Isaac's Talk in Primary

This was the talk that Isaac gave in primary last sunday:

When Jesus lived on the earth, he talked to many little children.
Just like Jesus was baptized, in the River Jordan, I can be baptized when I am 8 years old.
Jesus and Heavenly Father came to Joseph Smith to restore the gospel.
Jesus sent Peter, James and John to give Joseph Smith the priesthood.
Because we have the restored gospel and the priesthood today, we can have special blessing.
I like it when my Dad gives me blessings.
I love my savior Jesus Christ and his restored gospel.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Too much funniness...

No.. that is not a word, but it fits. This was the drive to school with the kids this morning. Kaytlin starts with "oh my goodness Mommy.... I put my shoes on the wrong feet! No wonder they feel weird." I say " All right Kaytlin, hurry up and fix them before we get to school." She says " I'm trying but someone is driving this van crazy!! Oh wait... that's you. Never mind." I say "Do you remember the song you are supposed to sing today?" She says " Yup, I know it." Isaac pipes in with "But I don't know the song!!!" Here's their dialogue:
K - I'll teach it to you.
I - Okay, how does it go?
K - You repeat after me. You are my sunshine.
I - (silence)
K - Come one Isaac repeat after me, You are my sunshine.
I - I am your sunshine.
K- NOOOO!!!! You are My sunshine.
I - I am your sunshine.
K- NOOO!!! Isaac, repeat after me and say what I am saying. You are my sunshine.
I - I am your sunshine.

This is where I practically have to pull over because I am laughing so hard!!!

I just wish every day started like this.
-Pamala

Soccer!!!!

Well Soccer season is now over. Boo Hoo. No really we're sad. This season was awesome. Kaytlin totally dominated and excelled like you wouldn't belive. She rocked. She had her last game on Saturday and afterward we had a little party and the kids got their trophies. Overall the team lost one game, tied one game and won six games. The teams average score for each game was about 15 points. Kaytlin was the second highest scorer for the team. I'm a little concerned about Kaytlin going up another level after the next season but all the other parents agreed that she is tough enough for it. I'm excited for her. She seems to love soccer and she great at it. It's amazing to see a little girl who started out so small and weak turn into a girl who tears it up out there. That's my baby!!!

This is Kaytlin and her Coach. Coach Lingo was wonderful. Thank you Coach Lingo!!

WARNING... THIS WILL BE LOOOONNNGGGG

Okay, this is gonna be a long one. I want to write EVERYTHING before I forget it all!!!! We had a great visit with my dad and step-mom. It can be tough between us but the everything went smoothly. They arrived on Friday afternoon after a delay at the airport. They were pretty tired but the kids were super excited to see them. They just wanted to drag them through the house and show them everything. Remember, this was only the second time they have ever met. I made dinner and that was pretty much it for Friday.

On Saturday Josh and I made breakfast for everyone and then we all got ready for Kaytlin's soccer game. She only scored a whopping 5 goals that game. (she really wanted 6 because she's 6 years old of course). But she did have 1 assist. After the game we went home and took naps. After naps we hung out and got ready for dinner. Dad took us to dinner at the Geisha House, which is teppanyaki. It was the first time kids had ever been to teppanyaki and we all had a blast. Kaytlin ate sushi. Isaac was fasinated with the fact that the guy was cooking on a stove right in front of us. Everyone LOVED their food. I fell in love with their CA rolls. The kids got and used their magic chopsticks. I think the best part was that Dad loved that the kids had such a great time. They took to dad and charlene right away. I had been telling them for week before hand that they were coming out and I think that helped. After dinner we walked to the ice cream parlor next door. After that we all had a lot food to walk off so we went to bed bath and beyond and on to costco to get a few things. We all just really needed to walk!!

On Sunday we skipped church. I had made a breakfast casserole the night before and some potato salad. So we had breakfast and did a little running around. I was having serious pillow issues and needed a new one badly. After that we headed home so I could put Isaac down for a nap. Everyone else went to leather headquaters to look for leathers for dad and charlene. They got a new bike and needed some gear. After that we hung out and BBQed for dinner. I don't think I have ever seen dad eat so much. He loved the food. After dinner we made smores. Both dad and charlene said it had been about 20 years since they had made them. Everyone had fun. It felt wonderful to have everyone so comfortable. After the kids went to bed we adults stayed up and watched a movie. On Monday Josh and I took the kids to school. We had really been wanting to look at some model homes near us for a long time. But they didn't open until noon. So after we got Isaac from school dad and charlene really wanted to try sonic. After sonic we looked at the models and fell in love with our future home. We will be buying it eventually!!! After that I had to get home to get started on a cake. I promised someone a cowboy cake for monday night. The cake took much longer that I had hope so my dinner plans got replaced with pizza. Oh well. On tues we went for breakfast after taking Kaytlin to school and then headed for the strip. We only made it to Belagio, coke store and M and M store. Oh darn. At the coke store we had fun trying the new floats tester thingy. The Belagio had their fall set-up in the conservatory and it was beautiful. We had a great time!! After that we barely made it in time to get Kaytlin from school. Thankfully her teacher is always late letting them out. After that we went home and worked on homework. Dad and charlene really wanted to try Joes Crab Shack and I was going to make fish anyways so we headed there for dinner. It was awesome. The restaurant was practically empty because it was early so the kids could be loud. Awesome fun. Great atmosphere and we all loved our food. Isaac was exhausted though from no nap. After dinner they played in their outdoor playground for awhile and off to home. On weds we took the kids to school. Charlene and I went to have a manicure and pedicure. The boys picked us up later after playing at the leather shop again. We headed to Jason's deli for lunch and enjoyed every bite. Dad and charlee loved it. Off to home for naps. After getting Kaytlin and working on homework she had a early soccer practice. The coaches hours got changed but it worked out better. After practice dad wanted bbq again and wanted to try Shanes rib shack next to the geisha house. We love the rib shack and their prices so off we went. Loved it. Devoured it. Was hurtin afterward.
On thurs Josh had to go back to work so I took dad and charlene to the Nascar Cafe at the Sahara. We had a great time. Headed home and got Kaytlin later. Josh was able to come home at a decent time and had cabbage rolls for dinner. After dinner Charlene and I went to a friends house and learned how to make the most wonderful chocolate and caramel dipped pretzels. After that we went home. Josh had the kids put handprints on a las vegas t-shirt charlene had gotten on the strip. It turned out great. The kids said goodnight and goodbye. Fri morning josh took them to airport before work. We had a good visit with them. Wed went okay for me with it being the fifth anniversary of my mothers death. I was afraid I'd break down but I didn't. I just tried to enjoy the time I had with them and it worked. It can be difficult between my father and I but it was okay. I'm so glad they were able to come out. The kids and Josh and I had a blast visiting with Grandpa Duke and Grandma Charlene!!

I'm not fond of self-pity.. But...

I need a break for awhile. This has not been a very good few weeks. I feel like since I left the doctors a few weeks ago things just aren't coordinated enough for me. I'm really excited that my Dad and Step-Mom will be here today. That's not it at all. I'm just not feeling mentally and physically well. I keep blowing up at the kids. I think that might be why Kaytlin has been acting up at school. I'm not sure about the timing though. It could be that I'm the one acting up because she's acting up and I just don't know what to do to help her. I just don't know what to do period. I keep going through the motions of daily life but something just keeps bothering me. It could be that we're coming up on that time of the year again. This year will be very hard because dad and charlene will be here. And I'm never in a very good mood on that day. This year I will be entertaining and I know that they wont want to talk about it. So I feel like I'll just be faking my happiness when all I really want to do is crawl in bed and cry myself to sleep for a few days. What's even harder is I really want to talk to someone who understands but nobody does. My hubby is supportive but I don't think he really understands. I would give ANYTHING to talk to her one more time. I just want to hear her say she loves me and would be proud of me. I don't know what I'm doing and she should be here guiding me. Instead I feel like I'm going blind. I know I have heavenly father but I really just want my mom. I love you mom.
-Pamala

I love my kids... really i do

Kaytlin has had the last two days off of school. I am really really really ready for her to go back to school tomorrow. Bless her teacher!!! I love my kids so much. After four days home though I'm ready to be alone. I'm now counting the hours until 9am when I drop them both off at school. Gee... what will I do? Enjoy the peace and quiet!!!!

I blame my comfy socks

I bought these new socks a while ago and they are great. The are so soft and fluffy. I love socks. Winters here get so cold. And with the wood floor and tile downstairs my feet get really cold. When my feet get cold then they hurt. I HATE going to be bed with cold feet. Just ask Josh, he hates it when I shove my feet between his to get them warm. Anyhow, I've been wearing these socks. Yesterday while Isaac was taking a nap I went downstairs. The moment my feet hit the tile from stepping off the stairs my feet went flying. Both feet slid into the dresser by the front door. My bum hit the tile HARD and my back, arms and head hit the stairs. Now my feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, ribs, shouders, neck and hands are hurtin bad. I blame my socks!!! And I've got way to many projects and cleaning to do before my Dad and Step-mom get here next week. I don't know why but this whole situation just makes me mad.

Legos, Legos, the musical fruit.....

The more you eat.. the more you.... hey wait a minute that's supposed to be beans!!! Not legos!!!! Somebody had better notify Isaac!!! Okay, so here is what happened. We put the kids to bed Sunday night and Josh and I decided to chill out on the couch for awhile in front of the tv. All of a sudden Isaac comes running out of his room screaming his head off. Balling his eyes out and the whole nine yards. Josh and I look at each other and he goes running up the stairs. Okay I spend all day running up and down those things so when the evening comes it's his turn to get a leg work out..... Anyhow he gets up there and he can't understand Isaac around all the crying and screaming. Eventually he figures out that Isaac had been laying in bed playing with a lego racer car. One of the pieces somehow got in his mouth and he swallowed it. Josh calms him down and tells him to just go get a drink of water while he puts his bed back together. Then Isaac comes out of the bathroom saying "But Daddy the lego didn't come out!" Then I hear Josh laughing and trying to explain to him that it is not going to come out that way. Can we say hillarious? Thankfully it was just a tiny little lego but I couldn't stop laughing. All I could think was that this was definately blog worthy. I don't ever want to forget about it.

By the way, I am NOT looking for the lego!!!
-Pamala

Name Game : )

Okay, so a really good friend of mine had this on her blog and I decided to steal it from her because it was just tooooo cute!!!! Thank you Kristi for not minding.

Your real name: Pamala

Gagnsta name (first three or four letters of your first name, plus izzle, favorite type of icecream, favorite type of shoe): Pamizzle chocolate flipflop

Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal): Green Tiger

NASCAR name (first names of grandfathers): William Warren

Stripper name (favorite perfume/scent, favorite candy): Vanilla Mounds (It is Vegas baby!!!)

Soap opera name (middle name, a street you lived on): Mignon Deep Purple

Star Wars name (first three letters of last name, first two letters of first name): Maxpa

TV weather/anchor name (first grade teacher's last name, major city that starts with same letter): Uh yeah right

Spy name (favorite season, favorite flower): Fall Daisy

Cartoon name (favorite fruit, article of clothing you are wearing now): Strawberry Socks

Hippie name (what you ate for breakfast, favorite tree): Shake Sumac

Super hero name (second favorite color, favorite drink): Blue Water

Goth name (black, name of one of your pets): Black Peaches

Movie star name (first pet's name, first street name): Patches Donna

Iraqi name (second letter of first name, third letter of mom's maiden name, third letter of dad's name, first letter of a siblings name, last letter of mom's name): Aleja

Rockstar name (first pet, current car): Guinea Pig Saturn Van


-Pamala

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Parents visiting

Okay, so I got a call from my Dad who lives in North Dakota. Apparently him and my step-mom Charlene have a week vacation that they HAVE to use. Guess how they chose to spend it??? Yup, they are coming to see us. We've lived here over five years now and this will be the second time they've come out. It will also be the second time that they have seen their grandchildren. They fly in on the 14th and fly out on the 21st. A whole week with them. And the best part is that Josh is taking most of that time off of work. That never happens but this time it just happened to work out perfectly.

I'm soooo excited about them coming out. I swear these holidays are going to ROCK. And I mean that seriously. Besides them coming out we get to have Nana and Papa and Jeremy and Rachael out for christmas and new years. And my Christmas shopping is almost done. It doesn't get any better I swear!

This has definitely been a strange week. The kitty is still very sick. We thought we were going to lose him a few nights ago. He's doing a little better but still sicky. I went canning on wed and feel sooo much better now. Why does that do that for me? I feel so refreshed when I leave there. Josh and I sat down the other night and discussed some money and planning things and I feel much better after that too. This weekend is going to be spent fall cleaning and sadly I'm excited about that. Yes, I am strange. I went major meat shopping this week and saved a bundle on meat that was on ad. The freezer is filled with meat to last the next few months. I hate paying full price. And this way with all the family coming to visit I will be prepared for dinners. Woo Hooo me!

Today both the kids are home. It's a state holiday in Nevada, Nevada Day (I still don't know why!). But it is nice to have them home. We are going to run some errands (chicken thighs are on sale today) and go out for lunch. After that more errands and then getting ready for trunk r treat at church. It' going to be a good day I hope. At least the kids are super excited.

Pamala

yes we are still here

Oh man... where do I start??? Sick Kitty (vets and meds to boot), soccer game, halloween party, Chuck E cheese, delivering cupcakes, making witch cakes (yes that was plural), cub scout auction, school, costco memberships, daddy's paperwork, walmart (at lease a dozen times), news of more family visiting, canning orders (researching how to use wheat), massive stress over doctor appt this afternoon, Isaac cold, six year old girl mood swings, watching friends kids, laundry up the wazu and the weeks not even over yet. I'm not even sure I want the week to be over because the weekend is going to be crazy AGAIN! This was all just the last week and a half. I'm now at the point where my brain is threatening to shut down officially.

I need to pray

-Pamala

Days that don't seem to end ...

Saturday was a long day. It started with Kaytlin's soccer game at 9:00 am. Yes I said 9:00 am. Don't forget, our little princess doesn't do mornings. It took her until about half time to wake up, but then she was on fire, scoring 4 goals for her team.

After soccer we stopped to get gas. After the tank was full, we attempted to leave, but the "car no startie". Where's Jeremy when I need him. We called AAA for a tow and called someone from the ward to pick up Josh and the kids because they had a birthday party to go to at 11:00. Pamala stayed and waited for the tow truck. And wouldn't you know it, the van started right up when the tow truck arrived. Pamala took the van to Saturn where they diagnosed a dead battery, which they replaced for free. (go bumper to bumper warranty) She even made it to the birthday party before it was over.

After the party, we finalized our decision to adopt a kitten. We headed to the local animal shelter not expecting to find any kittens, but we were soooo wrong. They had so many kittens that needed homes it was hard not to bring them all home. After some looking we settled on a cute gray and white kitty. All it took was holding him for 5 seconds and our decision was made and Kaytlin said that we should name him Grayvie. After filling out the paperwork, since Grayvie had to stay and get snipped, we left to hunt down kitty supplies. Yeah, that only took a few hours. After an exhausting day, we stopped at Applebees for dinner and then headed home.

Sunday, was exactly the opposite. We got up, had waffles for breakfast, went to church, visited with our home teacher, and then went to pick up Grayvie at 4:30. We came home, played with Grayvie, and then went to bed.

Monday....school and Grayvie, need I say more. The kids loved playing with him so much, they didn't want to go to bed. I'm still hearing non-stop giggles from earlier.

Stay tuned for more of the Grayvie saga...

Welcome Grayvie Bolt Maxwell ...

As if two excitable children weren't enough trouble for our house, we decided that we needed another critter around. This weekend we adopted Grayvie Bolt Maxwell from the local animal shelter. He's only 3 months old, and definitely a Maxwell (lazy as can be). It took him a whole two minutes to relax and call this place home. When we finally went to bed last night, he followed us upstairs and plopped on our bed, right between us. Talk about instict.

And the best part, Isaac seems to have forgotten that he doesn't like animals. He even kisses him. This morning while going potty, Grayvie walked in on him. Isaac was a little startled, but then said "Oh yeah, you're nice".

Check out the slide show for more pictures.

Legoland Party Nights ...

This last weekend (yeah, 6 days ago) we started out the day at 10:00 with a "soccer battle". Both teams were equally skilled, and quite good. There probably would have been blood spilt on this field of battle, if it wasn't sooooo cold outside. Yep, it felt like 30 below and the winds were blowing. Jackets, sweatshirts, and sweat pants added to the usual soccer attire.

(Please ignore the lady in the shorts and tank top, the picture below was from two weeks ago.)

After three seasons of soccer, Kaytlin finally got to play a game against her good friend Nathan. (pictured below) He tried to school her, but she showed no mercy. Angel six days a week, pitbull on Saturday mornings.



After an hour of soccer and six hours in the car, it was time to go to Legoland for their Halloween Party Nights celebration. Decked out in our costumes (yep we dressed up too), Kaytlin the fairy and Isaac the ninja turtle walked around Legoland and partipated in the festivities.


Sunday morning we headed back to Legoland to go on some rides (weee). It was a little difficult to do this in our costumes the night before.

Kaytlin stood by, preparing to launch a water bomb on daddy and Isaac as they went on the ride below.

We just laughed and waved as we went by.

He was a little spookier at night, but a better photo op during the day.

And who could pass up on opportunity to take a picture with the host. :)

Our next trip is scheduled for New Years Eve, where we will celebrate the new year 6 hours early. We love activities that revolve around kids. Early to bed for us.

Josh & Pamala

update to the tooth fairy

I forgot to update on the loose tooth situation. It's still loose......

It's a good day for a Monday

The RED REBELS had their second game on Sat. Kaytlin scored three goals. Overall the score was about 16-2. I lost track a few times but apparently not my daughter, so she says it was 16-2. One of those two goals by the other team was in the wrong net but we gave it to them anyway. Kaytlin did great!! She ran hard and got right in there. It's wonderful to see her play. Sadly mommy screwed up and forgot the camera. Oh well, next time.
Tonight is family home evening and it's Kaytlin's turn to decide on the treat. She chose ice-cream sandwiches and when I dropped her off at school this morning she was super excited. Isaac is stoked because he gets to do the scripture. Man, I love my kids!!!
-Pamala

Oh Tooth Fairy... Don't go far

Kaytlin is sooooooo excited. She finally has her first loose tooth. She came running out of her class today with her finger in her mouth wiggling it and asking if I was so proud of her. Yes, that is what she said. Am I sooo proud of her?!?! She said the same thing to her Daddy when he came through the door this evening. Isaac was even excited for her. My princess is growing up and I'm not sure I like it!!! But her happiness about it is contagious. Congratulations sweetie!
Pamala

Wow... what a day

This has been one crazy day. First, we got up and got ready for Kaytlin's first game of the season. For some reason nobody wanted to cooperate and getting ready seemed to take forever. While Kaytlin was putting on her shin guards and shoes she said to Josh "make sure you put them on tight so they don't come off this time." I was confused so Josh explained to me that at practice she was running and someone stepped on her foot and her shoe came off and then a few seconds later it happened to another child. After this explanation Kaytlin said "I think I was running so fast that my shoe couldn't keep up!" It was hillarious and all I could think was - that's blog worthy!!! By the way, she scored 1 goal at the game. Woo Hoo Baby!
After the game I messed up and thought that the birthday party that Isaac was going to was from 1-3 but Josh read the calendar and realized I was wrong and it was from 11-1. This was at 11:20. So Josh raced him to the party. While he was gone I also realized that I had forgotten that registration was this morning for gymnastics. When Josh got home he tried to register him but the class was already full and none of the other times work with our schedules. Yep, I get the mother-of-the-year award today. I need a vaca or at least some down time.
Then this evening was the general relief society broadcast which I got to go to. Then I came home and we all went out for ice-cream curtesy of Nana and Papa. By the way..... Happy Birthday Papa!!!! We love you and miss you. Five years ago we became an eternal family. I love my husband and the family he brought with him. I'm thankful to be a part of it.
My dad called me yesterday to tell that while on his hunting trip he had been thrown from a horse and go pretty bruised up. So his trip to BC had to be cancelled. Thank goodness he was just bruised up and not worse. Like I said, wow, what a day. I'm ready to close my eyes and let it end, hopefully peacefully and restfully.
Pamala

update on life in our home...

This is just an update on things going on around here (I have an extra 5 minutes). Kaytlin started her 3rd season of soccer last Tues. Her first game of the season will be on Saturday at 10AM. After that Isaac is going to his friends birthday party. I can't believe how many friends that boy has!!! He's doing great in preschool and loving it. Kaytlin is doing fine in school. Her reading abilities have soared! Just in that last few months her reading vocabulary has increased so much.
Josh is working like crazy but this new scheduled really seems to be working for both of us. He's been home by around 5 every night. So he gets to spend about 2 hours with the kids before they go to bed at 7. I'm still not sure when he'll work on school stuff.
Today I went canning for the first time. This whole week has been very spiritual for me. I've had some experiences that are very personal so I won't write about them but I will say that I have definately felt the spirit all around me this week. We got a card in the mail from Nana and Papa yesterday. It was an anniversary card for our 5th year having been sealed together. I can't believe they remembered! Since Saturday is the day and we are going to be incredibly busy, Josh is taking Friday off from work and we'll spend the whole day together. Of course I don't get the day off but thats okay.
In the card Nana wrote that our Heveanly Father has blessed us for the choices that we have made. So TRUE!!!! My family is blessed. We are happy, healthy, have the gospel, and we have so much love for each other. Even my children still love each other!!! And they don't even drive me that nuts. Of course I was nuts before I had them but the level of nutsness hasn't increased THAT much.. Heavenly Father truly loves us and we thank him so much!!!
Okay, so life around here is very hectic but I can't think of anything else to say. Time to go make dinner. Oh, and nana and papa also sent twenty dollars in the card for us all to go out for an icecream treat. The kids were stoked out of their minds. I think that's all they cared about... nevermind that it has ALREADY been five years.
Sadly it is also a reminder of another five year anniversary coming up. I'm still crying over it. I wonder when that will stop. It doesn't feel like that long ago, but it is. I wish more than anything she could be here with me to share all that our lifes have become. I still have the urge to pick up the phone and call her. Part of my mind still waits for her to call me. Part of me still wants to scream that it's not fair but then the other part says that it's okay.... she's happy right. I try not to think about it too much but sometimes it just hits me, like right now....
Okay, enough tears... time to go.
-Pamala

Kaytlin's talk in Primary...

Kaytlin gave a talk in primary a few weeks ago and here it is....

Just like we are learning in primary, I can also pray to Heavenly Father and he will hear and answer my prayers.
Everyday I pray to Heavenly Father because I think that he wants to hear me. I can say prayers anytime that I want, especially at breakfast time, dinner time, and bed time and whenever I need help from Heavenly Father.
I can say my prayers at home, at church, at school, in the car or anywhere that I am when I need help from my Heavenly Father. Sometimes when I say prayers, I can't say them out loud, so I can also just think about them in my head. I know that I don't have to say them out loud for Heavenly Father to hear them.
When I say my prayers, I try to fold my arms and be reverent. The first thing that I say is "Dear Heavenly Father". Next, I thank him for things like the gospel, my family, and blessings that he gives me.
After that, I ask him for things that I need and for more blessings. I can ask him to watch over me and family and keep up safe. I can also ask him to bless the food when we eat. I always finish my prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I know that heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers and I say these things in name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

This came from my six year old daughter.

Too much fun...

Josh is too lazy to annotate each picture, so just enjoy the pics from last weekend's Lego Star Wars adventure.

A driving we will go... do da ... do da..

Tomorrow we will be leaving for legoland...... yea!!!!! Hopefully we will get some more nifty pics. I would really like one of all of us...... together that is :)

Star Wars...and...Legos

I guess if I'm going to have to participate in this new family venture, I might as well write about something fun......

The short version of the long story is..."we ended up with free season passes for the kids for Legoland and decided to make this our vacation destination for the next year." We made our first trek to Carlsbad back in August to activate our season passes and had a great three days. Now it's time to go back because they are having "Star Wars Days" on the 13th and 14th. Here's some clips from Trip #1. I'm sure we'll have some more interesting ones to share when we get back from Trip #2. Maybe I'll even get a picture of a "scruffy nerfherder".

Aren't hotel beds fun to jump on?

Isaac and Kaytlin, I am your father.....

I am lion.....hear me ROAR!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe just a little water............No Way, give me the whole bucket



OK, that's enough for now. More fun to come.

-Josh

exhausting, long and emotional days....

Well for starters... I'm tired. Physically and emotionally. The renters moved out of my dads rental property and left it a mess. Him and I have spent the last two days organizing and executing a plan of attack. And we are in full swing of attack mode. Luckily it's less labor work for us than originally thought but it is still alot. But, it's also going to hit my dads wallet harder than it should have. People should never live in such filth and allow their children to run uncontrolled. Okay, enough about that. Today When Kaytlin came out of her door at school she said I had to wait and talk to her Teacher. At first I thought she was in trouble but as it turns out her teacher feels the work thats being taught is too easy for her. She had been testing them in different areas to find out what level they are at. When leaving first grade you have to know how to spell certain words. Kaytlin was asked to spell these words on a test and she spelled them all correctly except for two and then she was upset for having missed them. The teacher then had to explain that it was okay and that she didn't need to know these words until the end of the year. Also the teacher feels her reading skills are to high for this class. She told me we should consider having her skip a grade but the teacher wants to do more testing on her before that idea is approached. Offering her more work and putting her in a excelerated reading program may also be options to. She wants to discuss it more in depth in a few weeks after she's tested her more. The teacher wanted to talk to me about this now because Kaytlin has been finishing her work a lot quicker than the other kids and just sits around being bored, and the teacher didn't want me to get too concerned if Kaytling started coming home saying how boring school was..........and this is coming from the child who was born to soon. We were told from the very begining (while still in NICU) that she would more than likly have learning disabilities and be very slow in her cognitive developement and physical developement. She's an amazing soccer player and a very intelligent child. Instead of being delayed she's proven to be an above-normal, sweet, loving, inspirational daughter of our heavenly father. I have teared up so many times today, including now. And Isaac is the most sweetest, loving and giving son ever. I have been blessed with an incredible family. Wow. Wow. Wow. So many times over the past six years I have wondered whether me being a stay at home mom has been worth it. I have doubted my abilities in being a good mom. I have thought that I'm not making a difference. That maybe daycare would have been better for them. I could be working and we'd be better off financially. I would have more of my sanity. Has the last six years being home with my children really been worth it??? YES!!! one-hundred percent worth it!!!! Today was proof that my babies have not been corrupted by having me as their mother. I'm sure I'll be blamed for something in therapy one day, but right now I am so thankful to my husband and heavenly father for giving me the chance to do this. I truly thought I would never be able to have children. Nevertheless two!! And they are wonderful. Thank you Josh for having the same beliefs I do. Thank you for making it so I can be here and not have to work. Thank you for supporting me and helping to raise our children. Thank you for being an amazing father to them. Thank you for being the husband you are. You are perfect to me...even your snoring. Okay, no more emotional leakage for now. It always leaves me drained and I'm already tired. Good night.

They're growing up...and up...and up

Today was Isaac's first day back to preschool. Wow. I still remember taking Kaytlin to her first day of preschool. On the way to her school this morning I was reminding Isaac that he needed to behave and this is what Kaytlin said - "Don't worry Isaac, you only have to do fun things at preschool. Not like at my school where you have to do REAL work." He was ready to go and that was it. This last weekend was nice. Josh had Mon off and worked around the house. On Sun I was released from being a primary teacher. Josh still is though. I am looking forward to going back to the adult classes. It's nice to have this time alone. I can't remember the last time I was. I think I'll go enjoy the quiet now...

Kaytlin says....

I went to legoland a few weeks ago and I had so much fun. I got to go on all the big rides and rollercoasters. In a few weeks I get to start soccer again. On monday I started first grade and my teachers name is Mrs. Wilson. She is a nice teacher and she does fun things with us. Like activities like making hats and reading and math. I went to PE on tuesday and thursday and played a rolling ball game. I can play on the playground in the morning and at recess. I met some new friends. I went to gymnastics yesterday and worked on learning how to do a hand-stand. I have not had any homework yet but I will get some soon. Today I went swimming after school in the backyard with Isaac and Mommy. After that I had dinner and read two books. Strawberry Shortcake Berry- Thankful and Finding Nemo- Nemo loves his dad. I miss daddy and can't wait for him to come home. I called Auntie Rachael last night and told her about my first day of school. I miss her and can't to see her after Christmas. Nana and Papa are coming here for Christmas and I can't wait. It's time for bed now. Goodnight daddy.

Isaac says....

Today I went to gymnastics and I had lots of fun. My teachers name was Miss Lisa. She was nice. Now I know two Lisa's. I really want daddy to come back. We went swimming after we picked up sister at school. I played with googles and the purple octopus in the pool in the backyard. I also played on the playground at Kaytlin's school. I get to start school next week. I'm really excited and I want to go swimming again. I like to do somersaults in our pool. Kaytlin read books and mommy read me a book about supertwins.

Beginnings.....

Okay we are going to do it. This family will do a journal/blog. Even if it hurts!!! Well to start, Josh is on business trip in CA. He'll be home thurs night. We miss him (even his snoring). Kaytlin started her first week back to school. My little first grader is going to school all day now. She even ate all of her lunch.... gasp! I thought she would be more tired when she came home but unstead she was fine. Isaac asked all day if it was time to pick her up yet. Isaac went today to a meet and greet at his school. It was the same teacher he had durring the summer but he was still excited because they were in a new room and it was already decorated. The jungle theme was perfect for him. He loved it all. He can't wait to start next week. The most important part to him is that he gets to wear his new Optimus Prime shirt. Whoo hoo for him. He's a little upset that he doesn't get to eat lunch at school like sister. I promised him that we would eat lunch after I pick him up at the park next door. That was sufficient for now. Today Kaytlin started back with Gymnastics and the jury is still out on whether it will be to much with school and soccer starting next month. This may be the last time we put her in it. As for me I still can't decide what I'm going to do with six hours a week to myself. I want to make it productive but I also want to be selfish and enjoy it. The kids got to talk to Auntie Rachael and daddy before bed so they were happy and I've promised myself that I WILL be going to bed earlier than normal so that I'm not so tired throughout the day. Good intentions are great..... but don't always work. Anyhow, so that's the point of this I suppose. I want all of the Las vegas Maxwell's to be able to write what they want. I'll introduce the kids to this idea tomorrow and I'll type whatever they would like to say. This will probably get very interesting!!! I would also like to included memories of things that happened in our family just to get some things in writing. I guess my memory for today would be of Kaytlin Starting Kindergarten and how she was so excited. Not nervous at all. I had no doubt that she would love it and excell. She did. She would run out of her classroom sooooo excited to see me and her brother. She's done that for the last three days. I just pray that she will always be that excited to see her mom even when she's to embarassed to show it. I never dreamed that a little tiny girl who was born so small and fragile would grow into a shining six year old who seems like she can and will do anything and everything. As for Isaac, he definately shares his sisters excitment for school and doing pretty much anything. I don't think the boy knows how to wipe the smile off his face. I hope and pray he will always be this happy. He has so much love inside that I know his future will be of serving others. Okay, goodnight.