~months of ketchup~

I have soooo much more to ketchup on, but it's overwhelming, so here is my short n simple update.
Lily turned 6. She loves Panda Bears (thank heavens they aren't too complicated...I've gotten quite lazy with my cake making these days.... junior mints, ding dongs and flavored tootsie rolls). Lily is so grown up. I'm her mom, so I can go on and on and on, right? She amazes me though! She sat down at the piano and taught herself 3 songs.... jingle bells, heart and soul, and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas (which she played in harmony with both hands! She also sings wonderfully, and draws amazing pictures, has such a great eye and memory. She is smart, sweet, talented and beautiful! What a privilege to be her mom!

And Toby is about to turn 8! He gets baptized next month! I just updated his caringbridge..... it's just hard for me to believe where we are, how much we've gone through, and somehow, I seem to be kinda sorta semi-normal? Toby's a good kid..... all my kids are good kids! And I'm so grateful for each and every one one of them!!!
And just to sum up everything....After vacuuming and sweeping the floor today, someone (I wont say who) spread peanut shells all over the kitchen floor and living room carpet. I wasn't very happy about it. I started mumbling and complaining and said something like "Doesn't anyone care how much I do around here, or how many times I have to vacuum and sweep?" and DJ said calmly "No. No one". haha you gotta love it!

~Beware, I'm angry with the world~

1. Read at own risk
2. Remember that I am emotional and sleep deprived

I'm here to vent... I'll try to make it short and sweet (sweet venting? I'm a dork)

Anyway, it all started when I looked over the school lunch cost. We are well within the limits to get reduced lunch...... yay! NO! Dave makes good money, yes, but we don't keep even half of it......but does the state take that into consideration.... NO! We get penalized on our mortgage rates because we don't make enough, but we can't get reduced lunch because we make too much?!?! MAke up your minds..... either we make enough or we don't, but you can't choose, depending on the situation, and make it benefit you, and hurt us, both ways! Really hate it!!!
Then Kyle had his first day of Junior high, and his first time having to ride a bus to school. I was going to walk him to the bus stop, but worried that he is too old for his over-protective mother to walk him to the bus :) (I should add that my worry and want to accompany him came because the bus routes has our house in the wrong location, and we were given a different time than some other students in our neighborhood). The bus never came. First day of school.... late for school! A mom in my ward took Kyle and a few others from our ward (thank you!) and when she asked the office they said that the bus driver forgot. She then made sure the bus would be there to pick them up from school. The school says that there is nothing they can do about it. The transportation department says there is nothing they can do about it (they need two tardies before they report someone) SERIOUSLY?!?! Is there anyone who is looking out for our kids??? I suppose I went into this too trusting. The bus did not come to pick them up from school, but luckily a friend of mine was passing by and saw Kyle and brought him home (thank you!) Fortunately, Kyle wasn't too upset with his experience, and actually had a good day at school. I, on the other hand, was so upset, that Kyle asked me to please settle down, for fear that I would take my anger out on him (he was very cute about it :)
So I haven't fully recovered from Kyle's experience, and it's Toby first day at school, and first ride on the school bus. I send him off, and assume all is well. When he arrived home and got off the bus I expected to greet a smiling and excited boy. When I asked him how his first day was, his response was 'horrible, no one even cared about me'. That hurts a mother's heart. When the bus arrived at the school, one of the children behind Toby stood up and threw up on him. When the kids told the bus driver, she said she knew, but did nothing to help. The teacher greeting the kids off the bus did nothing. It wasn't until someone who knows Toby saw him and helped get him cleaned up. And I was never informed of any of this, until my son arrived home from school, feeling like no one cared. :(
I know life isn't fair, and I know there are bad days and good days, but we need to take care of each other. We need compassion. We need to be responsible. We need to be good human beings!!!
*couple days later*both Wed and Thurs morn at the bus stop, the unhelpful, unaware bus driver shouted 'if you get car sick, sit in the front of the bus' when Toby got on, while glancing over at me. Oblivious and rude....... but I'm too chicken to say anything to her for fear she'll treat Toby even worse. UGH*
*several days later*I finally got up the nerve to say something to the bus driver on the 3rd day..... she apologized. Lily's bus was 30 minutes later than the time I was given, 3 days in a row, so hopefully that will get figured out too. So frustrated with our transportation department!*



So on to better and happier moments!!! Jahde turned 17! We had a lot of fun celebrating his birthday with a doughnut cake, cuz he loves Krispy Kreme! :) We also got to go to the Lindon Aquatic Center and swim and mingle with other families we love at the Make-a-Wish Rubber Ducky Derby. Then we went to a fun ward activity, joined by our lovely friends, the Kimmings. It was a great weekend. Jahde, you're awesome. You have a gift of making others feel appreciated, welcome, and happy! You are thoughtful and helpful. You have set a wonderful example for our family. We love you!

~I've fallen (behind) and I can't catch up!~

I suppose I'll start with Brandon's birthday..... Brandon turned 15 in May. He got a giant chocolate cupcake cake topped with mint chocolate chip ice cream frosting!! :)

Brandon, you are awesome! You are always such a big help. I really appreciate it when you offer to help of your own free will (which you do often). I think it is such a great quality to be aware of those around you and want to help/serve them. I also think you have a great worth ethic and are a hard worker. You are so fun to be around! You are an amazing brother and son! You make our family complete. I hope you know how wonderful we all think you are!!!!! We love you!!!


And speaking of Brandon.... he made me a really cool Mother's Day gift. I love it, use it, and truly appreciate that he made it for me!!! (no it's not the candy! It's the wooden bowl with turquoise in it..... so cool)
For Mother's Day, I also received this from Kyle:
I Love You Mom, The Bluest
I love you the color of the wonderful blue sky that brings on the beautiful color of rain. I love you the color of the waving or calm sea, the color of blue eyes, with a piercing blue gaze. I love you the color of grass, the grass beneath my feet. The color of a tree leaf, that waves in the breeze. I love you the color of fire, that blazes anything it touches. I love you the color of the rainbow.
The blue, the red, the orange, the green, the yellow, the purple, all descirbe you. The orange color of a basketball, that has endurance to keep on doing what you do. The beautiful color of flowers, the wonderful daisies, that are as yellow as you. I Love You Mom, The Bluest.
This is so sweet to me. I truly love it.
And speaking of Kyle.... He won an award for being a Mathlete! He's way above his grade level in math and is doing awesome!
He is growing up so fast! He officially graduated from the 6th grade aka elementary school. It was a bitter sweet day - he was happy to move on, but oh so sad to be going to a different junior high than all of his friends (our neighborhood goes to a different JH). Bitter sweet for me too.... I'm not ready for him to grow up!
Here he is with his 6th grade teacher on graduation day.
And speaking of graduating.... Lily graduated from pre-school. She loved pre-school and had fabulous teachers that started her off on the right foot. She will be starting kindergarten in the fall and is so excited!!
Toby also graduated, although First graders don't get quite same hullabaloo as pre-k and 6th! But you gotta love his toothless grin!!! (speaking of toothless, it's been months since he lost those teeth and tooth fairy still hasn't come..... she's awful!!!)
Here he is with his first grade teacher.


The three older boys were able to attend youth conference together and had a great time!!! They spent time up in Park City and their theme was CTR, Choose the Rock. I know they did a fun 'Iron Rod' type experiment and really enjoyed it (while learning :) While they were gone, Dave and I took the little ones to the CCCF (Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation) Summer Luau! They had yummy food and lots of fun games for the kids. It's always fun to see, and visit with our cancer family friends as well.

Lily and Toby were also able to attend Camp Hobe up in Tooele at Camp Wapiti. Camp Hobe is a camp for Children with Cancer, and their siblings. Kids are elligable to attend camp for up to 3 years after treatment is complete, so Toby still has one more year. This camp was amazing! I want all of the kids to go next year... it's such a great experience for them! I also got to spend time with some other cancer moms (although I think it made me emotional!) and spend time with Vicky (a fellow cancer mom) and her family which was a lot of fun. I am so glad we were able to go.

Oh and this picture cracks me up!! Lily was dancing with a top hat and a cane and asked me to watch her..... she said "Mom, watch me!!! I'm a chippendale dancer!" Chip n Dale..... the chipmunks on Disney.... yeah, scared me too for a second haha

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but just in case: DJ managed to climb to great heights to get a hold of this corn starch aka baby powder. I found him atop of Lily's Dresser, having a wonderful time! When I walked in with the camera, he gave me a huge cheesy grin! What a proud moment! Then I used the vaccum to get the mess (including on him) cleaned up. I opted for the vaccum because he hates it, and I thought it would be a good deterant. haha



And this picture is PRICELESS!


I still have more to update on, but this post is already too long to keep anyone's interest :) I will update again, and try to stay ahead of the game!

~Eight is Great~

Lexi got baptized! :) What a special day! Jahde baptized her (you're awesome Jahde!). And Dave confirmed her a member of the church (You're awesome too, honey :). Sadly, I didn't hear much of the confirmation, because when I told DJ to please keep quiet so dad could give Lexi a blessing, he said 'that's just stupid' over and over. Not my favorite moment! I wish I had thought to bring duct tape with me! DJ is typically a good boy,not perfect, gets into things more than any of my children ever have, but obedient and kind, this was not characteristic of him and seriously made me crazy! --begin random veer-- I have been known to say "I'll spank you so hard your mother will cry", it makes me laugh!--end random veer-- Anyway, Lexi has been looking forward to this day for months! Originally she was going to be baptized on her birthday and had said "getting baptized on my birthday is the best present I will get"....she's a sweetie! Since I'm only a step-mom, I don't get to be a part of things as much as I'd like, or even get to spend the time that I would like..... so I'm going to post something for Lexi here, and hopefully she'll have access to it her whole life :)
Lexi,
I am so proud of you and the decision you have made to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Being a member of this church can be the very best blessing in your life. It gives you opportunities beyond measure. You have the chance to be with your family for all of eternity......that's a long time! Having the gospel in my life, and knowing I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, has really carried me through some hard times in my life. I am so grateful. I know that if you do what is right, you will be blessed. Life wont always be easy, but there are lots of people around you to help you, who love you very much. And most importantly, Heavenly Father loves you, and is always there for you, always ready to give you peace, comfort and guidance in your life. The gift of the Holy Ghost really is an amazing gift! Take time to listen. Take time to pray. You are a special daughter of God. You have a talent and beauty that can, and will, touch the lives of others. You are such a joy to be around... so happy and full of life. You are loving and kind. You help make our house a home. Dad and I love you so much. I am so happy to be your mom and be a part of your life, and I will always be here for you.





Please don't make fun of this cake! It really isn't my best haha..... and I cut the 'dog poop' on the coconut grass lawn out of the picture too! lol I had these great ideas in my head, but once I put it all together, it was BLAH! Lexi loves dogs..... so a doggy dish, itty bitty edible doggy bones.... in the backyard coconut grass, with a cute little chocolate rock path through the grass..... and who owns a dog and doesn't have dog poop in their backyard at some point and time, right? lol OK fine, I'll add a pic of the poop! (make sure and compliment Brandon on his poop decor skills lol) But don't say I didn't warn you about this lame and crappy concoction! (pun intended)

~we love cousins~

Top to bottom, left to right:
Brandon, Kyle,
Annabelle, Lexi, Ethan, Toby, Benny,
Lily, DJ, Jeffrey, Kimi, Dallan, Gracie, William, Abel:)


My sweet sister Kristin and her family (who we very rarely get to see) stopped in for a visit on their way through - moving from Minot, ND to New Mexico. It was so great to see them!!!

Dave and Nikki and their kids came to say hello to the Schlenske's, so we took the photo op! Jahde wasn't with us that weekend, cuz he had a hot date :) so he's missing in these photos...... so is Hannah, Isaac, Gideon, Miriam, Andrew, Lucy, Rachel, Joshua (David and Susan's) Porter, Bradford and Darcee's pregnant tummy :) and Kianna, KC, and Corbin (Kirk and Cherrie's). We love all of our cousins!!! I wish I knew how to photoshop them all into the picture........although it's a wee bit crowded haha

It's amazing how big our family has gotten. It all started out so slow!!!

And I just have to post this sweet note that I found. Toby wrote it, obviously back in early December. It's so sweet! I had him go leave it on our neighbors porch(months later, but better late than never right?), so had to get a picture for my memory :) Dave was in China and it wouldn't stop snowing... I spent many hours outside shoveling, but already had a LOT on my plate (Dave gone, mom and dad totalled our suburban etc...) and one morning, when I was getting ready to go shovel, saw our kind neighbor helping out! So nice!!! Our home teacher ended up helping too. I was/am very grateful!

~eggselent~

We had the awesome opportunity to meet David Archuleta! I was so much more excited than the kids lol We were provided this great opportunity through the Little Hero's Foundation, that works closely with Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation. We are very grateful.... THANK YOU! David A. is a cute kid and excellent musician. I'm still pathetically giddy about meeting him lol



And you see how happy we are about Easter?! :)





We had a great easter! We got to have an easter egg hunt with our cute cousins on Saturday, and then our own little hunt on Sunday. Dave missed out on the festivities, as he was flying home from China (again). The kids and I made him a little nest out of rice krispies and candy eggs, so that he got a 'taste' of Easter.
We also decorated some boiled eggs. I stayed away from the dye..... I honestly couldn't even think about that with my sweet DJ in the house :) So this was our fun, decorative Easter moment :)

(You guessed wrong... if you decided who decorated which eggs :)

p.s. Lexi's birthday pics and our cousin-fun-extravaganza pics coming soon :)

~Bazooka??~

First, the funny........ Miss Lily wanted to watch the video of when she was young playing the bazooka!? Yeah, she was so cute and little and did such a good job playing the bazooka!? (Oh, and watch Lily when she starts bouncing to the beat... sooo funny! :)

If you can't figure out what the bazooka is... email me lol

Next...... I had a crazy day yesterday. I posted it on facebook, mostly for some sympathy :). But it was rotten! I took the kids to the eye doctor and found out that Kyle's eyes are just getting worse and worse....really bad, and he needs new glasses. Toby is colorblind and will be needing glasses soon. Then on our way home, we got rearended by a car that thought the light was green, but it wasn't. She hit us really hard. Toby's head flew back and hit pretty hard and he started to cry. Lily and DJ were already shocked, so upon hearing a cry, both started crying as well. The lady that hit us was sooo scared. She really felt bad. I didn't report the accident, even though I probably should have, but I was in hurry to get to SLC and still make it back in time to sub in a volleyball game. And would have made it, had it not been horrible traffic and a hail storm! Yeah, a hail storm in April. Anyway, I am not taking care of myself the way I should while Dave's been in China..... no exercise and very little sleep, so I can't cope the way I should (and typically do). BUT, despite my bad day, it didn't really feel that bad. I know that sounds weird, but I have been through so much worse, that these trivial things are annoying, but not overwhelming. My cousin said jokingly "It could have been worse" (right Andrea :) but that's the truth. I have definitely learned my lesson to never utter the words 'well it can't get any worse', because by golly it can.... it really, seriously, literally, totally can! Anyway, my day was stupid, and it left a sour taste in my mouth, but I finished it off playing volleyball with some great people and then walked outside to see the most beautiful snowfall everrrrrrr. Yeah, most people are annoyed to have snowfall in April, but it was gorgeous! Those little snowflakes served as a reminder to me of the beauty of God's creations. It somehow reminded me how blessed I really am. I drove home from vb in silence, with a prayer in my heart.
And despite my recognition and pondering, I was grumpy today again. :) But I know that I am loved and watched over by my Heavenly Father, and I know he'll help me, even on the days that 'can't get any worse'. :)