baffle us. In our case understanding and coping and learning how to help our child with Asperger's Syndrome. It is somewhat of a comfort knowing I too can research and learn the things that my child has to live with and helping us learn how to help him.

*Most importantly knowing that I have a Father in Heaven to turn to when the questions I need answered can only be answered by Him.

*Being eternally grateful for the trust He had in me to allow me to become a mother to my beautiful children. I have loved every moment of being a mother (even the challenging ones). My children have truly taught me more than I will ever teach them. They have helped me to become a better person. They have taught me what Christlike love really is. They have taught me true forgiveness.

*I am thankful for Mother's Day, for a day that I get to honor and reflect on the women in my life who have been such inspiring examples to me.

*Thankful that Nate and I finally had a date night after not having one for a few months. It only took him turning 33 to get one!

*For the people out there who truly love my children and care for their well being.

*For the many prayers that are often sent our way.

*Family, where would we be without them?

*For newborn babies that have such sweet, special spirits.

* The list really could go on and on but just know that I am thankful for so much in my life. I truly have been blessed with so much.

What a weekend!!

Saturday began like any other Saturday with a basketball game. Karter is getting so good and is developing some awesome basketball skills. Then we were off to the Kite Festival to redeem the boys reading times for kites or books (2 Kites, 1 Book). We enjoyed yummy shaved ice and then we were off to get some lunch. After lunch we headed to the splash pad and river at Town Square. After getting our water fix, we just had to stop by our new favorite place Swig and grab drinks, treats, ice cream, etc. On the way home we stopped by to say hi to Grandma and Grandpa Graff who were doing yard work, then we were off to enjoy a night of relaxation and family time.

Yeah right, what's relaxation in this house!! After changing out of their suits the kids went out back to play ball, catch lizards, and swing. Well it was the last one that landed us in the hospital all night. Brynlei and Brekken were swinging and Brynlei fell out. After comforting her for a few minutes I looked down at her arm and it looked a little abnormal. So of course Nate and I ran her up to have Grandpa Graff check it. (Don't worry we left Karter to watch the other kids.) Grandpa looked at her arm and said she needed x-rays. We then ran to Instacare to get some x-rays done. After looking at the x-rays it was determined that it was definitely broken, cracked, etc. Grandpa called one of his orthopedic surgeon buddies and had us meet him at the ER. After waiting in the ER to get all prepped to have surgery we decided that it was going to be a long night and called in reinforcements to help Karter out (Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Abbott). All this time Brynlei is being sooo incredibly tough. We couldn't give her anything for pain until they got her IV in, then she got the good stuff (Morphine). Dr. Smith finally arrived and we wheeled her up a couple of floors for surgery. The surgery went well and she had to have a couple of pins placed in her elbow region. :( She took forever to wake up in recovery, but finally she did after about two hours. She was supposed to stay the night in the hospital but Grandpa convinced the orthopedist that she would be in good hands and he was close by (one of the many perks of having Grandpa as our doctor). Finally at about midnight we got her doped up and all adjusted to sleep semi-comfortably. Thankfully Grandma and Grandpa Abbott had already put the very worried and concerned brothers to bed.

She is doing pretty good considering what she has been through. She has loved all the cards, treats, popsicles, and gifts from her cousins, neighbors, grandparents, primary presidency, school teachers, etc. Grandma Graff brought her some new outfits that would fit over her arm and she was in heaven!!!

Her brothers have been awesome and have been waiting on her and taking care of her like a princess should be.

She gets the pins taken out in three weeks and then gets to have either a hard cast put on or another soft cast.

Thank You to everyone who has been there for Brynlei and us at this time. It is much appreciated. Thank you for all the prayers, cards, gifts, emails, etc. It means a lot to her and to our family. Her school teachers and dance teachers have been awesome in helping us rearrange her schedule and being able to make-up classes.

I will try to get a picture of her arm up this week. It amazes me that we have lived through 4 boys with no broken bones, etc and Brynlei seems to have gotten everything :) (Go figure!) I just have to say that she is the toughest little girl I know. We love you Brynlei!!

Finally.... a boy!!!

My older brother, Jeremy and his wife Shannon finally welcomed a little boy into their family of girls.

Jeremy Jaeger Graff was born on Friday, April 9th!!

Congratulations!!!

Wow, can someone tell me exactly where time goes?!! For the past 2-3 months our lives have been absolutely crazy. We haven't had a free day, weekend, minute to catch up with life. Having 7 people with 7 different schedules tends to get a little hectic at times. With basketball, piano,

t-ball, dance, choir, school projects, vocab competitions, remodeling the house, working, training, spring break, recitals, having family in town, birthdays, baptisms, parties, etc. I feel as though I need to be cloned. I am sorry that I haven't updated (to the few of you who actually care:)) but I am in the works of getting it done and checked off my long list of things to do. Oh, and by the way, I am not complaining at all about our life. I actually enjoy all the chaos that is US, it ironically keeps me sane and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Happy Birthday Karter

Happy 10th Birthday Karter!!!

I cannot believe that Karter is that old (or that I had him a decade ago)!!! He is growing up way too fast!! We love you so much Karter and hope that you have an AWESOME day.

**More to come later. I know that I have promised this many times before but I am working on getting everything organized and ready.

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY!!!!

Happy Birthday Traevn Parks!!! Wow, I cannot believe that I have another kid old enough to be baptized. We are so proud of Traevn and love him to death!!! He will be getting baptized this Saturday and he is sooo excited!!!

I know that I still need to update on Brynlei's birthday and so much other stuff and I promise that I am getting around to it. This week has been crazy with Nate gone to training, sick kids, work, and just life in general:) It is my goal to get updated with our life asap!

Happy Birthday Bud!!!

*Once again, there will be more to come later.

HaPpY 4Th BiRtHdAy!!!

I can't believe that our baby girl is 4 years old today!!! Time sure has flown by:( We love you so much Brynlei M'Kae!!!!

*More to come on Brynlei later:)

Hey Baby Let's Go to Vegas

Last Saturday, Nate and I went down to Vegas to see The Lion King. Nate's parents gave us tickets for Christmas and offered to babysit the kids so we could go down. It was awesome!!! We had a lot of fun seeing the show, hanging out in Vegas, and taking advantage of this once in a blue moon opportunity. Thanks for letting us take time for us!!!

BTW: did I ever mention I hate having my picture taken!!! arrggh!!!

Brynlei had her Christmas Dance recital on December 18th. She has really enjoyed being in dance this year. She loved getting all dressed up in her costume. Grandma and Grandpa Graff and Grandma and Grandpa Abbott came to her big show to watch her cute dance. Her dance was to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. She especially loved getting flowers from her dad! We were so proud of her!!! She also was Dancer of the Month for December. Way to go Bryn. We love you so much!!

Cookie Trees

Every year Grandma and Grandpa Abbott take the kids and make Christmas Cookie Trees with them. The kids love this annual tradition. This year Grandma and Grandpa decided to break it up into pairs so that it would be a little easier. Brynlee and Emalee did their trees together and also enjoyed breakfast at Village Inn. Next Traevn and Brekken went and they got dinner at Pizza Factory. Last was Peyton and Karter and they ate breakfast at The Cracker Barrel. They also got a sweet surprise of snow and they made miniature snowmen after they were done. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for this tradition.

Every Christmas season we do a special service night with Nate's family. We make up boxes of Christmas breakfasts' and deliver them to families in their ward or other families that they know that could use it. We map out the different houses we will be going to and then split up in different cars and take off. The kids love doing this secret service and get such joy from helping others. After we finished up, we headed over to the Temple to see the Nativity and then had some yummy yogurt at Krave!!

Cookies and Santa at the CJC

This year the CJC (Children's Justice Center) let their employees bring their families over to decorate christmas cookies and to visit with Santa. The kids had a fun time making cookies and seeing Santa. They also thought it was pretty cool to see where their Dad works sometimes. Nate does a lot of interviews with children over at the CJC and the kids always love to see places where their dad works. Brynlei of course was too shy to sit on Santa's lap but she did make sure that we told him what she wanted.

Every holiday my kids love to decorate their Great Grandpa Pugmire's door. We make decorations and then we sneak over, decorate his door, and leave it for him to be surprised to when he wakes up. The kids love surprising Grandpa Pug and get so excited to do this. It is sometimes hard to keep them 100% quiet but so far we have never been caught. Here is what they decorated his door with for Christmas.