Our Crazy Life That We LOVE

Meatloaf

2012-01-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

I made this recipe up.

1 med/lg onion, quartered then sliced
1 red pepper, sliced
Saute these together in olive oil and some salt. Saute until just starting to go translucent

1.5 lb ground beef
1 cup oatmeal
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
pepper
Once these are all in the bowl add the saute mixture. Mix by hand so not abuse the meat.
Put in the oven for 40 min at 350 then while meatloaf is still in the oven turn temperature up to 375 for 20 to crisp and finish cooking the meat.

We loved this and it was so flavorful. And as always dairy and egg free.
If you try and like let me know. My sister-in-law made it and said it was very delicious. Her husband even liked it and had informed me that he hated meatloaf until now.

Rice Pudding

2012-01-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

My boys are allergic to eggs and milk. So I will on occasion post recipes that I make up that are both allergen free and delicious that my two year old will even eat. Now I should mention, I never use white rice so when I put rice I mean brown. I believe kids eat whatever is available. So if you offer crap they eat crap. If you offer wholesome food then that is what will be their favorite foods. Now don't get me wrong. I love myself a brownie but I have been known to make them with whole wheat flour when making them from scatch, I usually use a box. I am not perfect with the selection I offer but I try as all of us woman do.

Rice Pudding Di Regolo style

1 cup of brown rice
2.5 cups of water
dash of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg (feel free to use as little or much as you want of the spices.)
.25 tsp salt
Boil the above ingredients on the stovetop for 35 minutes. At this point add a handful of raisins/craisins or both. Boil until water is gone about 10-15 minutes.
When the water is evaporated add some rice milk and either honey or sugar to taste. I add some nuts to give it some added protein, these are optional.

This is a great snack or an easy quick breakfast for the kids.

Breaking

2012-01-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

So my dad is a "rock" star. He came over to help us more with the prep for the foundation, he had it all taken care of in no time. He is so strong I am so proud. I need to take pictures of all of this but need to pick up a new sd card or learn how to import all the photos and erase the ones I have.
Joey bought our family our first laptop for a belated Christmas present. We have been borrowing one for the last couple of years. I have been afraid of breaking it so I hardly used it. Now Joey encourages me to use it daily to help me catch up with the times when it comes to computers. I am so terrified I will break it but he says to just not download anything that I am worried about without checking with him so that he can help me not break it.
Growing up I broke the majority of our family computers. I would use them one day and the next it would be acting funny. The crazy thing is that I am not much of a web searcher nor am I a gamer, I use word processing the most. But still manage to break them. If I stop posting either I can't think of anything to write that I am not worried about anyone having access to, or I have broken yet another computer.

The Carport

2012-01-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

La ta da daa. We officailly started our remodel/addition. I am so excited that means that come sometime in the future we will be having one more bedroom and one more bathroom in our home. I am also super stoked due to the fact that now I can decorate the kids rooms and paint them fun and do a theme for the kids. Now I just hope the room is done before the baby decides to come to our family from Heaven.
The baby has had me slightly worried because she hasn't been moving but as I am writing this she has kicked multiple times.
The carport is the place of the remodel/addition. So we won't be able to use the back door very much but oh well totally worth it to me. So once the foundation is poured next week please come to the front door when you come to visit. Thanks so much.

Making today the best day yet.

2012-01-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

I am going to try to fill everyone up on the highlights of 2011.
Joey seems to just stay constant. He is enjoying his work at Doug Smith Autoplex where he sells vehicles. He has made some great progress in our yard and the shed now has one side usable for us. Thus for all the neighbors a much better beginning of the street with our uncluttered carport. He kept our grass looking AWESOME all summer long. I felt tremendously sinful for being so proud of him and his hard work. He built me a lovely little walkway in my front garden and is hoping to finish my backyard and back garden this spring. This should encourage me to go outside and garden again. This leading into me.
I have discovered the joy of gardening. My broccoli from last year was some of the tallest I have ever seen yet there was not one piece of broccoli to be enjoyed. I grew several things in my garden hopefully this year canning season will not be spent with illness or injure as it was this year. So our family can enjoy the fruits of our labors throughout the winter. As to this for those who have not heard Joey and I decided it was time to add another child to our family and will be blessed with another sweet princess in the coming spring.
Joe had a year of injure and mishaps. He started the year with the ambulance coming due to some milk/egg ingestion. He then got his tonsils, adenoids and some botox injections. Then a couple of head injures causing him to spend more than 10 days at the local children's hospital. Lucky for him and much to my nervousness he has hit a growth spurt growing over 6 cm and 5 lbs in 3 months. He is such a darling. He is still cancer free and loves to have his different therapist work with him on his emerging skills.
Sophie has grown up so much. She believes herself to be far more clever and smart than her mother. Just today she informed me she can't wait to grow up so she can do and go wherever she wants when she wants. Apparently we have a power struggle I was unaware of. She was quite nervous that we would make her have another brother and was much relieved to find out she will have a sister. We took the kids to Disneyland this last Thanksgiving and had a most lovely time. We plan to go again in the next few years. All of the children enjoyed the vacation. Joe and Sophie would ride the roller coaster type rides while Gus who was to short and I who was finishing my first trimester couldn't ride. I was so proud of Sophie showing no fear going on the tower of terror. She is the little head in the back row.

Gus has grown up way to much as well. He started speech therapy in May and in November was nearly kicked out for catching up so well. He was right on track the therapist decided to keep him, well because she is awesome and was Joe's SLP and we absolutely love her. Gus has grown so big he started the year in 18-24 month clothes and closed it out wear 4t pants and 3t and 4t shirts. He is crazy big. And super darling. He makes you shake your head from frustration one minute and then is charming you with his unbelievable sweetness. He says some of the "darnedest" things. I love to have the "Who's ____ best friend?" (filling in the blank with random people). He always says that Sophie is his best friend and that Daddy is mine.
Being a mother to such amazing children is a gift from our Heavenly Father. I would never trade any of them.
So here is to a fresh start with a new year. I have to accept that the skeletons don't go away but I can always "make today the best day yet". (I heard this in church a couple of weeks ago and thought what a great Motto.

Just so you know.

2011-09-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

We will be posting a great picture of our family later this week. I have decided that I am going to have pictures taken. Joe doesn't look quite so battered so might as well take advantage and get them done. Even if it is just the kids. So Rachael prepare. We are coming this week and the kids will be smashing because I think it will be kids pictures first then if Joey and I can ever be somewhere together that a camera is we will get a whole big family picture.
I read these blogs that are amazingly crafty and think poor Joey. I don't do anything but the regular mundain stuff. But at least they are done mostly. I don't love grading dirt or pulling huge weeds in the fall. I will do it in the spring. Until then, and maybe then we will get grass next year in the back yard. I told Joey we should have hired the Latin man who wanted to put in our backyard for $400. Joey said it would be taking advantage and I said he quoted us from off the street. I think I will save my money and hire it out to someone who can grade then I will lay the seed.
Well here to rambling and I need to go.

Bangs

2011-07-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

I got bangs. Enough said.

Except I think my eyes are better looking now. How vain am I.

I am also trying to figure out the android world.

Best of all Joe was given full clearance to go back to school.

Sodium

2011-06-27T21:27:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday Joe went back to the hospital in the ambulance. His sodium level dropped about 10 points below the 10 point range it is suppose to hang out in. Causing lethargy and focal seizures. Super scary for us. He was seizing on his bed as we were calling 911 and then threw up blood. OMGOODNESS!!! We were freaking out. NOT again kept going through our heads. Please don't die.
Joe ended up staying at the hospital until Saturday morning.
He is now home and better by a long shot than when we brought him home the last time.
Just a little upkeep on the blog.
Good day or night whenever you are reading this.

Joe came HOME

2011-06-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Joe came home on Sunday afternoon. He had a good day. Monday had a good day. Tuesday had a worse day. Today is having a sleepy day. I guess we wore him out. Over stimulated if you will. I have to take him to the pediatrician to see what he thinks Joe has 3 symptoms that are alarming only problem is that Sophie and Gus both had that virus that was going around. Sophie had the throwing up part and Gus had well you know the other part. Yuck, poor babies.
I am feeling like a mom who just brought home a new baby and is having to readjust. My family and ward have been super supportive and helpful. I just don't know when someone asks what they can do what to tell them. This is why I never ask I give suggestions when I try to help someone. It makes it easier for the person on the receiving end and then you don't get asked to do something that you have zero skills in.

Our check list for the day!!!

2011-06-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Today our goals have been to
1: wake up
2: use less narcotics for pain
3: take a bath
4: go for a walk
5: take a well you know

We have accomplished ALL OF THEM!!!

Joe's goal 1 and 2 go hand in hand. We can now piggy back motrin and acetometaphen, so much easier to stay off of the narcotics that way. We have yet another great tech who told us that Joe will be taking a bath. At home we bathe daily but in the hospital it is so hard to get a bath for the patient. Our tech said that he thinks kids do better when they are clean kids. I agree now because Joe is loving life now that he is bathed. After the bath we went for a long walk. Joe and I decided that when the goats are gone we are going to grow a healing garden, not only are they beautiful they are therapuetic. So donations can be made anytime. Just kidding we don't want them I am just trying to be funny. So far this has been a beautiful day.
Factual thing. We were told that Joe's skull fracture was only small, WHATEVER, the nuerosurgeon showed me the scans and the fracture goes from just under his right ear to his hole scar from the brain tumor removal and through it about another inch or two just above the left ear. NO wonder the poor kid is bruised on both sides of his neck.
I feel blessed and feel that I know why this had to happen. Or at least on of the reasons.

Eugene Event

2011-06-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Joe got a new name as he entered the Emergency Department on Wednesday. CMoonEugene. When a person is brought to the ED without identification they give them a object and place combined name. I loved that Joe was Eugene. We have had an awesome tech named Awesome and he said he was working at IMC and a gang fight group of victims came in and they all got flowery names to try to lighten the situation. I was laughing just try to fill in the blanks if you don't understand what I am saying.
Update.
Joe is doing better today. He woke up around 10 and has been awake and asleep mostly asleep since then. We are going to try to ween him from the oxygen and start to feed him. I am sure he is loosing weight but his face is still puffy from swelling. He is a fighter. The doctors and nurses have been very accomadating especially considering I am one annoying interfereing parent. If I don't agree I push and issue, I am to prideful to think that maybe they are right and I am wrong. I am trying to learn to budge. I know things that haven't work in the past and I am just not willing to try them again, especially those things that have had scareyness related before.
I would like to express thanks for those who have helped and offered help to us through this ordeal this week. I know it is nothing compared to what others are going through, but people have stepped up to help. Once again I am reminded of how I need to do better. I am hoping it is a short road to recovery but Only God knows and I will need to have faith that like I always say there is something to be learned and something that will enrich our lives out of every adventure in life.
Good thing I started posting again so I had somewhere to let the feelings fly.
Thanks for coming to visit Joe we really feel so supported by you all.
Love, Us the Di Regolo family

Joe Update from Aunt Nannie...

2011-06-16T18:00:00.001-07:00

This is all second hand and I am not good with medical stuff but I thought all of you would want the latest update on what I know.

So Mom just talked with Chel for a few minutes when she called to talk with the other kids and we got a real update. I guess he isn't doing great but the hospital says some of this is to be expected with any head trauma. He hasn't woken up yet from all of this and the Drs say it could take a week or so for him to. He is puffy especially in his face and it is basically blue. He hasn't been able to keep any food down even though it goes through his feeding tube. And his oxygen level is in the 70s which isn't good. Please continue to keep their family in your prayers. Thanks!!!

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. Chel and Joey, I hope you don't mind that I put this up....if you do just delete and I won't post on your blog. Love you!!!!

Joe Man vs. Home Depot

2011-06-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Joe had an accident at Home Depot. The cart and him fell over together. I am afraid that the concrete won. Joe now has multiple skull fractures and some brain bleeding and a couple narly purple bruises. I am trying to write this with some humor although I am shaking all over. I feel like we are having de ja vu from three years ago when Joe got the cancer. I keep thinking how was I so positive and well PTSD. I think I don't remember the first couple of weeks after we found out about the cancer. I do remember the sick feeling now that we are just a room over in the PICU and as I watch his face get puffier and puffier. He is in a lot of pain and has goose eggs all over the right side of his head. Let's be real I am nervous. He is still not woken up all the way, partly I am hoping is because of the morphine we are having them give him so he isn't feeling a lot of pain. He has to have another ct scan to check the bleeding. One positive because that is where positivity starts is that I have never been in and out of AF hospital's ER so fast I think it was maybe and hour, hour and a half tops.
Please pray for him. Love, Joey and Michelle

Biking

2011-06-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Sophie got a new bike for her belated birthday from Papa Joe. Unfortunately I don't have a picture yet. Although we toke video when we brought her home to the bike after her last day of preschool. She was so excited. And since she now LOVES to bicycle we have gone everyday except for maybe one because of weather. Last Friday Gus decided that since Sophie could ride a bike he conned her into teaching him on her old bike that happens to be a boy bike. He is so stinking cute on the bike. His little bum goes back and forth with each pedal. So in the last week he has potty trained, learned to ride a bike and finally is sleeping through the night.

Now for some catch up. We went to Yellowstone the last full week of May. It was fun but we ended up coming home 2 days early because we saw everything and well Gus and I kept throwing up. I held it down and he chose to spew. The potty training got started up in Yellowstone and I broke Gus of Soy milk. Part of the spewing was from the soy milk. Every time we gave him some he threw up. I now want to sell soy pediatric drink because I have so much and my kids have soy issues. With no soy or dairy being drunk by Gus he is becoming a much better behaved child. He is still two but not so terrible and the sleeping through the night has been nice. He is now a rice milk drinker for those wondering. Speaking of alternative milk sources I have tried a few and if you have input let me know. We have thus far tried: coconut, almond, rice, lactose free, soy (of course.)

More catch up. Harriet and Stella the goats are now in a new home. Hip, hip, hooray! I am so thrilled. The other three should be gone with in a month or so. I am so excited. I am trying to simplify my life. I would love to be able to go on vacation and not worry about the animals at home and have to always find someone to take care of the animals.
Enough of random thoughts and ramblings, I should get back into a good writing groove again soon.

Pregnant

2011-06-02T18:44:00.001-07:00

Just kidding! I am seeing if anyone ever looks at my blog anymore since I have become one of those blogger's whose blog could put a person to sleep. I was at Target yesterday and noticed that, that particular store is full of pregnant women around lunch time. I would suggest not going into the hormone zone at that time.
Good news is that we started potty training Gus this week. Although I was against using pull ups when I potty trained Sophie, Gus has gone only a handful of nights waking up dry and then the other times he pees so much at night that I do laundry more than a laundromat. I should take a picture of my laundry day pile that I am saving for tonight after the kids go to bed so that Gus doesn't use the piles as castles to tumble over.

Mother's Day

2011-05-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

My Gus is the funniest guy. On Sunday at church he decided that he wanted to sing with the primary kids. Since he is still in nursery Joey told him no. Gus was determined. He begged. Finally during the closing hymn I put him down and he ran to the front of the chapel. He stood just where Sophie had stood and stared at the audience. As soon as the song was over he ran down the handicap ramp and came to me, proclaiming, "Mimny (his word for mommy) I sing."
I told him good job! as I wiped the tears from laughing so hard. I am honored to have the children I have and feel blessed to be their mother.

Pictures

2011-02-14T09:45:00.001-08:00

I need new pictures. Obviously the ones on here are out dated almost 19 months since the last ones. Joe has hair and is healthy now. Gus is 2 in two weeks and well Sophie looks like a little girl now not a baby. So until I get my self in gear and get new pictures we will all endure a fabulous picture of Joey posing.
The end.

Home Impovements

2011-02-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

The other day I was at Lowe's and we were walking by the knob section and I took off while Joey went to get a bolt. I found knobs and handles for my kitchen cabinets. I will post pictures later. I am so excited Joey is installing right now. The best part is the knobs were only 52 cents and the handles 75 cents. Yeah for a GREAT deal.

Bald Eagle in Lehi

2011-01-31T12:42:00.000-08:00

Yes you saw it right I was driving home from dropping Sophie off at Preschool last week and saw a bald eagle, just up the street from our house. It was so gorgeous. No wonder it is the National Bird.

This was the coolest natural thing all week. Forget the snow and show me Eagles.
People drove by and I tried to point it out to them like I was at Yellowstone, but they didn't care.

Bedtime

2011-01-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am going to be catching everyone up on what has been going on, since well people responded to my last post.

Gus has moved into a big boy bed. This occurred in November after the sweet boy fell on his head yet again (remember he is a real boy now), while climbing out of the crib. I told Joey that I would rather have him fall a short distance out of a big boy bed than a high distance from a crib. And lets be real I was not loving the crowded feel of the boys room with two twin beds and a crib. I hated going in there and totally understood why they didn't like sleeping in there. I now love the open feel of their room.

With no crib I can no longer confine Gus. So we try to do the taking him back to bed but sometimes kids just think the siblings bed is so much better. At our house Joe's bed is the coveted bed. Gus was struggling since he decided to nap this weekend and late at that so I asked him if he wanted to sleep with Joe and he said, "Ya". I put him in there and wow 2 minutes later I went in there and they were both asleep. Yay!!! Easiest bedtime in ages, the thing is kids move in their sleep and therefore Gus gets woke up and comes into my bed. Always some sleeping problem, but thus is life.

Circus

2011-01-27T22:02:00.001-08:00

Joey is so good about giving our kids experiences. So last night we went to the circus. It definitely helped that the school and Joey's work gave up discount tickets. It was fun, but it was no Barnum and Bailey I have to go to another one of those. I remember going to the DELTA Center at the time and seeing them. One of my siblings had a program go missing because I stole it so I could look at it each night before I went to bed. Sorry which ever sibling I robbed.

This is Joe and I having an awesome time. He danced and clapped and was so darn cute the whole time.

This is Joey's mom (Mema), Gus and Sophie. Sophie was telling me in the van that Mema is her grandma because it is her name. So I explained that no it is because she is daddy's mommy. Then I asked why Grandma Lori is her grandma and once again because it is her name. So I explained that one. Then I asked her why Grandpa Jeff is her grandpa. She told me with a bit a smugness, "Because he is cute!" I just laughed and let the subject go.

Sophie riding a pony. I told Joey that we should get rid of our goats and get a pony. The kids would have so much more fun with one of those and hopefully it wouldn't kill trees.

OMG!!! Talk about a glare. Yes our happy baby hit terrible two's about the time I took a break from blogging, this is one reason, no point fighting him to post. Behind him is a live black bear. I told Joey not to get to close, these animals may be able to do trained things but you never know if they will decide to rogue.

Joey wants to have me blog more so if you do too, let me know.

Thank you Honey

2010-10-04T13:06:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been busy outside, sending Joe to school (the big K), learning the dynamics of two very busy kids who require playdates, friends, outdoor play and well me. Needless to say the new adjustments have given me far too many migraines to brag about or complain about. So blogging is now very low on my list.
But
Today Joey gave me an awesome gift. There is no pictures available because he gave me a NAP!!! THANK YOU HONEY. He tricked me into laying down by having me lay down next to him and then all of the sudden he got up, put my pillow under my head and said enjoy and I love you and watched the kids so I could rest without worry for an hour and a half. This may not sound blog worth but My Husband is the BEST>

A day late and a dollar short.

2010-08-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

He is saying,"CHEESE". What a ham.

The two staples.

Welcome to Boyhood Gus!

2010-08-21T22:06:00.001-07:00

Gus is now a REAL boy.
You may be asking yourself, "Well wasn't he before?" Apparently not. To become a real boy a boy must get hurt bad enough to need medical help. And while receiving this medical help he can't cry.
So check and check. I will show pictures hopefully tomorrow, that is right you avid fans you may hear from me two days in a row.
Here is what happened. Gus was playing with Sophie and a friend on her bed, I was in the other room talking to the friends mom who happens to also be my friend, when I heard a bang come from Sophie's room. I went running, Gus was crying on the floor and like an untrained individual I picked him up. I didn't notice the blood for a few seconds and then, OMG, blood everywhere. His cute, perfect, cherub head was cut. Yep, he got two staples placed to correct the damage and he didn't even cry. Gus hated being confined in one place for a good 20 seconds while being stapled more than the actual staples themselves.

Peek a boo

2010-07-31T07:31:00.001-07:00

So much has happened that I just don't have any time to write about so going along with my movie critque I would like to encourage everyone to watch the documentary on Wal-Mart. I now plan to never give them my business again. I am going to try to help the little guys stay a float as best I can. Joey says that means no more Costco, so I told him as soon as our membership expires and he said that he can live without Wal-Mart but he really enjoys Costco.
All in all let's not support Wal-Mart and you will agree after the documentary. We watched on the instant que on Netflix.

We did it!!!

2010-04-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have been threatening the binky removal for a couple months now, but with the onset of 4 ear infections the croupe and a cold I just couldn't take away his binky. The other night we had been healthy for a week and the binky went missing. I told Joey that tonight is the night. It was horrible. Gus went to bed like an angel and turned into a demon by 4 by 6 he was back asleep. Last night he slept all night!
When Joe was a baby and I broke him the therapist told me kids forget after 2 days that they need it. I think this is why you break them when they are babies and not toddlers. Sophie remembers things about 2 months ago.
In the two days of no binky Gus has already started to be more vocal and is such a doll I am so thrilled that I have each of my kids.

On to another subject we had a broken irrigation pipe and my dad came over to help us fix it. He is so good to help us out so much. My great friend Fiona told me that I should take pictures of my kids with my parents and Joey's parents anytime they come because someday they will be gone and we will all treasure the photos of our grandparents. So I took her advice and took these pictures.

Joe"s show and tell

2010-03-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

Joe got to do show and tell with James and Harriette. Harriette decided that she wanted to be a mechanic and explore Joey's rear differentials.

The children at school liked the goats and asked cute questions. I took a picture of them at the circle time but can't show it on here sorry.
I am now a goat herder. I stink at the job and nearly got peed on by Harriette.

Sophie and her outing

2010-03-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

Rachael and Sophie went to the Aquarium today and had a great time. They saw penguins and Rachael held an anaconda. I am glad that I didn't keep Sophie to my self and shared her with Rachael.
After the aquarium they went to McDonalds in Lehi and played on the playplace. Where an unsupervised "bad boy" (Sophie's name for him). Hit Sophie repeatedly in the stomach. Where are the "Leave her little girl alone." I told her she should have found the parents but really if they aren't watching their kids at lunch time on a weekday (how old could they be) then they probably don't care what their kid does or they are so desprite for a break and their kid is a terror at home.
Sophie loved being with her Nannie, thanks Rachael.

German Pancakes

2010-03-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

This is one of our family favorites, my sister however doesn't care for it. Very simple and most people have the ingredients in there pantries. The movie is of Gus and Sophie enjoying their breakfast.

The key to making it rise is the order.
Preheat oven for 450*
Use a 9x13 pan or a large (12 inch or bigger skillet)
2-4 tbsp butter, put in the preheating oven so that it will melt. Take out before it scorches.
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup of milk, I have tried every % and it doesn't make a huge difference although I think some fat is better than none. 1 cup of flour, I have tried whole wheat and white. I think the white makes a better looking and lighter texture product. Although less guilt for me with the whole wheat.
1/2 tsp salt, you can add more but I am not a salt person.
On occasion I add nutmeg for a little bit of a funner flavor. I also like seeing the specks.
Mix each ingredient as you add it before you add the next ingredient.
Pour into pan and cook about 15-20 minutes, mine always takes 15 minutes.

Did you Hear about the Morgans?

2010-03-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

This movie is forgetable and reminds me of the Kirsty Ally and Tim Allen movie from the 90's. If there isn't anything else at the Red Box then go ahead it isn't totally pointless, just forgetable. Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker are the main stars and I thought that the other couple are way better. The man with the handlebar mustache was my favorite character. Enough said.

Manicotti

2010-03-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am not making this a recipe blog because I am still reviewing movies as well but I thought why not share my interest with others.

Manicotti was always an intimidating food do to the fact that it seemed difficult. Not so. The other night I made up a recipe for Manicotti that turned out great. Sophie won't eat veggies very good because of the texture so therefore I got out my food processor and put the filling in to mask the chunk of the spinach.

1 pkg of Manicotti noodles.
cook the noodles as directed on the pkg. Boil water, salt 1 tsp, add noodles and boil 9 minutes won't be done but they will finish cooking in the oven. I use chop sticks to get the noodles out without breaking them and lay them on alunimum foil (yes you read me right) so they won't stick.
1 8 oz container of ricotta cheese (can use cottage cheese but I wouldn't)
1 bunch of spinach chopped
1/2 tsp parsley flakes
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 cup parmasean cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Put these in the food processor and process until smooth.
1/2 cup cheese (I use grated cheddar)
Combine the cheese and smooth mixture together and start filling the Manicotti noodles. If you have a hard time touching goo you won't enjoy this step but trust me it is worth the effort.
Marina or Meat sauce are good. Use your favorite recipe. Mine is different everytime so I can't share.
Put enough sauce in the bottom of the 9x13 pan to make a layer then put in the filled manicotti. Put more sauce on top and then some more cheese. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes.
There you go. Simple and kid approved, this is one of Sophies will eat foods that has veggies hidden inside.

Unexpected Experiment

2010-03-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

This morning while I was giving Joe a bath Sophie joined in like always. She considers bathing as a swimming activity and must be involved in her brothers baths. I guess in a couple years this won't be appropriate but as for now it is actually helpful because when I turn my back something usually happens. This morning I hear, "no Gus". And Gus threw a diaper in the bathtub. I use to only buy Pampers, but they started falling apart so I quite them. Then I bought Huggies but I decided to try Luvs, which constantly leak. So Huggies were my favorite but Kirkland brand hold a ton of fluid as you can see. Now it just depends on which boy. Kirkland for Gus and Huggies for Joe. Who would think that diapers wouldn't all be the same.

More Reviews

2010-03-21T19:57:00.001-07:00

Couples RetreatSo there are a few naughty parts but it is funny. There are a lot of swimming suit scenes, but overall it made me relate to one couple more than the others. I must say that Vince Vaughan has sure got a mouth on him. By that I mean he talks alot and goes in circles and yet I personally really enjoy it.
So that is my review for today. Sorry I don't have much to say and I want to post.

I have decided.

2010-03-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

I am going to start telling about movies we have seen and saying if I think they are worth watching. Now before I got married I only watched "chick flicks" and unlike some women my luck wasn't with me in the movie area when I married. My husband doesn't watch only "chick flicks" he likes all types of movies with "chick flicks" at the bottom of the list. Now don't get me wrong I am grateful now that he is this way because I have expanded my horizons and watch whatever now, except for the R-rated because I can't stomach them. And as any LDS church member knows we are counseled to not watch them. So I won't be giving suggestions on any of them. If you want me to watch a movie first and review it before you waste your time let me know and I will see if I can find it.
Most people know this but REDBOX rocks. $1 a day is great for me because I don't typically want to watch most shows more than once.
So here is my first two reviews.
Old Dogs with John Travolta and Robin Williams. Joey and I were laughing so hard we were crying. There are scenes like this through out the movie and I would have to say that this is a movie I could watch more than once. Which is saying something for me. I won't divolge plot lines because I am not a writer but it is a MUST see.
Planet 51 Dwayne Johnson is the voice of the astronaut. It was ok. I couldn't quite get into it but it had a good messege in the end. Sophie liked it but I think that anything that is cartooned it awesome to her. (The Simpson's movie is one of her highest requested movie.)

Oh today.

2010-03-09T11:41:00.001-08:00

This morning Sophie woke up at 12:35 am and threw up in her bed. I went in to see what happened and as I picked her up she threw up on me. So she and I hopped in the shower to get clean. The sound woke up Gus and luckily and by the grace of God Joe didn't wake up with all the commotion happening in his room. (Sophie and Joe share a room.) Joey was then called in for recruitment in my time of needing 4 hands instead of 2. Thank you honey for the help. Well, once I got Sophie's sheets changed and calm, it was time to help Joey with Gus. This was surprisingly simple and I was back in bed by 1:30 (I am a strange mom because I actually do look at the clock to see how long I am awake in the night. I like to see how fast I can resolve the issues that occur).
Sophie finally took a MUCH needed nap around 10:30 so I was able to get Joe ready for school.
Doesn't she sleep so cute.

Joe eating lunch before school. He loves his books.

Joe so excited waiting for the bus to come.

Riding the lift. A huge excitement for Sophie.

Joe riding away on the bus. Sophie started crying and told me she wanted to ride the bus too.

I stole this from Hungry homemaker.

2010-03-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

I just didn't want to have to search for this recipe so I copied and pasted from Hungry Homemaker. The link is on the side. Sorry Brittnie.
Chinese Chicken Salad

1 head of cabbage (shredded)
1 c slivered almonds, toasted
3 tbs sesame seeds, toasted
2 bunch green onions, chopped
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
2 3oz packages Oriental flavored ramen noodles

Toast almonds and sesame seeds in a skillet with no-stick cooking spray until golden brown. Break raw ramen noodles into small pieces. Mix together cabbage, cooked chicken, green onions, noodles and toasted almonds and sesame seeds together in a large bowl.

Dressing:
2 packages of oritnal flaovered ramen seasoning
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c vinegar
1.2 c vegtable oil
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbs soy sauce

Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Add dressing to salad mixture, toss well and chill before serving.

School again.

2010-03-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

Joe was supposed to go back to school. But as our life goes there was a bump in the road and he got a cold and I didn't think that the teacher or Joe would enjoy school if he was constantly having his nose wiped. I will take pictures and post. It is a sad day when your oldest goes to school. In September Joe will be going to kindergarten and this means 5 days a week and quite a long bus ride. Joe is going to attend Dan Peterson School. I think he will really enjoy himself and the aspect that they can offer so many opportunities for him that the regular school cannot. Anyways that is for us. Until tomorrow.

Happy Birthday! Gus is 1

2010-03-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

Gus turned one yesterday. The day started out with Gus crying because he had played long enough unnoticed. As soon as I got him out though he was happy and cheerful which pretty much describes him. We then started started the preparations for the party. We had a steak dinner with everyone bringing a potluck then we visited and watched Gus be the star of the evening. I think everyone had fun.
I have oodles of pictures and a video of him. So let's get started.
He woke up yesterday and all of the sudden it was like he knew he had a year of life under his belt and he wasn't going to be a baby. He was playing like a big boy.

Gus got his first mail present from Nono Joe and look how happy he looks.

Gus playing with his barn.

Jeffrey and Macee gave Gus his present after my mom gave him a carry around fisher price barn (sorry no picture. This will be going to church so that maybe he won't make us crazy for the next 6 months until he can go to nursery.

I decided that since Gus can't really open his presents yet that each child could open the present they brought for him. I really like this idea and think it made the other kids happy. Macee started it out. She is such a darling little girl.

Gus loved his dinosaurs from Macee and Jeffrey. Thanks guys.

Gus didn't mind all he could think about was his bottle. Jocelyn, Jeffrey, Sophie, William, Gus and Popa really enjoyed watching this present get opened I love the kids.

William has the biggest smile he was so proud of himself. Jack snatched it up and wanted to play with it right away.

You can't see it but Sophie has a present that Nannie and Zak brought. She was thrilled to join in the openning fun.

Uncle Lorenzo and Aunt Colee posing with Gus. No babies for them so they posed instead.

Jack was so excited to open the next present. He is a cutie.

Gus with his cake. I started filming after this.

Pictures of the kids

2010-02-28T14:17:00.000-08:00

I realize that I don't take enough pictures of Joe. Typically I only take pictures of the other two if they do something naughty or if it is something cute that they do together that shows me how cute of friends they are becoming. I love this grin on Joe's face. Gus feels big when he can sit on any type of chair instead of being on the floor or a lap. Sophie decided that she needed to join in.

Sophie decided the other day that she wanted to do dishes. So who am I to tell her no?

I went somewhere a couple of months ago and when I came back, Joey had taken this picture. I thought it was so darling and since Gus has never done this for me I thought I would post it and show everyone how cute he sleeps. Also if I open his door during nap or bedtime he wakes up so no crib sleeping pictures.

When I was single I would call myself a bum in pants person, I no long look unless...have you ever seen a cuter bum?

Sophie and Gus are the cutest friends. Sophie plays with music toy and Gus sits on this rocking chair and feels big and enjoys the music.

DRESS FOR SALE

2010-02-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

For the last 3 weeks I have been having headaches, some make me nauseaus and others just are plain annoying. So today I tried taking a nap while Gus was asleep. I put Seasame Street on for Joe and Sophie and layed down. Sophie kept saying 'Mommy stop sleeping. Wake up.' Joe just moaned because yes I was being selfish and forgot that he hadn't had lunch(Can I claim insanity from too many headaches). He was acting tired so I figured that he could sleep with mommy and everyone would be happy.
Finally the moans made me realize about the feeding situation so I got up and hooked him up and finally.
THIS

and now this. (No sleeping for mommy while he is awake, oh well.)

Now on to Sophie.

So I was so excited that pajamas weren't being worn everyday so I found this dress and got it for Sophie thinking oh what a pretty princess dress,

so does she like it NOPE. HATES it.

Cries when I bring it near her.

I would just give the thing away but it is brand new except for the 2 minutes I made her wear it for these pictures to try to convince her of its beauty on her. And I spent way to much and only want half of what I spent. Anyone want to buy this dress let me know it is a size 4.

I am learning.

2010-02-23T11:52:00.001-08:00

So I have now changed my own background. WOW! I added a new gadget, and if you know me very well, you would know that yes, I should be bragging. I am a computer moron. It didn't turn out like I wanted it to, but oh well enough time spent on here for the time being, tootles.

Not sure they will appreciate

2010-02-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

I am not so sure that anyone will appreciate the new header picture but I love this picture and just found the cd from our wedding and am so excited. I wanted to show some off. Any ways there is another of this same way but oh well. Today is Joey and my 7th anniversary of our 1st official date.
Joey took me to a dance recital I had to attend that I found out about that day and he was a great sport. We then went to dinner at Carraba's Italian Restaurant and loved it. First time for both of us (we use to go there every year until the year Joe threw up there all over Joey). Then we went to the UVSC Institute dance and I got to see Joey's awesome dance moves. I tell you I fell in love right there. There has never been anyone who could make me laugh or smile as much as Joey. I love him and am glad that he dated me long enough to know my quirks and love me despite them.
LOVE YOU, Joey, thanks for being my man, bestfriend, husband, father to our children and the honest man you are.

Follow me MPPH Syndrome.

2010-02-20T20:27:00.001-08:00

So I've just decided that if someone from Italy who I have no idea who it is wants to follow my boring blog shouldn't I try to get more followers. I figure that the Italian probably googled the last name and ours came up.
So as part of the title I am putting the name of Joe's syndrome so maybe someone will google it and this blog will come up and maybe then we can find someone else with a family member with it. If you have a family member with this syndrome please contact us. Thanks.

Making cake and Having Kids

2010-02-19T09:21:00.001-08:00

This is a picture of Harriette the white baby and Nellie the mommy. They were born yesterday February 18th around 1:30. I was surprised and VERY excited.

This is a picture of either Nels or Austin "danger" Powers. Please vote on which name you like better or put in suggestions. I saw him first and didn't see Harriette until after I went to see him.

So on Valentine's Day I was trying to be festive so I made this Lemon cake with a fluffy white icing. This was surprisingly easy and quite beautiful.

I am going to attempt to do another cake for Gus's birthday.

11 months already

2010-02-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

My sweet Gus is 11 whole months old TODAY! Can you believe it. He is getting so big and very clever. Gus can now: hold his head up, roll in all directions, sit, four point, crawl, walk, say "dada" and "mama" smile, laugh, has 7 teeth, I think he needs a hair cut but Joey refuses them those until at least 1 year old, and just today learned how to make a whistle make sounds. Gus amazes me and makes me laugh and feel so happy that Heavenly Father sent him to us. I forgot, Gus can climb, why oh why do babies love to climb?
I remember loving to climb the trees in my front yard as a kid. Me and my friends would be up and down the trees and would drag our dolls up there because we pretended the trees were our houses and our babies needed to be in the house. (anyways there is a side note about me) Oh yeah. One thing that I wish I had in my yard was some big climbing trees how I miss climbing trees. I think that in some ways that might be why I enjoy the first half of the Twilight movie. I wish that I could climb a tree that big. There is nothing quite like looking through the leaves to the world below. (Nice tangent aye?)
So next month obivously will be the big birthday party. So mark those calendars. It will be on Wednesday because that is Gus's birthday and that is what works best for Joey and our family. Let me know if you want to celebrate with us.

Inspiring

2010-01-27T09:32:00.000-08:00

I should have grabbed tissues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg

Joey and I agree that the father's love was every bit as inspiring as the boy.

Honestly

2010-01-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

So not to be a downer but to be an informer. So to those of you who have never had a disabled family member let me point out some things that are annoying to those of us who do.
1. Don't diagnose our kids. And with that do not just assume that syndrome means genetic.
2. PLEASE do ask questions instead of staring. I myself have had to learn this since my dear Joe was born. I now can ignore most stares but I do get a kick out of how so many kids are staring while their parents who are just as bad act as though you do not exist. I am not an attention seeker but I also do not care to be looked right through.
3. I admire people who can get over their feelings of awkwardness and approach us (as long as they don't diagnose Joe). I actually feel bad saying this but I liked the excuse of saying, "He has cancer". verses the, "He has a syndrome." With cancer people let it go and with the syndrome they start playing doctor.
4. Please do not say you are sorry for us. Why would someone say that when there is nothing to be sorry about. Joey and I are grateful for Joe and wouldn't give him up for anything. Sorry can be translated as to you saying you are glad that you don't have a child like ours.

As a disclourse I should say that I am not saying this out of bitterness only to be an informer. I love getting to know people and hope that people will not be offended by my comments. I actually laugh about these things.

I realize that I am not the best at any of these things when it comes to others, although I don't stare and I don't ignore I smile if we catch each others eyes. I've been know to approach and talk and ask questions, and I rarely assume that I know more than they do. I am a person to give advice, but typically it is to new moms and my biggest advice is to do TONS of tummy time. I am no physical therapist but I have had two of my kids sit, crawl and walk early. Now if only I was better at teaching speech.

One of the best examples to me of how to act when you are around someone who has a family member with obvious disablities was one night Joey and I took the kids to Los Hermanos and the lady at the booth next to us never stared or ignored but minded her business and then when we were both done with our dinners she turned around and said how sweet of a spirit Joe has and then shared her story of having a brother with downs syndrome and how it affected her life. I then was able to ask her questions about how she felt because I was having a hard time with guilt for having had Sophie and not being able to give her all the attention I felt she deserved. That night changed my life for ever. I will probably never see her again but I know she was sent there for me. And we never go there and she said she never goes there too. We both went really late and I know that she was sent from Heavenly Father to help me to heal me of my guilt for having and wanting more children. One ironic thing about her situation and ours was that her brother had cancer too and she and her brother were the same age diffence as Joe and Sophie. She said that having a brother with disabilties made her a more loving and compassionate person and that is how I want Sophie to be.

I will not disgrace myself...

2010-01-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

Let's just say that you know you say a word to much when your child starts incorporating it into their speech. Whether it is a polite word or a curse word you know you are a broken record when this happens. Sophie often reminds me of what I must talk about the same thing all the time, what a bore I am. Anyways, she just reminded me of a word I shouldn't use but lately have been and since I was on the computer for the first time in months I thought I would post. Thank Zak and Rachael for the loaner computer!!!

From Aunt Nannie...

2009-12-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

I know that many of you have been wondering where Michelle and Joey have been lately with no blog posts. I keep failing to remember to do something she asked me to do...she wanted me to tell you that once again the computer has died. And I mean REALLY dead so it may be awhile since when she is at our house where she can use a computer she usually has too limited of time to post. In the mean time, I post regularly about Michelle's family on my blog...okay usually it is pretty Sophie oriented, but you can still get some updates there. The Joey and Michelle Di Regolo family and I would like to wish you all a "Merry Christmas!" Hopefully soon Michelle will be able to do that herself.

FYI: Trunk or Treat coming.

2009-10-06T19:30:00.001-07:00

So Joey works for Doug Smith Autoplex in American Fork across from Target. I am only telling everyone this because, on Friday October 30, 2009 from 3:30 to 6:00 there is a free trunk or treat for anyone and everyone who wants to attend.
Last year it was a lot of fun and FYI Joey is helping put it all together so if you own a business/office or want to ask your boss to be in the trunk or treat call Doug Smith Autoplex @ 801 492 0111 and ask for Joey, it is also free for the business and a great way to advertise. Last year everyone passed out business cards and enjoyed themselves.
Oh and I know that several family members own their business or offices and are more than welcome and wanted to be part of the trunk or treat. You know who you are.

Golf

2009-10-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

So with less hours spent at church on Sunday and more hours in front of the tube. I have discovered a sport that I enjoy watching. Yes you guessed it GOLF. I know it sounds ridiculous but I love watching the scenery and the excitement of if the golfer will get a eagle, birdie or par and disappointment I feel for the golfer for getting a boggie. This is kind of ironic that I now want to take golf lessons and spend my retirement on the green with Joey golfing the days away. I believe Joe will even enjoy our golf outings someday. The reason for the irony is that in high school I took a sports class that taught a different sport every two weeks so we learned like 8 sports. Golf was on of them. I had the whole semester to go play 9 holes and I never did it because I thought golf was lame. If I had only caught this fire 8 years ago my gpa would have been a little bit better from playing those 9 holes. I must add this as well, Joey loves to golf, and until this new phenomenon I would watch at the driving range, now that I have a desire, I think he will enjoy me around during the golf time more.
Just some thoughts.
There are a few good things that our children can learn from golf: honesty, a love of nature, good sportsmanship, geometry, meteorology (due to the fact that knowing how the wind speed effects the ball), how to dress nice and neat. Wow, I am changing so much, what would my teenage self think of me?

Saw this on Facebook and here are the words.

2009-10-01T14:42:00.001-07:00

Hey there Delilah (I’m at the MTC)
by Jason Edward Cassel
3:33
Hey there Delilah, what’s it like at BYU?
I’m just a quarter mile away, but feel so far away from you,
But that will do,
Cuz two years from now I’ll be with you,
I know that’s true.

Hey there Delilah, don’t you worry about the distance,
Few more months and I can call you both on Mother’s D ay and Christmas.
Close your eyes,
Then just think of suits and ties,
But not other guys.

Cuz, you said you’d wait for me,
O, you said you’d wait for me,
O, I’m at the MTC,
O, I’m at the MTC, at the MTC.

Now have some patience and don’t think of dating Conner,
Cuz two more years you may be done with school,
But I’ll return with honor.
I can’t wait,
Just two more years till our next date,
It will be great.

O when you told me I was the love of your life,
And I just held you close and kissed you just like I’ll kiss my wife.
We can goodbye,
And I gave you my favorite tie,
There’s no need to cry.

Cuz, you said you’d wait for me,
O, you said you’d wait for me,
O, I’m at the MTC,
O, I’m at the MTC, at the MTC.

There were RMs who made fun of me and said you’ll never wait for me,
To them I say ‘oh ye, of little faith.’
Cuz we’ve been dating for two months and I think that that’s long enough,
To know someone enough to feel this way.
I carry your picture with me and talk about you constantly,
I’m driving my companion insane,
And you’re to blame.

Woke up this morning, checked the mail right at dawn,
And just believe me girl how shocked I was to read those words,
“Dear John, I think we’re through,
I meet a guy better than you,
Go ahead and cry if you want to,
Sincerely Delilah, missing you,
P.S. we’re through.”

O, you didn’t wait for me,
O, you didn’t wait for me,
O, you didn’t wait for me,
O, and I’m only at the MTC, at the MTC…

~Jason Cassel

So cute

2009-09-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

So I wish I had taken a video, but I would be able to figure out which one it was anyways.
Last night we had Leno on and the music from "The Primetime Band" made Joe dance. It was so darn cute. His head was going up and down right with the beat and when Joey and I commented on it together Joe got a huge smile on his face. It was so nice to see the old Joe coming back!!!

Crazy Days

2009-09-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry no post for a while. Our life has been crazy. Joe is in the middle of being sick with an unexplainable ailment. His stomach hurts when you touch it and to keep him happy I am giving him oxycodone, I must mention that I am afraid of such drugs and therefore do not give it as much as it is prescribed. Yesterday we spent the day at primary children's running tests trying to figure out the problem. The conclusion was that he has something but what that is they don't know. Thank goodness our insurance is so great and we no longer need to pay copays because this week we would have gone broke with all the phone consultations and the visit yesterday.
Since Grandpa died I have had no real time to think about him and be sad, yet I don't know if I will ever cry myself to sleep, I am just not that kind of person, sometimes I wish I were.
Anyways, useless rambling.
Sophie as of late loves to sing the ABC's song and everyday gets more and more of the letters right. She is so much fun and quite the spit fire. She is constantly saying, "GGGGUUUSSSS." Like he is so naughty. They are starting to play together which of course warms my heart.
Gus is now a crawler and so darling. Today we went to the post box and while I was taking Joe and Sophie outside I said to Gus, "Come on Gus". So when I came back he was crawling around the bar in the kitchen. I just giggled, he is just SO FUN!!!

Grandpa "Bruce" Nelson

2009-09-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

My grandpa died this afternoon 3:08. He is my first grandparent to pass away. I got to the hospital this morning about 9:45am and stayed until 1:25. I was sure that once I left he would pass over and I would miss the event in life that only happens once and is I'm told quite peaceful. So sure I am feeling sorry for myself, I was there while hospice did all the paperwork, when grandpa took off the oxygen tubing and refused to use it, why the doctors came and grandma explained herself to them over and over again feeling guilt for something that she need not fell guilt about, I was able to spend a little one on one when no one was in the room. The most special thing for me was seeing my grandma show all the love and compassion that one hopes they will possess for their spouse after 62 years. Grandpa to showed all the love he could, his countenance would brighten whenever grandma spoke and he would look over to his left to see if she was their. I think that he was glad everyone cares but the he wanted grandma more than anyone.
I knew he was ready and grandma and I prayed at his bedside that he would feel the love we had for him and that the Lord's will would be done and that we hoped that he wouldn't have to suffer too much longer. So I am glad that I got a good couple hours alone with grandma, mom and aunt Sherrie. I am not a big crier when it comes to death, maybe it is all the close calls over the last year, so needless to say I wasn't needing tissues so maybe that is why grandpa waited until I left to leave as well. When I said good-bye I told him that I loved him and that it was alright if he wanted to go home.
I got back about 4:45pm and I got to visit with uncle Lyle and aunt Sherrie, uncle Tom, mom and dad, grandma, Kelly and Alyssa, and all my kids. I stayed until around 6:30 when the mortuary guys came to get grandpa's body. Sophie rode on the gurny and she enjoyed that. The boys were angels like normal and I got to thinking that I don't know what I would do if Joey were to pass away. I love him and it is times like these when I realise how much I take his love for me for granted.
How many of us take those we love for granted and forget how lucky we are? Do we show those we love how much we love them and enjoy every moment we have with them? I don't. I wish I did.

A few saddnesses

2009-09-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

As I was pulling into Primary's parking garage my sister called to tell me that my mom's dad, grandpa Nelson was having a brain bleed and that they couldn't help me because (for obvious reasons) they needed to be there for him and grandma. I love my grandpa but I haven't seen him as much this year because of the low counts and catching him and Joey available at the same time.
The family chose to do an operation to help with the brain bleeding but grandpa they now know is full of cancer and has congenital heart failure so if one thing doesn't take him the other will. I would like to say I do well with the thought of death, but then I realize that I am like a camel. I can hold on so long and then the dumbest thing breaks me.
Joe is done now with the inpatient aspect of chemotherapy but Wednesday we are totally finished!!!
Another good thing, Gus is starting to crawl, he does this amazing push up that any adult male would be totally thrilled about if they could do it. And he takes a few crawls, I think he will be totally proficient just in time for our family to start going back to church, yeah I will be back but probably in the hall, well except for the fact that Gus is one of the best babies I have ever known.
The thing that broke my camel back, was that today Joey got me tickets to a premiere showing of the movie, 'Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs.' I don't know if it was good or not because Joe had a HUGE blowout and I had to go to the van to change his diaper and clothes and got locked out of the movie theater. Now if Joe and I were the only ones I would have just left but Sophie, Gus and my parents were inside. I had told the security guard that I had to go outside and he said he would let me back in. Well, miscommunication later and I missed the first 50-55 minutes of the show due to the lock out. I cried when I finally got inside the movie. I felt like leaving but I stayed and what I saw was delightful. Anyways, Joey called to complain for me and the theater said they do nothing if it was a private showing, hmmmm. I understand but shouldn't they check the doors?

Hip, hip, hurray...

2009-09-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today we start our last round of chemotherapy. Wow!!! I am not excited for Joe to be sick again, but I am excited that after this when he starts feeling better we don't have to push him back down. My children are all very happy people. I am blessed. Joey (my husband, people seem to mix up the two names) is Mr. Optimism himself, and our children inherited his outlook on life. Joe has always just grinned and bore all the trials that have been placed in front of him. I believe that children teach their parents how to be the best people they can be, now whether this continues into teenagehood or if that is where parents have to step up and start being a better example to their children than their children are to them, who knows but I am grateful to be able to learn from the babes.
On a side note, Sophie is doing much better. After further investigation she has a nice little blood shot eye, and a goose egg. Finally last night she stayed in her bed. Yeah!!!
Another side note, if you are a soda drinker, please save the can popper toppers, they can be donated to Primary Children's Medical Center as a donation for the Ronald McDonald house. Each one is worth 5 cents so they add up quickly. I can take them up for you if you want to drop them by my house.

Did this really happen?

2009-09-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I didn't feel like taking Sophie to church. She wanted to wear her swim suit cover up and I wouldn't let her. So she picked a little sting tank top with tights and her boots. I felt like it wasn't very appropriate for church and should have left her home, but I want her to make friends with the children in the ward and she loves the singing and learning about Jesus. So I took her and she was excited to attend nursery. When I picked her up she was not the little girl I left. When I left her she was happy, outgoing and confident. When I picked her up she was bashful, tired and snugly. The nursery leader said that the children had been playing ring around the rosys and they all fell on top of Sophie. She instantly acted tired and snugly, they figured it was nap time. I was worried about a concussion so I took her to the nurse across the street, no concussion.
Today I am taking her to the doctor, in the night she spike a fever of 102* and wanted held the whole time. The nurse said Sophie was probably traumatised, hmmmm. I will try to post what it is, but if anyone knows a chiropractor who is open today, let me know. I can't imagine that she isn't misaligned after such a fun event.
The stinky thing in all of this is that Sophie is two years old and has never even needed a bandaid, she has never had a boo boo, so she has know idea if she is in pain or that pain is what is is called. I think maybe I protect my kids too much, Joe never had a scrape of a sore until he was three and within a couple of months he had probably the biggest boo boo he will ever have. I don't wish pain on Gus but maybe I will try to protect without over protecting him. I don't want my kids to get hurt but it would be a good thing if they could tell me that something hurts when it does so that I can help them more effectively.

Then yesterday, my mother-in-laws dog died while they were at church. So Joey and I got to go to a dog funeral last night. Rest in peace Reagan.

The Wedding...

2009-09-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

The not so blushing beautiful bride. It was fun to see another couple get married, Joey and I have been to a few sealings at the Salt Lake Temple but never (except our own) at the Mount Timpanogos Temple, it is so very beautiful.

Gus just being cute.

Sophie and Kirstine made friends, it is so cute Sophie is big and she is small just like Erin and me.

Erin and Steve Allred cutting the cake.

Sophie loved the bubbles and even had to take one home. She tried so hard to blow the bubbles herself. Joe has a wonderful preschool teacher who decided that this week they would learn how to blow bubbles, little did she know that we would need these skills just the next day.

Hero

2009-08-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

So last night was not quite so different than normal. I was up 2 times with Gus and Sophie came looking for me while I was nursing him and she couldn't find me so she decided that she would camp in the family room. She turned on the light and curled up on the rocking chair. I had watched as I was nursing going in and out of my room like, she was thinking "Why is mommy playing hide and seek right now?" I wanted to call to her, but I did not want to wake up Joe. So I went looking for her after I finished with Gus. She was so cute all curled up. I turned off the light and rocked her for a little while then put her back to bed. She said, "No mommy, no." So I picked her up again and held her until she was asleep. I love these moments when she prefers me. I know how dumb, but when I take her anywhere she is acts like I am such an embarrassment, and so when she wants to be held I do it.
Needless to say I was pretty tired this morning and since all the children were still sleeping, Joe now in my bed, hmmm, when will I learn? So I was sleeping too. When I heard a bang on my back door. I almost didn't answer. I went to the door, in all my just waking up glory, and my neighbour Larry was there. He said that he thought the goat was dying. We both go running into the 'pasture' and sure enough cute little Chuck Norris is unconscience. Larry starts to unwind the leashes,(the goats have knocked down the fence so many times we are in the process of putting in a more permanent fence. We just bought all the stuff.) While I just sit there all unhelpful. Larry then starts pushing on Chucks chest like CPR, without the mouth to mouth, Chuck starts to belch and then comes back to life. It took him a while to stand (about 5 or 10 minutes) then he got up tried to nurse his mother, but I imagine he has a terrible sore throat. I hope that he fully recovers but thanks to Larry he is not dead right now.

THANKS LARRY FOR SAVING CHUCK NORRIS!!!

The neighbours that I have taken the time to get to know are all excellent people. All very understanding and kind to our family. We are lucky to live where we live.

Petting Zoo

2009-08-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

Okay so call me a tight wad but I think that we enjoyed the goats as much as anything at the Thanksgiving point petting zoo, and we can step outside for free and play with them.
So I am only being not funny. We enjoyed the other animals too. I did decide that pigs stink worse than stud goats and look very disgusting to me. Therefore, I do not think that I will be getting a pig like I had planned on doing in a few years.
The cow loved Joe as you can see. It was a beautiful thing.

Milestones

2009-08-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hurray!!! We have had a week of accomplishment. 1st: Gus can now sit. 2nd: Sophie is now potty trained. She has only had one mistake yesterday because she was locked in the car seat and it was tiny, but still that is the only one. The day before one and two the day before, not that everyone needs to know what her potty is like but I am so tickled that she is all done with diapers. 3rd: Joe only has one more round of chemo and then we are done. We are done with A treatment and the last is called B (original aye). 4th: Joe gets to go back to school so much sooner than I had anticipated. He will probably get to go in October sometime. His counts have to just drop and then come back up. He loved school so, Hurray!!!
Until another day, tootles

2009-08-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know how all these great bloggers do it but I never know which picture goes where. So I thought I would just put in some of the pictures I like from when the computer was sick.
The captions I would have said are, "Sunday naps with daddy." "Sophie is such a daddy's girl". "Mema with Gus, they best friends from the get go". "Go Joe, go. Look at him walk. It has been so long since he didn't cry when we put him in the gait trainer".

First Food

2009-08-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

This is Aunt Nannie...Chel asked me to share this with you so here you go. Last week Chel, Sophie and Gus went to the zoo with our family while Joe and Joey were at chemo. Michelle couldn't find Gus's binky so she improvised with ice cream!!! Gus LOVED it! We all had a really nice time at the zoo...here are a few of the pics...if you want to see more visit my blog at http://zrfitz.blogspot.com/

All ready to visit the zoo!

On the carousel.

Gus and Mommy's ice cream!

Sophie loved her ice cream too!

I see

2009-08-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

So this is the family picture my friend had posted of me. I think I now know how to take pictures from somewhere else.

My Friend, and more

2009-08-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Whenever certain people that I really like call, I answer, "Hello, Friend." One of these people is my friend Natalie, her link is on my blog. I would like to say if you need a GREAT photographer she is the one. She took pictures of our family and they look wonderful, there is a preview on her blogspot, Lehi Wrights. I met Natalie through our mutual friend Jana, we all walked when our 4 year olds were tiny babies. I would talk to them about all the shocking news Joey and I were receiving from the doctors about Joe. There wisdom and friendship helped me through a very difficult time. I think that I wouldn't be so positive about all of Joe's health issues if I hadn't had them to talk to. I don't think that I ever told them thank you so, THANKS LADIES. I would wake up so excited to talk to them and I usually did most of the talking and still they would keep coming, Thank You.
I believe that Heavenly Father puts people in your life when you need them and usually I believe that they need you as well. I know that I have had some very wonderful influences in my life and even though I tell Joey that I want to move, I think it is just because I am bored of the same walls day after day. I can't paint or construct until Joe is cleared by the doctors, the fumes can irritate. So I sometimes think we should move but I don't think that I could ever be in a better more loving ward than the one I am in now. Thank you everyone for you love, prayers, kindness, and patience.
Love, Michelle
P.S. Our new operating system is different and I haven't figured out the picture thing yet, hopefully soon.

YUCKY

2009-07-25T14:48:00.001-07:00

Preface:
This is disgusting!!!
So how yucky can something be? I have now had a puppy, a child and a GOAT urinate on me. I was untangling Stanley the goat this morning when he decided that I was standing just where he wanted to relieve himself. I was in the process of telling him how musky he smells and I must have offended because he immediately urinated on my leg.
I know this is gross but you must admit it is very funny and ironic (due to what I was telling him) at the same time.
P.S. Anyone want a goat, our baby goat is starting to wean and could use a new home.

Heat Wave

2009-07-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

So all of June the weather was lovely. Then July hits and wham, a heat wave, I can remember year to year that July is the hottest month, but still I am surprised by the amount of warmth the 90's and 100's bring to the earth. At times like these there is nothing so glorious as a cool dip in a lake. Growing up we always went to Lake Powell, for the being years I was terrified of the water. I was sure a fish would pull me under, but by the time we quit going I loved it and would request it for a birthday present get away. I don't know why I was so blessed that my parents would actually take our family on vacation for my birthday but if I haven't said it before, THANKS DAD AND MOM. The last time I went I was 18 and I went with the single adults ward. It was fun but you know once you get through the teen years when your family "isn't so cool" and you realize that your family is the COOLEST trips are far better with the people you love.
I remember that it was all about devotionals at night and flirting during the day. I did make some great friends on that trip that I really enjoyed for that last year of singlehood after that trip. I miss my single friends and wonder what they are up to.
Well,the babies are needing attention, so I may finish this thought another day.

Sophie Jane

2009-07-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sophie has moved into her own big girl bed this last month, actually the last week of June and she has done pretty good. If you count staying up until past 11:00 as good. She loves being in charge of herself a little bit. Joey has had to put higher locks on both doors so that Sophie doesn't escape (prison) and go outside and play at night. She also does quite good late at night with the potty training even if the rest of the day she doesn't do quite as well.
Sophie did the cutest thing the other night. She has a baby buggy, from aunt Nannie, and she decided that she would put it on her bed next to the wall so that her baby (Elmo) could sleep on her bed but in his own protective bed as well. I discovered her mischievous first and quickly called to Joey to come see. We busted up laughing right away. I love to hear him laugh, he promptly got the camcorder and recorded it. I am so glad he is the daddy so that our kids will have a piece of their childhood recorded or pictured.

Hopefully back for a while

2009-07-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

So our computer has now been reformatted or something like that.
So far July has been uneventful, well until last night. I was wanting ice cream because it has been so hot and Joey finally fixed the swamp cooler last night after he got home from work. So when he said that he wanted to go to the church and help set up chairs I asked him if he would please pick up ice cream. Well, he called right before check out so that he wouldn't forget anything, how considerate, then 30 or so minutes went by and he still wasn't home then he called, the van wouldn't start. So I called my friend Fiona across the street to have her watch the boys, Sophie was with Joey and so were the car seats, and she came right over and then Joey charged the van battery enough for us to get it home and then it died again in the driveway. Joey says that it is nothing. I hope that the curse of July doesn't hit to hard with the van.
I will post pictures soon I just want to make sure that the computer stays healthy a little bit longer.
Tootles for now.

Hi Everyone

2009-06-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

So an update... We have been pretty busy lately. We started the month of June off in the hospital with a fever of 105*. I was so scared for Joe but all is fine. Then we spent a couple uneventful weeks at home away from all life forms to stay healthy while our counts were low. Then when we got "clearance" I went crazy at the grocery store. I was so excited for fresh food that I went to the grocery store twice in a week to get more produce.
Then I got a tiller/cultivater from Joey just because he loves me and was hoping this would help me to get the yard more in order. It does help but the thing is so powerful.
Joey has been working in our yard a lot lately. It is looking like someone actually lives there. Joey is so darling. He often looks at the yard and gets ideas of what needs done and just goes out and does it. I often envy this. I enjoy yard work but the kids do not cooperate with the neglect of them that it results with.
Last night Joey decided that our dogs needed hair cuts. It was 10:30 at night. I was exhausted but Joey wanted my attention, I am quite thrilled when I please him. So we cut the dogs hair on our back patio. When we came in it was 11:30, I about died, because today we are getting yet another test done at the hospital, and I had to leave the house at 6:30 to be on time.
So even though a lot has gone on. I am sorry I can't post right now because my computer hates me and won't let me on, even though Joey gets on just fine.
Life is so good!!!! My parents, bless them, came over on Sunday so that Joey, Sophie, Gus and I could go to church together. It was so lovely. I didn't want to see it end. I am excited for next year when Joe can join us and we can all go to church every week as a family again.
Thanks for reading and have a lovely day:)

Computer Problems...

2009-06-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Michelle wanted me to let you know that she hasn't intentionally been neglecting you. She has had a lot of computer problems which are making it nearly impossible for her to blog. She wishes you all well and will post as soon as she can!

A day of TEARS

2009-05-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

My computer has been broken all month. HMPH.
So today I am trying. Each of my children have had their turns for tears. Joe just could handle being outside while I was doing yard work and threw a royal tantrum for over 45 minutes, I hope I have the courage to go out and try again tomorrow. Then Gus has not been satisfied with the amount of milk he is getting. He is definitely getting enough but he sure doesn't think so. Sophie threw a tantrum because I wouldn't let her take the measuring spoons I was using.
I bake more when I need an escape. I made bread and cookies. I got a new recipe at enrichment and I have been experimenting. I really like it. I have eaten more bread in the last two weeks than in the last two months if not longer.
Anyways. I will hopefully write again soon.
Wish me luck, that the rest of the day will not be full of more tears.

Part 8: Tribute to Mother's week, my mom Lori

2009-05-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed to have the best mom in the world. She is constantly helping and loving me and my family. She has done so many wonderful things for others in an anonymous way. She loves to help others and to not get the acknowledgment for it. She is such a great example to me. I feel so bad that this wasn't written before now but I wanted to save her for last. She has patiently read all of the other tributes and not asked when it was her turn. I am afraid that I do not do her justice. Who can? Mother's love their children in ways that no one understands, even their own children. I never even knew you could love someone so much until I was blessed to have children of my own. A mother would do anything for her children. Sometimes you think that it is so embarrassing the things that a mother will do, but I believe that in most mother's hearts they are only doing what they believe is right. My mom has always followed her heart with her children. I am grateful that she is my Mom. I love you SSSOOOO much Mom. I am grateful that Heavenly Father knew that you are who I needed as my Mom so that I could be the best me. Happy Mother's Day, you ARE the best!!!

Part 7: Tribute to Mother's Week, my mother-in-law Sallyann

2009-05-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

I know I have 2 mother-in-laws. This is Joey's stepmom. She is so fascinating to me. I do not know her well because she lives in California, but I always enjoy a vacation to visit her and the rest of the family there. Sallyann grew up in England, this is a place that I want to go to so very badly. If Joey and I hadn't gotten married I was planning on going to England to live for a couple of years. Sallyann is a very kind, loving, patient, forgiving and accepting person. When we go to California she tries to make us feel at home. She spends as much time with us as possible and makes me feel like she is pleased we came. I love her and consider her one of my friends. She is always concerned about Joe and calls to check on him from time to time. So to Sallyann, thank you for all you do, especially for loving Joey so much. Happy Mother's Day.

Part 6: Tribute to Mother's Week, my mother-in-law Lisa

2009-05-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

In keeping with my direction of thinking, I must continue even though I am not sure how to do this best. I realize this was probably not a very good idea, but here is to my mother-in-law. I am always afraid of offending my in-laws and so I hope I don't but I do not think that many of my in-laws read this.
Lisa is my mother-in-law. She spent about 8 years as a single mom to Joey and I believe she did a pretty good job. Joey is such a sweet and loving husband. I can tell by some of his little quirks that are so cute to me that he was raised by a single mom. Lisa worked hard to try to do what she could for the kids and since Joey's dad lived in another state it wasn't like he could be to involved all the time.
Lisa is a hard worker and always has such a well kept yard, something that I do not do too well, due to my paranoia about Joe and being outside. She also has a very cute store on Main Street in American Fork, you may have heard of it, Mona Lisa's she spends countless hours trying to make the store a memorable experience for those who come in to shop or visit. I admire her for her hard work and her keep on going even in hard times attitude. So Happy Mother's Day.

Part 5: Tribute to Mother's Week, My sister Rachael

2009-05-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

First off, Happy Birthday. I am hoping that you do not read this until tomorrow.
I decided that since my sister is my little girls other mommy (nanna) that I would pay tribute to her. And since May 3 is her birthday I thought this would be the most appropriate of days to accomplish this tribute thing I am doing.
My sister and I did not get along the best growing up. She is only 5 years older than me but I was still the rival sister. I wanted to be like her, I wanted to dress like her and would try to borrow her cloths (I was always big for my age and she was petite for hers) She rarely let me borrow but on the few occasions that she did, I thought that I looked very good. I remember when she went to college and she sent me one letter. I was so excited. During this time frame of our relationship we did not make time for building a friendship with one another. I was glad to see her leave when she left for college and I thought that she did not like me when she left. But the letter helped me realize that she cared about me. I believe her leaving was the best thing for us. She was in and out a lot for the next few years. Then when my brothers started leaving on their missions she came back for good. When she came back our relationship started over with me being more mature and her more willing to try to get to know me. I now consider her one of my best friends. She has two beautiful step-children who she loves more than anything and a wonderful husband who understands her quite completely.
I want to tell her thank you for being Sophie's Nanna, I am grateful that you sacrifice so much so that I can be there for Joe while he has been so sick, and I have been so very scared that I would loose him.
I know you don't want me to say this but Happy Nanna's Day to you.
Love, Chel and Sophie

Part 4: Tribute to Mother's Week, Mema Ely

2009-05-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Joey's mom's mom is our Mema Ely. We see her quite a bit due to the fact that she comes over to our house pretty much whenever we ask her to. She has been a widow for over a decade, I am not quite sure the exact amount of years but I know that she misses Grandpa Ray so much. I was liked her from the very beginning. She always has a lot to talk about and I don't have to hardly do any of the talking. I have found that my life seems quite dull to me, and I would rather hear about anyone else. She comes from a artistic family and she enjoys drawing and singing opera. While growing up she took lessons and then as an adult she has sang at anything she is asked to sing at. She loves children and to this day she still works with the children at Mountainville Academy. I love you Mema and Happy Mother's Day.

Happy Anniversary

2009-04-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! How the last 5 years have flown by. Joey and I dated for a year before we got married and that time seemed to creep by so slowly. Then we get married and every year goes faster and faster. Joey is a very loving and patient husband. He loves me and puts up with my opinionation and part perfectionistic ways.
If you ask Joey he would say I am the best mother, but I think he is the best parent. Our children love and adore him. If Joe is sad he can cheer him up and if Sophie is being naughty he knows how to get her to behave. Our children are night owls because I can't bear to not let them see their daddy and have his most optimistic attitude in their lives every day.
I love you, Joey and Happy Anniversary.

Part 3: Tribute to Mother's Week, Grandma Nelson

2009-04-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

My mom's mom is my much loved Grandma Nelson. She is one of the sweetest woman in the world. She has gone through a lot in her life and yet keeps going forward. Like Mema Di Regolo, I don't see her very often. Growing up one of the main family vacations was going up to Afton, Wyoming to visit her and Grandpa. My grandma use to crochet the most beautiful doilies but the Christmas after Joey and I got married she suffered a stroke which took her crocheting abilities away. I was lucky enough to receive 3 doilies from her for my wedding and I treasure these, I don't think that Joey knows how precious they are to me, anyways. I think she has felt lost without the full function of her body, but she still tries hard. I love her. She has the warmest eyes you have ever seen, and the most giving heart. She would do anything she could for anyone. She is strong willed and has taught me the meaning of commitment. So Happy Mother's Day Grandma, I love you and thanks for the awesome example.

Part 2: Tribute to Mother's Week, Mema Di Regolo

2009-04-27T22:56:00.000-07:00

If I am going to write about each of the Mother's in my life I will have to do more than one post a day all week.
Joey has two Grandma's they both go by Mema and both are wonderful. I am going to tell you a little bit about Mema Di Regolo tonight. When I met her I instantly adored her. She is one of those people who you meet and you want to know better. We share a few common interests. She is one of the best cooks I have ever eaten from. I have thought she should go on Hell's Kitchen for a few reasons:
1. She can cook like a pro.
2. She could hold her own against him. I don't think anyone could scare her.
3. How cool would that be, a 70 something woman winning a restaurant that she has no need for.
We also share the love of gardening. I don't think my neighbors would agree that I like to garden, I just don't have a lot of opportunity for that kind of wonderful adventure. Mema has lemon bushes and orange trees, and she goes to the farmer's market every week so that she can get fresh produce and try out the new kinds of fruit the farmers are experimenting with. She also (I know this is selfish) but she calls my phone to talk to me over calling Joey, and I love it. I am not in competition with Joey and honestly until just this last Sunday I thought that she called him too. This aspect of her calling me helps me to realize that she likes me too, and I don't know about anyone else but as a daughter-in-law I want my husbands family to love me like one of their own, and with Mema I feel that way. I think that Mema is great and I can't wait to see her again and get to know her more. So Mema if you read this I love you and Happy Mother's Day.

Part 1: Tribute to Mother's Week, Grandma Bennett

2009-04-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

This week I am going to write a little about the different mother's in my life.
My grandma Bennett, is my dad's mom and one very special woman to me. From the third grade to the tenth we lived 2 doors and across the street from her. I would go early to church every week so that I could get the honored seat next to her. I adored her. I would try to sit like she sat, sing how she sang and I even wanted to dress like her. She has good taste but as a child you should probably dress like a child not an adult. Anyways, I love her so much. I don't go and see her as much as I should but I think about her every day. I had a pet name from her, or so I thought all growing up. Some may be offended by it but she called me 'little shit'. I loved it. I see nothing wrong only affection from this term coming out of my grandma's mouth. My grandma Bennett works hard everyday. She worked on her father's farm growing up and now she helps my grandpa with he and my uncles farm. Mostly sorting fruit and going to the market without ever complaining. I hope to be like her in so many ways. I know she reads this and I just want her to know that I love her, and I feel so lucky that she surprised us with a lovely visit yesterday. How lucky were we? I love you Grandma and Happy Mother's Day.

Polygamist

2009-04-26T10:07:00.001-07:00

So this morning I asked Sophie as I was doing her hair. "Sophie are you a polygamist?" She quickly responded, "Yep". I asked her this because when bangs are growing out I tend to put them into twists, which remind me of polygamist woman's hair style. I do this even to my own hair. It just seems better to me than a bobby pin. So here are some pictures of Sophie with her polygamist hair style. I think she is darling, but if you think I disgrace her with the hair style let me know so I can try a new style next time. :)

I usually don't do this...

2009-04-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

How darling, they match.

Sophie and her much loved Aunt Nannie. Playing outside on the swing set. Sophie was so excited.

Gus sleeping next to Joe. How cute, Joe doesn't quite know what to think.

Apricot Tree

2009-04-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

So last year we planted 8 fruit trees and our goats ate them all, so we planted 3 more up front and well, they got to them to but it looks like they may have survived. We enjoy our goats except for their lack of tree hugging abilities.
This morning when I opened the front blinds I saw 'Popcorn popping on the' on the street trees. I am not quite sure the variety of tree but I realized where the all to famous children's song came from. I love this time of year, not to hot, and not to cold. I love it when it is 70 to 80 degrees outside and the sky is clear blue. There is always so much beauty to be found in the world and I tend to forget alot. I am a home body and am nervous that with Joe being sick and my germaphobia getting worse all the time that soon I will forget to go outside altogether. Thank goodness that Sophie want to go out, and Joey insists we do things outside as a family.

Forgot to finish with my pictures

2009-04-21T09:54:00.001-07:00

I think that Sophie has gotten the hang of opening presents.

Lately...

2009-04-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some new pictures.

So Sunday we finally celebrated Joe's birthday. I decided to do two combined birthday parties. One for the Bennett side on this last Sunday, and one for the Ashby/DiRegolo side on Sophie's birthday next Monday. I figured that way my mom could be at one and Joey's sisters could be at the other. It seems like with Spring Break someone is always out of town. I can't wait for Joe to be healthy so we can go on vacation and not worry about if there is a hospital close by.

Pictures from the hospital on Joe's Birthday

2009-04-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Joe was in such a good mood in the hospital, once he woke up. He is so cute that I thought I would show off some of his pictures.

Home...and a Quote

2009-04-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

First of all while at the cafeteria in the hospital I met a mom who had a 20 month old who sat still the whole time during lunch. I was so impressed that I asked her if she ate meals at the table. This question was with some inspiration from my mom. The mom said that she makes it a point to have all the meals at the table with all other distractions turned off. I think I am going to try this, because Sophie will not sit still for anything. So maybe if she learns to sit still during meal time she will sit still during church when we go back as a family next year.
Now for an interesting quote that goes along with my 'Scrooge' blog entry. It is from Well, DUH! Our Stupid World, and Welcome to it, by Bob Fenster pgs. 256, 266.

33. What is the dumbest holiday?
In the spirit of Christmas, we go to overcrowded sores whose merchandising would have appalled Christ. We waste precious resources wrapping presents so the wrapping can be torn off and thrown away. We spend too much money for things we don't need and wonder why the holiday leaves us feeling empty.
On Easter and Halloween, we overdose our children with candy, knowing that within the hour we'll be yelling at them to stop tossing baby brother up against the wall to see if he sticks.
On Groundhog Day, we celebrate the ability of a rodent to predict the weather.
But clearly the favorite holiday of idiotologists everywhere is April Fools' Day, when we celebrate the fact that we are stupid enough to hold a celebration of how dumb we are.

I agree with the concept not necessarily the wording but I enjoyed the quote and thought I would share.

Update...

2009-04-16T20:56:00.001-07:00

Joe is doing a little bit better. He no longer is hypothermic or feverish. He is doing something unfamiliar to us now. He quits breathing for a couple seconds when he wakes up and so his oxygen levels go into the 80's, apparently this is not good. So when I left tonight they had a oxygen funnel next to his head so he could turn his head an breath in the oxygen if he wanted, he was trying to eat it, it was so cute.
I just called mom for an update, I can't stay overnight because I breastfeed Gus and he isn't allowed to stay overnight. Joe is keeping his feeds down and sleeping well. His room is called "the cave" this is the perfect description, it is so dark and has zero windows looking out the only window is in the door so no natural light comes in. It is perfect, because Joe can sleep without the sun telling him what time of day it is. Anyway, I am tired and I don't feel like I am making any sense. I will post tomorrow night when I get back from the hospital. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support. I love you all.

Naptime...

2009-04-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Sophie is being so good about not crying at bedtime so to compensate for her goodness I have not been having her take unnecessary naps, since these include crying and more crying when she wakes up. Last night around 7 o'clock she was tuckered and fell asleep on the floor in the front room. I was hoping that since it was her idea she would wake up nice, but no, she was crankier than ever. Maybe next week I will start with naps again.

2009-04-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Blessings of the Holiday

2009-04-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

At Christmas time Joe had a chemo treatment and as a blessing of Christmas he was not sick from that treatment. Now for Easter we are having yet another Holiday Miracle. He is so chipper and still eating and playing with toys I am so grateful. I don't know why he is doing so much better, but I am so grateful that he is being blessed to feel good. I am also grateful for all the prayer that have been offered on behalf of Joe. I am grateful for Christ's atonement for all of our sins. I love the reason for the season, I do celebrate Easter because how could I not celebrate the reason that my family will be together forever. I hope this year that I can be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to others. I am grateful for the Savior and his self sacrifice to die for our sins, and to be resurrected so that we to may be resurrected someday.

Here's to AWESOME daddies...

2009-04-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

So it has been forever since I went to any store I wanted and spent long hours shopping. Since it was to cold to play outside this morning I decided that it was time to go get some not so, but seem to be essentials. Sophie didn't know what to think and Gus just slept the whole time.
Joe is at chemotherapy today and since Gus is so young he isn't supposed to go to the ICS unit at Primary Children's Hospital. My sweet husband traded days off so that he could go and spend some one on one time with Joe in the hospital. I really appreciate how good he is with the kids. I know that Joe will have as great of time as is possible when his dad is around. Joey is always so cute and fun with the kids. The children have learn how to play hard from their dad. I sure Love Joey.

Finally...

2009-04-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Joe is sort of low on red blood counts (thus why he is so pale) but he looks so relaxed I had to show him.

Gus loves to sleep on his stomach.

Joe and Sophie never liked to sleep on theirs so I had to take a bunch of pictures.

So I finished the Twilight series today. I feel free from the book now. I don't know what it was but I had to finish, like it held some stupid power over me. I enjoyed the book and I now plan to finish reading Believing Christ. I am hoping to get really into it this time. I have valued what I have read of it so far, but I have a hard time reading things without a definite story line. Anyways.
So a few blogs back I wrote about how Joey seems to always get the better chore when two things need done at once, well as luck would have it I won this time. The options were a blow out or unclogging the toilet. I washed the baby with the blow out and Joey unclogged a very stubborn toilet. I feel pretty lucky about my choice tonight.

To funny...I posted twice tonight

2009-04-04T22:30:00.001-07:00

A French doctor says 'Medicine in my country is so advanced that we can
take a kidney out of one man, put it in another, and have him looking for
work in six weeks.'

A German doctor says 'That is nothing; we can take a lung out of one
person, put it in another, and have him looking for work in four weeks.

The Russian doctor says 'In my country, medicine is so advanced that we
can take half a heart out of one person, put it in another, and have them
both looking for work in two weeks.'

An American doctor, not to be outdone, says 'You guys are way behind. We
recently took a man with no brains out of Illinois , put him in the White
House, and now half the country is looking for work.'

Conference

2009-04-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

These are Gus's 1 month old pictures. I think he is so cute. The outfit is 3 to 6 months and he already fits. My how he has grown.

I loved Conference, at least what I could hear and pay attention to. I am telling you I don't know how single parents get anything done. Joey works through Saturday Conference and this is no different than any other time, except for the fact that I have 3 kids now. Joe sat on the couch and was pretty good until he decided that he needed to be held like Gus. Gus decided to wake up to the world today and Sophie well, she is Sophie and decided that all the toys were to be thrown on the floor in front of the television. She is so funny. I was embarrassed after the fact, but Joe's feeding supplies came from the home health and the delivery guy was nice and didn't look to disgusted when he dropped off the stuff. I realized right after he left that Tornado Sophie had ripped through the room.
I am excited for the Ensign to come out so that I can catch up on everything I missed. I think the Lord understands parents of young children and gives us a little bit of a break as long as we are just trying.
Have a great rest of the week end.

Scrooge???

2009-04-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

I am a total Scrooge when it comes to the unessential holidays. I don't like how people pinched in school for St Patrick's day, or the tricks on April Fool's. So my poor husband doesn't get to have a wife who tricks or pinches. Anyways.
Sophie did the cutest thing. While I was showering I heard the diaper garbage lids close and wondered what she threw away then she lifts the toilet lid and I peek out and see her dump her potty into the toilet. I was so proud. She went without being told and was so cute about her accomplishment, she pulled the shower curtain open and started clapping and cheering. I am so tickled.

Twilight Fever

2009-03-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

I am a goof. I seem to be being taught a bunch of lesson on understanding lately. It seems like when I criticize or don't understand something that people do, I end up doing it.
I have neglected house and home since Thursday when I discovered that Twilight and the series is pretty addictive. I just finished the second book. And would be reading the third if I had it. I really have enjoyed it. I figured I needed something better to do than watch so much TV while nursing Gus. He seems to think he needs to eat every two hours, which is so different than Joe and Sophie who ate every 4 hours. So I get into a chapter and can't put it down and before I know it, it is time to feed Gus again. OH WELL.

Which do you want to do?

2009-03-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

My big question to Joey with the kids is "Which do you want to do?" This typically ends up with me doing the yucky job. Not because Joey is mean because he isn't, he is just to lucky. A couple years ago is when it started. About the time Sophie was born and I realized that I can only take care of one child's situation at a time. The first time should have taught me a lesson but no. Joey chose to bath clean up Sophie after a meal and I got Joe duty. Duty only because he ended up with a huge dootie all over the high chair.
Anyways, last night Gus was fussy, again, so I poked at Joey and said do you want to get up now with Gus and sleep in and I won't bother you or do you want to get up with Joe in the morning. He chose Gus. I then dutifully got up with Joe earlier than he has gotten up in weeks and got ready for the day. Well, after all three kids are awake and Joey is keeping me to me promise, I get the kids ready, Joe has a blood draw and then the lesson to be learned. Joe throws up on the floor. I therefore must clean up the mess because I got to sleep for 3 very wonderful straight hours. I think from now on I will tell Joey which option to pick, but I would probably end up with a worse outcome, due to be selfish. I think Joey has the best of luck to get out of so many of the things you would hate doing if you weren't the parent. As the parent you don't care how much poop or vomit you clean up. You feel worse for the child and that they don't feel good. I am grateful to be a mommy.