A virtually perfect life.

As facebook has become more popular, or at least more time consuming for me, my blog has sat lonely and desolate for many years now. My daily outlet of stress writing and picture posting and storytelling going to the waste side. Blog hoping has ceased to exist for me. It has become much easier to post random thoughts hourly that amuse or bewilder or sadden others. Much easier to post "look at how cool we are" pictures, boasting of the amazing things life has to offer you. But really maybe I am a little better for it. Because let's face it. I do not have a blog perfect life, but I have a life worth posting about!  I am BACK!!! We shall see!

2013 Spring catching ups!

In May Two turned 8. She will be baptized on June 8th. With the pressures of keeping up with pinterest posts and planning the perfect invites and guest book, I took my photographing talents into my own hands. :)

Here is our new Miss H~! she is such a sweetie with the most amazing blue eyes. 

Emily chose to be baptized and was on June 8th. 

T-Rex took his hair cutting matters into his own hands!!

G-Man turns 12! So crazy! Can't believe he is this old! 

With turning 12 G was ordained a Deacon. He is such an amazing young man. 

Tiny Miracles

Some would say its time to change the name of my blog, others may say WOW its been almost a year since you actually posted, kuddos to you. Today I say, we have been blessed beyond measure, with the true miracle of another child who not only is a miracle but a hero. She saved my life.

You may say Corrine that is a little dramatic but I tell you this little girl, entered our lives at just the right time.

The crazy part is for 2 years I dreamed of a little girl, who often came to me telling me she was ready to be a part of our family. Unfortunately I often dismissed those dreams and convinced myself I was either too poor, too fat, too old, too whatever to have another child.

After my last dream and a personal, too personal experience to share, I took a gamble and had my IUD removed. I realized I wasn't getting younger, richer or thinner. I prayed and told God that He had three months of a window to send this little soul into our lives. If by the end of the three months, no baby, then NO BABY. Well after a month, I was feeling "never mind. I am too OLD. This is too crazy. We already have 4 children. My body doesn't tolerate pregnancy well. This won't be good." I lacked faith. Fortunately the Lord had faith in me and my body, that a day later, I got a positive pregnancy test.

I was elated, surprised, excited, sad, happy, fearful, faithful, confused, shocked to name a few.

Because of problems with my blood pressure and head aches I was on some meds I was unsure about. So off to the doctor I went. As I sat in his office listening to all his concerns and worries, I felt a calm wrapped in anxiety about the future. "We'd love to see you make it to 28 weeks. With blood pressure and age your risks are high. Specialists will need to be seen. More visits than regular." He said. I came home and wept. What was I thinking. A baby! at 39? Health not suitable for another pregnancy. I prayed.

The next few weeks brought upon me sickness like no other. Moving from the couch was incredibly hard, but I did it. It was summer break and all. Kids had to get to swim team. They wanted to play. We did stuff. We survived. I survived.

School started up. T-Rex who was suppose to be in just half day kindergarten got offered an all day spot the day before school started. I was teary eyed thinking of him gone all day. Then the miracle of his delays brought me relief as I knew I was going to need those 8 hours to gestate and stay healthy.

In September we had a huge scare with Eric. He went in for a routine surgery to remove his gall bladder, and returned a week later with a pulmonary embolism. Again miracles beyond measure. Eric so happened to stay home from work that morning to go meet with T's teachers and the principal. Again, his all day kindergarten and delays, a Miracle! Eric basically collapsed in my arms and I was able to get him to the ER in time. Thinking back I still cry because of how blessed I am that it wasn't his time to go.

With his clots and my high risk pregnancy, the opportunity to go to Hawaii to help with the general elections was nothing short of a blessing. I only returned with huge swollen ankles and a tan, and a mild rash. Not too bad.

Had a little run in with bear spray. No need to go into detail there other than to say that paramedics ended up at my house, they were alarmed by my swelling and didn't like my blood pressures. But I promised them that I would call the doctor. Turned out ok. I did end up getting scans on my legs to make sure I didn't have any blood clots.

My blood sugars weren't doing well and so I had to go and do a 3 hour glucose test, right around 28 weeks. My body didn't tolerate the test well, and I also had some spotting. Fortunately that day I had an appointment with the fetal/maternal doctor, who performed an ultra sound. She thought everything looked great, she mentioned a mild concern about my placenta that she wanted to see me back in four weeks. I never made it back to her.  Interestingly enough, when I was 14 weeks pregnant we did some testing, which came back with a high percentage that the baby had either a neural tube defect or something wrong with my placenta. Turns out that it was my placenta.

Because of my blood pressures being off after my trip to Hawaii the first of November, my primary doctor put me on bed rest. Looking back I really wish I had been better at resting. But that is neither here nor there. Meals were brought in. I had a gal come clean every other week. Things were going ok.

My swelling got worse. My blood work, came back with climbing numbers. My blood pressure increased despite the increasing meds. Full bed rest was finally given. All right around Christmas break. I remember Christmas EVE I was so sick, so tired, so swollen, that I sent my family off to Adam and Mandy's for Christmas Eve fun. Christmas morning I wasn't feeling much better and my legs were so swollen. We made it to my parents for a brief while but came home pretty soon after arriving.  I didn't think I was going to make it much further...however I made it to 30 weeks! It was my goal. I had to prove that I could make it passed my 28 week mark that the doctor's thought I'd deliver at.

My appointment on the day after Christmas went ok, however the doctor felt it was necessary to start non-stress tests on the baby. I had one scheduled for the following week. I remembered laying on the table, Jan 4, and just listening to Hadley's heart beat and feeling her move. I also remembered feeling like someone had pumped me full of water, while dropping a load of bricks on me. After the 30 minutes of laying there, Dr. Coy came in and told me everything looked good and we talked for a little while more. I am not sure what I had said, but remember him saying, "I don't want you to think you are a walking time bomb ready to go off, but I really want you to take it easy and stay down." I know I was on bed rest at this time, but I wasn't the best at totally staying down.  But I left thinking, Corrine you have got to take it easy.

Sunday morning, we experienced the miracle of the rock. Gregory, once again, was complaining about not feeling well and not wanting to go to church, followed with "my shoes just don't fit right." I told them they were fine, and then he shoved his foot in them and said they just didn't feel right.  He took the shoe off and dumped out a rock. We aren't talking peet gravel type pebble, we are talking 3 inches by 1 inch long rock! I started laughing. Belly aching laughing. It hurt so bad to laugh, it made me laugh harder, which in turn made me cry, tears of laughter and tears of pain. And being 32 weeks pregnant, made me wet my pants. I laughed so hard holding my stomach, while crying too. Greg became alarmed. He grabbed Eric and then they helped me out of bed, to change the sheets. Eric left for work, and while I was showering I continued to laugh, all the while holding my stomach that hurt so much. Everyone was gone to church, besides Greg. I called him over. At this point I couldn't stop laughing and thought "am I having a stroke? is something seriously wrong with me?" I also was in so much pain, told Greg to go back and get Eric. He returned and I told him I wasn't feeling well and to come back after sacrament to check on me.

When he returned an hour later, I barely could move off the couch. I was exhausted, dizzy, light headed and weak. Earlier that morning my blood pressure had been 190/98, similar readings the day before. Eric suggested I take my blood pressure again. It was 89/56. Extremely low for me. Low for anyone for that matter. I told him I needed to just eat something and rest. He felt prompted to take me to the hospital. I fought him on it, but in the end he won.

Because I was only 32 weeks, and the hospital in which I was going to deliver with my doctor wasn't equipped for that early of a baby, my doctor told me to go to Utah Valley Regional Medical center. There I met an angel. Dr. Ludlow, who was on call. He didn't know me. When I first arrived my blood pressure had gone back up. It was actually all over the place for awhile, until I rested more. I shared my history with Dr. Ludlow and he decided to run some tests. Blood work and such all looked normal. Though something was bothering him about me. He told me, "I don't think we are having the baby today. I do believe she will be here in the next 48-72 hours. I'd like to see you go 2 more weeks, but it isn't likely. You will have to be on strict bed rest for the rest of the time, only getting up to go to the bathroom." He decided to give me a steroid shot. He wanted to run a 24 hour urnine test, (which I never finished). We waited for a little more testing. Eric left. Dr. Ludlow came back and he and I just chatted for 20 minutes. For awhile he just stared at me. He asked, "If I send you home, will you promise to stay in bed. I am talking up for 2 minutes to use the rest room." I looked at him and said, "to be honest I don't know if I can." He looked at me some more and then said, "let's do this, since we started the urine test, lets keep you over night, finish the test, and based on those results, we will decide if we will keep you here until the baby is born, or send you home, how does that sound?"

I told him that sounded great with me. So they moved me from the labor and delivery room, to a long term labor and delivery room. I thought I was just dehydrated. I figured I'd be going home the next day. I am so very glad to have met Dr. Ludlow, and so very glad he felt impressed to keep me overnight.

The whole time I had monitors monitoring Hadley. She was doing awesome. She would move every once in a while and they would have to readjust her. But around 9 that night, as I was watching her heart rate, I saw it dip to 78 and stay there. Enough to cause me alarm, and then when the nurse came rushing in, I was a lot more concerned. We moved the monitors, shook my belly a little, and her heart rate went back up. She dipped a couple of times during the night that I noticed. However, I didn't realize how often she did, because I had nurses in my room a lot that night.

By around 5 in the morning, I finally started to sleep, it was hard to look away from the monitors, it was hard to sleep, but I had finally fallen asleep. But was quickly awakened by lights turning on and 4 nurses running in. Startled, I looked at them, asking if everything was ok. My nurse mentioned that they were getting ready for shift change, and they wanted to introduce me to the new nurses, which was true, though all four were staring at the montiors, moving things around on my belly. I knew something wasn't right. I noticed Hadley's heart rate was low too. So I commented to them about that.

My nurse was calm and told me that she had been having a few dips through the night and that the doctor should be in shortly to talk to me. He came in. He mentioned that yesterday the baby was doing awesome. But during the night she progressively was having dips in her heart rate that he felt something was wrong with my placenta, and that I wouldn't be going home. He also said he didn't think I was going to have her that day but I most likely wouldn't make it to 33 weeks either but had hopes that he could keep her in until 34 weeks.  He told me to get some breakfast and rest.  I figured at this point I'd be on bed rest at the hospital for a few weeks. I called Eric to tell him and told him to go to work and we would figure things out later that night.

My dear friend Dina, was working that day on mother/baby, and I texted her telling her I was in the hospital and if she was working I'd love to see her. She happened to be working and came up shortly after I had ordered breakfast. We sat and talked for awhile. She asked me "Can you feel those? You are having contractions."

"No, those aren't contractions, I have been having pain the whole pregnancy, its just my uterus being irritated like it has been."

"No, Corrine, you are having contractions about 2 minutes apart." I looked over and sure enough their were pretty little humps. I was having contractions not just an irritated uterus.

Before Dina came to visit, my friend Aubrey had texted me saying the kids told her I was in the hospital. My first reply was I was most likely dehydrated and would be going home that day, followed by I'd be on hospital bed rest and if she'd like to visit I'd be here. Followed by, "I am having contractions 2 minutes apart."

My nurse came in while Dina was getting ready to leave, she said they were working on getting me into the fetal/maternal office for an ultra sound to check my placenta, but the doctors were full. Dina mentioned to her my contractions, to which she replied she had noticed and called the doctor about them. Dina and I joked that I would be seeing her later on her shift, little did we know.

Shortly after Dina left, I started to munch on breakfast but didn't feel well enough to eat, which turned out ok, because the nurse came in and said, "You can't eat your breakfast. Fetal Maternal Doc is coming to talk to you, Dr. Ludlow is on his way, you are next to have your baby."  I was shocked. I seriously didn't know what to think, to feel, to do! I texted Aubrey back and said "Emergency c-section, now!" I called Eric, who was on his way to work, and told him, we were having the baby right then, and to hurry up. I then called my parents and told them to hurry over, the baby was coming.

I wish I could remember the fetal maternal doc's name, but she came in.

"Dr. Ludlow wanted to get you in for an ultra sound to check your placenta. But I don't need to get an ultra sound to know your placenta is detaching. The baby's heart rate has been in a steady decline since last night. She is doing great recoveries as of right now, but we don't know how long that will last. There are twins in the OR right now, and you are next. We will wait. However if she drops again, I do have a knife and I know how to use it. We need to get this baby out as soon as possible." So I am paraphrasing a bit, but the knife part true quote. She then said, "do you know how lucky you are to have had Dr. Ludlow see you last night? I even asked him why he kept you because any other doctor would of seen how well you looked on paper and sent you home. Do you know what he told me? He just looked at you and felt something was wrong and couldn't send you home. You have two angels sitting on your shoulder."  She left. I cried.

How could I have a baby at 32 weeks. She is too little. She is too early. I hadn't finished my 24 hour urine. Eric arrived. I got a blessing. Aubrey arrived. Dr. Ludlow came in and explained that he would be doing the c-section. "Right now, your baby though she is having lows, she is recovering. As much as we'd like to see her get to 33 weeks, it is better to have a healthy baby now at 32 weeks, then a sick one at 33 weeks. She is recovering her heart rates, we don't know how long she will be able to do that. And if she doesn't it will take us 12 minutes to get her out and that is too long to go with out oxygen."  I knew it was the right thing. I knew she would be ok. I was scared to death.

They gave me another shot of steroids  They had drawn some blood too sometime. They told me it was time to go. I asked if I could go to the bathroom first. I walked into the bathroom, and collapsed on the bathroom floor and sobbed. I used the restroom and tried my best to compose myself.  Walked out and jokingly said, referring to the two gallons of urine, "what a waste of pee, can I donate it to something?" We all laughed.

As I was walking down the hall, into the OR, my mom called my nurse and asked if they could wait to see me. We couldn't.

I was on the table. Being prepped, drugs going through me. I felt calm. I felt ready. I felt at peace with the decision.

Dr. Ludlow said "I feel a baby. I think this is its hands, no an elbow, no heel, oh feet." The nurse said "Whatever you have grab it and take it out."  Eric started snapping pictures, and out she came, feet first, and screaming. Looking back at the bruising on her feet, it was probably from that. But she was screaming. I don't know why I was so shocked. I guess I half expected her to not be making any noise at all.

They rushed her past me in a blur, to the room next door. As they sewed me up I heard her screaming. Then silence. I asked about her. She was gone to the NICU. I had no idea how she was doing, or what she even looked like. Eric was with her, that brought me comfort.

As soon as my tubes were tied, and I was sewn up, Dr. Ludlow called the NICU for me to find out about the baby. She was breathing room air. She weighed 4 pounds 1 oz and was 16 inches long and doing awesome.  Such a relief. He then told me that my placenta had detached and was torn. And that we had her at the right time. He also commented that I had two angels on my shoulder watching over me. I did. I believe that.

I know one should never look back and say what if. But had I gone home, I surely believe she and I would not have made it. Stubborn me would of not taken my contractions seriously. I would of never made it to the hospital on time. But I was there. Truly blessed by the miracle of her birth. Truly blessed by the laughing fit of seeing a rock in my son's shoe. Truly blessed for having a small healthy baby 8 weeks premature.  Because two days after her birth, my kidneys began to shut down. And they would not have lasted a term pregnancy.

Here is a picture of the whole family a month in the NICU.

I know, I know, you have missed me right? Oh probably not but it feels good to say that. And since it has been forever and a half since I have really written not sure what to even post about. How about some high lights, those are always fun...

G-man, turned 11 while we were on vacation in Seattle for spring break. What a beautiful drive it was. And surprisingly not too bad of a drive either. My niece Kate came with us helping manage the cheese whiz cracker spraying and passing as well as keeping me company. We had a blast visiting my sister Aly and her wonderful kids. (trying to find the pictures and can't seem to be able to...)

I am now serving in the primary presidency and that has its fun days and its crazy days as well. I am often surprised at some people's willingness to help as well as some people's lack of caring...

T-rex is graduating from preschool...where did the time go.

Two is doing really well in school and am just amazed at how well she can read.

Bee is having a great time in school and making some great friends. She is turning into a great helper.

Loving our "new" house but as I look around today I feel like I need to finish unpacking and decorating and moving in...I went so gung ho the first month and I don't think I have done much since...Oh well...such is life right.

Sad as it is I can't think of much else that is happening..Oh G and B started swim camp last night and they had a great time. They are pretty amazing little swimmers and I hope they both make the team for summer.

Virtual Workshop

Want to learn more about the amazing Heritage Makers? Join me to learn more on March 8th!

March 8th

1. Please join my meeting, Thursday, March 08, 2012 at 8:00 PM Central
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/568874826

2. Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) - a headset is recommended. Or, call in using your telephone.

Dial +1 (312) 878-3081
Access Code: 568-874-826

Old Map

The other day as I was trying to clean and rearrange my bedroom I broke one of our bookshelves that housed, books :) and shoes.  In my effort to get things organized, I decided I would buy a new book shelf and re purpose the boards to make shelves. Well when I arrived at the store, I found the taller shelf for just 10 more dollars, and figured that would be easier to assemble than getting thingy ma bobbies to hold the wood in shelves.

I lugged the 70 pound box into the house and with the help of my 4 year old we build the shelf.

You know how it comes with the fake wood back that you nail into the back, I planned to only but it on the bottom half, to expose the wall in the top half. Then when I moved things I found this map, of the San Juan islands...and the idea came to me, back the shelf with this map and the back thing it came with.

the map of San Juan Islands (where Eric and I went on our honeymoon)

I placed the map down and then the back thingy over it, the map is a little bigger than the area.

the naked shelf before I decided to back it.

the mapped back with no shelves.

In its spot with the shelves.

all filled in. looks better in real life, housing my sewing machine too.

a little closer look.

I really like it. Love the colors and love the look....I might take the shelf outside in the warmer weather and spray a "shellac" (no idea how to spell it) over it to make it last longer. But I am happy with it for now.  And it fit perfectly in the little corner of "dead" space in my room.

Valentine's Day

Does it seem like time is just flying by? I was just recently looking over some photographs from Hawaii, and was like wow that was a long time ago! January is almost over, we sure are well into 2012! I have been spending quite a bit of time designing or rather more like projecting with Heritage Makers--storybooker.com (my personal consultant site).  Anyway I am excited to share with you some of my fun Valentine stuff I have made!! Yeah me! First I made a count down to Valentines, and I have to say I was inspired by someone else's work on Pintrest.  (been trying to link it but pintrest is down--you can find me there and see it)



Made with an 11x14 print, and used personalized card to make the number hearts. Added magnets to the hearts and back of the poster and stuck it to my fridge! Originally thinking I would put it on a cookie sheet and do cute bows and such, but love using my fridge! Count down to Valentines, here we come! Sorry about the glare, the paper is UV coated and is reflecting the light from the sliding glass door.

Then inspired by the Club HM challenge of making valentines with business cards, I created these for my children to pass out at school, at church and to their neighbor friends! They turned out super cute, if I do say so myself :) Hahhah

Front and backs to double sided business cards, creating the most unique and personalized valentines!

And on a totally other note, inspired by Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, I am doing a vegan vegetable/veggie mostly juice diet...so far so good.  This morning, was a blended frozen beet, kale and grape smoothie...not too bad. Lunch I did eat an apple, followed by freshly squeezed orange, grape, apple juice. In the crockpot, freshly squeezed and pulp added back, tomato, celery, carrot, cucumber, onion, bell pepper soup.  Aren't you just jealous!!! I bet you just are!! I feel the cleansing coming on!

Bee's 9!

Oh Where oh Where does the time go?? Really how in the world did my baby girl turn 9...ok in reality she does have one more day as 8. But she celebrated in pajamas with her friends on Friday. They had a blast painting their nails, getting their hair done, making pizzas and decorating their own pillow cases. Though I think their favorite part was sitting in a circle watching Bee open her presents of major crafts and make-uping items.  And if you can guess what this cake is (please don't let me find it on cake wrecks!) you will get a prize! Well just a great pat on the back. So start guessing!

Quick, Easy and gosh darn cute!

I was trying to come up with a simple, yet inexpensive if not FREE gift to make for my niece. I looked through my craft room and my fabric scraps. When I found the fabric I had used to make my children's pajama bottoms for Christmas, the thought "make her a blankey" came to mind. Much to my chagrin, I didn't have a big enough piece of any of the flannel to make a square blanket. So instead I cut strips the same length, and various widths and sewed them together in one long piece.  Then I sewed the two ends together, creating a fabric band of sorts, if that makes sense. It looked like a giant fabric bracelet. Then I took my iron and ironed the long strip/band/ bracelet into a flat "square", creating a front and back, all with the wrong sides together. Then sewed up the long sides, because the edges were already sewn (leaving a little arm room to flip).  Flipped it right sides out, being sure to pull the corners out and then sewed a one inch seam around the edge holding it all together. Best part, my niece loved it!!!

Christmas Eve's Eve

Many moons ago, back in Texas we joined our friends' in their tradition of Christmas Eve's Eve, and haven't stopped since.  The night usually ends in the wee hours of Christmas Eve, leaving small children exhausted all day ready to sleep early so Santa can come.  Though last night we didn't stay up til the wee hours, we had another fun filled Christmas Eve's Eve. 

Me being the party planning, party throwing freak, when my kids begged to invite each a friend and have hundreds   a handful of children over, I actually said "No!" and surprised myself.  I love a big party, don't get me wrong. I enjoy lots of people around. But for some reason I think I have been overwhelmed with parties and lots of people around, and so decided I wanted to keep it simple. Seeing that we have lots of family around and will be gathering with all of my family on Christmas Eve, I decided what better way to spend Christmas Eve's Eve than with Eric's sister's family.

Yes they were that yummy!!!

They joined us for dinner, yummy fajitas made with some smoked beef from last week. Don't worry it had been frozen and if I were truly a cute blogger I would of had my camera out and taken pictures of the food. I must say they all were impressed when I pulled out my egg slicer and "chopped" olives. I don't know where I got the idea, it just hit me, cuz I am clever like that. 

After dinner, we started our Christmas Eve's Eve, ok that is a long name lets just call it CEE, with our name calling, or rather party name giving. You see it wouldn't be a party without party names, right?!  Starting with the youngest, T-Rex aka Party Pooper--his self given name, to oldest Eric aka Party Smoker, we went around the room picking our names.  Though I don't remember many one stuck out and I believe gets the name of the hour Party Penguin Puking Purple....some kind of food starts in P...but ok it has not stuck that well. Anyway after receiving your name, its on to toasts for the New Year...going oldest to youngest.   One toast being to more Family FUNctions! 

Aren't we a good looking bunch? Ok so this is stock photography, and we used styrofoam cups and root beer and Squirt! But you won't tell anyone that this isn't us right?

Then on to the Jump of Joy! yes we stand up jump and shout Joy! Lots of fun!  Again an awesome Picture here would be great!!! 

How about Bee jumping for Joy on the Trampoline....it works for me!

Then dessert with yummy peppermint ice cream and hot fudge!! YUMMY! Oh and can't forget the gumdrop bread, a Norman traditon, and a good one at that!

Kids played hide and seek. Parents tried to make a puzzle. Then Eric pulled out the masa and Tamale Making began....Good one Eric, I think this was the hit of the night. The girls sure had fun making them and my neice N sure was living her Food Network dream, I believe one day we will see her on that show.

N and the Masa!!!

A stirring up some Masa

Bee spreading the Masa onto the corn husk.

We can't wait til next year!!  And are so excited to get together with family tonight for Christmas Eve!! And can you believe it, tomorrow is Christmas and 2012 is just around the corner!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!  Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good NIGHT!

Smiley Cat, Smiley Cat

Ok so I bought these Arm & Hammer kitty litters during the summer. To be honest I totally bought them for the ad on the side FREE ID TAG! But I am so glad they offered that because this stuff rocks! (and no I am not getting paid to post this, though I should, but probably my nine readers wont make a huge difference in their marketing and selling). Anyway, I didn't read the fine print..you need your receipts :) oops...who saves all their grocery receipts, well not me!  Anyway so I cut the proofs off and figured if I included a picture of the cat, the boxes maybe that will count? We shall see! But Anyway I totally love both T-Rex's and Oliver's faces. It looks too me like they are both laughing! It really is sweet! If I could zoom in for you I would~!



On the thumbnail T didn't look so much like he was in pain, he said "Merry Christmas- Happy Birthday Daddy!" today is Eric's birthday! He says he is 2 today so yes now I have 5 young children to raise :) Happy birthday Sweety!!!



A little bit of this and that....

I can finally post pictures!! not sure what happened but am excited. Though I just picked some of recent. Kind of a little Photo collage update!!  This below is my new to me head board that I touched up with spray paint!!

Bee did a report on her Grandma coming to the America's after WWII. SHe decided to dress her doll up and put her on a ship like she came in. I was very Impressed by her report.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, we truly had a blast, all of my siblings were in town so we actually were able after 8 years to get a total Ford Family picture! Fun to have the cousins together!

We had several of the cousins sleep over and they had a blast..like that word. I tried to get them all in the air at the same time. but truly love this one of Two, she is smiling so big!

Meet Oliver, our newest addition! He for some reason thinks the Christmas tree is his personal perch. And he often goes "hunting" for ornaments and leaves them in piles.

G getting alittle help decorating the tree!!

 

Two with her new glasses :) she is and all her siblings got new glasses. Yes 4 of 4 of my kids wear glasses!!

Our most recent family photo, see something missing? yeah so do I but obviously the kind gentleman that took it didn't :) This is why there is no Christmas Card this year...yeah thats my excuse :)

And last but not least my cute kids at Halloween. A ghost, a hula girl, a goblin and a fairy!



Gratitude Smatitude

So yes like a lot of things in my life, well not a ton...I didn't follow through with what I had planned, however props go to me for just even writing more than once in the month! I think I decided I am ADD with a little bit of compulsive disorder, because I will hit something strong follow through and then bam...half sewn skirt sits in my sewing pile for a year!...anyway enough about me, how about my gratitude...and since today is the 28th and I did a few posts, don't really even know how many I will give you 28 things I am grateful for!
1. My husband--LOVE, LOVE him and words can't describe how grateful I am for him in my life.
2. My kids- love them much too and posted on them before!
3. My parents--Great awesome people who are so very important in my life.
4. My in-laws--Awesomely wonderful people. So glad to have them in my life.
5. Siblings, I always was proud to say I have an Older Sister, an Older Brother, a younger Sister, and a Younger Brother, not many people get to say that. I love them and love having had the opportunity to live closer to them since having grown up--though I am still growing.
6. Sibling in laws--they are awesome and I sure enjoy living near some and having them in my lives.
7. My home
8. my health, because if you know I have the ability to get sick easy it seems sometimes....
9. My sense of color--you need color matches or coordination I am your gal really I am :)
10. my sight- having had problems with seeing lately so glad that I can see.
11. My brain--yes stealing this one from my nephew :) but I am grateful for it.
12. my ability to type and AMAZE my daughter as she is watching me type this.
13. my Sense of Humor...my goodness thats what everyone is looking for in someone right? :) so I guess I am a number one pick :) haha!
14. FRIENDS--new and old! I love having friends and making friends and working on keeping them :) the later seems to be harder in older years :) but there isn't a place in the world where I can't find a friend. People are awesome and I love getting to know them.
15. Friends again, because I love how they support me and are willing to put up with some of my stupidness.
16. Cookie Dough--cheers me up!
17. Running--though because of meds (which i just took myself off of) I had to stop. Ran in the Thanksgiving Turkey trot and it felt so good!
18. Trees--they are so pretty and give us nice shade in the hot summers.
19. Snow--looks so pretty on the mountains
20 A full Fridge--because right now it is totally empty.
21. Christmas--though it feels right now it reminds me of how much I'd like to do for my kids and others and can't, I am grateful for the feeling of love all around the world, even though black friday brings out the evil in people...but then it subsides...and everyone is awesome.
22. Books--I love to read and love the library...which I need to go back to.
23. Kids that can count and tell me I have 23 and need five more to be at 28
24. computers
25. internet--love being able to connect to friends near and far
26. cars- maybe not the top of the line, or non oil leaky free..but run and get us to where we need to go.
27. sewing-the ability to make my kids gift this years makes me happy
28. Heritage Makers--I love making things and making books and taking pictures and writing stories and this has been a wonderful outlet for me!  And to show you what I am doing for Christmas...and what you can do to....click on this link :)  or go to http://www.storybooker.com/ to make your own!!!

or here :) 

What day is it mom?? Nov. 15..I'm right! Right?

My little Two is in first grade and just amazes me at times with her knowledge, and her keeping me on track with dates and all! Yeah so now it is Nov. 16th, this month can't possibly be half way through...this year truly has flown.

So today I list the six things I am grateful for:

1. T-Rex, even though, should I start a gratitude post out with even though...yeah why not, even though he does some crazy stuff, like dump the WHOLE FULL (raw chicken even) Kitchen garbage can on the living room floor- or think it fun to pull the wire thingy in the stapler, till it springs back no more--or take every bucket in the toy room and dump it in a pile, pile on blankets and start jumping--or pee on the front porch---or run around naked--I love him! He has a way about it that just warms my heart, maybe it's the random hugs and "mommy I love you so much" or the fact that he just likes to hang out with me and do chores with me. He and I have spent many days just sitting on my bed watching music videos on youtube, not something I normally do or ever did, but something he enjoys doing...kind of funny his favorite song is "lazy" by Bruno Mars "today I don't feel like doing anything..." because some days he and I just hang out! I so enjoy my time with him! Just if I could get him to be a little less mischievous! Love you buddy! 
2. Two--kind of funny 2 Two....anyway that little girl is just the cuddliest, loving little girl! Sometimes I admit I am not too excited to hold her, but realize and treasure those moments because she isn't going to always want to sit in my lap. I think I have said this before I love her little, rather big smile, she just really beams ear to ear. Two likes everyone and though sometimes I see it as a down side, she is always more concerned about her friends' happiness and what they want to do than hers. Everyone once in awhile she stands up for her own, but she is always the first to apologize and always the first to do what the other wants. She loves to read, and I love that, because I too love to read, and she will read me book after book, and I get to read to her as well. Two loves school and seems to really love to learn, even if she has a hard time sitting still, I think a trait that runs deep in our family. I love you Two!! 
3. Our little Bee is just such a wonderful asset to our family, and truly a little mini me, sometimes to her own demise. She loves to take control and make sure everyone is doing what they are suppose to, sometimes this is a big help to me, and sometimes well it causes some tension but none the less she is such a good helper and rule follower. Bee and I truly enjoy moments where we can sit and talk, and she loves hanging out with my friends and I. I think if it came down to it she'd choose to sit with the adults. I actually really enjoy having her around. The other night I did a Heritage Makers' Workshop at my house and she was so helpful and sat so quietly and just was fun to have her around. She too is taking off in reading and I love watching her read with Two and show her the ropes and teach her. She loves to teach, and wouldn't be surprised if she ended up teaching school, though she says she wants to be a Doctor. I love my little Bee!!!!
4. G-Man, my first born my love, my go get'em friendly guy. And though lately he seems to enjoy his new found super power of pestering his sisters, he sure is an awesome older brother. He makes sure they get home safely from school, enjoys hanging out and playing with them, and for the most part is truly loving to them. He still is ubber sensitive not just his personal feelings but towards others' feelings as well, I really hope that doesn't change. I love how he knows what I am thinking, and tries to adjust the situation to make things a little better. It has been fun watching him learn and grow, so hard to believe he will be 11 soon. He is maturing and it is awesome to watch him do so. Though some days I just wish I could hold him tight, and some days he lets me. He is a wonderful young man and we are blessed to have him in our lives-- Love you G!
5. It's hard to not be grateful for my kids with out being grateful for my husband. He is a wonderful dad and husband and I am so glad that our paths finally crossed and we were able to create such a wonderful family. He is smart, kind, thoughtful, sharing, giving, creative, adventuresome, talkative (some may be surprised to hear that), funny, patient, and just so wonderful!!! He is a blessing in my life, as I am in his (just a friendly reminder). 
6. Gift of writing, I love that in some ways I have the ability to write and express my thoughts and feelings, I am not so good at the speaking part, and not saying I am close to being an amazing writer, but I admit I have a little talent of it and am grateful for it...was that like a humble gratitude brag?! Oh well, I am grateful to be able to write!!

Nov 10--Veterans

I know tomorrow is officially Veterans' Day, however the third graders at my daughter's school performed a Vetrans' Day Musical...more or less. And I have to tell you, I am so grateful to those who server our country and for the country we live it. I always feel like a boob because I can't sing the National Anthem or say the Pledge of Allegiance with out tearing up, and choking up either. Also as soon as the Veterans stand and we applaud their service, my eyes begin to water and my throat wells up...not sure why but I truly love these brave young men and women, and love seeing the gray haired men proudly stand.

I love the USA! And am Proud and Grateful to be an American!

Nov 9- Creative Liberties

The other day I was paid the most awkward but cool compliment "Corrine, you are the kind of person I just don't like being friends with because you are so talented and it makes me feel lame." Um...I thought, is that a compliment put down? But then I realized that no it was a total "Corrine you rock!" yeah something like that. But I have to say, I am not the most creative person on the block, but I am grateful for the creativity I have, and the ability to see something I like and copy it :) Though usually even if it is a copy, I always give it my own Corrine twist, but I think that is because I am really not usually a direction follower.   And my cool red and turquoise house, is a hit and people all over are flocking to see it and copy it :) ok not really just really cool people :) HA HA! you know who you are! 

But I am grateful for a decent mind that can work in a way that I can create things that are fun and different"ish".

what day is it?

Oh yes day 7 and 8, might as well get them done in one post today seeing that it is technically day 8, and by golly I am going to write a gratitude post for every day this month, even if it is not written on the corresponding day.

Day 7: short and sweet grateful for my mom. It truly has been great to live near her and my dad. The kids love them, but I feel blessed to be able to hop in the car and stop by and see her, or have her swing by and pick me up and take me shopping. Love you mom you are a wonderful mom and a great friend.

Day 8: my dad is awesome too! one thing I remember most of my childhood is weeding on Saturdays or heading to the lumber store with him. And even this day, I like to throw at him all my wood related projects and he is so willing to do them, and he does an awesome job. Hey dad did I mention my trunk had a little moving accident :) Love you.

I feel extremely lucky to have ended up near my parents, and lucky as well to have been able to spend so many of our children's younger years near my in laws. Grandparents are the best, but that will be for another post!

Day 6: Grateful for poop...yeah thats right...

One must wonder why in the world I would be grateful for poop, and why in the world would I actually post about it. I am asking myself that right now, but there is a story and a spiritual one none the less...Just bare with me for a moment...

Our bishop has encouraged every member of our ward (our church congregation) to read the Book of Mormon before the new year. As our family has been trying hard to finish it we have been met with some struggles....but have been doing fairly well, but with many beginner readers sometimes it is painful to get through a page, let alone a chapter or more than one chapter.  And I am assuming that we aren't unlike any other family out there trying their best to read their scriptures, children get distracted, or some how begin fighting or throwing things or laughing or too tired or whatever. 

However today was kind of unlike any other reading we have had before. We were all sitting on our bed, we had an extra hour this morning because of the day light savings stuff, and so we sat and read. It was going surprisingly well, when T-Rex decided he needed to use the john, and was in sitting doing his duty with the door open for all to see...and for some unknown reason, other than the fact that I think a certain being not wanting our family to read the scriptures, T-Rex decided to reach into the toilet grab out his personal gold from the toilet and began to bring it to the family, I think he mentioned something about throwing it at someone!! I of course yelled, the other children were all screeching in disgust so he dropped it on the bathroom floor. Bringing our scripture study to an abrupt stop. After cleaning it up we attempted to continue reading but the good mood had left, but we read some more. 

Now you ask why am I grateful for poop? Well today it reminded me that as we continue to try to make ourselves better, poop happens but somehow we clean it up, and we can continue on and improve ourselves. I am grateful for the knowledge that we can better ourselves and despite the adversaries attempt to throw poop at us, if we continue on, do our best to move on, we will succeed.

slacking already day 4 and 5

No one is perfect and that surely includes me, especially when it comes to sticking to something I set my mind to.  My mind tends to...SQUIRREL....see what I mean.  :)  Anyway this morning I am grateful for

1. Family, the extended kind, not that I am not grateful for the immediate ones, but I had the opportunity to attend a cousin's wedding and just being around them just reminded me how small the world really is and how related we all are. I am grateful that no matter how many pounds you have gained or lost, or how grey your hair has become, or how rich or poor you may be, they love you and enjoy catching up and seeing you.  So fun to see familiar faces and feel the love.
2. Laughter. I love to laugh and truly enjoy nights when I can get out with friends and just laugh. No need for much else than good company and loud heart felt laughter!

Have a great day! Hear there is snow out there, but haven't dared look!

Also if you are in the area I am doing a digital scrapbooking/art decor party my house Tuesday at 7:30 so come on out and learn more about Heritage Makers, you can also go to www.storybooker.com for more information!!! Turn your photos and stories into amazing mementos!

3 days late, but still feeling great

Ok so that may sound like something totally different that what I meant to make it sound like, unless you were thinking the same thing I was, Gratitude posts for November and its November 3rd... So as I am late, but at least posting I will share with you three things I am grateful for, and as a fair warning, they may not be in order of most importance to me, but rather really what has come to my head first, which some may argue is order of importance, well any way you slice it, this is how I like it. Was that a really long run on sentence?? Um Yeah probably!

1. A job for my husband, or rather a salary and steady income. As its been a few years since we had that, though is it bad for me to say I sure miss my kids getting free lunch at school, I am grateful for a system, how messed up it may be, is able to help families out in times of need, and I am grateful to be able to pay back into the system. 
2. Generous children, my children may be a lot of things, but selfish they are not. I appreciate them sharing their toys with friends, among other things, like halloween candy. Little T-Rex has given away all his candy.  He now is wanting more, but he has gladly shared it. 
3. Modern medicine, if you have read posts in the past or just know me and my family you know that the ER knows us by first name, well not really but they should! Bee had her appendix out last week, and we have had our share of stitches, Bee fell and split her knee open riding a bike, and G-Man got stung by a scorpion and well Two keeps fighting bladder infections, grateful for antibiotics...and then there is me, with massive optical migraines for the past few months, leaving me blind for awhile, and finally finally finding a medicine regimen, that this month well October I only had 3!! Last month I had over 12! And glasses I am grateful for those, as now 4 out of 4 of my kids are sporting them! as well as me!! Love modern medicine! And it helps to have insurance, though again, going back to the poor thing, it was kind of nice to pay a $5 copay for the kids...man I kind of sound like a system moocher...

And there you have it, my 3 days of gratitude, and I will be ever more grateful if I can actually pull off writing every day this month...

Well off to help my six year old who has been crying since I have been writing about me getting her dressed...seriously I guess I can only ignore for so long.