Primary singing time

It is Zach's birthday this week and so in primary yesterday they tried to sing to him. I say tried because this is what happened---
Song leader-" Zach do you want to come up here so we can sing to you?"
Zach- just turned around and ignored her
Song leader- "Why don't you just stay right there and we will sing to you."
Zach- looked straight ahead with no expression like no one was talking to him.
The primary starts to sing.
Zach- reaches up and puts his fingers in his ears until the song is finished.

Note- he did take the birthday sucker with no problem

I asked him why he did that when he got home and he said- 'Everyone was looking at me and I don't like everyone looking at me.' Thats my Zach- lovin' every minute in the spotlight.

Halloween (Finally)

We had a great Halloween, I think the kids were more excited for this holiday than they seem for Christmas. Darwin took the kids out while I stayed home to hand out candy. I had been fighting a cold all week and decided to stay out of the cold. Good thing I did, it was a fairly mild night but it started to drizzle rain before they made it home. I have to give a big thanks to my little sis for sharing Halloween costumes with us. I had been putting off finding costumes and she came to the rescue. I think they were perfect and the kids were adorable.

Funny Maegan

We were driving home last night on I-15 through southern Utah and Maegan from the back seat asks
Maeg- Are we in Mexico?
Mom- No, why do you ask?
Maeg- It smells like salsa and I hear music.


Then today when I told her that her Uncle Eric just got called to the bishopric again yesterday--
Maeg- Did he get called as bishop?
Mom- No, he is the second counselor.
Maeg- Sweet, that means he gets to tell everyone what to do.

Running away from home

This actually happened last week and I have been waiting for the pictures in the camera that Darwin has had.

Porter got mad at his dad over something while I was at work and decided to run away. He packed his bag, grabbed his blanket and headed out the door. The furthest he got was across the street over by the church, but decided that was too far and settled down on the far side of our neighbors house. Darwin said he couldn't help himself and spent more time taking pictures than trying to talk Porter into coming home. The picture taking actually made matters worse and made Porter even more upset.

Well, I am happy to report that Porter didn't run away for good and was actually home and still in bed when I got home the next morning. Thanks for coming home buddy. I would have missed you big time.

Another lost tooth

I was in the bathroom tonight combing through Maegan's hair as she brushed her teeth. All of a sudden she got a strange look on her face and she paused and spit into the sink. I was surprise when I heard a clink. I looked down and she had lost a tooth.

She was even more surprised than I was. The tooth hadn't been that loose, but the new tooth was growing in behind it. Usually she has to work her loose teeth to death before they finally fall out. So, this was easy in comparison. We had quite a laugh over the whole thing.

I just hope the tooth fairy doesn't forget to come. :)

Bullies

Porter was beaten up walking home from school on Thursday. He is okay- no blood or bruises or anything like that. What happened was a 4th grader had been calling him names and Porter started returning the favor. The bigger kid didn't like that and ran across the street and tackled him. Porter said at some point his foot hit the kid in the face and the next thing he knew, he was being punched in the side of the head.

When the kids first told me, I was seeing red. The tough thing was, no one knew who this kid was, so we didn't know how to resolve the issue. Then a little boy, who I think is sweet on Maeg, showed up at our house and said he knew who the kid was. Maegan talked him into telling on the boy's mom and off he went. I had talked to Porter by this point and was thinking about letting the whole thing drop when a knock came on the door. It was the 4th grader coming to say he was sorry. To tell the truth- he looked like a good kid. He had come on his own, with no mom making him, and he was almost in tears the whole time. It actually took me a long time to get Porter to come to the door and say he was sorry for his part in the whole thing. I felt good how it all turned out.

Porter has faced bullies before on the playground at school. When I ask him if he is standing up to the bullies and not letting himself be pushed around he says 'Mom, we are supposed to be nice to others.' How do you fight with that? Porter is such a good hearted kid. He tries to include everyone when they are playing and is usually the first one to make sure the littler kids are included and that everyone is having a good time. So how does he find the balance between that and self preservation?

Boobytrap

Our church schedule changed to 9am which of course means that Sunday afternoon naps are back on. Yesterday we fed the kids lunch, played a game of Phase 10 Dice and then we all laid down for a little piece of heaven. At least I thought we were all going to lay down. Darwin and I both had a good nap, but the kids couldn't quite get to sleep. Well you know what happens when your sweet angels are unsupervised for an hour or so- yep, you guessed it- the candy cupboard got raided.
We were laughing about it when we were eating supper and I said I would have to put up boobytraps to keep everyone out. One of the kids said that it wouldn't work on them because they didn't have boobies. Then everyone said I don't have boobies either. Porter all of sudden perked up and said 'Wait, I do have a booby' and he lifted up his pant leg to show a big bruise. 'Oh wait' he said, 'that's an owie'. Too funny!

Update

Life becomes the same old, same old and it is hard to think up "interesting" things to write about. Kids still say crazy things, funny things happen but by the time I sit down to blog I can't think of a thing. Update at work- things are better. I finally decided to change my work status. What that means is that work will be a little more absolute and I won't get called off so much. It also means that I could qualify for benefits through the hospital. We have been on private insurance since Darwin quit but the coverage isn't that great. So- wahoo for us.
Darwin has started teaching concealed weapons classes, we feel very lucky and blessed that he got a 'contract' with the Cabela's here to teach classes exclusively at their site. They even advertise for us. Then he also travels to California to teach classes there. I have been helping him by getting everyone in the class fingerprinted and taking pictures and getting copies of I.D.'s so they have everything for their packets. I need to get my notary so that is even one less step for people to have to do. So if you have ever thought about it- check with Cabela's for the time and dates or call for the out of state classes. (You never thought you would have to sit through a commercial on a blog before did you?)
Lastly, I have discovered the wonders of facebook. A friend from high school who I have talked to in almost 20 yrs contacted me and encouraged me to join. It has been fun reconnecting with so many random people that I didn't know of any other way of getting a hold of them. It is great fun, but I find my blog suffers when I get so distracted.
Kids are doing great. We just had parent teacher conference yesterday. When we left I asked Darwin, what do the teachers say when they don't like your kids? Both Maeg's and Port's teacher went on and on about what great kids they were and what a joy it was to have them in class. Do you think when your kid is a brat the teachers just lie through their teeth or do they just say nothing at all? Just something to think about.

Unemployed???

I am guessing this is what it feels like to be unemployed. I have been put on call for the last 4 shifts that I have been scheduled for- that means there haven't been enough patients at the hospital for the number of nurses on the schedule and so someone has to stay home. Lucky or unlucky depending on how you look at it - that person is always me because of the type of pay scale I am on. I am in a pickle as to how I feel about the whole thing. On one hand I am all in a panic, with Darwin not working steadily mine is the only "steady" paycheck. On the other hand, I feel like a normal person again that doesn't have nights and days mixed up. I am actually pleasant to be around (most of the time). So, even though I know I should feel bad I am not working- I have a hard time "feeling bad". I know, I know just wait until bill time then my priorities will be back where they need to be.

Sinyourete

Maegan and Porter were being creative in the back room and wrote a song that they performed for me and Darwin. I just had to share the lyrics they wrote (just how Maegan wrote them).
The song is called: Sinyourete by Maegan and Porter McKee

I have a Lady her name was Sinyoureta and I Loved her derley. She was so butaful. She was my life. She was my heart. She was the Butifulist. But she died and I cried.

Not to bad, don't you think. They might have future someday down the road. :) The performance entailed each of them singing a line in turn, usually with Maegan coaching Porter what his coming line would be.

They have caught a performing bug and love to put on concerts that they make tickets for and everything - Dancing and lip syncing to Hannah Montana songs. I wish they were brave enough to perform to others besides our family.

No we are not beating our kids

If you have noticed our kids lately, they are all sporting bruises. Big noticable bruises. First Maegan ends up with a big one on her arm- the story keeps changing on whether it was Porter or Zach that got her, but got her they did. The thing is about the size of a fifty cent piece and it is not going away. Next, Zach fell out of bed the other night. He didn't even seem to cry but when he awoke the next day his left eye was big and black and blue. It really is the best shiner he has ever given himself. Last, Porter was playing at the neighbors and on the way home he ran his bike into a parked SUV. Face planted right up against the side of the vehicle. Maegan came screaming into the house- "Porter wrecked his bike and is bleeding all over the place". Nothing like a calm announcement like that to really get your blood pumping. His two front teeth were knocked loose and a bottom tooth went all the way through his lower lip.
I think I am going to have to lock them all up for their own safety - Oh wait a minute, that is just another form of child abuse isn't it. Well, I will have to think of something else- maybe bubble wrap.

Happy Anniversary

Ten years, can you believe it? Ten years as of yesterday. I worked the night shift the day before, slept until 1pm, got up and watched Darwin walk out the door a half hour later. So much for a big celebration.

I wanted to say for the record though that it has been an amazing ride with my best friend forever by my side. I sat around the table tonight while we were eating dinner and looked at my three beautiful kids and my handsome husband and thought that I am the luckiest gal in the world.
Thank you Darwin, I love you and I looking forward to the next sixty with you by my side.

It's nothing

Porter and I had some alone time this morning before the other kids woke up. I love this time to just spend some one on one time with the kids to find out what is going on in their little heads. Porter had been sitting across the room in a chair as we were talking and he finally got up and came over and gave me a big hug. He said 'This is for nothing'. For nothing? 'Yeah' he said, 'there is just no reason, just that I wanted to hug you'. I could use more reasons like that. Thanks Port.

Last day of ....

We have some big last days today. Not last days of the earth or anything that dramatic, but I had to document some "lasts" for our family.

First- it is Maegan's last day of 2nd grade. I can't beleive how much she has learned this year. She has become an amazing reader and will actually read on her own sometimes without me even reminding her that it needs to be done. We have been reading the Fablehaven series together as a family and it is fun to have the kids want to read more even after we have put in our twenty minutes. She has also learn more addition and subtraction skills, telling time, counting money, and a plethera of other skills to numerous to mention. She has had a great teacher- Starr Maurin- whom she has loved to death. Thanks Miss Maurin for all you do.

Second- Porter finished his last day of Kindergarten. Way to go Porter!!!!
He has had a great time this year learning and getting used to the school thing. He is reading better all the time (he would be better if he didn't fight it so much), is learning about patterns, numbers, and so much more. His two best friends Calvin Davis and Nathan Remund have been in his class and he loves playing after school with them. I know he is excited about 1st grade next year and being able to eat in the cafeteria for lunch.

Third- Today is Darwin's last day with the Highway Patrol. He is turning everything in today. Porter thinks it would be great if he could just keep his gun. Darwin will now be doing financial planning for Primerica. Maegan came in to our room this morning before the alarm went off and climbed into bed with us. She said "Dad, you are just picky." We asked what she meant by that and she said, "You are picky because you already have a good job that pays all the bills and yet you want to quit so you can get a better job that pays you lots of money. You should just be satisfied with what you have." It is true, the patrol has been very good to us and we are so grateful for all of the good things that it has provided - it is a leap of faith for us to leave the secure and go out on our own. We are putting ourselves in the Lords hands and praying that things go well for us so that we can be in a better financial place to be able to help out family more or be more prepared for what happens in the future. Say a pray for our success. :)

So - our last days. A great day for endings and a great day for new beginnings. Watch out here we come !!!!

My funny Zachary

Zach has been on one lately saying the funniest things. This morning after Porter's tooth fell out he was watching him kind of funny and running his tongue over his teeth. After Porter left for school, Zach ran and got the scissors- He was going to cut out his tooth so he could be like his brother.

I couldn't think of a better role model for Zach to have- Porter is a great kid.

Also, Zach has been really 'discovering' that boys and girls are different lately as we discuss that boys and girls shouldn't be in the bathroom at the same time. He asks me daily if I have a "weiner". This is how our conversations go- "Mom, do you have a weiner?" "No, Zach I don't."
"Show me mom" Needless to say, he doesn't get to see and I think he is frustrated by it.

The kicker was when last week Zach said, "Mom, why don't you ask Heavenly Father for a weiner, then you can play with it like me." Now isn't that the best. He wanted me to be as happy as he was and didn't think that was possible without a weiner. Darwin is concerned that he talks so much about it, but I assure him (and I hope I'm right) that it is just a stage he is going through. By the way- I like being a girl and wouldn't want one. :)

Porter's 1st tooth

Porter has been working his tooth really hard for the last couple of days- "I just can't leave it alone" he told me. This morning while we were getting ready for school the tooth was laying flat in his mouth and barely hanging on. I asked if he wanted me to pull it and he bravely opened his mouth. I thought I was going to loose a finger as he almost changed his mind but the tooth popped out too fast. Maegan who watched the whole thing said "That was really gross, I think I am going to be sick."

The Wii

I can't hardly believe it but we finally found a Wii. I have been looking for one since November. The months of frustration are behind me, but can I complain one more time? Why do clerks when you ask if they have any Wii's say yes, but we sold out this morning? I would have my hopes raised and dashed in mere seconds. But enough of that.
I have to say that it was worth the whole purchase price just to watch my kids throw their bodies around trying to hit an imaginary ball. If you have a Wii you know what I mean- if you don't go to your friends house that does, it is hilarious.
The day after the purchase, all three kids were nursing sore arms. Even my big strong husband thinks he might be developing tendinitis and that is only after a short time playing. You could say we are a little intense at our house.
It is funny though. I have been hunting for the elusive Wii for so long that now that I have one, I miss the hunt. Crazy huh? I think sometimes that looking forward to something can be funner that having that thing you were hoping for.

Spring Break

Well, Spring Break is at an end. To tell you the truth, I am as sad as the kids are that they are going back to school. We have really enjoyed the time off.
The kids and I went to Idaho to visit my family and had as good as time possible without Darwin there. That is one thing about being married to a Highway Patrolman- he rarely has the same days off as the kids so we have to do a lot of things without him. :(
The weather was awful. I was hoping that spring break would include some spring time temperatures while we were in Idaho. I think it snowed half of the days that we were there.
There was however a lot of time spent playing with cousins that we only see about four times a year and we got to see my brothers cat have kittens. Yes, you heard right- we watched her having kittens. Let me tell you that can bring up a whole list of questions that I didn't know that I was ready to answer. If I can figure out how, I will post some pictures of the happy event.
The kittens were born during one of the before mentioned snow storms and didn't look like they were going to make it. Now I am not a cat person, but I found myself wanting to do anything possible to make sure those cute little things made it. We brought them in the house, gave them a heating pad and warmed blankets in the microwave. Crazy huh?

I am a Blogger

I am finally joining the blogging movement. I don't scrapbook and I have to say that journal writing is not my strong point- I figure that by posting pictures and saying a little about what is going on in our family that I will be killing two birds with one stone. Hurray for us!!!!!
I have been silently cyberstocking some of my neighbors blogs for about a month now and it has been so much fun getting to know them a little more through this medium.
Wish me luck!