I am having a hard time writting today's entry. As I look back over the blog enteries from this year, other than the birth of Sarah and the completion of a Master's Degree for Joe, I can't find anything too exciting. I believe that we as a family have spent more then our fair share of time at Del E. Webb Hospital's ER. I mean come on, we started and ended the year with visits there. Thankfully we are all still in one piece and continue to kick and scream.
Joe is currently working on a second master's degree. This one is in American Military History. His hopes are that with this degree are that he might be able to teach at a Community College. He is also currently teaching early morning seminary and working full time for USAA.
On a personal level, I am glad 2009 is finally over and I hope and pray that 2010 will be a better year for me. I have spent time lately refelcting on me as a person and I am not happy with what I see. By that I mean that I am not physically, spiritually, or emotionally where I would like to be. I spend too much time feeling lonely and sorry for myself and make no effort to do anything to change those thoughts and feelings. I am smart enough to know that I am the only one that can control those areas of my life and if I want things to change I have to take action. With the new year I am looking forward to a new chance to make things better. If I can think better and do better things will be better.
The kids are all kids. The older ones continue to well at school. There is not enough time or money for our kids to be invloved in any extra activities. I few years ago I tried to teach the girls piano but that did not last long. Rebecca however continues to work at it herself. This year both Rebecca and Savannah are singing in their school choir. The younger two are continuing to develop their own unique personalities. They can be a so sweet and fun. Kiley really loves her little sister Sarah. Sometimes I think she loves her a little too much.
Well, the ruler of the castle is awake and hunrgy so this servant will have to close for now. I hope and pray that anyone that reads this will have a better 2010. Know that we love you and you are always welcome in our home.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Kiley- Too funny not to share!
My kids are big into tell each other what to do and I will occasionally follow with "Don't tell (blank) what to do. You are not (her/his) father, mother, or babysitter." So last night I had placed Sarah in her car seat on the island in the kitchen to keep her safer from Kiley while I was wishing dishes. Well Kiley kept coming over to the bar climbing up on the stools and then onto the bar. Joe seeing this kept telling her to get off the bar. I was getting tired of this so I followed with my line and went over and removed Kiley from the bar and told her to stay down.
A few minutes later there she was again climbing on the stools and the bar to get to Sarah. Once again Joe yelled at her to get down. To which Kiley yelled, "Not my father. You not my father. Not my father."
A few minutes later there she was again climbing on the stools and the bar to get to Sarah. Once again Joe yelled at her to get down. To which Kiley yelled, "Not my father. You not my father. Not my father."
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Kiley turned 2!
I know these are late but they were taken shortly after she turned two! They should her character.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Sarah is here!
I have decided that Facebook is the reason I don't get my blog update enough. It is just so much easier to keep things short, sweet, and right to the point. Then I say to myself that almost everyone that would read this is on Facebook and they don't want to have to read about my boring little life twice so I don't update it. The other day I realized that not all of my family is on Facebook (yes, it is hard to believe, but we wont hold it against them!) so here I am today to update my blog in case any of them really look at it.
October started out a bit stressful trying to get the house clean and things ready for the arrival of baby number 5. Do to the independent nature of baby number 5, things did not get as prepared as I would have liked them to. I was scheduled for an induction on Friday, October 9th, but she decided not to wait that long. I started having regular contractions on Sunday, October 4th while watching General Conference. By about 7 pm that night when I realized that they were not going away I decided that I should time them to see how far apart the were. I clocked them at four minuets apart for about the next 45 minuets before I called the Dr. I was told to go ahead and go to the hospital and see what happens. So at 8 pm Joe and I left the kids at home and went to the hospital. After confirming that I was indeed having contractions (which were not doing much) my Dr decided to just break my water to help me out. In the past that has been all the help I need but this time everything was totally different. Shortly after my Dr. broke my water all contractions stopped. He then hooked me up to the drip to help get things restarted. Well to make my longest labor and delivery shorter, I will just say that about 5 hours later (2:27 AM) Sarah Kay made her entrance into this world (weighing 7lbs. 3 ozs). Did she ever have a story to tell and telling it she did for the next two and a half hours.
Despite the wrench in my plans and expectations for labor and delivery, we are all glad that Sarah is finally here. She has been a very laid back baby. She doesn't cry unless she is hungry or needs her diaper changed. There has been some concern over the fact that she did not make it back up to her birth weight by the time she was two weeks old. She will be three weeks old in a couple of day, and I am suppose to take her back in and have her weight checked again. I hope and pray that she is ok. There are no outward signs that anything is wrong. We will just have to wait and see.
Here are a few pictures of her.
October started out a bit stressful trying to get the house clean and things ready for the arrival of baby number 5. Do to the independent nature of baby number 5, things did not get as prepared as I would have liked them to. I was scheduled for an induction on Friday, October 9th, but she decided not to wait that long. I started having regular contractions on Sunday, October 4th while watching General Conference. By about 7 pm that night when I realized that they were not going away I decided that I should time them to see how far apart the were. I clocked them at four minuets apart for about the next 45 minuets before I called the Dr. I was told to go ahead and go to the hospital and see what happens. So at 8 pm Joe and I left the kids at home and went to the hospital. After confirming that I was indeed having contractions (which were not doing much) my Dr decided to just break my water to help me out. In the past that has been all the help I need but this time everything was totally different. Shortly after my Dr. broke my water all contractions stopped. He then hooked me up to the drip to help get things restarted. Well to make my longest labor and delivery shorter, I will just say that about 5 hours later (2:27 AM) Sarah Kay made her entrance into this world (weighing 7lbs. 3 ozs). Did she ever have a story to tell and telling it she did for the next two and a half hours.
Despite the wrench in my plans and expectations for labor and delivery, we are all glad that Sarah is finally here. She has been a very laid back baby. She doesn't cry unless she is hungry or needs her diaper changed. There has been some concern over the fact that she did not make it back up to her birth weight by the time she was two weeks old. She will be three weeks old in a couple of day, and I am suppose to take her back in and have her weight checked again. I hope and pray that she is ok. There are no outward signs that anything is wrong. We will just have to wait and see.
Here are a few pictures of her.
Friday, September 25, 2009
What's up?
Wow! I did not realize that is has been so long since I have written on here. Yes, I know I am jumping the gun here a little early with the background, but if I don't change it know it might not get changed.
I am honestly say that not much noteworthy had taken place since my last post. I have been trying hard to get the house ready for the new little one. I would also like for the house to be clean when I leave for the hospital so it will be clean when I come home. There is still things that need to be done but we will be ok.
A couple of weeks ago we held a garage sale and was able to clean out some junk and sold all the big items that needed to go. It was a pretty good idea. The kids each sold things as well and they were able to keep what money they earned. I think they may want to do a sale again.
Rebecca turned 12 last month. At times it doesn't seem possible to me that I have been married long enough for her to be 12. She is turning into such a young women. She still has her moments but she has become much more reliable and responsible. She loves being in Young Women's but is a little scared of the Personal Progress Program because she will really have to work to earn that award.
At the other end of the line, Kiley turned 2 on the 15th of this month. I can't believe how fast the time is going by. She is too smart for everyone's good. She is also little miss independent. While is can be so cute she can also be such the little pill. The terrible twos have deffiently arrived in here.
Savannah and Joe are both doing well. Nothing stands out to report with either one of them at this time.
Joe is still pluging away at USAA. He is set to start a second master's program here in October. He also has gone back to teaching early morning seminary. He keeps himself busy with a full plate.
As for me I am just waiting for this baby to be born.
Oh, back is August our stake was split and we are now in the newly created Surprise Arizona North Stake. I have been called as the Stake Family and Personal Preparedness Specialist (or something like that.) I was serving as an assistant (in training) for the last two year. I am not sure what all my calling includes but I will do my best at whatever I am asked to do. I know it includes takind and turinng in monthly food storage orders.
Well, I think that is it for now. The next post will be to introduce the newest member of our family to all of you. Until then, take care of yourself and know that we love you!
I am honestly say that not much noteworthy had taken place since my last post. I have been trying hard to get the house ready for the new little one. I would also like for the house to be clean when I leave for the hospital so it will be clean when I come home. There is still things that need to be done but we will be ok.
A couple of weeks ago we held a garage sale and was able to clean out some junk and sold all the big items that needed to go. It was a pretty good idea. The kids each sold things as well and they were able to keep what money they earned. I think they may want to do a sale again.
Rebecca turned 12 last month. At times it doesn't seem possible to me that I have been married long enough for her to be 12. She is turning into such a young women. She still has her moments but she has become much more reliable and responsible. She loves being in Young Women's but is a little scared of the Personal Progress Program because she will really have to work to earn that award.
At the other end of the line, Kiley turned 2 on the 15th of this month. I can't believe how fast the time is going by. She is too smart for everyone's good. She is also little miss independent. While is can be so cute she can also be such the little pill. The terrible twos have deffiently arrived in here.
Savannah and Joe are both doing well. Nothing stands out to report with either one of them at this time.
Joe is still pluging away at USAA. He is set to start a second master's program here in October. He also has gone back to teaching early morning seminary. He keeps himself busy with a full plate.
As for me I am just waiting for this baby to be born.
Oh, back is August our stake was split and we are now in the newly created Surprise Arizona North Stake. I have been called as the Stake Family and Personal Preparedness Specialist (or something like that.) I was serving as an assistant (in training) for the last two year. I am not sure what all my calling includes but I will do my best at whatever I am asked to do. I know it includes takind and turinng in monthly food storage orders.
Well, I think that is it for now. The next post will be to introduce the newest member of our family to all of you. Until then, take care of yourself and know that we love you!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
My Sunday Thoughts
I don't usually include my own thoughts into this blog but today I feel the need to share some of my thoughts.
1. This last month I had the opportunity to do lots of service for others. That service took me to the ER three times last month (I took my husband, my son, and a fellow church member). I was also able to offer service to my parents, siblings, and a neighbor. I was also able to offer service through my church responsibilities and callings to a number of fellow members.
While serving others may not always be easy or convenient, I am grateful for each opportunity I was given. I can see where I have been blessed for the times my service was offered selflessly and with nothing in return expected.
I was also on the receiving end of service this last month. I know those that served me and helped me out thought nothing about what they were doing and what they would get in return. Thank you Kim, Janelle, and the Young Women from church.
§ The facts must be authentic - how, what, where & why is change needed
§ A system for change must be established - planned & organized, even though painful
§ We must be totally committed to our plan for change - the will to improve (this separates the winners from the losers)
1. This last month I had the opportunity to do lots of service for others. That service took me to the ER three times last month (I took my husband, my son, and a fellow church member). I was also able to offer service to my parents, siblings, and a neighbor. I was also able to offer service through my church responsibilities and callings to a number of fellow members.
While serving others may not always be easy or convenient, I am grateful for each opportunity I was given. I can see where I have been blessed for the times my service was offered selflessly and with nothing in return expected.
I was also on the receiving end of service this last month. I know those that served me and helped me out thought nothing about what they were doing and what they would get in return. Thank you Kim, Janelle, and the Young Women from church.
2. I have been thinking a lot lately about the things in my life that I need to change. Things that are really not hard to do but for some reason I just don't do. (Yes I admit I am not perfect!) The lack of these somewhat simple things in my life make me feel like I am failing as a good daughter, sister, wife, mother, neighbor, friend, and church member. Today's lesson in RS was another call for me to do pull these thing back into my life. The lesson was taken from an article "Progress though Change" by Marvin Ashton found in one of the 1979 Ensign magazines. It talked about how difficult and painful change can be to go through, but how dynamic it can be bring opportunities, challenges, and growth. It included four suggestions for making changes easier in our lives:
§ We must understand the need for change – be aware, recognize§ The facts must be authentic - how, what, where & why is change needed
§ A system for change must be established - planned & organized, even though painful
§ We must be totally committed to our plan for change - the will to improve (this separates the winners from the losers)
So today I commit to changing the things I know I need to change and I will wait no longer. I will start today.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Getting Ready to go Back to School!
So the count down to back to school is on. With that comes the change in background. I know that the kids and I are ready for school to start. Yes, all of my kids have nerves about starting school but they all adjust quickly.
This year I decided to give them each a small amount of money and tell them to shop for themselves but that is all they can have for new shoes and clothes. Rebecca did the best by far. Meet the teacher is scheduled for next Thursday and then school starts the following Monday, August 10th.
Other then getting ready for school there is nothing too exciting to report. We did not take a big vacation or make an long trips this summer. We did a few little day trips early on before it got too hot and now we are just waiting for things to cool off. Yesterday I reached week 29 and am counting down to the arrival of our little one. There still is so much decluttering that needs to be down before she arrives but I have come to grips with the fact that it just is not going to get done. Not a big priority on anyone list of things to do. Big Joe is working on finding and buying an SUV since the family has outgrown the other cars.
This year I decided to give them each a small amount of money and tell them to shop for themselves but that is all they can have for new shoes and clothes. Rebecca did the best by far. Meet the teacher is scheduled for next Thursday and then school starts the following Monday, August 10th.
Other then getting ready for school there is nothing too exciting to report. We did not take a big vacation or make an long trips this summer. We did a few little day trips early on before it got too hot and now we are just waiting for things to cool off. Yesterday I reached week 29 and am counting down to the arrival of our little one. There still is so much decluttering that needs to be down before she arrives but I have come to grips with the fact that it just is not going to get done. Not a big priority on anyone list of things to do. Big Joe is working on finding and buying an SUV since the family has outgrown the other cars.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Kiley is too smart
Today after lunch Joe was giving the kids Oreos for a treat and Kiley asked for one in her polite little voice. Once she got her cookie she looked at dad and said she was going to open it. She proceeded to open the cookie and remove the peanut butter creme from the middle and placed the cookies on the table. She then shoved the creme in her mouth are refused to eat the cookies. What is up with that? I thought all kids liked cookies and here I have one that only likes the filling inside the Oreo. Too Cute and Too Smart for her own good! I think I am in trouble with her.
Back to school so soon!
Hi! Its been a long time since I've posted on something that is happening so I thought why not do it now. This summer has been great but it has gone by very fast. The main reason I don't want to go back to school is that mostly ever Thursday Rebecca and I get to go to our cousin's house and spend the night and get to stay the next day till my dad gets out of work on Friday.
It have been lots of fun. This last week we swam for like 4 or 5 hours on Thursday and got so BURNT because we FORGOT to put sunscreen on every hour. And then the next day we swam for like 3 to 4 hours. One day we swam past lunch time and our Aunt was home so she came out and made lunch for us but we had brought snacks and I was full so I skipped lunch. I know that wasn't wise to do but if ate a sandwich I would have barfed so I skipped lunch and then dinner was so ggggggoodddddddddd.
Does anyone have any good advice for me going into fifth grade? I worry that it is going to be hard. Do you have to carry a lot of stuff around? And last but not least Is it hard on the Meet the Teacher {or Teachers} and the first day of school? And I know somethings to expect and I'll tell them to you. It is never sit by a boy unless you really have to, Don't try to make friends if you think you will get in fights, be tough on the boys, & try to be kind to others so you can make lots of friends.
It have been lots of fun. This last week we swam for like 4 or 5 hours on Thursday and got so BURNT because we FORGOT to put sunscreen on every hour. And then the next day we swam for like 3 to 4 hours. One day we swam past lunch time and our Aunt was home so she came out and made lunch for us but we had brought snacks and I was full so I skipped lunch. I know that wasn't wise to do but if ate a sandwich I would have barfed so I skipped lunch and then dinner was so ggggggoodddddddddd.
Does anyone have any good advice for me going into fifth grade? I worry that it is going to be hard. Do you have to carry a lot of stuff around? And last but not least Is it hard on the Meet the Teacher {or Teachers} and the first day of school? And I know somethings to expect and I'll tell them to you. It is never sit by a boy unless you really have to, Don't try to make friends if you think you will get in fights, be tough on the boys, & try to be kind to others so you can make lots of friends.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Blog VS Facebook
Between reading what everyone else is doing on Facebook (that I am not) and trying to decide what to write here I think my blog is getting the short end of the stick. For me and my mind, it is so much easier to write a short little post on Facebook then it is to come up with a topic worth writing about, logging in, and then writing it. (Plus I can't be on the computer long before Kiley wants to take over and look at pictures.)
In this post I will share our holiday (July 4th) recap. It started off with a three hour ER visit at 1:30AM. Big Joe had one of his out of control migraines and needed some help. (This was number two for the year.) After getting what he needed from the ER we were about to come home and get about 2 hours of sleep before we had to get up and get ready for breakfast. With Joe working nights we are not able to have the Missionaries over for dinner so we have been having them come over once a month for breakfast since late last year. We ended up have SIX Missionaries over for breakfast at 7AM. We served them waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and juice. It was a good breakfast. After breakfast we played a couple of rounds of the game It Came to Pass. The Missionaries left just before 9AM to go play soccer. We just kicked back and hung out for the day. Dad slept most of the day. Then at 4PM I started to prepare dinner for us, my parents, and two Missionaries. We did an indoor BBQ. The Missionaries had to be home by 6PM but my parents stayed to watch fireworks with us. We just drove up the street and parked at the High School and watched the City of Surprise's fireworks. It was nice to be close but not have to deal with a huge mass of people. After the fireworks it was home and off to bed. Overall it was a good day.
In this post I will share our holiday (July 4th) recap. It started off with a three hour ER visit at 1:30AM. Big Joe had one of his out of control migraines and needed some help. (This was number two for the year.) After getting what he needed from the ER we were about to come home and get about 2 hours of sleep before we had to get up and get ready for breakfast. With Joe working nights we are not able to have the Missionaries over for dinner so we have been having them come over once a month for breakfast since late last year. We ended up have SIX Missionaries over for breakfast at 7AM. We served them waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and juice. It was a good breakfast. After breakfast we played a couple of rounds of the game It Came to Pass. The Missionaries left just before 9AM to go play soccer. We just kicked back and hung out for the day. Dad slept most of the day. Then at 4PM I started to prepare dinner for us, my parents, and two Missionaries. We did an indoor BBQ. The Missionaries had to be home by 6PM but my parents stayed to watch fireworks with us. We just drove up the street and parked at the High School and watched the City of Surprise's fireworks. It was nice to be close but not have to deal with a huge mass of people. After the fireworks it was home and off to bed. Overall it was a good day.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Grateful for my Children
Well this is my first post on this site. Rather than Emily posting and updating the blog, I feel that this is one time that I need to share (this is Joe). On Saturday of last week I went to help a family move out of our ward. At the breakfast table we were going through trying to plan out the day and what needed to be done. When I mentioned that I needed to go to help move my children immediately asked if they could come to help. Rebecca, Savannah, and Joe all wanted to go and help this family that they didn't even know. It didn't matter who it was, they just wanted to help out. It is very rare that as punishment a parent can say - "if you don't shape up I'm not going to let you do service." They couldn't wait to get to the home and move things.
Well we showed up to the house and immediately Rebecca, Savannah, and Joe walked right into the house and started picking things up and moving them into the moving truck. All of them worked the entire time until we were all done. Everything had been moved that could be moved. They were so happy and excited that they did this. All I can say is my heart was full. How could I have been blessed with such wonderful children. I know that their Grandpa McKnight would have been so proud of them and their Grandparents that are still with us would be proud as well. They came home after moving for almost two hours and started on their work at home without complaining. It was just so wonderful.
On top of that I had asked them if they would help me with a special fast. Without hesitating all three said sure. It didn't matter to them that this week was not fast Sunday, if it would help they wanted to do it. Come Sunday they didn't need to be reminded and they never complained.
In particular I was impressed with Joe. His teacher specifically offered him candy in class and Joe said thank you and put it in his pocket. Then all of the kids went to primary and the president of primary gave smores to everyone. All of my children kept them in a baggy and didn't eat. They didn't try to go out of their way and say "hey - I'm fasting look at me" or anything. They simply said thank you and put it off to the side. It was just so amazing. I love my children so much.
It also made me realize just how lucky I was and am to have Emily as my wife. What a blessing to have such a wonderful individual shaping our children spiritually. I am so thankful that she said yes to being my eternal companion. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world in that I want to improve who I am as a father, husband, friend, and individual simply because I associate with her and want to be better for her. I'm sure that those who read this blog may feel that they are just as lucky. I'm glad that they get to feel that way. I hope you get to feel as wonderful as I do about my beautiful, spiritual, inspiring wife.
I don't feel that it would be appropriate for me to call everyone and boast about my children and my family so I figure if I put it here then whoever comes can read it and they will still understand how thankful I am for my family and know how much love I have for them and my wife specifically.
Heavenly Father truly has blessed my life.
Well we showed up to the house and immediately Rebecca, Savannah, and Joe walked right into the house and started picking things up and moving them into the moving truck. All of them worked the entire time until we were all done. Everything had been moved that could be moved. They were so happy and excited that they did this. All I can say is my heart was full. How could I have been blessed with such wonderful children. I know that their Grandpa McKnight would have been so proud of them and their Grandparents that are still with us would be proud as well. They came home after moving for almost two hours and started on their work at home without complaining. It was just so wonderful.
On top of that I had asked them if they would help me with a special fast. Without hesitating all three said sure. It didn't matter to them that this week was not fast Sunday, if it would help they wanted to do it. Come Sunday they didn't need to be reminded and they never complained.
In particular I was impressed with Joe. His teacher specifically offered him candy in class and Joe said thank you and put it in his pocket. Then all of the kids went to primary and the president of primary gave smores to everyone. All of my children kept them in a baggy and didn't eat. They didn't try to go out of their way and say "hey - I'm fasting look at me" or anything. They simply said thank you and put it off to the side. It was just so amazing. I love my children so much.
It also made me realize just how lucky I was and am to have Emily as my wife. What a blessing to have such a wonderful individual shaping our children spiritually. I am so thankful that she said yes to being my eternal companion. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world in that I want to improve who I am as a father, husband, friend, and individual simply because I associate with her and want to be better for her. I'm sure that those who read this blog may feel that they are just as lucky. I'm glad that they get to feel that way. I hope you get to feel as wonderful as I do about my beautiful, spiritual, inspiring wife.
I don't feel that it would be appropriate for me to call everyone and boast about my children and my family so I figure if I put it here then whoever comes can read it and they will still understand how thankful I am for my family and know how much love I have for them and my wife specifically.
Heavenly Father truly has blessed my life.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
June Update!
On to an update! Since Mother's Day, 6 weeks ago, the kids have finished school and been on Summer vacation for a month already. Boy the time is flying by.
With the opening of a movie theater closer to home, I bought tickets to the Kids' Summer Movies. So on Tuesday mornings we get out of the house and go to the movies. Some weeks are better then others, it all depends on the movie and Kiley's mood. She has found her seat at the movies on the stairs each week but doesn't sit still for long.
For Memorial Weekend and Day we took at couple of little day outings/trips. We took the kids to the White Tank Mountains again and did the little one mile hike. These are the mountains located in our daily view. The kids seem to have a good time and they were in charge of taking pictures that day. The pictures are on Facebook. On Memorial Day we did a day trip up to the Grand Canyon. The kids have driving over the Hover Dam a couple of times on the way to Las Vegas, but we thought they would like a different view of the Grand Canyon. While it was not Joe or I thought it would be it was ok. There was a lot of walking involved before we could really see anything, but the kids were all amazed. (Again pictures they took are on Facebook.)
Since then we took a long day trip to a small mining town called Morenci. It was around a five hour drive each way. This town is located about an hour East of Thatcher/Safford. Joe applied for a teaching position there and wanted to see what it looked liked. That was on a Saturday and on the following Tuesday, Joe and I made the trip again so he could interview for the teaching position. We were able to stop in Thatcher for a little while to visit Chantel (Joe's niece) and her kids. That made the trip a lot nicer for me but it was still a long trip. As for the teaching job we have not heard anything and are not holding our breath at this point. I think we have decided that if the job was offered to Joe he would take it.
Everyone is doing ok. Joe will be finishing up his Master classes at the end of the month. Yea for him. He was the first McKnight to get a college degree and now he will have a Masters. If only he could get back into teaching so he could put that Masters to work. I am in week 23 and not sleeping well at night, but that will not last forever. The kids are all kids on summer vacation, bored and faced with the daily challenge of what to do now. Kiley is just little self. She is still working on the whole potty training thing. Some days are much better then others, but oh well what am I going to do.
That is going to have to do it for our update this far. Until next post!
With the opening of a movie theater closer to home, I bought tickets to the Kids' Summer Movies. So on Tuesday mornings we get out of the house and go to the movies. Some weeks are better then others, it all depends on the movie and Kiley's mood. She has found her seat at the movies on the stairs each week but doesn't sit still for long.
For Memorial Weekend and Day we took at couple of little day outings/trips. We took the kids to the White Tank Mountains again and did the little one mile hike. These are the mountains located in our daily view. The kids seem to have a good time and they were in charge of taking pictures that day. The pictures are on Facebook. On Memorial Day we did a day trip up to the Grand Canyon. The kids have driving over the Hover Dam a couple of times on the way to Las Vegas, but we thought they would like a different view of the Grand Canyon. While it was not Joe or I thought it would be it was ok. There was a lot of walking involved before we could really see anything, but the kids were all amazed. (Again pictures they took are on Facebook.)
Since then we took a long day trip to a small mining town called Morenci. It was around a five hour drive each way. This town is located about an hour East of Thatcher/Safford. Joe applied for a teaching position there and wanted to see what it looked liked. That was on a Saturday and on the following Tuesday, Joe and I made the trip again so he could interview for the teaching position. We were able to stop in Thatcher for a little while to visit Chantel (Joe's niece) and her kids. That made the trip a lot nicer for me but it was still a long trip. As for the teaching job we have not heard anything and are not holding our breath at this point. I think we have decided that if the job was offered to Joe he would take it.
Everyone is doing ok. Joe will be finishing up his Master classes at the end of the month. Yea for him. He was the first McKnight to get a college degree and now he will have a Masters. If only he could get back into teaching so he could put that Masters to work. I am in week 23 and not sleeping well at night, but that will not last forever. The kids are all kids on summer vacation, bored and faced with the daily challenge of what to do now. Kiley is just little self. She is still working on the whole potty training thing. Some days are much better then others, but oh well what am I going to do.
That is going to have to do it for our update this far. Until next post!
Why I Blog!
For the last few weeks I have been really trying to pinpoint why I spend so much time on the computer (either with Blogs or Facebook). If you look at my own blog I have not written anything since Mother's Day. I have never been good at Journal writing unless it was an assignment in school. I often wonder if anyone really cares what I do or what I have to say. I have never been good at writing or even expressing myself with my kid vocabulary and usually don't have anything profound to share. I think the main reason I spend the amount of time I do looking at Blogs and Facebook is because I am very lonely. (But that is a topic for another blog later.)
Why I started to blog?
I went back to my very first blog and saw this, "In attempts to improve relationships with siblings and extended family members I have joined the list of bloggers."
At the time I had been sending out almost weekly updates to Karena, who had just started college. You see my kids love Karena and they wanted to be a part of writing those updates. (If you look they have contributed some to this blog.) Short after starting I thought why am I just sending these to Karena maybe someone would like to read them. So I began sending them to all of my siblings. I then began to feel like I was adding junk to my siblings' e-mail and wondered if they ever read what I wrote. I knew a few people that were blogging at this time and I thought if I post my things here those that are interested can stop by whenever they are not busy and see what we are up to.
While I continue to wonder if this gets read by many people, I will continue to post here because of my original goal, only I will add friends to my list.
For those that do read my blog, I want you to know that you mean so much to me. For those looking for pictures, those are mainly posted other places. I can't seem to get the hang of posting pictures here. I have found it so much easier to post things to Windows Live and Facebook. (The most current pictures are on Facebook. If neither of those options work for you, I am open for suggestions.)
Why I started to blog?
I went back to my very first blog and saw this, "In attempts to improve relationships with siblings and extended family members I have joined the list of bloggers."
At the time I had been sending out almost weekly updates to Karena, who had just started college. You see my kids love Karena and they wanted to be a part of writing those updates. (If you look they have contributed some to this blog.) Short after starting I thought why am I just sending these to Karena maybe someone would like to read them. So I began sending them to all of my siblings. I then began to feel like I was adding junk to my siblings' e-mail and wondered if they ever read what I wrote. I knew a few people that were blogging at this time and I thought if I post my things here those that are interested can stop by whenever they are not busy and see what we are up to.
While I continue to wonder if this gets read by many people, I will continue to post here because of my original goal, only I will add friends to my list.
For those that do read my blog, I want you to know that you mean so much to me. For those looking for pictures, those are mainly posted other places. I can't seem to get the hang of posting pictures here. I have found it so much easier to post things to Windows Live and Facebook. (The most current pictures are on Facebook. If neither of those options work for you, I am open for suggestions.)
Saturday, May 9, 2009
What is a Stretch Hummer doing outside my house?
Joe tells me I need to pull the girls out of school early and be home and ready to leave by 4pm. I asked for more information since he works until six and I was told that someone I did not know would be coming to pick me up but that it would be ok. "Trust Me", he said. To ease my nerves he then told me I would be alone for a while but then I would be with people I know. I began to wonder if this was a family thing or a church thing. I knew someone else had to be involved. I just did not know who and to what extend.
At about 4pm the doorbell rings and there is a driver for a stretch hummer at my door. I was given a few clues to the evening when the driver called me by the wrong last name . I now knew it was a family thing and that my brother-in-law (Scott) was in one it. I was led out to a red carpet in front of the door to the Hunner and I was also told that we were heading to Anthem to pick up someone else. Since Scott was involved I figured out that we were going to get his brother Brian and his wife Tracey. After getting lost twice we finally arrived and they joined me on the voyage in the hummer. From there we begin picking up all of the McKnight women, Scott's mom and Grandma, and my husband (from work). (None of the women knew what was going on. Everyone was totally surprised!) After three hours in the Hummer (for me) and being joined by 14 other adults we were headed off to dinner.
We arrived at Claim Jumpers for dinner and Scott has arranged two red roses in a vase for each mom with a personalized card written by our husbands. These vases and cards were placed on the table as we were seated. It was all so nice. It took a long time for us to get our food, but I have learned to expect that when you are will a huge group.
After dinner we piled back in the Hummer and began the trips home. Since Joe had to work until six he parked his car at a Harkins movie theater across the street from work. So at around 9:30 on a Friday night we were dropped off outside a Harkins by a stretch hummer. We got into our truck and headed home.
What a wonderful surprise and evening it was.
At about 4pm the doorbell rings and there is a driver for a stretch hummer at my door. I was given a few clues to the evening when the driver called me by the wrong last name . I now knew it was a family thing and that my brother-in-law (Scott) was in one it. I was led out to a red carpet in front of the door to the Hunner and I was also told that we were heading to Anthem to pick up someone else. Since Scott was involved I figured out that we were going to get his brother Brian and his wife Tracey. After getting lost twice we finally arrived and they joined me on the voyage in the hummer. From there we begin picking up all of the McKnight women, Scott's mom and Grandma, and my husband (from work). (None of the women knew what was going on. Everyone was totally surprised!) After three hours in the Hummer (for me) and being joined by 14 other adults we were headed off to dinner.
We arrived at Claim Jumpers for dinner and Scott has arranged two red roses in a vase for each mom with a personalized card written by our husbands. These vases and cards were placed on the table as we were seated. It was all so nice. It took a long time for us to get our food, but I have learned to expect that when you are will a huge group.
After dinner we piled back in the Hummer and began the trips home. Since Joe had to work until six he parked his car at a Harkins movie theater across the street from work. So at around 9:30 on a Friday night we were dropped off outside a Harkins by a stretch hummer. We got into our truck and headed home.
What a wonderful surprise and evening it was.
Grass and Nail Polish Update
I still dont see much in the way of grass but I will wait a little longer and keep looking. As for the nail polish no luck getting it out.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Grass and Nail Polish
Last weekend we attempted to lay grass seed again in half of our backyard and here it is one week later and there are no signs of life. As we contemplated what to do with the other half we decided to try something different. Joe and the kids went to work for the second weekend in a row. The man at Home Depot convinced Joe to try Bermuda Grass. He said if you can't grow that then something is wrong with your dirt and you will have to have it tested and treated. So now we wait for another week or two with fingers crossed that something will pop up anywhere.
On to Nail Polish! Yesterday Rebecca and Savannah decided they wanted to paint their nails. After they had finished I guess Kiley decided it was her turn. She went into the bathroom and found the polish and helped herself. She painted her dress (a church one), her legs, and my couch. Where was I you ask? I was being a good mom and making dinner for my family. Where were the rest of them? Except for Kiley they were all watching a movie on TV! So she managed to paint my couch right in front of four other people and nobody saw anything. All I can say is it is a good thing she is so cute and now my couch is so pretty. :)
On to Nail Polish! Yesterday Rebecca and Savannah decided they wanted to paint their nails. After they had finished I guess Kiley decided it was her turn. She went into the bathroom and found the polish and helped herself. She painted her dress (a church one), her legs, and my couch. Where was I you ask? I was being a good mom and making dinner for my family. Where were the rest of them? Except for Kiley they were all watching a movie on TV! So she managed to paint my couch right in front of four other people and nobody saw anything. All I can say is it is a good thing she is so cute and now my couch is so pretty. :)
Hit by a drunk driver!
Ok, so here is Joe's contribution to this blog site and he demands that it gets it's own posting.
Friday night after work (around 8 or so) we all piled into the truck and headed up to Home Depot to get more supplies for the backyard. As we walked out of the store and approached the truck, Joe and the girls watched someone back into the rear of truck and then speed off. Joe yelled, "they just hit the truck." He took of running and jumped into the truck and took off to chase down the car. So there I am in the middle of Home Depot's parking lot at closing time with two carts and four kids. I walked back over toward to store to wait for him to return. Immediately little Joe starts in with the "What ifs". After about five mins of that I told him enough was enough and that if dad really loved us he would not leave us there. He would come back.
A few mins later he was back with all the information you could have asked for from the Lady that hit him. He said that he thought she was drunk and I told him call the Police. Now we had to wait for someone to show up to take a statement from him. Once the Officer arrived she informed us that she has others out looking for this women and if they found her they would let us know.
Well we never heard from them so I assume that they did not find her. Oh well. At least we were not in the truck when it got hit. Joe has called the lady's insurance to place a claim on her insurance for any possible damage. He is scheduled to have it looked at tomorrow so we will have to wait and see if any real damage was done.
Friday night after work (around 8 or so) we all piled into the truck and headed up to Home Depot to get more supplies for the backyard. As we walked out of the store and approached the truck, Joe and the girls watched someone back into the rear of truck and then speed off. Joe yelled, "they just hit the truck." He took of running and jumped into the truck and took off to chase down the car. So there I am in the middle of Home Depot's parking lot at closing time with two carts and four kids. I walked back over toward to store to wait for him to return. Immediately little Joe starts in with the "What ifs". After about five mins of that I told him enough was enough and that if dad really loved us he would not leave us there. He would come back.
A few mins later he was back with all the information you could have asked for from the Lady that hit him. He said that he thought she was drunk and I told him call the Police. Now we had to wait for someone to show up to take a statement from him. Once the Officer arrived she informed us that she has others out looking for this women and if they found her they would let us know.
Well we never heard from them so I assume that they did not find her. Oh well. At least we were not in the truck when it got hit. Joe has called the lady's insurance to place a claim on her insurance for any possible damage. He is scheduled to have it looked at tomorrow so we will have to wait and see if any real damage was done.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Can we grow grass?
This morning Joe, Rebecca, and Savannah have been hard at work laying new grass seed in half of the backyard. We have been in our house for four years and still do not have grass. We have tried a number of times and we even laid sod once but that did not even work.
Come to think of it the only times we have been successful with grass is when we have moved. No I am not planning on moving any time soon. It would just be so nice to look outside and see something more then dirt.
Here is to hoping that it will work this time. I realized that the whole watering thing is up to me. I think I can do it. We will see.
Come to think of it the only times we have been successful with grass is when we have moved. No I am not planning on moving any time soon. It would just be so nice to look outside and see something more then dirt.
Here is to hoping that it will work this time. I realized that the whole watering thing is up to me. I think I can do it. We will see.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Update and Easter
So Joe pointed out to me that is has been a long time since I have posted anything here. I did not realize just how long it has been. I guess there has not been anything too exciting to share in our little lives.
I have been dealing with the fun of being pregnant for almost 14 weeks now. On top of that I have been battling a head cold (congestion) for over a week now. These two together have made me pretty miserable and tired, but I have a hard time sleeping. I am grateful that Kiley still takes a nap everyday so I can try and get a little more sleep everyday.
Joe just had his 33rd birthday and is feeling old. He is stilling working at USAA but really would like to get back into the education world. He is a few months away from completing his Master's Degree in Education Leadership (was Education Administration but without the school connection he was not able to do the internship required for that degree). He is thinking that he might continue with the schooling and get a History Master's Degree and try to teach at the Community College Level.
The kids are all doing well and continue to grow like the little weeds that they are. I counted yesterday and there are less then 6 weeks of school left this year. What am I going to do? The kids (school age) just had their field days at school and they all had lots of fun. Rebecca came in third out of seven girls in the 800 m run. She really likes to run and wishes she could be faster but doesn't like to practice because nobody will run with her.
As for Easter, we had dinner with my family. The annual McKnight Easter Party got rained out this year. The kids were very disappointed. Below are the Easter Pictures I took. They did not turn out as good as I had hoped. I need to learn how to take better pictures.
I have been dealing with the fun of being pregnant for almost 14 weeks now. On top of that I have been battling a head cold (congestion) for over a week now. These two together have made me pretty miserable and tired, but I have a hard time sleeping. I am grateful that Kiley still takes a nap everyday so I can try and get a little more sleep everyday.
Joe just had his 33rd birthday and is feeling old. He is stilling working at USAA but really would like to get back into the education world. He is a few months away from completing his Master's Degree in Education Leadership (was Education Administration but without the school connection he was not able to do the internship required for that degree). He is thinking that he might continue with the schooling and get a History Master's Degree and try to teach at the Community College Level.
The kids are all doing well and continue to grow like the little weeds that they are. I counted yesterday and there are less then 6 weeks of school left this year. What am I going to do? The kids (school age) just had their field days at school and they all had lots of fun. Rebecca came in third out of seven girls in the 800 m run. She really likes to run and wishes she could be faster but doesn't like to practice because nobody will run with her.
As for Easter, we had dinner with my family. The annual McKnight Easter Party got rained out this year. The kids were very disappointed. Below are the Easter Pictures I took. They did not turn out as good as I had hoped. I need to learn how to take better pictures.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spring Break 2009!
We started Spring Break early by taking a trip to the Pioneer Village on Saturday of last week. After a few hours there and watching one and a half Civil War Reenactment battles we left and headed to Mom and Dad's for a BBQ with everyone while Karena and Steve were in town.
The rest of the week is left in Savannah's hands.
On Tuesday, Joe went to Aunt Teddie's house and Rebecca and I went to Jarica's house (our cousin) and played till dad got out of work. We brought Jarica home and she spent the night at our house and we stayed up later.
Wednesday morning Mom took Jarica home on the way to her Dr's appointment and dropped us off at Grandma Lofgreen's. That afternoon she went to Uncle Scott and Aunt Heather's house and a swapped Kaylee for Joe. When we got home we played a game of life with the way her on the computer. And then after that Kaylee told us a scary story and she had to stop in the middle of the story and tell me a funny story because I got scared because she was telling a story about vampires and vampire hunters and so she kept saying that people died but I got scared and then she told me a funny story about a bunny and then I said she could go back to her story. And then Rebecca got crazy because in the story the vampire hunters used Stakes to kill the vampires and every time she said that Rebecca laughed. We stayed up till around 11:30 (it was much later then that according to mom and dad). We tried to sleep in but mom let Kiley in to wake us up at 9:30. So we woke us up then we had breakfast then we played a little bit longer and then we took her home and swapped kids back.
Back to mom- Today is Friday and it has been a small cleaning day (mostly laundry) with some shopping mixed in there. We are having the Missionaries over for breakfast tomorrow morning. We are also thinking about going over to the Air Force Base for Luke Days.
The rest of the week is left in Savannah's hands.
On Tuesday, Joe went to Aunt Teddie's house and Rebecca and I went to Jarica's house (our cousin) and played till dad got out of work. We brought Jarica home and she spent the night at our house and we stayed up later.
Wednesday morning Mom took Jarica home on the way to her Dr's appointment and dropped us off at Grandma Lofgreen's. That afternoon she went to Uncle Scott and Aunt Heather's house and a swapped Kaylee for Joe. When we got home we played a game of life with the way her on the computer. And then after that Kaylee told us a scary story and she had to stop in the middle of the story and tell me a funny story because I got scared because she was telling a story about vampires and vampire hunters and so she kept saying that people died but I got scared and then she told me a funny story about a bunny and then I said she could go back to her story. And then Rebecca got crazy because in the story the vampire hunters used Stakes to kill the vampires and every time she said that Rebecca laughed. We stayed up till around 11:30 (it was much later then that according to mom and dad). We tried to sleep in but mom let Kiley in to wake us up at 9:30. So we woke us up then we had breakfast then we played a little bit longer and then we took her home and swapped kids back.
Back to mom- Today is Friday and it has been a small cleaning day (mostly laundry) with some shopping mixed in there. We are having the Missionaries over for breakfast tomorrow morning. We are also thinking about going over to the Air Force Base for Luke Days.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Long Overdue Update!
I have not written in a while because I am not sure what to say and I have been busy and sidetracked. So here is what I can come up with.
Let's start with Joe (dad)- on Wednesday of this past week he had the long awaited surgery on his right knee. We were told that there was most likely a tear in his meniscus. We arrived at the Banner Thunderbird Out Patient Surgical center at 9am for his 11:30 surgery. The surgery did not start until 1pm and his short 15-20 minute surgery turned into more like 40 minutes. The Dr came out and told me that he did not really see anything wrong with his knee. He did discover that he has an abnormally large meniscus and a small amount of cartilage under his knee cap. He removed the cartilage but was unsure if that is what has been causing so much pain. We left the center a little after 3 pm. Needless to say it was a very long day. Joe is spending his time recovering watching TV all day and most of the night. He finds it difficult to sleep due to a lack of comfort.
Me (mom)- I am dealing with the typical mom stuff. I am trying to help Joe be as comfortable as possible. He seems to sleep best during the day so I have to try and keep four kids entertained and quiet. Then Kiley has been sick for a couple of days and she is not a happy sick person. When not taking care of dad or the kids, I am eating. I have the overall feeling of blah all day long. I have found that if I eat a little bit every few hours then I don't feel so bad. It is a big pain but I do what I have to do to get from day to day.
The kids- well they are kids. It is school, computers, occasionally playing outside, homework, and chores for the three older ones. They are almost through the third quarter of school. Spring Break is in a couple of weeks. What am I going to do? Then before I know it school will be out for the summer.
Kiley keeps busy in her own little world where she is always on the move. If I don't keep a close eye on her she will disappear in a split second. She is somewhat interested in the potty. I am not forcing she use it only putting her on it when she wants. Some days are better then others. I cant help but thing how nice it would be to have her out of diapers before the next little one is here. Here is wishing!
Let's start with Joe (dad)- on Wednesday of this past week he had the long awaited surgery on his right knee. We were told that there was most likely a tear in his meniscus. We arrived at the Banner Thunderbird Out Patient Surgical center at 9am for his 11:30 surgery. The surgery did not start until 1pm and his short 15-20 minute surgery turned into more like 40 minutes. The Dr came out and told me that he did not really see anything wrong with his knee. He did discover that he has an abnormally large meniscus and a small amount of cartilage under his knee cap. He removed the cartilage but was unsure if that is what has been causing so much pain. We left the center a little after 3 pm. Needless to say it was a very long day. Joe is spending his time recovering watching TV all day and most of the night. He finds it difficult to sleep due to a lack of comfort.
Me (mom)- I am dealing with the typical mom stuff. I am trying to help Joe be as comfortable as possible. He seems to sleep best during the day so I have to try and keep four kids entertained and quiet. Then Kiley has been sick for a couple of days and she is not a happy sick person. When not taking care of dad or the kids, I am eating. I have the overall feeling of blah all day long. I have found that if I eat a little bit every few hours then I don't feel so bad. It is a big pain but I do what I have to do to get from day to day.
The kids- well they are kids. It is school, computers, occasionally playing outside, homework, and chores for the three older ones. They are almost through the third quarter of school. Spring Break is in a couple of weeks. What am I going to do? Then before I know it school will be out for the summer.
Kiley keeps busy in her own little world where she is always on the move. If I don't keep a close eye on her she will disappear in a split second. She is somewhat interested in the potty. I am not forcing she use it only putting her on it when she wants. Some days are better then others. I cant help but thing how nice it would be to have her out of diapers before the next little one is here. Here is wishing!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Friends
In RS yesterday we had a really good lesson on Friendship. The teacher started by sharing the following quote, "We are the pieces of a puzzle to someone else's life. We may not know where we'll fit, but others will fill their life with pieces of us." Author Unknown
She want on to ask, what makes someone a good friend? She then shared a poem that placed friends into one of two categories- givers or takers, and asked what type of friend are you?
This really got me thinking about friends. Today, if I count what I call "true friends" I could use less than one hand. I realize that as we grow up people come and go, but I never thought I would lose contact with almost everyone of my childhood friends. I have even lost contact with many of my college church friends. The quote above is so true even for those people that don't stick around. I have heard something about leaving footprints in the lives of everyone we meet. I have kept a piece from each of my "friends" close to my heart.
As I pondered this lesson, I realized that it is time for me to stop feeling sorry for myself and start looking for others around me that might feel the same way I do. If I want friends I must be more willing to be a friend to others first.
She want on to ask, what makes someone a good friend? She then shared a poem that placed friends into one of two categories- givers or takers, and asked what type of friend are you?
This really got me thinking about friends. Today, if I count what I call "true friends" I could use less than one hand. I realize that as we grow up people come and go, but I never thought I would lose contact with almost everyone of my childhood friends. I have even lost contact with many of my college church friends. The quote above is so true even for those people that don't stick around. I have heard something about leaving footprints in the lives of everyone we meet. I have kept a piece from each of my "friends" close to my heart.
As I pondered this lesson, I realized that it is time for me to stop feeling sorry for myself and start looking for others around me that might feel the same way I do. If I want friends I must be more willing to be a friend to others first.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Now on Facebook!
Thanks to Debra I have joined the ranks of people on facebook. I fear that is will cause some problems for me. Now I have another program I can use to see what others are up to. That just increased the amount of time I will be sitting here instead of doing my work. If you are on facebook and I have missed you and you would like to be my friend let me know. Happy whatever it is that you do for fun while sitting at your computer. It is back to work for me.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Mom and Mack Dancing
This was taken with Joe's Palm so the quality is was it is but you get the idea. This was taken at Frankiln's Wedding Recption.
Friday, January 2, 2009
First ER Trip of 2009
This will be the last post for today. Because this is not a very happy post I have to give it a spot of it's own. Today is the second day of a new year and we have had our first trip to the ER. Big Joe was awoken from a deep sleep around 10:30 last night with a bad migraine. After trying his normal routine to stop the migraine, all the while getting worse not better, he decided it was time to get help. So at 3:30 this morning I drove him to the ER for help. After some shot into an IV for migraines, one bag of IV fluid, adn two an a half hours we returned home.
So much for the healthier new year!
So much for the healthier new year!
New Year's Revisted
Ok, here is the next recap. With kids being out of school for two weeks Aunt Teddie and Aunt Kim have made great use of the time and have taken three of my kids off my hands for a couple of days each week. They both live on Joe's way to work so his has taken them and dropped them off one day and picked them up after work the following day. My kids have loved this. It is sad that while we live so close to their cousins they don't seem to get to gather more often. With this week being New Year's Joe dropped them off on Tuesday and picked them up on New Year's Eve (we had one more house of Christmas lights to look at. Acutally to walk through. It is amazing inside. I think that will become a new tradition. We always look at the lights outside but we decided to look inside this year.) After our trip we joined the McKnight side for some food and games until everyone left at around 10 pm. We came home and played our Wii until midnight. Once we rang in the New Year and finshed a few more games on the Wii (because everyone was awake) it was off to bed.
New Year's Day was slow going until we headed to my parent's house. Here we ate lots of food and played whatever we all played. Everyone did their own thing with their own people. I think we all had a good time (expect for Big Joe who was fighting a headache). We arrived at 3pm and stayed until 9pm.
I think that will do it for my New Year's recap. So with all holidays out of the we were are good and school starts on Monday. Yeah!
Here is hoping that you will have a happy, healthy, and safe 2009!
New Year's Day was slow going until we headed to my parent's house. Here we ate lots of food and played whatever we all played. Everyone did their own thing with their own people. I think we all had a good time (expect for Big Joe who was fighting a headache). We arrived at 3pm and stayed until 9pm.
I think that will do it for my New Year's recap. So with all holidays out of the we were are good and school starts on Monday. Yeah!
Here is hoping that you will have a happy, healthy, and safe 2009!
Christmas Revisited
Now that the holidays are behinds us it is time for a holiday recap. Because it could get long I will do individual posts so you have a better chance of making it through one before you have to do something else or get to bored.
We had a very nice and somewhat quiet Christmas. Joe had to work on Christmas Eve (CE) but after work we went to his families traditional CE party. Here we exchange gifts with each family and the kids put on a live nativity. This year there was a scripted program with some songs included to help set the tone for the nativity. The kids had fun playing a bells for a couple of songs. After the party we carry out or own CE tradition of driving around the neighborhood I grow up in (Moon Valley). This year we piled my brother's kids into the back of the truck with our kids. We love to look at all the lights and on CE many of the streets are lined with luminaries. It is a sight to see. We love it!
Christmas morning was the typical wake up and open presents. The kids made out like bandits this year. I gave in and Joe and I bought them a Wii and some additional games. At about 9 am the missionaries in our ward joined us for a simple breakfast (Hot Cocoa and Cinnamon Rolls). After breakfast we taught them how to play "It Came to Pass" and we are proud to say that one missionary is addicted to it. They needed a place to call home so after a few rounds of the game they used our cell phones to call home. After the calls they wanted to play the game some more so we play with them until about 3pm. They had plans with another set of missionaries for dinner. Shortly after they left Joe went and picked up his mom, two brothers, and one sister. Then came out to our home for dinner and some friendly games of bowling on the Wii (even Grandma McKnight played!). We did not get to see any of my family for Christmas because the rest of those that live close by went up to Utah.
The day after Christmas Joe had to go to work so there wasn't much time for playing. However, one of Joe's nephews was getting married on Saturday in Las Vegas so we decided to take a short trip up there for his wedding. He was Lucky enough to get off of work early on Friday so as soon as he got home and we were really to go off we went. We arrived at about dinner time. Thank goodness for Walmarts and McDonalds because we came a little unprepared for our trip so we were able to get what we needed and get dinner at the same time. We camped out in a condo complex that Joe's oldest brother worked on. (I don't know what he does but it was free.) It was a very nice place just down for the Strip. We were there for the Wedding and Reception on Saturday and drove home on Sunday because Joe had to be back to work on Monday morning.
Look for New Year's and our first ER trip of the year later today. Kiley is up from her nap and wants lunch.
We had a very nice and somewhat quiet Christmas. Joe had to work on Christmas Eve (CE) but after work we went to his families traditional CE party. Here we exchange gifts with each family and the kids put on a live nativity. This year there was a scripted program with some songs included to help set the tone for the nativity. The kids had fun playing a bells for a couple of songs. After the party we carry out or own CE tradition of driving around the neighborhood I grow up in (Moon Valley). This year we piled my brother's kids into the back of the truck with our kids. We love to look at all the lights and on CE many of the streets are lined with luminaries. It is a sight to see. We love it!
Christmas morning was the typical wake up and open presents. The kids made out like bandits this year. I gave in and Joe and I bought them a Wii and some additional games. At about 9 am the missionaries in our ward joined us for a simple breakfast (Hot Cocoa and Cinnamon Rolls). After breakfast we taught them how to play "It Came to Pass" and we are proud to say that one missionary is addicted to it. They needed a place to call home so after a few rounds of the game they used our cell phones to call home. After the calls they wanted to play the game some more so we play with them until about 3pm. They had plans with another set of missionaries for dinner. Shortly after they left Joe went and picked up his mom, two brothers, and one sister. Then came out to our home for dinner and some friendly games of bowling on the Wii (even Grandma McKnight played!). We did not get to see any of my family for Christmas because the rest of those that live close by went up to Utah.
The day after Christmas Joe had to go to work so there wasn't much time for playing. However, one of Joe's nephews was getting married on Saturday in Las Vegas so we decided to take a short trip up there for his wedding. He was Lucky enough to get off of work early on Friday so as soon as he got home and we were really to go off we went. We arrived at about dinner time. Thank goodness for Walmarts and McDonalds because we came a little unprepared for our trip so we were able to get what we needed and get dinner at the same time. We camped out in a condo complex that Joe's oldest brother worked on. (I don't know what he does but it was free.) It was a very nice place just down for the Strip. We were there for the Wedding and Reception on Saturday and drove home on Sunday because Joe had to be back to work on Monday morning.
Look for New Year's and our first ER trip of the year later today. Kiley is up from her nap and wants lunch.
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