SO FUN

We had such a busy and fun month! Jordyn turned 9 and had a puppy party. We made bone cookies to decorate and the girls wore puppy ears and made necklaces and ate hot dogs wrapped in croissants.

AND THEN! We had a snow day. Yes, a snow day in Las Vegas. The kids ran around outside making snowmen and playing until they were frozen. Good thing we have a fireplace or every jacket they own would have needed dried.




Jessica decided to make some candy from scratch for Christmas and everyone who tried it loved it. In fact, she had to make more so dad could take them to work on Christmas Eve.

Christmas really could not have been better, with family around and watching the kids tear through gifts. It definitely looked like the Christmas tornado hit our house. I wouldn't have it any other way.

We all then loaded in the car and headed for San Diego to visit yet more family. We were able to see alot of family that we don't get to see very often.

Most of the Christmas cards got out (still waiting on some addresses) so I think we did ok.

I think the best part of the month is the special feeling you get by constantly remembering and celebrating our Saviour, His birth, life and resurrection. To hear your kids tell you that it isn't about santa or presents but about Him. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and what was done for us so we can eventually one day return to Him.

Now we wait for the new year and the many changes to take place. My teens are going separate ways this year and mom and dad will be hanging with the young'uns as it should be. What, you thought we would venture downtown - Don't make me laugh.

Thanksgiving

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Although we were less some family members we really wished would have been around we enjoyed being with the family we could be with here in town. The weekend was a lazy one basically if you don't count Johnston falling, hitting his head and ending up with the flu right after lol. We were able to get alot of stuff done around the house that has been waiting to be done and I even did ALOT of shopping for Christmas on saturday before the JT incident. Saturday night Jessica, Jeana and I went to see Twilight. I have to admit, I wasn't exactly dying to see it. I mean, I had read to books and they were really good but the movie seemed so tweeny and well... I'm not lol. It was really good despite and I think I enjoyed the time with my girls more than the movie. It is so fun, the conversations we have when it is just us and the inside jokes we end up with. As much as I miss them being small I am having fun with them at this age too. Of course, hormones are always around, but this year it seems to take a back seat to fun.

Blog Title Block

I have alot to talk about. I have gotten on our blog tons to post. I have even begun the writing. So why, do you ask, have I not posted? I couldn't think of a title. I know totally odd! I guess when you read alot of blogs and see how cute they all are and the writing is fantastic it makes you wonder why you even do it. I finally realized that I do it for me. I love using this blog to put things online that I could forget later. It is also a great way to keep our family who doesn't live near updated on us. So, when the titles start getting boring and just restating the obvious, know I am trying lol.

Well, the news on the soccer front is good. Firstly, Jessica and Jeana both made the EHS JV soccer team YAY!! We are so excited! I don't know which excites me more, them on the team or that they are on the same team and play at 4:30 instead of varsitys 3:00 which would not work with my kid pick up schedule. We just finished our season of league this past saturday. Jeana got her first yellow card, ok the other girl started it but Jeana did not back down. Since Jillian received her first yellow card last season we told Jessica that she needs to get one in HS soccer so they all have one. J/K!! I know that yellow cards are not a good thing but we figure when you get a yellow card it tells you how far you can go and is nothing to cry about. At least they didn't head butt anyone! (see zidane in professional soccer) Jillian didn't get to play friday or saturday since her ankle was acting up and dad said no way. Yay for dad being dad and not just coach hehe. She was very upset to miss them but I think she understands why we said no. Celtics received 2nd place in the tournament and Ohana 3rd. It was a fun season and since it didn't get really cold until the last week we parents were psyched! The whole week was soccer between tournament week and the girls trying out for hs soccer. Monday, Jeana bumped into (really hard) a girl on her team and now has a loose tooth (permanent) and we are trying to save it. Now we are getting ready to plan the end of year party for Jimmys team and Jordyns birthday party. I am excited for both.

We rented Batman Lego and Indiana Jones Lego from blockbuster for the Wii. James and Johnston were in heaven and couldn't wait to get things done so they could play. James even cleaned his room, way above my expectations, in order to play. It is a cute game and I think they just about mastered it in the couple days we had it. Poor mom couldn't even get it onto the second player (I am so game challenged).

I am in the process of thinking of things to put on my Christmas wish list, which Jimmy is demanding or I can't get him anything. It is really hard. I have everything I want or could ever need. I can't believe how incredibly happy I am. Yes, sometimes things get rough and frustrating, however; I can't think of anything I would change. OK maybe my weight but unfortunately they don't have a magical Christmas gift for that hehe. I did say I wanted a treadmill but he refused saying that it would get him into trouble and he would be sleeping on the couch. So What are all your wishes for Christmas? I think my biggest wish is that my dad will get better and that our family will be safe and have the true meaning of Christmas in our home. What is yours (temporal things included).

Best $50 every spent

What a busy couple of days! Sunday morning Jimmy woke to the computer opening and closing its cd door *doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo*. Unfortunately, it meant our computer had had it and thus the crash began. Hoping that we could somehow fix the problem I called our handy dandy Dell computer people and they did a blue screen test that was suppose to last only 2 hours. 9 hours later and the computer still isn't working. Long story short (too late right) we had to completely do a system restore and put it back the way it came from the factory. Normally I would freak because I just know all those pictures aren't backed up on a cd and the other stuff, who knows, however; lucky for us, I heard of Carbonite and ordered it. This thing stores your stuff online and with one click I was able to start restoring all of our documents, pictures etc back to our computer. Whew! Another tragedy avoided. All this while celebrating Johnston's birthday and having a tooth pulled, life is good.

Growing Boy

I can't believe that in 6 short days Johnston will be 4 yrs old! I see him growing and learning but I am just not ready I guess. Of course we are still having the whole potty training issues, however; if that got resolved I guess he could stay this age forever and I would be ok with that. Our kids get to pick what we have for dinner on their birthday and he chose pancake puffs but it sounds so much cuter when he says it. Luckily for our extended family his party the day before will be a barbecue not pancakes. We love pancakes but not sure everyone else would like them as much hehe. He is funny though, JT keeps saying he isn't going to be 4 and doesn't want to be 4 but can't wait to open presents and blow out his candles "all by himself". Everything he sees on the tv is something he "needs", good thing Christmas isn't far off. I have to say it has been a joy watching him grow the last 3 almost 4 yrs and I am excited to see what the future holds for him.

SICK SICK SICK

Ok so I woke up, after a bad night sleep, sick to my stomach (much like I went to bed), with a headache, and not the best attitude. I'm almost positive the lack of sleep led to the stomach and head and the election led to my lack of sleep. I am SICK just thinking of what the next four years could mean to my family, our country and our lives. Did noone hear what Obama told us he was planning on doing for the next four years? I mean I don't believe McCain was a slam dunk perfect choice, personally I had someone else I wanted, however; his plan wasn't to turn the country upside down. I know that I never wanted Gore or Kerry, however; I don't think I would have felt this despondent if they had won over President Bush. I also could care less whether his skin is black, blue, white or purple; what he stands for concerns me. I must say I really enjoyed reading my dear friend, Michelle's, post. She always seems to put things into perspective and makes me laugh when I think I can't and all I can say is AMEN TO THAT! My only solace is knowing that Heavenly Father is watching over us and the continual prayer in my heart that the next four years will prove unproductive for our newest president and his cronies.

Walkin' the block

Halloween was alot of fun this year. With all the changes in our wards, our ward Christy Meadows and another ward Viewpoint were dissolved and changes were made to make another ward Chapel Heights, there wasn't a trunk or treat planned like usual. Everyone might think,"So What?", however; 4 of my 6 children have never been door to door on Halloween because we always went to the church for trunk or treat and came home with tons of candy. And so the day arrived and all the kids dressed up and then added 3 more kiddos to our clan making 9 in all. We walked around the houses and did the normal thing. You should hear it when 9 kids all say "Trick or Treat" together at a house. One lady actually called us a "brood" lol. The amount of treaters on our block was incredible! People were coming out of the woodworks! Jimmy loved it and can't wait for next year, he is already planning on decking out the house. We ran out of candy, which is good because there is less for me to get into. Jessica was Belle, Jeana was a spider enchantress, Jillian was Little Red Riding Hood, Jordyn was Pooh, James was Indiana Jones and Johnston was Darth Vader. Even though Jessica is positive that they received more candy at the trunk or treat and plans on petitioning her father next year into getting it planned again hehe. By then she will be 16 and still plans on trick or treating, ya me! One of my biggest joys was finishing Jillian's dress for her costume. It is a first but hopefully not last for me. I have to say that it was alot of fun to see the kids run to and fro and JT really got into it this year. Can't wait for next year!

YUM-O!!

My mother in law told me that Starbucks had a new hot chocolate so today I thought I would splurge and try it out. HOLY CROW it was DELISH! It was the new Salty Caramel Hot Chocolate and it was soooooo good. I just wish I knew how to make this at home because financially it is not a daily thing hehe. I now wish I would have splurged for the Venti instead of the Tall.

On the home front, I made a pretty decent Lasagne last night, at least Jimmy was loving it. We have over half left since only 4 of our 8 household members like lasagne (they are really weird must come from mars or something, how can you not like lasagne). It doesn't matter though because it is always twice as good the next day for lunch or leftover dinner. OK now I can't wait for lunch.

Oh JEAN a

So Jeana does not wear jeans. Not only does she not wear jeans, she hates them. So, imagine my surprise, when she had not only put on a pair yesterday BUT wore a pair to school today! I promised I wouldn't put the picture on the blog but I did take one just in case this never happens again. Jeana hasn't worn jeans since about second grade and then it was few and far between. Yesterday I went to the store and bought Jessica and Jeana some new clothes they needed for school. Jessica was in desperate need of jeans (ok not so desperate but she is a teenage girl so you get the picture) and they both were in need of professional wear for school. When they got home from school they went to try on the clothes and out Jeana comes with a pair of pants that Jessica didn't care for and she liked them. Her father was floored when he came home, not only was Jeana in jeans but Jessica was doing homework! What happened to my kids lol.

Bowling, Star Wars and Keeping Clean

We had alot of fun this week. Since Jimmy was gone for a couple weeks we decided to take the kids out and spend some family time. We had alot of fun bowling. Jimmy should seriously think about bowling on a league - yah right like he has the time hehe.



Also, we had Padwan Jessica and Jedi Jimmy practicing their skills. They were laughing so hard I am not sure they learned anything new.



Johnston had figured out the need for clean hands and our new bathroom is much easier for him. I am not sure if it was the idea that his hands were dirty from making mud with his sisters and brother or just that he can do it himself.

The cast is off but...

So, today Jillian got the cast off her foot, however; amongst the joy was the realization that she still is not suppose to run, jump, scooter, do PE or Soccer, trampoline etc for four more weeks. My next question is... how do we keep her down? She has been trying to run, jump and has been on the scooter with the cast ON! Do we tie her down or tape her to the couch? We seriously considered asking the dr to keep the cast on another 4wks til she is able to do these things. We are hoping that her next appt, on Halloween, will find her able to play in her last game of the season even if just a sub or keeper. She was quite dismayed that her foot was so dry and dirty and cannot wait to shower on her own tonight. Although it felt weird she seemed to be walking just fine as I dropped her off at school after her appointment. Here we are just keeping our fingers crossed she doesn't let her unending amount of energy get out of control and she can stand another month of just hanging out.

HE'S BAAAAACK!!!!!

Ok so thats all I really wanted to say but isn't that enough. After 2 1/2 weeks in TX working the hurricane restoration, Jimmy returned home on Tuesday. Of course I knew he was coming home but we decided to not tell the kids so they would get a surprise. On monday night, for FHE, I had them make signs welcoming daddy home so we could put them up when we "knew" he would be home. I put them up after everyone left for school and he was home a couple hours later. JT had to hold his up for daddy and tell him Welcome Home, it was too cute. He surprised Jessica and Jeana by picking them up at the bus and also Jillian by picking her up at school. I had Jordyn and James close their eyes until we got to the house and when they opened their eyes they were so excited and ran into the house. We spent the night hanging out watching Iron Man and eating pizza. We are so happy he is home. I could not be those women who have to be without their husbands for long periods of time, like the service, I am just no good without my other half.

Texas Tales

The last couple of days have been good. We set all our poles and repaired the arms and actually started getting peoples power back on today. Not a lot, but enough for us to feel like we made progress. They gave us about 30 more guys to help us on this circuit, so the other crews got 6 poles today. We ended up finding a few more. We are always finding more as we drive things out. Phases and secondaries down, broken arms, missing glass, and stuff like that. Things that aren’t huge, but just enough to keep us from heating another section up without having to do a few more hours of work.

I am sure you know they let people back into Galveston today. By 7:30 there was a 13 mile backup. Glad we aren’t there any more. Still lots of people being patient and friendly for the most part. About every fourth house has a generator on it. We went and looked at another area late this afternoon, and it has a few areas that are just as bad if not worse. It is just a few miles up the road, and most of the people have power, but it looks like a few were missed. The same stuff we are seeing now.

The pictures are of where we are now and I also included a shot of a mosquito. Mike smacked it on the inside of Wes’s windshield. Actual size, no trick photography. We have heard that onions and garlic will help repel them so we are having pepperoni and sausage pizza with onions and garlic bread for dinner. No, really we are. It is good to work with guys that all feel the same. It is going to be hard to leave if we don’t get everyone in our area back on. I think that some may actually stay a little longer.

I hope none of this is boring. And thanks to all who have checked in on Shannon and the family. I still miss everyone a lot, but it is a little easier knowing that the family is taken care of.

Mounting Mosquitos

Monday started out the same as any Monday, but more like a Galveston storm work Monday. After all the changes in plans, we ended up with our original plan. That led us to Pearland which I think is just south and west of Houston. I have not looked at a map since I have been here, I just follow others directions and go. Anyway, once we saw the job, everyone’s mood got better because we had our own circuit of distribution to repair. There is a school that is the main priority to get back on line. There are four five poles down, four of them in a row, and then a bunch of broken arms and wire. We have not even driven all the taps yet. I guess to explain, they give each group of crews one circuit to repair to minimized confusion and increase safety. The main line is like a main highway and the taps would be the exits and side roads. The utility has only driven the main line, and we have to drive and repair all the taps.

I think we messed up Mexican Sunday night and Red Lobster last night so the tent food doesn’t look so good any more. But, the more I look at the set up at the dig track, the more amazed I get. I was able to drop off my laundry and get it washed, and they did it right there. They have several trailers full of washers and dryers so you put it in their bag, sign your name, get a ticket, and pick it up 24 hours later. They cook all the food there, and we are even getting subway in our lunches. They had signs on the tables this morning saying they have served over 203,000 people as of last night.

I am sitting in the old Wal Mart parking lot and a twin engine airplane that was spraying something out of its wings just blasted by only about 150’ off the ground.

Need to get back to checking on things, but weather is okay, just muggy and about 85-90. The worst thing is no amount of bug spray can seem to keep the humming bird size mosquitoes away. Oh well, maybe I’ll get one and mount it on a plaque.

Still Gone and Missed too

Looks like Jimmy and his crew were moved to another spot today to do some work. He is very glad to be off the island since getting on and off is really hectic and now they are starting to let people back to their homes. He says the mosquitos and chiggers are huge and he looks like he has been working outside. The last couple days they have eaten out at other restaurants which is a nice switch I think.

This is spirit week for ECTA and Jeana is totally going all out. Both girls are dressing tomorrow, it is wacky hair and makeup day. I am so glad to see them so happy at their new school. I was worried that they would have a hard time, especially Jess without choir and stuff but she is LOVING it. They are really enjoying seminary too and have wonderful teachers.

Jillian is doing pretty good getting around on her cast but her energy is going to drive mom nuts! Today she was trying to ride the scooter AHHHH says mom! Are we going to make it another 2weeks with a cast and 5 without PE or Soccer.

James and Jordyn are really getting along lately and playing together alot. I love to watch them as they play pretend or jump on the small trampoline together. They come up with the funniest things.

And then theres Johnston hanging out at home with mom. I think we are both enjoying the time we are getting together. His new things are asking questions then asking yes or no and since his birthday is so close he doesn't hesitate to tell you that he "needs" everything he sees for his birthday.

Sometimes I wish I was more patient and watched more than did. That is my new goal, to enjoy all that happens even when it doesn't go as planned.

Email news from TX

Don’t remember what day was the last one I sent. We are finishing the transmission line today. Most everything was done last night, just clean up. We have a few little more items to do in Galveston, Stop. Just got a call in the middle of that and we will now be moving to KIWI??? I guess it is a high profile area. Or maybe just Hi rent? Anyways, that’s how things change. More and more activity on the island. Some of our crews stayed in Galveston last night after we were kicked out of the Hilton. We knew that would be too good to be true to last the whole storm anyways. We are in a hotel that was damaged by the storm. Room smells a little musty, but it is 30 miles closer to the yard, 30 more minutes sllep, and there are restaurants nearby to go and eat at. Not that the food is bad they are supplying, but it is starting to repeat and you can only season the same things so many different ways. Some of the California guys are going home since there is no more transmission. No word on our release though. We have heard that next Monday may be the day, but no one really knows. Yesterday was the first really muggy day, there was a thunderstorm pass through about an hour before we got to Galveston. It looked really cool driving towards it. It has been 75-85 for the highs, and @ 60-70 in the morning. The mosquitoes are coming out. Big and mean. We need to shower just to get all the repellant off if nothing else.

Need to get to work. It is nice to finally have game plans that only change once and hour, not every 10 minutes. Give one time to breathe.

More from TX

I believe it is Wednesday. We headed back to Galveston, the whole KC/CO/UT/NV group, probably @ 75-100 men. It took @ 1 hour for the first group to go the 15 miles to town from our yard. By the time I left, it was 2-1/2 hours. I probably spent 2 just for about 5 miles. But by 3pm, the drive was only taking @ 30 minutes. The rumor is that the CEO of Center Point, the utility, called the governor of the great state of Texas and let him know that if he wanted any power restored on Galveston that the troopers had better open it up and let his trucks through. Anyways, we got started with our group running support for the other crews. We have all our trucks either on the ROW or at the airport on the runway. Only the Mayor and a helicopter, one plane, and our helicopter are going in and out right now. We are supposed to be the group for the island, but we are meeting tomorrow at 6:30 to make plans. Apparently they are still working on materials and outages. We are less frustrated than yesterday, and things will get better tomorrow.

There are still a lot of trucks and men, and the food has been pretty good. Tonight was pork chops or beef patties. We even had ice cream for desert. At least we got there early enough tonite. Breakfast has been the same, eggs, pancakes, biscuts and gravy, sausage and gravy. Lunches are sandwiches , chips and CANDY, yes.

Thursday

Had a much more productive day today. We were able to do work on the line and move more material. The goal is to have the line hot by Saturday night, and it looks like we will be able to do that. When we do that, a lot of things will come on line. The empty airport has become very full. The state troopers, FEMA, Search Rescue, and even the Department of Defense are here. I really believe we were the first utility crews on the island. We talked to some Forestry guys from Florida who had been there since Sunday to set up a support camp for all the operations listed and they are just now getting full strength. There is a carrier off shore and Wes got pictures of the amphibious ships coming on shore with landing craft and supplies. There were several Blackhawk helicopters flying around. Four planes landed in the course of one hour. We are making lots of friends, and starting to really have fun. At the same time, as we have time to drive lines and really survey damage, it looks even worse. Business owners are starting to clean out and so are the people who stayed through the storm. You really begin to see how bad things are when they bring things outside that are damaged. There are beginning to be piles of trash piled up everywhere.

The only thing that is constant is that things will always change. Our plans are always being adjusted to materials and where the priorities are. Not complaining, it is just the way things go on storm work they are saying. Example: Our Center Point Leader, Dick, has a plan to keep us on the island to do all the work. Part of the plan is to get things running so we can move down there. All day these plans seem to be getting closer to happening. We were even told that it could happen as soon as Sunday this afternoon. Now, just as we get into the room and are talking about it, Wes tells me that Travis, the one who told me this afternoon we would be there by Sunday, told him we are not going soon because the rooms have been given to others.

Last, there are more lights on every night as we drive to the hotel. Traffic is also getting busier every morning and evening. One of the guys even heard that a majority of people will have power by Monday. I really don’t think that includes Galveston though. The picture I sent is our crews working and almost completing the area where I took the first picture I sent.

Update on Jimmy

This is an email from Jimmy, thought everyone would be interested.

I guess this would be like a blog, I have not a clue.I hope this would be interesting, but I am sure that it will probably get old for everyone, including me, by the time I leave.

We headed out for Galveston this morning, just the GF’s an Foreman, to look at a line that was down. I did not realize this, but the dog track we are mustering at is only about 15 miles from Galveston. Anyways, we headed south on the interstate and within 2 miles hit a roadblock. Once through, the scene very rapidly changed and it looked like a bomb had gone off. There way debris on both sides of the freeway, at places up to 5’-6’ high. Boats also were on the side and median of the freeway. The boats were just a few, but they were probably ¼ mile from the water. As we got further south, things got progressively worse. It is just amazing the force of the hurricane. By the time we got to Galveston and across the causeway, there were 50’ deep sea fishing boats on the side of the road. We think we were the first crews on the island. The water had to be at least 5’-6’ deep at the peak where we were. Along the freeway when we were coming in, there was debris at the phone level on the poles.

We drove to where the line started to begin to drive the line. It is supposed to be 23 miles long heading west towards Stewart? Unfortunately, we spent the majority of the day there (you may have seen the pic with all the trucks lined up next to the line that was broken). We finally drove to a few substations to look at clearance points and one other section that was down. This didn’t happed until close to 4pm. We just ended up getting the crews back to the race track and moved to another yard @ 3 miles away. It was a very frustrating day for all the guys, just seeing what we needed to rebuild and not being able to do anything because the utility is just to overwhelmed with the damage and amount of men to put to work. There was no material ready and we could not even get a clearance to start cleaning up. After being on the road for almost 3 days, @ 1500 miles, the guys are ready to do some rebuilding.

We have been told that there is much more on Galveston. More crews arrived today. Our yard that has the transmission crews only has as much equipment in it as the dog track last night. When we left the dog track, where we still eat, it was 8 pm, trucks were still rolling in, and it was just as full as it was last night. It was quite a site to see a line of @ 30 tree trimming trucks lined up on the freeway to get into Galveston.

I feel sympathy for the people who have been affected. There were several people we met that rode it out. It had to be a near death experience.

I will get pictures out as I can, since I can only do it with my “air card.”

Jimmy

WE'VE MOVED!!!

Wow what a whirlwind that last couple months have been. We are finally moved into our new home and, for one, are thrilled. The joys of no stairs, gotta love it. After painting most of the rooms, with alot of help from Michelle and Rob (no more red!), new flooring and a couple new appliances we are up and running. Today we had a leak on the roof fixed that we noticed with the recent rain storm but all in all things are good.

In the middle of everything I "had" to go to Ed Week, because August would just not be August without Ed Week. What an awesome time we had (Jessica and Jeana went too). Not only did we get to spend time with Laura, Chelsea, little Matthew and Cheryl but the things we were able to hear were so incredible.

Well, just as we were finishing the move and things were starting to get unpacked, Jimmy was asked *told* that he was going to Texas to help in restoring the power out there. This was hard for him. He loves storm work but felt bad not only leaving us to unpack but leaving his soccer team to someone else and leaving our poor bishop with no counselors. Right now he is in Houston and leaves early in the morning for Galveston, one of the hardest hit areas. I heard on the news that they have over 2 1/2 million people without power in TX and LA WOW! He will be working long hours and we pray that things go quickly so he will be home soon.

And if that wasn't enough...the day he left we had our usual soccer games. Things were going pretty good until the second half when Jillian came off the field hurt. I took her to the hospital and they said it was bruised just take a week off, ok no problem, however; sunday afternoon we received a call that she might have a small fracture and to see an orthopedic dr. I was able to get her in the next day and low and behold we have not only a small bone break off *the doctors words were a flake of bone* but she pulled and possibly tore some ligaments. Good News (yes there is some), the ligament she hurt is one that hardly ever needs surgery and should heal fine on its own and the bone *flake* won't require surgery either YA ME! She is in a cast, a nice orange one, for about 3wks and no PE or Soccer for 6wks (which is going to kill her) but she should heal fine and be on the field next season good as new.

I am grateful for the immense amount of help we have received not only from friends and family but from the Lord. Its nice to know you have friends and family who will stay up til all hours helping put stuff together or pack. Its wonderful knowing that I can call someone at any time for a blessing and they just show up. The love we have felt is so powerful that I cannot even begin to describe it. I know that we can get by while Jimmy is gone and that he will be safe without a doubt. I feel the Lord's hand in all that has happened good and not so good. My testimony is strengthened through all this and more.

Playing Catch up

OK so yes, I am terrible at keeping up our blog. Well, here it is; the low down, the 411 and all the info up til now.

Things have been pretty busy this summer even though I promise myself every year that it will be fairly laid back. We started, as before noted, with soccer camp where the girls spent a week at BYU soccer camp learning, playing and having a blast.

Next up was celebrating Jessica's birthday since we were going to be at camp during her "actual" birthday. She felt the need to light her own candles *mom sniffs* and did pretty good at it.

A couple of days later we (Jessica, Jeana, Jimmy and I) loaded ourselves up and headed to Girls Camp in Deerhaven. We had a blast! The weather was wonderful and even though I brought a nasty cold home with me, I must say the week was AWESOME! The YW in our ward totally ROCK! We had so much fun doing cheers, cooking, hiking and sitting around the fire. The girls found a log to have everyone carve their names or initials into and since we didn't get to burn our "friendship log" it was brought home by one of the girls to be burned next year. We had alot of good food. Some girls even washed their hair. The trailer was unloaded in record time when we got home that saturday afternoon, I think they were ready to be home.

After getting home Jessica, Jeana and Jillian got their haircut. Of course, Jessica only had a trim and highlights but Jeana added a cut to her highlights and Jillian chose a cut too. They look adorable but nothing could make them look anything but cute.

Jordyn and James had their first swim lessons and passed level one. They had alot of fun and learned alot too. Johnston will be starting some lessons soon. I am hoping that the lessons he takes keep him from just jumping into the water like he tends to do now when we swim and helps him learn some swimming techniques too. He is such a daredevil!

We celebrated Independence Day by hanging at home, being together and shooting off fireworks. We also sat in the backyard watching the fireworks on the base which is everyones favorite. Our street was filled with fireworks and kids, total fun.

Jimmy's birthday was our next celebration. He received a Wii for Fathers Day and Rock Band for his birthday. Holy Crow is that thing loud and FUN! The kids and dad love to play and sing to the songs and mom loves to watch, I haven't had the nerve yet to get on any of the stuff and don't know a whole lot of the songs either.

We are also in the process of *get this* buying a new house!!!! It isn't in our same ward or even the same elementary school but is only a mile or so from the house we are in now. If things go as planned we should be in by the end of August.

Well, as I said earlier, things are busy but lots of fun. How can it be anything else in the Skinner home.

Soccer....AGAIN

Yep, soccer camp that is lol. Jessica, Jeana and Jillian spent last week at BYU's soccer camp. They were definitely tired when the week was over but not happy to come home to the 100 plus heat here in Vegas.

The week began with Jimmy driving the girls and two of their friends up to Provo, Utah for soccer camp. He stayed for a couple days and probably wouldn't have come home til the end if he didn't have work stuff to do and a subpoena (that again he didn't have to go to court for).

Wednesday night was tough because Jillian finally got homesick enough that we were trying to figure out the quickest way to get to her, oh yeah it was about 10:30pm Vegas time and I was already leaving in the morning to go get them. Jeana went to her room and between Jimmy on the phone, Jeana and Jillians counselors things got better and she finally went to bed.

Thursday morning I loaded in the car and headed to Provo to pick up the girls. They had a wonderful time and made alot of friends. On the way home friday we stopped in Beaver and had ice cream at the Cheese factory and took some pictures in the big rocking chair and licking the big ice cream cone.

It was amazing to watch the thermometer in my car go from the 80's to the 100's in the short drive we had, it almost made you long for winter.

Last Day of School

Well, school has officially ended and I can say with a surety that I am torn.

I love having the kids home during the summer. Even when the arguing is enough to drive me nuts (or for a walk in the 116 plus heat) I wouldn't trade it for anything. We can sleep in, go places, hang out together etc. I even dislike that my 4 month calendar already has the first day of school posted on it *bad calendar*. So, why, do you say, do you feel torn? Sounds perfect.

I am torn because I hate knowing that my kids are now older in school. I now have 2 high schoolers, 1 middle schooler, 2 elementary kiddos and one home that may be doing some preschool to deal with separation issues. I am not exactly sure if it is that they are getting older or that it forcefully makes me realize I am lol.

Despite all of that, we had an incredible year. The kids had wonderful teachers, as usual and really worked hard. We did spelling bees, field day, field trips, awards assemblies, concerts, school trips and more.

I am not sure that dads feel the same nostalgia that we as moms do. They pretty much get everything are kids do second hand since they are out slaying our dragons. I will admit there are alot of times I am glad I have a couple kids who are older now. It really helps with babysitting for date night and they are really fun to listen too when they talk about their day. That being said, I want to enjoy as much as I can this summer because there won't be many more like it.

AND THE WINNER IS....

JAMES! Thats right, pinewood derby was held today and James was first in the open class since he is not quite old enough to do it with the scouts (a couple more years though). Jimmy worked very hard to get the cars ready for the kids and every spare moment was in the garage doing something to them for the last couple weeks. Jillian and Jeana had a green and white striped car, for celtic of course, Jordyn had a cool looking truck, James had a white one that he drew out all by himself and Jimmy had his cool, red ferrari gt car. They all had a great time running the cars and putting them together, noone more than dad.

After the derby they all went to a lineman rodeo at Nevada Power and rode up in the bucket truck and had their faces painted among other things.

Sick Jordyn and other moments

Jordyn was so sick last week and missed 4 days of school. She was miserable and so glad to go back today. I have to say having a dr. in the family helps if nothing else but making you feel better when you call whining. By friday she had basically told her dad she was tired of tv. They changed her antibiotics and what a difference that made. She is eating like a horse making up for her lost meals I think. We knew she was feeling better when she started laughing again friday night. Can I say how much I love that sound!

Jessica is back from Hawaii. When she returned she had a new purse, shirt, sunglasses, sunburn hehe. She had a great time and didn't want to come home just yet but I am so glad she did. We missed her something awful. She does have lots of pics so we need to get them on the computer so we can put them on the blog.

Jeana spent her spring break doing mounds of math homework. She is constantly saying how her teacher must think she doesn't have a life. Leave it to Jeana! She also received awards at school for her grades and citizenship.

Jillian is our "concert pianist". She is doing wonderful with her lessons. Her soccer team played a game on saturday and did SO GREAT! She is always on the go so sometimes its hard to keep up with her.

James is building his first pinewood derby car with dad. There is an open race so they will be entering that. He drew out the car he wanted and helped dad cut it out. It looks like they may need to do a couple modifications on it but so far so good and he is so excited to be doing it with dad.

Johnston, i think, was so ready for Jordyn to go back to school and get my undivided attention again. He is a busy guy and every toy (polly and barbie included) is used as an action figure. And I can no longer just say what to a question I need to actually turn my head and see what he is talking about.

We are excited that Jake and Teresa have come to visit this week with Ava and little Hudson. Ava is Jessica's shadow and I think Jessica loves it! And everyone is totally in love with Hudson but who wouldn't be.

Hawaii Here She Comes!

Well, she's off! Jessica left for Hawaii with her high school choir tonight. Why is it I always ended up in Disneyland? I mean seriously, how much mouse can you take? Anyways, we went to the airport and after getting through the gate and security we didn't have much time before she was loading up with a bunch of other high school kids and chaperones onto the plane. I am sure after the 5 1/2 hour flight the chaperones will be screaming for some tylenol and sleep. Basically, the teacher informed the kids that their chaperone was to be treated as and listened to as they were basically God so I don't expect any issues on that end. Jessica's friend gave her a list of do's and don'ts and other than the 3 square meals, which I can't believe will happen, I agree wholeheartedly (thank you Patience). She has been working really hard on her songs lately and was extremely excited to go on this trip. Mom did good though, one big hug and no crying, Yah me! She comes back on Tuesday so I hope I can put a couple of her pics on the website. Until then, we are down one.

Colds, Pink Eye and Kids

Isn't it amazing how when one kid gets sick everyone gets it eventually. We started with fevers, than coughs, pink eye, flu, back to colds. I was even thinking the other night in bed how Jimmy seemed to be the only one untouched and totally jinxed myself because he woke up a couple hours after that sicker than a dog and sick all weekend. I wonder if there would be a market for a lysol or bleach bomb? You know like the bug bombs you see but these would take all the germs and kill them instead of bugs (actually if it did both that wouldn't hurt my feelings at all). Maybe I should contact these companies with my idea. I could end up rich lol. For now, we are doing eye drops, cough medicine and vitamin C, hoping to get better soon.

Daddy, the good helper

Johnston can just crack me up sometimes. Today he informed us that he is scared of aliens and monsters on the base (yes he did say the base). For those who don't know we live right next to the air force base. Now, I just know someone told him that on the base are monsters and aliens, probably one of his siblings mixed with to much scooby doo, so there we are. He also informed me of the help that he and James gave daddy with taking down the lights. Personally, I think it was more of a "Hey dad, think you missed a spot" and "Hey cool can I climb that ladder too and what exactly would happen if I stuck my finger in this socket here". When I told him that he and James were really good helpers he seemed pleased so tonight when daddy helped him shut the door he told me that daddy was a good helper. I'm sure it was only hilarious to me because of lack of sleep, because Jimmy wasn't laughing like I was, but it was cute. It makes you wonder how much you can miss with your kids as they grow and change. I remember Jessica being as little as JT and now she is wearing makeup, going to dances and in 9th grade being a teen. Time flies so quickly and I am constantly reminding myself to slow down and enjoy my kids instead of doing that one last load of clothes. Yes, they have to get washed eventually and sometimes we are grabbing things out of the dryer but isn't it more important to watch them grow up in person then in pictures. So, for those of you who know me well and speak to me often keep reminding me to slow down for this time in life, even when dirty diapers are a part of it.

Busy Busy Busy

The last few months have been incredibly busy here in the Skinner home. In November, we celebrated Johnston's 3rd birthday. December 10 was Jordyn's 8th birthday and we had a party all planned when mom and dad got really sick and it had to be postponed a week. We finally had her party and had 8 little girls over making gingerbread houses with graham crackers. It was so funny to watch the houses as they all fell in one by one. Finally, we all decided to have flat roofs and some were decorated with as much candy as the plate could hold. Of course, we had Christmas which was very fun as always in our house. We were able to spend time with Jesse for a few days when he came down. Jordyn had her ears pierced right after New Years and we had Michelle up visiting for a week from California. The new year began with a much anticipated baptism. Jordyn looked beautiful in her white dress and shone with her smile. She will be able to go to her first Achievement Day Girls here in a couple weeks. We were excited that Great Grandpa could be there to help in the confirmation. And all through this Jessica had soccer on the JV team at Eldorado High School where Jillian and Jeana continued practices for their league teams. Jordyn also began piano again and is doing really well remembering where she left off.