Magic Birthday

Jordyn is 10yrs old today, the 10th of December. My kids call the birthday that you turn the age of the date you were born the "Magic Birthday". Actually, every birthday is magical, especially where my family is involved.

Jordyn has been so excited this year, much more than in the past, and has been announcing the countdown since before Thanksgiving. The funnest, all be it hardest, part of her birthday is figuring out what presents to give her and which ones to save for Christmas time. The jury is still out on that one as I type away.

I am in love with Jordyns sweet smile and bubbly personality. Yes, she is moody at times at well. I tell people that Jorydn has two moods: happy and very p.o.ed, thats it nothing else :)

Jordyn is friends with everyone and is very sensitive to others around her. I am grateful the Lord put her into our lives and wish her the most "magical" birthday ever.

Hand Surgery and Homecoming

Jeana had hand surgery on thursday November 19. She has had pain since April and after wearing splints, casts and being told it was because one bone was longer than another and not shorter we finally got the right answer. Yes her bone is longer but apparently so is the other arm so its just genetic and not the cause of her pain. We aren't exactly sure how it happened, but with Jeana anything is possible, she had an MRI which showed a tear in her wrist area. Not knowing the extent of the tear we decided that surgery was the best option seeing how the pain has been there for a while. The dr. found a large tear and fixed it saying that it should take care of the problem. Jeana is now dealing with pain from surgery and writing with her left hand until we see the dr. on the 30th to have a cast replace the wrapping she has now. The cast is only necessary because it is soccer season and since she and Jessica have both made the varsity squad she needs a cast in order to play or they would only put on a splint. Hopefully by Christmas she will be up and going ripping open those gifts.

On saturday the 21st another mom and I put on a Homecoming Party for Jessica, my friends daughter and a few of their friends. It was alot of fun. Our theme was cruise related and we had dinner at one home then moved to our home for the dessert and festivities (games mostly). It was alot of fun and a ton of pictures were taken, now if I would just stop procrastinating and download them. Jessica was able to wear a beautiful dress and get her hair done as well. I think I may have had more fun than all the kids did and can't wait to do it again, however; maybe on a smaller scale :)

Finally Five

Johnston turned five this month and it was so fun. He has grown so much and I love watching him. He started preschool and has made alot of friends and can't wait to go. He is very talkative and imaginative (just ask about his imaginary friend). I enjoy spending time with him and just watching him play.

He was able to have his party at Chuck E. Cheese. Even though it was busy there it was perfectly fun and I was happy to not have to clean up :). He received alot of presents and can't wait to get out those Thank You's.

Johnston is really into writing letters and mailing them out so don't be surprised if you receive one.

Happy Birthday Johnston!

James is 8!

We had a wonderful month of August! James turned 8 and had a really fun party with some friends at the Orleans Bowling Alley. They all had a really good time.

The best part of James turning 8 was his baptism on September 5. The water was so high (or should I say he is so little) that when he got in the font it went up to his chest. It was so wonderful to see our first boy get baptized and realize that one day he will hopefully baptize others and grow in the gospel, gaining the priesthood. It was a just so thought provoking. I loved seeing our girls baptized, however; it just seemed different having James baptized.

James is also now old enough for scouts and loves going every week. He has already earned a loop for his belt for volleyball.

We are so lucky to have James in our family. He is so sweet and has such a tender spirit. I feel that he will be a strong influence for his friends in the Gospel. He trys so hard to do what is right and continues to bless our lives every day. We love you James!

Happy Birthday Jeana Beana!

Today Jeana turns 15!!! Of course we did all our celebrating with friends on friday and family on sunday so we just HAD to find something fun to do today. We decided to take a short trip to St. George (Washington really) to a community center there where they have a great little swimming area with slides, kiddie area, mostly covered awesome!

I can't believe that she is already 15! Where does the time fly? She has always been smart and precocious, talented and sweet. She is also argumentative, LOL about everything! Just try telling her the sky is blue and she will find something to argue with you about it hehehe. We love her and her quirky ways!

We feel so blessed to have her in our lives! She was an unexpected blessing in our family but came at the absolute best time of our lives. The Lord knows what we need when we need it even when we wonder why! She is our comic relief and WE LOVE HER!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!

Why...

Why do I open my mouth and say things (or write things as the case may be) when I know it could cause definite controversy? I realize that there are many people in this world and most the time I keep my strong opinions inside so as to not annoy others but sometimes...
My problem isn't that I said it, because it is what I believe, it is that maybe I could have said it better or maybe someone will totally hate me for saying it.

I guess the true friends in my life who love and respect me wouldn't care of my opinions as long as I respect theirs and honor theirs as they do mine. And, I guess those who don't aren't truly friends but merely aquaintances.

And so in an open forum I say Thank you to all those who listen to my, sometimes too honest, opinions and love me anyways and tell you that I love you just the same for yours.

Lota Month and Sweet 16

We haven't had a whole lot of time to breathe let alone time to blog this month so as I sit this morning, because I got up early due to going to bed early with a headache, I though I would recap our month.

The first and foremost biggest and most important thing to happen this month is our Jessica turned the BIG 16! She was able to have a big party with her friend Tiffany, which was a bbq and swim party (thank you Laura and Rick Bailey) with tons of friends and family. Everyone seemed to have a great time and I was glad to have the help of Tiffany's mom so it wasn't all me and made it a ton easier. We had her party a couple weeks before her actual birthday because she was going to be at girls camp for her birthday again this year and we knew things would get hectic.

Jeana and Jillian were able to go to soccer camp again this year at BYU and it rained most the time but they still were able to play. Jeana's team won first place in her division this year which was fun. I was able to watch the game because I got into town just in time.

I was able to go to girls camp this year with my girls and Jimmy which was a total BLAST!!!! It was Jillian's first year at girls camp and, even though we had a little rain, it was so much fun. One day we even went white water rafting. It was really neat watching all the YW grow, have fun and get along. It was the best for me to be there with my three girls and especially for Jillian's first year. She seemed to really enjoy herself and was totally pooped every night almost falling asleep in her chair at the fire. I loved getting to know some new people and getting reaquainted with some people I have known for a while and am so glad I could go again this year.

When we returned home Jessica had her "family" birthday party. It was alot of fun to have family around us but even funner to know that next time Jake, Teresa and the kids will be here as well.

Speaking of Jake and Teresa...Jimmy and I were able to travel to Phoenix over fathers day and be there to see Jake receive his final graduation from residency. It was so great and he is going to be a fantastic dr, so for any of you girls here in LV, he starts in August.

Well, theres our month in a nutshell. Busy but fun and I'm sure I have forgotten plenty. I am just glad I have the family I have to enjoy the life we have together forever.

New Young Woman...Our Sweet Jillian

This morning, 12 yrs ago, Jillian Nicole Skinner was born. She was impatiently quick and not waiting for anyone to get the job done, almost delivered by the nurse, hence her way of life since then.
She is a non-stop, active, beautiful, talented young woman.

I am so grateful that the Lord saw fit to place Jillian in our home. She brings us laughter, joy and as all children sometimes frustration, however; I wouldn't change anything about her. She wears shorts in the winter without a coat and jeans in the summer with a sweatshirt. She will kick a soccer ball for hours and play the piano any time of day or night. She is a friend to everyone and an enemy to none and the newest Beehive in our ward. She can't wait for girls camp. I love her goofy smile.

Jillian, you are a true joy to your father, sisters, brothers and I. We love you so much and are so grateful for you.Your crazy ways make you truly unique and wonderful. Our family and lives would be incomplete without you. We love you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Families

We haven't been so busy that I can't post something and its not like life isn't continuing to roll on; however, it seems all I do these days is check facebook, email and farmtown(which is on facebook). I seriously need a life lol.

I had a fabulous Mothers Day! Jessica made me breakfast, yummy delicious food, and a beautiful picture. Jeana hand crocheted and braided a pin that I now have on my church bag because she and I decided it wasn't a good one to wear necessarily. Jillian bought me some very nice flowers. Jordyn gave me a recipe book which has some great recipes I can't wait to try. James gave me some coupons for many different things he will do for me. And Johnston, well JT just continued to go potty which is good enough for now. Jimmy gave me a new fan in our t.v. room with a remote and it is SO NICE! He was looking for new doors for the dining room but found that all the doors at the store were too small for what we needed so looks like we need another plan. He and the kids also gave me a certificate to get a manicure and pedicure, I can't wait.

I was able to lead our primary kids while they sang to their moms and they did a wonderful job. Let me tell you, prayer works.

I think one of the many highlights of my day was seeing our family after church. Jake, Teresa and the kids were down for the week, they are moving back next month and are looking for a place to live. All the kids were running in the water in the back yard and playing together. While we were at my in-laws Jesse and Heather got on the computer with us all and we were able to see them and all three boys. It was so much fun. The twins are getting so big and Aiden has such the personality.

I am also grateful that my mom came home from her vacation safely and that I was able to pick her up and visit with her.

How amazing it is to me and how wonderful it is that God saw fit to put us on this earth with families. I don't know that I could do it without their love and support. To know that my family is with me forever, no matter what, is a calming influence when hard times arise. Life can happen, death, pain, joy, happiness and yet FAMILIES ARE FOREVER.

Treking

Jimmy and I were able to go with our Stake as a ma and pa for the annual (every 4 yr) pioneer trek. This trek is for youth ages 14 to 18 so Jessica and Jeana were able to go as well. It was incredible and I don't think words could really do it justice. We have been planning for it since January with walking, sewing and meetings with the last real push being the last week or two.

Thursday morning we were up bright and early to get to the Stake center with our stuff that needed to fit into a 5gallon bucket and meet our new family. Jimmy and I had 7 kids all together and we couldn't have asked for a better bunch of kids. We had a great time with all of them. We boarded buses and headed out to a place somewhere between Elgin and Caliente called Rainbow Canyon where we unloaded our stuff into our handcarts and off we went.

I won't bore you with the details of pushing and pulling, hills and dales. We really had alot of all that and it was hard, but the real meaning was knowing what the pioneers did for us and what they went thru so that the church could be brought west away from persecution.

As I watched the youth do what needed to be done it hit me even harder how important they are in these latter days. They have strenth beyond what we needed to have as youth.

I also was so grateful for what the pioneers did for me. I only had to go a third of the distance that they had to go in one day and by the end of my third day I was glad to know that a shower wasn't far off. They didn't have someone giving them food, or port a pottys every so often, they didn't have coleman stoves or warm sleeping bags. Ya, we were a little wet the last day but we knew the end was near. They didn't know how long they would be going before they were going to be in an actual home with warmth and comforts. The pioneers went truly by faith and although I would like to think I gained a better understanding and greater testimony for all those things I think most of us went by knowledge because we had an end in sight when we started.

All in all the experience was wonderful and unforgettable. It was something that I would definitely do again and knowing what I know now I would do it better from my end. We had wonderful kids, fabulous leaders who planned for everything and the Lord watching our for us.

Surrender?

I heard a song today that made me think about my life up til now. If you would have asked me in high school where I thought I would be in 20yrs I think I would have answered differently than what I am doing now. But this song reminded me of how important what I AM doing is in the whole scheme of things.

It isn't as important for me to be entertaining millions when I can entertain the 6 MORE important people I have in my home.

Maybe it would be fun to be recognized for amazing things that I do with more flair but how much more I LOVE having a thank you from my family and a hug from my kids. How could I ever live without those soggy wet kisses.

So, I was thinking of things that I may have surrendered in my previous ideals and found that I am happier than most could ever hope to be. I think I have followed God's plan for me instead of a plan that my youth thought I should have.

When I was in high school I had a friend, who I still am in touch with and talk to, we were talking about what we wanted to do with our lives when we graduated high school. I told him that money didn't matter, I just wanted to make people happy. Guess I got my wish, most of the time.

In my sock

If your family is anything like mine, we race around on school mornings getting lunches, getting dressed, finding shoes, doing hair, wheres my jacket, did you get your homework etc and whew! So, it is wonderful when I get a good laugh in the mornings to lighten up the mommy mood.

The last couple days Johnston has said owie everytime I put on his shoes. First I thought it was his socks then something in the shoe because he said it hurt in back not in front. Yesterday, I decided to see where his toes were in his shoes and if maybe we needed new shoes. As he stood in front of me I tried to push down on the toe and these tennis shoes are really hard to push down let alone find any toes at times. I said,"Johnston, where is your toe?" as I pushed as hard as I felt comfortable on his shoe and he said,"In my sock!". I was laughing so hard I had to stop. When I finally composed myself enough to go on I asked him to move his toe for me and instead his whole foot started moving.

Sometimes I forget that at different ages they see things in different ways. It helps me to also remember that not only do we need to remember that with kids but everyone. Sometimes we say something that is not meant to be rude or mean but it can be taken in a totally different way.

I love the way my children make me laugh and smile and the simple things.

M & M's

You may be thinking at this point, "Wow, alot must be happening in the Skinner house, look how often she is writing on the blog!." To be perfectly honest this was to fun to pass up and since this is sort of like a journal of sorts, I wanted to share the M&M name in our home.

Last night as we were having dessert, yes our kids have dessert almost every night of some type and no I don't make it every night (can you say store bought cookies), the kids decided to have candy. Jeana came up with the name of Merry Mormons for M & M's and I just thought it was a cute way to say it and wanted to share with the rest of our family and friends. Feel free to use it, no trademark.

Copycat

So, a dear friend of mine, who is an INCREDIBLE blogger, got a new camera and posted a picture of her daughters eye on her blog. That got me thinking. I LOVE the color of James' eyes, not only is he the only one that doesn't have straight blue eyes but they are more a green/blue and so pretty. I tried to get some pics of his eyes like she did her daughter but found that Jimmy did a much better job at it which stands to reason since he has taken over 2,000 soccer pics with it in the last 4months. So, being the copycat that I am, I wanted to post a picture of James' eyes too. Hope she doesn't mind, and if she does I will apologize later with gummy bears and Jazmins or maybe BBQ. Thanks for the idea.

Sleep Reading

We have been trying really hard to read scriptures in the evenings with our kids. And up until the last couple days it has been sort of difficult getting Johnston to participate, however; we found a set of missionary scriptures and gave them to him and that is all it took. He can't wait to read scriptures now and really was excited to go to church and take them with him.

Normally with Johnston, we have him repeat after us a scripture. We use to have him say the "And it came to pass" but he got to the point where he wanted more. The other night we were reading and he actually fell asleep mid word. It was so cute and Jimmy and I were laughing while still trying to be somewhat reverent. Jimmy even had to finish the verse for him.

We are so glad that our kids are getting excited about reading the scriptures and reminding us about reading them as a family. It makes a wonderful end to our hectic days to spend some good time together.

Lose Something

Well, we've been in our house 6 months and although I'm pretty sure I have gone thru all the important boxes, those that are mine, I still have some stuff I can't find. I know I had them when we moved. I know I didn't give them away with the mounds of stuff I did give away while packing and moving. But still, the lost thing cannot be found. I have resorted to making one of them myself and my daughter of course had to point out that once I make it I will probably find what I am looking for, thanks Jeana. Oh, and all those Christmas cards that got out late, lost my addresses and found them in January. Surprisingly, my mind is basically still intact which is a good thing with everything going on in our lives. Let me give you a quick synopsis.

Jessica and Jeana finished the high school soccer season (we just got home from their banquet) and are now ref-ing for league as well and Jeana playing still on league with Ohana. The week isn't quite as busy for them but boy saturdays *whew*.

Jillian is playing not only league ball but is on the O'Callahan middle school soccer team, playing alto sax in school and piano out of school and still likes to go to the elementary school and help her old teacher out there.

Jordyn is taking gymnastics and piano. She loves them both and can't wait to practice both.

James is taking Karate and is having a blast. He has the best teacher and with it being at the rec center I have the best of both worlds. He keeps practicing at home and I think we have found his passion.

Johnston is as busy as ever. He waits by the door for his older sisters to get home and has them all wrapped around his little finger. He says some of the funniest things and has a ton of energy that I just wish I could bottle up.

Jimmy is still coaching and healing from his ankle injury. He loves coaching his girls and can't wait for games. Right now he is counting down til James is in scouts and he can do all the scouting stuff with him.

And I am just keeping busy as you can plainly see. Still looking for things that I have lost in the move that I know are still somewhere in this new home. Not only that, upon looking in our attic (something we did just recently) we found boxes and boxes of stuff that was just left here from the other occupants. Like I don't have enough of my own stuff to go through they left me theirs too.

But even with all that is lost, I am glad we are here at this home at this time. I feel like this is the place and like we've lived here for years already (even if the backyard is still dirt).

40 lbs

Today we celebrated my birthday with a family get together. It was wonderful and really nice to have everyone around. We always have a nice time talking and laughing. I received some fantastic homemade cards from the kids (aren't those always the best?) as well as cards/gifts from Mom, Dad, Joey and Jimmy and the kids. Jimmy was nice enough not to put all the candles needed on the cake saying he couldn't get the permits for it even with knowing Bart Eliason hehe.

The reason this is titled 40lbs is because of Johnston. After we blew out the candles and we sat eating cake he asked me how many pounds I was. I told him that I wasn't telling him that information when he told us he was 4 pounds. We told him I was 40 pounds or I was 4 pounds like him just add a zero.

Not made for Bball

For anyone who hasn't yet figured it out, we are a soccer family. So why was Jimmy playing basketball with the youth and other leaders on wednesday night? Because it was an activity of course. Now this in and of itself is not a bad thing. The bad thing happened 30seconds before the end of the game when he jumped up, which I am sure was beautiful even though I wasn't there because anything he does is beautiful and no I am not being funny, but didn't quite come down the right way. By the time he came home, an hour later (hey "the Bishop needed him" or so he says) it looked like there was a softball inside his ankle. But wait theres more. As I freak and my first thought is "get in the car" his first thought is lets ice it and see how it looks in the morning. WHAT! Did he not see the bump? Actually, yes he did and he thought it was cool. What a guy! After icing it for awhile and dealing with my looks of impatience and his pain he gave in and off we went to the ER at 10pm. Good news, just a bad sprain. Bad news, stay off it for a couple of days then you can walk on it while wearing a brace. Ya right. Do they know my husband? He actually went to work the next day professing that he would certainly be home by noon, well he was only 2 hours off. I think the funniest thing to happen was actually the dr asking where we lived because he doesn't see many people in that hospital that aren't hispanic lol.

And Jimmy's biggest concern, cancelling soccer practice with his girls and getting to his older two daughters soccer game. He is so awesome!

Nothing to watch

Someone tell me how you can have nearly 1000 channels on satellite and still not find anything to watch? Don't get me wrong, I have had moments that I have dreamt of a day of nothing to do where I could sit in front of the t.v. all day and just veg out but it doesn't happen. And if there were to be some "free" time to sit in front of it in the daylight hours I am sure I would still find nothing to watch. I am not a soapy person and can't stand anyones "View"

All this being said, I found myself laying in bed or on the couch sick for the last week and again resigned myself to the fact that daytime t.v. doesn't exist unless you are watching cartoons. Since I am a pretty decent cartoon officianado (and Johnston has his favorites) we saw alot of reruns that were better than the stuff I have never seen before on the other channels. Of course, Jimmy says he can always find something to watch but it is usually soccer or the military channel.

So, even if my days are hectic and I wish for some free time to veg I'm pretty sure it won't be to watch t.v. (unless it is something I have dvr'd recently).

New Camera

For Christmas (sorta) we bought a new camera. It is really an incredible camera and does alot. It is one of those cameras that you threaten the kids that if they touch it all their fingers will be broken lol. Jimmy really got some great pics of the girls at their soccer game last week and I am sure we will get some more tonight. Its great to get such close pics and be in the stands, I can only imagine how great they will be when we are only on the sidelines. It also has a stand and timer so next year we can get our Christmas picture done earlier because I won't need to con someone to come take it *yeah right*. I am starting to get the hang of it but Jimmy does much better with it so far. It even takes black and white photos which I think is so totally cool, I love black and white photos. We even paid for the extra insurance since with 6 kids you never know what will happen and it isn't one of those wal-mart specials that we normally get.

I loved taking the camera to Jillians first band concert and it would have taken great pics if she hadn't been behind the tubas (go figure) so most of her pictures are just one half of her. I mean the tuba is bigger than she is!

Hopefully soon I will get some pics on the blog for you to see. I know, you are waiting with baited breath (was that spelled right?) Oh well.

Resolutions

There are so many things I would like to resolve myself to do in the next year, but part of me realizes that most of them won't ever really get done. Still, I make them in my head and not on paper so as to not completely disappoint myself come next December 31.

1. I want to read the Book of Mormom through again, and not wait until November to do it.
2. I want to lose weight, don't ask how much, and get into shape so I can keep up with not only my kids but my husband.
3. I want to be a more patient mother, wife, daughter of God
4. I want to bring my wii fit age down to my actual age
5. I want to be able to go on the youth trek in April and not die in the process
6. I want to better organize my finances and my home
7. I want to get better at our blog, since I have no knowlegde on what I am doing

I could take up a hundred pages with the wants but these seem actually doable in my future.

What are some of your resolutions?