Above all else...

 As my kids have grown, I have seen them become distant from the teachings of the church. They do not have the desire to attend church meetings or participate in seminary. I can barely get them to go to mutual every week. Does this bother me? Sort of and let me explain why. First, I believe in the grand scheme of things that their admittance to the celestial kingdom is not based on whether or not they went to seminary or attended church meetings every week. I firmly believe that Heavenly Father knows our hearts and understands where we are spiritually at any given point in our lives. Second, if my kids go to church but don't want to go to class, I am one hundred percent okay with them hanging out with me in primary. Even if all they do is sit and listen to singing time, they are still able to feel the spirit and grow their own testimony. I really just like having my kids with me. Lastly, church can be great, but in the end the most important thing they can learn while there is that they are loved. I want them to know, above all else, that our Heavenly Father loves them. This is what I want them to have a testimony of.   

A New Napping Style

With the arrival of Tristan, some of my priorities have become a little misplaced. Like, making sure Kam gets a nap....or at least making him lay down on my bed! He has taken to falling asleep in odd places at terrible times during the day (4 p.m.). When he was in the laundry basket, it actually took me several minutes to find him!

Poor kid! Things will get better, Kam! You are so good to be so patient with your mom!

The Blessing

So, I totally forgot to mention in the last post about Tristan's blessing. We will be blessing him on April 8th (yes, that is Easter weekend). All are invited that so desire. We would love to have you! Our church starts at 11 a.m. and sacrament meeting is first. Let us know if you can make it!

What's not to love?!

Tristan continues to melt my heart! He is such a good baby and is starting to smile! He now tops the scale at 11 pounds!

This was taken when he was a few weeks old. He hadn't grown the chub yet!
Seriously, so cute!
How can you resist those cheeks?

The kids have been so good with him, especially Kam. I was so worried about how he would react to Tristan and he has been the best big brother. He talks to Tristan, tells him stories, tries to share his toys with him. Occasionally, I find him also trying to "feed" him (sharing his sippy mostly). Tristan is a great addition to our family and we are so happy to have him!

Don't be mislead!

While I am thinking about it, I've started reading some books by Cindy Woodsmall (she writes about the Amish). They are really good!

And, on another note, we have grown to a family of 6! Can you believe it?! Tristan Dakota Bracken joined our family on January 24th at 2:39 p.m. It was like a scene from the movies because Dallin nearly missed his birth! I sent him home for lunch at 2 (I was only a 4 at 1:30). We thought we had time. But at 2:25, I felt such intense pressure that the nurse checked me...and I was complete. And Dallin was at home. Having lunch. I called him and told him he needed to get back to the hospital immediately. My nurse called my doctor (I have to say it was pretty amusing that when the delivery staff came into the room, they asked where Dallin was. I think I was asked 4 times!). When my doctor came in, she checked me and said, "Oh! I need to grab my stuff! Don't push!" I was told not to push AND not to laugh at least 3 times. My girlfriend was working in the nursery that day and my nurse was really good, so we laughed. A lot! It was the best experience EVER! Dallin was called again when my doctor was prepping me. He was walking into the hospital. My nurse (who called him) told him he needed to run, not walk. He went to the elevators, all of which were up on the 5th floor, so he took the stairs (thankfully). He ran into my room and to my side right as the doctor told me to push! It was a close call! Tristan weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long! He has hair (not quite as much as Kam) and is just as cute as he can be! The kids love him!

And, in case anyone is wondering....

Yes. Dallin did my epidural! And my IV. The nurses tried 3 times and couldn't get it. Thank goodness for husbands and their proficiency!

So, there is a brief update. Don't be mislead into thinking I am back in the blogging world! Don't know if I am or not! We love our newest addition and are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for sending us this sweet spirit.

Parable of the lunch box

It's hard being a parent. Recently, Gavin has had a hard time keeping his lunch box under control. He has a tendency to toss, kick, swing, and not always catch it. As a result, he has opened his lunch box at lunch time only to find his yogurt or applesauce has exploded inside and smeared everything. He says he just licks it off, but the clean up for me is totally un-fun! I don't enjoy it. At all. So, on separate occasions, Dallin and I have sat down with him and talked about what was going to happen if he wasn't more responsible with his lunch box (I would stop making his lunches and he would have to eat school lunch). Yes, it is a pretty horrific consequence! It was much to my chagrin when I picked him up from school the other day that he says, "Mom, catch!" To which I immediately replied, "Gavin, please don't throw your lunch box." I know he heard me (there was eye contact). He threw it anyway. And I didn't catch it. I wasn't even standing close enough to catch it. Sigh. I told him he was going to have to eat school lunch now. He shrugged and I ASSUMED he didn't care. However, my assumption was way off. I think he thought I wasn't serious. This morning when it was time to go, he told me I forgot to make his lunch. I told him he was going to be eating school lunch and that he had lost the privilege of eating things from home. I have to say that I didn't see the melt down coming. It was bad (did I mention this was as we were walking out the door for school?). He was sobbing. Crying so hard he could barely breathe. He begged and pleaded to please give him another chance. Seriously? His friends eat school lunch every day and they survive! I calmly told him no, but he could earn it back by good behavior. The whole time I wanted to put my arms around him and CAVE! I couldn't bear the horror on his face and the tears! So, after I dropped him off (and paid for lunches for the next week), I cried. I think I understand a little better how our Father feels when he watches us take a consequence for something we've done wrong. And as much as we cry and plead and he wants to comfort us, He doesn't. Not because He can't, but because He knows we have to learn. I cannot even imagine how much it must have hurt Him to turn away when Christ called out to Him on the cross. My little taste of the tossed lunch box has given me a greater appreciation for the capacity of love our Father has for each of us (and we're millions. Can you imagine?). Let it be known that I am the meanest mommy ever for making my child eat school lunch, but I love him enough to let him learn.

Family photos

Turning 2!

I can hardly believe that Kam is 2 already! I think the time goes by way too fast. He loved everything about his birthday, especially all the singing (I sang Happy Birthday to him all day long)! He was really into his presents this year instead of just the paper!



Kam was so funny in this picture! He got a little people barn (thanks, Charlene!) and he kept leaning over and saying, "Hi chicken! Hi pig! Hi cow!" Until he had greeted them all!





Kam, we are so lucky to have you in our family! Happy birthday! We love you!

Regency Ball

At the beginning of March, our stake held their annual Regency Ball (also known as the Mormon Prom). We had several dance practices so the youth could learn dances like the Virginia Reel, Posties, and a few others. The attire was formal and in the style of the Civil War era: girls in Scarlet O'Hara type dresses and the boys in tuxes or suits with a white shirt. It. Was. Awesome! Upon arrival, the girls were given dance cards and the boys were to sign them. There were so many smiles and laughing and everyone was dancing!

This is our Young Women's Presidency!

My girlfriend Carene

The sister in this pic did the planning and coordinating of the event!

Justine and Makenna (some of our girls)

Brianna and Rachel (more of our girls)

It was so fun watching all the dancing (and it began with a grand march too)! Our stake president and his wife were there (they were the grand marshall's). My face hurt at the end of the night from so much smiling!

Farewell

After much consideration (and stress) Dallin and I decided it would be better if we found another home for Bella and Asher (the cats). We have been looking for well over a month and today were able to place them. Even though we didn't have them for a super long time, it didn't make it any easier saying goodbye. And it was hard on the kids, Shelbi especially. It was almost like reliving everything with Tristan again. Sure there were times when they did things that made me mad, but I still loved them. And the house is strangely empty and I'm still crying....even though I know it was the right thing to do. A lot of me feels like a complete failure (on a happy note I mentioned this earlier and Gavin looks at me as he lays upside down on my bed and says, "You're not a failure, Mom! You're a winner!"). How did I get so lucky to have such a great kid?

The Haircut

This is the before....

This is after....

On Christmas Eve, we had just finished our family home evening lesson and the kids were playing for a few minutes before bed. Shelbi disappeared upstairs and returned a few minutes later with a noticeable hair cut. I gasped...and nearly cried! I said, "Oh, Shelbi! What did you do?" (the whole time thinking this was a scrapbooking moment). Her reply was, "Mom, my hair was hanging down and it was bothering me. So, I had to cut it." And now.....she looks older! I'm still adjusting to the bangs, but she loves them (I had them fixed, by the way). Hopefully, this is a one time event!

Turning 7

I know they share a birthday, but I felt that I needed to give them some individual attention! Gavin turned 7 and we celebrated his birthday by going swimming at the Rec Center. Gavin wanted a Spongebob cake for his birthday, which I made for him (with the help of my cake fairy). I thought the cakes turned out really cute! I also spelled his name out on cupcakes.

Dallin got home from Vegas on Friday night, so we got up Saturday morning and headed to Rapid City to finish the birthday celebration. The kids really wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese. We spent about 2 1/2 hours playing games (they even got to see Chuck E) and then headed out for dinner. The kids had a great time! We love you Gav! Happy Birthday!

The Big 5

She's five! I can hardly believe that much time has passed!
This year Shelbi wanted a Kai-Lan birthday cake. So, I was ambitious and made her one with the help of my cake fairy! I also made cupcakes and spelled her name out with them.

For her birthday, Shelbi went swimming at the Rec Center (huge thanks to my young women for taking her). She had a little party at her school and opened a few gifts. We decided we would save the big celebration for when Dallin got home (he was in Vegas at a conference). Happy birthday to the best 5 year old ever! Shelbi is a huge help with Kamron. She has started reading and tries her hardest to think up cooler games than Gavin. She is such a great girl! We love you, Shelbs!

Farm words in Sacrament Meeting

Today was a beautiful day. I was spiritually prepared to attend my meetings (I was teaching in Young Women's today so I had been doing some extra praying). After the sacrament was passed, I doled out the snacks I had brought for the kids: Halloween marshmallows. As I was handing some to Kam (who was sitting on Dallin's lap), the bag tipped and marshmallows scattered the floor at our feet. I sighed and just as I was leaning over to pick them up, I heard, "Damn it!" It was Kam dropping a farm word. I started laughing and had to lean over to stifle the snorting threatening to come out! I know. I shouldn't have been laughing. But his voice is so cute and he is so innocent. Dallin was laughing too and commented that at least he used it in the correct context at the right time. I know he learned it from me (sorry, Charlene). I blame it on the cats. I have dropped more farm words myself over the past two months (since we have had the cats) than I think I have over the past year! Sometimes they drive me crazy. Honestly, they are part dog, part meerkat. If I wasn't so worried about mice, I might consider donating them! Until then, I will try to keep my farm words under my breath (I'd say give them altogether, but honestly I don't think that is an attainable goal at this time!), and teach my kids to do the same! (Damn cats!)!

Family photos

My BFF here in Gillette took some family pictures for us the other day. They turned out so cute! The weather has been beautiful lately, so we went to the park. She got some really cute pics of the kids. When I get them, I will post them, but this is one that she took that I LOVE!

Thanks, Carene!

Adding to our family

After some careful thought and great consideration, Dallin and I decided that in lieu of more kids, we would adopt 2 kittens! Actually, we've seen several mice in some of our window wells and I am not looking forward to the fact that they may get inside my house....again. We decided we wanted some Siamese cats, so I called our local animal shelter and asked if they had any kittens. They had 2 Siamese kittens that were 5 weeks old. Obviously, they are not full Siamese (that's okay). Asher (the boy) looks like a white tiger. He has beautiful stripes in his fur. Bella (the girl) has a light spot on her nose, toe, and the tip of her tail. Both have Siamese markings also.

Meet Asher....















and Bella....















We've had them for about a month and I haven't taken pictures of them before now because I couldn't decide if I wanted to keep them. Why? I know....they're really cute. But, since having them I've discovered that I am a control freak. I CANNOT control these kittens! And, if I don't watch them when I let them out of the bathroom (They stay in our basement bathroom which is large and not often used) they will sometimes PEE on my floor. Grrrr! But, over the past week, I have seen some great improvement from them and have had a change of heart. And really.....do I want to deal with cat pee and maybe have to clean my carpets every week or do I want the disgustingness (yes that's my word) of having a mouse in my house? I choose the cat pee. I have a shampooer. I can clean. I can't deal with mice! And, they better be good mousers too!

Bella and Asher have cute personalities too. Bella is really gun shy. Probably because Kam keeps picking her up and then he tosses her when we catch him holding her. Not so fun for her. Asher will get this look on his face (or in his eyes) and then he'll leap at you! If you're laying on the floor this is not a fun experience. Both scale my legs to sit on my shoulders. I think I'm their "person" and honestly.....I kind of like that! So, welcome to the family!

It's a slippery slope!

Kamron + a shoe box + stairs = nothing but bumps all the way down! Kam has been playing with a shoe box the past several days, scooting himself around the house saying, "Vroom!" It's been really cute and I've hesitated throwing away the box that gives him such joy. A few times, he's even positioned himself at the top of our stairs and we've quickly discouraged his attempts at going down. It's a shoe box! I doubt it will do much better than the lego tub that Gavin tried! That being said, I was making my bed the other morning when I heard shhhick, boom, boom (and on every boom a small yelp escaping). I quickly ran to the stairs, already knowing what must have happened. Sure enough, I discovered Kam and the shoe box at the bottom of the stairs. Kam was VERY upset (completely fine, but a little traumatized!). I think the tumble scared him! I guess I need to teach him about the pillow cases! Gavin was 4 before he tried something like that! Does this mean I am raising adrenaline junkie boys? (because Shelbi is SO not that daring)! Probably. They get it from their dad! Admittedly, I was laughing as I walked down the stairs to comfort Kam. Where has my baby gone?!

On My Way....

to a healthier me! I've been working hard since moving to Gillette and wanted to share my weight loss so far. Seriously, so proud of myself for keeping it up! So, since moving here, I have lost a total of 34 pounds (11 more to go to be at my pre-pregnancy weight with Kam) and 33 1/4 inches overall! My secret? Diet and exercise (eating things in moderation) and I'm sure that switching to diet soda has helped my cause! I still have a bit to lose, but I am determined. Also, I'm in a Biggest Loser contest with some of my girlfriends from Texas and that gives me extra motivation. Wish they could come to my house for a fitness/healthy snack hour (Erica, that was a HUGE hint to pass along)! I miss my girls!

In Memory...

I attended the funeral of my girlfriend's husband today. His baby girl just turned 2 months over the weekend (they have 4 girls in all....the oldest started kindergarten on Tuesday). It was a beautiful service, though hearts were heavy and sorrowful. He took his own life last Monday. He left no note. My friend's father (who is a bishop in Utah) spoke at the end of the funeral about those in this life who take their own. He spoke of the Lord being judge and we being judged for our good works while here on Earth. This husband....was a GOOD man. He was constantly in the service of others. I came to realize as I sat there during the service, just how grateful I am for the Savior and His atonement. Knowing that I will probably never understand the possibly frightening and deeply saddening things that may have gone through this man's mind, it is hugely comforting that Christ has experienced all of it and can offer the kind of peace to the family that no human can. I love the Lord Jesus Christ. How fortunate we are to know Him and know His peace. And how fortunate we are to know that because of the blessings of the temple, we will be with our families again.

Children of those in the medical field

We were invited to a family summer fun party by one of the doctors in Dallin's group. This event was held at the park and there were many doctors and nurses present. That being said, it shouldn't have surprised me to overhear a conversation between 3 girls (who were probably no more than 8 or 9). This is what I heard (beware....this might be a little to graphic for some!). "It was a decapitation. You know, the head was cut off and there was a significant loss of blood." Inside, I was laughing because it was almost like hearing my older two playing! Obviously, the one speaking must be a child of a medical person. It is nearly on a daily basis that my older two are whisking one of their stuffed animals off in an "ambulance" to the "er" to perform some medically necessary surgery! Sometimes they will come and tell me how they were able to "save" the animals life. I guess that's what comes from begging their dad to tell them about his work day (and working on the ambulance he had all sorts of sordid details to impart!). I love it (okay maybe not so much the blood, but it's pretty cute the way they play)!