THE WALL BOYS

Owen's 3rd Birthday!

2010-05-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Yes....its been a full year since I have posted! Can you believe it! Time goes by so fast. I have been so busy, but have finally decided that I must slow down just a little to re-live these moments. Owen turned three! He was so excited about his birthday! He wanted a "Mater Cake" so I made a Lightening McQueen cake for the Killebrew family birthday party and a Mater Cake for the Wall family birthday party. Owen loved Chucky Cheese! Its was so fun watching him interact with him, and dance with him, and give him high fives and hugs....so cute! I can't believe my baby is three! CRAZY! He's such a fun kid and everyone loves this little guy.

This year he has been doing a lot better. He is still on a daily antibiotic, along with breathing treatments and a nose spray but he doesn't get sick nearly as often as he use to. Now he might get pneumonia once a month. His lungs have been permanently scared, so he will probably have to have an inhaler to play sports, but hopefully after this year he will be done with the bactrum. Daddy and I love you so much kiddo and we are so lucky to have you in our family! We love you so much!

Owen's 2nd Birthday

2009-05-10T07:48:00.001-07:00

Owen turned 2! He's such a fun boy! His personality is really fun! We started the day off with our traditional breakfast in bed with a few presents. He loves "Cars" so I got him a mater truck and some other cars. He carried them around with him all day. I had him alone that day so we headed to the zoo. It was so fun just hanging out with him and watching him get excited over the animals. We were looking at the rhino's and he dropped his mater truck down in the pit! He was so upset, so we headed to target to find another one. Then we came home and I made him his cake and we headed off to Chucky Cheese for a family party! He had such a fun day. He knew it was his birthday and he loved every minute. I love watching him be a boy! He's so animated and makes me laugh all the time.

We had the big family party that Sunday and I made cupcakes...thanks Karen! They were a lot of work, but so cute and the kids loved them.

He got lots of fun stuff. He loves his toys! Owen has been such a blessing to our family. He's been a challenge with his swallow dysfunction and pneumonia and his digestive problems but he's finally growing out of all this. His last case of pneumonia was about a month ago so hopefully we are in the clear! He's growing and talking and trying to keep up with his older brothers. We love him so much! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!

Bella

2009-03-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

My brother Jonathan and his wife Jen went on vacation and we got to babysit!!!! We love this dog! The boys had so much fun and she is so cute...how could you not love her. She peeded and pooped on my carpet a couple of times but I didn't care...she was just so cute! I loved her. The boys want a dog more than ever now...so we are working on Daddy! Owen's first official "first word" besides mom, is Bella. He would hold his hand out and snap his fingers and say...Wella, Wella" So CUTE! Thanks Jonathan and Jen...you guys can go on vacation anytime!

Ethans BasketBall Season

2009-03-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ethan eats, breaths and lives for basketball...he plays it at school, and when ever he can in the front yard with the neighbors basketball hoop! Thanks neighbors! So I signed him up for Upward. He loved it! He so good at sports...not the fastest kid, but concentrates so hard that he really knows how to PLAY! Its so fun watching him!

During one of the games, Jake took Owen in the hall to play. He came back crying and said he fell off the window ledge. I thought...no big deal he falls off of everything. But he wouldn't stop crying and then got sleeping...and then started throwing up! So we rushed him to the ER and after being taken right back...four hours in a room waiting for a doctor to come and tell us he needed a CAT scan....he was fine. After waiting in that room for over an hour I could have told him that!

OHHH NOOO!

2009-03-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Jake's always had some girl that he likes or that likes him, but this is new.....

We teased him a little about it, but it really is cute! Makes me remember my first crush.

I don't like this one bit...he's still my baby!

Jake's School Trip to Austin

2009-03-29T07:27:00.001-07:00

This actually happened in January...now finding time to post....here goes!

Jake's fourth grade class chartered a bus and went to Austin to see the capital. It was long, and some of it was boring, but just being with Jake was wonderful! He actually wanted to sit by me! He held my hand, he hugged me, we talked and had a good time being together! He's ten and I know that he probably will not want to hold my hand or "be alone" with me much longer, but I really cherish these moments. Thanks Jake for letting me go with you!

Just Me and Jake!

His friend Ashton

His friend Calob

His friend Josh

His friends Thomas and Ryan

How many pizza's can one fourth grade class go through?

My Boys Are So Cute!

2009-03-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures my friend the famous photographer took....Becky...www.pepplebrookportaits.com
She's amazing...THANKS Becky! I can't wait to get some on my walls.

Happy 5th Birthday Justin!

2009-02-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Justin....I know it was last month, but it takes me a while to post things. I can't believe you are FIVE! You are getting so big! We had so much fun celebrating your birthday. First, "Breakfast in Bed" it's a tradition in our family and we love it...candles in the pancakes, singing, and gifts. The kids really look forward to this.

Then we had the "family birthday" party...those are always a lot of fun...more fun for Justin! Thanks everyone for coming to celebrate!

Then came the "friend birthday". I had been planning for a while and Justin had mentioned that he wanted a Kung Fu Panda Party...did you know that NO ONE sells kung fu panda party supplies, except for on line and since I always wait till the last minute...that wasn't an option. So luckily, party city had Chinese new year party stuff! It turned out really good!

I made Justin's Panda Cake, fortune cookies dipped in chocolate and sprinkles, candy sushi, and I had the kids eat Roman Noodles with chop stickes. They loved it!

The bouncy house was an hour late, this is a picture of all the kids waiting for it to be put up...but it all worked out! I love you Justin! You are such a stud! You are so loving to me and I love the time I get to spend with you. I love watching you grow up! Your so fun, and I am so proud of you! I love being your MOM!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

We did a lot of celebrating this Christmas season....we had the ward Christmas party, we had three of the boys school parties, we went on the polar express train...which was awesome (except for Ethan..he cried the whole time because his ear hurt) we had Rylee and Ashley over for a sleep over and hung out with them. It was so much fun having the boys home. That's my favorite part, spending time with them, having them home with me all day long. I love just being with them...we made a ginger bread house, tons of candy and cookies, turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, pies, we went to the movies a couple of times, saw Santa Clause finally at the polar express, sang Christmas carols, had our Wall traditional Nativity Scene which all the kids get to dress up. Owen did pretty good for his first time. So Christmas Eve I read a "The Night before Christmas" to the kids, they got to open the traditional PJ gift and we kissed them and sent them to bed.

I started to feel bad around this time and progressively it got worse, by 12:30 I was preparing for Santa's arrival, and in between that I would get sick, so I would go put stuff out, come back and throw up, and the night went just like that...back and forth till about 1 in the morning. Ethan came in around 2 and said that Santa had been there and asked if he could get up. I told him he could go look but that it was too early, to go back to bed.

Finally.....one of the kids got up before I did!!!! Of coarse, I was suffering from the flu, but every Christmas morning I am up, waiting on at least one of the kids to get up. This year, I was relieved to finally have the kids up before I was ready. Sounds odd, but I love this part....getting up way too early and the excitement of what Santa brought!

By 6:30 A.M. Ethan and Jake couldn't wait any longer so I got up, and had them wake up Owen, Justin and Dad...MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE...

ThanksGiving

2009-01-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving was GREAT! We are very grateful for so many things. I am grateful that Justin has found his best buddy...Gavin. Charity will always be one of Justin's favorite friends, but she has moved to Frisco and she started school this year so it was hard for him not having someone around...thanks Gavin for filling the void! Everyday I wake up to Justin telling me..."Mom, Call Ruff so Gavin can come over!"

Ethan is so cute! I am thankful that he loves...loves...loves...school. He wishes it was school everyday! He loves his teacher and he loves his friends. He is such a sweet child and is so well, behaved at school. I am so thankful for his example! Your such a great kid Ethan!

This is Jake in line for his Thanksgiving feast. He has so many good friends. I am so thankful that I don't have to worry about your friends. They are all really good boys. You are so fun to be around. I love you kiddo!

This year, all of the Wall side came down for Thanksgiving.

I love it when we all get together! The kids have so much fun and can't stand to leave each other at night. We went bowling, jumped on the trampoline, watched movies, rode bikes, scooters, played tag, and just hung out. There are twelve boys and two girls. So much fun! So much yummy food...isn't that what thanksgiving is all about?

For a FHE activity I had the kids and Mom and Dad write what we were thankful for...here goes..

Ethan: I am thankful for...Pilgrims (he had just learned about them in school, so he was hung up about them)

Jake: I am thankful for....Money, shelter, pilgrims, houses, school, sports, food, parents, teachers, cars, church, scriptures, PSP, WII, brothers, toys, Christmas, baby brother, Halloween, turkey, clothes, trampoline, Indians, movie theaters....whew!!

Owen: I am thankful for...scribbles (that's what he drew)

Justin: I am thankful for...my brothers, my school, my friends, my mom and dad, Owen.

Dad: I am thankful for... (he drew pictures of) Mom, house, RV, Garden and football.

Mom: I am thankful for..my four boys, my wonderful/gorgeous husband, the gospel, the temple, the church, my friends, my house, that I get to stay at home and raise my family, daddy's new job, that Owen is not sick right now.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Fall Season of Sports

2009-01-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

This is how we spent our fall season,it was crazy...we had three boys in soccer and one in football. Our Saturdays were spent up at the soccer fields and football fields usually from 9 in the morning till about 6 at night...sometimes they would even last till 10 at night...and we loved every minute of it! It totally stressed me out, driving to and from practice to practice and game to game, but secretly I LOVE to watch my boys play! I get nervous and excited and have so much joy watching them out there having fun. This year Jake started football...this came with three practices and a game every week along with his soccer practice and soccer game every week as well. Before we signed him up, we discussed how hard this was going to be for him, but he really wanted to do it. I think Brent and I wanted to throw up before every game (we were more nervous than he was). He's so little and I didn't want him to get hurt, but I wanted him to do his best. He got hit pretty hard a couple of times. We thought that once he gets hit hard enough he wouldn't want to play any more but her we are...spring and he's signed back up for another season! He was so lucky and got on the Hornet Team! They went all the way to the Super Bowl and Won! The team pictures was in the Star Telegram! Soccer was a blast! On Saturdays he would play soccer and have to run over to the football field to warm up for a game...I was so proud of him! He really played hard on both teams.

The Jedi's had a great season as well. This season we lost a lot of really good players to some of the select teams so we were nervous about how the boys would do. They were great! Jake has really improved as a soccer player! He has really grown into this sport and it's been so much fun and exciting to watch his progression. They came in second over all. We love the Jedi's and Coach Pete!
Ethan was put into a new team this year...we have been wanting Ethan to find "his team" like Jake has and we finally have! His team is the Saints and he has two really good coaches! So, we are returning to the Saints for Spring. Brent and I are in awe every time we see Ethan play a sport. He has such dedication and concentration. It's really fun to watch him play. He really puts everything he has into what he does. This is sadly the only picture I have of him playing, Grandma and Grandpa Wall have a bunch...I will have to get some from them. Brent and I would have to trade off to watch him play because someone else usually had another game going on at the same time. Ethan had a great season and had a lot of goals!!!

This was Justin's first Soccer Season and we were so excited....or stressed because that means three in soccer!

He did amazing! With each boy, they seem to get better at things faster than the other one, that just because they have someone to look up to and imitate. Justin's team was a little frustrating, only because we are so use to watching Jake and Ethan, that we forgot how four year old's act...but not my Justin he was great. He really went after the ball and loved playing. I had to keep telling myself that Justin was having fun...we will be putting him back into the draft for the next season. He hasn't found "his team" yet. He loved his trophy...he was so proud and so was I! Good Job Justin!

Owen had a blast out on the field...hanging out...watching the boys play....he already knows how to dribble a soccer ball...see....

Look out Spring...we are doing it all over again...I know, I am CRAZY!!!

Ethan Lost his first Tooth!

2008-12-28T07:29:00.001-08:00

He was so excited! Finally, his first tooth came out....He took it to school and showed everybody. The next few weeks we went to Uncle Bryan to get a check up at and discovered four CAVITIES! Can you believe it? I was shocked! I do make him brush everyday? Justin came out with one. So they both had to have re-appointments to fill them...good thing we have a dentist in the family. Thanks Uncle Bryan...we love you!

Pumpkin Patch and Halloween Party

2008-11-09T18:33:00.001-08:00

OH THE PUMPKIN PATCH! We have to go every year, and yes this year I got suckered into buying 3 large pumpkins and 4 tiny pumpkins. It was pricey but so worth it. We had so much fun. Hayrides and merry-go-rounds and jump houses....running through hundreds of pumpkins and taking lots of cute pictures. I LOVE THIS SEASON! Its so beautiful with all the colors and festivities. I love spending time with you boys and having you home for the holidays doing projects and baking...my favorite time of the year! You guys are so cute!

We had our first Halloween party...kids were everywhere. I had sprained my foot the day before so I was hobbling around trying to get everything together. It was fun having everyone over and I know you boys had a blast. I don't think I even saw Owen for the entire time...I was so busy with crafts and food that I even forgot I had an 18 month old....oops! He had fun just walking around all the craziness. I was out of town with MoMo so I wasn't here for the actual day of Halloween. Aunt Lisa hosted the trick-or-treat fest at her house with chili. Aunt Kelli came down with Zac, Kyle, Brayden and Bryce so you boys had a blast. Brents not a picture taker so I wasn't able to get those pictures, but Aunt Lisa took one...thanks Aunt Lisa.

Uncle Fester and Wednesday are too cute!!!! Happy Halloween!

The Run In The Dark Fun Run

2008-10-12T19:05:00.001-07:00

I have ran in this event several times, last time I actually placed second! I was so excited because they listed me under the 20-25 category and I was pregnant, so I was pretty proud of myself. This year I wanted the boys to run the mile. We got there just as the gun went off, so I told Jake and Ethan to RUN!!!! They did so good. I was pleased to see that they stuck together. After their mile run, it was my turn to run the 5K. Jake kept begging me to run it too, so I let him, but told him to stay with the crowd, because he wasn't going to be able to keep up with me. Every time I turned a corner, there he was! I was so impressed. I ran one of my best 5K ever, 24:12, Jake came in right after me at 26:"something" we didn't get the exact time. I couldn't believe it!!! He had just ran the mile. Man, that kid can run! I was so proud of him. Ethan wants to do the 5K with us next time too. We didn't get chips to get the official time recorded, but next year we will make sure that we do, I actually came in second in my age group! We had a lot of fun! I love Fun Runs! I am so glad my kids enjoy them too!

ETHAN TURNS 7!!!

2008-10-12T18:53:00.001-07:00

Ethan turned 7!

We had so much fun this year. He wanted an Indiana Jones birthday party so we invited around fourteen of his friends to come over and drive me crazy! Seriously, what was I thinking! We did have a lot of fun, making mummy casts out of barbie dolls, making an Indiana Jones satchel, digging for buried treasure, and doing a few games. We had, alligator eyes (grapes), butterfly wings (pretzels), magic potion (punch), poison antidotes (M&M's), worms (gummies) and cake! It was a hit. He had a lot of fun and got a ton of great gifts from all of his friends. He is one lucky boy! We woke him up that morning with our traditional birthday breakfast in bed and presents. Then we had a family birthday party that Sunday. He was very spoiled. He is such a great kid. Always smiling, and making everyone else smile. He always has something to say and is usually trying to make you laugh. He can recite just about any kid movie out there, and he is an amazing dancer! Really, just ask his Uncle Brian and Aunt Anna, he was a hit at their wedding reception. I love you so much Ethan, I love all those freckles on your sweet little face! You light up my world! I love being your Mom! These seven years have gone by so fast, but have been the best seven years of my life. Daddy and I look forward to your next birthday...the big 8! We love you so much kiddo!

Justin

2008-09-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

Justin started a new preschool this year. We were really sad to leave Ms. Becki! We loved her so much...Ethan had her for two years and Justin had her last year, so I was nervous about changing schools, but he loves it! For some reason the pictures turned out a little fuzzy. He started a couple of weeks after Jake and Ethan did, so I had a lot of fun with him just being at home. His first day was really hard on me. I do not do well with change, and not really knowing this school and what he was doing all day long drove me crazy. I cried all day! Can you believe it!! I am pathetic! You would think I would get over the anxiety of leaving my children...he is my third one. I went to pick him up and he thought he was going to sleep over because I had him pack an extra set of clothes...just in case. He told me, "Mom that wasn't that long!" I was relieved to hear that because one of my concerns was that it was too long! He loves his new preschool! It really helped having his good friend Gaven there. They have become in separable. They are really cute together and it's nice seeing him finally have a "bud".

When he's not a preschool we like to hang out at home and play games....This is what it looks like most of the time when they are at home chilling...they are so cute

They are either playing the x-box or the wii. Owen is amazing with this stuff. He loves the computer too. He's only 18 months old and he's already hooked!!

So we got a zoo membership to detox from the video games. Owen loves animals. He goes crazy when he sees one. Its been fun having them together. They have been growing closer and its wonderful to see the relationship grow. I love having you guys!

First Day of School..Look how excited they are!

2008-09-28T19:03:00.001-07:00

At least Ethan was....ok Jake was too, he just wasn't excited about Mom taking his picture. I guess he's gotten to old for that, but I BEGGED him...PLEASE, just one more year! I know, I know, next year I will not embarrass him. He was still mad at me, walking down the hall to his class, so I told him bye as I walked Ethan to his class. My wonderful son, came running back to me about two minutes later realizing that I really needed a hug. I love him so much. He hugged me and let me kiss the top of his head and headed back down the hall. He's gotten so big! 4th Grade...WOW! Ethan was excited to start 1st Grade. I was a little nervous about the whole lunch thing...he talks non stop at dinner. I have to tell him to stop talking and eat! I reminded him that morning that he needed to eat first because he was on a time schedule. I got Ethan settle in his class and I snuck into Jake's for a few more pictures. This time he didn't throw as much of a fit!

I know this is going to be a good year for you boys! I miss you when your gone! I really do look forward to 3:00 in the afternoon. I love you guys!!

Destin, Florida Here We Come!!!

2008-09-10T19:03:00.001-07:00

This was our last hurrah before school started. So much fun!!! I love the ocean now. My previous experience wasn't as nice. The boys had so much fun. The first night we just went down to look at the waves. We got there Saturday night and woke up early to go to church the next morning. The talks were on....taking time to make great memories with your families. Very fitting for us since that was exactly what we were doing! We hit the beach right afterwards. I love to snorkel!!! I love the feeling of being weightless and just floating. The boys saw lots of white fish and got a glimpse of some jelly fish. We only got stung by a couple through out the week, didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would. Jake, Ethan and Justin loved going in and catching the waves. We dug holes and just loved being out there. The best part was that we went with some friends of ours. It made it that much more fun!

Our condo was right on the beach. Just a short walk away and we were there! Did I say...it was so fun! One of the days it rained and the beach was closed so we went to the National Naval Aviation Museum. The boys loved it! They were able to get in a lot of cockpits and play and they also did a

simulator air force movie!
For the week that we were there, the beach was closed for only two of the days. The next day we were right back out there. This was the day we all got a little too much sun! We also did some crab hunting at night!
I think buggy boarding was every one's favorite thing to do. We also saw some really good sand sculptures. The boys has a blast in the sand. It was really beautiful there.
I was able to live out a dream of mine....I have always wanted to run barefoot on the beach. Soo...Becky and I did! Now that I have experienced it, I don't think that I will be longing for that moment again. After a while the sand feels like sand paper and we had the blisters to prove it!! My feet are still trying to recover!

On the way back we stopped off at a couple of sites...This is in Mobile Alabama and its a battle ship. It was pretty neat to see it up close.

Then we went to Mississippi where they had a Civil War Museum (Vicksburg National Civil War Museum). This was a pivotal victory for the North. It allowed them to stop supplies up the Mississippi. The boys really learned a lot of history about the South and the North. Ethan eats that kind of stuff up. He's like a sponge. Its fun to watch them learn! We also stopped to get some boiled peanuts. Brent was begging for these. Definitely an acquired taste, but something we had to experience. This was a blast! We will
definitely be up for another visit next year!

Great Grandpa Wall

2008-09-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

As I stated in another post, we really didn't want to go to Utah this last summer. We were up there the year before so making another trip was hard to be excited for. When we got up there we knew that G.G. Wall wasn't doing very well. Grandpa Wall went to see him on Tuesday night and asked Dad if he wanted to go as well. Daddy said no, that he would see him tomorrow. On the way up to Salt Lake the next day we got the call that he had passed away that morning. Sad to say, but it was very convenient that we were already there, so we were able to go to his burial.

Dad was sad and I was sad as well. We have been blessed to make several trips up to see him and G.Grandma Wall and they have been down here to visit as well. I really fell in love with them. G. Grandma is the sweetest thing...ever! I will post more about her at another time because this is really about G.Grandpa Wall. He was a good man, the one I knew, I have heard other stories, but will not share. He was very quiet and stayed to himself much of the time. He had a great love for the outdoors and animals. When ever he came to visit, he always looked after Skittles and Emma, when the rest of us didn't pay much attention to them. Skittles especially,(she wasn't the nicest cat). He always wanted to go to the horse races. This must be were Aunt Lindsey and Owen get their love for animals. He will definitely be missed. I know G.Grandma Wall will miss him terribly. I don't want to even think about ever losing your dad! His burial service was small and perfect. He wasn't a social man, so he did not want a viewing or a funeral service. After experiencing this burial, I wonder why anyone would want a funeral. This was so beautiful and just perfect. Uncle Ralf talked about his life and gave a blessing. We all felt the spirit and the peace that was there. The legacy that he has left behind is amazing. I will always be grateful to him for the son that he had, and grandson that is now my husband. We love you Great Grandpa Wall and will miss you.

Jake Turned The Big TEN!

2008-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Can you believe, I have a ten year old. If your age doesn't date you, then the ages of your kids will. This year we did a SURVIVOR theme. It was a lot of fun putting it together and the kids had a blast. He also had a family birthday party at my Mom's house. She has a pool and it's become a tradition to have Ethan and Jake's family party there so we can all swim. Jake is in football this year so he got a lot of football gear.
When I look at him...I think, man I can't believe he's ten! I know that I will always think that...where has the time gone. I love looking back at pictures and thinking...so cute! When I had Jake, I had no idea what I was doing or what life would be with a child, but I also knew from the minute he came into this world that I was meant to be his Mom and I couldn't see my life without him in it. I just remember thinking...wow, I never knew that you could love this much. That feeling was amazing and it was the greatest feeling with each child.
I have been trying to give Jake pieces of his life before Dad so that when the time came and he found out that he is was adopted by Brent, it wouldn't be such a shock. That time came a couple of months ago...I was talking to Jake about the family proclamation and it came up that I was alone with him in the beginning...so I told him about his biological father. It was hard, harder for me at least but he took it really well. He was a little sad, but latter on after a prayer I explained that this was not something to be sad about. We were so lucky to found Daddy, and Daddy was so lucky to have us. He has been talking about it more openly now and I am so glad its finally out.
Our next subject to tackle will be the birds and the bees but I think I'll let your Dad do that one. For subjects like these, I am so grateful to have the gospel. I am grateful to know that I can go to my Heavenly Father in prayer for help and guidance to give you boys the answers and comfort that you need.
I am so lucky to have you Jake. I love being your Mom. You bring so much joy into my life and I am so proud of you!

Fun Stuff We Did This Summer

2008-09-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

This summer was so busy! It flew by. I still can't believe your back in school already. Here's a few things that we did...

Mom decided to have you guys do some FUN projects. Anything that requires a mess is always a blast. Owen got in on the action as well.....

Here's Owen helping me with another mess. He keeps me really busy!

He's always getting into something and I am always picking up after him. Justin was a lot like this. Him and Riley would scheme together to see what they could get into....

We also had swim lessons. I am so lucky to have a neighbor who teaches, so we just walk out our front door and there we are. Jake is too old for them now but Ethan and Justin took them and really improved. Justin is swimming so good now, he can go on the slide and get to the ladder without me having to get into the pool. It makes it easier on me because I have to look after Owen in the shallow end. I still keep an eye on him but he is doing really well. Ethan is a fish. Luckily all the boys have taken to the water really fast. Owen already floats on his back! We can't wait to get that pool in our back yard....right DAD!

Fourth of July

We usually go over Grandma and Grandpa Wall's house to celebrate the 4th with all the cousins. We had a good time. Dinner is always good, and Grandma goes out of her way to make sure the kids have fire crackers and glow sticks to play with.

We also got a chance to go to six flags. That was so fun! I took Jake and Ethan and Justin and Owen stayed home with Dad. We caught up with the cousins when we got there and had a blast. It was Ethan's first time to ride a roller coaster so I thought he would be scared, nope, not Ethan! He just laughed the whole time, I can't believe I expected anything but:) He's such a ham. I really wanted him to ride the shock wave but it was closed. Jake rode the titan three times. It was so much fun. I want to go back in October when it cools down a bit. Next time Dad will have to come with us.

The kids had a lot of fun this summer...I still haven't posted Jake's birthday or our trip to Destin.

They just played and hung out, did some soccer camps, football camps and got together with friends and family. I loved having them home with me!

Head Trama Part Two

2008-08-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hopefully the saying of....it comes in three's does not come true in this family. I was talking to a friend on the phone while Jake comes in and says...MOM!!! LOOK!!! I turned around to Ethan with blood coming out of his head this time, so I got off the phone and examined it. Yep, he needed stiches. This time I knew. So I called my dear friend that I just got off the phone with and she took my kiddo's while Ethan, Owen (of course I couldn't leave him) and I went to the urgent care. This summer has been full of events! He cried and I held his hand, but at least I didn't have to hold him down kicking and screaming like a ten year old that I know. Three stiches, and I was able to take them out myself. ( I know, I am amazing:) ) Now they both have things to bragg about. Its all part of being a boy. I just hope that its not part of the other two until next year.

Part Two Utah Reuinon

2008-07-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

Utah was a so much fun...hanging out with your cousins, Josh, Luke and Bella. We do not get to see them very often, so we really enjoyed being together. Justin and Josh were two peas in a pod.You guys played in the sand, jumped on the in-ground trampoline (very cool) and rode your monster wheels around the neighborhood. We love hanging out with them. Owen and Bella played together really well for two 14 month old. Sometimes we would catch them holding hands, or hugging! So CUTE! Bella had some really cute sandals that Owen loved. He wanted to wear them one day. It was so funny, so now he has this shoe thing. He loves shoes!

They are so cute together! Its so much fun when the cousins are close in age. We are very lucky to have that on both sides of the family. The kids really do enjoy playing together!

We all met up on at Salt Lake to look around and play together. We went to the conference center and took tons of pictures. It was a lot of fun just being together. Salt Lake is beautiful. I never get tired of it.

The temple is amazing.

Here we are at the visitor center. Last time we went, it was closed so it was fun to see all the new stuff that was up.

Most of the reunion time was spent at Aunt Jean's house. The kids (the dad's too) played some football. It was so fun watching them get so intense. I think Uncle Bryan, Uncle Jeff , Uncle Jared and Uncle Tim enjoyed it a little more than the younger ones. Good Times!

Justin and Owen had fun in the sand box and play house. The football game was a little too big for them.

Off to go do BYU stuff! We gotta do that every time we go there. That's Daddy's college and hopefully all of you boys will go as well.

See one in the making!

The rest of the trip was filled up with four-wheeling at Aunt Chris and Uncle Johns house, fishing in the mountains, playing rock band into the night and just hanging out and having fun.

I had to end with this picture! I love it....how many boys can you fit in one bath tub!

These are the moments we will remember. I didn't grow up with anything that comes close to these memories. I hope that my boys realize how blessed they are to be surrounded by wonderful people..on both sides of the family. Family who loves each other, and at the end of the day, we know that this is what life is all about!

Our Wall Family Reunion Trip Post One

2008-07-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

Daddy and I really weren't looking forward to this trip. We were just there last summer, when everyone decided to have a reunion for this summer. We really wanted to go somewhere amazing like Cancun, or on a Cruise, but we sucked it up and planned our trip not knowing that this was where we needed to be and that we would be glad in the end. Family is so important. It's where our roots are and we are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. Yes, there are some who drive us crazy during the process, but we are truly grateful to have such a close connection with everyone. Our first stop was to Colorado. Daddy took us to the Sand Dunes. We started Friday afternoon around four P.M and he drove all night and arrived at two A.M. We parked in a super market parking lot and sleep for a couple of hours, or at least he did. I was terrified someone was going to come knocking on our window, or someone would try to break in so I scanned the parking lot the whole time.

The Sand Dunes were AMAZING! No wonder Brent loved this growing up. We had to cross this river....it was iccccyyyy cold water that was coming off the mountains from the winter snow. It was very wild and sometimes there would be a small stream but not even a few seconds would pass and a rush of three inches would be running over your feet. The boys loved it. Ethan was crazy. Dad said he reminded him a lot like Uncle Bryan (his brother) Uncle Bryan would run crazy and was always goofing off...that's Ethan!

We had so much fun running up the mountains of sand and sliding back down, and running back up and sliding back down and running back up...man I'm tried just thinking about it. Owen had a blast! When we got home we bought more sand for the sandbox. He's out there all the time now. Trying to relive the moment.

Dad had so much fun with you boys. I loved watching you race up and down. We will definitely have to go back!

I had this great idea, that if I packed some food, it would save us a ton of money! Right! Nope, after adding it all up when we got home we realized that a couple of meals out was not going to break us. (it was the gas money that got us in the end!) Here's a picture of us picnicking at the Sand Dunes before we headed to Athens. I kept looking for bears. The food was out and I was worried! I know, a little crazy, but I have heard stories!

So, we just got out of heat and sand and to our amazement.....SNOW! Can you believe it! I was so excited and so were the boys! They wanted to get out and play in it so I let them for a little while, but we did not pack to play in the snow. It was so neat to see people skiing in the middle of JUNE! It was beautiful!

Ok, so we get to our hotel in GlenwoodSprings, Colorado and we were goofing off and came up with this video. The boys have me do this skit over and over and Owen thinks its pretty funny....

The next day we head to the bike shop and take a bike ride through the canyons. We did this when Justin was six months old and it was torture for him as a baby so I was a little worried about Owen. He was great! All the kids really enjoyed it. Jake and Ethan rode there bikes the entire 16.2 miles. The view was breath taking. I kept telling the boys to look! Its not every day that they get to see such beautiful mountains and rivers! I love being outdoors! I love nature, I am just terrified of the bears! Another picnic and another worried Mom...Jake had thrown a piece of his sandwich out in the grass because he didn't want it, here's how the conversation went. Mom-Did you just throw that food, do you realize that if you leave food around bears will come and eat it and then when other people stop to rest here they might get attacked by the bear that ate your bread...Jake-(didn't say anything....just looked at me like "what ever mom") I made him pick it up and eat it. Dirt and all. We had watched a documentary the other day about tape worms so he was mostly worried about getting a tape worm from the dirt than a bear:) Here are the pictures from the bike ride.

That night we went to Subway, had Marble Slab ice cream and called it a night. We got up the next morning and headed to UTAH! This is going to be a long one, so I will do a continued post.

Head Trama

2008-07-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

I have to post this before I forget the details. Yesterday we had some friends over to play. Jake had two friends over and Ethan had one. Poor Justin, he always seems to be left out, but I make sure your brothers include you. Anyway....I can't remember which kid, but someone came in yelling...Jacob is bleeding and its BAD! So I ran out to find my child covered with blood all over his hand, his neck and his head. So I tried to see how bad it was, but it was bleeding so bad I couldn't find the source. I took him inside, while he is yelling at me to.."Call 911, Call 911!" I almost laughed but I was still a little concerned about how bad it really was. I ran his head under the kitchen facet and finally after a few minutes the bleeding calmed down enough for me to see that it wasn't too bad. He was playing sword fighting, tripped and fell on Daddy's band new stone work. He had a huge knot on his head and the cut was gaped open enough that I took him into Cooks Urgent Care. He recieved on staple but the worst part was that he needed a tetnis shot. When they told me that he needed one, I looked at Jake and said.."Ok, Jake, this time your not going to kick the nurse and your not going to freak out because your older right..." NOPE! It took three nurses and me holding his hands and covering his eyes to get him to take the shot. Afterwards I think he realized he over reacted because when it was time for him to have the staple in his head he sat their and just cried. He is so proud of his war wound! But sad days, no swimming for a week! Thats going to be torture for me as well! It has taken 9 years 11 months and 11 days for him to have a cut deep enough for staples. Way to go Jake!!! As I was in the waiting room, I reminded him that because he wanted to play football this might not be the last time we would be here. He just smiled and said.."I STILL WANT TO PLAY." Enough said.

The JEDI'S

2008-07-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Jacob has been playing soccer with the Jedi team since he was six. We were a little worried about this team when he first started. They were and still are amazing soccer players! It was hard for Jake to try to fit in and be part of the team but he has really grown into a confident and good player. He has an amazing coach...Coach Pete. He is so patient with Jake and really takes his time to teach him. They won 1st in their district this year, but the sad part is that half of the players are going to play select teams. Jacob will still be a Jedi along with the other half, but I think Jake will miss alot of his friends. This has been good for Jacob. He's always been the "cool" kid and having to force his way in to make friends has been a good and sometimes hard lesson. Seeing his teammates give him high-fives and pat him on his head (he's alot shorter than most of them) would bring tears to my eyes because I know that, that small gesture meant the world to him. Watching his first goal two years ago was amazing. I of coarse cried, proud mother that I am. He usually plays left center mid field (I think thats what it is) so getting a goal is not always easy at that position, but when they were beating a team pretty bad, coach would play...pass the ball to Jacob so he could get a goal here and there. He has developed into quite an asset to the team. Its so much fun watching your child go from knowing very little to being one of the "good" players. I do not get as nervous as I once did about him playing. Now it is so much fun to go to the games. I have always dreamed of being a soccer Mom. I will have three this coming season in soccer. Yes, I am crazy, but I'm living my dream! Jake has been begging me for two years to play football and I was hoping he would forget, but I have finally given in. This fall he will be in football and soccer. I hope he can handle the load. He is so excited. So now I am nervous about football. ITS TACKLE! I realize that if he wants to, I can't keep holding him back. This fall is going to be challenging but I know he will have fun!

MY JUSTIN IS SO FUN

2008-06-10T10:24:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, at church, Justin was under the pew doing something. At the end of sacrament he came to me and said, "Mommy, I put a crayon in my ear.." I was so mad. Did he not learn from the gum up his nose? So I looked, and yep, there was a crayon stuck in his ear. I had Bro. Brown look at it, and he told me that I would probably be able to get it out, but by the time we got home the crayon was so deep inside that I couldn't get to it. So, since it was a holiday on Monday, we had to wait until Tuesday to call the doctor. They told me not to feed him just in case they had to do surgery. Daddy was so upset. Another deductible! They had us come in after 5:00 because the Dr. was doing surgeries all day. I could tell he did not want to do another one, because he tried really hard to get it out. Luckily we have a really good ENT and he was able to get it out without damaging his ear drum. It hurt Justin pretty bad and I felt a little sad for him, but I was glad it hurt. I don't want him doing that again and I'm pretty sure he learned his lesson.

Owen and the Frog

2008-06-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

I found a big brown frog lurking under the tree house the other day and was so excited. I called the boys over to see and Owen loved it! He reminds me a lot like his Aunt Lindsey. She is an animal lover to an extreme that I can not comprehend. Owen loves animals! He especially loves dogs! Too bad Dad and I, do not want one:( Will my kids miss out on not owning a pet?) I don't know, but the guilt has not taken its toll yet. Soo...Owen went right up to that frog and picked it up! I, squealed and he just looked at me like..."What?". Yuck! Later that night Dad came home and joined in the fun. I am so glad I have boys. They make my world a lot more interesting.

Owen had a neuro. Dr. appt. today to follow up when he was in the hospital. He's perfect (except for the swallow dysfunction and c difficile thing).We have a GI Dr. appt. on Monday and I am looking forward to that. I want to be able to get him off the nutramagen. Its so expensive and I need to know what to try next. He is still having the runny blood streaked pooh's, so I don't know if I will be able to try anything until his pooh is normal. I would not be able to tell if he is allergic to soy, or a different formula because he already has the symptoms. Hopefully he will out grow the swallow dysfunction, but I am so glad that nothing neurologically is wrong! The Dr. suggested that if his next swallow test, which is in September has little change, to try electro shock on his throat for therapy so the muscle could strengthen. Owen, you are so high maintenance! But, I love every bit of you. You are starting to babble more. Its so cute hearing you chatter about nothing. I love living in your world!

Ethan had field day last week. I took Owen and Justin and they had so much fun! It was cahos, but a good one. Watching him with his friends was great. Ethan is one of those kids that gets along with everyone. If something bothers him, he usually shrugs it off or walks away, unless it keeps happening and then its like something switches in his head that he's not going to take it anymore....when that happens, look out! He is the sweetest child! He was born with a smile on his face and hasn't stopped. He has made a lot of good friends this year and he loved his teacher, Mrs. Cosand. She told me on graduation day, that Ethan had made teaching fun this year. I could tell he was a little sad to leave. He is a little shy about change. Graduation was so fun. When ever I hear that song dunnnn-dun-dun-dun-dunnnn-dunnnn.....I start to tear up. I realize that this is all part of life and growing up, but does it have to go so fast! Lining up to go on stage, there was my little Ethan, doing a crazy dance to the music. Always trying to make me laugh! I love him so much. I really enjoy every moment with you!

These are some of Ethan's friends, Brady and Noah. Grandma was able to come to graduation and afterwards took us all to his favorite place to eat...Taco Casa!

CONGRATULATIONS ETHAN!!!!

The past two weeks

2008-05-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Life gets so busy....so I have several topics to cover. Mothers Day was last Sunday. I am so grateful to be able to raise four fun boys. They really are my life and I would be bored without them. Justin had a Mother's Day Lunch for me at his preschool and it was so fun! Ethan did this for me as well the previous two years so I look forward to these. Ms. Becki always does a good job at making us feel special. One year Ethan was asked...what makes your mommy laugh, so his reply was...when my dad spanks her bum! We will never forget that one, it got quite a few laughs and a really red face from me, so this year it was Justin's turn to tell everyone about his mom. A few of the questions were....Who's the boss in your family-Justin said-My Mom, Q-what is her favorite food-J-cereal with raisins,Q-what does she like to do in her spare time-J-she likes to run, Q-what is the difference between moms and dads-J-my mom sends me to my room but my dad spanks my bum! Evidently we really like to spank bums in our family because that the only thing the kids remember:) I of coarse gave Dad a hard time about that one! Justin sang songs, did a "Are you my mother" play and made me lunch! It was so fun. I love being with him. He's such a good kid, he's always making sure I am "OK" and I love the time we are able to have together when his older brothers are at school. He is the smartest four year old I know! I tell him that he's a genius all the time, he really is:) On Sunday Dad made me breakfast in bed while the other kids brought me chocolate and bubble bath stuff. It was really sweet.

Owen got his first hair cut that same week! I was washing his hair and he had a knot in it and I thought......I need to buy some detangler. But then I realized...no I need to cut his hair. I was a little sad. I wasn't really ready for him to be a BIG BOY yet. But I'm sure that you can see by the picture that he really needed one. So I got the clippers out and off it came. Such a big boy!

This weekend I signed all three older boys up for a triathlon. Ethan and Jake have done one in the past, but it was Justin's first one. They were all really excited! I have such cute boys!!

The swim was first and Ethan blew right by that with no problems, in fact he was finished with the whole event before Brent even realized it. He came up to him and said, " Hi Dad!" eating a donut. Brent thought that was pretty funny, he went back and helped Justin run his 1/3 mile run. Justin was excited to have a buddy along the run. When Justin got out of the pool from his 25 meter swim he looked a little scared, but when he got on his bike he had a blast, hitting every street bump there was. I didn't understand why he kept running into those until Dad told me that you were doing it on purpose. Your such a silly kid! Jake was last to do his. He was so nervous. He's alot like his mom, not so much a distance swimmer, but he did great! He was amazing at the bike and run. That kid loves to run! I am so glad. Maybe when he gets older, we will be able to run together...if I can keep up. He's pretty fast! It was a so fun. The kids got medals and donuts. What a way to start your morning. That afternoon their school had a carnival. They had bounce houses and games, face painting, and we even won a door prize! By the end of the day they were beat. We had a great weekend!

Kids say some funny things

2008-05-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

The other day Brent, "Daddy" was telling me about something Jake mentioned. Jake was watching TV and a commercial popped up on how you can take on line classed from home. He was so excited and went to Dad and said, "Dad, I don't have to go away to college, I can just take them on line from home!" I started to laugh, but let him know that he will be going away to college. He is one kid that would build a house right next to ours and never move away. Of coarse he's only 9 1/2 and I'm sure that his views will change when he gets older, but I love the fact that he wants to be with me forever. I do know that when its time to let go, it will be the hardest thing for me to deal with. I wish I could keep you right beside me, but I do know the importance of independence and letting you have that little by little is hard. I love you Jake!

This Fast Sunday

2008-05-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

This Sunday was fast Sunday for our church, so that morning I mentioned to the boys that if they would like to fast they could. They all wanted to, even Justin. By the time we got home they were still willing to fast, but eventually one by one they started to "get hungry". So when each one was ready, I would say a prayer with them to break the fast. Ethan and Justin were first. Poor Ethan, he felt so bad he started to cry. I explained to him that this exercise was not for him to feel bad, but to help him grow and that Heavenly Father recognizes the effort and is proud of him. Next Jacob was ready. He felt bad too....so I sat all the boys down and told them that fasting is a humbling experience whether you fast for one, two or three meals and that you shouldn't feel bad just because you can only make it for one. I was so proud of them. Understanding the concept of fasting is hard to grasp at such a young age. You boys amaze me constantly with how willing you are to please our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful that you all have a teachable heart and that you love to learn. Daddy and I are always talking about how lucky we are to have all four of you. Thank you for helping me become closer to my Heavenly Father by your examples.

The scope was successful

2008-05-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

Owen had his bronc. scope done yesterday. The IV took only three tries this time. He's gotten alot stronger since the last time and alot more vocal. He was yelling at the nurses in baby talk. It made me want to laugh and cry for him all at the same time. Daddy and I were in the waiting room for about ten minutes and then they called us into a private room. That freaked me out, but the doctor came and and said he was fine. Everything looks anatomically correct except for his epiglottis flap is loose and that they got some cultures, but we wont get the results back for a week or so. He thinks that all of this mess comes down to a virus. Good to know, because this means he will eventually out grown all of this, but there's nothing you can do to "fix" a virus. All of this trauma and worry and hurt and sadness comes down to a virus he picked up. Hopefully the cultures will come back and we can put this whole thing behind us. The pediatrician called on Tuesday and said he did have C difficile. I think its caused by too many antibiotics or he could have gotten it while he was in the hospital. Its a bacteria that is in his intestinal tract and the antibiotics have made it grow bad bacteria. This is the reason for the liquid pooh for over a month. He has to be on a complex antibiotic to try to fight this kind of bacteria. He should be starting that today. Last night he ran a fever of 103. I am a little concerned because he shouldn't be having a fever that high, especially after his procedure but I will watch him today and go back into the Dr. if he is still having problems. While we were in the post-op room the only thing that made him happy were bubbles. Becky took a really cute picture of him with some bubble in our back yard the other day. I love it! So here it is...

One of those Days

2008-04-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, Owen is officially walking now, with a little prompting of coarse. Its so exciting, no matter how many kids you have had, to watch their firsts! I have really tried to cherish every moment with him, I realize how fast they grow and that there is a high probability that he will be my last. He has definitely been a high maintenance kid, dealing with all of his sickness. So we were suppose to go in for a bronchial tube scope last Thursday but he was running a high fever so it was cancelled. A trip to the pediatrician resulted in a tonsillitis diagnosis and another trip to the hospital for more testing. They are doing more test to determine if he has any metabolic diseases that we might be missing, but she also said she was concerned about cystic fibrosis. I called my GI doctor and got him in on Friday to be seen about the loose pooh for over a month and she sent us back again to the hospital for a sweat test. The results came in around five this afternoon and luckily we are friends with one of the nurses, so they called us right away. NO cystic fibrosis. Daddy and I are so relieved! I knew it was a far reach, but I was really starting to get scared. So now we are hopping he is well enough to do the scope which was rescheduled for this Thursday. Hopefully we will be able to figure all of this out soon. Or maybe he will just grow out of all of this and it will be a mystery....that would be the best result! He is doing ok right now, I am crossing my fingers that he can hang in there and not get sick until after Thursday. Wish us luck!

On another note...today Justin has been quite the handful. He had one of his best buddies over to play, Charity and she brought with her a dead lizard. I was thrilled! They decided that they were going to dissect this lizard on my kitchen table with a table knife, until I realized what was going on and quickly disappointed them. So now I have a dead, sort of cut up lizard in my trash can. Later that afternoon he came to me with a bloody nose. No big deal, you kids get them all the time. Daddy and I are experts on getting them stopped. In the process of cleaning him up, he explained that he was trying to stick gum up his nose and that's why it started to bleed. I explained to him how stupid that was, of coarse in a nice way, but come on....who does that! Only Justin! During dinner Dad saw something up there.....Justin told us that he stuck some tissue up there to stop it from bleeding so we keep having him blow his nose to get it out. We finally were able to see it, so I got the tweezers to pull it out....

GROSS! I pulled out a chewed up, full piece of gum out of his nostril. Amazing! I don't think I have ever heard of someone doing that. I couldn't believe it so I had to take a picture to document. So we had another talk with Justin on how if that was left in his nose, it would mold and grow things and we would have to go to the doctor and the doctor would have to operate to get it out and it would hurt really bad and to never never never do that AGAIN. I think he got the message because when we were done, he was so sad and started to cry, saying...Sorry Mommy.

After FHE tonight he showed us a splinter that has implanted itself in the palm of his hand. Dad and I have tried to dig at it, while he screamed and cried. But Justin is now in bed fast asleep, with the splinter still implanted. We realized he has had enough trauma for one day and we will try to dig it out tomorrow. I love my kids. They are so fun! Not a dull moment! Luckily every Mom and Dad goes through one of these days at least once a week. Knowing that makes it a little easier to cope with!

Nothing but Love

2008-04-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Look how happy Owen is pulling my hair. Everyday I have to endure this kind of torture.

It all started with my own habit of twisting, pulling, tugging ,and playing with my hair. If I am bored, tired or just have nothing else to do, I play with my hair. Lots of girls do this. My sister-in-law is guilty as well. If I have a good piece I like to tuck it around my ear, to save it for later....I know I am a little nutty, but this is where my children get this. Owen is pretty bad. He has to have my hair in his hands in order to fall asleep. He wakes up looking for it, if its not within its grasp he freaks out. Today was pretty bad. He has been pulling and biting my hair all day and its driving me crazy! He reminds me of Jake so much. Jake has the same problem. I thought it was so cute when he was little but to this day whenever he gets nervouse or he's just sitting there doing nothing, he will take his hair and flip it in and out of his fingers. I know it bothers him that he has this habit, because he tells me he needs a hair cut when it gets long enough for him to be able to "play" with it. I guess its not too bad of a habit to pass along. It could be something worse, but it does get annoying.

Here are a couple of pictures of Jake trying to get a hold of his cousin Katilyn Kirchners hair. They are old, so sorry for the poor quality. He wasn't trying to be mean, its all out of love. Thats what I keep telling myself whenever Owen is trying to pull all of the hair out of my head!!!!

Laser Tag Night

2008-04-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

We went out to Main Event last night for FHE. Jake was promised a night out, where ever he wanted if he did well on his TAKS test. I was so proud of him, he did more than well, he did great so he chose laser tag. Ethan and Justin were not tall enough to go in and participate so we spent tons of Daddy's money on arcade games while he and Dad played. On the way home Justin started to cry..."Mom, Ms. Becki won't give me an A" I started to laugh silently. It was so cute. He thought he couldn't play laser tag because he didn't get an "A". So I explained everything to him and he felt better. The picture is Justin's first day at preschool with Ms. Becki. She taught Ethan the previous two years and we love her dearly. She's been great for our kids and I'm sure she would give Justin tons of A's if he was graded. He's such a good kid for other people, a handle for me, but does really good at school. I love spending time with him. Now that Owen has gotten bigger, I noticed that him and Justin play together a lot more. I love watching this, because it was really hard on Justin when Ethan first started preschool. He misses Ethan so much more now that he is in kindergarten, so I am so pleased to see that he is now able to play with his younger brother. He's had to grow up so much faster than a normal four year old, just to keep up with Ethan and Jacob. Watching him sort of re-vert back so that he plays on Owens level is so cute. After laser tag we came home and had a lesson on how your family will always be there for you. I am constantly telling you boys to be nicer to each other, because your brothers ARE your best friends! Hopefully I can instill this message so that it rings true when your older. I love you guys so much and I am so lucky to have you!

2008-04-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Owen's sick again. It started with a mild fever and a couple of nights with projectile, but on the way back from Houston he really started to go down hill. I took him into the Dr.'s Monday morning. Lately when I call, they all know who he is. All I have to say is, Owen Wall and they have me come in right away. I get to the window to sign him in and they don't even ask me his name...they recognize him by now. So off we went for another chest x-ray. The Dr. put him on albuterol and steroids and when the chest x-ray came back she called and put him on Augmenton. The results showed minimal change since the last three months. I couldn't believe it! This meant he's had pneumonia this whole time and it has not gone away! I got another call from my doctor, wanting me to take him to another specialist. This will be his fourth trip to a specialist...lets see, he has a neurologist, an ENT, a GI, and now a pulmonologist. I called and they got us in the next day. I was hoping that this would be "the one" who would figure this mess out. As we told our story to Dr. Dyson, he went out and came back in several times, re-did a chest x-ray and still was stumped. He said he was waiting for an uhhuh moment but it never came. So now we are trying to get him better and gathering all of his old chest x-rays from all the different radiologists so that in about two weeks we might be going in for another test. This one, he will be sedated for with an IV. I hate watching them try to put an IV in this little boy. It usually takes three or four tries. It makes me so sad to watch him go through so much pain. He's such a trooper though. He just lies still and cries. The paramedics are always saying what a calm baby he is. Anyway, they will be putting a scope down his bronchial tubes and checking out his vocal cords and if they need to, go down further to see whats causing the coughing, the swallow dysfunction and the pneumonia. Hopefully they will find the answer. Right now he is not wanting to eat again and is coughing when ever he puts something in his mouth. His fever has gone down, but not completely gone. You can tell he's not feeling well. He cuddles with me a lot more, so there are some good things coming from this. He's definitely a MAMA's BOY! Tonight we were watching American Idol and every time a song would come on he would go nuts. He loves music and loves to dance so I caught some on video. Its so funny! I love watching this over and over!

2008-04-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

WEEKEND AT THE ROBINSON'S RANCH

This last weekend Emily invited us and the Eastman's up to her father-in-laws ranch. "We had a blast!" is an under statement. The boys had so much fun and so many great experiences. We were outside doing something the entire weekend. The ranch was gorgeous. Its a 149 acre horse ranch. Emily brags about it, but you really don't comprehend until you see it. It made Dad and I want to win the lottery so we could get one of these. On the first day the kids rode bikes, played ping pong and rode around in the "mule". When we first heard about the mule we thought, " a donkey?" Nope, it wasn't a donkey! Joe took the kids back in the woods and got it stuck in the mud and had to get it towed out. The kids thought that was so fun. Flying around in the mule was definitely one of the highlights of our weekend. Joe's dad went out the next day and bought two more! We brought Jake's four-wheeler out and all the kids rode around on it. When it was Ethan's turn, I had the video camera rolling and captured Ethan actually rolling the four wheeler on top of him. He took off to fast and was trying to turn it around and it tipped over and rolled on top of him. I was freaking out. What scared me the most was that gasoline was pouring out. I was afraid that it was going to catch on fire and I couldn't get him out from under neath of it fast enough. I think I was more scared than he was. He ended up with just one big bruise on the side of his leg. That wasn't the only exciting scare that we had. After letting all the kids ride the horse and pony in the show room, Dad, Emily, and Joe took them in the fields. All the horses decided to have a competition to see who could buck off the first person and Joe's horse won. When Daddy's horse started to buck, I was sure he was going to fall off, but he was amazing! He stayed on even when the horse was only on his back two feet. He was a true cowboy! I was so impressed by his skills.
We also fished. They had a beautiful pond with an island in the middle. The fish had not been feed for over four months and they were so hungry they would bite the hook alone! It was so much fun watching you guys caught fish after fish. I have never heard grown men say...."STOP FISHING WE CANT KEEP UP." We could have had fish for dinner for weeks!

We also did some clay pigeon shooting. We had so much fun. These are memories that we wont
forget for a long time. Its nice to get away and forget about school, work, house work etc....We have such good friends, and by the way most of these pictures were taken by our wonderful photographer...Becky Eastman. She was so nice to keep her camera around her neck the entire time to capture all of our adventures. The pictures are great, but doesn't do any justice to how much we enjoyed ourselves. Thanks Emily and Joe for showing us such a good time! And thanks so much for Joe's Dad, Elmo. He was so nice to the kids and was so kind letting us use all of his cool toys!

2008-04-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

I wanted to add this to my blog. It seems as if this is all about Owen. I do have three other boys, but right now Owen seems to have the most events going on. Owen came down with pneumonia back in January and developed a weird case of swallow dysfunction. The doctors are still puzzled by how this happened but he has been doing a lot better. He was on a feeding tube for over four weeks with one week hospitalization. My friends were amazing to say the least. I had no idea where my other three kids were, but I knew that someone was taking care of them. They eventually sent us home with no real answers but with a stressful task of keeping a feeding tube down his nose, leading to his stomach. Once again I was blessed with amazing friends who had the knowledge and skills to be able to put the tube back down when Owen "accidentally" pulled it out. I did go into the ER once to put it back down, which took over eight hours so I am very grateful to my nurse and doctor friends! We went back to the doctor for another swallow test on March 5th, and was able to bottle feed with thickened liquids. We are still on thickened liquids and will continue with that until his next swallow test on May 5th. Along with that he was diagnosed when he was about four weeks old with a milk protein allergy. He will be on nutramagen for a couple of more months until we can figure out if he will tolerate any form of milk. I tried giving him yogurt the other day and realized he still has not "out grown" the allergy. I am hoping he will , but time will only tell and right now its telling me NO. Since April 2, 2007 Owen has blessed our lives in so many ways as well as drained our pocket books, but he's worth every single penny....right DADDY! :)

2008-04-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

Papa Wall gave Owen his very own swing for the swing set! He loves it. When its time to go inside, I hold my hands out to get him out of the seat and he just shakes his head...No!No!No!
Thanks Papa, I love watching him laugh.

Owen is One today!

2008-04-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

Owen turned one. Time goes by so fast. He took his first steps yesterday and I wanted to cry. He wasn't feeling very well so he was a little fussy at first, but once I put some sugar in his mouth he perked up.