Little bit of this Little bit of that...

I was looking through the pictures on my camera and realized there is quite a bit I have neglected to post. We have had a fun couple of weeks around here, so here are a few updates!

First off TANNER IS POTTY TRAINED! Yahoooo!!! What a sigh of relief. We have been trying off and on for a month or so. Most of it has been his refusal to wear underwear. He would insist on wearing a diaper. But we kind of pushed the issue and told him he couldn't wear diapers. Once he agreed we have been diaper free for 5 days. He even stays dry at night! I know most people post this with their first, but I figure the last is also a good time to post :-)

Cute little kid is hiding. He didn't want his picture taken.

Another tid-bit. Is the storms here have been pretty crazy. I've talked to lots of people and they have all said springs like this are rare! We don't know any different though, and so we are starting to get a little used to the t-storm warnings and tornado warnings that happen once a week or so.

But even so I love watching the clouds. We have a great view out our back door and I love to watch the sky. It's such a different view than what we had in UT. Not better or worse just different and beautiful in it's own way. *btw I did NOT plan this shot. Todd took it!

Here is a couple of pictures I was able to get the other night with a storm that came through. You can see the rounding of the clouds at the front (I think they call it a storm wall) and the flash of light is lightning. I love watching it. It's one of those terrifyingly, beautiful things.

Todd was able to get a pretty good picture of the layer of clouds. Some days you can see 2 or 3 layers of clouds. They move so fast! Some are small and underneath the big layer and they just fly (seems like they are flying) past.
I am getting used to and loving it here the longer we're here. I miss friend and family in UT for sure! But I am getting to know more people here and loving the differences between the two. I tell people all the time, it's not better just different and different is good.

A visit and an anniversary

Todd and I decided to fly Todd's parents down for a few days to visit and give us a chance to get away. It was a fun couple of days. We were so happy to have them here, for them to spend one-on-one time with the kids, and us. We can't wait until more family can come down and visit!

I love this picture. I think of it as the 3 look-a-likes. You can definitely tell these guys are related!

Grandpa and his buddy Max. They sure have missed each other!

Another great candid shot

It was really nice weather on Sunday so we walked over to the park and showed them the turtles, and fish, and toys of course :-)

While Grandma and Grandpa were here. Todd and I escaped for a couple of days to celebrate our anniversary. We decided to drive down to the Forth Worth Stock Yards. We didn't stay long enough for the cattle drive, but it was fun to eat lunch and wonder through all of the little shops. I am pretty sure we will take the kids sometime this summer, if it's not too hot...

Saw a few cowboys and policemen on horses.

We really did have a fun couple of days. It was so nice to have company and also get the chance for Todd and I to spend some time together.

4th grade program!

Titus had is 4th grade program a couple of weeks ago and he did great! The 4th grade sang songs and did little "skits" which were songs that the kids sort of acted out.

Titus got to be apart of one of the skits. It was a lot of fun to see him up there on stage. He is the 4th from the left.

There wasn't a part where all of the 4th graders were sing...well besides the 2 min talking sections...but it was a musical program so you get the idea. Titus is toward the right, kind of in the middle. I need a longer lens so I can zoom in farther :-)
I always love to see the kids in action. We had standing room in back only, and I took all 5 boys by myself, but it was worth it!

12 years!

I've said it before and I'll say it again...I am married to the best man in the world for me!

Heavenly Father sure new what he was doing as he pushed us to stay together during the hard times. Todd has grown into the most, loving, kind, thoughtful, unselfish, supportive, strong, good example, hard working, father, and husband I can think of. As you read in other posts, he spoils me rotten! More times than I can count he has given me more credit than I deserve. When in fact if it weren't for him, I'd be committed :-)

He has been there through thick and thin. I've helped him up when he has needed it, but more importantly he has helped me stay steady and strong and pulled me up and forward when I didn't want to move. I like to think of us as a good balancing act. We have both learned to give 100% over the years and have found that's the only way it can be done to be able to stick together forever.

We have 5 beautiful children and my wonderful husband helps me stay strong through all of their craziness! As I am going into a new phase with new, exciting things, he has done nothing but support and encourage me.

I am SO blessed to have him in my life. I love you babe! I can't wait to spend eternity with you. You are my better half and love of my life. Thank you for all you do! Happy anniversary!

Guess it's my turn...

Ya know, we spent 5 years of Todd going to school for aviation....I guess it's time I go to. Not for aviation of course, but something else.

That's right, I've decided to go back to school. I am pretty excited. I have a lot of time on my hands. I know I have 5 kids, and a lot of days I feel guilty I have time. I see SO many moms so busy! I have time's of the day I'm busy for sure! Oh-say between 4:00 and 8:30 it's nuts around the house. Homework, chores, dinner, scout, sports etc. I don't think I'm an exception to any rule that way. But during the day (at least Aug. -May) I've got 6 hours that aren't so busy.

Next year 4 out of 5 will be in school full time. 1 will be at home with me. I clean, I cook, I craft, I do hair..I do all the things I guess I should be expected to do. But I still have time. I did a blog post about my time and what I need to be doing with it. And after some thought and prayer I've decided school is a good option for me at this point.

I will most likely do only part-time, and try to work things around the time when kids are in school. My family and my children come first. Always. But with raising 5 crazy kids, and being a wife of a pilot (who is gone 3-5 days out of the week) I feel like I need ME time. I'm not trying to be selfish. But I have been pregnant and raising kids since before I was married. With this time that I have now, school feels right.

I have 2 appointments tomorrow. 1 is with a UT Dallas, another with the Art Institute. I am debating between 2, seemingly, opposite things. Interior Design and Psychology. Told you. Not really related. But I have a BIG interest in both! Ever since I can remember I have asked my mom for paint samples to paint my room, fabric for a comforter, new pictures to hang on the wall. That hasn't changed much. My favorite things (besides kids and their related items) in the house are my book shelf that have decorated, my kitchen table I refinished and the list goes on. On the other hand. Being a teen mom and dealing with the things I have, I never really felt like the type of help I wanted/needed wasn't really there. I would love to work with trouble teens, or pregnant teen moms, who either place OR keep their babies. I would love to give them the counseling and help they need and want.

hmmm.....decisions, decisions. The down side to the latter is YEARS of schooling! I'm not sure I am ready to take on 6-8 years of school. However, is Interior Design more of a hobby rather than a career choice? I say career choice, but is it really? I always figured my "career" is raising my children. I don't think that will ever change, but can I balance that with something else that I love to do? Which ever area I decide to go into, I will always be a mother first. I will work around their schedules and life. They are my life. But school will be good for me.

A big part of me wants to establish a name for myself. I went from being Carol and Don's daughter (something I never minded) to Todd's wife, and TC, Titus, Tate, Tobyn and Tanner's mom (again something I don't mind!) But I never spent anytime being Connie. I didn't understand how important that part of life is when I was younger, but I see it now. I want to be good at something. I want to be something when my beautiful children are grown and out of the house. It has been something that has been nagging at me for quite some time.

I kind of feel like I'm defending myself. I'm not. I'm just putting my thoughts and feelings out there. Sorting out all that is going on in this head of mine. I don't know if I'll ever get it straight, but I maybe talking about my options with someone tomorrow will help.

So here I go! Jumping head first...have I ever done it any other way?!

Mothers Day!

I have the BEST husband in the world, and the most awesome kids :-) Todd spoils me more than I deserve on Mothers Day. Man, I love that guy!

I woke up to these handsome fella's wishing me a Happy Mothers Day!

Tanner came running in yelling "Dinner's here!" as they all brought me this lovely breakfast in bed! (Told you I'm spoiled)
(Maybe I should add that I took the bite out of the french toast)

Next they delivered these beautiful cards. I LOVE the boys cute writing and creative minds!

I wish you could read the pink card better "To: the Bust mom ever :from"

I was also surprised on Saturday with a nice arrangement of flowers.

To finish the fabulous day our good friends came over and we enjoyed a wonderful BBQ chicken dinner prepared (mostly) by the husbands. I LOVE being a mom. It has brought a lot of blood sweat and tears, but I wouldn't trade any of it. I have the best job I could ask for. I love my children with all my heart. I love my husband just as much (or more) They are all so good to me as you can read in the previous posts.

The only thing that could have made yesterday better was to be with my wonderful mom and mother-in-law who both put up with my craziness and never stop loving me! I love you both and miss you tons!

My girl, My girl...

My girl is the girl that asked me to dance with her friend the first time we ever saw each other.

My girl is the one that called to try and hook me up with said friend.

My girl cried the first time we kissed.

My girl became more that just a girlfriend.

My girl lost her dad in the middle of the night, had to leave her home and was forced to grow up faster than any girl should have too.

My girl gave birth to my first son at home with no drugs.

My girl and I almost didn’t make it.

My girl gave birth to my second son, in the hall with no drugs.

My girl decided to go back to school in cosmetology.

My girl and I start to fall in love.

My girl gave birth to my third son, had many sleepy nights with the whiniest baby in the world, while going to school and raising two others.

My girl was taken to Las Vegas where she was turned into a single mom while her husband worked 18 hours a day.

My girl and I decided that Vegas life was not for our family.

My girl decided it was time for her husband to go back to school and do something more than drive trucks.

My girl had to get a job to make ends meet while her husband was off at school.

My girl and I decided that working wasn’t working out for our boys.

My girl, from that time forth took on her the permanent role of stay-at-home-mom (aka Super Woman).

My girl and I are falling more deeply in love.

My girl and I struggle to make ends meet and find out that we are expecting.

My girl gives birth to my fourth and what I thought was the last one.

My girl helps me get through school papers, projects and flight rating after expensive flight rating without complaining (Much ;-D).

My girl is once again taken from her family and home and dragged to Montana to become a single mom, while I do that pesky flight stuff.

My girl goes to Disneyland and doesn’t get to see any princes girly stuff.

My girl gave birth to my fifth and final son on the way to the hospital in the middle of winter on the side of the road with no drugs.

My girl sees all her hard work pay off when her husband graduates.

My girl is happy being a mother, helping with homework, taking boys to practice, piano lessons and everything else motherhood entails.

My girl stands by her husband while he finds a job, moves her once again from her family and friends to a place where she has to be a single mother, I know, again.

My girl is trying to raise my boys the best she can, and is doing an awesome job.

My girl hates bugs and pretty much any creepy crawly things there is.

My girl has braved storms and not just the kind educed by the weather.

My girl takes care of my boys physically and spiritually.

My girl is a beautiful strong willed woman that keeps me on the straight and narrow.

My girl is the love of my life.

Love you babe!

My Mom

The earliest memory I have of my mom is when we lived in Flowell, UT and I was probably 3, we had this record that had a bunch of kids songs on it. She would put it on for me and we would sit in the front room and sing and dance along with it. The first time I remember getting in trouble, we still lived in Flowell, I got some scissors and gave Nic a haircut and boy she was not happy!

The coolest thing I can remember that she did, I was probably closer to 5 and it was wintertime, my uncles from her side came down and she took them and my cousins that lived there out and pulled them behind the car on tubes. I was so happy when she said I could ride with one of uncles, coolest thing ever!

My mom taught me how to never give up. When I was 8, I started playing flag football. I played that flag till 8^th grade and that’s when I decided that I wanted to play with the big boys and play tackle. I came home from the first practice beat broken and crying. I told my mom that I was going to quit it was too hard. After a long fight she won and I was stuck play football. That was the best fight I ever lost.

I so thankful she didn’t let me quit; I went on to become, in my humble opinion, a pretty decent player. That lesson was one of the best I learned and it has come in handy many times over the last 12 years or so.

When I turned 13 I turned into a brat. Mom and I started fighting all the time. It was pretty bad all the fighting we did. We eventually started to get along and formed a very good relationship. The hardest thing that I remember having to do was telling my mom that Connie was pregnant.

It broke her heart. My dad was out of town working at the time and I dropped that bomb on her. I just held my mom and we both cried. I broke my moms heart that day and it was one of the worst experiences of my life.

One of the best things my mom ever did for me was that she never gave up on me. She tried her best to teach me the gospel and shared her testimony with me as often as I would listen. She dragged me kicking and screaming to church, tried to raise her wayward son as best she could.

Needless to say she did a good job. After Connie and I were married we started going back to church and made the goal to be sealed in the temple. That decision was based on what my mother got to sink into my thick teenage skull.

Thank you mom for all that you’ve done for me. Thank you for being there for me in my times of need. Thank you for not giving up on your pain in the neck teenager. Thank you for your testimony and trying your best to raise me in the gospel. Thank you for the lessons learned. Thank you for life. Thank you for being a great grandma to my boys and a wonderful mother-in-law to Connie. I love you so much!

MIL

This post is for Carol Biesinger, my mother-in-law. She is one of the most important women in my life. She has helped our family so much over the years and I’m so thankful for her. Carol and I didn’t really see eye-to-eye when Connie and I got married. I don’t blame her either, I blame myself.

Carol came into my life when I started dating her daughter at the ripe old age of 15. The first time I meet Carol was in the summer of 96. Connie and I had just met and hadn’t started dating. Connie and her friend invited myself and another buddy over. We got the address and were supposed to meet them somewhere on the way to her house. Long story short, they never found us so I ended up knocking on the door to her house. Carol answered, and I asked for Joe. She saw right through my lie. I could tell by the look she gave me (your-looking-for-my-daughter, kind of look).

Needless to say, as we were heading home we found the girls and no later than five minutes of hanging out, Carol showed up, she was out driving around looking for Connie J. Shortly after Connie and I started dating. While Carol and her husband Don didn’t approve, they reluctantly let me come around (that way they could keep an eye on us).

About a year and a half passed and Carol and Connie lost their husband and father. A month later we dropped the bomb that Connie was pregnant. Here I am this stupid immature teenage boy coming into her life and ripping her daughter away in this dark period of her life. There were a lot of misunderstandings and growing pains that both of us had to go through (mostly me).

12 years later here we are. Carol has been a second mother to me. She is a great example to me. Has taught me how to have great faith and how to make it through tuff times in life. She has a great relationship with the boys and is always looking for ways to help us out. Carol supported my career choice. You helped out a ton during the 5 years of school, watching the boys, helping to critic papers and doing whatever needed to be done.

Carol you have helped me grow into the man that I have become. I’m thankful for all the help, love, sweat, blood and tears that have come on your behalf. Thank you for raising your daughter with the values that you did, she is my rock and keeps on track. I love you, and thanks again for everything. Happy mothers day!

Laundry

Warning: This post might embarrass my mother who probably gasped at the thought of me posting a picture of the pile of laundry, I have yet to fold, on my blog! (Love you mom!)

Todd married a women who HATES laundry! I will wash it, and dry it with help from the washing machine and dryer, but refuse to fold it! So you can be reassured this pile of clothes is clean! It just waits patiently for Todd to come home, fold it and put it away. In fact one lady heard me say I don't like it and it usually doesn't get folded while Todd is gone and she looked at me and said "Well what do you do when Todd is gone for 4 days?!" I said "It sits in the clothes basket or on my bed until Todd gets home" I wasn't sure what she thought of that!

This photo was inspired from a friend that used to (lovingly) laugh at me that I hated laundry so much. I used to tell her that if it wasn't a non-stop thing and not so much of it to do I wouldn't mind. But if I don't do AT LEAST 1 load a day I drown in it. That wonderful friend has twins (and 2 other cute kids) now and she totally gets where I am coming from!

So I dedicate this picture to all those who hate laundry as much as I do!

Fine print: The rest of the house is clean (for now) and my bed is made underneath that pile. Just felt the need to post that somewhere so I don't feel like I'm completely slacking in all duties as a homemaker.