Shared experience

Kaitlin got her braces off two weeks ago and last week Kevin & I both got our top ones on. So after 10 kids 6 of whom needed braces (two of those as adults who paid for them themselves) I get my turn. I don't mind the pressure so much and I haven't had any pain but I am not enjoying the cuts on the inside of my mouth from the wires & brackets. I am becoming good friends with my wax! We have had at least one of us in braces for the last 5 years running but hopefully in two more we will all be done!

Expanding the next generation

Alex and Nick are expecting their first baby in September. This will be our fourth grandchild. The race is on to see if they have the first girl!

Catching up

It feels like I haven't posted anything forever. We have had a string of things lately that have kept me occupied doing other things. A couple of weeks ago Joe's hard drive crashed and he lost everything on his computer. Thankfully he had almost everything backed up so once the new drive was in he was able to restore most of what he had. That same week the microwave quit working, the stove top got water in the electronic ignition and we had to keep it unplugged until it dried out other wise it clicked incessantly, the suburban broke down and if that wasn't enough I ended up with a 3 day long migraine and the week ended with my computer drive crashing, only I did not have things backed up so I lost everything. Needless to say blogging was put on hold. Joe & Brian replaced the fuel pump in the suburban, but we ended up having to take it to a mechanic because the service engine soon light would not turn off. It turned out that in the middle of checking to see what was wroing with the suburban a spark plug was cracked causing the light to stay on. It ran fine for almost a week but the light is back on and the brakes are starting to grind! We got a new drive for my computer but two weeks later I'm still reconfiguring things. The stove top dried out after a few days and works fine now. We had an old microwave in the garage that we brought in to use until we can get the good one fixed but it sounded like a plane trying to take off everytime we used it. The other day Joe noticed that the side panel on the good microwave wasn't sealed all the way closed. He pushed on it, it popped in place and lo & behold it works! If only everything was that simple!

Special Moments

The other day we were watching Tyler while Brian & Katie were out. He was on a roll and would not eat breakfast without Papa Joe, so Joe sat down with him and they ate together. You will have to excuse the blurry photo as the pro was unavailable!

Reflections

Joe and I went to see Blind Side recently. It has been a long time since I have been so deeply affected by a movie. It made me reflect on our experiences with foster care and adopting. It brought back lots of memories and lots of feelings from that time. It reminded me how much strenght and help Heavenly Father grants me daily.

This past weekend we became aware of the passing of a young man whom we knew in Las Vegas. In the midst of feeling sorrow and heartache for the family I also felt the blessing of the gospel. How much it means to me to know that Heavenly Father watches over each of us. He will bring comfort and help to this family and all those who knew this young man.

This past Sunday Joe & I attended the CHP Academy orientation with Greg. He reported to the academy on Monday morning to begin his training and will live there for the next 6 months. As we sat through the orientation my heart was heavy at the description of all that Greg would be going through and having to endure during that time. He has already been through one law enforcement academy so he knew full well what it would mean to sign up and I knew as well, but it is a whole different experience to sit and listen to those who run the program, the current cadets, recent graduates, and wives of former cadets who are now officers. When we left I asked Greg how he was feeling and he said a little nervous but mostly excited. I looked at Joe and said "Greg may not need a blessing before you drop him off tomorrow morning, but I think I will." It was so hard to know the things he will be experiencing and as a mom all you want is to protect your kids and not have them have to go through such tough times. We went straight to church from the orientation which was great. Being fast Sunday several members shared experiences where Heavenly Father had helped them to endure and feel peace. I felt so much better about things knowing that while we will have limited contact with Greg over the next 6 months Heavenly Father will be with him everyday. I am so grateful to be at a place in my life where I don't have to say "I hope" Heavenly Father will be there, I know He will be with there.

Quilting Mania

Eons ago when I only had 3 children - yes there was a time when I only had 3! - I made quilts for each of them. Andrea came across her quilt while she was here for Christmas and asked if I would make Avery and Kaeden each a quilt. That was all well and good except that they were only here for another couple of days. So we went shopping, bought supplies and got started. Two days, two quilts, and two happy boys later Andrea has an idea how to make a quilt for the rest of her children as they come.

Kaeden with blue ties on his CARS quilt

Avery with green ties on his CARS quilt

Christmas

Yes I know it's late for this but after having kids coming and going over a two week period I am just now getting caught up on things. Christmas was WONDERFUL! Having all of the family here made for the perfect day for me. As Amanda says I am happiest when "all of my ducks are swimming on the same pond." It was noisy and a little crazy but I loved having everyone here and I really appreciate the sacrifice on all of their parts to be here. A few years ago Joe was looking for a specific sweatshirt for Greg from Butler University and came across a Tshirt that said "Butler Girls Rock". Since then we have joked about making our own shirts for the girls. This year we decided to go for it but use aprons instead of Tshirts so with Brian & Joe's help I designed and made 10 aprons. Note to the rest of you - Avery Dark Tshirt Transfers are a PAIN in the neck to use! Joe became an expert at getting them off of the transfer paper so I could iron them on but we will never use them again. Three of the girls were gone when we got the pictures taken and they came out blurry but here they are anyway.


Cleo in Kaitlin's apron showing she is a Butler girl too
The only clear picture of the apron but missing Cleo's head!

Alex, Riley, Kelly
Amanda, Kaitlin, Andrea