Jui-Jitsu, Wrestling, Growing Boys, and First Loves!?!

Brendan has been doing Jui-Jitsu for about a year now. This is his second tournament he participated in. His first tournament he took third/Bronze. He has really enjoyed himself, and recently advanced to a yellow belt! He actually won this match, his points were given to the wrong kid. This kid is amazing at anything he does. He always puts in a 100+ percent. It has been fun to watch him learn new things and gain confidence in his abilities.

Derek has also been doing Jui-Jitsu for about 2 years now (which is where Brendan got his inspiration). It is something Derek, Brendan and most recently Logan enjoy, and a great way for them to stay active. This was Derek's first tournament and he took first/gold!!  Their team did very well, most of them placing first or second.

Brendan was tired and ready to go home

 

This month is wrestling! It's a short season for the kids, but long enough to keep them busy until baseball starts. Brendan and Logan have been doing very well so far (this is a sport Drake does not care to participate in). We have two tournaments left...

Logan's first match of the season in Firth, ID (this match comes in three parts. I was still learning how to work the camera.)

Logan has such a good time wrestling. He makes me laugh, I think he is the only kid I see go onto the mat with a big grin on his face. Most  kids come out with their "intimidating" game face on, and Logan just smiles. This kid just loves life!

Brendan's first match of the season. Firth, ID

The boys are having a blast, and I think Derek relives his youth every year watching and coaching them. They are all such a joy! we are very blessed! 

I haven't mentioned Drake or Paige much. They have been busy as well, I just haven't loaded any pictures onto the computer yet.

Drake just finished up basketball. He had a great team this year I think they only lost one game. He is also playing the trumpet in the 6th grade band, and just enjoying life as a "tween". He spends much of his time with his friends. He is a great kid and I love watching him grow into a fine young man, he is very sweet and loves to tease (I don't know where he gets it). I can't believe how fast he has grown, seems like we just brought him home...

Paige is still a princess, and is enjoying preschool and dance. She doesn't want much to do with sports, but she will sing and dance all day. It has been fun getting to spend extra time with her while the boys are at school. She has preschool three days a week for two hours so the rest of the time she gets to hang out with Mom and Dad.

She has been working hard for me, doing extra chores around the house so she could earn some money. Mostly folding laundry (which had to be re-folded later ;-). She finally met her goal and bought herself her first CD, Justin Bieber! her first LOVE!! She has taken the insert out of the CD and hung it on her wall as her first poster. So fun! it's great having a girl.

Still Thinking

I've been thinking about updating the blog. Still thinking about it...I need to find time to sit down and get it done ;-)

Fishing

Grandpa took them fishing. Thought it would be fun  to share their pics

 

Paige and her fish. Its almost as big as her LOL!!

Logan and his fish

They went fishing quite a while ago. I am just slow about posting pictures. They all had a blast, and as you can see were very successful!!

Brendan and his first fish of the summer

Paige

Saturday Paige and I took the training wheels off her bike. At first she wasn't sure, but with the help of uncle Kyle she was off and riding within 5 minutes. She told Kyle "don't touch! I can do it all by myself." and she did. I am having a hard time getting her off of it now. Good Job Paige!! We are so proud of you. Such a big girl!!
Thanks Kyle for your willingness to jump in and help her, she just thinks the world of you!!

Graduation!

After what has to have been the craziest 11 months of my life, I finally graduated from the LPN program on July 08, 2010. Although I am not "done" with school yet, I did it!!

I have so many people to thank for helping me get this far. My Parents, Kendra and Mark, Amie, Laura, Kyle, Bubba, Melody, Jared and  I especially want to thank Mandee for all the time you spent with our kids. It really meant a lot to me to have someone who cares about my kids (almost as much as I do or maybe more I can't decide ;-) to take care of them when Derek or I couldn't be there. You all have been and continue to be a great support to me.

I am so lucky to have such an amazing family to support me in my desire to get an education. There were days I was sure it would never end, and then days that flew by so quickly I wondered if anything being taught would really stick. In the end  my knowledge of the nursing process and the skills I have gained are so worth the time and hard work put in (now to find a job! this might really be the hard part ;-).

My greatest supporter!! Thank You Babe!!

The amazing girls I sat between in class Jennifer and Tara. They will be great nurses :-)

My carpool group Trevor and Tara. 

We had some good laughs on our way to EIRMC twice a week!!
















Randee and Ryan. Thanks for all your help and support!

Randee, especially for your help with those crazy careplans and words of encouragement along the way. (Ryan looks so tall in this picture)

Cakes, Wrestlers, and Horses

I haven't been very diligent in keeping up with the blog. I don't really have too much time to devote to it these days, so here is a little update of the happenings around our house. 

 

Drake and Brendan worked hard on baking a cake for the Blue and Gold banquet with Derek's help. It was the birthday of the cub scouting program, so that was their theme. They did an excellent job and won an award for the "Nuttiest Cake"

Drake wrestling 2010

Brendan wrestling 2010

Logan wrestling 2010

All of our boys have started wrestling again this year. These pictures are from their first tournament of the season. They all did very well and were excited to be wrestling again! (even Drake, he is determined to win one this season ;-) 

Paige's first ride on the horse!

Paige finally decided that riding the horse would be OK! She didn't want to go without her pro-riding brother though. It was very sweet of Logan to hold onto her and make her feel safe. She has since then taken rides all by herself (with Grandpa leading the horse of course ;-).

Quote ;-)

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
-Albert Schweitzer

(I took this from Nicole's facebook page. I loved it so much I wanted to post it here. Thanks Nicole for letting me steal it from you ;-)

Life

Life is grand!! that's all...life is just grand ;-)

Jesus gave me the wrong face?

This morning I was in the bathroom washing my face, and under my breath I said " Ugh, I really wish my face would quit breaking out!" I didn't think anyone was listening, when from the bathtub came a sweet little voice saying " I think Jesus gave YOU the wrong face!" She made me laugh!! Who cares if your skin breaks out when you have kids like her?? I just love it ;-)

11 Years, 3 Months, 2 Weeks, and 6 Days...

 

 " You've always given me wings to fly, and I have loved you for it!"

Marjorie Hinckley

I was listening to a talk given by Pres. Hinckley today. In it he spoke of his wife, and about one evening when she said to him "You've always given me wings to fly, and I have loved you for it!" I feel the same way about Derek, and couldn't have said it better myself.

Derek and I have been married for 11 years, 3 months, 2 weeks, and 6 days (not that I'm counting). We have been through many Amazing, scary, Beautiful, challenging, interesting, Exciting, and stressful days together. There are times I don't know what to do or what is going to come our way next! Times when neither of us are sure! In spite of it all Derek always has a way of making me feel safe and like he says... "things will work out". He makes me feel like I can do anything,and helps me gain confidence in myself to make it through anything! I am so grateful for him and grateful that he " gives me wings to fly." I know I am a better person because of him, and I Love him for it!

Great message!

Best Friends Forever

Paige: "Mom"
Me: "Yeah"
Paige: "You're my best friend"
Me: "Awe, that's so sweet. You're my best friend too."
Paige: "You're my best friend Forever"
Me: "Sweet!"
Paige: "Are you ever going to get mad at me again?"
Me: Just had to laugh!

I guess if we are best friends forever, that means I can't get "mad" at her anymore. She is void from ever having to be in trouble...cause we are "best friends forever! I wonder if she will still feel this way when she is a teenager?

I know it has been a while since I have updated here. I thought I would take a minute and do a brief overview of what you all have missed since school started back in MAY!!


Well, the kids and myself started school...can you tell how excited Drake was about that?


Then, Brendan, Logan, and Paige started soccer and Drake played his first year of football. He was Excited about that. It was Paige' first year playing soccer as well. She did more twirling and dancing than playing, but she had FUN. Towards the end of the season I ran my first half marathon!! (I did post about that:-)


Following that was Halloween! We took them to the ward "Trunk or Treat" and then onto the Grandparents houses. We made our last stop at Grandma and Grandpa Daniels house and Grandma took them again around her neighborhood. Needless to say they managed to collect a TON of candy.


Now I am getting a little out of order here, but I had to throw these pics in somewhere. These are just some I took of the kids this summer before school started. Aren't they just so cute? They are all growing up WAY to fast!!

I'm not really sure what went on over the next couple of months. We were all so busy it was kind of a blur. The next pictures I had were of Christmas. I am usually taking pictures constantly but, school has slowed me down in that avenue of life.


Drake Christmas morning! He used to get WAY more excited. Why do they have to grow up?


Brendan Christmas morning. He talked about that Power wing scooter till Christmas Eve. He was so excited to get outside and try it out. He did pretty good on it too!


Logan Christmas morning. All he wanted was a Nintendo DS!! (Maybe, he should have asked for his two front teeth)He was so excited to find that he stayed on the "Nice" list and Santa brought him one.


Paige Christmas morning. I think her expressions while she was opening gifts were priceless. I was able to catch at least one of them on camera!


My family got together and took pictures Christmas Eve. I wish I had a copy of each family but, this is all I had on my camera. It was fun to have us all together and get some pictures of all the Grand kids!!

The past few months have been filled with excitement, fun, running, school, football, soccer, parties, family, and so much more. We have had so much fun!! I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to be in school. It has been difficult adjusting to not being a full time MOM but, I know it will be worth it in the end. I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband who is willing to pick up wherever I leave off. I know I wouldn't be able to do it without him! I am also grateful to have family near us that are so willing to help at a moments notice. We have truly been blessed!! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that this new year is packed with JOY for you and your families.

Nursing Diagnosis

Top 10 Nanda Nursing Diagnoses for nursing students….
For those of you who don't know r/t stands for "related to"

10. Fluid volume deficit r/t dehydrating effects of caffeine
associated with increased student sightings at coffee bars and McDonalds.

9. Impaired social interactions r/t inappropriate topics of
conversation associated with incessant discussions of bowel and
bladder functions.

8. Sexual dysfunction r/t time constraints and stress-induced
impotence associated with increased irritability of nursing students
and their significant others.

7. Functional constipation r/t lack of time to go to the bathroom
associated with moving at the speed of light and still not getting
everything done.

6. Impaired skin integrity r/t increased intake of fat, chocolate, and
alcohol associated with return to adolescent facial breakouts.

5. Anticipatory grieving r/t impending midterms and final exams
associated with crying fits in October, December, March, and May.

4. Maturational enuresis r/t trauma-induced regression to childhood
associated with frequent changing of linens.

3. Ineffective individual coping: obsessive compulsive behaviors r/t
high demand of nursing school associated with continual checking and
rechecking of calendars, date books, course syllabi, and other nursing
students to reassure that one is not forgetting assignments.

2. Altered thought processes: caffeine-induced psychosis r/t increased
coffee and pop consumption.

1. Self-care deficit r/t being a nursing student.

Is it bad to self diagnose? I am guilty of so many of these. They made me laugh! I have read so many nursing diagnosis in the last 4 months...none as funny as these:-)

Nintendo DS and Cooking...

Drake: Mom, can I bake a cake?
Me: No, not today. I don't have any frosting.
Drake: We can just have it without frosting.
Me: No, I just don't want to deal with the mess. Let's do it another day.
Drake: ugh! I have nothing else to do. My DS isn't working (because he lost the charger) and the only other FUN thing to do is COOK!
Me: BAAAHHHHAAAHHAHAA!!!! COOK? Seriously? COOK? BAAAHHAHAHA!!
Drake: (Laughing too) What?
Me: Nice try with the whole guilt trip, but NO!

I just love my kids! They are always good for a laugh!

A Father's Love!!

This such an amazing and inspirational story of a Father's love for his Son!! I love it. Makes you want to be a better person.

Football Coaching?

I picked Drake up from football practice tonight and learned one of his coaching techniques for fellow team mates. It went something like this-

Drake: "I told this kid on my team to suck it up"

Me: (laughing) "you did?"

Drake: "Yeah, I told him I am sick of listening to you whine! Just SUCK IT UP and hit the kid"

Me: (still laughing)"Wow! you sound just like your mother!"

Drake: "Well, I feel like I got front row tickets to listen to him whine! I'm cooolld, I'm Tiirred waa wwaaa waaaaa"

I know I probably shouldn't encourage this type of behavior, but...I already lost the mother of the year award. I might as well enjoy the few months that are left!

Pocatello Marathon

 

I forgot to mention I had the opportunity to run a half marathon earlier this month. That is 13.1 miles!! I never thought I would, but I DID IT!! It was such an amazing experience. There were something like 1040 people who ran this year. There is a picture here with one of the women I met along the way. We were at mile ten when my sister-in law and I came up on her, and she didn't look so good. I asked her if she was ok? She just looked exahausted and said "No, I think I might quit." I said no way we have 3 miles left we can do it! She decided she would stick with us for a bit. We tried to make goals as we ran like making it to the next fence line or corner and then walking a little, things like that. I thought we were doing pretty good and, my Sister in-law went ahead then a little bit later I went ahead thinking she is ok to make it the rest of the way. Then at the end we had caught up to each other again and pretty much finished at the same time. Her kids came running out of the crowd and ran in with her. It was so sweet!! This experience just made me think that this is what life is all about isn't it? We are all here running our own personal marathons in a way, and isn't it nice when we run into people who encourage and lift us up so we can make it across the finish line!! This woman probably thought I was helping her, but in reality she was helping me. She kept me motivated to finish. I am so blessed to have made such amazing friends in my life and have amazing family around to help me along the way! I love you all so much!! Thank you for all you do. I couldn't do it without you."

Trying out the collage thing

 

Life

A lot of things have happened over the past few weeks and I am not sure if I can remember much of it at this point. Hence the reason for the update. If I don't "write" it all down soon I may never remember.
I really enjoyed summer break and now we are going full speed ahead. The kids and I are all back in school, even little miss Paige. She started preschool and is absolutely loving it. She loves her teacher and brings home "homework" that she sits down and pretends to do while the boys are doing theirs. We have a small toy laptop that she brings out to do her homework as well (just like Mom does). She is so fun!! Drake is in his first year of tackle football and is having a blast. It has been amazing to see the rise in confidence in him as he has participated. He is growing up so fast, I just can't believe it. I swear he was just a baby yesterday. Brendan is still doing Jiu Jitsu and is now playing soccer as well. He is having fun being a 2nd grader. His reading ability has just sored, and he has loved going to the library as there is a larger selection of books he can read this year. Logan just loves life!! Going to school has opened a whole new world for him, a little more Independence and freedom I guess. I am in the first semester of the practical nursing program, and it has been very overwhelming to say the least. I absolutely love everything I am learning, and just can't wait to be done.Derek has become Mr. Mom and superman over the last month. He is so amazing!! I don't know how I could do it all if I didn't have him to help me out.
just one example:I started clinicals this week, and I needed to wear business dress and my lab jacket to my orientation. I thought I would have time to come home between classes and change, but soon found out I really didn't. I had forgotten I needed a flu shot, so I had to rush on my lunch break to do that instead of running straight home. No worries though for I am married to Derek (aka: superman)and with one quick call everything was ready and waiting for me when I walked in the door. He had ironed my pants and lab jacket, and they were hanging nicely, ready for me to throw on and run back out the door. He is amazing!! Oh, did I already say that?? (he made me lunch too)
As you can see things are crazy and busy at our house. I keep hoping that things will slow down. I really don't think that will happen any time soon. I am finding that the older my kids get the busier life gets. I love them all and wouldn't trade my life for anything. I am so grateful to have such an awesome extended family that are so supportive and are always willing to lend a helping hand,and words of encouragement when we need them.