Pride

I'd really like to skip over my Thanksgiving post and go straight into why I am so proud of the boys in my family, but hopefully one day I will look back and laugh and be glad I wrote down my awful first Thanksgiving dinner.

We decided to stay in Vegas over the holiday. Normally friends stay too and we have a big dinner, not this year. We were the only ones to stay so I decided to do the whole meal for my family. Long story short--Turkey was not good. Dry and chewy. I put my mother in laws famous orange rolls next to the oven to rise and killed the yeast. I didn't get them done in time for dinner, but cooked them later. It was like eating rocks. Scott decided the night before he wanted chocolate pie as well as pumpkin pie. The chocolate pie crust was a mega bust, so we've just been eating the filling. I managed the potatoes and pumpkin pie--that's about it. Bless my sweet husband who ate it up and told it was fine. I love him. And just when I was feeling more confident in my kitchen skills. Oh well, here's to next year.

Now, the reason I am so proud. My ward is moving into a new church building. The nurseries don't have any toys so they have asked the members to donate any gently used toys. I talked to the boys about it all week and they were less than enthusiastic. But Wednesday rolled around and we spent a majority of the morning picking out toys to donate. It was really hard for them. I didn't anticipate them being so sentimental about some of the things. They wanted to keep everything if they remembered who gave it to them. Regardless of if they still played with it--it was important to them because of who gave it to them. It was sweet. In the end they gathered over a box full of stuff and felt proud of themselves for helping.

Beckett refused a picture. 

Proud of Cache just because he is the worlds greatest one year old. And the worlds greatest shopping partner. 

And to say I was proud of Scott would be a compete understatement. Just when I think I am full to the gills with amazement he does something else and my pride just gushes over the top. This past week he was named a peak performer for his company. An honor that only 1% of employees get and is a big deal. He has only been there two years and is proving to be more valuable and useful then people that have served out there for over ten. He gives everything he has to his job and I am so glad he was recognized not only from colleagues and his boss, but the head bosses and whole company. Its a huge accomplishment.

On top of that he got a new calling as assistant ward clerk. So he puts in 14 hour days, has a fairly big calling considering his free time, does things around the house non stop and still finds time to make his wife feel loved. I am gushing. He is the greatest.

These four boys are the purpose of my life. I love them more than anything. I am so proud and so grateful for them. So its okay if my dinner was awful, because my family is my main focus this time of year!  

Backyard

 Since we've moved into the house I've had to tell myself multiple times that things will take time to do and not everything will be perfect at once. I have a mile long wish list full of projects to complete, walls to paint, curtains to sew and on and on. 

But one thing we decided not to wait any longer on was the backyard. Its crazy how small of a dirt patch can bring so much dust and dirt into my house. And its small. Las Vegas yards can hardly be qualified as a yard at all. And since the builder cut 2 whole feet off the back, its really small. But, our kids don't know any different and they are just excited to have space outside and grass of their very own. 

So that is exactly what their dad is doing. He has been working non stop on getting the sprinkler system installed so we can lay sod. He is the handiest of men and I love it. He's never laid a sprinkler system before, that I know of, yet he's out there like a professional. Things just make sense to Scott and I love watching him work it out. 

 Hard at work. 

I wish you could see the mountains behind us. We really have a great view. For now.

Its long and skinny, but its our own.

And I couldn't be happier about it. 

Thirty!

Yesterday could have not have gone more wrong! Our helicopter tour of Red Rock was canceled due to the rain, the planned surprise party apparently wasn't much of a surprise and my attempt at an awesome layered cake was a failure, but I'm still wishing this man a happy happy birthday!! The boys and I are lucky to have you. Love you, Scott! Thirty never looked so good.

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

This last week has been a tiring week full of trials and blessings. 

It all started Wednesday when Cache woke up from his nap with a fever. I blew it off figuring it was from the two new teeth he is working on. However, as Thursday rolled around he was still burning up. Fast forward to Saturday, still a dang fever without any other symptoms besides extremely cranky and clingy. I normally let a fever burn a little bit if my kids are acting okay, but Cache was so uncomfortable and miserable that I was dosing him up every 4-6 hours. He was fine while the meds were working but as soon as they wore off he was back to sick sick sick. We took him to the doctor Saturday and they found absolutely nothing wrong with him, which worried both the doctor and me. A fever is normally an indication of an infection, and without an obvious answer, it made for worry and questions about the next step.

During all of this, I had to prepare my lesson for my new calling- Gospel Doctrine Teacher. I know, you're jealous. As if speaking in church last week wasn't enough. I had to keep up on laundry, housework and the day to day endeavors of a stay at home mom. We had virtually zero food in the home so a trip to the grocery store was needed. The two boys needed attention and chauffeuring to various activities. Not that it was too much to handle, but a sick baby made it so exhausting. And I was also wracked with worried the whole time too. I was just praying the week would end soon so I could get some back up from my husband.

So enough about the trials, I had a lot of blessings too. Preparing my lesson gave me time each day to sit down and ponder and study the gospel. I prayed about it daily and learned more from the lesson and spirit of Elijah then I am sure I taught. We constantly were praying for Cache to get better. The boys prayed for him at every prayer both family and personal. Scott gave him a blessing and I was in constant communication with my Heavenly Father in behalf of my sick child. 

I hate that I am most prompted to pray and trust in the Lord when I am in trouble or need help. I need to be more grateful when things are good. But the spirit was so strong in my house this week. I knew that because of our prayers and the faith of my sweet boys that our home was being blessed and watched over and protected. Every time I prayed about Cache I had a feeling of peace and feeling that everything was going to be okay. It was hard to trust in that because the fever kept burning and burning and we had idea why. But I did my best to hold strong to my truth and let the other 'what ifs' out the door.

So Monday came around and after 6 days of raging fever, we took him back to the doctor. Luckily I was able to see my new favorite doctor and really sit down with her and discuss possibilities. She wanted to check for a UTI which meant he needed a catheter so his urine could be tested. Let me tell you how unpleasant it is to hold down your screaming one year old while they run 8 inches of tubing up his pee pee. Its really unpleasant. Actually, awful. His eyes begged me to make them stop and his screams were heart wrenching. 

After that was finished Candice, the doc, gave him a booster antibiotic shot to kick start his immune system if they found a bacterial infection. I thought the shot would be like a regular immunization, nope, I was wrong. The needle was much bigger and because it was a hand mixed shot it was so thick. No exaggeration--it took 7 seconds for them to push the liquid into his body. More screaming and more pleading eyes. My heart was about to fall out of my chest.

We left the doctor and headed to the hospital to get his blood work done. At that point they were looking for a bacterial infection, a viral infection, a blood infection and also cancer. Hoping to rule the serious stuff out. It took 3 people to hold him down, me included, so the phlebotomist could draw three viles of blood. It took every ounce of power I had to not rip him away and take him home so nobody else could hurt him. But I knew what had to be done and I did it.

The morning had been way longer than I anticipated and I was as mentally exhausted as Cache was physically. I prayed the whole way to my car to keep my son safe and  the closer I got to my car the more and more my eyes welled with tears. I just wanted to make it to my car and have a good cry. I was about 50 feet from my car when a lady pulled over and asked if I was okay. That did it and I could not stop the tears from coming. She proceeded to tell me she didn't believe in coincidences and knew she was driving by me at that exact moment because she had something to tell me. She was in the lab as Cache screamed while they took his blood. She had to walk out of the room because it was too much for her to bare. She said she could feel his pain and the strength of his mother, because she has had to do it too. She told me she was a Christian and was prompted to tell me that God was aware of me and my situation and was holding our family in his hands. This trial would pass and she asked for permission to put his name on her prayer roll. I cried and cried and thanked her telling her she was the answer to my prayer that day. We don't share the same religion, but we share the same God and she was a good God fearing women and her words gave me more comfort that she will ever know. 

We got the results back yesterday. His blood work is a little conflicting, but all in all good. He has a major virus. Normal levels should be around a 10 and his is almost doubled with a plus 17. His bacterial levels are also a little elevated, but nothing to worry about now. His blood count was normal which ruled out the blood infection or cancer. Best news of my life. And most of all, when I told my boys that Cachee was going to be okay, Taydens reply was, "Yeah, because we said lots of prayer and Heavenly Father heard us." His fever finally broke yesterday and know we are on the road to recovery. Fingers crossed. 

In the midst of trial and heartache, I know that Heavenly Father is our pillar of strength and will not forsake us. I know that when we pray, he hears us. My relationship with him grew this week. It was a hard week, but feeling closer to my Savior and Father in Heaven made it worth it. 

Getting Schooled

Since we've been home in Nevada, both Tayden and Beckett have started school.

Tayden has started preschool with 2 amazing women in my ward. He goes Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-12:00. There are about 12 students and two teachers. They split them into groups depending on skill and one teacher does a craft pertaining to the letter and number then they switch after snack time and do the academics of it. He also gets 15 minutes one on one time to work on whatever he needs help with or whatever I feel he needs to work on. I have been so impressed with this operation and more importantly he is loving it. We supplement with workbooks every other day after breakfast and of course B has to get in on the fun.

Beckett is doing a joy school with some friends of ours. We only do it on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00. We are rotating homes and so far it is working out wonderfully. There are five little boys doing it together, so I only have to teach once every five weeks. We are going through the alphabet and focusing on one letter a week. Its nothing too structured, mostly to give the boys some social interaction and the moms a break. Tuesdays are shaping up to be my favorite day! I was worried about B because he is the youngest of the bunch, but he is proving to be doing quite well.

Its fun seeing these boys so happy and anxious to learn. I hope I can keep that fire lit as they grow older!

Mennear Family Pictures

While my family was down, my good friend took our pictures. She usually does outdoor pictures, but since the day we had scheduled was the windiest day I have ever seen--she did them indoors at some model homes. This was her first indoor shot and it was fabulous. She did a great job. I love all of them! My only complaint is that she took SO MANY great pictures its hard to narrow it down. I did the best I could, but prepare for an over load! 

Sure love this family of mine. 

No Place Like Home

Now, more than ever--I feel home. This house has given me the strongest sense of home I have ever felt. Its like it was meant for me. It fits our family so well. The kids are comfortable and immediately warmed up to the new place. It's funny because I thought breaking sleeping habits would be a nightmare, but as soon as we came home the peace radiated through everyone and sleep was a dream. If I could change one thing, it would be the amount of time required to set it up just how I want it. I told myself coming into it that not everything would be perfect right away and it would take time. And that's okay. That's the fun thing about owning a home is the improvement and decor and change is always revolving and really is a never ending process. So, I try to be patient and love my plain bare walls or the spots without the right furniture. But, one room is done (pretty much) and I love it. Our formal front room:

This is the first room you see walking into our house. The walls look yellowy in the this picture, but they are a tan.   

I got the awesome rug on clearance at Walmart for less  than $20.00. Talk about a steal.

My friend helped me pick out the fabric for the throw pillows. I should have taken some close ups, they really are so cute. I had to laugh when I finished sewing them and put them out on the couch because they match our family pictures. I didn't mean for that to happen, but apparently I like the blue and orange combo. Good thing, since we are BSU fans. 

 This is my favorite part about the room. A-The table! I've been wanting to make it for quite some time, but haven't had a spot for it until now. Justin helped me finish it when he came up and I could not be more pleased with it. B-The tray I made. It had a plain wood bottom that blended in with the newly finished table, so I used some glass pebbles we had sitting around and some epoxy to make a solid beaded bottom. 

It's been fun and I can't wait to get to the rest of the house. Scott and I have different tastes, so it can be a challenge pleasing the both of us--but it is a challenge I am ready to take!

Now, onto the master bedroom.

I think. 

Day 10 of 30

Day 10 of 30: Your most embarrassing moment.

When I decided to do the 30 day blog challenge, I knew it was going to take some time--but I'm going on over a year, and only on day 10. lol Maybe that should be my most embarrassing moment.

In reality though, my most embarrassing moment is more than just a moment. Its an on going event. I feel it everyday and am plagued by its guilt and shame. Ready for it? I never graduated from college. There, I said it. I hate the fact that I dropped out. I did well in high school. I graduated with high honors, had several college credits and really enjoyed education. I had every intention of finishing college before I got married, but Scott came along and there was no way I could pass him up. I moved from Rexburg to Pocatello and transferring credits was becoming quite the headache. So I decided to take a break and go back the next fall. In the mean time I got a great job and Scott decided to go back full time. We put him through school first and just never made me going back a priority. It breaks my heart and just thinking about it makes me sick. I should have made more sacrifices. I should have listened to my mom. She told me not to stop going. But I did, and I regret it everyday. The worst part is I can feel myself losing it. I can feel myself becoming less and less smart and more and more dumb. I forget where commas go, simple math isn't so simple anymore and I don't even remember half of the periodic table. Its frustrating. Scott and I have been discussing the idea of me going back in the next few months. We have to wait and see what his schedule does, but I would love nothing more than to get my degree and finish my education. I can see why the church has counseled us to continue our education. It really is so important.

On to day 11--in another couple of months.    

Vegas Visitors

Nothing makes a new house feel like a new home more than visitors! Friday afternoon my sister came from Utah. We spent some time hanging out at the house and then running around on Saturday. Saturday evening we went to the hot air balloon festival twilight glow. So awesome. All the balloons were grounded and lit up, it was beautiful. The highlight of the night though was when one of the pilots called the boys over to get in the hot air balloon and pull the fire handle. Beckett was not for it, but Tayden couldn't climb in fast enough. It was such a cool experience for him. Watching his face light up as he pulled the fire handle was awesome. Everything is more beautiful through his sweet innocent eyes.

Sunday rolled around and we waited in anticipation for the arrival of Grandma and Grandpa Mennear as well as Echo and the kids. Scott and Tayden headed to the airport to get my parents while I stayed behind to get the two little kids and myself ready for church. While he was gone, there was a knock at my door. I knew it was Echo so I flew down the stairs and wrapped my arms around her sweet children. Just as we were heading inside, my brother popped out from behind the corner of my house. I screamed in surprise and immediately burst into tears. I haven't seen Justin in over a year and a half! It was the best surprise I could have asked for. Minutes later my parents showed up and just like that we had a house full of visitors and excitement and for the first time in 19 months my family was together.

We set off to church to watch Tayden participate in his first primary program. He did wonderful. He was the kid that waves and thumbs up his family the whole time. He beamed ear to ear as he sang the songs and when it was his turn to speak, he pulled down the microphone and said, "Jesus loves me because he gave me my brothers and he makes me better when I am sick". Never mind his part was, "Jesus loves me because he hears me when I pray". I giggled to myself and then thought about how blessed I am to have a four year old speak from his heart and tell his simple truths. He is so precious to me. The final song he sang was 'Jesus Wants Me for A Sunbeam'. Again, he was that kid that screamed "Sunbeam"...every time. Over all I'd call it a success.

That evening we hung out and enjoyed each others company. We hit bed a little early since we had to wake up bright and early for family pictures the next morning.

We had a house full!

We woke up to the windiest day I have ever seen in my life. Our outside photo shoot had become an impossibility, so I started scrambling for indoor venues at a moments notice. I was not going to let the wind ruin a chance to get our family pictures done. We ended up using the model homes of our community for pictures. It was beautiful and I can't wait to see the finished products. Overall, I am just excited to have an updated picture of everyone. 

Monday evening we went out to dinner and tried the Bellagio water fountains, but due to the high wind the show was canceled. We were bummed, but still got to see the gardens inside. 

Cache all bundled to go outside to see the fountains. He couldn't move anything but his sweet little eyes. It was the cutest thing. 

Tuesday morning Justin and I hit Home Depot and got supplies to finish my project. He's practically a professional woodworker, so I enlisted him to help me make my table. It was fun spending some one on one time with him without the kids and working on the table together. It turned out so beautifully.

We loaded up the kids Tuesday afternoon and made a trip to the children's museum. I have a pass and like to take our visitors there when they come. It never disappoints and we had a great time. 

And then before I knew it, Wednesday morning rolled around and everyone, minus my parents, were off. Tayden was sad all day and vowed he'd never be happy again without Coda and Gracie. He loves his cousins so much. They literally played for 3 days straight. I told him it was okay to be sad, because I was too. Its good to love our families so much that it makes our heart hurt when they leave. My mom and dad stayed until Thursday morning, so that helped with the blues a little bit. 

Luckily, Thursday was Halloween, so we had things to keep them distracted. We when to the haunted library with some friends, had dinner at the ward trunk or treat and then went on our traditional trick or treating with our closest friends. It was a great holiday. As good as Halloween can get anyway. 

 Poor Cache didn't dress up. He did have a Halloween shirt on though. It may or may not have said, "My first Halloween", but at least we were festive. 

The boys were ninja turtles. Awesome Aunt Ashley bought the boys hard shells and masks, so we just added some green sweats and hats and viola...the real ninja turtles. They loved it. 

It was the perfect week. I am so blessed that my siblings, Echo included, are my best friends. Honestly, I love my family so much and being together again was priceless. One thing that I love most about family is it doesn't matter how long you are apart, when you see each other again you pick up where you left off and its like you were never apart. I hope we don't have to wait that long again!