Believing

I have lots of pictures to post, but there's always too much to do. So, those will have to come later. But, while reading a friend's blog about what to believe in and not I'm reminded of a conversation we had with Ethan after he lost a tooth not too long ago. It went something like this:
Ethan: "I know you're the tooth fairy."
Mom: "Why do you think that?"
Ethan: "Because fairies aren't real."
Kaleb: "Well, then what about Santa Claus?"
Ethan (with an annoyed look on his face as if to scream, DUH!): "Santa's not a fairy!"
Mom: :) "Good point, Ethan."
I love kids! Now I all but hand him the "tooth fairy" money... oh well. At least there's Santa! :)

A Thanksgiving Did You Know?

I like learning something every now and then and although I remember the basic 2nd grade story about the pilgrims and indians, I didn't realize it took so long to become a national holiday. So, here's a tidbit on the Thanksgiving holiday... enjoy! (kind of long, but an interesting read.) The First Thanksgiving - 1621, to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony after a harsh winter. celebrated as a traditional English harvest feast, to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians. All thirteen colonies did not celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time until October 1777. George Washington was the first president to declare the holiday, in 1789. A New National Holiday - mid–1800s, many states observed a Thanksgiving holiday. poet and editor Sarah J. Hale began lobbying for national Thanksgiving holiday. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, looking for ways to unite the nation, discussed the subject with Hale. In 1863 he gave his Thanksgiving Proclamation, declaring the last Thursday in November a day of thanksgiving. 1939, 1940, and 1941 Franklin D. Roosevelt, seeking to lengthen the Christmas shopping season, proclaimed Thanksgiving the third Thursday in November. Controversy followed, and Congress passed a joint resolution in 1941 decreeing that Thanksgiving should fall on the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains.
Thanksgiving Proclamation (abridged)- The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well as the iron and coal as of our precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.
... implore the imposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purpose, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
I am so touched by Lincoln's acknowledgement of the Lord's hand in our nation's blessings. Even in the time of Civil War, he found good. How inspiring! He and my mom would've really gotten along! :)

Before and After

I FINALLY found a few before pictures of our house. So, I thought I'd post a few for the out of staters. My mom says they don't do it justice, but it's all I have to show for the months, and technically years, we've put into this house. FYI: The picture of my bedroom is for my sisters who wanted to see what new decor I'd bought.

Living room. - Obviously, we replaced the old fireplace, my uncle put crown molding around all windows and doors, and we replaced almost the entire ceiling... good times.

Kitchen-We shortened the wall into the kitchen so I didn't feel like I was in a cave all day since with the way we eat around here, that's where I spend most of my time. :) We moved and painted the china cabinet and obviously redid everything in the kitchen thanks to the encouragement of Dax's best friend, Sean... the contractor. :)

Master Bed- Didn't do much here but paint the wall to give it a leather effect.

There's a lot to do still... those little things that wouldn't take too much time if you just did them, but you're sick of them, so you don't... like floor boards, some touch-ups, and believe it or not some of our doors in the basement still don't have door knobs. SLACKERS!!! Anyway, I'll post more for fun later.

Bear Lake

My parents have a condo share at Ideal Beach Resort in Bear Lake. We (thanks, mom and dad for letting us use it) had it last week. So, Dax and I ended up using it. It was a trip totally needed. When I say Dax and I, I mean JUST Dax and I... no children. I was so grateful to my mother-in-law who was willing to come watch the kids for what was supposed to be just Friday night, but we were enjoying ourselves so much, we talked her into staying Saturday night also! The greatest thing about Lynette is that she didn't have to really be talked into anything and even though I know it can be tiring... she called and thanked me Monday for asking her to do that for us. I know the kids had a blast with Grammie, too. Thanks, Lynette!





Not a lot to do this time of year, but we went for a long drive and Dax spotted the Eagle from forever away... I was impressed. We shot off the potato gun for a little afternoon entertainment. The cows delayed our ride home just a little... they would not move... how rude. Finally Dax tried to run them over. :) Not really, but he did practically budge them out of the way with his car. And, just a final shot of how beautiful it was on the way home. We decided to come over Monte Cristo and at 9000 ft, the display was amazing!

Pictures Found

So, thanks for sympathizing with me, but there's no more need... the pictures have been found! I was lying in bed and thinking how odd it was that a little person was able to delete just the right pictures and not touch any of the birthday or diabetes walk that was still on the camera. So, I checked and voila! My camera card was missing. I'm sorry Millie and Ethan. DAX and KALEB are actually the culprits... glad I didn't point fingers too soon. :) Dax told Kaleb he could use it for the Wii if he put it back. Kaleb has a problem putting back. From now on, the rule is... hands off, thank you! Actually, I'm just grateful I got my pictures back. Funny. They're not as cute as when I thought they were missing, but it makes the posts a little more fun!

Where's Millie and All of my Pictures?

Well, Millie was under the chair. I could hear some slight squealing from the dining room while cleaning the kitchen and realized Millie had gotten herself stuck under a chair... silly girl. So, what did I do? Took a picture, THEN saved her! She didn't really seem too upset. :)

But, where are all of my pictures? I think that sweet little girl deleted them all this week when she found my camera in her diaper bag. Of course, I hate to point fingers since there were some incriminating pictures taken from a small person. Those photos were taken of Dax, Millie, and Emmett which leaves Ethan or Kaleb. Like I said, I hate to point fingers, but Ethan does get curious... I'll try to refrain from freaking out on anyone. I had written a bunch of posts Nov. 2 (Don't feel like you have to read them now. I only posted them anyway for my own sake.) and thought I'd add the pictures later. So much for that idea. I'm so sad, I just about cried. As you can imagine, I had some pretty good ones on there. Note to self: Download pictures right away in case little fingers get delete button happy. Sad day, but at least Grandma thought to get a Halloween picture of the kids with her "throw away." Better than nothing, I suppose. :(

Movie Quotes

My friend, Shannon, posted a few quotes on her blog and I thought it was kind of fun to try to guess where they all came from. I was going to reply some of my faves, but the list was starting to get long, so I thought I'd add them to my blog and see if anyone else can guess where they're from. Also, it's fun to hear what your faves are as well.
- "Where you from, boy?" "Oklahoma City, Ok, sir!" "Oklahoma City? Only two thangs come out of Oklahoma. Steers and queers. I don't see any horns on your head so you must be a queer! You a queeeer, boooyy!?"
- "Beautiful, gorgeous, wish you were here!"
- "That ain't no etch-a-sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, homeskillet!"
- "It's ok, kiddo. You're home, you're safe, you're alive! She almost spun to death on the uneven parallel bars!"
- "FREEDOM!!!" (Dax's quote from guess where!)
- "Does this suit make me look fat?" "No. Your face does."
- "You see? That is just like you, Harry. You say things like that, and you make it impossible for me to hate you. "
- "Doctors are sadists who like to play God and watch lesser people scream. "
- "Fester, fester, fester. Rot, rot, rot... You people make my a__ twitch."
- "I want my 2 dollars!!!"

Happy Halloween!

October 30th was a very busy day. That was my volunteer morning. When I was done volunteering, I came straight home to get Emmett dressed in a costume and take him and Millie to the school Halloween Parade and class party. I was at the school the rest of the day. That gave me 2 hours to get dinner done and my house clean before Marcia and Ben came to dinner. It was a great day!

Halloween night was a beautiful night. The kids didn't even need coats over their costumes which was nice. It did rain a little, but it wasn't bad. We walked around with Zona and Nate and met up with some neighbor friends, Shannon and Jennifer and their kids. If I hadn't been throwing up all day, it wouldn't been perfect! Luckily, the fresh air did me good and I wasn't sick the entire time we walked around. But, the minute I walked through the door, it was time for bed!!! But, not until after I got a kick out of Millie loving all the candy! She's so my daughter!


There are pics, but I'll still just say... Kaleb was a clown (I was surprised that's what he chose, but it stemmed from him being chosen as the class clown in Mrs. Young's class last year), Ethan was the cutest vampire (we painted his hair black and gave him blood running out of his mouth at his begging request and he was still adorable... not scary at all :)), Emmett was a dinosaur (let me paint his face green... again, not scary, just adorable), and Millie was a pink poodle (I managed to get somewhat of a black nose and some freckles on her cheeks).

Grape Juice

Occasionally, I have a domestic and maybe productive week. Last week was one of those. I got most of the tile done in my basement bathroom shower, finally put blinds up in the downstairs window, made grape juice with my friend Brittany, went to a work meeting, volunteered in the kids' classroom, had my aunt Marcia and uncle Ben over for dinner, and did the Halloween thing! Then I become tired and don't do squat for a couple of weeks. Maybe I'll get something done the week of November 16th or so! :) Anyway, it was fun for Millie. I can't believe there weren't any explosive diapers. The girl ate so many grapes!!! She just kept diggin' in!

Wolf Badge

Kaleb finally got his Wolf in Cub Scouts. See the Gurr excitement coming through as his dad painted his face? He makes me laugh! He did eventually give a smile or two, but nothing too out of control! :) Only 2 months after his 9th birthday! Lets see if he gets his Bear before he's 12! :)

Dinosaur Park

The kids had a couple of days of school off for UEA, so we decided to go to the Dinosaur Park since we hadn't been all summer. I'm so never going in the summer again! It was an awesome beautiful fall day. There were no more or no less people than usual, but at least we weren't dying of heat. Plus, they had their Halloween decorations up. I thought bloody (fake) body parts were a bit much hanging out of the dinosaurs' mouths, but of course the boys ate it up! Even Millie seemed to enjoy herself. Dax took time out to go with us and we had a fun family day!

Cold Days and Colder Days

I'm a little behind at posting my pics. These are from the end of Sept/ beginning of Oct. We had some really cold days and an even colder one Oct. 12 when we woke up for church to like 7 inches of snow!!! But, of course it melted and we've had some rather beautiful fall days. The last week or two have stayed in the 70's, but today has started the downslide. We're expected to have snow by Wednesday and today it's been raining all day. I like snowy Christmases, but that's about it. And even then I only like the snow on the grass. I prefer the roads snowless. Can't have it all, I suppose. I don't do well in the cold, so I'm preparing myself. Maybe I'll take up skiing so it'll give me something to look forward to besides shoveling the driveway! :) P.S Dad was lucky enough to experience the snow with us. Probably not so bad when you get to fly to Vegas the next day! :)

Wednesday Club

Every Wednesday is short day. I think it's absolutely lame, but I'm sure the teachers love it. It's supposed to be a day for them to catch up and work on teaching plans. The kids get out at 1:20 instead of 3:20. Anyway, since the first of school, Kaleb has put together a club on Wednesdays. The kids are supposed to be meeting at the school park after school to hang out but it's turned out that I usually have extra kids at my house every week... there aren't drinks and treats at the park! I really don't mind, usually. :) The kids are pretty good kids. At first we were getting as many as 9 extra boys here, but it's dwindled to 3-5 every week. I did try to at least have one fun thing for them to do, but they're boys and they would rather play football or basketball. So, since they're boys, I do try to at least have the drinks and treats and then they're on their own for entertainment. It's been fun for them and I like to get to know the boys. Here's a pic of them making cookies for their activity... that one they liked! (Afterall, there was treat involved!) Millie joined in, too... she's no dummie! She knows when a good time is being had! Occasionally, I've had to kick the boys out if it gets to dinner time or something, but for the most part, I think this will be a continued after school Wednesday tradition.

Around 2:30 Saturday afternoon, my aunt and I decided we wanted to see the 2:45 showing of The Secret Life of Bees. We got a sitter quickly for Millie and her son, Nate (Dax had the boys shootin') and headed off. Sometimes those are the most fun times when you don't plan, you just do. Anyway, it was an AWESOME movie. I really just like inspirational shows and I think this was one. Wear water-proof mascara though... not sad, but dramatic! Whenever I watch a movie about such hateful times, I wonder what I would've been like then. I'm proud of my grandma. She had told me once that she was probably around 12 years old when she was riding the bus one day and there were plenty of seats in the "white" section, but none in the "black" section, so she pointed to a black girl standing in the isle to sit by her. She had to talk her into it and let her know it was all right. My grandma said she got very mean looks, but she didn't care. She knew it was the right thing. She was fortunate. Her parents taught her to love everyone. My grandma grew up on a tobacco farm (go figure!). My great-grandparents treated the black people that worked for them with kindness and so my grandma did the same and I'd like to think the habit has made its way down the line. Back then, my grandma said that a lot of the farmers fed their workers leftovers from their lunch (lunch was a huge feast of fried chicken, potatoes, veggies, pies, rolls, etc. all done in a log burning stove... and I complain about cooking now :)). But, my great-grandma, Kris, cooked the workers their own meals identical to whatever they were having. I'm grateful for that. Even though it was so long ago and I'm sure I've had relatives do things I wouldn't be so proud of, I'm grateful that they were people filled with love and decency. I know because of them, my grandma was made to be one of the most loving and decent people I know. If you've never met her, you're missing out. If you've met her, you'll never forget her or her huge heart (or macaroni 'n cheese or brownies!:)). Because of my ancestors and their examples, I'd like to think I know what I would've been like if I lived in such hateful times.

Birthday Cake

I was looking at pics and forgot to post the birthday cake incident. As always, I made the cake and wish I'd bought it. I tried to do a sun which turned out to look more like the flowers I tried to make that didn't turn out either. Oh well. Like I said before, it's because my kids like the homemade ones. Anyway, the sequence went something like this...
Millie was curious at first. She tried to play with her 1 year smash cake flower. Fun enough. The candle seemed to itrigue her until...
it lit up. Freaked her out! She wanted nothing more than for Grammie to save her.
Eventually, we got her to taste it and she seemed to realized that it wasn't so scary afterall. Well, at least the inside was a chocolate cake from scratch (recipe on Hershey cocoa box... the best). So, how bad could it be?

Not bad at all, not bad at all! :)

Goin' Private!

I'm going private as soon as possible. I've just had this feeling for a while that I need to do so. My friend, for all you "open book bloggers" out there, has a brother-in-law who's a police officer. He got her social security number, bank account, birthdays, etc. all off her blog within 24 hrs to prove to her how scary they are. I decided... I have cute kids and who knows what kind of psycho's out there waiting to make one of them his/hers since I'm sure my identity's not worth stealing. Please send me your email addresses if you're interested... mrsgurr@mail.com. I'll send you an invite. "See" ya then!

Diabetes Walk

Saturday, Sept. 27th, we participated in the diabetes walk for the American Diabetes Association. My kids love it and I feel good doing it. My aunt (the one in the wreck who is, by the way, still in the ICU... prayers welcome) and my sister, Emily have type I and my dad and uncle have type II. So, this is the 4th year we've done it. It starts at the This is the Place Monument and ends up at the Hogle Zoo.

This year the walk took us up around the monument which was way cool! This was the kids (Kaleb, cousin Nate, Ethan, Millie, and Emmett) at the top of the hill overlooking SLC. Very beautiful!

We stopped along the way to take advantage of the cute little school house that was part of the monument set up of old cabins, churches, school, etc. Check out how cute Emmett is! He was loving being in school on a Saturday! Not so sure the other kids were as thrilled. But, Kaleb at least got to appreciate modern day discipline... nothing like holding books behind your back while leaning with your nose against the wall. Although, I thought I might be able to find a corner and an extra book or so at home... wonder what child services would think of that! :)

Dax and Millie at lunch in the zoo.

The kids of course love that it ends in the zoo. Even Millie initiated herself on her 1st walk while bravely petting some very odd looking turtle. All in all, it was a great day until the end when brotherly love wasn't so lovely. But, even with that, I had a good time and I look forward to doing it next year. Anyone interested, keep it in mind! My aunt only hoped to live to be 50 when she was younger, but research has brought diabetes treatment such a long way. She's 59 and even though she had that accident, she's doing relatively well and we're hopeful she'll see 60+! I'm happy we get to help aid in further research even if just a little so that maybe this disease will be completely curable one day!

Happy 1st Birthday, Millie!!!

Millie turned 1 September 26th! I can hardly believe it. I have no excuses for my pant size!!! Actually, I guess I haven't for a few months now. Oh well. We love having Millie in our family. She's sweet, but can get attitude... typical girl. :) She's definitely Dax's little princess and I'll admit I'm having fun with a girl around, too. The boys haven't gotten sick of her yet. They're always helpful with her and Emmett especially takes very good care of her while the other boys are at school. She's got a slew of protectors... I feel for the first boy she dates for sure! She can say mama, dada, ca-ca (cracker), and of course, NO. She just shakes her head for that, but she uses it at the right times. I can tell she has a good sense of humor, too. She laughs at things she shouldn't even understand. She loves peek-a-boo and pat-a-cakin! She loves to make messes, play with her brothers, chocolate (my daughter), and to sing. Whenever music comes on, she "la, la, las." It's awesome and makes my mother very proud. :) Anyway, I'm just grateful to be her mom!

This was a picture taken through the nursery glass of Dax looking at Millie right after she was born. I just love it. He knew before Emmett was even born that we had a little girl waiting to come join our family. When I called to tell him the dr. said "girl", he just said, "I told you I already knew that." She lights up when he comes into the room and probably always will... his "pretty princess!"

This is my first picture taken with Millie outside of the hospital. It was a candid my sister-in-law, Shalon snapped. I kind of like it. Look how little Mills is! Makes me kind of sad.

I waited 10 years for my mother-in-law to be able to make Millie's
blessing dress from my wedding dress. Yeah!!! It turned out beautifully!









Pics for fun... must take time to learn to do slide show. :)

We love you, Millie!!!