Christmas Blechies

Well, we made it through MOST of Christmas without any sickness. About noon today Mark said he wasn't feeling well, and by the time we were sitting down to eat Christmas dinner at his mom's tonight, he really wasn't doing well. He spent the three or so hours downstairs making trips to the facilities. Poor Mark. I guess there is a bright side, he wasn't sick this morning and was able to wake up at 4:45am when the kids ran into our room shouting that Santa had been here! It is fun to enjoy their enthusiasm, but something inside me can't wait until they are teenagers and will sleep in a little longer...Ty had been so worried that he would have to see or talk to Santa last night. He was so happy this morning that Santa and come and gone without bothering him :)


We enjoyed our traditional Christmas Eve party at my parents' house with the six foot subs, the singing, and grandkids playing piano. We also acted out the manger scene. This year my Mom even put together a service project for the kids. They made newborn kits for the LDS Church Humanitarian Center. We told them that some moms don't have anything but newspaper to wrap their babies in after they're born, so they really need a blanket, diapers, soap, and pajamas. The kids really enjoyed putting the kits together, and it was good to have something to take the focus off of the "gimmies".
Overall, it was a very nice Christmas. We enjoyed time with family and friends, and remembered how much we have to be grateful for! It was also Noah's first Christmas, which seems weird, because he is almost one! Doesn't he look excited to open presents? Too cute!

Lucky Number 13!!

Thirteen years ago today Mark and I were married in the Bountiful Temple! I really can't believe it's been 13 years~in some ways it seems like longer, probably because we were friends and dated for five years before that. We met at Clearfield High in 1990, and boy did I have the wrong first impression of him! He was drop dead gorgeous-not much has changed :)- and a friend of mine had asked him to Sadies. He took forever to answer her, and she was a little bugged. So, I assumed he was a snot. He was quiet, and I never saw him say much to anyone, so I took that as being snotty, too. Well, a few weeks later he called me and asked me out. He says it was the first time he had called someone he didn't know. We went to the 49th Street Galleria, which dates us because it was later called the Fun Dome, and no longer exists! He was the perfect gentleman, so polite and kind. That's when I realized I had judged him all wrong!
Our first school dance was the Christmas Dance, and although we joke that getting married in December was crazy, I love it because December is when we started dating, and when we got married, so it makes the month even more special to me.


I also love the fact that Mark and I served missions at the same time. That was a great experience. He encouraged me to go, and although he may have had alterior motives :), I know he wanted me to have the wonderful experiences he was having. It was such a blessing to be able to write each other and share our ups and downs during that time. Mark returned home six months before I did, and I like to tell people that he waited for me! I got home in July of 1995, we were engaged a month later, and married four months after that.
The day we were married it was frigid, but sunny. It made for really beautiful wedding pictures! It was one of the happiest days of my life, and marrying Mark was by far the best decision I have ever made. He is still my very best friend, and I feel like the luckiest girl on the planet!
Happy 13th Markus! I Love ya!

The World We Live In

Yesterday Devin proceeded to tell me that one of his friends buckled to peer pressure and got on the internet during their computer class-but, that's not the worst of it. The three "friends" talked the boy into looking up some inappropriate pictures. Devin said that his friend told him about it later that day, and Devin went and told his teacher what had happened. He said the boys were upset with him for telling on them and that they had to go to the principal's office and their parents were called.

I am in shock, but I guess I shouldn't be. Devin is in third grade! Luckily, we have had all the talks about sex, drugs, and pornography. I know some people would be surprised that he, and Sam for that matter, already know all about that stuff, but when something like this happens, I'm glad they know the truth about everything and that they know when to talk to an adult. Mark works with so many teens who are addicted to pornography. It is just like a drug, and just as hard, if not harder, to get off of. It is so stinking sad that we have to worry about kids being exposed to this stuff at such a young age.

Why do they have the internet on computers used by elementary students, anyway????? Why aren't there filters, or only certain sites they can visit????? Crazy. I am hoping to talk to Devin's teacher about all this today.

Happy Birthday Ty!

Our sweet Ty-Ty is 3 years old today! He was born on a cold, snowy afternoon. He weighed in at 8lbs 7oz and was a good baby right from the start. It took us a few years to get Ty, and we couldn't understand why, but of course, in retrospect it was just what our family needed. Devin and Sam were so excited to have a little brother, and they were at the perfect ages to enjoy him.

My neighbor had said how much she enjoyed having newborns in her home during Christmas, and after Ty was born, I could see why. There was just a special feeling in our home that Christmas, and I had a new appreciation for Mary and what she must have gone through, and the circumstance in which the Savior of the world came to the earth.


Ty has always been so agreeable and fun. He rarely cried and was happy doing just about whatever. He started talking early and has never stopped. He loves Lightning McQueen, and chose a McQueen party this year.


Ty loves to watch movies, play with puzzles, and run back and forth from his friends' Preston and Katie's houses. My favorite time of day is when Mark comes home because Ty gets the most excited expression and yells "Daddy!!!!!"

Mark is a little too excited that Ty is starting to put forth a little attitude now and then. He was afraid Ty would be a push over or something....right. He was more then a little uncooperative when I took this photo. At least he looks happy! (I must like the way he looks in a sweater vest...I didn't realize until I did this blog that he has worn one in the last three photos!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TY!!

My Little Edward

On Wednesday night all the girls went to see Twilight. I am probably the only female on planet earth who hasn't read any of the books. But, I really liked the movie! In fact, I want to read the books more now that I've seen the movie. After the show we went to Warren's, had fries, hot chocolate and shakes and talked until they kicked us out. I love getting together with the girls. We always have a good time. Noah has been getting his top teeth, and just in time for Twilight-he looks like a little vampire :)


For Thanksgiving my Mom's dream came true, we all went to Golden Corral. Seriously, that has been her dream for a long time, but I think she just kept having Thanksgiving dinner at home because she felt obligated. It was very nice to walk in, eat as much as you want, and walk out without the preparation or the clean-up. I think it has become our family's new tradition. Today, Friday, we will be going to the Jr High to let the kids shoot some hoops and run the halls for awhile. Then we're going to Chris and Stacie's for more food. :). It is a blessing to have family so close-we miss Haley and Michael at all the festivities, but someday hopefully they'll be a little closer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!

I have been excitedly awaiting this day...a day to completely embarrass Mark on my blog!! :) No, I'll try not to embarrass him-too much! Anyway, today Mark turns 35! As you can see from this photo of his first birthday, he has always been good looking :). When his mom gave me a photo album to get pictures from, I couldn't decide which ones to use. There were so many good pictures of him. I tease him that he never smiled in the photos when he was a teenager until he met me. I promised him I wouldn't post any of those "too cool teenager" shots-but believe me, you're missing out.

In every photo of Mark I can see how much our boys look like him. They are so lucky! Mark is not only hot, he is also the kindest person I know. He is so loyal and dedicated to us. There is never any question as to who he would want to spend time with or where he would rather be. He always chooses us over anything or anyone.

Mark has always loved sports. He played baseball every year while growing up, and then he began his love affair with track and field. In high school he was a sprinter, along with being a decathlete. It was awesome watching him do the pole vault, the shot put, the discus, the long jump, high jump, etc. He is an exceptional athlete and is good at just about everything.

These days he loves triathlon and has competed in several Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons. I am amazed at his drive and determination. He always has a list of goals going. Some goals have to do with athletics, some with spiritual things, some with financial things, but they are always written down and he is always reviewing them to see where he is at. I learn so much from his desire to become the best he can be.

One of the many things I love about Mark is his love for our boys. He is so involved with everything our boys do, and they love to spend time with Dad. He wrestles with them, builds inventions with them, plays sports with them, reads to them, changes diapers, sings, laughs, watches lame movies over and over :), they are so blessed to have him for a Dad. And I am the luckiest, most blessed girl alive. Mark is truly one of a kind. Happy Birthday Hun!! We Love you!!!

Nachooooooo!!

Nacho Libre is one of our all-time-favorite movies. I laugh out loud every time I see it, and I've seen it quite a few times. Devin and Sam have most of the movie memorized and love to quote from it to get a few laughs. Last Sunday they decided to bring Nacho to life in our own living room. Gotta Love it!

I was excited to find all of these sound bites from the movie on Hypster. Enjoy!! :)

Thank You

Every year on the day after Halloween I just feel the need to move on. You know how after Christmas most people leave up the decorations until New Years Day or so, I like to do that, but for some reason once Halloween is over I want to move on. I really love Thanksgiving, and some of the things I am most thankful for are the people in my life. Isn't it funny how life throws you all kinds of challenges, some big, some just inconvenient, but they all have a way of making you feel even more grateful for what you do have. I didn't want to wait until the end of the month to express all the gratitude I feel, so I decided to do it today and hopefully be more thankful this year then I have been in the past.

I have THE best husband in the entire world. I won't get too sappy, but he is honestly and truly my best friend. We can talk about anything and everything, and there is no one I would rather spend time with.

I have THE best boys. I always pictured myself as a girl mom, until I had a couple boys, and then four, and now I wouldn't change it for the world. They are all healthy and happy-most of the time :), and I am so thankful!

I have three wonderful sisters and one wonderful brother. None of them are very sentimental, so I will try to spare them the sap. But, they need to know how much I love and appreciate them, and their spouses.

Mandy and Travis have been through so much this year, and they have been such an example of strength, unity, gratitude, patience....I could go on and on. They will always be two of my heroes.

Chris and Stacie are the ideal parents, the ideal couple, and the ideal members of the church. They are so good with their kids, always trying to do their best. They are always serving others and never seem to put themselves first.

Carrie and KC are so fun, and so much alike. I am amazed that two people who are so alike found each other. I admire their good attitudes through all the ups and downs of life. You couldn't find two kinder, funner people in the world.

Haley and Michael are so adventurous and goal-driven. I am so thankful for their example of following their own path and doing what they know is right for them without worrying what others think. They are great examples to everyone.

I have the best parents in the world. They have supported me in everything I ever wanted to do in life, and sat back and prayed, I'm sure, when I wasn't doing quite what they would have hoped. I never remember them "getting on my case" they would just tell me that they knew that I knew what was right, and then expected me to make the right choice. They are wonderful grandparents who show interest in all their grandchildren. It is still my goal to be more like them.

I have great in-laws who love our kids so much and are willing to watch them often so that Mark and I can go out once a week. They are great to spend time with and talk to, and I am so grateful that the raised such a wonderful son.

I have been blessed with wonderful friends in this life. People I am sure I knew in the pre-earth life. They are people who teach me to be positive and faithful through it all. Amanda Jones is one of those people. She and her family have seen major struggles with health and finances, but she never loses faith. She is always willing to give of what ever she has to help others, even when she needs help herself.

Dawn Houskeeper is also a good friend, and my across the street neighbor. She and her family have been through open heart surgeries, lay-offs, and more, yet she always has a positive attitude. She makes the best of every situation and can always find something to be happy about. It is great living near someone like that. She helps me look at life the way I should-enjoy today no matter what is going on.

I often wonder what I did to deserve so many good people in my life. I must have done something right, because when I think of everyone who has influenced my life, I am overwhelmed at how blessed I am.

What a Day!

Yesterday turned out to be quite the exciting day! Ty got a Spider-man potty seat from Wal-mart, and like Reese, he doesn't seem to know what he's supposed to do with it :) Actually, he did put it on the toilet, took his diaper off, and sat for about 5 seconds. All he could get out was a drip...but hey! It's a start! We wouldn't want him to start before the age of 3 and show up his brothers, now would we?


Last night was the Reflections Recognition Night at Syracuse High School. You probably all know what reflections is, but for those of you who don't, its a contest that most elementary schools take part in. Any student who wants to can enter any or all of several categories: Visual Arts, Literature, 3-D Art, Theater, Musical Composition, Photography, Dance, and Film. I have always wanted Devin and Sam to enter, but this was the first year they showed any interest. Devin entered 3-D art and Visual Arts. He also wrote a piano piece for Musical Composition, but we couldn't figure out how to record it on a CD in time-maybe next year. Anyway, He worked really hard on all of his projects, and he won for his 3-D Art!! He thought up the whole idea on his own, and he did an excellent job. Now he will go on to compete at the district level.






Sam didn't work on his painting until the night before it had to be turned in, but he did a great job. He was a little disappointed when he didn't win, but he knows to work harder next year :) Everyone who participated got a certificate and some coupons for free ice cream, swimming, etc. It was a really fun night, and fun for the kids to get up on such a big stage and show off their talents!



Great Job Dev and Sam!!
P.S. Sorry Grandma and Grandpa Keime, and Grandma and Grandpa Spalding, I didn't even think about inviting you until the last minute! We're new to reflections...next year we hope you can come!

The Anti-Social Get Social

Okay, so Mark and I- well, mostly Mark, aren't into getting together with "friends" all that often. It's not that we don't like people-well, Mark doesn't like many...but that's a story for another day:) Anyway, we have a really great ward with some really fun people, and we were lucky enough to get invited to a Halloween party despite our anti-social tendencies. The party was at the home of Ranae and Brad Finch. Ranae and I grew up together. About four years ago she and her husband moved into our ward. It was a costume party, and needless to say Mark and I hadn't dressed up for Halloween in ages. I was trying desperately to think of an easy, CHEAP, costume and then it hit me....White Trash...


Some of the costumes were so creative and fun, so I just had to post the photos. Ranae and Brad were a "real" white trash couple, Brad even shaved his head down the middle (I am dead serious) to complete the look.


Shari and Travis were Juno and Paulie from the movie Juno-great flick by the way. Travis shaved his legs for the cause.


Britney and Jon were Woody and Jessie from Toy Story and their baby, Colton, was one of the Martian Toys. Their costumes were SO cool, the picture doesn't do them justice, but the details were amazing!


We must admit, we had a great time. Mark and I even won the "Newlywed" game! What can we say!? :) We are very blessed to be a part of such a great ward with great friends and neighbors.

It was a Graveyard Smash!

Every year at our house we have a Halloween Party with all the Keime cousins. Everyone dresses up, we have pizza and treats, and we play Halloween Bingo. It was a "smash"!
Peyton as a Bronco's Cheerleader. Go Broncos!

Pace, Carter, and Millie as Alvin, Simon, and Theodore.

Skyla as Hannah Montana, and Reese as Cinderella.

Sam as Zorro!

Devin as a Dodger player, Gavin as Elvis, and Cooper as Dracula.

Ty as Tigger...sleeping....

Devin carved his very own LA pumpkin, he did a great job!


I can't believe it has been a year since our last party...btw, Noah was there-I just didn't want to put up with the crying while I tried putting the Bee costume on. I will at least put it on for one photo on Halloween night. Happy Haunting!

The Mom Quiz

I've been wanting to do this with the boys ever since Paige and Stacie did it, so here goes:

1. What is something your Mom always says to you?

D-Clean up your room
S-Keep trying your best

2. What makes your Mom happy?

D-When we obey
S-Listening to you

3. What makes your Mom sad?

D-When we fight
S-Not obeying you

4. What does your Mom do that makes you laugh?

D-When you sing silly songs
S-Being funny

5. How old is your Mom?

D-25, I mean 35
S-35

6. How tall is your Mom?

D-5 feet
S-100 feet

7. What does your Mom do when she can do anything she wants?

D-You usually don't do what you want to (Amen to that)
S-Eat Dinner (gotta second that one, too)

8. What does your Mom do while you're at school?

D-Take care of Noah and Ty
S- Take care of Ty and Noah

9. If your Mom were famous, what would she be famous for?

D-Winning American Idol
S-A superstar

10. What is your Mom really good at?

D-Making cards and scrapbooking
S-Cooking (funny, he never eats what I make)

11. What does your Mom do for work?

D-You stack stuff (I had just gotten my job at Quilted Bear, and Devin wasn't sure what it was I did, although, I do stack stuff)
S-Take care of us

12. What is your Mom's favorite food?

D-Chocolate
S-Salad

13. What makes you proud of your Mom?

D-You don't beat the shiz out of us (they should be proud of that, it takes a lot of self control :)
S-You take care of us

14. If your Mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

D-Sponge Bob
S-A princess

15. How are you like your Mom?

D-I'm really cautious, like you are
S-Being nice

16. How are you and your Mom different?

D-You're scared of spiders
S-Some of us are girls, some of us are boys

17. Why are you glad you're Mom is your Mom?

D-Because you take care of us
S-Because I'm strong and brave

I find it interesting that Devin seems to think I am always eating chocolate, that I'm a yellow squarish strange person, and that I am good to keep myself from beating him, while Sam thinks I eat salads, am a princess, and make him strong and brave. Oh, well...I guess there's some good in both thoughts!! :)

Snow Day!!

We woke up yesterday morning to find at least four inches of snow on the ground. Our poor tree was still thinking it's summer, and it was loaded down with white stuff. But, the kids were ecstatic! After church they managed to get Mark and I outside for a snowball fight, then the neighbor kids joined in. We threw the whole "no playing with friends on Sunday" rule out the window for a little while. Lots-o-Fun!!!

The BIG 7!!

Sam came into the world on October 10, 2001. He was a big child, 9lbs 1oz at two weeks early, with a big personality to boot!! As a baby he was so happy and content, a welcome break after the first, who was just a tad high maintenance:) Sam started saying words around 18 months, but by the time he was three he was still saying the five or six words he had started with. Our pediatrician suggested having him tested for speech and language problems, and he was diagnosed as developmentally delayed. Sam got to attend a wonderful preschool at our elementary school for two years, and by the end of the second year his speech was tons better, but he was having problems regulating his social and emotional behaviors. Kindergarten did wonders for him, and he is now doing great in first grade! He is really good at math and reading, and he loves art. His teacher talked a lot about his artistic skills when we went in for parent teacher conference.

Sam is very social and had no problem adjusting to first grade and being in school all day. He has many friends and is one of the friendliest people I know. He is usually open to negotiation with his brothers when it comes to who gets to do what first, or who wants what flavor or color. He does not like contention and is not afraid to let you know whether or not you are doing what Jesus would have you do!

Sam is very patriotic and will often put the church and the nation together, for example, when he feels like someone is not doing what they should, he will often say something like this: "You are not following the prophet of the United States of America". He wanted an "American" birthday party this year. So, we had a flag cake, and red, white, and blue star balloons.
Sam loves baseball, specifically the Red Sox and the Athletics, skateboarding, playing video games, swimming, and wrestling with his dad and brothers. We can't imagine life without our Sammy. He is our fighter for the right and will stand up for what he believes in no matter what. Happy Birthday Sammers!