The Herrings

Noah's 4th Birthday

2011-11-07T09:22:00.008-07:00

Can you believe that my little man turned 4 on May 11th?? He is such a stitch. He talks to everyone. He loves everyone. They are all his friends & he could never even comprehend that maybe someone he didn't know doesn't want to hear a 5 minute tangent about what happened during the day. He cannot sit still & loves to hug people:). He really is such a fun boy!

Noah loooooves Spiderman! Thank you Cari Harward for helping me so much with his awesome cake & bringing all your skills & colors! And I had leftovers...so had to make spider cupcakes too!

Birthday boy walking on the ceiling:)

Beautiful Morgan Mae at the party. And her eyes are open & she's smiling....amazing.

Noah & Sam & their cousins a Haddy & Clare.

Miss Ashlee & Brennan came by too:). Our kiddos sure love them.(& us too:))

Cake, cupcake & ice cream time:). Who joined us for treats: Sam, Maggie, Birthday Boy, Calvin, Kenzie, Addy, Tanner, PB, Cooper, Miss Mo, Clare, & Haddy:)

Cute messy Sam. He is our real 1st sweet tooth lover:).

What birthday party is complete without a Papa tackle?:)

Isaac is such a good sport. He loves those boys:)

And getting to play with all the fun new toys! yey!

Thank you Mimi & Grandad for his contruction set & coloring. He LOVEs it!

Thank you everyone for coming & being a part of Noah's special day! Happy Birthday Big Guy! We cannot believe you're 4! We're so glad you are a part of our family!

So Impressed...

2011-04-14T11:51:00.002-06:00

We were outside playing & weeding in the yard yesterday, after going to a dollar movie, & then I realized that I was not hearing Sam & that boy is not quiet by any means:).

He looks pretty impressed with himself, don't you think?:)

NaKEd PuMpKiNs, CoSTumes, HaLLowEEn tRain & PiRatEs

2010-11-10T23:49:00.001-07:00

Painting pumpkins.
It is a tradition in our house. Cleaning, scrubbing, Papa carves, and they get stripped down for naked pumpkin painting. There's a little bit of eating & wearing paint too:).

Halloween Train.
The kids love, love, love this. We've done it 2 years now & it's FREE & so much fun! They all wanted to go again! Morgan & Sam cried when we left & Noah talked about the Halloween train for days:). And the pictures taken at the end of that night...hilarious & PRICELESS:).

School Costume PARTAYS!

Noah was so excited to wear his Iron Man to pre-school. He said for days after, "I wore my iron man, huh mama. I get to wear it tomorrow huh." Asking again & again to wear it to school. And Morgan at school when I went to visit, cried everytime she saw me & the camera because I wouldn't give it to her. Silly, moody girls:). And Sam was just having fun with the MaMa.

And Trick or Treating...

It was cold & raining like crazy! We went to about 5 houses & then took them to Pirate Island for dinner & games in their costumes. It was super fun & the kiddos had a blast!

Happy Belated HaLLowEEn everyone:)!

One of MY Favorite Things

2010-11-09T16:52:00.002-07:00

Betos People. Betos. Well, Rancheritos now.
Super Nachos.
2 pounds, yes i weighed them...
of homemade, chips, guacamole, pico, refried beans, steak upon steak,
& the most fattening sour cream out there.
Whenever i'm stressed or wanting to pig out or just feel like it.
It is a great bargaining chip in my house too.
I LOVE YOU my delicious friend.

Oh, and their carne asada tacos & fish tacos ain't bad either:).

Boys Will Be Boys

2010-08-19T12:22:00.002-06:00

This little wrestling mania has been happening quite frequently at our house now.
What the years to come will bring when their total weight together
now is less than a quarter of what it will be:).

Oh what will my house look like at that point??!
They sure are cute & fun!
Especially when they're sleeping:).

This Is Just For You Isaac...

2010-08-05T10:18:00.004-06:00

because we are in Maryland visiting my family, and our little Sam Sam decided to start walking! He has been walking now for about 1 and 1/2 weeks. He is so dang cute & very talented!

Love you Isaac! We CANNOT wait to see you on Saturday:)!

8 YEARS...& Still Counting:)

2010-08-05T10:05:00.003-06:00

On June 29th, Isaac & I celebrated our 8th anniversary!

Our wonderful friends watched our kiddos so we could go out to lunch & to the movies! Thank you James & Cami! Then we all had a bbq for dinner & playing at the pool. So fun:).

I am so extremely blessed to have Isaac in my life. So lucky that he chose me. During the course of those 8 years, our marriage has truly been tested. Some would say that we've had more than our fair share of trials. All I know that the direction that our life has taken together, has shown me that we can make it through anything. Isaac, I love you more every day. You are an amazing husband, father, & friend.

A thank you is not sufficient, but thanks for chosing me to be forever yours. I love you with all my heart!

Happy belated hun!

BuMbLebEe

2010-07-08T11:08:00.006-06:00

During the last week of school Morgan Mae's entire school put on little musical numbers. Morgan's sweet class sang the Bumblebee song.

It was so FUN to watch...

Getting ready to start.

The cutest bumblebee around.

Here are 2 video clips from the performance...

I stopped recording too soon...

I was such a proud Mama. And still am! She did so great! I was laughing & totally had tears running down my cheeks. Love you tons Mo!

She is totally doing the motions & singing it right now as I'm playing the little clips. So sweet!

Cheerio Success

2010-07-05T11:01:00.002-06:00

I love these pictures. They were taken in March. Sam is learning how to feed himself for the 1st time.

Mama gave him a taste of cheerio.

Investigating how to grasp & pick it up himself.
Tasting the reward.

Success!

I did it myself mama:).

I love, love, love that face:).!

Noah's 3rd B-Day Party

2010-07-04T15:27:00.008-06:00

Noah's 3rd birthday party was so much fun! We couldn't resist ourselves when I found this bounce house with his favorite thing in the world on it...CARS!

This showed up during breakfast at about 9 a.m.

And this was the reaction...

That reaction was priceless!

This is Noah showing us that new Cars shirt he picked out for his bday.
He loves that shirt.

I had to wash it lots and let him wear it about 4 times that week:).

Some neighborhood buds.

*Amy*Oleah*Noah*Brielle*

Sam giving us his cheese face.

That also includes snorts:).

Morgan investigating the goodies.

Our great friends the Grahams.

Noah was supposed to be smiling & showing me his Lightening McQueen,

I got him showing me his cars instead:).

This is Noah 95% of the time he's awake....cars in hand.

Blowing out his candles.

I know, my cake is a little bit sad, but like my sweet

friends there said, he'll know who it is & that's

all that matters;).

*Parker*Calvin*PB*Clare*

Abby being cute with Sam:).

*Clare*BrookLynn*Parker*Adam*Abigail*

Noah enjoying his presents.
I put the wrong pic on here, but the one I

had wanted to put up had Noah holding all the gifts

he had already opened & trying to figure

how to open the next w/out putting the others down.

Mostly cars of course.

Yes, those are tears.

I made him sit still for a picture.

We gave Noah a hotwheels big boy bike for his birthday.

"Is that NoNo's bike. Whoooa. I gike it!"

He really is so good at riding it. From just about the moment he got on!

...with training wheels of course.

Also, the adults had so much fun on the bounce house! It was awesome!

We ran timed obstacle courses at the end. I soooo wish I had pictures of that!

Thank you to all of our family & friends that came to play with us on Noah's 3rd

birthday! He had SO MUCH FUN! Thank you for all of his sweet goodies too!

Happy 3rd birthday Mister NoNo!

Love you tons!

My Boyz Stats

2010-05-26T13:31:00.003-06:00

Noah's 3 year check-up

37 & 1/2 lbs (90%)

40" tall (95%)

Sam's 9 month check-up

21 lbs 10 oz (70%)

30 & 1/2" tall (97%)

Yep, we grow 'em big over here:)

I cannot believe my Noah is 3!

And my Sam is 1 in 2.5 months!

Like they say, "Time flies when you're having fun!".

Happy THIRD BIRTHDAY No No!!!!

2010-05-11T09:32:00.010-06:00

Three years ago today, we had our 1st sweet boy. He was 7 lbs 11 oz and 20.5 inches long. I was sick all 9 months I was pregnant with him & decided to have my 2nd c-section 2 weeks before his due date. I was having panic attacks & stress issues at the end. Being my 1st pregnancy after Morgan Mae.

Noah was an awful baby his 1st almost 5 months. Then he became the sweetest little monkey & SO MUCH FUN! He is still that today....most of the time, now that he's 3 & has this little attitude & all:) Here are some fun pics of our sweet boy over the past 3 years:)...

Noah Linwood Herring

2 weeks

3 weeks

4 weeks

6 weeks

3 months

Almost 5 months

7 months

1 yr old

15 months

11 1/2 months

13 months

Almost 16 months

15 months

17 months

Halloween 2008

18 months

19 months

Almost 2 & 1/2 yrs

A little over 2 yrs

Cars, Cars & more Cars!

(a couple days shy of 3.)

Christmas 2009(2 & 1/2 yrs)

(look at that tude!)

3rd Birthday Morning:)

Noah absolutely loves cars! I mean the boy always has at least 2 in his hand, if not 5 or 6! He also loooves his sister. He gets so excited everytime she gets home from school! He runs out to the bus & jumps up & down & gives her hugs as soon as the wheelchair lift hits the ground. I can't wait to see how protective he is of her in the future. Noah has been loving Sam since he started realizing he's going to be a playmate/trouble maker too:)! They have already starting wrestling on the ground. Well, Noah has anyways:) Noah never, ever, ever stops moving. Unless, it is a movie he really likes:). He of course loooves the movie "Cars" but "Up" and the "Toy Story" movies aren't so bad either:).

Noah is very much 100% CRAZY BOY. I am so glad that he is ours forever:).

Also, I can't forget how much he loves his "B". Especially the white "B". His blanket. Noah NEEDS it to sleep. He also still thinks Mama & Papa are still awesome...which rocks! And he still loves his hugs & snuggles;).

Happy 3rd Birthday Crazy No No!!!!

We love you soooooooo much!

Morgan's Plates

2010-05-09T11:30:00.002-06:00

This picture was taken 1 and 1/2 weeks after surgery:).

These are what they took out of our sweet little girl's legs! They are about 6 inches long & a quarter of an inch thick. The wire inbetween the 2 brackets is a piece of the teflon wire that closed up her chest after her heart surgery 3 years ago. They removed a piece of the wire because it was irritating her chest. Man, she sure is one tough cookie!

How tough is Morgan, when she got home from surgery that Wednesday afternoon, she wouldn't nap. Then she proceeded to scoot around on her bum all over the house & get into mischief. She was back at church on Sunday & school on Monday.

We love you so much Morgan Mae. Thank you for being so inspiring & amazing! And being ours!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

2010-05-09T10:50:00.003-06:00

Happy Mother's Day Mimi!

Without you, I wouldn't be here! So....none of these little crazies would either:).

cRAzY #1
cRAzY #2

& cRAzY #3

All the CRazIEs:)

Mom, thank you so much for putting up with all my craziness.

Teaching me the importance of honesty.

Taking me to swimming everywhere!

Helping my family however you guys can.

Talking with me for hours.

And always letting me know that no matter what you loved me.

We miss you like crazy! We wish we could be there to celebrate

MOTHER'S DAY with you!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

WE LOVE YOU!

Surgery

2010-04-26T22:01:00.003-06:00

Hi All.

Morgan will be having surgery this Wednesday to remove the plates from her hips that were put in last year. The surgeons will be going through the same incisions as last year's hip surgery for her hip dysplasia & unscrewing those "L" shaped brackets.

This should only be a same day surgery, maybe one night.

If you would please keep her in your thoughts & prayers, we would really appreciate it! Thanks everyone. Love to all.

And love you tons Triple M:)!

Hard Day

2010-03-21T21:14:00.005-06:00

Isaac is gone. And Sam still doesn't like to sleep. Noah is crazy, cute crazy though(well, peeing his bed isn't cute:)). And Morgan, she had a rough one today.

Once everyone goes to sleep, I finally sit down & the emotions take over. This was the 2nd time in 2 months I have called an ambulance for Morgan. There is nothing like being on the phone with the 911 operator while she is asking you if you know CPR & she tells you that paramedics are on their way. I do know CPR, but do I know it well enough to give my child?

Morgan's seizures have been getting worse. Super scary worse. The last 2 times we couldn't get them to stop. They lasted(well, which seems like forever) but at least 10-15 minutes, maybe more. When you're in the middle of it, you lose all concept of time. I give her the medicine to stop it today & nothing. Grand Mal Seizure! She gets to the point of you wondering if she is going to ever breathe again. Poor, sweet girl.

Noah, on the other hand. Got to ask a Police Officer all about his belt & take him in the toy room to play cars & then I heard him run down the hall as he said "Let's go to my room! Let's play choo-choos!" And the big gentlemen kindly obliged while he was holding Sam, who was just in a shirt & diaper:).

A BIG THANK YOU to our Orem Fire Department, Paramedics & Police Officers today. They are seriously wonderful.

And thank you to our friends & family that are always so willing to help. Thank you for watching the boys for a few hours today so me & Mo could snuggle & take a nap.

I hope & pray that Morgan will rest well tonight, at home. And that they are over. Please keep our sweet girl in your thoughts & prayers. Love to all.

FINALLY

2010-03-19T09:54:00.003-06:00

It's about time someone not only thought of this, but made it a reality!

Check it out! http://www.morganswonderland.com

7 Month Stats

2010-03-16T22:59:00.002-06:00

So I took Sam in yesterday & he got 2 flu shots & 3 or 4 other ones & that oral one too. Let's just say he didn't sleep much last night & I'm one tired Mama who SHOULD be in bed:).

But here they are:

WEIGHT 20 LBS 2 OZ (75%)

HEIGHT 28 & 3/4 (come on, just say he's 29:))(90 something)

HEAD (?) (70%)

My baby boy is getting big fast. He sure is a cute little fella:). Who would really be happy if he was mobile, but he has a Mama for that & she gives lots & cuddles & kisses:).

June 12, 2010

2010-03-12T22:36:00.008-07:00

Well, I signed up for my 1st HALF MARATHON.

June 12, 2010

I am so nervous & I can't wait! That competitive side in me can't wait to see what this almost 30 year old body of mine can do! I can't wait to see how training goes & to hopefully see how my body changes from all the working out!

Wish me LUCK :)!

Any of you big runners out there have any tips?:)

And any of you want to join me??:)

Photo Session #2

2010-03-10T15:30:00.003-07:00

These were some shots I took trying to get Christmas card pictures the 2nd time. Kids are so hard to take pictures of....well at least all of them together. They are still absolutely adorable. Taken after church on Sunday after church in the middle of December.

Sam naked because he peed through his outfit:)

Happiest when he's naked:).

Noah telling me he doesn't want to take anymore pictures.

But boy, he looks like a total stud! So handsome!
Miss Morgan being her cute self.
This was her cooperating.

There's always someone giving me a squint.

This one's pretty good:)

3 Kiddos Cooperating for Pics...HA!

2010-03-02T15:55:00.017-07:00

This was the 3rd attempt for family pictures for our walls & for Christmas cards. There are some super cute & funny shots. These were taken on December 17, 2009.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

This is the real reason that I have dropped off the face of the planet.

Sam is a grumpy goose. A cute grumpy goose nonetheless.

Princess Morgan being cute.

Noah loving the sweet car.

Finally something this little boy likes that has to do

with taking his picture:).

Sam is such a handsome boy.

His little skin is so kissable:)

The many challenges & faces of taking pictures of THREE children...

Not at all bad.

Morgan giving her squinting face.

Noah sticking the candy cane in his ear.

He's so amused.

Noah sad, Morgan's thinking it's funny.

Noah happy, Morgan not so happy.

Let's be honest, the faces speak for themselves.

Some super cute family shots though.

Too bad you can't put all the smiles on the kids together in one picture:)

Thank you Fullmer's for being so wonderful with our children!

You Might Ask....Where Have I Been??:)!!

2010-03-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Right after the last post, our family got strep throat.

Noah got it the worst. This is him on the couch the day after we tried to get family pictures for Christmas, our 1st attempt. He's totally passed out on the couch, which is unheard of for this little boy that has no idea how to sit still. He had to get the antibiotic shot & had his glands so swollen we had to keep checking to make sure they didn't get hard & absessed. Then we all got horrible colds. So that was about 3-4 weeks of our life. Needless to say, we did not get those family pics.

Sam & The Last Three + Months...

2009-11-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sam has been quite a handful. He has reflux and busted our chops quite a bit for the 1st 2 & 1/2 months. He is now on prevacid & is quite a little cutie & is SO MUCH HAPPIER!!!!! Which makes the Mama & the Papa & the Morgan & Noah much, much happier. He also was sick for about 6 weeks with something like RSV. The poor little guy used a nebulizer for about a month.

So now, Samuel Lorrin is a sweet, happy little boy. He loves to smile & gets the cutest little grin on his face when he 1st wakes up & sees you. He also can breath out his nose...it's amazing how much happier that makes a little one:). Right now he's loving chatting up a storm & blowing raspberries. And Papa says he especially loves the Milk Lady right now....he smiles at her the most:).

@ 2 weeks old
1 month

7 weeks old

(1st smile caught on camera:))

7 weeks old

2 months

This is how is looked while is was sick.

2 months

Trying to smile through the sickness.

Pretty dang cute:).

Isaac with Sam on one of his many breathing treatments.

Just over 2 months old.

Mom with Sam doing the same.

2 and 1/2 months.

10 weeks old

I LOVE this picture:).

10 1/2 weeks.

Getting ready for the game!

Go cougs!

Just over 11 weeks.

3 months old

LOVE this little crinkly nose.

3 months old.

So cute.

Sam just last week.

Taken on 11/15/09.

Such a handsome boy!!!!

Noah holding baby Sam.

He's finally really liking him since he's stopped crying so much.

Now Noah tells me when he's crying & says

"Mama, baby's kcryin. Let's go find. Aww, it's otay baby Sam."

Never thought that day would come:).

Had to take a pic of his Halloween outfit.

He was at least willing to cooperate:).

Even if it was taken 2 weeks after Halloween.

Morgan with Sammy.

She's always loved him.

Tears or not.

She used to just immitate him & laugh.

My 1st attempt at all 3 of my angels.

So cute:).

SO many sleepless nights later. We have a super handsome, cute, happy boy...that has joined our other 2 cuties! Whew. I look forward to the sleeping through the night sometime again in the near future. We are so glad that he is healthy again & his reflux is under control. He had us pretty scared there for a little while, in more ways than one:). Thank you so much for joining our family Wiggly Fuzzy Bear. We love you!

What a Year...

2009-11-09T09:34:00.006-07:00

I'm just not sure about how I've really been feeling lately. My emotions are everywhere. When I think about it, I guess it really has been a bit of a crazy year and I think it's finally caught up with me.

A pregnancy...much easier than Noah's, but still sick until about 20 weeks.

Morgan's surprise surgery, recovery & rehab.

All of us being apart from Isaac for almost 3 months this summer, except for one weekend. And Isaac coming home about 2 and 1/2 weeks before our baby.

The c-section, recovery & new baby who is also colicky & has reflux.

Sam being sick for over 2 months. Not sleeping & on a nebulizer. Although he is much better now, he's still not allowed to be out & about in closed spaces with lots of people.

Morgan having more seizures again. Trying to get her back & adjusted on a medication.

Noah is so cute, but he is getting such a mouth. Lots of time outs for this little man. And boy does he like to find pens & scribble all over my couches with them.

Isaac having issues with work & having to go out & work again.

Issues with insurance. Not only will an individual policy obviously not cover Morgan but me as well.

Losing a really close family friend & grieving. And watching his family grieve & suffer his loss.

Having baby blues & trying to make myself get out and exercise.

HATING my body after 3 babies.

Too tired and have no time to beautify & make myself a better person.

Being along with all 3 kids while Isaac is out working again.

Halloween was a nightmare. There are no pictures from this night. Morgan cried & had tantrums through the 1st 30 minutes...then we had about 20 minutes of everyone being happy...then Noah freaks out screaming & kicking & doesn't want to trick or treat & he doesn't want to leave.

And let me tell you how sick I am of trying to get my children to eat right now. After making dinner & listening to the baby scream the entire time I'm doing so, having them not eat. Urgh!!!! And having to threaten every bite with going to their room & the final threat of going to bed right then. I so followed through with that threat last night.

And I am so tired of feeling all alone. I feel like I harass my neighbors & family here. Asking them for help...which I am so not good at. I have most definitely gotten better at it this year.

I really can't do too much with Sam still & I'm scared to have Noah go & play places because of getting sick & bringing it home. Morgan going to public school with lots of germs. Oh, how gross it is to see her push on her actual wheels on her chair & then touch her face & lick her hand. YUCK!

I'm done, I need a vacation. I'm exhausted. I'm emotionally drained. I miss my family who live on the east coast. And miss my best friend who works & then is trying to figure out what he's going to do with his career while he's at home. Boys are so not good at talking on the phone.

And my dang baby won't take a bottle.

Did I forget anything?

Oh yeah, all I want to do is crawl under my covers, watch T.V., try & sleep maybe & eat everything in sight. This will so help me with the issues I'm having with my body.

And debt. Bills, bills, & more bills.

And always wishing that your daughter could talk & understand more & run & play with the other kids.

....and the year isn't over yet.

Called Home

2009-10-18T10:21:00.007-06:00

I have struggled the last 2 days with the words that can do this great man justice.

Naki Maile, passed away on Friday morning due to a heart condition he didn't even know he had. I cannot believe how quick life can be taken from you with no warning.

Naki adored his wife & six girls. He is one of our family's closest friends. SO caring, so giving, so loving. Isaac & Naki played ball together at BYU. Naki & Abby have been our friends since college. When we were goobers & didn't have our lives straight & then when we were sealed in the temple for time & all eternity. He & his sweet family were always there when we needed a visit after a surgery with Morgan, (Morgan loves him & Abby & the girls:)) brought us meals, treats, came to our children's blessings, & of course we visited just because sometimes. We love this family so, so much. Naki is truly an amazing man. His whole family is.

I will always remember Naki's smile & laugh & the way he loved his family & ours.

Life is fragile. You really never know when you will be called home. Let's all make a difference in the lives of those around us & use Naki's shining example.

If any of you can help this sweet, sweet family who so desperately needs help at this time, please do. Prayers, good thoughts, lots of love & donations. If you can donate, donate anything, please visit http://www.nakifamily.com/ .

Naki you were called home too soon. You will be greatly missed. Your girls will be taken care of & loved by all.

Abby, I love you. I have always looked up to you. You are a beautiful & strong woman. A terrific mother & those gorgeous girls are so, so lucky to have you. You can do this & we are there if you ever need anything. Our prayers are with you Abby & the girls always. Abby, Line, Malia, Lose, Eli, Eva, & Ane...WE LOVE YOU & are always here for you.

We are so blessed to have had you in our lives Naki. We will see you again.

Our Triple M

2009-10-05T15:50:00.001-06:00

In all of the craziness of Isaac being gone & getting ready for a birthday party & a new baby...I forgot to post about Morgan Mae's birthday! And I cannot forget about her SIXTH birthday!

Morgan Mae was a surprise that came with surprises, just 6 months after we were married. Antibiotics cancel birth control:). They told us from the get go that if would more than likely be a miscarriage. I hemoraged at 8 weeks, 17 weeks, & 30 weeks.

At 20 weeks, they found her bilateral cleft lip & palate...nothing else. That didn't take very long to get over & find the right surgeon, even before she was born.

At 25 weeks while Isaac was with the Raiders in California, I went to our new high risk doctor in Maryland. The lady asked if we had ever had any Down's counseling.(Down Syndrome). No, we had not. The doctor then came in & preceeded to tell us of half of her complications. The others to be found out after she was born.

We were told she would more than likely not live to be born & definitely not more than 1 year.

Isaac was released from the Raiders, so he was home for our 1st lamaze class & jokingly I said, she'll probably be a c-section, along with everything else.

Sure enough, we just started to clear out a room at my parent's house, when I started hemoraging. We rushed to the hospital. I was hooked up to magnesium & was given 2 steroid shots for her lungs, just in case. Well, the contractions wouldn't stop & neither would the bleeding. And that caused the start of placenta previa.

Morgan Mae was born by emergency c-section at 3:35 a.m. on July 31st.

At 30 weeks and 5 days, Morgan was 3 lbs & 10 oz & 16 inches long.

Everyday when we would visit her in the NICU, they would tell us about something else that hadn't developed properly. We knew about the cleft lip & palate & the dialated ventricles in her brain, but not about her heart defect, all the parts in her brain that didn't divide or develop, her congenital scoliosis, her eye problems.... and all the premie issues too(to name a few). Then one of the sweet doctors said to me "But look at her. Look at all the things that did go her way."

Morgan has had 6 craniofacial surgeries, open heart surgery, 2 orthopedic surgeries, 3 others--(ears, hemangioma, cyst removal), & botox & phenyl injections for spasticity. She also started having seizures a couple months before she turned 2. And has been under anesthesia or sedation more times than I can count.

Morgan has a wonderful personality & you would never know about her many struggles & challenges in life. She would hug & give loves to anyone. She truly sees people's souls & has no idea about scary or strange appearances.

Morgan is the most determined, stubborn, social, & sweetest little girl I know.

And she's absolutely beautiful. That curly blonde hair & those long dark eye lashes!

That is why she is our Triple M. Our Mircle Morgan Mae.

We are eternally grateful for your willingness to come down to us & show us what life is all about.

Happy 6th Birthday Miracle Morgan Mae!!!!

My Noah

2009-10-05T14:41:00.003-06:00

"Mama...Mama. iiickers(stickers)."
"What did you say Noah?"
"Maamaa, ook(look) ickers."
"Ooohh, cool stickers."
"Can you please show Mama where you got your stickers?:)"
There goes the book of my brand new 1st class stamps.

Sam's Big Day

2009-08-28T14:41:00.007-06:00

So, I can finally blog, or do anything for that matter. Morgan is now in 1st grade! So a full day of school for her & yes, we have some fun Morgan stories for you. Another day:). And both of my sweet boys are taking naps at the same time!!! I actually got in the shower before 5 p.m. Haven't done anything about getting ready for the day, but I'm clean:)!

ANYWAYS...

Here is Sam's big debut! It started the day before with me being sick all day. Little did I know it probably meant I was in labor...along with the fact of when he came out his ears & nose were squooshed. That's okay, he's here & safe, busting our chops & waking us up at all hours. And we love him to pieces!

August 7th, 2009

On our way out the door to the hospital at 5:45 a.m.

(and yes, that's water on my shorts. my hubby is a

duck at the sink & he got there before me:))

Me, minutes before I get in the gown & they start to

draw blood & get the I.V. in. Well on the 4th try they did.

Being sick & dehydrated the day before does not help.

My bruises are almost gone:).

Sweet Sam's arrival.

Samuel Lorrin Herring

8 lbs 11 oz 22 inches long

He had a bit of a hard time breathing at 1st.

Here they are sucking out amniotic fluid.

Not sure how he feels about this place.

Still not sure...especially with the poking.

Calming down a wee bit.

This is right before I get to hold him for the 1st time,

in the surgical room. I could not believe how much bigger

he looked than Noah!

They brought him to me right after I was wheeled in my room.

Only to tell me I could only keep him for 5 minutes.

He came in on a monitor.

They called our pediatrician to come check him out.

He got some xrays & he didn't have to get hooked up

to the cpap machine:)! Thank goodness!

Big Brother & Big Sister coming to see their little

brother for the 1st time(& Grammy...she's taking the pic).

And bringing their Mama flowers.
Oh how I love my babies! Even the big one:).
Isaac always remembers to bring new Mama's flowers.
He is a keeper....most days:)
It was also SO NICE, having our home so close to the
hospital so Isaac could go back & forth taking care
of our other 2 monkeys at home. Thank you Isaac,
for all that you do:). I love you!

Noah hugging me & holding Sam.

Noah's investigating lasted about 2 minutes

before he asked if he could watch a dinosaur moo-mee.(movie)

Morgan so excited to meet her new little brother!

Miss Mo hugging Sam.

She also held on to me everytime she came to visit

for a good 20 minutes. Momma's don't love that

at all:).

Sam's cute little mush-pie face.

Look at all that hair!!!

1st pic of Papa, Mama & Sam.

Grammy, Mama & Sam.

Thank you so much for all your help with the kiddos Mom!

We love you!!!

Tommy & Colby & family visiting us & new little Sam!

Little Gabby in the middle & Lydia behind.

The MacDonald's greeted Sam into the world by

singing "I am a Child of God".

So sweet.

Packing up Sam while Papa loads up the car

to GO HOME:)!!!

Welcome Home Sam!

Later that day, enjoying being home, outside.

Such a handsome boy!

Welcome to the world Samuel Lorrin Herring!

We are so glad you're a part of our family!

We love you!

HoLy MoLy!!!

2009-06-18T07:16:00.003-06:00

49 days left until our baby boy is here!!!
and less than that until we see Papa!:)
So ready to be together as a family again!!!
We miss you Isaac!!! We can't wait to see you!!!
We LOVE YOU TONS N TONS!
(it's still weeks away, but still, the end is near!)
~and seriously, how come the last couple weeks of your pregnancy,
you can honestly stand in front of the mirror & watch your tummy grow?!~

Hogle Baby

2009-05-29T12:45:00.010-06:00

And our last trip, the Hogle Zoo! The kids had so much fun. And it was a beautiful day! We spent time together, ate a picnic lunch(that Isaac made us---yum:)!), & ate kettle corn on the way home:).

Noah loved these baby birds.

He can't say goslings yet:).

The Momma's were very tolerant

of kids following around their babies.

This elephant that makes noises

that the kids are sitting on & by, still scare

begebees out of them.

Huge elephant skull.

Noah harassing the baby birds

some more.

Who doesn't love the carousel??:)!

Some ladies walked by while Isaac was seeing

how he measured up & said the gorilla has nothing on him:).

Miss Mo being incredibly cute.
And Noah too:).

Huge silverback gorilla.

One of the sweetest little orangatans ever.

He kept motioning for us to come see him.

And a beautiful peacock.

One of Morgan's favorite parts:).

Butterflies.

One of Noah's favorite parts:).

The choo-choo ride.

And my favorite part.

Being together as a family:)!

Thanksgiving Point Trip

2009-05-27T11:36:00.010-06:00

The kiddos & let's be honest the parents too, love going every year to see all of the new baby animals! The are all so brand new & sweet. We always have so much fun going together as a family.

This new calf was as cute as can be & got so excited to see the kiddos.

It jumped all around with excitement. He loved the grub & eating their clothes:).

Momma & Miss Mo.

And some of the goats.

The new pygmies are the cutest.

All 3 trapped in jail.

And Noah had to sit on this sheep.

He loves the little cartoon "Shaun the Sheep".

Noah & Morgan riding the ponies.

Noah's 1st time--he had a blast.

And Mo's 1st since her hip surgery.

She wasn't quite sure about sitting on the pony...

Isaac picked the skinniest one:). She was singing by the end.

Let's just leave 'em in jail.

They both threw a fit when we moved on from the play houses.

We also saw the horse & trailer ride, pigs, bunnies, ducks, chickens, peacocks and more. We had tons of fun!

Fun Family Outings:)

2009-05-22T15:50:00.008-06:00

Before Papa left to do his summer sales, we were able to have some fun trips! We went to Park City during the snow storm here in APRIL!!! And also to Thanksgiving Point & Hogle Zoo! The kids had so much fun!

Let's start with Park City!

There was a super fun car ride up to Park City with toys & movies. That ended in eating the yummiest fire oven pizza EVER!!! Noah ate over 1/2 of his 14" pizza! He loved it! Morgan did not do so bad herself! And neither did Momma or Papa:). It seriously was so delicious!

Then there was lots of swimming for the next 3 days! So nice that there was an indoor pool that we could play in every morning for a couple hours before naps! The kids loved it! And it was so great to get Morgan moving her legs again in the water & sitting up on the edge. She has only been out of her cast for 1-2 weeks now. You should see the 6 inch incisions on that sweet girl's legs.

Papa & his crazy kids:).

The kids had so much fun NOT SLEEPING! Noah figured out how to get out of his pack n play! Morgan was so thrilled to have her crazy little brother climb into bed with her to wrestly with. They seriously giggled until 11:30 for 3 nights! Then zonked cuddling. Pretty darn cute:).

And since Isaac & my bed were taken over, we slept on the pull out sofa, by a real, wood stoked fire, watching the blizzard outside & movies that we brought. It was a fun way to celebrate Isaac finishing school too! We also hit up the outlets and had some fun there. It was a great way to get away & spend some time all together!

Our Little Monkey's TWO!!!

2009-05-18T12:58:00.005-06:00

On May 11th our sweet Noah turned 2 YEARS OLD!!!! Seriously folks, where does the time go??

Noah at his 1st birthday.

The little Mister at his 2nd birthday!

We're waiting to do a party for Morgan & Noah in July when Papa gets back from work. Kind of a pre-baby, 3 birthday, Papa's home celebration!!!

So, me, Morgan & Noah went to the Disney Store for Noah's bday & Noah of course picked out the package of like 8 cars from the Cars Movie. He also had some fun clothes from Mimi & a mini matchbox garage that he loves. We had strawberry shortcake for dessert. He only wanted the strawberries of course. Where did this boy come from?? Fruit over dessert?:) I didn't even bother making a cake because he WON'T eat it!

We cannot imagine our lives without our sweet boy! He is so much fun & ALL BOY!!! He is talking up a storm & sometimes in complete sentences now! Some things, we can actually understand:). He's starting to ask "why?", and when I tell him to get back in the house he says "huh?!" LIKE HE CAN'T HEAR ME!?! Boys:). He still absolutely loves cars, trains, trucks, bikes & planes. He also loves stealing Niki's toy(our dog) & running all around everywhere while she chases him...laughing hysterically of course. Especially when she knocks him down & is on top of him with all 9 pounds of herself.

So our pediatrician's office has a train in the lobby. It has a button, on the wall, that you push & a train drives around the track up close to the ceiling. The whole time we're there, he's saying "choo-choo!! Gasp! Dubba du choo-choo! Yeah! Momma! CHoo-choo!!" Yes, he's crazy:)! So needless to say, Noah's 2 year check-up consisted of holding him down to get him down to his diaper & chasing him into the lobby multiple times in order to push that train button again while we were trying to get his weight, height & head sizes. He was 30.6 lbs & 37.5 inches tall. Yes, in the 75% for his weight(considering he can't sit still:)) & over the 100% line for his height:).

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY NOAH!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Long Time...

2009-04-29T08:59:00.005-06:00

I know, I know...it's been quite a while since I've blogged about the happenings in our life.

Things are good. Morgan's cast is off & she's started physical therapy(not her favorite thing). She's still not even convinced she has legs to stand on again yet. Loving riding the bus & being back in school again after more time off.

Noah is almost 2 & showing true 2 year old colors. Still such a sweet & fun boy even though the terrible two's:). And still absolutely obsessed with cars!

We had lots of fun family outings before Isaac left for the summer. And I cannot put a single picture up because my computer has serious issues & will no longer read my SD card. It's ridiculous!!!

So many pictures & posts to show you all but I need a computer guru to help!!!

Hope all is well with all of you!!

And I can't believe it...
99 days left until our new baby boy is here!!!
(And no, he has no name yet. We can't agree on anything! Any suggestions??:)

.....

2009-03-26T17:52:00.003-06:00

We are definitely having a BOY!!!!!!
And he looks as healthy as can be:)!

I Wonder...

2009-03-25T16:49:00.003-06:00

Are we having a boy or a girl??!! We have our ultrasound tomorrow. Yey! What do you guys think??!!

And Morgan Mae started riding the bus & going back to school yesterday! I asked her yesterday morning when I was getting her out of bed "Do you want to go to school today?? And ride the bus??!!" Morgan was so excited and answered with a very enthusiastic smile & signing yes. She is doing great! She started screaming "Hi!!!" to her bus driver & aide as soon as we got out our front door! She gets her cast off on April 6th & only takes motrin twice a day now! It's so nice to see her pink, rosy cheeks back & her cute little laugh & tons of smiles:)!

Morgan's Home!!!

2009-03-11T12:54:00.005-06:00

Hello Everyone!

Our sweet Morgan Mae was came home from Primary Children's Hospital this Monday. We got home at about 3 or 4 p.m. :). We would have been home earlier, but after the trama of the epidural & catheter being taken out on Sunday & then the I.V. & sticky leads all over her chest Monday morning. She slept for 3 hours during the time we could take her! Poor girl! She wouldn't take good naps before. She had to keep her eyes on you & then doctors, nurses & the techs come in all day long. And she had to check out their name badges everytime. Isaac started saying "She's just checking your credentials". Morgan just had to make sure that they really knew what they were doing & their pictures on their badges were really them:). And of course, Morgan charmed everyone who entered her room when she was feeling okay. Hi's, hugs, kisses & butterflies. She made lots of friends:). And just how sweet is Morgan Mae, she smiled, said hi & tried to give hugs to the lady who comes & takes their blood in the morning at FOUR THIRTY A.M., while being poked!!!!

So, Morgan is on valium & oxycodone. Leaving the hospital is pretty traumatic too. She does not like to be lifted or switch positions & both of those have to be done frequently for elevating different parts of the body & changing & preventing bed sores, etc. So getting put into the wagon with 20 pillows & then switched to the car with pillows packed all around was not so fun. Once she got settled though, she stared out the window, waving, saying hi & playing peek-a-boo. Morgan is so dang cute. She also kept pressing the palm of her hand against the window & had a ton of relief on her face. Like, "Oh, thank goodness!"

We wake up about 4 times during the night to give meds & switch positions. She really is doing well, all things considering. We made it past the 1st hump. The surgeon said the first 2-3 days is the worst & the next hump is 2 weeks. It's one week tomorrow. Almost 1/2 way for the next big hump of feeling better! We can't wait for her to stop being in pain & having her muscle spasms. That day will be beyond terrific.

She is such a little trooper! She will have on her pink spica body cast 1 month from when we left the hospital. Then therapy begins.

Morgan went to bed at about 9:30 last night. Woke up for a few minutes twice last night & then at 7:30 a.m., Isaac moved her to our king bed & she slept there until I woke her up for meds at 11 a.m. She fell back asleep a little after 12p.m. & is still sleeping! She's finally catching up on some sleep!

Noah is also very relieved to have his entire family home again. He goes looking for us all one by one to make sure we're all here. Had to check for Morgan multiple times yesterday. And we had to run in her room to see her even though she was falling asleep to give her kisses. Then, he was okay with playing with cars again:). Momma & Papa are not allowed out of his sight. Our 1st late afternoon home, the 3 of us were laying in the big bed while Morgan was asleep in the other room. He cuddles right between us, looks up & smiles hugging us & saying his cute little hugging noise. All is right in the world.

So we are home & trying to control Mo's pain. Everyone is sleeping a little better & surviving. It really is so nice to be home & be all together again. We'll take it day by day. Love to all.

(i'll post a couple pics later:))

Recovering...

2009-03-06T22:51:00.003-07:00

So today was hard. Morgan was in alot of pain.

They tried to take her off of her epidural this morning & switch to oral pain medications, but it just wasn't enough. She started having & continues to have huge muscle spasms. The doctors & nurses say they are worse in children that deal with muscle spasticity such as those with cerebral palsy, like our sweet girl.

When they would get the pain under control a little bit, Morgan would start talking about butterflies & giving kisses until the meds were not enough again.

She is finally sleeping. Thanks to a bolus(sp?)given in her epidural & a nice big dose of valuum. Now we just have to get her pain & spasms under control so she can come home!

Noah was able to see his big sister today & Momma & Papa were in the room too. All seemed to be right with the world:). He's just so darn cute that someone gave him a brand new little doggy to pull behind him on a rope & did just that all around the hospital for quite a while today. Grammy also came up & sat with Mo for a while. And Aunt Elyse brought up some of the most beautiful butterfly balloons. And thank you to Dick & Teri for socializing with the Momma for a little bit & checking on sweet Morgan. Thank you all.

Thank you all again for all your love & prayers. We ask you to keep it up:). This recovery looks like it's gonna be a bear. We love all of you!

Whew! It's Over...

2009-03-05T22:12:00.006-07:00

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! ...for all your prayers, fasting, well wishes & goodies!

Morgan Mae started surgery at about 7:50a.m. and was done at about 12:25p.m. A whole 4 & 1/2 (+)hours! Yes, that is a heck of a long time to wait for your little one who's in surgery!

She did great. The surgeon said it went beautifully. Her cast is huge & hot pink. She looks like she should be riding a pony.

If your curious about how great, by the time I got to the recovery room, the one their in before they go up to their private room, she was wide awake. As soon as she saw me, she said Mama. Morgan started talking about butterflies here & wanting a drink. The only little issue she had in recovery was body temp. She was a little cold. As we pushed upstairs, we met her Papa & she reached her arm out of the bed & waved hi. At 5 p.m., she ate a whole bowl of macaroni & cheese! Yes, the surgeon & anethesiologist said she wouldn't be hungry or thirsty until probably Saturday, maybe tomorrow! By the time I left at 6:30p.m. she was giggling, smiling, hugging everyone who entered her room, & of course, talking about butterflies! Isaac stayed for the night to help out with his sweet girl. Thank you for staying with her Isaac. We love you!

Now it's onto recovery. Morgan has an epidural & a pain pump to control the pain. They will start weaning her off of those & start oral pain meds & see how she does, maybe tomorrow. The other concern is swelling. So they are elevating & icing as much as they can. We get both of those under control & she doesn't get sick from the oral pain medications, maybe they'll let her come home early:). But at the latest, Monday or Tuesday.

YES...Morgan Mae is truly a miracle. She is absolutely amazing.

I came home to have dinner with Noah & Mom. He didn't want anything to do with dinner or me even talking to him. He just wanted me to know how he felt about things. He started balling as soon as I walked through the door. I guess he had been pretty upset since he woke up from his nap. He started out his day looking for "More-me"(morgan) & when he saw all the buses go past our house. I finally got him to sleep about 9:45p.m. He usually goes to sleep about 7:45p.m. Poor guy. I think he thought his day was harder than Morgan's!

So, back to Morgan, she did great! And we're all hoping that the healing & recovery goes as well as the surgery did!!!

And on another note, since she woke up from anethesia at about 1pm, she has been awake. At about 8:30 tonight, they finally gave her some valuum & everyone had to leave Ms. Social's room so she would go to sleep! Crazy girl!

We could never thank you enough for all your prayers & love & concern for our sweet girl & family! Love to all. I'm off to bed. This is one tired lady:).

(watching the movie Cars & twirling her hair. she's trying her best to stay awake & it was working:)

Morgan's Surgery

2009-02-18T11:00:00.005-07:00

I am very grateful for my life. I have not made the best decisions & seem to do things the hard way. But, even through all my mistakes, I have been blessed with amazing family & friends. I am so thankful for you all.

Isaac & I have been blessed with a love that has carried us through many storms. We have 2 beautiful children, with a 3rd on it's way.

Next month, March 5th, Morgan will have a Varus Osteotomy. Two weeks from this Thursday.

The surgery will take 4 hours. They will make 6 inch incisions, at the hip, on both of her legs, break the femur right below the hip socket, & put in "L" shaped brackets & screws. This will position her legs so they will hopefully stay in the hip socket. At this point they will also release some tension in her muscles, ligaments & tendons. They will put her in a cast from her chest to her foot on the left side & to her knee on the right. She will be in this cast for 1 month. They will also cut the tendons in her left foot at this time because it is turning in.

We have been told that this surgery is the only option for fixing her dislocated hips. So I have been checking around to find out if that is truly the case. I have spoken to Morgan's orthopedist 4 times & his nurse, her pediatrician, her 2 main physical therapists, her Rehab doctor, & her wheelchair specialist. This is her only option in order to get her standing again, hopefully walking in her walker again...but more than that, to not be in pain & not lose more mobility.

They tell us this surgery is our choice, but what choice do we really have? Our child in pain & not mobile at all is not a choice. And then I asked him "How do you decide? Or who would decide to not let their child have this surgery?" Our doctor responded, "The children that are too frail to make it through the surgery are usually the only ones whose parents choose to not go through with it". Well, that is not our Morgan Mae. She is a fighter & always has been. She will be in pain, but hopefully alot less after she heals than when we started.

Morgan Mae will be in the hospital for 4-5 days following. During those 5 days, she will have a line feeding her constant pain meds. Her orthopedist says she will feel like she's been hit by a truck for the 1st 2 months. Umm, how in the world are we going to get her home in our car with her in a somewhat reclined position in a body cast & with her feeling like she's been hit by a truck?!

My Mom is coming out from Maryland to be with us & help with Noah. Noah loves his Mimi & it will be fun for them to spend some time together. Noah LOVES his big sister. This will be hard on him too. The last big surgery in April of 2007, I was still pregnant with him. He was easier to take places in the hospital:). Noah looks for Morgan when he wakes up in the morning & when he gets up from his nap. "Morg--mee. Wher r ouu?" Then when I tell him she's at school, he's says "Oooo. Kool." He is so excited when he sees any bus. "Morg--mee!!" And when she's home & he finds her, he gets this super excited tone, "Morg--mee, HHIII!" And runs over & gives her a hug. He is a great helper too. Getting toys for her & taking snacks to her.(Well, most of the time:)) So thank you Grammy or Mimi for all your upcoming help.

And back to Morgan. I have one more doctor to hear from again, well, her Rehab doctor, who is also a part of a spasticity team up at Primary Children's, who will give me the update on what that team thinks. I asked them to look at her x-rays & tell us if this surgery is truly the only solution for our sweet girl. It would be an absolute miracle if they came up with something else.

Please keep our sweet Morgan Mae in your prayers. Those that can join in a fast for her, please join us on March 1st.

We thank you for your prayers & love for our sweet Mo & our family at this time & always. We love you all.

Many families have asked how do we do it. How can you even say it outloud. She is our child. Our sweet angel. If she was yours, you would do the same. She needs us. We want to keep her here as long as we can. And we want her to be happy & healthy. Morgan is our rock. She has always brought so much joy to our lives & all those around her. She has taught us what is truly important in life. We could never do as much for her as she has done for us.

Emotions

2009-02-09T22:34:00.005-07:00

Sometimes I wonder why life is so hard. I know it is to appreciate the good times, as my sweet friend said, "all glitter & roses", but seriously. I also need to realize that it's okay to be mad & cry sometimes. I need to let my emotions out.

Morgan has such a sweet, special spirit. She's amazing. She has always been that way. So happy & loving & reads people by their souls, not their appearance. Why do I get frustrated with her? Why is her experience here on this earth so hard? Well, to us it's hard. She doesn't know the difference. Morgan is almost always happy & smiling, saying "hi", wanting kisses & hugs, & talking about butterflies. She touches so many lives & so many people know & love her.

Morgan has had 12 surgeries in her lifetime...with more to come. The last major surgery was open heart April 2007. She did marvelous & was home in 2 and 1/2 days. Now today, we met with her new orthopedist. He was not the bearer of good news, but a sweet man nonetheless. I go in to talk about her left leg & he examines her & tells me his biggest concern is her right hip. What?! Not expecting that one. Her hips are becoming dislocated from her spastic muscles & a major surgery is our only solution to fixing them. He wants to do it sometime in the next year. We could also wait it out & see how much it limits her mobility & how painful it becomes...but the older she gets, the less they can do. We've tried botox injections but that has not been enough. We will get more opinions for what is best for her, but it doesn't look like it will be avoided.

Why? Why does a sweet little one have to go through so much here on this earth? I'm venting, so bear with me. I don't usually vent publicly, but I am needing some help. Some comfort. I try to be as strong as I can, but sometimes I'm just so mad. I want to cry. I want someone to comfort me. I know that I need to reach out to God more, but I want to be mad at Him too. Also, being sick for the last 2+ months doesn't make me any stronger emotionally either.

I love my children. They bring me so much joy. They also try my patience at times. And as any Momma would, I would bare their pain or struggle in an instant so they would not have to face it. Morgan is here to teach all of us. She has taught me so much about patience, the power of prayers, humility & unconditional love. She is the sweetest & strongest little girl I know. I just wish (well, I'm sure we all wish) her little body didn't have to go through so much.

Now that I've said all that, maybe I can get some sleep.

What Have You Done??

2009-01-29T15:45:00.005-07:00

The lines that are bolded are things that I have done...how about you?

1.Started your own blog
2.Slept under the stars
3.Played in a band(elementary & middle school:)
4.Visited Hawaii
5.Watched a meteor shower
6.Given more than you can afford to charity
7.Been to Disneyland
8.Climbed a Mountain
9.Held a praying mantis
10.Sang a solo
11.Bungee jumping
12.Visited Paris
13.Watched a lightning storm at sea
14.Taught yourself an art from scratch
15.Adopted a child(Isaac always says we're going to b/c our pregnancies are no fun...but now he just says we're done:)
16.Had food poisoning
17.Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty(been there when I was younger & can't remember)
18.Grown your own vegetables
19.Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20.Slept on an overnight train
21.Had a pillow fight
22.Hitch hiked (you'd have to be seriously out of your mind to do that nowadays!)
23.Taken a sick day when you were not ill
24.Built a snow fort
25.Held a lamb(a baby pygmy goat named skittles count?:)
26.Gone skinny dipping
27.Run a Marathon(one day!)
28.Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29.Seen a total eclipse
30.Watched a sunrise or sunset
31.Hit a home run(does Wii count?:)
32.Been on a cruise
33.Seen Niagara Falls in person
34.Visited the birthplace of your ancestors(how far back though?..in the states only)
35.Seen an Amish community
36.Taught yourself a new language
37.Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38.Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39.Gone rock climbing
40.Seen Michelangelo's David(in a text book or picture:)
41.Sung Karaoke
42.Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43.Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44.Visited Africa
45.Walked on a beach by moonlight
46.Been transported in an ambulance
47.Had your portrait painted
48.Gone deep sea fishing(too scared too!---sharks---my bro-in law loves too & saw a great white last time he was out!!!)
49.Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50.Been to the top of the Eiffel tower in Paris
51.Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52.Kissed in the rain
53.Played in the mud
54.Gone to a drive-in theater
55.Been in a movie(kinda...for swimming)
56.Visited the Great Wall of China
57.Started a business(kindof...made own jewelry & sold it in a store back in Maryland when Mo was little)
58.Taken a martial arts class(does tae-bo count?)
59.Visited Russia
60.Served at a soup kitchen(no, but want to & want to make it a family tradition when the kids are older)
61.Sold girl scout cookies
62.Gone whale watching(want to BAD!)
63.Got flowers for no reason
64.Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65.Gone sky diving
66.Visited a Nazi concentration camp
67.Bounced a check
68.Flown in a helicopter
69.Saved a favorite childhood toy
70.Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71.Eaten Caviar
72.Pieced a quilt
73.Stood in times square
74.Toured the Everglades
75.Been fired from a job
76.Seen the changing of the Guards in London(seen them on T.V:)
77.Broken a bone(many)
78.Been on a speeding motorcycle
79.Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80.Published a book
81.Visited the Vatican
82.Bought a brand new car
83.Walked in Jerusalem
84.Had your picture in the newspaper
85.Read the entire Bible
86.Visited the White House(not the inside though)
87.Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88.Had Chickenpox
89.Saved someones life(lifeguarding at an amusement park & my daughter's)
90.Sat on a jury(was called but already moved back to Utah---whew!)
91.Met someone famous
92.Joined a book club
93.Lost a loved one
94.Had a baby
95.Seen the Alamo in person
96.Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97.Been involved in a law suit
98.Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

And one day hopefully more of the traveling!!!

Announcement

2009-01-20T16:11:00.002-07:00

Check out the side bar & you'll see something a little new. Not only are there fun new pictures of my sweet family, but something else :). Do you see what it is??????

Tree Decorating...

2009-01-20T11:31:00.005-07:00

I know, it's the 20th of January. I still don't have my camera back, but I found these pictures when I downloaded our family pictures. I forgot to post the decorating the tree!!!

This year, by far, was the most fun decorating we've ever had! Morgan & Noah had so much fun! They were great little helpers this year & couldn't wait to put on the next decoration:).

The finished product.

Papa putting the star on top.

Morgan & Noah getting hugs in between the hanging

of the ornaments.

Momma & Morgan.

The garland was by far Noah's favorite part:).

He was such a great helper:).

So by the time Christmas was over, only about 7 Christmas decorations got broken. Along with Momma's Precious Moments Nativity that was pulled down from the top of the piano. Seriously though, at least no one got hurt from falling or broken pieces, right?:).

Ok....

2009-01-14T10:41:00.005-07:00

Just so you know...the camera has been found! Yey!!! It still has all 600 and something pictures on it. The only downside is it's still in MARYLAND! So however long it takes my mom to send it, is when the updates begin! I'm so glad she found it hiding behind the huge alarm clock...I'm serious...it's the biggest alarm clock I've ever seen... in our room at Grammy & Grandad's or Mimi & Popee's(for those whose vocab is a bit smaller)! So either I hid it from Noah or he hid it from me because he didn't want me to know he had it! Thanks for finding it Mom!!!

I WILL Update Soon...

2009-01-07T08:54:00.004-07:00

We are back from our Maryland Christmas trip. Isaac & Noah came back on Sunday...Isaac had to change his flight because he started student teaching on Monday!!! Yey! A degree is in our near future! Like April!!! *And I forgot to add earlier that Noah had a blast traveling with Papa. Looking at all the planes, cars, & trucks or as Noah says "paaane, car, & frucks"(i know, the last word is close..we're working on it:)). Noah also backed up to a lady, who was sitting on the floor at the airport playing with her phone, & sat down in her lap. He loved watching The Backyardigans on a young man's laptop until his battery ran out & Noah shared his cars with him. And loved running up & down the aisle on the plane & playing with empty water bottles that the stewardesses(sp?) gave him. He's so funny & cute of course:)!*

And Morgan & I came back on Monday. It was delayed from it's starting point while they tried to fix the main water line, but couldn't do it in 10 degree weather. That's weird. So our flight was an hour & a half leaving from BWI and we had no running water for anything on the plane. I mean sinks, bottles, coffee & tea for those who care or hot cocoa! And no peanuts in the MAIN cabin(you cheap people) because of a severe peanut allergy of one of the passengers. Aren't airports wonderful?

And I want to update you all on our fun, but I cannot find our camera anywhere from the trip! So once I do, I have some new posts & pics for you all!!! Hope your holidays were wonderful! Love to all! Happy New Year!

Dancing Machine

2008-12-18T11:33:00.003-07:00

For those of you who know Noah, you already know he loves to dance! Sorry, I don't know how to turn the video!

Merry Christmas!!!!

New & Snow !!!

2008-12-18T10:39:00.003-07:00

Our old home, finally got new windows!!! And when I say old, I mean our home was built in 1905!!! It was in much need of new windows! The windows were the original wood & single pane glass. Many didn't shut all the way & others were painted shut!!

Here are some fun pictures of the kids helping!

Noah getting the hang of things on how to help.

Morgan was at school for most of it, but got back to help with the finishing touches!

She loved bopping Noah with the vinyl trim!!!

And what little boy doesn't love ladders!!!

He got to the top & started yelling "Weeee!"

Good thing we got those windows, just in time for more snow!!!

I think the house looks awesome!

We even woke up to more today! It's still snowing right now!

Noah loves helping Papa! Which usually means falling off the sidewalk

& not being able to get back up with in broom in hand:).

You can see the snow is as tall as the sidewalk.

Noah's cheeser!

My HeRo

2008-11-18T14:19:00.003-07:00

Does anyone else notice these GoRGeOUs roses!!!!??!!!!

So last Tuesday, I had this knock on my door at 10 o'clock. I thought it was my cute neighbor & her daughter coming over because we had plans to make goodies, but it was a man hiding behind these BEAUTIFUL roses!!! I signed for them, said thank you, & brought them inside. And then I immediately started crying as I was opening up my little note. Something as simple as "Erin, I miss you tons. I love you, Isaac." Ohmigosh, I was done for.

For those of you who don't know, Isaac sells security systems in the summer. Well, it's supposed to be just for the summer, but with bad areas that were picked & the economy, it has turned into November now. So we have been together as a family for 4 weeks since the beginning of July! This last trip has been the hardest for us both. I miss him terribly. I need him.

Isaac, you are my hero. You would give a hand to whoever's in need & would give them whatever you could. You are a terrific father who loves to be involved in his children's lives. A husband who is more loving than I deserve. You are an amazing man. You have never once made me question that you can provide for our sweet family. You have made it possible for me to stay home with our most prized possessions. You are the love of my life. I miss you. I love you. I can't wait to see you!

PiCTuRe TAG

2008-11-18T13:43:00.006-07:00

The rule is you can't clean up or organize ANYTHING(so mean). Just take the picture "as is"---NO CHEATING!!!!

1.) A place I have always wanted to go. I don't know where this is exactly, but I want to go there!!! Anywhere that's tropical, secluded, has beaches & the sound of waves.
2.) Kitchen sink--After breakfast & pumpkin chocolate chip cookies made the night before.

3.) Fridge---with magnets that Noah has thrown on the ground:).

4.) My Laundry Room--yes I hang up a bizzillion clothes because we're big & I don't want them to shrink!

5.) The Toilet

6.) Our Ginormous Closet

7.) Favorite RoomS--One day we will have a fireplace! And once you've had a toy room, you won't want to be without one!!!

8.) My favorite shoes---I'm most definitely a flip-flop & ugg boot kinda girl.

9.) Self-Portrait--Scary, I know. Look at what my kids have to look at everyday! No make-up & sweats & tired of course.

10.) Pet--Cute little 6 yr old Niki!

Just so you know, you know who you are :). This is a kinda mean for those who are not good housekeepers & that wear sweats all the time:). Love you anyways though.

Now I tag Tara, Emilee, & Melissa B.(I wanna see your house)! Have FUN Ladies:).

Tagged

2008-11-10T21:52:00.011-07:00

I was tagged by Jodi:). This is the 2nd picture in my 2nd folder. I did cheat though...it really is my 2nd picture in my 3rd folder. The other one was of a tree being taken down at my parent's house...& no one really wants to see that:). Anywhoo, this the summer that Morgan turned 3. Look at how teeny tiny she is!!! She's getting big way too fast!!!

SuMMeR 2006
These pics were also taken from

that summer. Morgan was just

discovering how to really eat Oreos

at Grammy's house!

I now tag Bugs, Cami & McKenna. 4th folder 10th picture. Try not to cheat girls:).

Our Photo Session:)

2008-11-08T13:10:00.004-07:00

Last weekend, right before Isaac left(again), he sacrificed the BYU football game so we could have some family pictures taken. Thank you honey! I love you!(not that it was much to miss with the way BYU has been playing lately!) AnYwAys... It was such a gorgeous day. Morgan was grumpy, but we still managed to get some great shots. Noah was Mr. Flirtatious & had a ball getting chased around & having his pictures taken. Thank you Kristin for picking our family & taking such cute pictures of us too! We absolutely cannot wait to see the rest! Check out her blog page... http://paisleyphotoart.blogspot.com/

The Moment You've All Been Waiting For....

2008-11-07T11:25:00.017-07:00

On Halloween, Morgan Mae got all dressed up & headed off to school. This is a picture of her with her bus driver, Nancy and bus aide, Shirley. They love Miss Mo and are so cute with her! They sing songs with her if she gets upset & have toys on the bus:).

This is Noah Halloween morning. We were on our way back from the gym & I asked him if he was ready for trick or treating. You'd think by the look on his face that he really knew what I was asking him!!!

Now Presenting...

MiCkEy & MiNNiE

Random fun pics! I love the little black dots on their noses! I love these babies!

How cute are they?!

Papa wanted to take them somewhere fun while they

were all dressed up! McDonald's drive-thru

here we come!

They LOVE love their cheeseburgers!

The Fairy Princess Niki.
Aunt Adrielle, Uncle Matt & Clare came by too!
Princess Fiona, Shrek & Puss-n-Boots:)
Sweetest little Minnie EveR!

Practicing Trick OR Treat.

Playing Peek-a-Boo through her Abby Cadabby!

(Morgan picked out her treats holder:))

Noah's was the Hulk(Isaac picked it out:))

Noah does a super sweet Hulk interpretation!

We had so much fun treat or treating with our little rascals! I think they had fun too! Noah fell in multiple doors while he was knocking on them & Papa picked up Morgan & took her up some houses so she could knock too! She loved that! She could have gone in & socialized at every door! The last few doors Noah was so done knocking. Once he got a big sucker, he reached in & started eating a Crunch Bar too. He told us "Aaa Do"(all done) at every house after that:). Then we went to our friends the Harwards' house. Thanks guys, we had so much fun!!! We had a blast & we most definitely have the cutest MiCkEy & MiNNiE anywhere!

Spooktacular Indeed

2008-11-05T22:55:00.010-07:00

Thursday, October 30th, we went to the coolest house up in Lindon. I mean this house had a pool with a waterfall, a built in train track around the yard(even in the cement), in ground trampoline, amazing entertaining outside, a field for soccer or whatever else...I know I'm forgetting lots of somethings. And all the entertainment was free!!!

You start out by going through a little gate, head off to the left & through a tent. Inside there was...

The little electricity ball.

And a really cool bubble machine.

The bubbles were white & when they

popped, they turned to smoke!

Then while waiting in line for the train ride,

you have this little crazy fella shakin around.

Then we took some pics of each other while

we waited some more for the train & movie!

Thanks for coming & hanging out with us

Ben, Jenny, & BrookLynn!

Then we got into their sweet garage &

watched Nightmare Before Christmas.

On a huge screen with a projector!

And ate our yum yum popcorn.

(Morgan loved the lady in front of us

& kept saying hi to her. And could

& would not stop giving her hugs!)

Momma, Papa & Noah on the train ride.

There are no more pics here on out except

the very end. It scared the doo-doo

out of Noah...who was clutched

to me whining the whole time.

But he wouldn't let me cover his face!

Morgan just giggled as she rode with Uncle Ben:).

It was scary with all the people in masks

jumping out at you!

The crew.

Morgan & Noah would not look at the lady

taking the picture. They were way too busy

checking out the guy, in a mask, bent over fixing

the train track. He was not trust worthy.

Can't wait to see what Noah thinks of Santa Clause.
Morgan likes him. He gets hugs too!

We Woke Up To...

2008-11-05T08:41:00.007-07:00

SNOW !!!

Yes folks, it's already here!

And this guy :).

(Morgan's already on the bus:)!)

Starts with a...

2008-11-04T20:44:00.008-07:00

Tickle

And a bath right after an explosion...

Get out those punkins ladies & gents...

It's time to paint & carve!
Holy, what is that?!
I think I'll eat it!
(If i was a true blogger, I would
have gotten the picture before I
scooped the paint out of his mouth!)
Painting like crazy! Tray, face, arms, hair & all!
And a little bit on the pumpkin!

Finished products!

(As noted there is one more pumpkin than people.

That would be because I had a tantrum. Isaac

carved his while I helped the kids paint & I didn't

want to carve one by myself:) )

Also, these are our 2nd batch of pumpkins...

our 1st met the street the week before!

Perfect

2008-11-02T22:27:00.003-07:00

Morgan Mae did it perfectly.

For those of you not familiar with our church, once a year the kids who are 12 and under have a program where they each say a little part & sing church songs.

Last year we were in Disneyland(I know the pits, right?:) Before that she was a bit too little. So, this is the year. Her 1st year she was able to participate. She did beautifully!

We started working with her 1st sentence about 2 weeks before(with Aunt Elyse's help finding the signs--thank you! She's also the one who paints Mo's fingers & toes so cute:)) & the 2nd about 5 days before. She picked it up so fast & hardly any confusion!

Isaac went up and held her on the podium so everyone could see her & she started signing as he whispered the words in her ear..."Father in Heaven loves me. He answers my prayers." Then she started clapping & saying "Yey!" There was not a dry eye...Momma & Papa most definitely included. Afterwards, everyone came up with tears telling her how well she did . She didn't love the hugs & attention at all:). Thank you Uncle Eli & Aunt Jenn & family & Aunt Elyse for coming! We love you guys!

We are so proud of you Morgan Mae! You are such a sweet & smart girl! You touch so many people's lives. We are so lucky & blessed to have you in ours!

HEE HAW FARMS FIELDTRIP

2008-11-02T11:53:00.013-07:00

On Wednesday, October 22, 2008, Morgan Mae's kindergarten class went to Hee Haw Farms. She had a blast! They...

Rode the bus! She still loves the bus!

Just not that camera flash!

Hang out with Papa! SO cute of Papa!

Play in a corn maze. Which was so much fun until Isaac walked 5 feet away to take this picture!

Pick out a sweet pumpkin!

Checked out all the bunnies at Bunnyville!

Saw Leroy, the famous 1200 pound PIG!!!

Isaac said he never moved:).

Got to pet some fun critters. Morgan was brave
& actually touched the pig! For those of you who don't
know, she doesn't like slimey tongues & noses. When I
was pregnant wih Noah we took her to Thankgiving Point, a
calf licked her & it was about the end of the world.

A PONY.

Slide down a sweet 30 ft Haystack slide!

And watch the other kids slide down. That's one
of the many super fun things about Morgan, watching
the other kids is just as fun!
Play in a whole bunch of corn!
We found that for days around our house & in her chair!

And hang out with Papa. Isaac went on this
field trip & I got to hang out with the Noah man!
I think he had just as much fun as Morgan:).

Papa that is!(Well Noah & I had fun too:))
And as you can tell by the look on that
little girl's face, that Papa of hers, IS the
best part of her day. Papa looks pretty
content too I'd say!

I'm so glad they got to spend the day together! Thank you Isaac for being such a terrific Papa!

Kindergarten, Turkey & Stay Tuned...

2008-10-07T16:11:00.014-06:00

Another thing that I didn't realize is that when your child goes to school, being kindergarten & all, that I would have so much homework. Come on. Morgan signs. I worked on a poster for her for school today until 3:30 in the morning!!! I forgot & things have been crazy with Isaac gone. So I've been even more forgetful than usual!!! I did not want her to feel left out. Well I don't think I've ever been so happy that I stayed up so late. Her teacher wrote me a note today that said "... she was very excited to show everyone & do the signs to all of her favorite things:)." She had so much fun showing the class her poster & signing all of her favorite things! Some of those being: BUTTERFLIES, BALLS, PHONES, CARS, HATS, OREOS, CHEETOS, POPCORN, etc. etc. I'm sure she also had fun when Ms. Thurlow, her teacher, talked about what else was on her poster, ROLLER COASTERS!!! Morgan Mae loves them!!! I am so relieved that I remembered!!!

Morgan Mae's class made red hats for red ribbon week at school today & Morgan won a prize for having one of the best hats! A Hello Kitty bag with little notebook paper in it!! So fun!!! How much do you think she loved that?! It of course was red & had butterflies on it & to top it all off....it was a HAT!!!

A new Noah story... One night last week, we were eating dinner pretty late & it was bed time. Right before bed is crazy time in our house....probably thanks to me:). I love chasing them around at night, it's so stinkin fun to get them laughing so hard!!! Anyways, Noah could not sit still. Grabbing onto his tray, shaking it, beating it, laughing, kicking around...being super silly! So, I took him in the bathroom to wash his hands & face & he was literally climbing up my side laughing hysterically. Grabbing my shirt & shaking me( you know, kind of like the Jack-Jack in the Incredibles, when Syndrome is trying to take him away, on the plane, away from his parents.) So I'm laughing hysterically too trying to wash him up over the sink & he is trying to turn around & crawl up me & do the Jack-Jack again. I told him" Dude, you're being crazy. You are such a turkey!" No joke, he turned to me, gave me a slobbery kiss, started laughing & said"tuuuu--key!" I was in total shock, laughing. And I asked him if he really said turkey. He said it 2 more times & hasn't said it since. I was seriously dying. Kids are so fun!!!

And last but not least, I finally got more pics to post from this summer(Thanks Mom:)). Morgan's bday, Vermont trip, Santa's Village...and lots of the pool. Stay tuned for more fun pics! And a little tribute to Morgan, it being her 5th birthday & all:).

Hogle

2008-10-03T13:56:00.019-06:00

Miss Morgan, Noah, & myself all went to Hogle Zoo a few days back. And we had cousins with us! Yey! McKenna & her 2 kids Payson & Jack.

The 1st things we saw were these cute monkeys looking at each other through the ropes.

I promise, Noah & Morgan did have a fun time. I just didn't capture it on film:). It's way hard when your by yourself to get good pictures & show them all the critters! Jack & Noah did have fun jumpin up & down in their seats & hooting at the monkeys! Miss Morgan didn't care too much about the animals this trip. All she wanted was to eat Payson & Jack's snacks:).

If any of you have been to Hogle Zoo, you've probably seen this tiger pacing back & forth at the top, licking his chops watching those sheep.

It was so fun watching this little momma monkey & her baby. She would just hold out her arm so he wouldn't fall while he was playing on the rocks & continue to eat & go on with her business. It seriously is so similar to us! Very cool to watch!

What cute kids! This elephant spooked them a bit when it shot the water out it's trunk & did it's elephant sounds. Morgan & Noah were not sure how close they wanted to be to it:).

Noah also at one point was allowed to escape the stroller & helped me push & chased the turkeys & peacocks....then started running the opposite direction down the hill laughing.

Thanks for the invite McKenna! We had so much fun at the zoo, eating lots of pizza & playing at the Herring house with you, Payson & Jack:)!

Cute Little Tales...

2008-09-26T22:30:00.007-06:00

YUMMY BALL
I heard Noah in the other room saying "Ball. Ball. Ball. Ball....Yum. Yummy. Yum. Yum." So I was thinking what in the heck spilled on the ball. I started into the living room to check things out. He found a box of tomatoes, given to us by our sweet neighbor Pauline Kummer, that I had left on the landing. Obviously, he decided to put it in his mouth, like everything else, and take a couple bites. He found out that it was the best tasting "ball" ever!!! "Yum. Yum."

SHAKE IT BABY! SHAKE IT!
And this afternoon, I was getting dinner ready & I started hearing a toy hitting a table of some kind, and waited a second to evaluate the sound & decided it sounded safe. Then Morgan started squealing & laughing hysterically & then shouting out encouraging "Whoo-hooos." At that point, I should have realized that Noah was doing something naughty. Morgan loves watching & egging on Noah getting into mischief and of course laughing hysterically too!! Like me having to chase him in church is so hilarious! Anyways, I come around my kitchen wall & find Noah standing on top of the kitchen table! He immediately sits down, because that means what he is doing is ok, but continues to shake the pepper shaker everywhere & eat it. He had already handed the salt shaker over to Morgan. They were shakin' 'em everywhere baby. In this house he knows if he has 2 toys, he should give one to Morgan. He is such a sweet boy, even shares in his michieviousness! It was seriously so hard to tell him "No." and not to just laugh & join the the fun!

Amazing

2008-09-24T12:36:00.014-06:00

Noah and I walked to Petco and to the Post Office with our little dog Niki this morning. And it was one of those days when I realized how happy I am. How amazing life is. I just sat their staring at all the wonders thinking how beautiful everything is around me! I noticed the leaves are changing on the mountains, the sky radiating the most amazing blue, and the weather, well, it is absolutely perfect.

I can breathe on my own, I can see on my own, I can smile, and walk. And I have this sweet little boy who is taking everything out of his diaper bag & gibber gabbering up a storm on his little play phone. He's laughing, & Niki's sitting right next to him in the jogging stroller, smiling away too.(Yes, dogs smile:)) Morgan is at school, by the way, she loves it! Every morning she starts yelling "Hi!" down our driveway to the bus & bus drivers, smiles & laughs, so of course they do too, and once she's up the little wheelchair lift, she turns around and tells me "Ah-Ma, Bye. I Laaa Ooou". ( love you.)

So yes, some days as a momma are hard. Some days I just don't feel like I can hear "uh-oh" one more time or feel like I can't handle Noah exerting his independence by throwing himself on the floor or making his body limp when I try to get him to follow me or hear the noise Morgan makes when she doesn't feel like signing but wants something desperately. And worse of all, there are those days where I just can't fathom having to pick her up over & over again. Not one more time. And that is an awful, selfish thought. Some days it's hard not be selfish too.

Then, some days are perfect. You've found the perfect balance. You got good sleep and your kids might not be on their best behavior, but the day is just perfect. Of course, it's always nicer when they are on their best behaviors:). I love the evenings, right before bed. We run around, playing peek-a-boo, hide & seek, have tickle fights(it's the best when me & Noah gang up on Morgan), chase each other growling, and fall on on backs laughing. And a new favorite, putting our legs up in the air while on our backs & back down again, then our arms....etc. Kind of like follow the leader, but in Morgan style:). I am finding this new love for being a stay at home mom. It's incredible to watch your children everyday. Ladies, we are all so blessed. Give those babies an extra squeeze today.

Now, if only Isaac would come home. We miss you like crazy Papa!!!

Blessings

2008-09-22T13:09:00.008-06:00

There are some days in particular... Some days that really remind you...

YOU know...

the ones that show you...
just how lucky...
and blessed...

you REALLY are!!!

Curious Who Reads

2008-09-19T08:46:00.005-06:00

I too, just like my fellow bloggers, am curious about who checks us out.

Curious if I have an fellow blog stalkers( I am becoming one myself) that I do not know & how many look & do not leave comments.

I have become a fan of reading other's life stories. Especially looking into the insights of mothers. You are pretty amazing creatures.

Here's to all my fellow bloggers or should I say stalkers;). Leave us a note & let us know you're out there.

Things I've Come to Realize....

2008-09-18T21:31:00.013-06:00

Things I've come to realize, especially today...

How grateful I am that I have a marvelous husband that provides for his family.
That even though it seems like I am doing everything by myself right now, that I do not have to work a job for 8 or more hours, come home, pay bills myself, be by myself & try to give my best to my children. I have so much respect for single mothers.
I know that there is no way that I'd want to be doing what Isaac is doing right now. Knocking doors & selling. More than that though, being away from his family. I would much rather be taking care of my children by myself, then be somewhere without them.
That children are the most amazing blessings. That they are miracles from a loving Heavenly Father. No matter what challenges they face & how long they are here.
No matter what challenges I am facing, someone is facing something far worse.
That I miss my husband & the busy world seems to pass us by..

I am so grateful for my family. My amazing husband & my beautiful children. I never imagined that I could love anyone so much. They make me want to be a better wife & a better mother. They make me a better person.

Bike Ride

2008-09-18T21:16:00.002-06:00

Last Wednesday we went for a bike ride with Aunt Adrielle & Clare. Thank goodness Aunt Adrielle pulled them. That's the only way I can keep up:)! Noah & Clare had a blast watching the movie Cars, once Noah got the hang of not turning it off & annoying poor Clare. We just rode around some of the local neighborhoods chit chatting away. I then checked the time & realized I needed to hurry back to get Morgan off the bus. So I booked it from 800 N to 400 S in Orem. It didn't take me 10 min! Aunt Adrielle took the monkeys to Great Harvest & Costco & Noah took a little nap. We had lots of fun!

Cute kiddos!

Such a Good Helper!

2008-09-17T23:30:00.004-06:00

One morning while Morgan was at school, I started sanding & staining the shelf that I bought when I was pregnant with Noah. Yeah, I'm a bit of a procrastinator & then it seems that after every summer I have to put my house & my head back together again & remember where all my secret hiding spots are. You know the spots you put your projects & things that are important & then completely forget where those spots are! So here's to remembering & finding the shelf behind Noah's door! And thanks to Noah for being such a great helper:). Noah saw what I was doing & didn't hesitate for a second to pick up the other piece of sand paper & help!
So he sanded a little, but mostly danced around & on the shelf, laid on the shelf, sat on the shelf, & of course drove cars on it too! And he did stand still long enough to snap a 2 pictures!

Family Reunion

2008-09-16T21:19:00.006-06:00

On Labor Day weekend we had a reunion with Isaac's side of the family. It was way fun seeing everyone. We had just gotten back from our 2200 mile trip from Maryland back to Utah the day before. It was nice to see everyone again...especially all at once! Sorry I didn't get more pictures of everyone. I forgot about taking pictures until the end & missed alot of you.

Aunt Ronnie & Morgan Mae have this special bond:).
This is Mr. Noah stealing someone's shoe, running across the yard & laughing along the way.
Playing in the pool. McKenna & Bud had so much fun playing with Morgan & making her laugh in the pool! Thanks you guys! You totally made her day!
Aunt Adrielle and Clare having fun swimming. Noah & Clare jumped off the diving board & I caught them while I was treading water. I couldn't believe they'd jump off! Little crazies!
Sweet Aunt Teri & cute cousin Camryn.

Papa & his girl! How happy is she?!

And this has to be my new all time favoooorite picture of Noah. Running away from me, laughing, in his favorite car shoes(he loves Lightning), with the goggles he had to have on! I love my kids!

We had so much fun! Thanks everyone! Especially you Bud & Beth!

We Get to See Papa!!!

2008-09-15T23:51:00.001-06:00

On August 25th, at 2:30 in the afternoon, we finally get to see Isaac after almost 6 weeks apart!

Getting all ready to go see Papa! We met him at Mike's. A restaurant on the water by my parent's house.

First hugs with Papa. I wish I had a camcorder to catch Morgan's reaction when she saw her Papa! Recap... Morgan saw someone walking toward the van & said hi casually like she usually does. Then paused, said hi again with a bit more urgency. Then the hysterical hi's started & the body shaking with excitement! Isaac started running towards the car & she started laughing & shaking even harder! It was just about the sweetest thing ever.
Noah & Papa checking out the water, boats & ducks. And look at my hubby's arm. Wow, he is seriously hot.

Feeding the ducks. And yes, Morgan just ate her lunch & is now eating the bread that was supposed to be for the ducks! That girl loves her food! And Noah, well, once he saw the ducks, it was just about impossible to get him to eat. He just wanted to squat down & watch the ducks through the railings the whole time.

Morgan with her sweet Aunt Meg. We went swimming after eating to cool off & see some more of the family. And thank you Aunt Meg, Uncle Skeeter & kids for being so wonderful with Morgan & Noah! We love you!Noah being incredibly cute! With beautiful Miss Caroline in the back!

Cousins Jack & Henry and Grammy & Grandad...and Mo & Meg.

Sweet toy Noah. Everyone is so happy to be back with Papa!

We had fun in Maryland this summer! We miss & love all of you!

Playing at the Beach

2008-09-13T23:06:00.017-06:00

Around July 12th, we went to a community beach by my brother's house. Not knowing of course that would be the plan. Therefore no bathing suits, but whateva. The kids had a blast playing in the sand and water!

Noah was unsure about the water.
This is the cutest picture of Grandad & him!

And I truly don't think that there is a little lady

out there that loves the sand more than Miss Morgan Mae!

Noah is a little boy through and through!

He loves, loves, loves cars & trucks & planes!

And as you can see, he is no longer afraid of the water!

And who doesn't love getting wet & sandy in their nice clothes!

Philadelphia Seouls vs. New York Dragons

2008-09-12T22:17:00.025-06:00

Sometime in mid-July...
We went to our 1st arena football game to meet up with some friends that we met our 1st summer selling in Virginia. Thanks lots for the invite Ed, Suzanne, Jessica, Emily & Taylor! It was so great seeing you guys! Arena football is quite different from the original game that my hubby knows so well. He wasn't so sure about it until he saw it in person & of course he started to like it too. It is football of course!

Noah & Morgan had a blast playing with the other kids &
watching a little football. But most of all Noah had the most
fun stealing & spilling sodas & shaking his little booty to the
music and Morgan giving hugs & shaking her terrible towel!

4th of July

2008-09-12T21:17:00.010-06:00

I know, I know, it's 2 and 1/2 months after the 4th of July but come on, we have been moving around quite a bit! The craaaziness is slowing down a wee bit, so now I can catch up.

I cannot even begin to imagine what our forefathers, our leaders, and our soldiers have been through and continue to sacrifice for our country. I am so grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy and take forgranted. I could not imagine living somewhere without democracy. Thank you to our many soldiers and their families that defend our freedoms everyday!

On a different note, our 4th of July started out with the boys selling all day and then Outback for dinner! Yum! I know, very American. Since we were in Philly, we tried to find a yummy cheesesteak, from some place local, but it was the 4th, and they were all closed! Then we went to catch the fire works and all it did was rain. So, we ran around in the rain and had a blast!

Hershey Park Family Trip for Our Anniversary

2008-07-04T16:30:00.001-06:00

We actually took the kids to Hershey Park for our Anniversary this year. I know, once you have kids, how you celebrate is definitely different. It was so fun to have Isaac get off a day of work in the middle of the summer! Our friends James, Cami and Parker came with us too. Thanks for coming guys! It was tons of fun! Morgan Mae loved the rides and the water park...not too many pictures from there. Noah fell asleep in his wet bathing suit, on me, right after I took off his little life jacket. So, my hands were a little tied. The big kids took turns, except for Cami who is pregnant with TWINS, on the big boy & girl coasters. We really did have lots of fun except for the cost of food & drinks, which were ridiculous! The pictures are from the whole day & the little clip is of the Frog Hopper ride that Morgan & Parker absolutely loved. Enjoy! We did!

Morgan and Parker having SO MUCH FUN on the Frog Hopper Ride...

Happy Anniversary!

2008-06-29T21:49:00.007-06:00

Isaac & I met 10 years ago as freshman at Brigham Young University. Isaac was an amazing offensive linemen & I was a pretty good swimmer at BYU. We knew each other from the weight room, mutual friends & had some of the same classes. Whenever I would run into Isaac on campus he would give me the most amazing bear hug that would make me melt. We always were dating different people & just enjoyed each other's company & LOOKS, & didn't even know it. Until, my roommate thought she would make the moves on Isaac at a party & it dawned on me at the moment that was NOT OKAY. A couple months later, Isaac called me & that was that. We were inseparable & were married 7 months later. Isaac, your mom called us soulmates & said that we were meant for one another & meant to be together. She is so right. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for asking me to be your wife.

Happy 1st Birthday Noah

2008-06-29T21:37:00.006-06:00

We cannot imagine our lives without him. We are so grateful & blessed that you came into our lives. Your first few months were rough with all the reflux & crying. Your Papa kept telling you that you were a good boy until it finally worked! Noah you are so much fun & we love you! Happy FIRST birthday Noah Linwood Herring!

Wow, Another Post!

2008-06-28T00:30:00.003-06:00

It only took me 3 months & some help from a friend to finally sit down & figure out this blogging business! Yes, some of you would say it's not that difficult, but me & my friend Cami started trying to post pictures over 3 hrs ago! Firefox would not download my pictures to my blog page! So, we switched from Firefox to Internet Explorer and voila, I'm posting! Yey! Thank you Cami & Internet Explorer!
So, this picture of our sweet family is at the zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. The Henry Villa Zoo was very fun for the kids & it had a sweet park right outside of it. But of course our children thought the best part about the zoo was this rope & I thought the craziest part was when our friend James jumped over the rope & touched the Rhino's behind! I could not believe it!
We are having fun being away from Utah this summer, but moving from Utah to Wisconsin, then to Pennsylvania a month later was not so fun. It's so nice to be so close to my family...only a little over 2 hrs! So hopefully I will get to see them lots more this summer, which I am very excited about!
And I love that the pant leg on little Noah is stuck in his leg chub! So cute! And that Morgan Mae thinks that the rope is just as fun as Noah does! Love to all!

A Few More Pictures From Henry Villa Zoo...

2008-06-28T00:00:00.003-06:00

The kids had so much fun here with their friends, old & young! One of the best parts is that this zoo was FREE! This was Noah's 1st time going to the zoo & seeing all the critters. He LOVED feeding the goats & watching the seals, otter & turtles. Morgan Mae of course had a blast. Miss Happy to go with you anywhere as long as you take her! Especially if Papa is a part of it all!

Finally I decided to sit down & start blogging...

2008-03-27T12:39:00.000-06:00

I have admired other's blog pages & finally decided it was time to start our own. So far it's not as hard to get started as I thought it would be. I wanted to start a blog page to keep in touch with my family who is thousands of miles away from us & with all of our family & friends nearby that we don't see as much as we should! Love to all! Stay tuned...