Skinner Clan

Bedrest

2011-03-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I have updated our blog, however; so much has happened in the last few weeks and months that I can't help but post. Also, I have a little bit more time on my hands seeing as I am on modified bed rest and not able to do a whole lot for that last few weeks of my pregnancy. We are very excited to welcome our newest and #7 addition to our family very soon. My actual due date is May 4, however; due to placenta previa it looks like our newest arrival will come mid April sometime. We are very excited and I am finding that my faith has been strengthened in the Lord thru all that has happened in the last year.

Camp and Tonsils

2010-08-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great time the last week of July going to Camp Cartwheel. This was my first year that I could go and volunteer and, even though people told me I should not do it and should use this time alone to relax, I really wanted to give back to the camp and was excited to go. I think I had about as much fun as the kids did. Camp Cartwheel is for kids with cancer and other diseases that the kids have attended since Jessica was 6. They have alot of friends they have made over the years and this was Johnstons first year. He had a ball!

Right after we got home we had Jeana's sweet sixteen party at Crystal Palace Skating Rink. It was alot of fun. I still can't believe she is 16.

The next day, yes I know "mean mom", Jeana and Jillian had their tonsils removed. We have been struggling the last year with bouts of strep throat and I was seriously done, so when the dr said ENT I said YES. The hope and prayer is that this school year we don't have the struggles we had last year. I think Jeana is finally not angry with me so that makes me happier :)

I Know, I Know, it's been a looooong time...

2010-07-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

But as much as I love to keep everyone updated it seems that our blog has totally been put on the last thing to do list.

Just recently, however; we had a family vacation. We took the kids to Disneyland, which was a BLAST and then off to San Diego. I wish I could say that was a blast as well but the circumstances around it were not since we finally buried my fathers ashes after losing him in January.

I just want to post a few pics that I hope everyone enjoys.

Magic Birthday

2009-12-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-09-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-04-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T20:57:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-22T15:12:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-02T21:22:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-01T18:39:00.001-08:00

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?

SO FUN

2008-12-31T12:28:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-24T09:09:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-06T09:12:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-03T09:52:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-07T11:40:00.001-07:00

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...

2008-10-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!

2008-10-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-23T09:39:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-21T13:12:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-09-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

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....

2008-04-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

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.

Ghosts and Ghouls

2007-11-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

We had a great time last night at the Trunk or Treat. Jessica was Dorothy (cute again), Jeana was Pumpkin Spice (should have seen that orange hair), Jillian was Hermione from Harry Potter, Jordyn was the cutest mouse ever, James was the black spider man where Johnston chose to be the good spider man. Alot of candy was received by all six so you can only imagine my kitchen counter and at one or two pieces a day we will have candy around for quite some time. I ended up having to take pictures after the treating and unfortunately JT was sound asleep on the chair in the front room. Jimmy did a really cool thing with dry ice and dish soap to make bubbles and took it to the trunk or treat for all the kids. We were constantly surrounded while he made bubbles. He and James got all the information online and there were alot more he would have loved to do if he had had more time. All in all it was a great time and fun for the whole family.

Tin Man

2007-10-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Jimmy did an awesome job as the Tin Man in our Stakes rendition, or fifteen minutes of, The Wizard Of Oz. He looked so life like as the tin man that kids wanted their picture taken with him and everything. We even have it taped for future reference. There is no escaping it now.

All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth

2007-10-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

We had a very exciting weekend with 2 visits from the tooth fairy. Jordyn couldn't stand it any more and between Jillian and mom had her two front teeth finally pulled out. Now she is toothless and looks too cute. Poor James is dying to loose some himself and Jillian is quite distraut that Jordyn may catch up to her in baby teeth losses. Will keep you updated.

THE CAST IS OFF...

2007-09-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Well, Jeana got her cast off on Monday. She still walks a little tenderly and has been told that there will be no soccer until she walks right. Boy is she trying hard. Missing soccer was really hard for her especially missing the first game of the season, which they won by the way. Jillians team did wonderful on their first game of the season, tieing the other team, with no subs and only 10 on the field. Jimmy was way proud of them! James has decided that he wants to play baseball, so I guess we might be trying that out with him next season. Jimmy isn't so sure about the baseball thing, its new to our soccer family hehehe. Jessica has been doing really well in volleyball and even scored a point in one game. She seems to like it and the extra activity has really boosted her appetite, its like having a teenage boy. James and Jordyn are really loving school. They are making new friends and James loves having lunch at school. Johnston is just enjoying being at home and running errands with mom and mom is just as excited about it.

Trash Anyone

2007-09-04T19:26:00.001-07:00

OK, so we, as a family of 8 plus 2 dogs, usually have quite a bit of trash. We have had to replace many cans in the last 6 months because we can't seem to get the good sturdy ones. We are trying yet again and hope to have actually succeeded this time. Anyways! We usually fill up our two cans no problem in a regular time frame for trash pick up. Well, this past weekend we decided to clean rooms, mainly the older two, and what a challenge that was. I think we threw away tons of just trash from their room. Not food type trash but papers. I do believe that our kids have every paper they have written, colored on, been given or seen in their lifetime in their bedrooms. Lets just say that our trash men are definitely earning their keep tomorrow on trash day. I understand that some papers are important but really, how many papers can you have with your name on it and nothing else or drawings you did in first grade (they are now in 8th and 9th). I know that I have been in their rooms and cleaned before but these papers must have been hidden in the black hole that is called their room.

The boys finally have a mattress for the top bunk so James is so excited to sleep on top. Can we say nervous mom. I worry that we will miss a step at one point or decided to see just how far we can jump from the top bunk. James also likes to do head stands so, here's hoping he won't try up on his bed.

We also went through clothes because when you have a full load of dirty clothes and still can't shut your drawers you have too many I think. I dropped off 10 bags to Deseret Industries and am already starting another bag. Doesn't it seem like things multiply, throw away one find two, that kind of thing. And now we have uniforms so it is like having twice the clothes.

I guess it could be worse. We are all healthy and happy, despite my growing items.

When does a cast mean no broken bones

2007-09-01T19:48:00.001-07:00

When the bone is bruised of course, whoda guessed. Well, this has happened to Jeana, however; it should only be for a couple of weeks. Its really hard for her not to be able to run and play soccer but that is the whole reason for the cast. There were 2 choices, resting and a cast. For any and all who know Jeana, she doesn't know the meaning of resting so unfortunately (or fortunately) it was the cast. She already had it all signed up before the end of her first day at school. All of her friends think it is really "weird" that she has a cast on and no broken bones. Of course, it is blue ( her fave color) and she can walk on it so at least no crutches. You should see her trying to get in the car or up the stairs, poor thing. I do believe we are trying a shower tonight, with a garbage bag for cover. So far the inconvenience is minimal but time shall tell.

Beginning Blues

2007-09-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought this would be easy enough but guess not. I mean type a few things add a few pics. Now to find the pics on the computer and add them where they go is a totally different species.

My hope is that when I am able to figure all this out that we will be able to share different parts of our life with other family and friends.

Good Luck navigating through this.