Cabin Fever

Still sick.

Some more than others.

Tyson had another really bad sick day.

Eden started off pretty bad but improved a lot throughout the day.

I am functioning at a much higher rate, but still not 100%.

Everyone else just suffers from Cabin Fever.

So, we drove to the library to drop off books (not getting out of the car).

Went to the park across the street (while no one else was there).

And went to Wendy's for Jr frostys for dessert (through the drive through).

We all felt amazed at what the outside world looked like.

Out next door neighbor, Grandma Helen, even called today worried about us.  "Hey! I was just wondering if everything is alright over there. It has been really quiet over there lately but I haven't seen you leave your house much."

Just cursed with influence grandma, that's all.

I'm just glad we got out today.

Paige Got a Coat

Grandma and grandpa sent a birthday gift to Paige. She was excited to try it on.

This package also gave us a glimpse of the outside world....which we have not seen in days.

Unfortunately, that was the highlight of our day.

We are still sick.

Tyson stayed home from work.

Eden stayed home from school.

I did do school for Eden and Leila.

Even a better school than I've done in a while.

It was good simply because it gave them something to do.

You can see in the background of the picture above, Eden's "living quarters" these past two days.

Reading, writing, drawing, doing school work, watching movies, etc.

Hopefully we are getting better.

And I'm glad Paige has a good coat...she was in need of one.

Thanks mom and dad!

Sick...

Just so you know...

...we are still sick.

Tyson, Eden, and I caught the flu.

Let us get better sooner than later.

Sickness Continues....

There was a promise of birthday crepes this morning....but man it was tough.

Tyson was on zombie mode from this night shifts.

I felt so sick I could hardly move.

But I did it.

Glorious crepes were created.

Along with the pudding, ricotta filling, whipped cream, and fruit.

I absolutely had worn out all I had and had to wake up Tyson to take over.

I took a bath and took a nap.

Then it was noon.

Tyson went out to buy me Ramen.

I slept more. Watched a movie. 

Then Tyson started to feel sick....

So I got enough energy to get the older girls a new, fun activity to cure their boredom.

And I sat watching a movie with the little girls.

Tyson slept.

Then Eden complained that her throat hurt...

More movies.

I got just enough energy to make some dinner.

But had to lay down right after.

More movies.

Then I got just enough energy to clean up the kitchen a bit and Tyson and girls got enough energy to clean up the family room.

Bedtime for the girls.

And back to bed for me and Tyson.

Sick? Again?

I am sick again.

I'm not sure what is happening, but I feel like I keep getting sick!

I usually don't get sick often. For me, this is often.

So, stay at home sick day.

Lots of movies were watched.

My energy is running low.

My throat hurts.

My sinuses are bothersome.

My stomach feel icky.

I've been worse, but I've been better.

So not much to report today unfortunately.

Except that tonight is Tyson's last night of night float! Hooray!

...and tomorrow is Paige's birthday!!! Ahh! 

Times flies.

Tonight's activity: blowing up balloons and watching Fuller House on Netflix

Running Around

Lucky girls got to go out to eat for lunch because we were so busy running from place to place.

They didn't complain.

6:30 Paige and Molly wake up, so I start breakfast

8:00 Eden to the bus stop

8:15 Get ready for the day

8:45 Make Tyson a good breakfast for when he comes home from work

9:00 Tyson comes home from work, eats, and goes upstairs to sleep

9:45 WIC appointment for Paige

10:50 Take a friend to the hospital for a surgery

11:30 Clean out the car and take books back to the library

12:00 Wendy's for lunch

1:00 Gymnastics

1:30 Pick up friend from hospital to take her home

2:00 Go back to gymnastics

3:00 Home from gymnastics and clean

3:45 Eden comes home from school

4:30 Back to WIC to give them something I forgot at the last appointment

5:00 YMCA to get a gym membership

5:30 Cook dinner

6:00 Eat dinner

6:30 Clean up dinner and family clean up

7:00 Say goodbye to Tyson as he leaves to work

8:00 Bedtime

Big Smiles at the Dentist

There once was a time when big smiles at the dentist were rare....

Especially for Eden.

But today was all smiles.

We found a good pediatric dentist office that we like.

And no cavities to report.

Although, Eden is getting a new tooth.

It is growing BEHIND her front bottom baby tooth.

She hasn't lost any teeth yet.

But you can see her new tooth behind it.

The dentist said it looks fine because the front tooth is a little wiggly.

"Keep wiggling." Is the advice.

Eden wants to lose a tooth so bad.

I don't blame her, she's 8 1/2.

I'm just glad she doesn't have to get it yanked out...cause then we'd be back to tears at the dentist.

The Weekend

I keep forgetting to write on my blog...

It has been a pretty good couple of days.

Friday I was able to go on a date with Tyson to a movie (The Passengers).

Saturday I went to a Lipsense party to buy some lip stain.

This is a pretty big deal because I hate lipstick, it is so high maintenance.

Lipsense instead stains my lips so it stays on all day with no smearing or reapplying.

This is me testing out four different types.

I'm not sure if my strategy was the most successful...

But I did some come with a few colors.  

Today the stake came to speak to everyone in our ward and change some boundaries.

They added more to our ward, I think to increase the youth.

Tyson is back at work doing night float.

And I'm letting the kids have quiet reading time before bed.

Paige and Eden are in my room.

(Actually Paige moved out because Eden has school and needs to sleep but she gets a lucky dog.)

Molly is in the spare room where Tyson sleeps in the day where he can be undisturbed.

And Lelia's in her fort in her room.

Not much else is going on.

It was a nice weekend to have Tyson around since he's been doing night float and I wasn't able to see him all week.

Science City

Outing day Thursday!

We decided to try Science City again.

My pass expires in February, so we gotta go while we can.

I think next year we may get a zoo pass instead.

Just a change.

Paige is such a cheese.

But she really did love Science City.

Every time we went to a new area she would SQUEAL with delight.

We didn't even use a stroller and no one complained.

Leila was booking it on this bike to make some energy.

Lately she's shown me how much strength and motivation she has.

Now that Eden is at school, Leila is coming to be her old self again.

She doesn't feel pressured to be someone else, like Eden.

She embraces being six and still loves all the younger stuff.

I think being with Eden all day made Leila feel embarrassed to be herself.

All my girls are so different, and I cherish their differences.

They are all so amazing when they are their true selves...and not trying to be someone else.

Eden is happy, bubbly, inventive, and can turn anything into a game.

Leila is motherly, tough, observant, cautious, and loyal.

Molly is funny, clever, and lovable.

Paige is cuddly, smart, and full of emotion.

I'm glad to have all my girls.

I love them all.

At Least There is One Person Working on Taking Better Pictures...

Paige's new favorite hobby is to take selfies.

I did get ONE picture in today.

Today was gymnastics day.

We had school, gymnastics, early dinner.

And after Tyson left to work tonight, I did as an wonderful mother would do....bribed my children with candy to clean the house. It worked rather well. We had a competition, if they could clean the living room before I could clean the kitchen, they got a piece of my Toblerone.  They whooped me. So the next challenge was to clean up the upstairs before I finished the kitchen.  But when I went to bribe them, I found they secretly were already trying to clean the upstairs before I finished the kitchen just to surprise me. So, I gave them a better bribe. I had to take a run to the grocery store anyway, so I told them if they finished before me then they could get these flavored honey sticks they have been asking for lately. They were ecstatic.

Then we came home, kids went to bed, and it was my own lucky dog night with myself.

So, I chose to watch Penelope while cleaning up the basement so I can start de-junking and have a place to put all the stuff to get rid of.  I actually already have a large pile of things to get rid of...problem was that it was all kind of shoved in the laundry room in no real order.  So, I organized it so I could store more items.  I also found boxes and got rid of boxes that were not so useful.

Reminder to Me: Work on Taking Better Pictures

This is the best picture I got of today.

One of the only pictures....

I actually only took it because we were at the library and Molly told me to take a picture of her with her stuffed animals she placed next to her. And then Paige wanted to jump in the picture as well.

Come to think of it...my pictures match my day.

Nothing too exciting.

But tonight is Molly's lucky dog night. So we ate s'mores and watched a few episodes of Little Einsteins on Netflix.

I'm ok with that Molly's choice since Eden's lucky dog she requested orange Julius and watching Alice Through the Looking Glass.....then the next night Lelia's lucky dog request was orange Julius and watching Alice Through the Looking Glass....

I am dying to do some serious de-junking in my house but I am having a conflict about what to do with the stuff I claim as "junk".  I already have tons of stuff stored in the basement. I originally thought I'd save it for a garage sale...but I don't know how well we'd do with all our stuff. So do I donate ridiculously large loads of stuff to our little, local thrift store?  If I keep it here and try to sell it then I need some ways to store it all (where the kids won't find it and re-open it).  It would take some major cleaning. Perhaps tomorrow.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Eden had the day off school, so she requested muffins for a nice, luxurious, late breakfast.

I found online this recipe for a basic muffin recipe that you can add your own extra ingredients.

The girls were excited to top their own mini muffins with chocolate chips, marshmallows, coconut flakes, craisins, peanut butter, graham cracker bits, etc. they each got a row of muffins to decorate.

Today was just another relaxing day.

Eden got to share with us all the things she's learned about Martin Luther King Jr.

Some friends came to play and they requested doing our school "test day" activity where they stand against the wall, I ask them school questions, then they move forward after a correct answer. Once they make it to me, they get a treat.  They played a round of math, spelling, and science.

We ate dinner super early because Tyson had to leave to work.

After dinner, I thought he had left already and he ended up scaring me half to death when he showed up in the middle of me doing the chicken dance with the kids....

Then I realized later that I hadn't left the house in days.

So, we left the house.

We picked up two items at the grocery store and got sample cookies.

Then we went to Hobby Lobby to pick up a picture Tyson and I got for Christmas that we wanted mounted.

Now it's time for my lucky dog night with Leila.

She's elated.

Ups and Downs

Life has been a whole lot of ups and downs lately.

Everyone in the house seems to have their breaking moments.

Crying fits.

Melt downs.

Emotional instability.

..and not just the kids.

Tyson's been super stressed about starting his night float shift today.

I've been feeling down on myself and a bit spiritually stuck.

It hasn't all been bad though.

The girls did a clean up job and we set up a tent in their room to sleep.

They are excited to have some lucky dog nights while dads working.

Eden still loves school.

Leila seems more at peace lately as well.

Molly and Paige are still emotional fireballs...but they have good times and bad times.

As for what's been going on lately...

I planned everything out weeks ago (babysitters, schedules, etc) to go to the temple with Tyson yesterday.  Then of course there was an "ice storm" supposed to happen this weekend and the governor proclaimed a state of emergency safety where if you were able to close up and stay home, then you should.  So, they closed the temple.  And they cancelled church today.  And the only thing I've seen of this storm is a tiny bit of rainfall. Perhaps the roads are ice, which is one of the big worries...but nothing seems strange.

So, today and yesterday we stayed home, played, cleaned, watched nature shows...

I guess there's not much to report.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

It's been a cold last few days here in Kansas City.

Lots of talk about ice storms and power outages.

....though nothing but ridiculously frigid weather yet.

Yesterday I didn't realize how cold it was getting, so I had a Thursday outing with the younger girls while Eden was in school.  After all, Thursday is the day I had planned to have school be outing days...but we haven't done much of that in quite some time.

We drove to Union Station to go to Science City.

Walking from the car to the station is when I realized how bitter cold it was.

Going was a bad idea.

But it was too late to go back.

Then to find out Science City was closed for maintenance.

Ugh.

Luckily we still had a good time.

We found out that there is a skywalk that goes all the way to Crowne Center (though we ended up taking the long way through the tunnel system the first time). 

We were able to go to Kalidescope.

And the Science City store was open.

As well as a really cool toy train exhibit with TONS of trains and set ups.

Today was less exciting.

The school kids were sent home early from school because of the weather.

So, the kids built forts, played Legos, made new sleeping arrangements, watched a movie, etc.

Molly created a little bedtime drawing area.

Leila turned her bed into quite the tent/fort.

And Molly, Paige, and Eden decided to sleep in their bedroom floor tonight...

And possibly the rest of the long weekend.

Gymnastics

We finally got back into gymnastics.

Leila is overly excited.

And the littles had a good time playing.

I feel like things are becoming fun again.

I also want to get back into our co-op homeschool group.

I have a friend joining me on Fridays for mini seminary lessons.

I want to start making Thursday be our "outing day".

And I've been doing better at homeschool (finally) for both Leila and Molly.

New Year, New Teachers, New Calling

Church is at one o'clock.

I decided that I don't mind it.

Tyson's not a fan.

The girls were excited to go to new primary classes.

Even Paige went to nursery alone!

Molly was nervous but did well.

I got a new calling a while ago that was started today.

(Well, last week I went in but they didn't change classes for the new year yet.)

I team teach CTR 5 in primary.

We will take turns teaching and being potty/drink helpers.

Eight kids.

I taught.

My partner wasn't there today but I did get help third hour.

I had a good time with the kids.

We learned about choosing the right, following Jesus, and being baptized like Jesus.

We made CTR shields and I gave out CTR rings and cookies.

The kids are good kids and a lot of fun.

Friends, Friends, Friends

The day began with everyone sleeping in.

(Because last night we decided to veto responsibility and we all stayed up until super late.)

Then Tyson made eggnog waffles with cinnamon whipped cream, while I went to a baby shower brunch for Sarah Heder at Succotash.

It was fun to visit with friends and celebrate Sarah. Love her.

I got home in time for Tyson to finish getting ready to go to his residency meeting.

The girls watched a movie and then scattered to play with friends.

Molly was sad she couldn't go anywhere, so we invited a friend to play with her.

We cleaned up the house and ate dinner.

Then had more friends come over for a couples game night.

We talked, played Boxers or Briefs and Telestrations.

We laughed, ate candy, and let all the kids run amuck throughout the house.

And once again it is a late night.

Luckily church is now at one.

But we need to make sure we go to bed at a good time tomorrow night....Friday morning Eden missed the bus and she was late to school....oops. Guess we better get our schedules back in order.

Snow Day

Eden got an extended winter break.

Today was a snow day.

The girls were overly thrilled.

They played in the snow, twice.

We also made some "snow ice cream".

And hung out indoors.

Happy snow day.

Not So Eventful

So, based on the photos I took today...the most exciting things that happened today were...

A hair coloring app I found today.

And that I superglued my finger to Eden's fake glasses today while trying to fix them...

Hmm...doesn't seem to eventful.

My stomach still hurts a little when I move too quickly or too much.

But I was able to take the kids to the library.

Then to the grocery store.

Tyson had a residency dinner tonight, so he was home late.

Well, that was my day...

Not so eventful.

Sick Day for Mom

I think it was food poisoning from going out last night.

Ever since then my stomach wasn't happy.

It wasn't really bad until the middle of the night.

I spent all day in bed.

With many visitors.

So today there was a lot of movie watching.

I'm glad Eden was home.

She was quit th helper.

She changed diapers, got kids food and snacks, entertained the littles...

Yes, she was my wonderful helper today.

Tyson was able to come home a little early.

He cleaned the house, fed the kids, and is getting them to bed.

He also wins an award for amazingness.

My stomach still hurts but and I lack energy, but at least I'm not throwing up anymore.

Moana

Today was a great day.

We decided to have a fun family day since Tyson had the day off.

We started business-y by doing some deep cleaning and de-junking.

Then we went out to eat for lunch and went to the movie, Moana.

Moana was a great movie. We all loved it!

Then we went home in time for dinner.

I had something in the crockpot ready....unfortunately everyone was still full from lunch.

We had a late, reheated dinner.

I decided to go out shopping for fun.

Tyson read the girls Harry Potter and put them to bed.

Good day.

Happy New Year!

New Years Eve

Build-a-Bear (getting matching puppies)

Lots of fun and play.

Hung my new year's resolution on the wall.

I attempted a painting.

It is not perfect, but I still like it.

I also get a constant reminder to be brave.

And our first dinner of 2017, wedge salad and tortellini soup.

Last night, the only child to make it to midnight was Leila.

She got midnight orange sticks and martinelli....and the others got sleep.

This past year in a nutshell:

- Tyson was accepted for fellowship at the U of U

- Bethany visited Japan for the first time!

- Eden started public school and loves it

- Leila has found a love for math and reading

- Molly learned to ride a two wheeler (with training wheels)

- Paige is developing a BIG personality and vocabulary

As for my goals for this upcoming year.  I simply want to better understand who I am, lessen my weaknesses, and use my strengths for good.  I want to develop a deeper faith in truth, Christ, and God and then be a strong enough person and a brave enough person to do what I believe is right and not fear the judgements of others or fear challenges that I will face.