One more...
Because I just can't stand it!
Because I just can't stand it!
A wise man once said, "In all living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." We have weathered storms that tried to break us, but through it all, we have always tried to find the joy in our journey. Watching our family grow has given us more joy than we ever thought possible. There is joy in the journey, even in the middle of the storms!
I never knew how much love a heart could hold, until they called me mom
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Kailee is 20!
(Still playing catch up to all I missed the past 3 months)
We took Kailee out for her 20th birthday to the best steak house in town.
I can't believe this beautiful girl is all grown up.
She is simply one of the most amazing people I know
and I am so grateful to get to call her my daughter.
Miss Kailee...
I love to watch little kids run up to her when they see her.
They love her and think she is the greatest teacher.
I love to watch little kids run up to her when they see her.
They love her and think she is the greatest teacher.
Happy Birthday beautiful girl.
I hope that your dreams come true this year.
Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter!
More Maelynn
And... Because we just can't get enough of this sweet little baby... more random pictures. I am afraid this may be the story of my life for the next, oh, 18 years or so! She is such a beautiful baby, with the sweetest spirit. She reminds me of how Nate smiled from birth. Maelynn does too! She was days old and giving us cute smiles.
I get to spend lots of time with her. While Caitlyn finishes up school (she has through May this year and then all of next year also) we all rotate weeks to stay with her and help her with Maelynn. Jace works Monday through Thursday so he gets to go home after work on Thursdays... but the rest of us have an opportunity to hang out with Maelynn while her mom is going to school. Last week I got my first turn. It is so much fun to be able to dress up a sweet little girl again, to rock her in the middle of the night and to enjoy the fleeting moments of her newborn stage. It is so fun to have her as part of our family! The kids all adore her. I don't know if she will love or hate the fact that she has so many uncles and cousins to watch over her but either way... she is going to be one loved little girl!
Derrick got baptized!!!
As if our weekend couldn't get any better after the birth of our first granddaughter, Derrick got baptized on Sunday, December 30th. It was a pretty incredible day and I am excited to see Derrick take such an amazing step. He is a really great kid. We have already kind of adopted him into the family. Elder Tabler baptized him and the following Sunday Thayne confirmed him a member of the Church. Such an exciting time for our family!
Congratulations Derrick... hope this is just the beginning of all kinds of wonderful things for you!
I think Derrick is playing hard to get here... or something!
And this... is probably my favorite picture of Kassi and Derrick!
Maelynn Elizabeth was born on December 29th, 2012
at 12:38pm...
(Right at the exact moment grandma predicted when Cait began to push I might add!)
at 12:38pm...
(Right at the exact moment grandma predicted when Cait began to push I might add!)
Caitlyn was on her winter break and since Jace had to work they spent the holidays here.
On Friday, the 28th, they got up early to go back for Caitlyn's doctor appointment.
The doctor said that she would see her next week, despite the fact that Cait was having contractions.
Jace called to ask what I thought, and they decided that they would hit the mall and see what happened throughout the day.
The contractions continued and got closer
and it became obvious that we were going to be on baby watch....
We debated on when we should head out. It was a 2 1/2 hour trip which isn't too bad,
But I didn't know if we should go right away, or wait to see if it was the real thing.
We didn't want to go too soon and have it be false labor,
but we didn't want to miss it either.
We had gone out to dinner and a movie with Buffy and Tracy
but Jace kept me informed of what was going on.
At one point he told me she was really hurting and how bad was it going to be.
It was sweet because I know how much he loves her and how badly he hates to see her hurt.
I didn't want to break it to him that it would likely get a lot worse before it got better.
We talked about whether or not she was getting an epidural.
If she was, then go in and and see because you are going to be down anyway.
If not, then wait it out.
He said she was totally getting an epidural!
After being checked they let us know they were staying
On Friday, the 28th, they got up early to go back for Caitlyn's doctor appointment.
The doctor said that she would see her next week, despite the fact that Cait was having contractions.
Jace called to ask what I thought, and they decided that they would hit the mall and see what happened throughout the day.
The contractions continued and got closer
and it became obvious that we were going to be on baby watch....
We debated on when we should head out. It was a 2 1/2 hour trip which isn't too bad,
But I didn't know if we should go right away, or wait to see if it was the real thing.
We didn't want to go too soon and have it be false labor,
but we didn't want to miss it either.
We had gone out to dinner and a movie with Buffy and Tracy
but Jace kept me informed of what was going on.
At one point he told me she was really hurting and how bad was it going to be.
It was sweet because I know how much he loves her and how badly he hates to see her hurt.
I didn't want to break it to him that it would likely get a lot worse before it got better.
We talked about whether or not she was getting an epidural.
If she was, then go in and and see because you are going to be down anyway.
If not, then wait it out.
He said she was totally getting an epidural!
After being checked they let us know they were staying
and Thayne and I were on our way.
By the time we got there it was close to 1am and not long after
her doctor came in and said that she was in labor but her pains were slowing
By the time we got there it was close to 1am and not long after
her doctor came in and said that she was in labor but her pains were slowing
so IF she wanted they could break her water, start pictocin and get her an epidural.
And that was that!
Honestly, I have had horrible epidurals where I felt parts of my c-sections.
Not Caitlyn.
This guy gave her the best epidural known to mankind.
The nurse said she would tell him but he kind of had a big head anyway,
And that was that!
Honestly, I have had horrible epidurals where I felt parts of my c-sections.
Not Caitlyn.
This guy gave her the best epidural known to mankind.
The nurse said she would tell him but he kind of had a big head anyway,
so she would rather not.
Caitlyn's family got there and we all grabbed breakfast as soon as the cafeteria opened
Caitlyn's family got there and we all grabbed breakfast as soon as the cafeteria opened
and then waited. And waited...
Finally it was time to get the show on the road and the nurse asked who was staying in the room.
She said that she just wanted Jace, so we all walked to the waiting room.
Now... I have completely loved the opportunity to be with Garrett and Tiffany
Finally it was time to get the show on the road and the nurse asked who was staying in the room.
She said that she just wanted Jace, so we all walked to the waiting room.
Now... I have completely loved the opportunity to be with Garrett and Tiffany
as their boys were born, but I totally respect their right to decide to just be alone.
However a few minutes later the nurse came and said that Caitlyn had asked for her moms
However a few minutes later the nurse came and said that Caitlyn had asked for her moms
to come back in and Julie and I got to be there, helping Caitlyn, as Maelynn entered the world,
and took her first breath!
It was amazing. It was so special. I only cried a little!
I love that there is not any competition with her mom.
We were there to support our kids.
I love that she loves my son they way she does,
I love that she loves my son they way she does,
and she feels the same about us loving Caitlyn as our own.
It was pretty amazing to see Jace hold his daughter for the first time.
He has always been so good to his siblings, and to other little kids.
He really has a soft spot for them.
So to see him with his own daughter...
His daughter named after his best friend...
was absolutely amazing!
It was a crazy, amazing day.
The doctor that was supposed to be there for the delivery had forgotten that he was on call,
He has always been so good to his siblings, and to other little kids.
He really has a soft spot for them.
So to see him with his own daughter...
His daughter named after his best friend...
was absolutely amazing!
It was a crazy, amazing day.
The doctor that was supposed to be there for the delivery had forgotten that he was on call,
and after trying unsuccessfully for a couple of hours to reach him,
she got the doctor that had been there in the night to come in and deliver.
He was hilarious.
Over all it was a great experience and our beautiful little girl is here,
He was hilarious.
Over all it was a great experience and our beautiful little girl is here,
safe and sound!!!
Welcome to the world Maelynn ~
You have a whole bunch of people ready to love and protect you!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Christmas 2012
Christmas morning came bright and early as usual here...
wait...
there is no such thing as BRIGHT when it is THIS early in the morning.
Every year I threaten that they will NOT get up before 5am.
They of course think that I said 3am.
Now, thanks to modern technology and the invention of the Internet and cell phones,
I start getting Facebook and text messages at around...
2:37 or some crazy odd hour telling me that they are awake.
And why wouldn't they be awake?
They are all crammed into a bedroom keeping each other awake.
They think it's some kind of awesome tradition that they should keep doing.
Married, with kids of their own and they are crashing here!
Awesome!!!!
wait...
there is no such thing as BRIGHT when it is THIS early in the morning.
Every year I threaten that they will NOT get up before 5am.
They of course think that I said 3am.
Now, thanks to modern technology and the invention of the Internet and cell phones,
I start getting Facebook and text messages at around...
2:37 or some crazy odd hour telling me that they are awake.
And why wouldn't they be awake?
They are all crammed into a bedroom keeping each other awake.
They think it's some kind of awesome tradition that they should keep doing.
Married, with kids of their own and they are crashing here!
Awesome!!!!
I can't say for certain what time I finally allowed them to force me out of bed.
I would say it was sometime after 3am, but most definitely well BEFORE 5!
I would say it was sometime after 3am, but most definitely well BEFORE 5!
I know I am a bad mom, but long ago I gave up trying to keep everyone organized
and taking turns on Christmas morning.
So we just let them go and enjoy the moment of watching their faces.
It was also fun because this year we had Derrick here...
and taking turns on Christmas morning.
So we just let them go and enjoy the moment of watching their faces.
It was also fun because this year we had Derrick here...
More on Derrick later, but we will say that he is very important in Kassi's life.
He spent his first Christmas with our crazy family,
and it was fun to shop for him too!
Kimi was the only one that couldn't make it.
The down fall of Matt's profession... holidays usually mean work!
But everyone else was home.
I look at this family sometimes and am simply amazed at what it has become.
I wonder what I would have thought 25 years ago if I could have seen this then!
Caitlyn and Jace were here. She is on her winter break,
and so ready for Maelynn to be born.
Garrett, Tiffany and the boys stayed over also.
He spent his first Christmas with our crazy family,
and it was fun to shop for him too!
Kimi was the only one that couldn't make it.
The down fall of Matt's profession... holidays usually mean work!
But everyone else was home.
I look at this family sometimes and am simply amazed at what it has become.
I wonder what I would have thought 25 years ago if I could have seen this then!
Caitlyn and Jace were here. She is on her winter break,
and so ready for Maelynn to be born.
Garrett, Tiffany and the boys stayed over also.
I love watching them open their gifts and get caught up in the excitement!
I have to say that the best gift, hands down,
was the George Strait tickets the kids gave Thayne and me.
I was so shocked!
And SO excited!
Next year our family will have grown even more,
and my little kids are getting bigger by the day.
I have to say that the best gift, hands down,
was the George Strait tickets the kids gave Thayne and me.
I was so shocked!
And SO excited!
Next year our family will have grown even more,
and my little kids are getting bigger by the day.
So I will count my blessings and enjoy the moment...
Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas!!!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Our own Bambi
Sometimes we drive into our driveway to sights like this!
They don't seem to care that we are walking right by them!
They don't seem to care that we are walking right by them!
The kids love to stand outside as they walk by.
Most of the time we also see several large bucks.
It's a beautiful sight in the winter...
The rest of the year, not so much!
Most of the time we also see several large bucks.
It's a beautiful sight in the winter...
The rest of the year, not so much!
Normally in the summer we are chasing them off because growing anything
is nearly impossible, without them eating it.
But for tonight, I will cherish the beauty and count my many blessings!
is nearly impossible, without them eating it.
But for tonight, I will cherish the beauty and count my many blessings!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Christmas Eve 2012
The thing the kids always look forward to is the sibling gift exchange. After that, the kids are trying to convince us to let them go to bed... only because they think that they can be up in the middle of the night to open presents. This isn't my first rodeo, and I am not a push over... and I put my foot down and told them they would not be getting up one minute before 4am!!!
Everyone was home except for Kimi...I guess that's what happens when you are married to a cop. We missed them a lot though and really hope to see them again soon! I miss our sweet Jared and really can't wait to see him again! It will be fun to see him with his uncle and cousin... I can only imagine what the three of them can dream up together.
I love to see the family of my dreams become a reality right before my eyes. I love that there is a reason to sit back and count my blessings and remember that the reason we celebrate this time of year is the Savior. This is what life is all about....
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