I really need to update more!

I always have so much to post, but feel like their is not enough time to sit and give it due justice. Things are going great, my pregnancy is progressing rapidly. I thought I was just about to start my fifth month when I realized I was already seven months. Wow, how did that happen? I can't believe I am that far along! My Little women of the house has turned 5, she is turning into such a pretty little thing, I don't know what I am going to do with her. She already has many boys falling head over heals for her, yes at five years old, and I in for trouble or what? She is independent, outgoing, and ready for life; by this I mean kindergarten. she exclaimed in her Drama the other day "I never gets to do anything, all I gets to do is play, play, play! I want to go to school, I want homework!" Awe, what wonderful words, I will hold it over her head for the rest of her life! She is a joy, I love my little women.
Lincoln is 13 months now, he is 17 pounds, pretty good for him. he is crawling every where and loves to stand on his own. He thinks he is cool stuff! although he is not sure about the walking thing yet. his favorite past time is going up and down the stairs, he is getting really good at it. I have just decided he is ready for a big boy bed, since he is aware of edges now and can get down off of things himself. he did great last night, so we shall see; he is such a big boy! he is starting to tone out a bit, losing that flabby skin he aquired from months of immobility. I used to think he was quite goofy looking (I know bad for a mom to say, but he was so saggy) but he has really started growing into himself lately and becoming quite the little cutie pie. He has more facial expressions than I have ever seen, and has uh-oh, and no-no down quite well, pronounced with the roundest "O" mouth that you have ever seen. What a ham!

A dose of reality!

I joined a support group for Lincoln. It is a great group and great to have questions answered by people who have or are going through the same thing as I am. I don't post much, as I am a shy member, but I do reply to people when I have gone through the same situation and have asked a few questions. Sometimes I have to wonder if it is good for me though. I am an optimist, I like to believe the best! so when I am forced to come to reality, it is a hard pill to swallow. Even when Lincoln is in the hospital having a surgery I seem to have no problem believing he is going to come out just fine, sometime I think I take everything for granted. Well I had a reality check! A member from the group, who was not a shy member, sent a post. Her little man about 14 months, who was doing just fine, no unordinary problems, just passed away. He was staying with his grandparents while his parents went out of town. He started acting different and fussy, so his grandparents decided to take him to the emergency room; he stopped breathing on the way to the hospital and they couldn't revive him. Cause: He got a stomach infection and his heart wasn't strong enough to fight it. Oh, how my heart goes out to them. Your Legacy will always be remembered little Seamus.


It is a hard pill to swallow. I have to realize that just because Lincoln is doing so well, doesn't mean he is or ever will be safe. Unfortunately my son's heart will never be whole, it will never be "fixed." He has half a heart. He has been "rewired" to live on one ventricle. His heart could decide to peeter out at any moment. Any little infection, trauma, or illness could take my baby from me. He does need additional surgeries and /or a heart transplant in the future. There is not a fix for Hypo-plastic Left Heart Syndrome. It is easy to take health for granted, but I have to realize that I can't take Lincoln's health for granted.
So that all said, am I supposed to live in fear every day wondering if today is my last day with him? I don't think I want to dwell on that at all. I do have to be more careful with Lincoln, but If I was in a constant state of worry; I do not feel I would be able to enjoy and rejoice in his life. I do not want him to feel different than the other kids, and I do not want to turn him into a wounded Duck. So even though believing that he is a super hero may be over the top and leave me vulnerable to great sorrow, I choose to take the road of the optimist, but I do have to admit a dose of reality is also good for me.
(who knows, he just have to hold on till the Savior comes, and that's my final take on things.)

Lots to talk about!

Ok so I have so much to tell everyone, and so many cute pics to go with it, but they are all on other peoples cameras, so you will have to wait for them. First off, my little Corban turned three on Dec. 4th, he is getting so big, in AGE that is, he is a whole 23 pounds so he is a little pipsqueek, but what is new, this is the story of my kids growth history. he has started primary, and I can hardly believe it, he is way too small, but he does well. I love the little man, he is about the cutest thing ever, and silly as i'll get out.

next, I have great pictures of the kids playing in a nativity. They were so cute, Rayney was an Angel, Dagan and Corban were shepherds and Lincoln was baby Jesus. I was a little was a little worried about Lincoln being baby Jesus because he likes to move know, but amazingly he just laid calmly in the little manger, and waved his cute little arms every once and a while. The kids were so cute with him, they kept leaning down and kissing him and held his hands. They all did such a good job!

Well next I guess is Christmas, we spent it at my parents house. We had our traditional, porridge for breakfast and since Dad snuck in a handful of almonds, lots of people won the prize this year. The kids of course had a blast, and all and all it was a good day. So huh that about all there the pics will tell the rest.

Well another very exciting adventure has come our way, I am the proud new owner of a vinyl business, I am going to call it Say It in Vinyl. I am having so much fun with it, creating new and fun stuff for the store and custom jobs for people. Plus I am just excited to decorate my house with it, I have to paint it first though.

let's talk Lincoln; he is doing so great, I took everything for granted with the other kids. Everything came so easy for them, and I was spoiled because they seemed to do everything early making it easy on me. Crawling by four to five months, and so independent. Well Lincoln was still having surgeries at that point and had no time to learn to crawl or even gain muscle strength to hold his head up. Every time he does something new it is the most emotionally exciting event to happen upon this family. Well he is almost 11 months old now, and when my other kids were just starting to walk, he has just started to crawl. yah, Lincoln, he has been progressing so fast, just about three weeks ago he could still hardly hold up his head, in the last three weeks he has gone from hating to be on his tummy to creeping backwards, then finally forwards, to crawling, he is slow, although getting faster each day, and he grunts with every inch; letting us know how much work this is for him, but still he is a trooper and plugs along. Having Lincoln has opened my eyes so much, the kids adore him and he is such a blessing and a joy.

OK, so after reading the next bit of news, I know many might think we are crazy, and maybe we are, but just know we are so excited about it!

SKOTLYND SKY IS ON HER WAY!!!

she will make her presence in this world in June, bringing our family to a tally of seven. Rayney is of course so excited for a sister and the kids can't wait, they have already expressed that they believe we need six kids. I told them to start praying for twins then, as I am getting tired of being pregnant, but it's just one and who knows, number six will probably happen someday! Right now I am just focusing on number five.
Well I think that is all the fun stuff, pics I hope will come soon, love you all and take care!

'Twas The Night Before Christmas...

Mom Style

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring & she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads.

Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too."

The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."
Smiling wisely, Santa said: "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget, it won't be very long,
before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side, Santa said: "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you'll be all right."

Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.
Especially at times when the Holiday season shouts,
and all we do is clean, bake, and procure.
You get the picture -- I'm sure.

So stop for a moment and hug that little one so dear,
whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older this year.
For they are the gift that God gave us from Heaven above,
and what a special gift to be treasured, with endless LOVE!

May The Real Meaning Of Christmas Be With You All Year.

family Picture

I know it is sad, but this is the first family picture we have ever taken. Life should not be so busy!

My kids ready for church!

How about them Dawgs!

We are Georgia fans in our house, and it was a great day when the Dawgs beat the Gators, GO DAWGS!! it's about time. Dustin has taught my kids a modified version of "see you later aligator" the kids reply, "We arn't gators, we're Georgia bulldogs, RUFF RUFF"

Dagan is 6!!

I can't believe my Little man is 6. I am not old enough to have a six year old!! How did that happen, even after four kids I still get the weird feelings of; where did all these kids come from, I can't be a mother, I'm just a kid! needless to say yes my little man is 6, and he is proud of it, he had so much fun at his birthday party, and even though it was November in Idaho, the weather was perfect.

Halloween pics!

I wasn't very creative this year for Halloween, it was whatever I could borrow from others; but they had fun anyways!

Had to put in a cute pic of my sister and her cutie pie breklynn, too bad Brek was asleep; but she was the cutest elephant ever!

Kids at the Circus

The kids had a blast, they loved the clowns, and all the animals. You should have seen Rayney when the lady jumed on top of the six person stack; she covered her eyes and said "I can't watch!" It was classic


But I think Lincolns face say's it all, hehe :)
I had to through in this pic because he looks so cute in his little knome coat

Circus

We went to the Circus, How fun is that? I think I was more excited than the kids, and they were excited!! My friend Shantel got me tickets for my birthday, she is the coolest friend ever. So I tried to take pics, but they didn't turn out great so I will post some of the better ones.
There were white hourses
tight rope walkers
an upside down show
trapeze artists
and of course our favorite an elephant

camp out on tramp

We decided to have a sleepout on the tramp before it got too cold! They thought it was fun stuff.

Of course there was some fun play time before they went to bed

How cute are they all tucked into bed, Dustin is the best at telling ghost stories; Lucky for me I was sleeping inside with Lincoln! :)

Kids Room

Our store has a kids room that we decorated the walls with vinyl, it's way cute! I think I will do my childrens rooms like this.

All Things Imported

We have opened a home decore store, it is a lot of work right know, but it is beautiful. It seems to be doing very well, so we plan to start one in Idaho Falls soon. We plan and hope to open a new store every few months, if all goes well. Here are some pics!

Twinkled!

I was driving down the road in heavy trafic the other day and Rayney wanted me to look at something. I told her I couldn't because I was driving and I didn't want to die until I get old. She say's "you want to die"? I say "Not until i'm old" Rayney expresses that she never wants to die. So then I start into a whole spiel about how dieing is not a bad thing, living with heavenly father and eternal families. She seemed to understand, and agree, then in an after thought I said, "besides you will probably be twinkled anyways". Well that started a whole new topic, Rayney says, "twinkled? What's twinkled? I don't want to be twinkled!" So again I explain what twinkled is, after my atempted explanation, (it is not an easy thing to explain to a four year old) Rayney asks, "like Shantel?", me, taken back a little, "no Shantel isn't twinkled", Rayney, "then why is she so shiny?" Ahh, the great and pure mind of a child, I love it! Needless to say Shantel got a kick out of it, and I have to agree with Rayney, (who adores Shantel, and thinks she is the most beautiful person in the world) that Shantel is Shiny in every sence of the word. She is beautiful inside and out!!

My Birthday!

still no camera cord, so I thought I would celebrate me. Hey I deserve it right? I'm 27 years old today, Dustin keeps trying to say I'm getting old but I keep reminding him that I'm still four years younger than he is :)

Seven Year Itch!

Well I seem to have misplaced my camera cord to put new pics on; I have lots to post but no pics to go with it. So I thought I would write some thoughts I was having about the seventh year itch. I have a friend who was telling my about her first marriage, and how it ended in the seventh year, I will not put the details as it is not my story to tell, but needless to say she definitely believes in the seven year itch. Well Dustin and I had our seventh anniversary in April; so I asked myself, “am I itchy”? I can say with complete validation that I do not have a single itch on me. I Love Dustin way more today than I ever have!!! He was my best friend before I married him and he is even more than that now. And goodness how could I be itchy in this seventh year? The Lord made sure there was absolutely nothing boring or routine about this year. We found out our child was going to be born with only half a heart, decided to move across country from Georgia to Idaho, finding new doctors, insurance, job. Traveling to Oregon to have our baby, five surgeries and many months in the NICU and PICU without my babies, watch this new little stranger go through so much. Starting a new business, and moving into a new house in the process. Yes, nothing normal or routine about it! But I thank the Lord everyday for these rocky times when I feel his love so deeply, and have the opportunity to grow and become an even stronger family. So all and all no itch for me!!

when they told us we could go I waisted no time in getting his clothes on for the treck home, and he was happy too, after five heart surgeries in five months he was realy tired of the hospital life. Hopefully he has a good long break this time, we don't want to see the PICU again until he is three please.
My doesn't he look good!!

He loved the teddy they gave him! It was the first time since he was born that he had the energy play with a toy, you can't imagine the joy that gave me.

right after surgery, it's always so hard to see him this way. My sweet little munchkin!

But I love when I get to hold him for the first time again, although it's always a mess with all those lines

Saying bye to my Little Lincoln, just before surgery!

Reunion at Lake Cleavland

The fun tuckered little Lincoln right out, but that is the story of his life, conserve the little energy he has.

Dagan was the only one that caught a fish! Can you see it? He was so excited about that minnow.

The kids had fun fishing and swimming!