Hospital Stay

My younger sister, Marlene, has twin boys, Josh and Tyler. They are 11 months old and hands down the cutest kids I have ever seen. The boys have been sick for quite some time, things like runny noses, ear infections, diarrhea....typical toddler stuff. They also have some feeding issues and it seemed to had gotten progressively worse. The had lost some weightt, acting lethargic, and were dehydrated. Marlene took them to the doctor on Friday morning. The doctor was pretty concerned about their condition so he sent them to the hospital.
When I got news that they were being admitted to the hospital and would be there for a few days I immediately booked a flight and left Friday afternoon to help. I have been in the hospital before with a baby and I just couldn't imagine Marlene trying to care for twins all by herself.
After running some tests and experimenting with different formula, the boys are now on a strict diet of just formula, rice cereal and very bland crackers. They can't have any baby food, table food, or dairy. The docs are hoping that this will help with the boys' discomforts and help them want to start eating again.
I really enjoyed my time with Marlene and her boys. I especially enjoyed the snuggle time! They are so sweet! I am also so grateful to have Taylor be so supportive. He was very willing to watch our kiddos so that I could run off and be a big sister.
Josh and Tyler were discharged on Monday evening. They have gotten their appetites back and hopefully will continue growing on a steady basis.

Tyler sleeping with me


Josh not wanting to sleep




When the boys started feeling better, it was hard to keep them busy/occupied.
Trying to keep busy

A Big Snow Storm

I am starting to get used to and maybe even enjoy (although I hate to admit it)having the cold winters here in New Mexico. I love experiencing the peacefulness of falling snow. I may be crazy, but I even love driving in it!
Last Thursday we had a huge snow storm move into Albuquerque. My kids didn't have school Friday so they really enjoyed playing outside all day. We built snow men, made snow angels, and Cooper even shoveled off my driveway. What a nice boy!!

Christmas Tree

December 4th, 2010
We went up to the Jemez Mountains to cut down a Christmas tree. It was actually very warm and not a lot of snow on the ground. We took our time searching for the perfect tree. I was too busy to take any pictures but after we got our tree and 3 others (for friends) we stopped at a little cafe and got some hot chocolate. This has become such a fun tradition.





This is the kids little tree that they picked out. For some reason I didn't get a pic of our big tree.

Eli, Eli, Eli

Do they have therapists for 3 year olds?! I'm not joking when I say that he may need some kind of bipolar medication!

Taylor and I have been engaging in quite a few conversations regarding our 3 year old, Eli. Anybody that knows him, knows that he can be a handful. He is a frequent topic of our prayers at night, seems trivial but I don't know who else to turn to. I know that Lord sent him to us for a reason but at times I feel extremely under qualified.
He has the same parents as our other children, raised in the same house, has the same rules, but he challenges EVERYTHING! Needless to say, I am exhausted. I love him so much and while he can be so hard, he can flip a switch and be a loving, kind, gentle, little boy. How can you ever be mad at this adorable face?!

November Happenings

*We finally got our front yard done. It was such a huge project to remove our old landscape and replace it with grass. I'm so grateful for my hubby and all his hard work!


*This year we went to AZ for Thanksgiving. Natalie had a blast playing, holding, and feeding the twins, Josh and Tyler. I love those boys to pieces.


*I was lucky enough to have Josh fall asleep on me. He just melts my heart.


*Cody and Eli enjoyed cuddling with Papa and reading books.


*Grandma spent most of the week in the kitchen. Natalie was right by her side most of the time making sure everything was tasting good.


*The day after Thanksgiving we canned flour and sugar. This was a lot of fun working together as a family. I think it has become a new Thanksgiving tradition.


*A few days ago Taylor built a firepit in our backyard. It has been so nice to spend time together as a family outside whether we're roasting marshmellows, hot dogs or just chatting around the fire. The kids have really enjoyed it.

Could be Worse.......

A father passing by his son's bedroom
was astonished to see that his bed was nicely
made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an
envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow
that was addressed to 'Dad.'

With the worst premonition he opened the envelope
with trembling hands and read the letter.

Dear Dad:

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you.
I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted
to avoid a scene with Mom and you.

I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice.

But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her
piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that
she is much older than I am.

But it's not only the passion... Dad she's pregnant.

Stacy said that we will be very happy.
She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for
the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.

Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone.

We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the
other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy.

In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for
AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it.

Don't worry Dad. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself.

Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so
that you can get to know your grandchildren.

Love,
Your Son John

P.S. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Tommy's house.

I Just wanted to remind you that there are worse things
in life than a report card. That's in my center desk drawer.
I love you.

Call me when it's safe to come home.

Family Time

We are so grateful to have Taylor back full time. I have to admit that life is a whole lot easier with a second pair of hands around here. We were really needing some family time so we took the kids bowling. Always an adventure with our kids. Haha.






We were on our last frame and getting ready to leave when another family started setting up in the lane next to us. We asked the husband if he could take a picture of our family all together. He of course said yes. After the picture was taken we realized who had taken it. It was Steve Stucker, the weatherman and coanchor on KOB.
How random that he would be next to us at the bowling alley!!

What a STUD!!!

Taylor has just completed his last hunting trip for 2010. I couldn't be more thrilled. Don't get me wrong, I love that he hunts! I think that a man that can literally "bring home the bacon" is so attractive and honorable. Its his passion and so I share in his excitement! But I am so anxious to have him home with us.
He had a pretty successful year. We now have 300 lbs of Big Game meat in our freezer. More than enough to sustain our family until next hunting season starts. I'll be busting out the dehydrator any day now to start making some jerky. Raise your hand if you want some!!!!
Bull Elk Hunt




Deer Hunt

Natalie Piano

This girl has come a long way with her piano in only a few weeks. I am so proud of her!!
**Pause the music down at the bottom in order to hear video**
This is "Love One Another"

Wow! November already......REALLY?!

I can't believe its November 1st. Hunting season is coming to an end (Hallelujah!!) and the Holidays are officially upon us. I have a lot of work to do. Its fun work though so no complaining will come from me!
We had a great Halloween this year. We started with the Ward's Annual Trunk or Treat. No pics from that night...I totally forgot and to be honest I was a little busy.
We carved pumpkins a couple weeks ago.




I learned a few things while completing this task alone for the first time.

#1- Wear gloves while cleaning out the pumpkin guts. ICK!
#2- Carving pumpkins should be a man's job.
#3- Kids lose interest very quickly. You're soon to be left alone with no help and no one to keep you entertained.

Our pumpkins turned out FANTASTIC! I'm very proud of myself!!







I scored major points last night with my kiddos. I was a nice mommy and let them trick or treat a few houses even though it was Sunday. I hope I don't get struck my lightning. Haha. There was just no way I was going to keep the kids inside the house and honestly thats just torturous!! Every child needs to get the opportunity to go door to door asking for candy. Its a great thing!

October 26th

One year ago today my sweet Mother-in-Law lost her battle with cancer. She was the worlds greatest Grandma to my kids and such an example of faith. She fought long and we're so proud of her. We miss Cathy so much but I get to feel her often. I am glad for the plan of salvation and the knowledge the comfort the gospel brings me that one day we can live with her again.
My thoughts are with her children today, especially her daughters. I can't imagine going through life without the help of my mother. Love you Tash and Jenn. Hang in there!

P.S. In honor of Cathy, I am going to consume a whole entire bag of Hershey candy bars.


I wanted to share this because it is one of my most cherished memories with Cathy. This pic is from Cooper's birth. I will never forget that day. It was a very special/scary time for Taylor and I. Cathy and Butch sat at the hospital all night with us anxiously waiting for their first grandchild. I remember the moment Cooper was born. Taylor, myself, Cathy and Butch were all bawling our eyes out. The spirit was so strong and we all knew at that moment that Cooper was sent specifically to our family for a reason. It was a very neat experience and I'm so grateful I was able to share that with them.

We have the privilege of passing Cathy's grave everytime we drive in to AZ. We always stop and spend a few minutes there. The kids enjoy it and I think it helps them feel like their Grandma isn't that far away.