A personal Thanksgiving list

And a little child shall lead them....
Well, she isn't quite a child any longer, however, one of my nieces has taught by example. I've personally struggled this summer and sadly it has followed me into the fall and the holiday season. I mentioned I was lacking any Holiday Cheer and she suggested taking a look at her blog. She had just updated it. So, thank-you Heidi, your heart spoke to mine and I owe you big time!
Here is my Personal Thanksgiving List; I am thankful for..........
*the opportunity to 'discuss' grades & homework with my teenagers because it means they have the ability to attend school and develop and learn.
*the fact that I worry about how we will pay our bills because that means that we have money to juggle around to pay that bills.
*the fact that some days I leave the house early in the morning and return home late in the evening because it means I have a job that supplies an income to help meet our needs.
*the fact that I worry about making the house payment because that means we have a roof over our heads, a warm, safe shelter to call home.
*the fact that there is always laundry to be done because that means that we all have clothing to keep us warm and dry.
*the fact that I have aging parents that I worry about and feel neglectful of because that means that I still have my parents in my life and in the lives of my children. That means that I still have the anchors of my youth to turn to for solace and comfort in times of need and in times of joy. That means that my children still get to have that many more special memories to make their Grandparents.
*the fact that I constantly worry about my marriage and wonder how to make it better and long-lasting because that means that I still have my Eternal companion of almost 20 years. It also means that I want nothing more then to spend the next forever happily with him.
*the fact that I miss not seeing my brothers & sisters very often because that means that all of my siblings are still living and are all an important part of my life even though we are rarely together in one place at the same time.
*the fact that my heart breaks for my neices and nephews as they go through their own heartaches and trials because it means that I have a huge amount of neices and nephews that I love immensely and would gladly take their hurt away for them. It also means that I have a close relationship with so many of them that means the world to me.
*the fact that I rarely see my husband because it means that he has 2 jobs, plus refs basketball games all so that we might be able to make ends meet.
*the fact that I worry about Christmas on very, very limited funds because it means that we do have some funds to work with for Christmas. Not everyone does.
*the fact that I worry so much about each one of my children and how they have been affected by things in the past year because that means that I have been blessed with four of the most beautiful, healthy, loving, precious gifts I could ever be given in this lifetime. I am still so overwhelmed by His faith in me by entrusting me with them.
Again, I say thank-you to one of my neices. I will forever see her as a little girl, although she is now a married woman dealing with very grown-up issues of her own. I truly have so much to be thankful for, especially this year.

Carnival Fundraiser

If you're looking for something fun for the family, here is a great idea for you!!! This is being done by the preschool where Lacie worked as the Director. What an amazing thing they are doing for Lacie & Jake! These two sweet babies have already captured the hearts of so many people. It is so comforting to see such generosity from a community It's a good reminder that there is still good in the world and that not everything & everyone is bad

& out for only their own benefit!

Thanks Little Wonders LearningCenter!!!

Two More Special Additions!

On Sept 15th we had the very unsettling news that Sofia Adell & Lukas Jacob had arrived 14 weeks early. They are the babies of Lacie & Jake. They were born in Logan and life flighted to McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden. I had the privilege of getting to go McKay that day to be with them and send pictures to their Mommy & Daddy so they could see that they had arrived safe and sound. These two are amazing little fighters! They continue to defy the odds and they remind daily that miracles due happen. I have loved getting to know their little personalities and I enjoyed being able to spend time with them!Even if it was changing a diaper! Wow, how I wish I could get in there and change another! Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of the H1N1 Virus the NICU has shut down to only allowing Moms & Dads. Thanks Lacie & Jake for allowing me to be on the babies' card. I wish I could have spent time everyday with them. Watching them develop and change is something I will cherish! Lacie & Jake are absolutely amazing parents and people in general. They are showing amazing strength and courage.

They are keeping a blog for the babies that keeps everyone updated. If you want to take a look, just click on the link below. http://bastowmiraclebabies.blogspot.com/

Lots of Beautiful Babies!!!

On Aug 31st our extended family grew by one when little Daxon Will was born. He is the gorgeous son of Capri & Tyson, also little brother of Kaldyr. As you can see, he is darling! I was able to hold him when he was just a day old and he loved, loved to be snuggled tight! He is a bit older now then in this picture, but I love this picture so I borrowed it from Capri's blog. Thanks Capri!

Then I'll jump ahead to Oct 11th. This adorable little one is Zachary Beau. Isn't he darling!!?? Don't you just love newborns with lots of blond hair? Not very common, but he takes after his Aunt Taylor! Zachary is the son of Hudson & Vanessa. He is (in my opinion) the spittin' image of his Daddy! Sorry Vanessa, I haven't seen any baby pictures of you yet. I can't wait to get my hands on him! It's not like he lives out of state, but the farthest north point of Cache Valley is a ways!

I do LOVE these babies!!! I have always loved being an Aunt. Now these babies add to my love of being a Great-Aunt!!! It sounds so cliche', I know, but it's amazing to see the 'kids' that you always picture as 'little' having their own babies. It's even more amazing being able to see the resemblance in these new sweet faces. Congratulations to all of you!!!

To a new school year!

Since it has been so long since I have updated I am going to start fresh from today and maybe I'll throw in a little funny memory from the summer here and there in the coming months. One thing I will say is it has been a hectic, crazy summer. I can't believe school is starting! So, here's to the new school year! We have another first in our 'parenthood', we are experiencing high-school! AUGH... Where do the years go?

Oink, Oink...

It would seem that one too many of our sick, well meaning patients leaned too far into my personal space and coughed, sneezed or like-wise.
Yep, don't come visit. You don't want it, I promise. It is not a confirmed case, but in Utah they are treating any positive Influenza A's as the infamous H1N1.
Now it is trying to keep the kids from getting it. They are going to get so tired of me telling them to wash their hands, wipe that off, etc, etc, etc...

Cute Picture

Sorry, there is so much going on. Too much to tell about. Much of it not worth sharing. However, this picture is pretty cute of the kids and their summer projects, Freddie and Egge.

SOOO Behind! beware - long... literally!

I am a big phat slacker! Life has been crazy. So, here's a quick run down of the past month... Wade and Allyssa started our garden by planting the peas! Ally loves to work in the garden! She also loves to enjoy the fresh veggies she has worked so hard to help grow.

Caden was in the 6th grade play. Here he is with his bff, Ryan and his bgf, Amber. They all did a great job! I must say it was quite a performance! (Isn't Amber sooo cute!)

Spring Break was different then originally planned but fun. We went to the condo (huge thanks to Gma E :'} ) and had a great time!

The Easter Bunny even found us there.
On our way home we stopped for a little tennis, dropped by to see Gma & Gpa Hunter and then went home and colored Easter Eggs and of course the traditional egg hunt for them.

We then became the temporary family of a 3

month old Chihuahua, Rody. She was with us for about 12 days! She was SO sweet and cuddly. Of course, she didn't lack attention while she was here. Ally was the saddest to see her go back home. It was fun having her.

Alexa and Caden both had student government elections. Caden had to do a skit for his and they both had to do posters. So we had a weekend packed of poster making!! Ashley came over, I thought to work on posters, instead this is what they did! **Glam Girls**

We had one happy candidate and one sad candidate for office. Caden made 7th gr Officer!!! YEAH!!! They only took 2 students from each elementary school that feeds into our Jr High. He was a pretty happy kid!!!

Unfortunately, Alexa did not make Sophmore officer. She was very disappointed. Two of her friends made it but them rest of them were *losers* jk. They hung out and celebrated losing during 6th & 7th hour. (approved by the student gov advisor, of course)

To top off the past few weeks, we got to have my lil' Punkin', Kendall, come for the day!!! Man, she brightens my life! We all love her and have sooooo much fun when we get to have her. Kendall and Lexa had fun with the phone camera. Isn't she so dang cute??

Her two big sisters came the next day and got to sleep over. I don't have pictures from their night of fun, but they did have a great time with Madi and Avi!

So, that pretty much catches you up with the Holmes Family!!!

(yeah, I know..... I should have done a slide show! No time to change it now)

hApPy EaStEr!!!

Capri & Tyson

Our beautiful niece, Capri and her husband Tyson are being sealed in the San Diego Temple today. It is also their 1 year anniversary today. We would have loved to be there with them to share their special day. I just want them to know how happy we are for them! They are an amazing couple! They have a darling little boy, Kaldyr, and are expecting their first baby together in August. They are amazing parents to Kaldyr and will be to their new baby boy too!!!

Congratulations you two!!!

We love you!!!

19 years.....

Nineteen years ago today Wade and I became husband and wife. Wow, where has the time gone? So much has happened in 19 years.

*We have moved across the country twice.

*We have added 4 little people into our lives.

*We have had many job changes.

*We have made many, many friends.
*We have laughed together and cried together.

*We have shared many happy occassions and many sad occassions.

It is truly amazing all that can happen in 19 years! It sounds like a long time, and at times it has felt like a long time, but in reality it has gone by so fast. I hope for another 19 years together and then another....

We have definitely been through "good times and bad, sickness and health" together. I know that I am truly a better person for having been blessed to share the past 19 years of my life with him. Thanks for all you are to me!!!

In Loving Memory

of

Zoe Jean Parker

Tues., March 24, 2009

Precious Angel Baby of Ashley & Dwight,

baby sister of Quincie & Jovie.

Team Briggs

As you can see I have added a really adorable button to our blog. This is a picture of Briggs. Briggs is one of the bravest, strongest, little warriors I have ever known.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Nov. 11, 2008. He has spent the majority of the past 5 months at PCMC. His Mommy is due, this week, to deliver their first daughter. She hasn't spent a night away from Briggs. She sleeps on a fold out bed by his side. On the rare occasion that they are at home, she administers all his meds around the clock. His Daddy is an incredibly talented Country music singer. He also works a full time job. So, between gigs and his day job, he manages to spend as much time with Briggs as possible. He is a very hands on Daddy and does all he can to take care of his boys and their Momma. They also have a 7 year old son. His life has been turned upside down. He and his best-friend & brother have been apart much more than two little boys should be. He is an amazing kid and seems to have the magic touch when it comes to helping Briggs.
I know about Briggs because I work with his Grandma Tammy. Briggs and his family would come into the office occasionally. When the news of Briggs' illness came we were all devastated. It has been such a journey witnessing this amazing little family and their extended family go through this nightmare.
If you click on the Team Briggs button it will take you to their website. There you can read their story and it even gives the option to donate to help with his medical bills. You can also go to www.carepages.com and look up Briggs Hill and see his journey day by day.
There is little the family asks for besides prayers for their little man to beat this cruel disease. So, I hope you will all take a minute and send prayers up for this family. Also, if you are able to donate to Briggs' account that is great too! I can't imagine their medical bills.
They truly are an incredible family. A family that have captured the hearts of so many people all over the country. Tonight Briggs and his Mommy are spending another night in 'the big house', as they call it. Briggs is receiving some massive doses of chemo and they are beginning the stem cell transplant. It is such a critical time for them all but hopeful one that is leading them to the path of recovery!! With a new baby sister joining the journey very soon!!!
If you are interested in adding the Team Briggs button to your blog let me know and I will get the info to you.
Go Briggs!!!

A Big Congratulations!

I have to give a shout out for my niece, Melissa. Today she passed her boards and is now a Board Certified, Family Nurse Practitioner!!!

Way to go Melissa!!! Missy continues to amaze me. She has worked hard and has put herself through all of her schooling. No easy road for her! She has proven herself as a very good trauma room registered nurse and I know that her career as a FNP, BC will be a successful one!

Congratulations Melissa! I am SO proud of you! You never gave up and you worked so hard to achieve this accomplishment! The world is yours for the taking. You are an incredible example of a strong woman!

I love you!!!

What a great day!

Where do I begin? Today was really amazing. Ally was so excited for her baptism. She was baptized in a dress that is 106 yrs old. It was originally a night gown of her Great-Great-Great Grandmother Ellen Craynor's. Upon Ellen Craynors death the gown was given to her daughter-in-law Elva Craynor. Eventually the night gown was carefully taken apart and resized to fit an 8 yr old for baptism by our beloved Grandma Dearden, Elva Craynor's daughter. Nothing was added or changed. It is truly a beautiful handwork of art. It has tiny, delicate tucks all across the upper bodice with eyelet lace. The gown has been worn by many on their special day, including Ally's Grandma Dixie. She looked beautiful in it.
Ally and her friend, Courtney (also baptized today) sang a musical number accompanied by Alexa. They did such a good job. They are both such sweet, beautiful girls.
Unfortunately for them, the water was quite cool. Poor little Ally was visibly shivering! It didn't take her long to warm up afterward. Wade did such a great job and gave Ally a really beautiful blessing. Caden gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost and Hunter gave the closing prayer. Such a great day for our family!
After we had dinner and a fun party to celebrate her birthday and baptism. Ally chose spaghetti and breadsticks with tossed salad for dinner. Spaghetti is one of her all time favorites! A good friend made the beautiful, delicious cake!

Thanks to everyone that took the time to come and share this very special day with Ally and our family. We missed those that were unable to come!

It's Baptism Day!!!

Details to come later......

Pneumonia & Fainting

Yep, the fun never ends around here!!! Caden has had a cough for the past 3 weeks or so. Started out as just an occasional dry cough. On Tuesday, last week, he woke up and said he wasn't feeling good. Being the practical Mom that I am, I checked for a fever. No fever. No throwing up. No blood loss. I told him he had to go to school. He was not happy and I was sure he was ok and just not wanting to go to school. (Remember the story of the Little Boy That Cried Wolf?.......) That night he did go to basketball practice and Fremont's final basketball game. On Wednesday, last week, when he woke up he didn't look well. His color was pale and his eyes seemed a little sunken. I suggested he stay home from school. He refused. He went to school and did ok. That night, on the way home from the Draper Temple open-house he suddenly spiked a fever. We kept him home from school on Thursday and Friday. He felt well enough to play in his basketball games Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. He even had a couple of friends come over and hang out after his game on Saturday.

Sunday he woke up and looked rough. I sent him back to bed. He slept ALL day and then I had to wake him up to go to bed that night.

Needless to say, he went to the doctor on Monday! He was given a thorough check, had labs drawn and then was guided into the x-ray room. As he was standing in position for the x-ray, he passed out. Wade heard a crash and then the rad tech calling out Caden's name rather loudly. He was only out for a matter of seconds, but he managed to scare the life out of the rad tech and mangle up his right ear, back and right thigh. As he was loosing consciousness he staggered back a bit and ended up falling on a large wooden block, used for propping.

Oh yeah, he also left with a prescription in hand for Walking PNEUMONIA!!!

Man, am I Mother of the Year or what?! There I was thinking he was faking sick and the poor kid has pneumonia! Don't think I will win any awards......

Happy Birthday Allyssa Noelle!!!

Well, it is official. Ally is 8 years old! Where has the time gone? What a fun girl she is and has always been. She has definitely been a joy in our family.
She was SO excited for her birthday. She is SO excited to be baptized next week. Her excitement is contagious. I love how enthusiastic she is and how silly she can be.
She had a birthday party today with a few of her friends and her 2 brothers.
After the ball game this afternoon we are heading to Chili's (birthday girls choice) for dinner.
We love you Allyssa and we hope you are having a GREAT birthday!!!

Ideas Please!

I am now the Activity Day Leader for the 8 & 9 year old girls. I am really excited about this calling especially since Ally will be 8 next week. Here's the problem..... I have not been involved with Activity Day's for YEARS!!!
I need any and all ideas from everyone! Please give me any activity ideas and any 'leader' help you can. I want this to be a great experience for these girls so I am trying to find any help I can get to be successful!!!
Thanks!!!

Sweet Thing

Check out the cool video (below) that Wade personalized and just sent to me!!! I have to say that I think this is VERY sweet!!!
The personal touches include my hometown of Wellsville and my childhood home address of 160 N Center! Among other little things through out the video. Be sure and go down to my playlist and pause it.

Thanks Holmesy!!! I love you!

Surprise Birthday Visitor

Alexa asked if I would take Brownie Sheetcake (her favorite) to her Seminary class on her birthday. I made 2 sheetcakes and headed to her class. After her class sang to her and as we were handing out pieces of cake a surprise visitor arrived.
Yep! Cletus Eagle walked into the class with a huge bouquet of birthday balloons! It was quite a shock to her. He proceded to wish her a happy birthday and then preached a bit and had the class cracking up. He finally turned the time over to 'Preacher C' (The Seminary teacher). Alexa was a great sport with it all. She went along with it and didn't get upset by the visitor.

The best part was that her classmates were shocked by this added interuption of their class time.

This was not her first birthday embarrassment either. The day before her birthday the school had an away basketball game. Uncle Mick, one of the coaches, hadn't been able to attend her party on Sunday night. Alexa and Mick have a very complicated love/hate relationship (just kidding - they just LOVE to give each other a hard time). Alexa had told someone he was a 'loser' and didn't come to her party. Mick decided to make it up to her. After the game, on the way back to the school, Mick got the attention of everyone on the bus. He then proceeded to explain that he had been unable to attend a party and wanted to make it up to someone since she was saying 'hurtful' things about him. He then led the basketball team, cheerleaders and officers in Happy Birthday and passed out donuts for everyone!!!

Way to go Mick! You got her good!!! Between Mick and Cletus Eagle I don't think she will soon forget her 15th birthday at school!!!

Our Sweet Baby Jaymes is 15!!!

Well, as of 2 days ago we are now parents to a 15 year old!!! That is scary stuff!!!
Actually, it isn't that scary! She is such a great kid! What is scary is how fast the last 15 years have gone by.
I still see her as my beautiful baby girl that we waited SO long for. Or I see her as my goofy little toddler walking around at 10 months old. In my mind I still see her holding up 2 fingers and telling people she was 'terrible two' when asked how old she was. I see that little blonde head bobbing up and down as she followed her Daddy out in the yard mowing the lawn.
Where did all the time in between go???
It is a bittersweet event for me. It is exciting to watch her dive in head first to all the experiences that are hers to have. It is also sad to know that in a very few years she could realistically be living away at school and no longer at home with her bright smile and mischievous nature.
Happy Birthday Alexa! We love you so much and we are so proud of the person you are and the adult your are growing to be!!!

Great to be 8!!!

Ally and I just got home from the "Great to be 8" meeting at the church! I can't believe we are already at this point in her life! She is growing up much too fast!!!
It looks like she will get to be baptized on her birthday! So family, keep that date in mind! You will all be invited.

Catching up!

Here's a very fast summary of the past few weeks.

* Christmas was great!!! It wasn't as big (gift-wise) as Christmases past, but it was one of our best Christmases ever. We really enjoyed spending time with each other and our families. Having a healthy Grandpa Hunter to celebrate the day with was the best gift of the year!

* Happy New Year!!! Cade, Hunter & Allyssa all had a great time at the annual New Year's Eve sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa Holmes house. They look forward to that party every year. This year Cade and his cousin Madi were the oldest ones there. Wade, Alexa and I along with 3 of Alexa's friends headed to Hyrum for a Sweet 16 Birthday/ New Years party. My nieces, Brooke and Brittany had a great party to celebrate their birthday and to bring in the new year. It was fun for everyone! We definitely saw a LOT of dancing and silliness by lots and lots of kids! (Tyson - I still want to know where you learned your dance moves!!!) We also got to hear Tyson and Brooke perform. We have some VERY talented family members!!

* Christmas Vacation: Each of the kids had a party with their friends. That means that 4 different nights our house was rockin' and rollin' with a houseful of kids! I have to say that I love all of the kids being at our house. They are always entertaining!!! Alexa's party continually grew in numbers. What a great group of kids to have in our house!

* Unfortunately our Holidays ended with the stomach flu coming for a visit! Hunter finally went back to school today. Wade plans on going back to work tomorrow and Alexa says she is going to school tomorrow no matter how she feels. (End of the qtr next week - not a good time to get behind). Now Cade, Ally and I are using the mind over matter technique. We keep telling ourselves that we are NOT going to get sick!!!

* I FINALLY got our Christmas cards in the mail yesterday! WooHoo! As long as they are rec'd before next Christmas, right? Pathetic, I know...

Over all, we had a great holiday season. Sadly I must confess that I am glad to have it all behind us. 2008 has been a rough year in many different ways for our family. I am looking forward to a new year and a happier year too!!!