The Barnett Family

JULY 2011

2011-09-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

I love these little boys so much.:)
BIG BOY in his underpants!!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!!!
Jakey throwing a tantrum because his pizza was not done cooking yet.:)
Pioneer Honey Taffy!
Our Pioneer dinner! We made homemade butter too and it is SOOO good!

Our new puppy, Jack! Its actually Bethanys, but we all love him tons!

Jameson hated all the loud noises of the fireworks!

My two oldest baby girls! :)

Bethany and her awesome boyfriend Jordan!

My baby boys.:) they are SOOOOO cute!

Brooke, niece Becca, and Bailey! We have taken a picture of them like this for several years now

All the little cousins playing in the pool!

Okay on to July. We had a fun Fourth Of July celebration here with my side of the family. We always celebrate it at our house. It was even nicer this year to be able to do it in this huge house.Because everyone sleeps over. :) We always have so much fun.

We got a new puppy, Jack. Jordan bought him for Bethany as a substitute for himself while he is on his mission.:) Jordan's middle name is Jack, thus the puppies name.:)

I made a Pioneer Dinner to celebrate the 24th of July. Real authentic pioneer recipes, and we also made our own butter. We had a lesson on the pioneers and their unbelievable sacrifices. Then we made Honey Taffy! It was fun!

Jameson is FINALLY POTTY TRAINED completely!!! He was my oldest to be trained. He was a little stubborn.:) but we got him new Super Hero Squad underpants and I told him that there were no more diapers for him, I just was not going to buy any. And it worked! I know he COULD do it--he was just CHOOSING not to.

The little boys are so sweet together and protective of each other. They are always hugging and comforting each other if they get hurt or something.They sleep together in the crib.They play together constantly. It is so sweet and cute. :)

JUNE 2011

2011-09-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Jameson on the big slide at Baileys party

Baileys 14th birthday Party!!

Our chickens!!! Great bug control and will give us eggs in the future!

Happy Birthday to the cutest two year old in the world! :)

Singing Happy Birthday to him

Youth Conference--playing the jellybean game where you dont know if the color you spin is a good one--like lime or a gross one like Vomit! Ha ha it was SOOOO funny!

Hanging out on the pier

Lost his trunks underwater and had to come back in someone elses towel!

Becca and Bailey! Singing in the Riverton Arts Festival

Jakey is my most wussy baby! He cries at things he should LOVE!! ha ha ha

Screaming again!

Not totally sure about this one....but no screaming! :)

"WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS TO ME...?" lol :)

I told myself I was NOT gonna get behind in my blog...I did. But now Im gonna try to catch up here. Okay June was great, I turned 41 and Jessica turned 21. Bailey turned 14 and Jacob turned 2! Its a busy birthday month in June for us, as you can see. For my birthday, I went out the entire day, all alone. I went to the stores I love and ate at the restaurants I love. I had SO MUCH FUN!

We went to Lagoon, and Jacob was afraid of pretty much every ride. :) We had a lot of fun though, and Jameson loved everything! We always go with my side of the extended family every year and take a yummy picnic.

I went to Youth Conference with our ward, along with my three kids that are in Mutual. It was fun. We stayed at a cabin and went boating. Jared lost his swim trunks UNDERWATER and came back wearing only a towel! it was pretty funny!

Bailey and Becca performed at the Riverton Arts Festival. They did AMAZING! I was very proud of them. They write their own songs and have amazing voices.

We got baby chickens! We have quite a big grasshopper population here, because of the field. Last August, when we walked through the back yard, grasshoppers were just scattering everywhere with each step we took. They were also all over the house! This year---none on the house and none on the lawn!

MAY 2011

2011-06-22T22:04:00.001-07:00

So beautiful

My eight wonderful kids!

We had a snowball fight, there is tons of snow still up there!

My baby!

My handsome big boys

Jay-Jay!!!

Bailey and Brooke

My oldest and my youngest!Jakey can't decide if he want juice or milk....so just takes both!

Baby Pit with Demsey, Lexi and Jakey

Jared doing a sweet jump!!!

Baby lizard! He is not quite sure how he feels about it....ha ha ha

Brooke and Bailey being pulled on a sled by 4 wheeler

Jakey and Jared

Bethany and Jordan

Sand Dunes

Jameson "helping" Brooke with a school project lol

They always cuddle when they watch t.v. :)

Well obviously I am a little behind, since I always post an entry the last day of each month. But here is my recap for May.

My Bigelow got married on May 6!! Stephanie Bigelow is one of Jessie's best friends and I love her to death. She married Joey Defillipis in the Logan temple. We had a nice day and she looked so pretty. I am so happy for her. :)

Mothers Day was nice, my kids gave me a FREE DAY where they took care of everything and took the babies to several different places all day so I could just relax and do NOTHING! :)
It was WONDERFUL!!!!

May 19--21 was the Sand Dunes. It was really fun and we had a great time. My babies LOVED it. The first day it rained but it was really not too bad.

Then May 28-30 we went camping at Granit Flats over Memorial Day weekend. We totally got rained out and came home a day early because all we had been doing was sitting in the trailer. :( But we did get one good day in there and some cute pictures.

APRIL 2011

2011-04-30T21:53:00.001-07:00

This is how Jacob closes his eyes at family prayer :)

My cute little Jakey with his "blankie" and "baba"

This is how Jameson fell asleep watching a movie!

It cracks me up how he has his hands!

My "Feasting On The Words Of Christ" dinner for our Laurels and Priests

Coloring our Easter eggs! He is at that age where they can't smile on command. :)

Jacob loves to do everything the big kids do. :)

My 6 big kids!

He loved that his hands were green from the dye--he kept saying, "I'm the HULK! "I'm the HULK!"

With the Easter Bunny at the City Park egg hunt

Finding Easter eggs on Easter Morning

Playing his Easter Trumpet! We left it home all day while we were at Family parties, and he kept saying, "I NEED my trumpet!" :)

My 8 BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, SWEET, AWESOME children whom I live for and love so much! :)

All through this month Jacob loved getting into this container of eggs. He would kick his legs and laugh and throw them everywhere. :)

Wow I thought MARCH went by fast, but April was even faster! I can't believe its over!

We really enjoyed General Conference. We have our tradition of Bean and Corn Salsa and 7 layer dip that we always have. I love listening to the words of our Prophet and Church Leaders. I am always inspired and so thankful for the Gospel.

I hosted a "Feasting on the Words of Christ" dinner for the Laurels and Priests in my ward. (I am the Laurel Advisor) It was really cool. Every food we ate had a scripture reference, and they didn't know what they were ordering, because they only ordered by scripture. So some ended up with strange varieties of food. And some ordered only a knife to eat their meal with. ( there is a scripture that talks about a sword--that was their knife) ha ha

Easter was very fun! It always is with little kids. Coloring eggs was a blast, and Jacob and Jameson enjoyed it so much. We spent the day with family and had lots of good food and good company. By the time we got to my Moms, Jacob and Jameson had been in several egg hunts over the past two days. So, we start my Moms egg hunt, Jacob finds two eggs and puts them in his basket. Then he stopped, looked in his basket, and then dumped out the eggs on the ground. He then threw his basket and simply said, "Done". And walked away! I guess he was tired of finding these eggs Mom kept making him find!! ha ha ha

On April 28 and 29, I went to Women's Conference with my Mom, Sarah, Jamie, and my best friend from High School, Debbie. Her mom Barbara also came. We had SO much fun. We went to great uplifting classes, enjoyed the night of service where you help with tons of different Humanitarian options like Newborn Packets, Hygiene Kits, Christmas Stockings for needy children, etc.It is really neat to see all these hundreds of women helping!

We had so much fun shopping and eating out and laughing TONS! I love Women's Conference!

We are looking forward to all the fun things coming up this summer. We just had family council and discussed all the fun things we have planned! I love my family so much and love my life with them. :)

MARCH 2011

2011-03-31T20:16:00.001-07:00

"Helping" mom make cookies for Jared's after-prom party

Jacob loves Daddy to dance with him <3

"AFTER" picture of Jakey's first haircut

"BEFORE" picture of Jakey's "clown hair"

Jameson loves to play "Doctor". I ordered him these

little scrubs that even say, "DR. BARNETT" on them! (click to enlarge)

Jared with his Wisdom Teeth out!!!

My two wisdom teeth kids!

HA ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jared and Sara, his date

Well March is already over! To recap the month, Brian and Brigham went on an overnight Winter Campout with the Scouts.I am SOOOOO glad Moms are not expected to do that! :)

Brooke and Bailey played on our new wards church basketball team this winter. They were undefeated! They lost their first region game, but it was still awesome that they went undefeated all the way thru til region.

I had a scrapbook party with my sisters. They are so fun and we have the greatest time laughing and talking. I love our inside jokes and that we can talk about anything and everything!

Brian had a business trip to Las Vegas for four days. I HATE when he is gone! I seriously know I am pathetic, but I really cant deal with my husband being gone. :(

Bethany and Jared had their wisdom teeth removed. It was a miserable, horrible week for the two of them. I could not help but laugh every time I looked at them. :)

My sister Diana had her bridal shower and then got married on March 25!!!! YIPPEE!!! This is what we have all been waiting for for so long! Ivan is a great guy and I am SO happy for them!

Poor baby Jakie got his last immunizations. I space them out further than recommended cuz I worry about them somewhat. He didnt like that at all, and I felt so bad for him.

Jared had two proms two days in a row. He looked SO cute in his tux. :)

Things are coming together in the house and yard. Jared and his friends are working for us, doing landscaping and yardwork. Its almost time to get the garden planted, and we also planted a large strawberry patch. The kids are really getting anxious for warm weather and spring!

February

2011-02-28T15:15:00.000-08:00

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Getting checked out

Bailey, ready to shoot

Bailey playing Jr. Jazz

Jared and Olivia, going to Sweethearts

Here is our family re-cap for February: On Feb 3, Brian and I went out to dinner at the Melting Pot to celebrate his 44th birthday. It was very fun! I cant believe he is getting so old.:)

This month has been filled with lots of BASKETBALL! Between church games, Jr. Jazz, and School games, plus the practices, we have a LOT of basketball!

Brigham went to the orthodontist and has begun the braces procedures. The picture with the horse mouth cracks me up! He has had a spacer on the roof of his mouth for the past month. He hates it, but he needs it before he can get the braces.

My Mom came and stayed with me for 5 days and it was SOOOOO fun! I LOVED IT! This was what I asked for from her for Christmas. She did all my mending, made a huge batch of raspberry jam, made dinner every night, and helped me with everything. She was the extra "me" I always wish I had! We watched several episodes of "crime" shows every night and it was really fun! Everyone missed her tons when she left.

I finally received a calling in my ward, I am the Laurel Advisor. I am SO happy about this! I LOVE being in the Young Womens.Brooke and Bailey are so excited that I will be in there, and that I will be going to Girls Camp this summer!

We went out to dinner last Friday with Dan and Jamie and then came back and played games.The kids all played together and we had a very fun night!

My baby has been pretty sick since yesterday, I stayed home from church with him cuz he only wanted me. :) I feel so bad for him, he can barely breathe and I can tell he just feels so miserable.

JANUARY 2011

2011-01-31T10:26:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad's bed is the best:)

Jacob loves to color on the walls....

Making cupcakes with Mom :)

Nice nerd glasses, Jakey!

Brookie in action!

She will love that I posted this one. :)

Jacob is VERY attached to "blankie" and "Baba"

...they even had to go in the TUB today!

The babies love it when I bathe them in the kitchen sink!

Well I have REALLY regretted that I stopped writing in my blog, since it was a way to keep a journal for me. BUT...you do what you have to do in life, and I guess this was the thing that I had to let go until I could manage another commitment in my crazy life. :)

But I decided that for one of my resolutions, I would write in it at LEAST once a month, the last day of every month, and do a re-cap of that past month with some pictures: this way I at least have SOME journaling of my life.

January has been good: I used to HATE January, but now I enjoy it as a month with NO holidays, NO birthdays, a month of NOTHING after a crazy December, and a good month just to get some things done around the house. My storage room is nice and clean and organized now!

We started the 11:00 block of church instead of 9, and we are all much happier. :) Brian was called to be the Ward Clerk, and I still do not have a calling. (which is fine with me for now:)

This month has been filled with Jr. Jazz and Brookes School ball games, in which her team is undefeated so far! Total wipeouts every game so far! Church ball games, too.

I had a "Scrapbook Kookamonga" with my mom and sisters. (a scrapbook party..I just name each one some weird thing to be silly):) It is SO much fun. I miss them all when they go home. :) We laugh and talk and scrapbook and confide in each other and discuss husbands and kids and eat and laugh some more! I LOVE my mom, sisters and sisters in law like crazy. Family is THE BEST.

Life is so good. I am sometimes in awe of how much I love my life. Sure it seems boring to most...but there is nothing I would rather be doing than running a happy, comfortable, efficient household and producing smart, kind, righteous children. It fills my heart with joy to do the simple things I do every day. :) Cooking, cleaning, laundry, children and babies...seriously are so fun to me! I think I was just born to be a homemaker.

On a sad note, yesterday Jameson got a concussion after church! Brooke and Bailey were playing with him in the gym and he fell and hit his head on the hard wooden floor. It actually knocked him out for several seconds! So scary....he screamed for so long. He was disoriented, dizzy, and unstable on his feet after that. Then he threw up. He was so pale and lethargic and I was getting scared. Brian called Brother Fullmer over and they gave him a priesthood blessing. We took him to the hospital and by the time he was seen...he was acting normally. :) I KNOW it was the blessing :) I am so thankful to be a member of the church and that my husband holds the priesthood and can bless my children!

The ZOO!!!

2009-10-29T23:28:00.000-07:00

My SO adorable baby! :)

This is the coolest merry-go-round--one of the

creatures you can ride is a praying mantis!

Bailey picking an ape's nose. LOL

My eight cute kids and a giraffe!

Cute little Jacob was very good the whole time

In front of the elephants

October 23, 2009 We finally took Jameson to the zoo before it gets too cold. I knew he would love it, and he did. It was so fun to show him all the animals and watch his reactions. The baby elephant was SO cute. We watched her play for a long time. We had such a good time and the weather was great. Afterwards, we went out to eat at Sweet Tomatoes. I love my family!!!!!!!!

Brighams 10th birthday!

2009-10-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

Brigham had his tenth birthday party and we again rented a big blow up slide. (can you tell my kids love these?) He had so much fun!

SAND DUNES!

2009-10-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Jacob's very first ride!

We went to the Sand Dunes this month, and it was so much fun. The weather was great and we all had a fun time. Jameson especially loved playing in the sand. Jericho is always such a good time and we love being with the family.

Jacobs Blessing

2009-10-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

With Grandma Margo and Grandpa Jack

Jacob with his Uncle Jacob!

Happy Boy!

We finally blessed Jacob and it was such a fun day. I love having family and friends to the house. He looked so sweet and cute in his white outfit. He cried during his blessing which is the first time any of my eight kids did that.:)

Bethany turns EIGHTEEN!

2009-10-22T15:07:00.001-07:00

Bethany turned the big 18, wow I cant believe it! Where did my little chubby-cheeked thumbsucker go? :( She celebrated with her friends and Jessie by going to stay overnight in a hotel. They went bowling, went out to dinner, and had lots of fun at the hotel.The pool and hot tub were open 24 hours! She said they had the BEST time ever and had so much fun!

Jameson turns TWO!!!!!!!!

2009-10-22T14:56:00.001-07:00

All his presents!

Thoroughly enjoying cake and ice cream. :)

With his 92 year old Great Grandpa...notice

his Woody and Buzz--he would not let go of

them all night!

I made him an ELMO cake and he loved it!

He loves his car!!!

I cant believe it is already Jamesons 2nd birthday! We had a fun party for him up at Grandma Margos.

September

2009-10-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Bethany goes to Homecoming with Jordan Galley

Jameson gets a new big boy bed!

Jacob discovers his hands

Watching "Blues Clues" together. :)

Here are some pictures from September. I know I am so behind with my blog...I am just so busy all the time.

Cherry Hill

2009-08-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

We went on our annual Cherry Hill trip last week and it was really fun. One of the days, the extended family comes and joins us all day, then we have dinner at my trailer and then all the adults go get a piece of their famous Cherry Hill pie together.

The kids really love Cherry Hill and there is so much to do. Batting Cages, mini-golf, Rock Climbing Wall, Aero-Ball, swimming, waterslides, etc. Just FUN everywhere. :)

Jameson loved jumping off the edge of the pool over and over and over... my arms were so tired!

I didnt get any water pictures because I was just too busy with baby Jacob and toddler Jameson and it never worked out. :(

Bear Lake again

2009-08-24T00:09:00.001-07:00

We went to Bear Lake with the Smith side this time. It was so much fun. We had some strong winds and Saturday was too cold, but we still had lots of fun.

So sweet....

2009-08-24T00:04:00.001-07:00

County Fair

2009-08-23T23:57:00.000-07:00

We love going to the County Fair every year. The kids look forward to many things, the petting zoo, the mechanical bull, the bungy tramp, the rides, the rock wall, etc. Its always lots of fun!

Jacobs new hats

2009-08-23T23:51:00.000-07:00

Jameson thought he would give his baby brother some new looks with Mr. Potato Head hats. :)LOL. Jacob is so cute just laying there taking it. :)

Bear Lake

2009-08-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

We went to Bear Lake over the 24th of July with the Barnett side. We had a great time as always. We got a boat so it was even more fun this year because the kids got pulled on a tube. It is SO fun for them! Jameson had a blast playing on the beach. We tried him on the tube, but he kept repeating his latest favorite saying..."NO WAY! NO WAY! NO WAY!" lol

Sherwood Hills

2009-08-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

Once or twice a year my mom stays at Sherwood Hills in Sardine Canyon. Weall go up and spend the evening swimming there. It is so much fun! The kids love it so much.

FOURTH OF JULY!!!

2009-08-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

We usually host the Fourth down here at our house, but having just had the baby, I wasnt up to it. So we all went up to Willard and celebrated at Grandma Margos. We went to Cherry Days and then had a cookout and did fireworks. It was fun!

Bailey's Party-June

2009-08-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

Well I have not had even a spare second to catch up on the old blog so I am going to try tonight. :) In June we had a birthday party for Bailey with a big blow up slide again. It is so much fun for everyone, even my 42 year old husband. :) Grandma Margo was here and also went down the slide! We had a good time and Bailey is now 12!

BABY JACOB!!!

2009-07-11T23:57:00.000-07:00

I am very late posting about Baby Jacobs birth, but I am very busy these days. :) Maybe having eight children has something to do with it....

Jacob William Barnett was born on June 17, 2009 at 12:47 a.m.. 8 pounds, 4 ounces. 21 inches long. Quite a bit of black hair.He is so cute and sweet. :)

I was telling Brian how your newborn child is the ONLY person you will ever love IMMEDIATELY. I never met him before, he didnt do anything to EARN my love, I dont know him...but I LOVED him. Immediately. I think its so neat.

California trip!

2009-05-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

Brooke Grace and Grandma Grace

California was AWESOME! We had such a good time. We drove this time, because it would save a lot of money. Just renting a van big enough for us last year cost ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! And since we OWN a van now, we could not justify flying there and paying that much!!The ride wasnt even that bad, it was actually pretty fun. Although we DID get pretty sick of Jameson demanding to watch "BOB!!!" (Spongebob) every second. But the kids were able to work on their homework, sleep, watch movies, play games. It was actually kinda fun to drive.

We stayed in Vegas the first night then continued on to California. We stayed in our favorite hotel, Staybridge Suites. Its just so much fun to change your routine for a week and just swim, sleep, play, eat out, go to Disneyland. etc.

We did the three day pass to Disneyland and by the third day, I LITERALLY couldnt walk anymore. My hips were out of joint, my legs were all wobbly, I was having tons of Braxton Hicks contractions and I just couldnt go anymore. Bri went and rented me a WHEELCHAIR!!! lol even though I felt like an idiot riding around in it, it was SO NICE. :) Thanks babe!! :)

The kids had a blast, and even though Jameson was afraid of a lot of the rides, he still had fun. We LOVED the Toy Story ride. Brigham LOVED Buzz Lightyear. And I think our very favorite is Splash Mountain.

The weather was PERFECT. There were two HOT days, (100 degrees) and we went to the ocean on one of them, which was so much fun. Then the cooler 70 degree days, we spent at Disneyland. It was just perfect---cuz I really wanted a hot day at the beach so the kids could play IN the water fully. But I did NOT want to be dying at Disneyland. So it was just AWESOME the way the week turned out.

We visited Brian's grandparents in Montclair and also attended his cousin Duanes wedding. It was really fun to get to visit with them all. It always makes me wish Grandma lived closer though. She is such an awesome lady and I love her so much.

It was really relaxing and fun to be away together! I realized when we got home that I didnt take very many pictures of Disney--it seemed like we were just there and all the pictures would have just been the same...lol. But we got a few, like on the Jungle ride and Tarzans tree house. I also was just all dead and not paying as much attention to picture-taking. :(

Thank goodness for washable markers!

2009-04-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Jameson LOVES markers. Crayons just don't do it for him. He found a blue one unsupervised here. All I can say is I am SO THANKFUL to whoever invented washable markers! ha ha ha

EASTER 2009

2009-04-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

Finding eggs with Bailey at Uncle Brett's house

He loved finding the eggs!

He would THROW his egg in the dye and then put

both arms in the air and say "YEAH!!!" like he made

a basket!

At the Riverton City Easter Egg Hunt

Here are some pics of Easter 2009. It was so fun to watch Jameson. He was so cute!

2009-04-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

This is while we were watching conference. Jameson is enjoying his first Mexican Platter Dip which is a conference Tradition for us. He loved it.

J.J. !!!

2009-04-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Jessie's future mother-in-law :) has been wanting me to post a video of Jameson. Her baby, Anya, is Jameson's obsession right now. lol He LOVES to watch videos of her on Becky's blog and is constantly saying, "ANYA! ANYA!" so now Becky can hear him say it.

"Just like my big brother"

2009-04-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

Jameson often wants to do the same things Brigham does. I think it is so cute. Here, Brig is relaxing with my foot spa, and Jameson insisted on joining him.

Jess gets her tonsils out!!!

2009-04-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

AFTER

BEFORE

Jess has always battled sore throats and gets strep far too often, so we decided it was time to finally get the tonsils out. The first day she was doing pretty well, but its been a week today and she is pretty miserable still. :( But in the future she will be glad! No more strep! Whenever she gets strep, it wipes her out. She gets SOOO sick. So it will be worth it in the end.

Bethany Prom

2009-04-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Bethany and Jordan went to the Prom. Jordans mom made a delicious dinner for their group. They had a great time!

Bailey and Bethany's Jr. Jazz Teams win County Championships!!

2009-04-03T19:14:00.001-07:00

WOW both games were "nail-biters" and SO nervewracking to watch! But in the end they both won! It was so exciting and neat!

EAGLE OF THE QUARTER

2009-04-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

Brooke was chosen as "Eagle Of The Quarter" at her school. Here is the part they read about her:

"Our first seventh grade Eagle of the Quarter may seem like your average teenager at first. She likes to camp, play basketball, scrapbook, go to the mall with friends, read the Twilight book series...shall I go on? However, nobody who knows her would describe her as typical. She goes above and beyond typical expectations. According to those who have known her the longest, her pleasant and happy disposition has been a dominant charateristic of hers since birth! Her mother can't help but call her an angel because she's always been so easygoing and sweet. She is always helpful and is genuinely concerned about how others feel and what they need.

In the classroom, she always goes the exta mile to ensure her work is the best. She pays attention and is conscientious about her grade at all times. She is diligent about learning and will not stop working at something until she understands. This has proven itself helpful in that she's kept a 4.0 all year.

Her family likes to take trips to California and theyve been to Disneyland, Universal Studios, the beach, and Knotts berry Farm. She has a 1 1/2 year old brother and its no surprise that she's a tremendous help with him.

In the future, she hopes to have a wonderful family, with children and a good husband. Congratulations, Brooke Barnett!"

Thanks for being such a good girl, Brookie. We love you very much!

Our new VAN!!!!

2009-02-23T15:07:00.001-08:00

Well, we will be growing out of our Suburban when baby number 8 comes in June, so we have been keeping our eye open for a large van. We found one! 14 passenger, only has 29000 miles, V10 engine, THREE T.V. screens that can play 2 different movies at the same time! (kids love that one). There are headphones for all so Bri and I wont even have to hear the noise of the movie if we didnt want to. We love it!!!! Trips are going to be SO nice now!

We LOVE our little vinyl decal family on the back windows too! (click it to enlarge--the new baby and Jameson are sooooooo cute!)

Mother Daughter Activity

2009-02-19T21:50:00.001-08:00

Young Womens held an activity where the mothers were supposed to dress like their daughters and the daughters were supposed to dress like their mothers.

So this is what we did! (Click on the picture to enlarge it.)When we walked in, everyone was CRACKING up!!! It was so funny! We played a Newlywed-type game, modified for mothers and daughters, and we got ALL but one of our questions right! Yes! We know each other well!

KIDS...!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-19T21:33:00.000-08:00

Well, Brian and I had a nice evening out for Valentines Day. We went to eat at Red Lobster and went to an AWESOME movie--"Taken". When we got home, the kids were acting really strange. They were all sitting on the couch reading scriptures out loud. The house was SPOTLESS: dishes done, floors mopped and swept, nothing out of place. I knew something was fishy. I looked at them and said, "WHAT is going on???"

Brooke pointed over to the wall at the bottom landing. I saw it was decorated with pictures, notes, and a bunch of money. I still didnt get it....until I went a little closer. There was a HUGE hole in the wall!!! Jared had jumped down the stairs and landed into the wall, bashing it in.

Jared had taped up all his money to let us know he would pay for it. There were all these scriptures, and "What would Jesus do?" notes, and pages of "I'm sorry". If you click on it, it will enlarge so you can read the papers.

I was half mad, but it was half funny. :) I decided years ago, that when these types of things happen, I ask myself; "Will it be funny in 10 years?" and if it will be, then I am not going to get mad. For instance, if you found out your child tried drugs--that would NEVER be funny, no matter how much time passed. But bashing a huge hole in the wall--that will be a funny memory down the road. So its not worth getting too mad at and creating a sad memory.

We are going to make him responsible to pay for it though. And even though part of me feels sad to even do this to him, I know it is the right thing. We all HAVE to be responsible for what we do. We HAVE to face the consequences of our actions. So he needs to pay for it, so that next time he will think twice before trying to jump the whole flight of stairs.

Kids sure make it hard to have a nice house!!! :)

2009-02-19T21:29:00.000-08:00

Jameson fell asleep on the chair watching Blues Clues. It was so cute!

January & February

2009-02-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

I used to hate January. It was long, cold and boring with no holidays. But I actually like it now: after hectic Decembers, its nice to have a boring month!

We have been busy with Jr. Jazz. Four of the kids are playing. All those practices and games keep us busy. The girls also play basketball with the Young Women.

Brian celebrated his 42nd birthday on Feb 3. I made him his favorite--Rice and Gravy, and then strawberry cake with white frosting that he loves.

Jameson is getting older and bigger too fast! He is so awesome. He INSISTS on eating with a utinsil BY HIMSELF--no matter how messy it is and how much food ends up on his stomach. If you try to feed him, he keeps his mouth shut and shakes his head. He wants to do it himself! He also LOVES to go outside, and there have been a few days where it hasnt been bitterly cold and we can take him out. He LOVES it. He literally RUNS eveywhere he goes. He knows that wearing a hat is for when we go outside--and so he thinks if he puts a hat on, he gets to go out. He can be in a diaper only---and think that if he gets a hat, he gets to go outside! He also has a huge love for basketball. When he hears and sees a game on T.V. he stands close and points at it and yells "BALL-BALL!! BALL-BALL!!!" We got him a little hoop and he LOVES it so much.

He is so happy when he sees the kids getting home from school. He runs to them and hugs them. They all have their little things they each do with him. Its so sweet. And last night, Bailey slept down in the basement with him and let Brian and I get a full nights sleep! It was NICE!!!!! (I always have babies that insist on sleeping with Mom and Dad and dont sleep thru the night til theyre like 2) LOL

New Years Eve

2009-01-24T18:54:00.000-08:00

We had a fun New Years. I'm a little late posting about it. Lol But anyway Grandma and pa Barnett and Bretts family came down. We had good food and played fun games. Near midnight we did our "toasts" with our sparkling cider and then watched the ball drop and started freaking out with horns, whistles, pan lids, and fireworks. Jameson looked like he wondered what in the world was going on. But he liked it. He loved blowing a horn.

CHRISTMAS

2009-01-04T21:42:00.001-08:00

We had a GREAT Christmas! Its always so fun to see how happy and excited the kids are at their gifts. I was telling Brian that as I get older, my appreciation for my Mom grows and grows. As I spent all of December shopping for SEVEN children, plus all the extended family, while ill with morning sickness, then had to WRAP it all and make sure everything was fair, and pull off yet another fun, magical Christmas morning...all while pregnant and not feeling great, I thought of how my Mom did this too. For NINE kids, with NO help from my Dad! (not Dad's thing in the least)lol. My mom is AMAZING. Its so true that you never realize just HOW amazing until you are a parent yourself.

Anyway, we had a great morning, with a little break in between presents while Jessie went to get to talk to her missionary Chris on the phone at his families house! Then we went to Grandma Barnetts and had a good time. The little ones did a Nativity play, and Jameson was THE CUTEST. I had told Renee (my sis-in-law) that there was NO WAY Jameson was going to leave a towel on his head to be a shepherd. But he did! I think he KNEW he was adorable and that everyone was freaking out over how cute he was, so he left it.

It was so sweet when he went up to "baby Jesus" (newborn cousin Dawson) and gently patted him and leaned in to get a closer look.

Then we went to Grandma Margos. Had a great time here too. Although, the Suburban couldn't make it up the long dirt drive even in four wheel drive! So we all had to park lower down and trudge thru the snow. Wind was blowing HARD, and snow was whipping us in the face horizontally! We were DYING by the time we got to the house! But it was kinda funny after--my brother Tom was SOAKED and his whole head was bright red! My sister-in-law Jamie looked like she was ready to kill someone when she came in! She had even fallen down while carrying her baby! But we decided to let it be a good lesson on appreciating what the pioneers went through!

We had a good time opening presents and visiting. Our drive home took two and a half hours in a blizzard! (normally takes 1) We could only drive 35 miles an hour.

I love Christmas. Its such a fun time of year. It was fun to get to buy "little kid" stuff again....like Elmo. I have missed that!

Making Christmas cookies

2008-12-24T16:05:00.001-08:00

Last night we made cookies together. It was fun. Jameson had a blast as you will see in the pictures. :) Even though he was making a HUGE mess, I couldn't bring myself to stop him cuz he was having so much fun! It was so cute to watch him try to roll with the pin. Then he'd poke the cutters down on the dough. Then he would get the spatula and smack everything a little. His favorite was the flour shaker though---I refilled it twice just so he could shake it all over! He just loved that part and it was too cute to make him stop.

My sugar cookie recipe is the BEST. It is my Mom's, and it is different than most sugar cookie recipes because it has brown sugar in the dough. It gives the cookies the BEST flavor. I have so many memories of me and my siblings making these holiday cookies with my Mom. She was always so patient and let us do what we wanted too. Even when we made huge messes. So Jameson has Grandma Margo to thank that he got to do this! It's neat to see the things you get from your mom that you do with your kids, cuz mom would do the same thing; just let us be KIDS. Huge mess and all. She praised us for our greasy, flat, ugly cookies and didn't worry about the mess. :) That little rolling pin Jameson has was mine when I was little.

Baby #8!!

2008-12-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

So by now, most family members know. The only people who dont know are my ward. I wanted to hold off as long as I could with them, because the less time you have to listen to all the dozens of comments and inquiries of "how are you feeling" every week at church, the better.

I know that sounds mean, but anyone who has had a few children should know where I am coming from. :)

But, when you are expecting your EIGHTH, your uterus is pretty much shot. :) Those ligaments say, "Oh we are doing THIS again?" and just pop out sooner. So I already have the round pooch and I am sure many have already suspected it. I will be 15 weeks this Sunday and the baby is due June 21. We are so excited!

I have had a couple people ask me if its as special and neat expecting your eighth: YES it is. I LOVE being pregnant. It is extremely special to me every single time. The moment I know, I am filled with love for this tiny being that is "us". If anything, it gets MORE special, because the older you get, the more you "get" life. How precious it is; how quickly time flies. As a 38 year old mother, I feel much more in awe of the privelege it is to carry a child of God and give it life, than I did as a 19 year old pregnant with my first. So, yes. It is no less special to give birth to my eighth. :) This ultrasound picture is when baby was 12 weeks.

Christmas Decorations

2008-12-23T23:20:00.000-08:00

My cousin Rachelle posted her favorite Christmas decorations and I liked it so here is mine. I love my Nativity Scene. I wanted a white one and looked for years. I found one at Penneys, and haven't seen one before or since. So I love my set.
I also LOVE my village. It is the cutest one I have ever seen. I had wanted one for so long and got it probably 5 years ago.The kids love it and Jared used to say he wanted to get in it and be a part of it--one of the little people.
I love my mantle full of stockings. No more will fit. :) Can you see the little tiny one at the end?:)
I love my tree each year--decorated with all the things my kids have made me thru the years. And ornaments from their first Christmases with their baby pictures on them. Every Christmas I cry a little when I see those little ornaments with their pictures on them from elementary school. This year you will notice the bottom of the tree has no decorations--baby Jameson won't leave them alone, so everything got put up higher. :)
If you click on the pictures they will show full size so you can see better.
These are my favorite things, the things we get out each year that mean its Christmas.The things my children will remember from their childhood.

Brighams Christmas Program

2008-12-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

Brigham had a little program the Third grade put on called "Santa got abducted by some pirates" It was cute. I LOVE watching my kids programs. It always makes me cry.Because I just love how innocent and sweet little kids are, up there singing away. I was so thankful today that I still have more little children in my future. I am not ready to be done with little kids! They are AWESOME.

He was so funny...it embarrasses him to do actions so he would just stand there when the others were doing actions, with a funny look on his face.

Christmas time

2008-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite things to do at this time of year is to go to Festival of Trees. We have been going ever since I was a kid. And now my kids love it too. The trees are fun to look at, they have really fun crafts for the kids, entertainment, and the best homemade goodies. And the really good thing is that every cent they make goes to help children at Primary Childrens Hospital.
This year my Mom and Dan and Jamie went also, and we had so much fun!

Jameson??????

2008-11-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Well its bound to happen to any baby boy with big sisters: Jameson was dressed up as a girl.Bailey did it.I think he looks pretty dang cute. lol He probably won't be too happy about this when he's 16!! lol

Our 20th Anniversary

2008-11-23T19:56:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we have been married for 20 years! November 11 was our twentieth anniversary. We went and stayed in a hotel in Salt Lake for a few days and just relaxed. We ate out a lot and watched "24" which we LOVE!!! On the 11th, we went to the Salt Lake Temple and that was very neat to be in the temple on our anniversary.
We were able to take naps and just RELAX....something we don't get to do much of at home with seven children. :) My Mom came and watched the kids, with Jess helping. It was so much fun. I was sad when it was over.

I am so thankful to be married to Brian. He is such a wonderful person. He is so kind, patient, sweet, soft-spoken and gentle.He has a strong testimony and is committed to the gospel and his sacred covenants. He is such a loving husband and father. I could not ask for anything more.I remember when I was a teenager,I didn't believe people when they said they loved their spouse MORE the longer they were together. I COULD NOT fathom. that. I thought for sure you would love each other more in the beginning--when the love is "new and exciting". I thought those people were just lying so teenagers would want to get married someday. :) But now I know what they meant: Our love is so much deeper, and we are so close and so in love and such best friends. It really does get better! All of life's experiences just bind you together in such a deep way.He is my life. I love him so much.

Halloween!!!!!

2008-11-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

Halloween was fun this year. We had cheesy ham and veggie soup, garlic bread, donuts and cider for dinner.Then we got all ready to go trick-or-treating.It was WARM weather for October, even though it sprinkled a little bit most of the night.We all went together for a while because everyone wanted to be with Jameson, then the older ones went longer on their own. I LOVE Halloween!

Carving pumpkins

2008-11-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

We carved our pumpkins a couple days before Halloween. We grow all our pumpkins in our garden, so Jameson has liked seeing them outside all summer, and he would touch them and climb on the big ones. So today, before we carved them when they were all sitting on the kitchen floor, he would come in and point at them and laugh! It was so cute! It was like he was thinking, "Uh, WHY are all those big orange things in our HOUSE now??" Then when we were carving them, he walked around the kids and kept slipping in all the goo. He would look down inside the big pumpkins and it was so funny and cute.
We had fun carving and everyone always does something different. Brigham made one that was "throwing up" Typical boy, huh? lol
Jess made on that says "I LOVE CHRIS". It is fun to see the different ones they do. And everyone looks forward to having the roasted seasoned pumpkin seeds I make every year.They are REALLY good!:)
I love autumn. It is ABSOLUTELY my FAVORITE time of year. From September 1, I just feel happier and enjoy life more immensely. I love the state fair, the cooler weather, the whole Halloween/autumn feeling and fun things to do in October.Then our anniversary in November. Its just the best time of year!!!

JERICHO!!!!

2008-11-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

We went on our Octber Jericho trip last week and had fun as usual. Jericho is one of our favorite things. The kids LOVE it. Even Jameson loved it this time. He liked to just wander around on the little hills, exploring and picking up a rock or stick.He LOVES to be outside so this was great for him.He liked riding the 3 wheelers and even fell asleep on a ride with Aunt Sarah.It's just so fun to be with family and friends and do all the "Jericho" things.We also got some cute pictures of the 3 baby boys on a 3 wheeler--my brother Dan's baby who is 3 months older than Jameson, and my cousin Chris' baby who is only 6 weeks older than Jameson.They are all going to best buds when they get a little older.

Granite Flats

2008-10-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

We LOVE to go camping at Granite Flats. This year we waited a little too long, and it was a little cold. But we still loved it and had a good time. Jameson threw rocks in a pond for probably half an hour! He thought it was so fun!
Brian and I showed the kids the tree that Brian carved B+J in many years ago.:)We went for walks and played games and made tinfoil dinners and smores. There is a big rock we always climb that the kids call "picking rock" cuz little pieces will pick off.Everyone else climbed it, and Jameson could see them all up there from his stroller;he started saying, "UH UH!!!" and holding his arms up to them. He wanted to be up there with them too. It was cute.
The picture of all seven of them walking hand in hand is my favorite. I love moments like that.
Saturday morning we woke up to snow! Not a lot, but still snow! Jameson touched his first snow and didn't like it too much.

Jameson's 1 year old portraits

2008-10-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

He was SOOOOOOOOO cute and happy and the pictures turned out so well!! I went in with a $7.99 coupon and spent $100!!!!!!!!! I had to have them!!! lol He's only 1 once. My VERY favorite is where he is holding the letter "N". When the girl was showing them to me on the computer afterwards--- when you choose the ones you want---I started crying...just because he is so cute and sweet and I love him SO MUCH.

John Denver

2008-10-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago today on October 12, 1998, John Denver was killed in a plane crash. I remember how my Aunt Marie called to tell me, because she knew how much I loved him.I had loved him since I was 10 years old. I cried for three days. Brooke was about 2 and 1/2 and she would say, "Mommy sad? Denver die?"

I still feel sad when I listen to his music. I truly feel like the world lost something exquisite and beautiful when he died. There isn't another songwriter that was quite like him. His love of nature is something I feel too. The one thing that makes me feel better though, is that I know he is at peace from his sadness. I am excited to get to meet him someday! And I know he accepted the gospel, because it would have made sense to him; and given him the peace he was always searching for.

Brigham turns 9

2008-10-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

Brigham's Birthday was on Oct 4. He is 9 now! He chose not to have a friend party this year and instead get the cash it would have cost. I give them that option.So we celebrated as a family---the day started out with a nice breakfast just for him. Then he opened his presents. Later in the day we went bowling, out to eat, and to a movie. It was a very fun day!! I love you Buddy!!!

Bethany- Homecoming Dance

2008-10-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Bethany was asked to the Homecoming Dance by Jordan. They looked very cute tonight together in their matching clothes. They ate at GoodWood, and after the dance went to a haunted house.Cute couple, eh?

Bethany's Birthday Bash

2008-10-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Bethany had a very fun birthday party in our back yard. We rented a HUGE 24 foot tall inflatable bouncy slide that was SO FUN!! Even Brian played on it for hours! I even went on it 3 times---the kids were surprised and thought that was pretty funny. :)We had our fire pit going and everyone made hot dogs and smores. We had a table full of goodies and pop. Bethany's boy Jordan sang with his guitar around the fire and everyone loved it. It was SUCH a fun party. I didn't want it to be over!!
Bethany is so sweet...I love that she didn't care at all that her parents and siblings just hung out with everyone at her TEEN party. A lot of teens would DIE before they'd let that happen. But she is so kind and such a good girl. I can't believe she is 17!!!!!! I love you Bethany!!!!!!

Jameson's FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!

2008-09-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

WOW I cannot believe he is already ONE!!! Where did this year go? This has been the fastest year of my entire life. His birthday was on September 14, but we waited to celebrate it at the family party at Grandma Margo's September 21.

I gave him his own little cake and we all just watched to see what he would do. He put his face down in it! It was so cute and funny! He knew we were all watching him and laughing at him, and then he would laugh too.
He got several books, which are his FAVORITE toy. I have never had such a young baby like books THIS much. And he got a little dog that barks and walks. He LOVES dogs too. He got cute clothes and a really cute coat.He seemed to like being the center of attention, and Uncle Jake made up a little birthday song on the guitar for him too.I think back to when we weren't planning to even have a seventh child, and it seems so strange that I was planning to go on in life without this baby who is the joy of our family!!!

I LOVE YOU MY SWEET JAMESON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jameson!

2008-09-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Jamesons latest antics. He LOVES to pull out wet wipes.He'll do an entire package if I let him. And he LOVES to pull everything out of my bathroom cabinet. I can't make myself stop him because he is so cute! Bri even put a childproof gadget on the bathroom cabinet, and Jameson was so sad when he couldn't open it. He cried and pulled at it, and I'm a big softy about stuff like this.... so I took it off and let him pull everything out! I told Bri, "He's building brain cells!!!" I only want to put locks on the cabinets that could be dangerous for him to get in. He is just so funny and cute and sweet. I love him so much!

Down in the depths of a teenage boys room

2008-09-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well I told Jared it was time to get his messy room cleaned. I can only take it for so long. Lol. He came upstairs with this lovely plate full of......
MOLDY GRAPEFRUIT!!!!! I know it is so disgusting, but typical of a messy teen boy. So,instead of getting mad, I decided to grab the camera!!!

Jameson is WALKING!!!!!

2008-09-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Jameson is walking all over the place! A week ago, he would take just a few steps--- and today, September 1st, he is going everywhere! He looks SO cute on those chubby legs!

My awesome husband

2008-09-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

Brian is an excellent gardener. Every year we have so much delicious produce.I LOVE going out to my garden for a fresh tomato or pepper.This year we have beets,carrots, kohlrabi, onions, peppers, jalapenos, pumpkins, tomatoes,cucumbers,and zucchini.
The past two years, he has made and canned salsa. It is REALLY good. He makes fresh salsa too that is the best you could ever taste.
I think it is so awesome that my HUSBAND makes salsa!!! lol:)
These pictures are his "BEFORE" and "AFTER".

Jameson's mess

2008-09-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Jameson is so awesome!!! How did I ever live without this baby?? :)I knew he was a little too quiet this day, and sure enough....he was in the plant!!!

Odds and ends

2008-09-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

School started for Brigham and Bailey on August 18. Bailey was excited, but Brigham was not. This is my child that, while at Disneyland when he was 4 years old, got on my lap and said, "Mommy, I want to go home." SO you can imagine, that if he wanted to be home instead of at DISNEYLAND, school is not his favorite place! :)

Bethany FINALLY got her learners permit!! She has had no interest in getting it on her own. I think its because she is always with Jessie, so she has had no reason to need to drive.But finally, she got it.It will be nice to have two drivers.

My sis-in-law Shalamar and her kids Becca and Jackson came down to go to Seven Peaks for one last summer thing before school starts. We had a blast.Then her kids stayed with us for a few days. They are such sweet, good, funny kids. Very mannerly and obedient and helpful. I love having them here. My sister Di stayed overnight with us one night and spent some good "Aunt time" with the kids.

Then school started for everyone else on the 25th.Jessie was SOOOOOO glad to not have to go! She was teasing the others how she got to sleep in instead of waking up at 6:00 a.m. That evening we went to Seven Peaks for family night for our final time.Then we ate out at Joe Veras, a mexican place.

Cherry Hill

2008-09-01T19:39:00.001-07:00

We have been going to Cherry Hill for several years now, and it is SO much fun. It's my FAVORITE place to go with the family.We camp there in our trailer, and then there are waterslides, batting cages, aero ball, hamster haven, rock climbing, video arcades, and miniature golfing. It is unbelieveably fun.On the day we waterslide, my extended family comes and that makes it even more fun. We all had a blast on the water slides together. At dinner time we all ate at my trailer, and then later we all went and got a piece of their famous pie together. It is just SO much fun here.My brother Dan said, "Theres no other water slide that makes me feel actually GIDDY"

Summer stuff

2008-09-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

Brian and my boys went on a fishing trip on August 8 and 9. This year they went to Flaming Gorge.This has been a yearly traditon for a few years now with the Barnett side. They really enjoy it and have a good time.Uncle Brett has a boat this year so it was a lot more fun for them.
Jess was on a river rafting trip with the singles ward, Brooke and Bailey stayed at their cousins house for those two days, so the only people home were me, Bethany and Jameson. We had a BLAST! We went shopping, out to lunch and dinner both days, and to the county fair. We rented a movie and she slept in my bed with me. It was so much fun.And the house stayed so clean with everyone gone!!! lol

Jameson...F.B.I!!

2008-08-05T13:25:00.001-07:00

I saw this onesie at Walmart and loved it! It cracks me up! It describes Jameson perfectly. If you click on the picture it will make it bigger so you can see what F.B. I stands for!!

The Times to Remember

2008-08-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Last night, all the kids watched a scary movie together. We all like scary movies quite a bit, so I wasn't too worried. They never have nightmares, or think they are TOO scary. Anyway, Brian and I were just getting into bed, when Jared comes in and says, "Well, I'M sleeping in here tonight!" And he lays down on our floor with his pillow and blanket. A few minutes later, Brooke, Bailey and Brigham come in, and say, "Mom we HAVE to sleep in here with you tonight!" and they lay down with their bedding. I was chuckling a little that these "older" kids were scared enough to come sleep in Mom and Dads room, when Jess and Bethany come in! They say, "We are sleeping in here tonight!!!"
So there on the floor, in a row, beneath our bed were six kids, and Jameson in his crib, also still in our room. So our whole entire family slept in my room!!!

They were talking, whispering and giggling among themselves, and we just listened.I heard some weird comments, like, "The CAT had a cell phone?!" and "Hey! Little girl! I'll give you a piece of circular candy if you let me snap your leg in two!!"
Brian and I were just chuckling to ourselves and listening to their whispers.

We didn't tell them to be quiet, neither one of us. And then when Brian and I talked about it the next morning, we both were thinking the same thing: these are the times to remember....The night that everyone got scared and had to sleep in mom and dad's room. We WANTED to listen to them being silly all together. Making memories.

Time is passing by so quickly. Never wish your children to grow up too fast. I never have, and I am so glad.
This picture was taken in the morning, but Jess had already gotten up because Jameson had cried a lot in the night cuz he is sick.

2008-07-27T19:20:00.001-07:00

BEAR LAKE!

2008-07-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

We went to Bear Lake from Thursday until Saturday night. Brian's parents own some land up there and all his siblings and us all have camping trailers and we camp and spend the days at the lake. We have been going for many years, and it is SO MUCH fun.
This year, Brian's brother Brett has a new boat, and it was just SO FUN for the kids.
They kneeboarded, wakeboarded, and got pulled on the big tube. They didn't ever want to leave.It was Jameson's first Bear Lake trip and he enjoyed crawling around the beach and eating sand.:) He would spit it out like he didn't like it, but then eat some again.The kids all have so much fun with their cousins and we just really love going to Bear Lake.

FOURTH OF JULY!!!

2008-07-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

We have a traditon of having everyone down for the 4th.(Jenny's side of the family)
They come on the 3rd, we go to the parade and then everyone sleeps over.The next day we have a huge homemade breakfast. Then we go to the Town Days celebration where there are rides,games,food,booths,etc. Then we come back to the house and we are so hot that we do Slip and Slide and have water balloon fights. In the evening we have a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs. Then we do our own fireworks, and then at 10:00 the city fireworks are set off. We have a perfect view from my front yard so we all lay on blankets and watch. Jameson was SOOOOO cute as he watched them!

Summer so far

2008-07-09T23:24:00.000-07:00

Well we are enjoying the summer so far. We have season passes to Seven Peaks water park so we have been a few times. It was fun to take Jameson for the first time. Last year, when I was pregnant, we would talk about how..."Next year we will be bringing a little baby here with us!"
I celebrated my birthday on June 19th. I went shopping all day with my birthday money.About half-way through the day, I realized that everything I had bought so far was for Jameson! LOL So then I made sure I bought some things for myself.Later that night, Brian and I went to The Melting Pot for dinner. That place is SO GOOD! If you have never been there, you have GOT to go.Everything is served in courses and it is fondue.Cheese fondue with veggies and breads, delicious broths to cook your meats in, and chocolate fondues for dessert with fruits, brownies, etc. You have a burner right on your table and you use skewers. It is just unbelievably delicious.
The kids are enjoying sleeping in, staying up late, and playing all day.And NO homework.

Jess graduates!

2008-07-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Jessica has graduated! It has been a very strange feeling to accept that my little baby girl is out of high school. She is so happy to be done. She has never liked school at all. When she started kindergarten, she would cry each day and say, "I just want to stay home with you". When I would look at her schoolwork, there were pictures of me she had drawn on the back of her papers, and it would say, "I love you Mommy" So she has just never been very happy about spending 7 hours a day away from home. She is a major homebody and just likes to be home with her family. In seventh grade, we even did half home school for her because she couldn't adjust to Middle school and was really upset every day.
She looked SO beautiful that night in her cap and gown.Both sets of grandparents came down and we all went out to dinner at P.F. Changs, Jessie's favorite.
A couple days after graduation, she and her group of 6 best friends all drove to California for a Senior Trip. She had a blast!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

2008-06-15T14:35:00.001-07:00

This morning the kids made Brian breakfast in bed and then gave him his cards and gifts. I read the letters the kids wrote to him, and the things that stood out were: how kind, patient, and fun he is. The older ones said that as they get older, and see more dads of their peers, etc. they realize how lucky they are to have a dad like Bri.He is always KIND.Even when,in my opinion, he would have the right to be angry.He is so PATIENT. He is always reminding me to be patient when troubles with kids arise, just like Heavenly Father is with all of our shortcomings.
He is so FUN!Always on the trampoline with them. Always playing games with them. Fishing and soccer with the boys.Cracking stale jokes that make them laugh.He isn't scary in the least.He is agreeable and sweet.He is loving.He tells us how much he loves us all. He respects me as his wife and mother of his children.
He is just everything I always wanted in a father for my children. I am SO grateful for him and I love him beyond belief.
Happy Fathers Day Brian!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jamesons almost crawling!

2008-05-26T12:53:00.001-07:00

Here is a video clip Bethany took up in Brooke and Bailey's room, of Jameson's army crawl.Sometimes he'll get up on all fours and take a few moves, but usually goes back to this to get to where he wants to go.It's so cute to watch the determination in his face to get to something out of his reach.He's also got a second tooth coming in.

A month has gone by!!!

2008-05-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

I seriously can't believe how quickly time goes by.Its kinda scary.I don't ever remember time going by like this, even just ten years ago.
Well, I will recap the past months highlights: April 24--26 was our twice yearly trip to Jericho (the sand dunes). We had a blast like we always do. Jameson didn't like it too much--I could tell he was kind of discontent and restless.He wanted his toys and our bed and home, I think. But he was pretty good. My cousin Chris dug a big pit and lined it with tarps to make a playpen for the three baby boys. It was awesome!We used it quite a bit.It is so fun to be with family. I love the inside jokes, the closeness,and the love you feel because you are family.

My neck has been killing me for a month now. I've been to the chiropractor three times and it hasn't helped. I think it started because I lay on my side to nurse Jameson to sleep a lot. But he loves it, and so do I. I love cuddling with him, rubbing his head and falling asleep together. So I don't want to stop doing it.I don't know; hopefully it will get better on it's own.

We have been doing a lot of Spring Cleaning, much to the kids disappointment.:)We are getting rid of a lot of stuff--chairs,toys,clothes,etc.My basement is looking much better.Next is the garage. I'm sure the kids will be thrilled. ha ha

Last Saturday my ward had a "Riverton Idol" activity. I played my accordian in it!! It was funny and everyone was laughing. I looked up from my playing to see everyone with their arms in the air, swaying from side to side. It was really funny!!

On Mothers Day, the kids made me breakfast in bed and then I opened my cards.I love to get a letter from them.They are priceless to me. And then at church, I had to speak in sacrament meeting!! That's what you get for Mother's Day when your husband is in the bishopric!! lol I spoke on Motherhood. That is something I guess I know a little bit about!! ha ha It went well and I was pleased with it.
We spent the day with both of our families.

Bailey had her 5th grade Patriotic Program and my Mom came down to go to it with me. Then we went out to lunch at Olive Garden.That's such a good program; I've seen it 5 times now from my five fifth graders so far, and I still love it.

On May 15th I went up to Ogden to go to a Mandy Patinkin concert with my mom,sister Di, brother Jake and his girlfriend Cassey.I really like Mandy Patinkin a lot. His voice is amazing. He was very funny too. At the end of his concert, he said, "I never end a concert without saying this: "Hello!! My name is Inigo Montoya! You killed my father. Prepare to die!" It was REALLY funny.
It was a fun evening. But I missed my baby so much. I kept texting Jess and Beth and telling them to send me pictures of what he was doing right then.Beth thought I was a little weird. But this was the longest I've ever left him.I kept my phone open while we ate and kept looking at pictures of him.

Today (Saturday May 17th) was a good day. Lots of yardwork.Then in the evening we had our first cookout of the summer. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and fruit salad. Jameson LOVES being outside on a blanket just watching everything. He is VERY content outside.The kids played soccer and jumped on the tramp.I love days like this, with some of everything; hard work, and fun play.

Jameson is 8 months now and is SO close to crawling. He does the "army" thing a little. Mostly he gets on all fours and rocks.He'll take a move forward but then go down flat. But I can tell it won't be long.My others all crawled at 6 months, but this baby is almost NEVER put down so he is progressing more slowly!! ha ha I'm actually glad, because they are so much harder when they are mobile!!!He is also cutting his FIRST TOOTH!!! Bottom right.He is so chunky and cute!! He also LOVES to bathe. When I am holding him and running the water, he is diving out of my arms trying to get in the tub.He sometimes cries when I take him out.He loves to play with his "Bath-ketball" tub toy.

Jess is getting so close to graduation.Unbelieveable.Tonight she is at the Senior Dinner Dance.Only a couple more weeks until she is done with high school.I really can't believe it. She is so glad. She's never been a school lover.I never was either, so I've been able to help her and relate.We are just big homebodies!!

Well life is good.I love my family so much and am so thankful for each of my beautiful children. They are so awesome!!!

Tagged by my cousin Sarah R.

2008-04-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

I got tagged again...
-What is his name? Brian Wayne Barnett

-How long did we date? 7 months before his mission, 7 months after his mission before we were married

-How long have we been together? Almost 23 years!!! (20 years of marriage this November)

-How old is he? 41

-Who said I love you first? Brian. He liked me before I liked him

-Who is taller? Brian is about 6 feet and I am only 5‘2

-Who can sing better? We are both pretty good singers

-Who is smarter? Definitely Brian. His mind is amazing-- with all he knows of computer programming, languages, fixing problems, etc. He helps the kids with Algebra, Geometry and all that math that I was always awful at.

-Who does the laundry? I do. Kids fold most of it though

-Who does the dishes? Every night of the week is assigned to someone(6 older kids)and then I do the seventh night

-Who mows the lawn? Our 14 year old son Jared

-Who cooks dinner? Me. Sometimes Jessica does and occasionally Bri will make his chicken noodle casserole

-Who drives? Brian

-Who kissed who first? I’d say it was mutual. Outside his church at a stake dance! I was only 15!
-Who proposed? Brian. At the Ogden Temple grounds

-Who is more stubborn? Definitely me! He isn’t stubborn at all.

-Who is more sensitive? Also me.

-Who wears the pants? Well, I guess me. But NOT in a mean controlling way. He is just very kind and passive and doesn’t really care what decisions I make. He is very agreeable!!

I tag anyone who wants to do it

Here is another tag that I got months ago, and never did

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? Let’s see---April of 1998--Well I was 27, and had 5 kids. We lived in our old Riverton house. I was just being a BUSY mommy and wife.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today? Go to the Dentist, Go to the store, hold Activity Days,(I’m the leader) Go to Pack Meeting with Brigham, watch American Idol
3. What snacks do I enjoy? Chips and salsa, Brian’s wheat snacks,
4. What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire? Pay LOTS of tithing!!!:) buy a new bigger house, save for kids educations, missions and weddings, help family out

5. 3 bad habits? I worry WAY too much. I pick my nails and fingers

6. 5 places I have lived? Only Ogden and Riverton!!!

7. Jobs I've had. Maid, laundry lady, and bookkeeper for my parents motel and cab company all my young life up to 1992. Now my job is homemaker and I LOVE it.

8. 5 things most people don't know about me. 5 of my 7 children’s births were completely without drugs, I write poetry, I was a gifted child, I like a fried egg on top of a pancake, with syrup over all, and I play the ACCORDIAN!!! :)

Recap of the past 3 weeks

2008-04-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

Wow where does the time go? I can't believe I haven't updated for 3 weeks!
Well my boys have started soccer again. They are both good players and do well.So we have 2 games each Saturday.They have overlapped, so Bri goes to one and I go to the other.All four girls went to a Jazz game together with the tickets Brooke and Bailey got from being in Jr. Jazz.They rode trax and had a good time together.
We REALLY enjoyed Conference. I remember when I was a little girl and my parents would make us watch it. I didn't like it at all. It's weird how as an adult, you LOVE it.We always watch it together as a family and have seven-layer dip and other goodies and snacks.The little ones play Conference Bingo to make it more fun for them.Brian always goes up to his folks house and goes to the priesthood session with his dad, brother, and brother-in-laws. Then we have dinner together---we had a baked potato bar at his moms house and visited.
Something kinda funny was, Amanda, Brian's niece was there with her baby Asher, who is 5 weeks younger than Jameson.Asher is their first baby, and not used to noise at all.He is used to having a very quiet house. Well, he was very upset and didn't like all the noise and people. He wouldn't eat, wouldn't sleep, and they eventually had to leave because Asher couldn't tolerate so much going on. THEN there's Jameson. Youngest of SEVEN, can go to sleep with T.V. blaring, vaccuum going, 6 siblings yapping, computers playing music...etc.It was just funny, because right in the middle of all the noise and visiting, Jameson falls asleep on Grandma Barnett without a problem at all. And poor Asher had to leave.Brian and I were just laughing at the difference.

My nice brother Dan came over last Monday and fixed a bunch of "household" stuff for me. Brian just can't seem to get around to it.The kids are so happy to have their electric scooter fixed!He also fixed doorknobs,weather stripping around doors,T.V. that wasn't coming in at all,and worked on a drain. Thanks Dan!

Wednesday the 9th my sis-in-law Jamie (Dan's wife) came down to spend the day. We went out to eat at Sweet Tomatoes.That is a great place for kids--lots of choices, and things kids like. And if you DON'T like it--you don't have to eat it, because its all-you-can-eat.Then we went shopping at the D.I. I got some really cute summer clothes for Jameson--good brands in good shape that are so cute.The kids had SO much fun playing together. Presley, who is three years old, is SOOOO funny and cute.Bailey had an elephant Pez dispenser and offered Presley some of the candy. Presley said, "No...I don't like elephant candy." She had us laughing all day.Kaden and Brigham had a blast together too. Porter and Jameson who are three months apart, are just starting to relate to each other. Porter was ramming into Jameson with his head like a goat!! (not hard--it almost looked like he was maybe trying to be affectionate)It was funny.And every toy Jameson would have, Porter would take. Not in a mean way at all, he just looked like he was thinking, "That's a cool toy...let me check that one out now." It was really fun and we want to do it more often.

This past Thursday my Mom and sister Di came down to stay a few days. Di had a 2-day seminar in Sandy, and rather than drive home each night, she thought it would be fun to stay with me.So then my Mom wanted to come too.It was VERY fun. Thursday we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese and had a blast. Friday day we went to lunch at Johnny Carinos and bowling with the kids. Grandma won! Friday night we went out to dinner and then rented a movie.Sarah and Brent came down for that too. Saturday we went to the movie "Happy Valley" and out to eat. Just tons of fun every day!!I loved it.
They want to come down at least once a month because it was just so much fun.Anyone else who wants to, you're invited too!:)

Jess took the ACT test yesterday. She said on the questions that she had no idea what the answer was---she chose letter "C"---for Chris!!!!! That cracked me up!
Brian planted our tomatoes yesterday. We love having a big garden every year.I can't believe its already time to plant the garden!!!
And then last night, Bethany went to Prom. She looked GORGEOUS. She wore a pretty midnight blue dress that matched her eyes.They ate The Garden Restaurant in Salt Lake.She had a really good time with David.The pictures above are kinda far away, but if you click on them you can see them close up.

Jameson has now learned to wave bye-bye and it is SOOOOO cute. He opens and closes his hand and waves his arm up and down. He is also holding out his arms to be picked up. I love it. When I go toward him he starts laughing and holding out his arms.

Brooke gave her first youth talk in church today on the worth of souls.She did a great job and I was really proud of her.She has always been one to be sensitive about this---being kind to those who need a friend and sticking up for the underdog.
It was the warmest day of the year so far today. The kids loved playing outside together today.They go back to school tomorrow after being off-track for three weeks. I will miss them. I really love having them home.

EASTER!

2008-03-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

We had a good Easter this year. We woke at 9:30 and did our egg hunt and opened presents and looked at our baskets. Even though most of the kids are older, I have told them that on holidays, they just have to play along and still do all the kid stuff. That's what makes it fun!
After church we went to Brian's brother's house for dinner with all the Barnett side.Oh yeah--Tracee is expecting a baby in October!! I'm so happy for them! They tried for so long and then gave up, and now it's happened.Their kids are really excited about it. I took her some baby gifts already because I am SOO excited!!!lol

Later, we went to my moms. The kids did the money egg hunt and we visited for a while.Porter is already standing up to the furniture! Our babies are growing up way too fast.He's only 9 months!
It's so fun to be with family. I love it.

2008-03-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

MARCH 14, 2008

Six months ago today
You were born
There, in the middle of the night
My world lit up like dawn

I remember holding you close
And falling in love with you immediately
When they said they had to take you
I cried.

When they told me you had to stay
I sobbed
I wanted you with me, right in my arms

I had waited so long for you, and now you weren’t well
I prayed to God that you wouldn’t hurt

Those first few days in the hospital, I learned again
What pure love feels like
What it feels like when I realize I would be willing to take
Any pain if you wouldn’t have to feel it

I stayed by your little bed, holding your tiny foot
Telling you that everything was going to be okay soon

We couldn’t wait to leave—to bring you home
Where you would be surrounded by love

And now we’ve had you half a year…
The time has passed so quickly
I can’t believe we’ve had you this long

So tiny and innocent
Your eyes and smile so big and bright
A piece of heaven in our home.
That’s what you have been.

I am so thankful for you
And so happy to have provided a body for you;
A home for you.

You truly bring us heaven every day, sweet little J

We love you so much!

This weekend

2008-03-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

Thursday Jameson had a Dr. appointment and he is a big,strong,healthy boy.He'll be 6 months old on March 14th. He weighs 17 pounds and 12 ounces, and is 25 1/2 inches long.He's in the 63rd percentile, so a little bit big for his age, but not too much.He had to get shots and that was sad.I always hate that.I totally LOVE our pediatrician. He calls himself "Dr. Pete"--his first name.(last name is Moskowitz) He is really funny, and so sweet to Jameson---even hugs and kisses him on the head!I was planning on only using him at the hospital-just when he was born-and then taking Jameson to our family Dr, but I love Dr. Pete so much I want to keep seeing him.

On Friday me and the four girls went out with Becky--Chris' Mother and her friend Tami. We went to Olive Garden for dinner, and we were going to go bowling but there was an hour wait so we just came back to the house and read letters from Chris.We also watched video of things Chris did with us, like 4th of July, and Jericho.

Brian has had the flu for a stinkin week now!! He is just miserable. When he gets sick, he is just WIPED OUT.I hate it. He feels terrible.We had plans to go to the Melting Pot with Sarah and her man, but we had to cancel cuz he is still sick.

We had a nice Sunday today. Ward conference. A non-member friend of Bethany's, David, came with us to church. Whetton stopped in to see us--he was on his way back from Pleasant Grove where he had attended a former companion's homecoming.We had a yummy rice and gravy dinner and David and Whetton ate with us. Then we watched the video of our California Trip all together.It made me want to go back already!

Wow the weather was AWESOME today!So warm and nice.Gave us all Spring Fever.I am ready for Spring.I want to go to Jericho!!!
Well we are going to get out our Easter decorations so I will sign off now.

AWESOME VACATION!!!!

2008-03-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

We just returned from an AWESOME trip to California. We had a REALLY good time--better than I thought it would be. Weather was great--70's, and even a couple days that were 80 degrees! It was a shock to come back to 30 degrees! We flew, which was really nice because we were there in an hour and a half instead of 12 hours of driving! We had 5 days of Disneyland, 2 of Universal Studios and one day at Knott's Berry Farm. The kids had a blast swimming each night at our awesome hotel. We LOVED this hotel---our room was HUGE with three rooms, and a kitchenette, two bathrooms and three T.V.s! It was SO nice to have all this room, and a room and separate T.V. for the girls, boys, and me and Bri. Free huge breakfast every morning, free guest laundry, swimming pool and hot-tub, and basketball court. We hated to leave!

We also had a very nice visit with Brian's Grandma and Grandpa who live in Montclair. I love them A LOT! They are such good people, and it was so nice to talk to Grandma lots and spend some time with them. She is such a sweet, cute, wonderful lady. We hated to say goodbye to them. We also got to see Brian's cousins and Uncle Richard for a while.

Having the 5 day pass was cool cuz if we got tired of Disney, we would go back to the hotel and relax and swim and watch t.v and not feel like we had to cram everything into one day.

We rented this 12 passenger van that STUNK like a "rat cage" (according to Jess and Bethany) until I bought air freshener trees for it.

Jameson was very good and content the whole time. He would grab the characters noses when we took him up to show him.He slept a lot in his stroller, and just looked around wide-eyed a lot.

Our favorite rides at Disney were; Pirates, Splash Mountain, Soarin' over California, Hotel of Terror, and the Buzz Lightyear ride.

Brian volunteered to be the "star" of the special effects show at Universal--they had him "die" and disappear and all that was left was a skeleton! It was funny.

We got a lot of looks and comments on our big family, luckily none that were rude. I like to see people's reactions. They can't believe we have seven kids!

The beach was so beautiful. I loved watching the kids walk up and down the beach, all of them together looking for shells and feeling the water on their bare feet, and the wind blowing their hair. The waves were crashing behind them, and I took a picture in my mind of all seven of them together, in this exact moment, while they are all still mine, home, together; because that will change in the near upcoming years. It makes me cry even to write this.

We just had the BEST time ever. Usually at the end of a trip I am ready to come home, but I didn't want to leave. I could easily have stayed another few days at least.

Well I may add some things to this post if I realize I forgot something, but for now this is good.

Life is busy

2008-02-22T22:01:00.000-08:00

We went to my Grandmas funeral on the 11th. It was nice and really made me remember what a good person she was. Her whole life was nothing but a sacrifice for her husband and children. When I look at pictures of her as a beautiful young woman, I think of the dreams she probably had for her life. But she was true to her family and sacrificed her life for them.

We've been watching American Idol faithfully- pretty much the whole family likes it. Our favorite is the funny weird audition weeks. We're rooting for the boy from Murray--David Archuleta. He is SOOOO good and very cute too.

Went to the "Maturation Program" with Bailey. She was funny as she looked at me with a weird look at embarrassing comments and pictures they showed. We went out to eat together afterwards at Wingers.

Valentines Day was nice. Brian bought a flowers for me, and for each of his daughters like he's done since they were little. I love that he does this. Our whole table was covered in flowers from all the flowers from Bri, plus ones from BOYS that gave them to my girls!!

On a sad note, the mother of one of Jessie's best friends, Stephanie Bigelow, passed away from cancer. I am really close to this friend of Jessie's, and it has been really hard for me to see this.
The funeral was really sad; each of her children had a part in it. When Bigelow said the closing prayer, it really made me cry. It's so hard to know what to say in these situations. It breaks my heart to know how sad this family is.

I went to lunch Wednesday with one of my very best friends Kim McDaniel. We have been buds since we moved to Riverton in 1994. I sure love her and think she is great. She has been through A LOT with her divorce and stuff, and I just think she is great person. She's always positive and happy.Our kids have been friends since they were so little---Micah and Jared since they were 2 years old! And Bethany and Shayn since they were 4. Jameson was perfect through the long lunch and chat we had.

The past few days have been BUSY! Food to a funeral, food to a lady who just had a baby, me in charge of Activity Days, Blue and Gold banquet with Brig, Brooke's orientation for Jr. High, dog groomed, basketball game,Brooke and Bay to that Hannah Montana concert movie and then today, Parent Teacher Conference for Brooke, Bailey and Brigham. They are all doing very well and I was so happy to hear this. All at the top of their class. All good readers. Brig has a little trouble being quiet and not being rowdy with friends, but that's a little boy for you.

Jameson is sleeping through the night basically every night now. It has been nice to get a full nights sleep and actually feeling like getting out of bed at 7:00 a.m. now. This is way earlier than my other babies---they were like one before they slept through the night!! (he's 5 months) And I'm learning more about him--like, he is content to sit in his bouncer IF he can see me. I just had him on the kitchen counter for an hour while I did dishes and cleaned and he was happy the whole time. So I know now he just doesn't like to be alone. I sang to him while I cleaned and he was good for that long. Also, the other day I cleaned with him in a Snugli baby carrier, and he was good then too. He just loves to be held, and with people. Can't blame him for that.

Jess is doing much better. She has done more with friends and that makes the time pass faster and helps her keep her mind off it. I'm glad because it was really hard for me to see her so sad.

It rained a lot today, which I loved. Rain is my very favorite weather. When I wake up and see it is a rainy day, I am in a GREAT mood. People think I am weird, but I have just always loved rain.

Chris leaves

2008-02-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

Well it's been several days since I posted. On Feb 7, Jessie's boyfriend Chris left on his mission to Leeds England. She has had an extremely hard time, much worse than I expected. I feel SO BAD for her. It breaks my heart. I can say though, that I know EXACTLY how she feels. When I waited for Brian, it was one of the worst times of my life. I was so sad. It's almost a physical pain---it hurts so much. With prayer, I hope we get through it. I really hope she marries Chris and I think she will. He has an AWESOME family that I really like. His Mom is SOO good to Jess and that really helps her. They are really good people and I would love for her to marry into their family and to have Chris in ours. He is an exceptional young man.

The very day he left, she hurt her knee quite badly playing church basketball. Took her to the Dr and it was sprained. Things like this always seem so much worse when you are already sad. So that was a rough day. It is so hard to see your child in any kind of pain. As a mother, your instinct is to "fix" everything for your child. To make it all better. But I can't do anything to fix this. I got out all my stuff from when I waited for Brian: comforting quotes, scriptures, fun things to do for him. The next day she called me from school and said, "...Mom??..." and then just burst out crying so hard. So I let her come home and we went to Missionary Emporium and bought her lots of fun things---an England sweatshirt, a shirt that says "I love my missionary", keychains, magnets, England flag, chart to count down the days, and several other fun things. And we went to lunch.I think it helped her a little. She has also spent a few evenings with his family. Being at his house seems to help a lot. I remember it helped me too. It's as close as you can get to them so it feels good to be there. I hope as some time passes she will adjust. It's really hard for me to see her so sad.

My Grandma

2008-02-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

Last night my Grandma Kathryn Smith passed away. She has had Alheimers Disease for the past ten years and it had gotten progressively worse. Then about a week or two ago she fell and broke her hip.She also had congestive heart failure, and also she was at the point where she was refusing to eat. All these things combined finally took her life. In a way I am sad, but even more I am happy; Her life has been a tough one, and I am glad she is now able to rest from all of it.Since my Grandpa died a year ago, she has been so sad and always asking "Where's Earl?" and then when told he has died, she cries and cries.So there are just so many reasons it is better for her to be with Jesus and Grandpa now.I have good memories of her--I stayed with them a lot when I was little, and I remember working in the garden together, playing dominoes, and coloring with her.I also remember her making a little "baby in the cradle" out of a handkerchief when I would go to church with them.
I know she can now be at peace and be happy. Love you Grandma.

Catching up

2008-02-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

Friday night we went to Texas Road House for Brian's birthday dinner.I left Jameson home and missed him the whole time.:)But I know we need time alone--we don't get much anymore. Saturday was filled with basketball;Brooke and Bailey-Jr.Jazz, and Brian and Jared playing church ball. Jess didn't play because she hurt her knee, and Bethany wasn't feeling well so she didn't play either.We went to the Dr.and found out Bethany has a bladder infection, so she's on another antibiotic in addition to one for strep throat from last week! She is hoping to get better soon. Sunday was Brian's birthday and I made rice and gravy for dinner (his childhood favorite his Mom always made) and spice cake with cream cheese frosting, which he loves.The kids gave him gifts of his favorite goodies and we sang to him and did the usual.
Brooke went to the temple this morning at 4:30 a.m. to do baptisms for the dead with her friend! I was proud of her for wanting to do that bad enough to get up that early.It is SOOOOO cold and snowy right now. Snow is everywhere in huge piles. It's hard to remember last summer of record-breaking heat at this time!

Jameson and Porter

2008-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

SO cute!

2008-02-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

I picked up the pictures that Jamie and I got taken of the boys. (Jamie is my sis-in-law; my brother Dan's wife)Her baby Porter is only 3 months older than Jameson.We thought it would be cute to get their pictures taken together.They were SO cute--happy the whole time, smiling perfectly.
It's snowing again; man I am sick of winter. But I hate summer too.I get migraines from the heat.But we get Spring first, so thats good.
I started feeding Jameson rice cereal recently and he has done pretty well.Seems to like it a lot. I usually wait a little longer to feed solids, but I really feel like ALL I do is nurse this baby, so maybe he is ready sooner than most of the other kids were. I do remember Jared was the same way---never seemed satisfied even after nursing forever.And I started cereal with him at 4 months.The books say that if they express an interest when they see YOU eating, they could be ready.And he totally watches us eat and acts all eager.And of course the kids just HAVE to give him little licks of suckers and popcicles, and he loves them.

Demanding Jameson

2008-01-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

Having a baby is hard! I forgot how much time it takes. Yesterday, I never even got showered or dressed because the longest he would be happy without being held was 10 minutes! Today, Brian took him for the past hour so I could shower and get dressed. (Brian works from home)But then I got into this blog...oh well. I guess he's being good or Bri would come up with him.

But since he is SOOOOOO cute, it's hard to be upset about it. All he has to do is smile at you and you don't think of anything else. As soon as the kids get home from school, they come RUNNING in to see him. And Brian is more attatched to him that I remember him being with the other kids. I think part of it is that he works from home so he gets to be with him more. But a lot of it, I'm sure, is how hard it was to get him here and everything we went through with the miscarriage and then the scary pregnancy. And then some of it is just being an older father, and realizing how quickly time passes and how special it is to have a little baby in the home.

Getting started!

2008-01-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

Well, since I never seem to have time to write in a journal, I thought this might be a good way to keep some record of our life right now, and at the same time be able to keep others in touch with us.
To first catch everyone up on the family, I'll give a brief explanation of them all:

Jessica, age 17, senior at Riverton High. Loves basketball and her boyfriend Chris who is leaving on his mission to England in one week!! :(

Bethany, age 16, sophomore at Riverton High. Loves basketball, texting, scrapbooking, and hanging out with friends.

Jared, age 14, in 8th grade at Oquirrh Hills. Loves snowboarding, skateboarding, soccer, and doing magic tricks.

Brooke, age 12, 6th grade at Riverton Elementary. Loves babies, basketball and scrapbooking.

Bailey, age 10, 5th grade at Riverton Elementary. Loves babies, basketball and scrapbooking.

Brigham, age 8, 2nd grade at Riverton Elementary. Loves Nintendo, skateboarding, soccer, and jumping on the tramp.

Jameson, 4 months. Loves nursing, being held, and his light up musical jungle toy.

Brian, age 41 (this Sunday) Loves computers, basketball, and 4 wheeling with brothers.

Jenny, age 37. Loves scrapbooking, reading, playing piano, and being a homemaker