Welcome to our zoo!

It's been a long time 2.....

2010-02-15T23:33:00.005-07:00

I know it has been a long time since I've blogged, but life seems to have a way of speeding along! Nothing new to really report except the kids getting bigger each day. I've done 2 posts with some pictures from the past couple of months. Everything is random, so enjoy!

It's been a long time....

2010-02-15T22:18:00.010-07:00

Here are some of the calendar pages from my annual family calendar!

Halloween Pics

2009-11-04T12:51:00.003-07:00

We had a lot of fun this halloween. Carving pumpkins is getting funner because the older boys can basically do it by themselves. Which is nice so Greg and I only have to really carve 2 of the 4 pumpkins instead of all of them. And also, this year my mother came over and helped Austin. It was fun to be able to just mostly watch the kids have fun. And I can rarely get a picture without at least one of the kids pulling funny faces. As you can see below.

I love this picture of Kamryn. Once we were all done "gutting" our pumpkins, the kids started carving. Kamryn wasn't going to be left out. Greg was trying to help her and she would start yelling at him to stop, grab the pumpkin knife and start trying to carve along the lines herself. It was hilarious. So Greg grabbed another knife and was trying to help and she would shove is hand out of the way and try to block him from touching the pumpkin. She even stabbed Greg in the hand one time trying to carve and block at the same time. Good thing these pumpkin knifes aren't sharp. You can see it all in her face below.

And here are our final creations. In years past we have used stencils to carve elaborate pumpkins, but I wasn't in the mood to get stuck carving them all because of the complexity. So this year, we just hand drew faces and the kids had a much funner time.
The night before Halloween was our elementary school's halloween carnival. Kamryn went as a ballerina and the boys went as Hulk, Spiderman, and Darth Vador. It was really crowded, not so fun for the adults, but the kids had a blast. This year we invited my brother and sister and their families as well as my parents. So it was really fun to have grandparents and cousins there with us for the games and food.

And here are the rugrats right before trick or treating. Cute little stinkers. Never mind that none of the candy buckets match costumes. I wasn't going to spend more money of buckets and costumes this year, so we just recycled from years past. Greg graciously volunteered to stay home with Jordyn, so lucky me, got to take the kids out trick or treating. We left and by the time we got to my parents house across the street, it had been 2 hours. Holy cow. I didn't realize we were gone that long. The kids did really good. Kamryn started complaining towards the end. She would make me pick her up between houses and then put her down so she could run to the door for candy and then give her bucket to Caden to carry and run to me to pick her up again. Silly girl. I'm just glad the weather was good and the kids grabbed alot of loot.

Jordyn's Blessing and Tyson's Baptism

2009-10-19T13:55:00.006-06:00

We have had a busy couple of weeks. Last weekend was so busy, but oh so much fun! On Saturday, we had Tyson's baptism. Several family members were able to come support him and we are so happy to have had so much support. We had cake and ice cream at the house after the baptism to celebrate his decision to get baptized and also a happy birthday for all the kids. Then Sunday, we were able to get Tyson confirmed and Jordyn was able to receive her baby blessing. It was a wonderful day and again we had so much family support. Nothing is better than having a lot of family around. We had dinner, treats, laughs, games, and more food afterwards. I absolutely love getting together with the family. Yes, sometimes it is chaotic, especially with 8 children ages 10 and younger running around the house. But I love watching all of the cousins laughing and playing together. We were also lucky enough to have some of Greg's family up to support the family and are so appreciative to them for their love and support. Greg's sister, Tamara brought her 2 children and Greg's mother. Now you have to understand, my children absolutely love these 2 kids. When they found out 2 days prior that Scott and Elise would be coming, they couldn't wait for that day to come. They follow them around and Scott and Elise are so good with my kids and I so appreciate all the help they gave with getting kids ready and entertaining them. Thanks Scott and Elise.

Now to some pics of Tyson and Jordyn.

This dress is the same dress that I was blessed in. It has been well worn with my sister being blessed in it as well as Kamryn, and my 2 nieces. I love the tradition of having all the girls blessed in this dress and it is still is such great condition. So simple, yet elegant. And my sister in law made the hair bow. So adorable. She does a great job and actually sells them at Just Bee Scrapin' in Brigham City. You should swing by and check out Daisyheadz sometime. The blanket was crocheted by a dear friend of mine from work, she does such a wonderful job and the blanket is gorgeous. Thanks Kathleen! She also made a blessing blanket for Kamryn. I think it's neat to have each girl have their own blanket.

And here is my Tyson, such a handsome young man. He was so excited, yet nervous to get baptized and kept asking questions about what he should do or how he should look while there. It was so cute. You will notice a couple of leis that Tyson is wearing. My brother in law is Tongan and it is Tongan tradition to give kids getting baptized leis with either money or candy or both. And my sister is so wonderful and has made both these leis for Caden's baptism and now for Tyson's. I think she is getting herself set up to make them for all of the cousins. I think it's great. And we have been trying to encourage the boys to save the money on the leis for their mission and so far, Caden hasn't used any of his and the money lei is still intact. Wonderful tradition. We also get the kids their first set of scriptures when they are baptized and they think that is great to be able to take their on scriptures to primary.

Thanks again to all of the support from wonderful family and friends!

Long OvErDuE Post

2009-09-23T14:32:00.006-06:00

I have finally had a few seconds to make a post with some pictures and updates on our family happenings. First and most importantly, our baby was born.

Jordyn Ann Lemke

August 24, 2009 ~ 1:39 am

7lb 9oz ~ 20 in

I love the look on Kamryn's face, wondering what in the heck mom is holding.
She has been such a little mother trying too hard to help me at home with Jordyn.

The labor and delivery went really well. I went in on Sunday the 23rd to have my doctor check to see if I was dilated enough to break my water. I was 2-3cm, but he and my nurse felt a hand and foot on top of her head. So we decided to not break water and I was going to come back the next day for an ultrasound to see if she moved her hand and foot. While talking with my doctor and nurse and having the baby checked with the heart monitor, my water broke on its own. So we started an iv and pitocin to increase the strength of contractions, hoping that either the baby would move her hand and foot or the doctor/nurse might be able to help move the hand/foot out of the way without jeopardizing the umbilical cord getting in the way. And to make a long story short, the hand/foot moved on their own and I was able to do a natural delivery with no epidural and only a small amount of pain medicine in my iv. It was a very intense, overwhelming sensation to deliver naturally, but I think this was the best delivery I had out of all of them. The only sad thing was that my doctor did not make it to the hospital in time for the delivery, so my nurse and Greg did the delivery. Man, once the sensation to push sets in as the baby is moving down the birth canal, there is no stopping it. I now can have empathy for the patients that I help deliver naturally. There was no way I would have been able to not push and wait for my doctor to get to the hospital. He made it just after the baby was born and the cord clamped and cut. Everything went smoothly and couldn't have been more perfect unless the doctor could have made it, but I really wouldn't have changed a thing. My nurse was awesome! I have so much respect and trust for her, I truly think I was able to do the delivery this way because she was my nurse. Thanks so much, Kathleen!

And these are pictures at 4 weeks of age:

Jordyn has been such a good baby. It took about 1 week to get the breastfeeding thing down, but once she finally figured that out, things have been great! Now if I can only get her to sleep a little longer between feedings during the night. ;) The boys love having her, and Caden always wants to help with her. I have been such a germaphobe and won't let anyone get near her if they have any sign of sniffles, cough, or even look like they might not feel well. And we are going through soap like crazy always washing hands. Paranoid mother, I know, but I have also seen the sick babies being lifeflighted for something that could have been prevented if the parents would have been more strict about that. Ok, off my soapbox now. I feel great! The recovery after this delivery has been the easiest by far, with the small exception of having mysterious abdominal pain. My doctor thought it might be my gallbladder, but studies were normal and the pain has subsided since delivery and only decides to come and visit occasionally. I am really enjoying my time off of work, and will return in November. Now don't get me wrong, I miss almost all of my coworkers and their company, but enjoy being home more.

Now to the rest of the family, school started and everyone loves it so far. Kamryn has struggled a little bit when Austin goes to Kindergarten, because then she is home alone with me and Jordyn and she's not quite sure what to do without her brothers around. But she is adjusting and loves watching for them to get home from school. And hopefully we will get Kamryn started with preschool next month, so she will be gone for a couple of hours during the week as well. I think that would help her, because even though she can't speak very well, and it is hard to understand her, she is a very social little girl.

We also had our visit with the pediatric orthopedist for Austin's hip. We found out this could possibly last for many years. And reader's digest version: there was an insult to Austin's hip, sometime, not known, and no one know what causes it. But the insult caused the blood supply to his right hip to be compromised and the head of his femur (top part of the long bone) died. So now it can take up to 1 year for his body to reabsorb all the dead bone and start to lay new bone in it's place. The new bone with be very soft and vulnerable for awhile and then should harden. And if all goes well, he will be fine once all of this is done, but until then we have to try and help protect the hip joint as Austin's body reabsorbs the dead bone and lays the new bone so that the new bone grows in the right formation for the hip joint to function properly and not damage the growth plate responsible for leg length. If the growth plate gets affected he may have to have surgery to lengthen his leg as he gets older. So it's basically a wait and hope process. We have to go back to the orthopedist every 3-4 months, have a new x-ray done and check range of motion with him to see where we are in the cycle of reabsorbing and new bone growth. And the only restriction at this time is that Austin can not jump for about 1 year. Now tell me how easy you think it is to keep a 5 year old from jumping? No trampolines, jump ropes, jumping down stairs, off of couches, etc. But he is doing fairly well, just needs several reminders a day about it and his class and teacher help him while he is at school. Hopefully it will all pay off in November when we have to go back for the x-ray and range of motion check.

So hopefully this catches everyone up to speed with the happenings at the Lemke household and I will try to be more timely with my postings. And if you don't min leaving me some love so I can have an idea of how many people actually follow my blog. Thanks so much! Love ya all!

Here are some pics.

2009-08-20T17:42:00.003-06:00

Here is our little Daisy! Isn't she adorable?

And Kami trying to be a puppy. Hilarious that she got locked in the kennel. Such a mean dad to take a picture before rescuing her. He he

Worst blogger ever! Prepare for a LONG post!

2009-08-08T03:38:00.011-06:00

I know, I know, I have got to be the worst blogger out there. But all with good excuses! We have had an extremely busy summer and it isn't going to slow down anytime soon. I don't have any pics to post at the moment, but will fill everyone in on what's been up at the Lemke household. And will post pics sometimes in the future, with no promise or guarantee when! In no particular order:

I'm still pregnant, but not for long, just a couple more weeks and our new little one will arrive. I am getting more excited about her coming, but also more nervous because I don't have everything ready yet. Greg has been a trooper trying to get her room ready, especially over the past couple of weeks. And it's just about finished, thanks hon! We still don't have a name picked out for our little girl, but I know something will come to us after she is born. I'm planning on trying to deliver natural (no epidural) I tried with Kamryn, but she decided to try and come out hand first, so I had to have an epidural so they could move her hand, or my other option was a c-section. I really like the idea of going natural, but don't necessarily like the idea of the unexpected time frame. It will be interesting to see how the next couple of weeks play out!

We got a new puppy! I know, I have been called, "crazy", "insane", and "gluten for punishment". But before we got her, I told Greg she was his responsibility and he would be up at night with her, while I was up with the new baby. She is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, we named her "Daisy" and she is adorable. I will post a pic as soon as I can get her to hold still long enough to get one. She is tricolor with black, tan, and white and adjusting very well to our family. The kids love her, but we have to be careful, because she is only 3 lbs. and they are sometimes a little rough, especially Kamryn, but she is getting better.

Greg finally finished school, yeah us! He now has his Master's degree in special education with a Bachelor's degree in psychology. I love having him done with school, but also now the lovely student loans are going to become due. Ugh! He is glad to be finished and excited to start a new year in his classroom. It will be interesting this year because Box Elder High School is being remodeled and it is not ready yet for school to start. But we are told it will be ready by the end of August for the first day of school. I will believe it when I see it. Greg gets a brand new huge classroom, complete with his own bathroom in the classroom and time out room. I can't wait to see how it looks completed.

Austin has been having several trips to different doctors over the past several months. In February he woke up one morning limping on his right leg. We didn't think too much of it, then he started complaining of his leg hurting and would crawl around the house, rather than use his leg. We took him to the doctor, there was no injury, swelling, or bruising anywhere on his right leg. They did blood work and x-rays which showed inflammation in his body, but nothing more specific. He was put on steroids for a week and the limping went away. Everything was fine until the middle of May when he woke up one morning again limping on his right leg. And he has been limping on and off ever since then. Sometimes he complains of pain, sometimes he can bearly walk on it, and sometimes it doesn't seem to bother him at all. We again went to the doctor who repeated the lab work, which came back normal, but he referred us to a Rheumatologist at Primary Children's Hospital. It took 3 weeks to get an appointment with them. After seeing the nurse practitioner and Rheumatologist, they didn't have an answer for us, but suggested we try naproxen for 3-4 weeks and see if it gets better. Naproxen is a high dose anti-inflammatory medication used to treat arthritis. Well, after about 2 weeks it hadn't done anything. We received a call from the Rheumatologist who had been looking over his chart and had a thought about Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and wanted him to have an MRI and repeat X-rays. We were able to get the X-ray that day, which came back with a change in his right hip from the first set of x-rays. But it took 3 weeks to get an appointment for the MRI. We were able to get that done this last Monday. At 4 years of age, Primary Children's does their MRI's under conscious sedation, so it isn't as scary for the children. So Austin and I spent almost 4 hours there for them to start an IV (he didn't even say "ouch"), put him to sleep, do the MRI, and wake him back up. Austin is such a trooper, and Primary Children's Hospital is wonderful! Well, we received a phone call from the nurse practitioner the next day confirming that Austin has Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and that this is no longer a rheumatology problem, but now he needs to be evaluated by a pediatric orthopedist. So I called for that appointment and we can't be seen for 4 weeks. Here's to waiting again! So what is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, you ask? From my research and probing different doctors minds, it is a idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or in other words: Austin's right hip is losing it's blood supply, and there is no known cause for this. And what exactly does that mean for Austin? We won't know for sure until we meet with the orthopedist next month, but I have been told that they usually either wait and watch to see if the hip can create a new route of blood supply or surgery of some kind to help with that. But for the next 4 weeks, we get to just wait and watch and hope and pray for the best. It breaks my heart to see him limping everyday and know there is nothing at this point that I can do for him. But I also know deep down that he was meant to have this problem in his life, and he will be able to make the best of it!

The other kids are all doing great and growing like weeds! Caden is going to be in 4th grade this year, I can't believe it! Tyson is going into 2nd grade, and Austin gets to start kindergarten and go to the same school as Tyson and Caden and he is so excited to be able to walk home from school with them! We are also going to try and get Kamryn into the same special education pre-school we did for Tyson with his speech problems. We think Kamryn is heading down that same speech problem road. She is not talking like she should for an almost 3 year old, but we have to wait for her birthday the end of September to have her tested for the program. Hopefully she qualifies and can get some extra help with speech. The special ed preschool in our school district is wonderful to work with and the teachers are great. We have dealt with them over the past 5 years, 3 years with Tyson in preschool and 2 years where Austin went there as a mainstream student (A "normal" child who helps to set the example and help the other children in the class). So we know them well and hope Kamryn will fit in. I can't, however, believe that Kam is going to be 3 this year and big enough to start school. We will see how that all works out over the next month.

Well, other than everything listed above, our summer also consisted of trips to the family cabin, a vacation to Flaming Gorge (to include boat rides on grandpa's boat, and 3 blown tires), lots of rest and relaxation, reading, playing video games, watching movies, and playing outside. I hope everyone else has had a wonderful summer so far and like I said at the beginning, I will post pics as soon as I get the gumption to load them to my computer from the camera.

Ta ta for now!

cHeCk tHiS oUt!

2009-05-13T15:31:00.003-06:00

My sister is trying to get the word out about a new vinyl wall art small business she is starting with some friends. She has a website with several different options with prices and color options. Go check it out! There are some really cute and clever ideas there.

http://www.becky-vinylwallart.blogspot.com/

Here are a couple of my favorites.

How adorable to put something like this either in your bathroom, or even in the hallway leading to the bathroom.

I love these circles, how cute would it be in a little girl or boy's rooms in colors to match the rooms! Or ooooh rainbow colors in a playroom.
And what little girl wouldn't like having butterflies pasted to their bedroom wall.

So swing by and check out her website.

The Results haven been Tallied . . .

2009-04-29T08:46:00.003-06:00

I am really excited for this tid bit of news! But now the bad news. Kamryn's adorable room now has to be repainted for a boys room before September. Her room now is the smallest bedroom in the house and is not big enough for 2 kids to share, soooooo we are going to repaint the pink part, above the white bead board something for a boy and move Tyson in that room. Austin is going to move downstairs and share a room with Caden. And then we need to redo the room Tyson and Austin are currently sharing for Kamryn and the new baby. Phew! At least Greg will be done with school the first week in June and will have all summer to get it done. The boys are excited for another little sister, which was actually kind of surprising to me, but I'm glad they are happy. Kamryn has no clue what is going on. And the boys think they get to name the new baby. I asked for suggestions and Caden said, Madisyn (which I really like), Tyson said, Jocelyn (not so keen on this one), and Austin said, Bumble bee (this is my choice by a long mile). My only requirement for a name is that it has to end with an "N", so if anyone has suggestions, I'm open. I have a couple others in mind, but nothing that has jumped out at me and Greg isn't really helping with this. He wanted to name her Hermoine after the witch on Harry Potter, seriously?!? Then his second choice was Miriam, and people he was serious about these names, again I say, seriously?!? The pregnancy has been going smoothly the past month or so, the 2nd trimester is usually my easiest part of pregnancy, just constantly battling the exhaustion, but I guess you kind of get used to living with a fuzzy headache like feeling. And those of you who work nights, totally understand what fuzzy feeling I'm talking about. Other than the pregnancy, nothing really new to report. Kids just getting excited for warmer weather, and I'm looking forward to summer too. Because then Greg is home and I get to sleep when I get home from work in the mornings, a beautiful thing! So I hope all is well with everyone else out there in blogger world.

Confirming Rumors

2009-03-21T18:36:00.002-06:00

So I have decided to confirm the rumors milling around me. To silence the strange and curious looks I often get. Yes we are expecting, again. We are not exactly sure on a due date, somewhere between August 15 and September 1. Which makes me anywhere from 16-19 weeks along. I will be getting my official ultrasound sometime the first part of April and hopefully that will be able to tell us a more definite date and also what the sex of the baby is. We are excited, especially Caden and Tyson. Caden asks me about every other day, "So mom, you really are pregnant? There is a baby growing in your tummy." What a cute boy. When I tell him he is correct, I get this, "YES!" from him and then he is off doing whatever is was before he asked me the question. I am hoping for a girl, then Kamryn will have a sister to play with and I can feel good about being done having children. Greg was done after Caden, but somehow I keep getting my way. If it is a boy, Greg is still definite that we are done, and I will probably agree, but still wonder if there is another little girl somewhere for us. The first part of this pregnancy has been very hard. I have been pretty sick, exhausted, moody, etc. My doctor tells me it gets worse with each pregnancy, and that I am only getting older and muscles more loose. Geez, exactly what I want him to be telling me. My poor family has had to put up with me, but thankfully things are starting to mellow quite a bit. I still am exhausted all the time, I'm sure part of this is working full time nights with no sleep when I get home the next day. My kids are learning to leave me alone the day after I get home from work. Poor kids! But on the upside we are almost half way done, and the weather is finally starting to warm up. I am always more moody during winter. Well, I will try and keep everyone updated as we learn more.

So I'm retarded and can't figure blogger out!

2009-02-11T10:31:00.003-07:00

So I have posted 3 posts, but they are totally in the wrong order and I can't figure out how to rearrange them. So either bare with them being in the wrong order or scroll down 3 posts and start with the one titled "busy busy busy" then move up to "next" and then move up again to "finally, introducing". Sorry it's so confusing, but hey at least I'm blogging! So have fun manuvering around my blog and trying to figure out my confusing posts. Ha ha ha!

and finally... Introducing ...

2009-02-11T10:18:00.005-07:00

Becky had her baby on Sunday. She delivered VBAC, meaning vaginal birth after cesarean. She did great. Beautiful baby boy: Siaosi Manu James Viataki (I think that is how you spell it?) We had a very busy Sunday. My dad was called to be the Bishop in our ward and his setting apart was Sunday. Becky called me at 4:30am telling me she was heading to the hospital. I called my mom, we got ready and headed to Ogden Regional Hospital. Our church was at 11:00am. Becky was dilated to 7 at about 10:00am. My brother came down and picked my mom up to take her to sacrament to be with my dad. It was really hard for her to leave Becky, but I stayed behind to be the support person. My dad, Greg, my brother, and my mom all took their cell phones to church. I'm texting Greg with updates during sacrament meeting and he would pass his phone along the line of family members so they all knew what was going on. After sacrament my mom is pacing in the foyer, waiting for the news. I guess it was a funny sight. Meanwhile I'm at the hospital with Becky helping her deliver. It was wonderful, thanks for the opportunity to be there sis! And what a beautiful baby boy! She delivered at 12:35pm. He weighed in at 8lb 1 oz. I was able to make it home just in time to change into a dress and get to the stake center for my dad's setting apart. We then went to my mom's had a small something to eat and then some of us headed back to the hospital to see Becky and the baby. It was very busy and stressful. But they are both home and doing really well.

Next~

2009-02-11T10:03:00.004-07:00

Here are some pics with Caden. We let the kids pick a sport to play each year.He had been playing soccer, but this year decided he wanted to try Junior Jazz basketball. It has been really fun watching him. He really enjoys it. No he isn't the best on his team and he does a lot of dancing around on the court, but hey if he is having fun, that's all that matters, right? Greg is the coach and he really enjoys that even though he really didn't know what he was doing at first.

Caden striking a pose, and yes his shirt is on backwards and he was dancing around.

Practicing before a game.

This is hilarious! Caden has started taking showers in the morning before school instead of at night, because he doesn't like the morning bed head with his hair. So he showers in the morning and then it is easier for him to do his hair. Well, one night it was time to give the boys haircuts and as Greg went to start cutting Caden's hair, this is what he saw. We asked Caden what happened and he said he woke up this morning and had really bad bed head and before he got in the shower he decided to just cut the bed head off with a pair of scissors. And yes, he did go to school like that, I didn't even notice that morning taking them to school. I'm a great mother, aren't I? Needless to say, this haircut was a really short one to try and cover up his boo boo. And we calmly explained that he just needs to wet his hair to get rid of the bed head and not try and cut it off. He was pretty embarrassed and we all got a good laugh.

busy bUsY* BuSy* BUSY*

2009-02-11T09:28:00.005-07:00

Wow, time flies, especially when you are busy. So I am going to attempt updating this thing. There will be several posts so all the pics can be posted. So keep scrolling down to get all the updates and posts! So in no particular order, we will start with Kamryn cuz those are the first pics I found. We mostly finished her room, yeah! Just need to paint the closet doors and put the window seal in and decorate the walls. Here are some pics, didn't the floor turn out great! And Greg said it wasn't too bad to refinish, except when he spilled the lacquer in the hallway on the carpet. Yeah, now everytime you walk down the hall, if you don't watch your step, you get a rude awakening to your barefeet stepping on hard crunchy carpet. Oh well, eventually that will be hardwood as well.

So this is Kamryn trying to help us put her bed together, that was fun!

I really think she likes her new room, no brothers to bother her.

Bright and bold pink, I know, but I love it! And the scallop thing above the window, yeah those are above almost all the windows in my house, don't know if I'll keep all of them, but thought it was kind of cute in here. I want to put a vinyl quote on it, something like: "Princess - daughter of a Heavenly King" What do you think?

Yesterday, Greg was trying to teach Tyson & Austin how to clean the bathroom and show them what happens when they miss the toilet when peeing. Next thing I know, he is laughing and running to grab the camera. This is what we found. Cinderella, cinderella!

Oh, and this is great. See how her thumb is retarded looking? She was playing with Tyson and a balloon, they both went for it and she came up crying and saying "owie" pointing to her thumb. I was working, so Greg brought her down to the hospital and I wasn't sure if it was dislocated or what, we took her to the ER, they took xrays, the doctor tried manipulating it, but was stumped and said,"if it's not looking better in 2-3 days, take her back to the doctor." Well, it wasn't better, so I took her to the family doc. He then called the orthopedic surgeon for a consult, we went over there and ta da: she actually has a trigger thumb, which means she can't straighten the thumb because there is a tendon that is too tight. She is scheduled for surgery on Friday to have that tendon released. The surgeon said it didn't happen with the balloon, that she has probably had it for awhile, but the balloon incident just brought it to our attention. What great parents we are, huh? Oh, and this is the second trip she has made to the ER in the past month and no I am not bragging about that. A few weeks ago we were at a restaurant and Kamryn was trying to get away, so Greg grabbed her arm, she resisted and dropped to the floor. Yeah, that dislocated her elbow. Another trip to the ER and another xray. Easy fix and she is fine. It was funny the second time with her thumb, when we went back for the xray she just sat on Greg's lap, stuck her thumb on the table, looked up at the xray machine and was smiling like in front of a camera. So funny, too bad I didn't have my camera for a pic like that!

Horrible Blogger

2009-01-05T11:33:00.003-07:00

Geez! I am starting to wonder if this blogging thing is for me. I am such a slacker! Just a quick update and hopefully I can get back on here later this week with some holiday pics. We had a wonderful Christmas break. The kids thought it was great not having school for 2 weeks. And Greg kept bragging because he had a 2 week break as well. We did some of our home remodel projects moving. Kamryn's room is almost complete. We have been redoing her whole room. I had bead board put up, repainted and we found out there is real hard wood floors under the carpet. So we pulled that up and this break, Greg has been sanding and refinishing the floor. It looks beautiful. He also managed somehow to spill the lacquer on the carpet in the hallway. Sweet I guess the hall is next! he he. So Kamryn will have her new room hopefully in about 1 week. The floor has to sit and then we just need to paint the doors for the closet and entrance, put base molding down, and then put her furniture together. Poor thing has been sleeping on her crib mattress on the floor in Tyson and Austin's room. They have been good sports about her being there, but they are ready to have their room back.
We are also almost done with the storage room downstairs, just a couple more pieces of sheetrock and then mud, tape, and paint. Then the shelves can go it. I am so excited about finally getting this room completed. I will finally get my house back. For the past year, every room in our house has had something that will eventually go in the storage room, but we have had nowhere to put it. I will take pics of these rooms when they are completed and let you see.
Christmas was great! The kids had a rough time sleeping Christmas Eve. They fell asleep quickly, but around midnight, I heard pitter pattering out in our big room. I went out there, still hearing nosies. I jumped out and turned on the light. A streak rushed behind the couch. "Caden, show yourself," I said. He slowly peeks over the edge of the couch. Wide eyed, "mom, Santa already came." I asked why he was upstairs, he told me that he woke up and thought he would sleep better if he was upstairs by the Christmas tree. I calmly told him that Santa checks the houses one more time before heading back to the North Pole and if any children are out of bed, he takes all the presents back. I don't think I have seen him run so fast to his room! It was hilarious! Christmas eve we went across the street to my parents, had a wonderful dinner, opened Christmas PJs and played Christmas bingo with all sorts of prizes. It was really fun! Christmas day, Greg was sick and in the bedroom most of the day, but come out occasionally trying to be a good sport. The kids were spoiled as usual, lots of toys, movies, and nintendo wii games, clothes, and candy. Greg got a bunch of tools, (hint, continue with remodeling) I got a food dehydrator from my parents, and bought myself a kitchenaid. Love it!
We had a New Year's party as our house. My parents came over and my brother and his family came. We ate and played games. I was surprised, that Caden, Tyson, and Austin lasted the whole time and weren't even that crabby the next day! This was the first time in about 5 years that I have been able to be home for New Year's Eve, so it was really special and fun to be home with my family, rather than at work getting a call from Greg to say Happy New Year!
All in all this past holiday season has been wonderful for our family. So great to see family and spend lots of time with them. Hopefully this will all be a sign that 2009 will be just as great! Like I said earlier, I will try to get on later this week and get some pics posted.

WoW Busy time of year & 2 for 1 blogging

2008-12-12T07:51:00.003-07:00

Sorry - Super Slacker Blogger award should go to me! This time of year always gets so busy, but also so much fun! I love watching all the ads for super Christmas deals and I have been able to get almost all of Christmas on sale this year! LOVE IT! AND I have been able to get almost all of Christmas online, which is even better. Nothing gives me more rage than to fight traffic, kids, and weather to go to that perfect store and the item you went for was no longer in stock or price increased because of demand. So Christmas shopping has been pleasant for me this year. The kids are all doing well. Austin is getting over pneumonia, Caden is the Star Student this week in school, Tyson have been Tyson, and Kamryn a typical 2 year old. Oh, funny for ya. You know it is time to start potty training when the 2 year old stands in the corner, grimaces, looks at you and says "Uck!" and pulls her pants down, points at the "bundle" in the diaper and starts waddling towards you. I should have taken a picture, hilarious! We are trying to wait to potty train, cuz we are redoing her room and she has been sleeping on a mattress on the floor in her brother's room. And we wanted her to get use to a new big girl bed and new room before introducing the toilet, but maybe she has different plan in mind. Ok enough blabbering, on to some pics. Let me start with Fall Leaf Fun! These pics were from several weeks ago, but like I said, Super Slacker here! The kids love to play in the leaves and this year, we were actually able to get them to help rake a little bit first to help get the pile to play with.

Kamryn hated the way the crunchy leaves felt on her bare feet. Her reaction was hilarious! (side note: I did try to get her to put on socks and different shoes, BUT she wasn't having that!)

and secondly,

This is a typical morning at the Lemke house. Tyson usually wakes up first (sometimes as early as 5:30am, crazy kid!) We finally have him trained to not wake up his siblings and go play the wii. Greg leaves for school around 7:15am and I get up (usually after getting home from work around 5:30am) to get the kids off to school. This morning, this is what I walked in to.

Who know how long that have been sitting there playing, in the coats ready for school!

And this pic of Kam, lovin the do! This is also a typical Kamryn hair do in the morning. It would be hilarious to videotape her sleeping to know how it happens, and this is kind of mild compared to some morning hair dos. (and yes, she is in camouflage pj's, she borrowed from her brother, cuz I am a laundry slacker as well. Hate doing laundry!)

Happy Holidays!

2008-11-30T21:06:00.002-07:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Several family members came to our house, we had a wonderful dinner. Then we spent the rest of the day digesting, eating more pie, and browsing the black friday ads deciding if it was worth it to wake up early and head to the stores. I think my dad was the only one that dared the morning chaos. Just hoping that everyone else out there had as enjoyable a thanksgiving and is getting ready for upcoming Christmas. I know my kids can't wait!

This One's for you Monica!

2008-11-15T21:04:00.005-07:00

OK, here you go, some pics from our wedding over 11 years ago. Just don't make too much fun. I didn't have any professional pictures taken, so bear with the quality. Several family members took pictures for us. The first 2 are from the day of our wedding at a garden reception at Greg's grandparents place. Greg insisted on a white tux, (I still shake my head).

This is at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.

And this is why Greg doesn't like me wearing high heels.

Out of the mouths of children

2008-11-12T09:31:00.006-07:00

So I really am a poor blogger. Been really busy lately, but wanted to hop on and tell about my sweet little Austin. He is 4 years old and my adorable little boy. He has always been a momma's boy and frankly, I love it! He is always telling me that I am his best friend. And he loves to be my shopping buddy, he is actually pretty patient at the store as well, unless he is getting hungry, then watch out! He is always full of smiles and loves to laugh. Well, today we have been watching some Christmas cartoons, and they were talking about believing in Santa Claus. Austin turns to me in a straight, serious face. "Mom, I believe in Santa Claus." Then a big grin insues across his face and he told me, "and, I believe in you, mom." How adorable is that? Here are a couple pics of my little man. (P.S. Monica, I haven't forgotten about your request for wedding pics, I just haven't had time to find them and scan them in. Some day hopefully soon, you will see those dreadful pics)

Austin at the hospital.

Just a couple of months old.

Look at this cheesier, I love that face!Just last year. How beautiful are those eyes? I am not a proud mom. :)

Last year's school picture. How fast they grow!

Halloween Fun aka Dad to the rescue again!

2008-11-03T15:21:00.003-07:00

Some days I feel like a failure of a mother. I woke up the morning of Halloween, pucking. I continued to puke throughout the entire day. Going from my bed, to the bathroom and back again. Greg was such a great father yet again. He dressed them and took them trick or treating while I laid dying in my bed. Thanks for saving the day again, Greg! Caden as Iron Man
Tyson as the Hulk

Austin as Bumblebee Transformer

and Kamryn as a cute ladybug.

Halloween Preparations

2008-10-30T15:04:00.002-06:00

The kids love carving pumpkins, or more likely, playing with the "guts" and having mom and dad do the carving. Actually this year, Tyson carved his all by himself. Caden did most of it but needed a little help with the mouth. And we had Kamryn and Austin share one pumpkin which mom carved. All in all it was really fun to spend time with the family.

The finished products: from left to right: Kamryn & Austin's, Caden's, Tyson's

I think they look pretty darn good myself.

Here are a couple more Pictures

2008-10-28T12:35:00.003-06:00

Stupid blogger, this post and the next post should be switched, but I can't get it that way, so just make sure to check them both out for all the pics.

This is Kamryn's pouting face, her hands automatically go to the ears and fold them. Love it!

Thanks again Dez, you did great! Hey guys check her out:

http://www.simplyblissphoto.blogspot.com/

Family Pics

2008-10-28T12:17:00.004-06:00

I got my family pics cd today, and am pleasantly surprised at how well they turned out. I wasn't worried about Dez taking them, more worried about the children cooperating. And they did a great job. Here are a few of my favorites, make sure to check the post below this one as well for a couple more pictures:

Halloween Carnival and Super Husband!

2008-10-26T19:39:00.006-06:00

So I had a bad work week this week and haven't been around to do much. On Friday, our elementary school was having it's annual halloween carnival and of course all the kids were stoked to go. Greg on the other hand, after finding out he would have to do it by himself because I had to work, was a little skeptical. So while I was getting ready for work, the rest of the house was chaotic as children were running around changing into their costumes and some how becoming the character and acting like it. I had bought a cute lady bug costume for Kamryn, but Greg was concerned she would get too hot in it, so I told him to grab one of the old pumpkin or tigger costumes from years past. Next thing I know, Greg is saying, "Kamryn, if I knew how to put your hair in a bun, I would, but this will just have to do." He made his own costume, a ballerina. (I didn't realize, he had that kind of talent, ha ha!) My sister in law had made the adorable tu tu for Kamryn's birthday, but she was terrified of it and screamed whenever I tried to put it on. But I guess watching her brothers "dress up" changed her mind, cuz she was loving it. What a great husband. The kids had a blast and I had to work. Where is the fairness in that?

Oh and, I should be getting my family pics Tuesday or Wednesday. So I will post some as soon as I get the CD.

Dreaded Family Pics

2008-10-18T15:38:00.004-06:00

Well, after 8 years of denial, we finally had some family pictures taken yesterday. My counsin's wife took them for us. She was so good with the kids, it helps when the kids kind of cooperate. We went on Lagoon trail in farmington. A trail that meanders in the woods behind Lagoon, it was beautiful. I am so excited to see the pictures. I will be getting them sometime this next week. I will post some pics here after I get them. Thanks for taking the pics Des!

UnDeR cOnStRuCtIoN

2008-10-11T21:35:00.002-06:00

I am experimenting a bit with my blog, so if it looks funny, bare with me.

Tagged - About my Man

2008-10-09T14:56:00.005-06:00

Jesika tagged me, love you fer it girlfriend!

1) Where did you meet? Snow College dating and courtship class. I was late on the first day to class and there was one seat left right behind him. I found him very annoying!
2) How long did you date before you got married? First date in October, engaged by January and married July.
3) How long have you been married? 11 years
4) What is your favorite feature of his? His personality.
5) What is your favorite quality of his? He can be so caring and giving, almost to the extreme. Always willing to stop and help strangers along the road.
6) Does he have a nickname for you? Hey you! Na, we kind of just respond to anything
7) What is his favorite food? I don't know if he has a favorite, but he really likes lasagna
8) What is his favorite sport? He doesn't really play any sports, but loves to watch football and basketball.
9) When and where was your first kiss? On his birthday in January after we met, we were watching Rocky and he leaned over and gave me the most wet slobbery kiss. I had never been kissed before and didn't know what to expect or to do. I was kind of grossed out.
10) What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Just be with each other. It doesn't happen much with the kids. We like to watch the news together, that is about the only time when the kids are asleep and we aren't too tired.
11) Do you have any children? 4 beautiful children.
12) Does he have a hidden talent? He plays the guitar and loves to do pottery.
13) How old is he? 33
14) Who said "I love you" first? He did on our first date. He asked me to Homecoming a week or so after we met, I said yes and at the dance while dancing he told me he loved me. That kind of freaked me out!
15) What is his favorite type of music? Just about anything but twangy country. He really likes the 80's
16) What do you admire the most about him? I love the way he loves me and our children. He is really good with them. I don't give him enough credit and he often gets put on the back burner to everything else going on in our lives. But he does it graciously and only complains after he has simmered for a while on the back burner. He has also worked really hard to get where he is academically. He will be done with his Master's in Special Education this winter. It has been a long hard ride and is almost over. I am really proud that he has stuck to it. It will be nice to have him back from school.
17) Do you think he will read this? Probably not, unless I ask him to.

I tag Britney, Chelsie, and Des.

Final Happy Birthday for the year!

2008-10-08T21:19:00.018-06:00

So, we had our final birthday of the year, and boy am I glad! It was really fun to have the whole family together for this. Even my grandmother came by. It was really good to see her. Here are some pics:Kamryn had already opened her presents earlier, remember? Well, she couldn't resist helping Caden open his. She had no clue what anything was, but had fun ripping the paper!
Caden opened all her presents in like 0.1 second. It was hard to take pictures while he was doing it, but he was happy with everything he received.
Look at her face! Loving it! She almost touched the flame, again. (She managed to touch and burn herself on her 1st birthday.) We had fun trying to teach her how to blow out the candles. Don't look too close at this cake before you eat it, she did a little bit of slobbering!
Caden turned 9 this year. I have a hard time believing that. He managed to make his wish and blow out all candles. (I tricked him with a relite candle, it is always fun to watch them have to keep blowing and blowing as the candles relite themselves.)
Imagine a room full of toys, 3 girls all within 6 months of each other. Yeah it is always a riot! And yes, they always want whatever toy the other has, so there is usually some arguing going on. Look at Kamryn's face as Reagan trys to come join the fun. It is so fun to watch these 3 girls grow together. Kamryn is so funny, she isn't talking much, but is finally starting to try. Most of the words sound the same. Like for my niece Chandra she says "gan-ga" and for my other niece Reagan she says "ge-ga". So fun!

Total Drama at the Lemke House!

2008-10-03T19:08:00.002-06:00

So total drama today! But also hilarious from a parent point of view. So a little background. Caden and Tyson walk home from school, it is only about 3 blocks. Not a problem. Well Tyson started doing a physical phonics afterschool program for a couple of months to help with his speech, but he only does this on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So today is Friday. Well Caden walked home by himself thinking Tyson had Physical phonics. I was trying to nap because I had to work tonight. He came running in my room, woke me up to ask, "does Tyson have physical phonics today?" I told him no. His face dropped, "Oh no, mom, I just left Tyson alone at school." He went and told Greg, who told him to hop on his bike and go find him. Caden took off the same time Greg gets a call from my dad. My dad just got a call from a friend who lives 2 blocks away saying Tyson was at his house crying. My dad told my brother, who was with him, to go get Tyson. So then Greg went to go find Caden on his bike. Phewwwww! So then everyone is home safe and sound and I hear sniffling as I'm talking to my brother. Caden is crying because,"mom it was an accident, I didn't know he didn't have physical phonics. I didn't mean to leave him all alone." So I comforted him and healed his wounds. Then Tyson is crying, so I ask him what his problem was. He said,"I was scared cuz I was all alone, but this man was mowing his lawn and saw me crying. He got me a chair and said he knew my grandpa and would call him." So I comforted him and healed his wounds. Then it was time to shower and get ready for work.

A day in the life of the Lemkes!

Kamryn's 2 ~ Holy Cow ~ That was fast!

2008-09-30T18:15:00.004-06:00

I can't believe she is already 2. Where did my baby girl go? And she has all the prissy attitude that comes with a 2 year old girl. She is always so animated. I love to capture her faces with the camera when I can. Here are some pics from her family present opening. She will get a cake with Caden on Sunday. So more pics to come then. Sorry about all the birthday pics, but fall is a happening birthday bash around the Lemkes.

That rag looking thing on top of the box, Caden made on a field trip to the heritage center in Logan.

Kamryn loves attention, especially when she has the full attention of all of her brothers and they are laughing at her. It just encourages the behavior. The boys always laugh when she is making faces.

Kami loves pushing her new doll in her stroller as well as drag her by her hair with other toys being pushed in the stroller.

Tyson's Birthday with the Fam

2008-09-30T18:03:00.006-06:00

Tyson turned 7 and he sure has grown over this past summer. He is almost as tall as Caden and only about 5lbs away from weighing the same as him. This present opening is just with the immediate family and then there will be the big party on Sunday with extended family. Here are some pics:

Cousin Chandra watching Tyson. We have been lucky enough to be able to watch Chandra several times over the past couple of weeks.

Pardon the scary red eyes. For some reason, every pic of Tyson has red eyes and I didn't have time to edit them out before posting.

Birthday Parties

2008-09-30T16:47:00.004-06:00

We have had 3 birthday parties since August and have one more party coming up this weekend with all the cousins to celebrate all the birthdays and have an "end of summer" get together with grandma and grandpa Bodily.Austin turned 4 on August 11th. He has all the attitude to go with it! In the next one, his cousin, Reagan was so interested in what was under the wrapper.

Dinosaurs and Birthdays!

2008-09-27T20:08:00.008-06:00

The end of September and beginning of October are really busy around our house. We celebrate 3 of 4 kids birthdays in this 1-2 week period. So today, we decided to go to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden to celebrate them all together, then we will have a party with family next weekend. The kids had a blast. They had the park decorated "scary" for halloween, so it was neat to see all the dinosaurs with a halloween feel. We were a little worried how Kamryn would react, but she didn't even care and had a blast being with her brothers. When the brought the boys to the park years ago, they were always scared of the noises that come from the bushes.
This was Kamryn's only "what the heck" expression as we entered the park and saw a pile of bones left by a raptor. There boys are such posers, ha ha!They do look dangerous, don't they??Watching the ducks feeding in the pond with the dinosaurs!
Tyson riding the gigantic frog, how fun that would be.Austin loved trying to climb this little guy.Caden was trying to look scared because this dino was gonna swallow him whole. Scariest one of them all!

Finally Caved In

2008-09-21T20:25:00.002-06:00

Well I finally decided to get a family blog up and running. We will see how dedicated I am to keeping it up to date. Stay tuned for more.