God Given Talents

Brian's God given talent (frame building), Cortney's God given talent (photography)

Well, many of you are aware of my awesome swimming skills or lack thereof so I have started swimming again at the college. Now swimming does not come easily for me due to the lack of pool resources we have had in Rexburg and of course Ashton. I have never had a big desire to be a good swimmer, but my outlook is changing just a little. I wake up at 4:30am, drive 30 minutes South with my buddy Elise (and soon buddy Katie), wait in line for the employee of the month to show up, pay him $4 hard earned dollars, put on a nasty BYU-I swimsuit, and hop into a pool of frigid cold water with a swim cap that resembles a condom. Now doesn't that sound like FUN. Well, actually I am addicted! I can't stop thinking about swimming. Every morning in the shower I practice my zipper stroke as I sing ACDC "thunder". I started out swimming 2 laps with about 30 minute rests. Happy to say that this morning I swam my first 1/2 mile. It only took me about 50 minutes, but it's good to know there is room for improvement.
Right now I am sitting here staring outside looking at the beautiful scenery, sipping on my clear glass of water just thinking to myself how blessed I am. I am thankful for my home, family, parents, children, husband, dog, toilet, washer, dryer, bleach, bicycle, strong body, food, clothing, wood burning stove, Gospel, health, clean hospital, and most importantly toilet paper and tampons. How blessed we are to live in a world where there are so many opportunities available at our finger tips. If we could but for a moment take advantage of our God given talents and use them in a way that would be beneficial to many.......how amazing that would be. So today, think of your God given talents and use them to their fullest potential.

Cortney took this picture of Carson and I LOVE it. I stole it from Cort and Ash's blog. Check out Cortney's photos - he will be coming to Rexburg soon if any of you need "Family pictures taken......Cortney is the man." Let me know. He does AWESOME work.

Coopy and the Hospital

Yesterday was quite the day. It started off with a big yelp at 1:30a.m. and ended with a big throw up, and off course the yucky duck runs. Brian and I have a hard time when our kids get sick. I think it takes away about 3 years of our youthfulness. I have noticed a few more lines and Brian a few more grey hairs. Well, after cleaning up the mess it was about 5:00a.m. and yep, time for my spinning class. After spinning I got home and as the boys were getting ready for school Coop wakes up. Carson brought him down the stairs and my eyes popped out of my sockets when I saw little Cooper. He was covered "head to toe" in a wicked viral rash and was pail as a ghost. I of course started FREAKING out thinking the ultimate worst. We rushed out the door, dropped Carson and Kelton off at school and headed for the Emergency Room. To make another long story short there was nothing they could do for him. It was VIRAL! They sent us home. The Doctor was very impressed with his rash though. He said it would take around a week for the rash to disappear, but by the end of the night it was all but gone.
Hip hap happy to say that when I got home from swimming in Rexburg this morning (5:00am any takers welcome) little Coop was smiling. He looks and sounds like his little happy self.
I am greatful today for happy little boys and for my husband who is the ultimate dad. Staying up late hours holding little ones, loving his wife even when she looks like hell on wheels, and most of all just being an amazing man. Thanks Bri - I couldn't have made it through the week without you.

THE PLAGUE AND SUCH

Alright now that my buttocks are not glued to the cold ceramic toilet seat I will now sit down and attempt to update my personal history. Life has been good and I am truly greatful for so many things, but dang how many stinking diapers are we as mothers expected to change throughout our lives? It all began...........


It was a cool brisk evening on Halloween night when all fifteen of us gathered for delicious food and entertainment. We ate our food and headed for the hills to do some trick or treating with the little ones. Man did they score! I mean I scored. Didn't you know you are doing your kids a favor when you eat all of their Halloween candy? Well, not this year. (Diet says NO to candy)

It wasn't until Sunday morning 1:00am that Kelton yells "I got a gut ache." Now what kid wouldn't have a gut ache right after Halloween night? Well, to make a FREAKING LONG story short Kelton, Carson, Brian, Cooper, and I ALL got the yucks. I will spare you the details on this one, but man am I wore out. After about a week of the yucky yucks we are pretty much back to normal. Everyone, but little Coop. He is still struggling. If he is not better tomorrow we are heading to the Doc.
(pics coming soon)