Sami's World

Every year Google does a “West Coast Trip”. Usually it’s a ski trip to Tahoe, but I guess they decided that wasn’t glamorous enough. This year they went all out and took the all the employees on the west coast to Disney Land. Well, not all, just the employees from Mountain View, Phoenix, and Santa Monica. I heard there was something like 5000 total employees that went. Here is my view of the trip.

Monday I got up and packed my laptop and a few other essentials into a back pack. I went to work for a few hours, then caught a shuttle to San Jose International Airport. After waiting in line for an hour, I got my boarding pass and headed for security. This is where packing everything I need for three days in one bag paid off. No bags to check, quick trip through security. Then my flight got delayed so I spent 3 hours hanging out in the airport with a what seemed like 1 million other Googlers.

I finally got on the plane and we where off for Ontario, California. I got there a little late, but Dean agreed to meet me anyway and we had a nice, but very late dinner, at Tony Roma’s. We also swung by the ESPNZone in Down Town Disney to see some of my coworkers, but they where drinking pretty steadily by the time we showed up, so we left. It was late anyway and Dean needs his beauty rest.

I was staying at the Anaheim Marriott, which was very nice. My room mate never showed up, so I got the whole room to myself. That was even nicer. I finally crashed on Monday night about 11:30pm.

I was up pretty early on Tuesday, mostly because I was so excited. I got dressed, headed down for breakfast and then grabbed the shuttle for Disney Land. I got there right when the park opened. It was pretty neat. I haven’t been to Disney Land for over 10 years, so it was really like being for the first time. This is off season for Disney Land so lines for rides weren’t too bad. I walked onto every ride I wanted to ride. After cruising Disney Land for awhile, I headed over to Disney’s California Adventure. That wasn’t as much fun. California is more of an amusement park, not a theme park, there where more roller coasters and things like that. If a ride requires me to be upside down, then forget it. Also, if the restraint system for a ride has a puke shield, that should tell you something about the ride.

Anyway, after spending about 1 hour at California Adventure, and not finding anything I liked, I headed back to Disney Land. I stood in line for the Disney Princess “meet-n-greet” and got the signatures of most of the Disney princesses for my girls. I also managed to get sigs from Buzz Lightyear, Goofy, Micky, Minnie, Pooh and Eeyore and a couple of others. The kids enjoyed that.

About 7:00pm the Disney Parade started. That was amazing! I would pay the full cost of Disney admission just to see that. You can’t believe that anyone could put on a show like that. After the Parade, Disney Land and California Adventure where closed to everyone. Everyone except Google! That’s right. Google both parks to ourselves from 8:00pm to 1:00am. The restaurants where open, and all the food was free. The rides where running, without lines, and all the Disney Characters where out to chum around with us. It was pretty fun.

But the best part was the Disney Fireworks show over the Enchanted Castle. Wow! Words cannot describe a Disney fireworks show, complete with Tinker Bell flying over the Castle. It was simply amazing!

Anyway, after eating ice cream until I was sick, and riding Pirates of the Carribean (sitting in a boat, by myself), I decided it was time to go get some sleep. I left the park at 11:30, and was asleep by 1:00am. Good thing too, because I had to get up early for breakfast so I could catch a shuttle to Ontario so I could fly home.

It sure felt good getting off the plane in San Jose. I missed my little family. And I kinda’ think they missed me. Anyway, it was a fun trip. I’m glad I went. I wasn’t going to, but Sami insisted. I think she wins the prize for the coolest wife ever.

About the corn dog. That’s what I had for lunch on Tuesday. It was awesome. I order a corn dog, the lady says “one corn dog”, and the guy behind her takes a big ol’ hot dog on a stick, dips it in batter and deep fries it, hands it to her, she hands it to me. A little mustard and I was in heaven. Yum Yum.

I guess we are in for some more winter, at least that is what Punxsutawney Phil says. So I guess our news will continue to be boring for the next 6 weeks……

Most of last week was spent sick and inside. We really didn’t do much except for school, chores and resting. There were some highlights that I’d like to share though…….

When we told Jaime and Alix about President Gordon B. Hinkley dying, Jaime was quite sad. Alix, however, clapped her hands in glee. It was not the response I expected and asked her why she was so happy. She said ‘That means President Hinkley is in Heaven with Heavenly Father and Jesus. That is so cool.’ Can’t argue with that! We continued the conversation and named other people he was probably reunited with. She got even more excited with each person we named. In the end, she went to bed with happiness of heart knowing, without a doubt, that President Hinkley was in Heaven and one day she would see him again in Heaven. A testimony building experience for me. Children really are closer to the spirit than any of us will ever realize.

Niah, who has not napped for close to 5 months now, took a 2 1/2 hour nap every day this past week!! Lucky me! I was able to sit with Milo for about an hour everyday and work on “school” with him. He thought it was a the coolest thing. I sure hope this trend continues. It makes for a happier afternoon and Milo gets some of the one on one with me that he so desires during the day.

On Thursday I had laid down on the couch for a quick power nap. I had to pick up my daycare kids and needed a little refresher first. As I was sleeping I felt Afton come up and poke my eyes. I sleepily told her mommy was taking a little rest and I’d be up in a minute. She kept poking so I put one of my hands over my eyes. She then progressed to my forehead and cheeks, which didn’t bother me too much. Niah, who had laid down with me, asked ‘mommy, what is that on your face’. Not really “with” it, I said nothing and dozed again. I then hear Jaime’s laughter. At which point I opened my eyes to behold Afton holding a red marker without a cap. Jaime informed me my face was covered. Still too out of it to care, I asked Jaime to take the marker from her and continued my siesta. The next thing I know, Afton is back with a wash cloth trying to clean my face. It was classic, very cute. When I did get up and go see myself, she had done a pretty good job! I guess it doesn’t just happen on T.V.!!

Jaime and Alix’s teacher came this week and said the girls were progressing nicely. School has really slowed down here with all the sickness, but somehow we manage to get something done everyday!

Alix started her science fair project this week. She buried different kinds of items in the dirt outside and wants to see what will happen to them after four weeks in the ground. It should be fun for her. She enjoyed picking the items and burying them. Jaime is still deciding what she wants to do, but thinks it would be fun to do something on dinosaurs. We’ll see what we come up with.

Be it known that Scott and Sami can never be accused of impulse buying! We had decided back in November that we were going to purchase a new dishwasher. Jaime had been doing a fabulous job, but she sure did have lots of dishes to do everyday. So we thought we should finally get a new dishwasher. We told the owner that we were going to and he was fine with that. Well, after 3 months of research, visiting 4 different stores, returning to two of them, and looking online we finally purchased a dishwasher. Scott installed it on Thursday and Jaime loaded it on Friday. She loved it. The deal was that whatever didn’t fit in the dishwasher she still had to wash by hand. She was so excited about that and made certain that she did not waste any space. She only had to hand wash 4 dishes that day! I’m glad we have a dishwasher too, it makes it seem as though the dishes are a little cleaner (especially with all this sickness that has been going on, clean is good!).

Jaime finally went to dance class this week. She missed two classes, which doesn’t seem like a lot but it was. She had quite a bit of catch up to do but did it very well. Dance comes so easy for her. I also got a paper about her dance recital later this year. Yep, it falls on the same day as the baby’s due date! Never before have I hoped for a baby to come late but I am this time. Not too late, just one day late!

Our owner says that by next Saturday we should have new windows installed. That should be a fun and interesting experience. I’ve been curious to know how it will affect our electric bill. I hope we see a significant change!!

That seems to be all the news from Fremont. We are excited about the Layton’s upcoming move and wish them tons of luck and love.

So, compared to the other updates I tend to write, this one should be short since it covers only a little bit of time, right??

Thursday January 24 seemed to go without a hitch. Alix stayed sick most of the day, Jaime still acted sick at some moments and Milo and Niah played and played. I was able to get things back to a semi “normal” state of affairs around here. We opted out of Dance and Piano for the day.

Friday, Jaime woke up pretty sick. It was real. She laid around and moaned and groaned and was not healthy. Milo was lazy all day and didn’t want to do anything but sit on the couch. Alix was definitely better but still a little run down. We spent the day just watching movies, reading and trying to get healthy. Scott got home early and went straight to bed. He slept from 1-5. He needed it. Sometime around 5 ish Milo said he didn’t feel good and threw up everywhere. Normally that would have not phased us too much, but we didn’t have any laundry detergent. Thank goodness for neighbors. I called one and they were able to bring some laundry detergent right over. We had been doing so much laundry this week, I wasn’t expecting to do more. Anyway, after that he slept the night through and seemed good.

Saturday was another “sick” day. However, Alix, Milo and Niah all seemed VERY good. So they got all bundled up and played outside for about an hour. They picked up all the oranges that had fallen off the tree and raked up some of the leaves off the patio. All in all a very productive hour. However, I think it set them back a little. By Saturday evening they were all lazing on the couch again. I spent most of Saturday with a can of Lysol spray and Lysol wipes in my hand. I tried to touch everything with at least one of those products. I sure hope I killed enough germs to keep this icky stuff from spreading anymore.

So here it is Sunday evening. Another day of lazing around and trying to feel better. I warned the family, sick or not, we have to get back to “reality” starting tomorrow morning. I think it will be good for us. We did try really hard to keep the sabbath day holy, even though we were sick and laying around. We watched a couple of movies but other than that we mostly just read stories, did puzzles and wrote some letters.

Besides being sick, we have reached some “milestones”. Niah can now go potty for herself. That’s huge around here. Usually my girls potty train pretty early, but are too small to get on the toilet by themselves. So I always have to put them on and take them off. She is now doing that all by herself. She is also dressing herself and doing a mighty fine job of it. Afton is climbing in and on everything. We have to keep bathroom doors closed now so that she won’t climb into the sink and try to “brush” her teeth. She is saying so many more words and trying so hard to communicate! Milo drew a person today complete with head, body, arms, legs, eyes, nose, mouth and fingernails. It was an awesome picture and we were surprised to see it when he was all done. Due to the recent sickness, I realized today that not even a door has been opened on our van since last Monday at 11:30 pm. Almost a full 7 days. I will have to drive it tomorrow morning to take my day care kids to school, otherwise I think it would have been a full 7 days of no contact with the van. I guess the beast needed the break though! It really stepped up to the plate during our vacation and we are grateful to have it!

Love to all

Torry Thompson!!!

What is she the winner of? She was the first one to ask “the question”. What question? She came up to me at the ‘after wedding lunch’ and asked ‘Sami, are you pregnant’. To which I had to honestly answer ‘Yes’.

After Scott and I got pregnant we tried to think of the most clever way to announce the pregnancy. The only clever thing we could come up with was not to announce at all. It’s been pretty fun. We are sure most of the people here in Fremont know, but not one of them has the nerve to ask.

Anyway, all immediate family members now know so we will announce to all of you who will probably not see me before the baby is born.

The baby is due on June 6, 2008. We will not get to know the sex of the baby till he/she is born. During our one and only ultra sound the baby would not reveal to us it’s sex. So that will be a surprise to all of us.

Otherwise, things seem well around here. I am over the morning sickness (actually the all day sickness)! I am just starting to feel the baby move and I definitely look like I could be pregnant but I also just look like I could have just gained a lot of weight.

So there ya go. Thompson #6 is on their way and we are all VERY excited. The kids jumped up and down the day we told them and are constantly asking when they can feel the baby move inside of my tummy. Milo has decided that the baby will be a boy and he wants to name him ‘Bob the Baby’.

Love you all.

Guess I haven’t posted in a while. Lots has been going on and computerizing hasn’t been one of them. Here is the weeeeek (more than 7 days) in review…..

Monday January 14, was like any other “normal” day. I watched my day care kids. Did school, chores and began preparing for our trip.

Tuesday January 15 was much the same except we had the sister missionaries over for dinner. That was fun. We enjoy them very much.

Wednesday is when things really got crazy!! We spent the morning doing school and chores. By 11 we started packing for our trip. We broke for lunch at noon and then went right on packing. Scott got home about 1 and things really started to move. We left here about 3pm and after two errands we were on the road by 3:30pm. Our first stop was Fresno. We made it there by 6. We arrived to a great dinner of salad and pizza and root beer. After a really quick dinner we got the kids ready for a night with grandma and then Scott and I left. We had arranged to do a session at the Fresno temple. That was an amazing experience. It’s nice to visit different temples and enjoy the same spirit in all of them. After the session we did a Wal Mart trip for a few last minute necessities. After getting back to mom’s we put the rest of the kids to bed and then Sara and I went out while Scott worked on a wireless network for mom. Sara and I got home by midnight and we were all in bed sleeping by 1.

6:30 am came early the next morning but we needed all the time we could get so we could finish everything. We spent the morning getting dressed, having breakfast and doing a few things for mom. Then we had to get things packed up again. We were on the road again by 10:30 am. Not too bad. We had a 5 hour drive ahead of us. We made wonderful time till we hit L.A. It all stopped there, literally!! We got to the Hotel by 4. Everyone else was already there. What a WONDERFUL hotel. It was beautiful. We could have spent the day at the hotel just walking and doing all the fun things they had there. We started our fire by 4:30. It didn’t do too well, so I ran to the store for lighter fluid and charcoal. We had a blazing fire by 5:30pm. We were stuffing ourselves with hot dogs and marshmallows by 6. It was fun. The kids rolled up their pants and played in the sand and water and were thoroughly freezing by the time we were eating but they thought it was worth it. We took all the kids back to the hotel by 7:30 for baths and jammies. They were all VERY tired but too excited to sleep so we didn’t end up with sleeping kids till after 9. Scott was in bed by 10 and I was asleep by 11 (I was a little excited too!!)

Friday morning was an early morning too! We were up by 7 am and eating breakfast by 7:30. It was an easy breakfast of banana’s and cereal. We started right in on showers and doing hair. We were done with all the preparations by 9 am. We said goodbye to the bride and the grandparents and started to clean up the hotel. We left the hotel by 10 am and got to the temple just in time to see the grooms mom realize she forgot her temple recommend (sound familiar mom????). We had to wait a little longer but they got things worked out and the sealing went on as expected. It was a beautiful ceremony and we were glad we were there. The kids stayed outside with their cousins and apparently had a great time. As soon as we were done in the temple we went back outside and dressed our kids in their cute outfits and went to the area where we were to meet the bride and groom. The next two hours were spent taking pictures and trying to keep kids happy. We all headed over to a wonderful Mexican restaurant. All the little ones fell asleep on the way. I opted to stay in the car with our two little ones. After about 30 minutes Scott came back and said we should wake them up so they could eat and maybe sleep on the drive back to Brawley. After lunch, we all loaded up and headed to Brawley. We arrived there about 6:30. By 7:30 everyone else had arrived and headed over to the church to start the decorating. I stayed home and put kids to bed and kept Grandma Thompson company!! Grandma and I filled boxes with truffles, finished tying bows on the plastic ware and watched a really good movie. Scott got back to his parents house by 1:30 and we were asleep by 2 am.

Saturday morning I opted to stay home with all the kids so that more could get done at the church. I had my five kids and my three nephews. It seemed to be a productive day. The kids played computer games for a little while. Then they played outside for a while. Then we went for a walk to the farm down the street then to the park then back home. While we were at the park, Niah somehow got her foot trapped under a teeter totter and was not able to walk home, so I carried her on my back. As soon as we got home she was able to limp around. Her foot was mostly bruised and and sore no real damage. I fed all the kids lunch, then put Niah and Milo down for a nap. Afton had napped while we were at the park. One of my nephews got picked up and put down for a nap too. For the next two hours it was super quiet at the house. I almost felt guilty that everyone else was down at the church working and I was sitting in a house full of sleeping kids. Everyone came back by about 3:30pm. Then the hustle and bustle started. We all seemed to get ready though and down to the church by 5:45. The church was beautiful. They had done a great job. The reception started and ended awesome. We enjoyed every minute of it. The kids were pretty tired so they had a hard time getting into it, but once dinner was served and dancing started, we couldn’t stop them! We saw the couple off and were cleaned up and home by 10. It was another late night, but sooo worth it.

Sunday morning came early! We all lazily got up and ready but still managed to get to church on time. It was a good service and we enjoyed ourselves. The afternoon was spent eating yummy leftovers with the rest of the family before we said goodbye to everyone. The house was “quiet” by 4. We spent the evening putting things away and trying to put Scott’s parents house back in order. The kids got put to bed on time for the first time in 5 days. I think they enjoyed it. The adults tried to stay up and watch a movie. I had started coughing earlier in the day and by evening I wasn’t feeling so hot. I went off to bed early too.

Monday, January 21, I was ILL!! I wasn’t sure I could even travel. I didn’t want to eat and I just coughed and ached and had no energy. I tried to help pack but just felt worse by the minute. I took a really hot bath and that helped. I did all I could and then went back to bed. After a little bit of lunch, a blessing and a lot of faith we hit the road by 1:45. Scott started the drive but didn’t get too far before he was falling asleep. So I took over. I was able to drive all but the last two hours of the trip. The trip was mostly uneventful, just lots of traffic. Scott hit rain during the end of the trip.

Tuesday morning was my worst day. I tried to wake up, that didn’t work. Jaime got everyone milk and cereal and then started the T.V. I went upstairs and died. I came down about 11 and just couldn’t move. I was coughing so hard I was throwing up, my chest hurt, my body ached and my head was about to explode. I finally called Scott and asked him if he could come home for a while to at least feed the kids. He said he could. But they couldn’t wait that long. Jaime ended up making pancakes. When Scott got home I went upstairs again and died. I didn’t come back down till 4. It’s times like this I am thankful for movies!! My kids must have watched 10 of them during the course of the day. Scott was able to come home early. He fed the kids dinner and I died on my bed again.

Wednesday morning, things were better. I was still sick but I was back about 50%. I was able to at least get kids food, but they still watched a lot of movies and I did a lot of sleeping. By the afternoon Alix and Niah were sick too. I drugged them right away and they took a nap. We have been drinking LOTS of fluids and resting A LOT around here! I managed dinner and together Scott and I were able to get the kids bathed. Everyone seemed to get to bed on time, but it was a rough night around here. Especially for Scott since he got to bed VERY late because of work and then had to get up with sick kids because I was just too out of it to help.

So here we are today. Thursday, January 24. Alix and Niah seem better already. They are a little more quiet and lazy than usual, but definitely better than yesterday. Jaime is complaining of not feeling well, but it’s hard to tell with her if she is actually sick or just wanting to get in on the sick action. Milo is JUST fine and driving us all crazy because he is just bored. We were able to do chores this morning and put some order back into this house that has been in disarray for the last three days. I would say I’m back about 75% and feeling so GOOD!! It’s a good thing too. Tonight is the first night of classes for Scott and so it’s all me all day. I need to feel good today.

The trip was absolutely amazing. Torry was amazingly beautiful and happy. It was great to be a part of her special day. We are so happy for her and Kevin. We loved seeing everyone and building stronger relations with family members. Much love to all.

This last week kept us busy but not too busy, it was perfect.

Monday January 7, was an easy day. We got started with school early and finished early. We got chores done quickly and had lots of down time. That was nice. We had dinner and FHE. A perfect day.

Tuesday went much the same way, easy and fun.

Wednesday was appointment day. Scott had an appointment in the late morning and then we came home. We had lunch, relaxed and then headed out again. Milo had an appointment in San Francisco with is plastic surgeon. His plastic surgeon has been talking for months about wanting to do Milo’s face surgery in late March so we were under the impression that we were on our way to a “planning” meeting. We were very wrong. There are two doctors that would do the surgery and the second doctor we had never met. Apparently he didn’t know anything about our case either and had considered this a preliminary appointment. He wants us to come back in a month to “talk” again. I am NOT anxious for this surgery to get done. It’s VERY involved and will change Milo quite dramatically. I just don’t like lots of appointments either and driving into San Francisco (parking was $1.50 every 20 minutes……). Anyway, I prefer to work through phone calls or emails, then Scott doesn’t have to take time off of work and I don’t have to find a babysitter. So we told them that if they want to do it now, fine, otherwise, let’s not keep meeting and talking and let’s just hold off till next year. I’m hoping they wait till next year. After the meeting, I realized I don’t think I’m ready for this. I think we should wait till he’s older. We shall see what will transpire. We really like and trust all his doctors and we trust the Lord, so whatever happens will happen and Milo will be just fine. It took us 2 1/2 hours to get home to our girls. They were very happy to see us. We got them to bed a little late and then turned in too.

Thursday was my busy day. Jaime had piano in the morning. So we all got up and got ready to go licky split. We spent about 30 minutes on school then headed out. After getting home we did lunch and naps and more school. I had a primary decorating meeting at 2pm. That was interesting. My five kids running around playing between us trying to take things down and hang things back up. I work with such great ladies and they loved having the kids there which makes bringing them easier. At 4 we left from there and headed to Jaime’s dance class. We enjoyed watching her and reuniting with our dance class friends. We stopped at the store really quick before heading home. Scott pulled in seconds after us and we started on dinner quick. I was suppose to watch someone’s kids for her so she could go to an evening meeting, but she canceled last minute due to illness, so that cut out one of my responsibilities for the evening. We put the kids to bed and then went to bed ourselves.

Friday, January 11, Scott got up early to be at work early so he could leave early for his fishing trip. Those of us left at home had a “normal” day of school work and chores. I put all the kids to bed on time and then relaxed a little bit. At 8:30pm a newly married couple showed up to “watch” the kids for me while I went to pick up bread (I think I have mentioned previously that I am on a bread rotation with a local bakery. Every 6 weeks I pick up all the bread they would have just thrown away and we give it to those in need and anyone else who wants it). I got home about 9:30pm. The Stovalls, my babysitters, grabbed the bread they wanted for themselves, their brother’s family and their parents. Then Li-Li came by and took for her family, and then the Buchannan family came by. I finally got to bed about 11.

The kids were up bright and early Saturday morning. We ate pastries for breakfast (compliments of the bread people) and milk. We had 4 other families stop by before noon and take bread. Including us a total of 8 families benefited from the bread, that was awesome. It’s so nice to see people happy and amazed and what they have been offered for free. I’m grateful for this blessing in my own life. It has helped a great deal for many years. Anyway, the kids and I worked superdy fast and finished our Saturday chores by 1. I took a shower and loaded the kids in the car by 2 and we were off. I was on a mission to buy hair clips so that I could make some bows for my girls. I found them after only a little bit of searching and got 100 of them for 5 bucks. You can’t beat that!! We then went and had the car cleaned in preparation for our trip this week. We made it home about 4:15. The kids had an early dinner and we watched a movie. I had all the kids in bed and sleeping by 8:15. I had planned to wait up for Scott. However, the last time I looked at the clock it was 8:38, I guess I didn’t make it!! He got home sometime around 10.

Sunday morning was like any other. Except we had an extra hour. It was stake conference and so we didn’t have to be to church till 10 am. That was nice. We got everyone dressed and ready to go. We sat down, all was normal and then…….we had the opening song. Somehow that just set everyone off. Niah went limp and refused to stop an incredibly loud annoying moaning sound. Milo couldn’t stop saying “I’m hungry, I’m hungry, I’m hungry” and Afton was just her “normal” self at church. Seeing how the first talk was on patients, the Lord was trying it with us…… After Scott spent the majority of the meeting in the hall with Afton and me in the mother’s room, we both were just done and left. The first time ever I have just left church due to total frustration! We came home, put all the kids on their beds and told them church was not over yet. We set a timer for the remainder of church and informed the kids to make sure they were quiet and good till church was over. Scott and I read some scriptures and attempted to bring the spirit back into the home. The kids did as they were told and we had total silence in the Thompson home for 30 minutes. It was amazing. After “church” we had lunch and quiet time. Scott went and did his home teaching and the kids and I played. When he got home I went to a Visiting Teaching appointment. Jen, the person I visit teach, was also the person that was helping me make bows. Jen, Gayle and I talked and made bows for an hour. It was fun. We finished and talked a little more then departed and came home. I had taken Jaime and Alix with me to play with Jen’s two boys who are the same age. They had a great time and were able to keep each other busy while the mom’s made bows and talked. It was super fun and now we have some cute bows for Torry’s wedding. The girls and I didn’t make it for dinner so Scott made dinner and fed the little ones and was putting them to bed when we came home. The girls and I ate and then we sent them off to bed. I helped Scott finish a few things then headed to a friends house for a Jane Austen party. I guess PBS is showing Jane Austen movies every Sunday evening for the next three months and my friend has left the invitation open for all ladies to attend and watch with her. The movie, Persuasion, started at 9pm. I got there about 8:45. We just talked and laughed while other ladies arrived. We had 6 total and it was fun to laugh and socialize with some wonderful women. I made it home by 11 pm. However, I was a little wound from watching the movie and didn’t actually go to bed till 1 am.

So here I sit on Monday morning. The family is awake around me and I must go so we can do our morning routine before Scott has to leave for work. Much love to all of you. We are looking forward to all the family we will see this coming week. We are VERY excited. Thanks Torry for getting married so we could have so much fun!!!

In that last news report you would have thought I got it all. But I did forget some exciting things going on around here!!

Afton is talking more and more. She woke up one morning, about a week ago, and went around asking “what’s this” over and over again. It’s VERY cute. She says shoes, diaper, drink, mom and dad. Then just yesterday she said “I’m silly” after doing some wild and crazy things. It’s fun to watch her learn and grow.

Niah is officially dressing herself. She is very much into the “I do it” stage. She went upstairs the other day and came down fully dressed, including socks and shoes (I had to tie the shoes). It is fun to watch her learn and grow too.

For about 6 months now Milo has asked to ride a bike without training wheels. We’d bring out the bike but then he’d change his mind. So about two weeks ago he asked again and Jaime offered to help him. I guess they were out there for a few minutes and then he was done. So on Wednesday, January 2, he asked again. I had him get on the bike and put his feet on the ground and practice balancing. That kept him busy for a while so I went inside and did school with the girls and other stuff. While I was making lunch I heard all the kids in the backyard cheering for Milo. He learned how to ride a bike. Within an hour he was riding down to the end of the street and turning around all by himself. It was AWESOME. He loves it and enjoys his new found talent.

Jaime and Alix have been WAY too busy with school and chores to have any new things to report!! They are all caught up in school though (just in time to go to Auntie Torry’s wedding and miss a week of school! We will cope, I’m sure).

WRITTEN DECEMBER 29, 2007

FORD FAMILY

I guess we’d make Grandpa Sutherland proud…..

After 5 hours, 4 negotiations and 1 McDonald’s dinner later, we bought Scott a new commuter car. We got a 2005 Ford Focus with 13,000 miles on it. 4 door, standard with no frills. It fits our needs perfectly. Once again, we were able to walk in, tell the guy what we were willing to pay and they came within dollars of our offer, so we took it. However, it was a super busy night for them and the kids were already starting to get antsy so our sales guy went out and bought dinner at McDonald’s for us. The kids thought they were in Heaven. To appease us they pretty much let the kids run wild. We tried to control them but after awhile we just gave up. 5 hours in a dealership is just too long for little ones. But it was fun and all the sales people found them quite cute and no one seemed annoyed at all, they actually encouraged all the running around and wildness.

Anyway, we have again been very blessed by the hand of the Lord. He knew we needed a car and he provided it for us. We are truly blessed. We love you all. Thanks for all the love and support you give us.

Things here in Fremont seem to be well. Here is our report.

Sunday December 30 was like any other Sunday. Church, after church relaxing and then dinner and bed.

Monday December 31 was CLEAN day. We needed a big cleaning of the house due to no cleaning going on during the weekend. We pretty much cleaned from sun up till sun down. Scott did make some homemade rolls to take to the party. They ended up being the hit of the party and we had calls the next day to bring over more!! Then all the kids showered and got jammies on. It was our big New Year’s Eve party. Unfortunately, by the time it was time to go I had a headache so big I was not in any mood to be socialable. So Niah, Afton and I stayed home. It actually turned out to be a very pleasant evening. Afton went to bed about 15 minutes after Scott and the kids left. I let Niah choose the events of the evening. We did puzzles for about 15 minutes, then played a couple of games and then played a computer game. After that hour was up we ate dinner together. Popped some popcorn and gathered some goodies and headed upstairs for some movies. We started the first movie about 8pm. We ate snacks and laughed and had fun. Then about 8:30 I feel asleep. She woke me up to change the movie and then I was out again. By 10, when she wanted to watch another movie, I suggested it was bedtime. So her and I slept till dad got home at about 12:30. He moved her to her own bed and then Scott and I ended up staying up till 2 talking about the party that him and the other kids attended. It sounded like a great party and I was bummed to have missed it, but I think Niah really enjoyed and really needed those two hours with just me.

Tuesday was a late morning. We got up slowly and got breakfast and dressed even slower. I had a meeting at 10 am at the church and so I arranged to take Niah and Milo with me so Scott could do school with the older girls in a more quiet environment. My meeting was about three hours long and the kids endured it well. Scott got TONS done with the girls. I came home and played with the little one’s outside so Scott could get more done with the girls. Then we loaded everyone up, paid rent (and put in our complaints about a few things wrong here) then headed over to Joey and Gayle’s. They had invited us to a New Year’s day dinner where you eat black eyed peas. You always have to leave one pea on your plate for good luck. It was so cute to watch the kids pick out the one pea they were not going to eat and then very carefully keep it out of the way. Niah got a little confused about the whole thing and was taking off all the “black eye’s” from each of the peas before eating them. It was funny. We left there by 7 and had everyone in bed by 8. It was good to get everyone in bed on time, it was needed. I headed over to a friends house so she could teach me how to make boutineers and corsages. It was actually really fun and really easy. The hardest part is making the corsage look nice (finding the right flowers, the right greenery and making the bow just right). The boutineers were EASY!! About 15 minutes. I got home about 10:30 pm. Again, a late night!!

Wednesday “reality” started. Scott went back to work, I had my daycare kids all day (they were still off of school) and things were in full swing here at home. The little kids played most of the day with the daycare kids while Jaime and Alix did school. Everyone was good about doing their part and getting things done. Up till now we had had BEAUTIFUL weather. Blue skies, warm in the sun, cool in the shade. Perfect California weather. We had been warned a storm was going to hit, boy did it hit!!

Thursday January 3 it RAINED and RAINED and RAINED!! It did let up for about 2 hours in the afternoon and so I sent the kids outside to get some fresh air and run off some energy. But then it was just pouring after that. Winds at about 30 mph and COLD!! The wind whipped through this house at about 5 mph (count your many blessings…..). Anyway, we spent the day doing school and chores. Scott made it home safely and that was a blessing too.

Friday was much of the same thing except no break in the weather. It rained ALL day. Again we just did school and chores. Scott’s fishing trip for the weekend got canceled due to the weather. We weren’t too tore up about it. The weather was scaring us too.

Saturday was the busy day!! Saturday was our first primary activity of the year, a baptism that the primary presidency was in charge of and a date night for Scott and Sami. Friday night two families had car problems and needed rides to the church for the primary activity and baptism. They both called me!! So I redirected one of them to someone else in the ward and opted to pick up the bigger family (they have 5 children as well, we had the perfect size van…..). So I was down at the church at 7:45 in the morning helping with the finishing touches of the activity. We had planned a continental breakfast (muffins, bagels, fruit and juice). Each teacher was to represent a different country and decorate their table accordingly. Then each teacher planned a game or other activity to play at their table. I left at 8:15 to go get the family that needed a ride. I got them to the church by 8:45 and then went back home for my own family. We got back to the church by 9:10. The activity was AWESOME!! The kids had fun and the teachers really came through with their assignments. We were very pleased and really enjoyed the outcome of our first activity. The activity ended at 10:30. We had 1 hour to get all cleaned up and set up for the baptism. Scott came to the church (he had stayed home with Afton during the activity) and picked up all the kids. Brought them home and got Jaime and Alix ready. Then brought them back to the church to attend the baptism. I helped clean up from the activity, set up the refreshments and the baptism room, then went and changed in the bathroom in enough time to sit down before the baptism started. I was given the assignment to give the baptism talk. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and even got quiet a few compliments on my presentation of what baptism is and how it works. The baptism ended by 12:45 (that included the refreshment time) and we were cleaned up and home by 1:30pm. Up till now the skies had been free of clouds, but with each passing moment more clouds came into view. By the time I left the church it had started to rain. By the time I pulled into the driveway, it was pouring. Scott and I were to drop the kids off at the babysitter by 2. It was POURING rain!! So we loaded the kids and all the stuff and drove over. While we were trying to get to their apartment, Milo fell and was soaked. Poor kid!! Luckily for him, they have a boy that is his size. After changing Milo and saying goodbye, we left and headed to the temple. This was the first time Scott and I have had a date in who knows how long, we couldn’t even remember! We did the 3pm session and then did sealings afterward. It was a wonderful time. Last year for Christmas someone gave us a gift card to The Olive Garden. We have been waiting to use it till we could go on a date. So we finally had the chance to use it. NOT!! It was an hour wait. We went next door to Appleby’s and were done eating before an hour was up!! We picked the kids up and all seemed well and happy. We are grateful for such wonderful families in our ward who are willing to sacrifice an afternoon for Scott and I to enjoy each other’s company. We got the kids home and to bed by 8:15pm. I was asleep by 9:15. Scott didn’t make it to bed till midnight, but hey, it was a good book!!

Today, Sunday, has been a very low key day. We got to church early so Scott could set up his classroom and I could set up the primary room. We enjoyed our meetings and have enjoyed our “quiet time” here at home. We are having the missionaries over for dinner tonight and that should be fun. This next week is filled with lots of appointments. Milo has a “big” one on Wednesday. We will be sure to report on the outcome of that.

Much love to all.