One Year Older and Wiser Too...

So, I'm 34. Yep, that's right. I'll say it. I'm happy to be 34. I'm getting smarter! Yesterday was my birthday. Of course, it wasn't as exciting as it was to have a birthday when you're little. I didn't get a slew of gifts, I wasn't necessarily queen for a day (they tried, but you know how it is). I pulled the "It's my birthday so please don't fight with each other" card. It didn't really work either. But I did get lots of hugs from my kids!

Saturday my sister Jennifer took me out for my first ever professional pedicure! What fun it was. We got to sit in relaxing massage chairs while our feet soaked in nice hot bubbly water. I even got a foot and a leg massage. And of course, when it came time to choose my color, I chose red. As they call it, hooker red (shhh, did I just say that?).

Later that night Roman and I spontaneously went out to dinner (Hugo's Deli - The Pilgrim sandwich which I had been craving for a few days!). I'd been locked up in the house all week sick (again), despite being a bit under the weather, I HAD to get out! After a quick dinner, we went and caught a flick, thanks to the movie tix I got from my mom for my birthday. We went and saw Confessions of a Shopaholic. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars.

With 3 sick little boys, we had a pretty rough night. Once I got back to sleep, I was able to sleep in til 9am!! I still wasn't sure if I was up to going to church or not, but decided to do it, since I certainly wasn't going to get any rest at home with the 3 boys (who we kept home from church for obvious reasons).

Before church I had an Enrichment planning meeting, where I got the most delicious big fat oversized brownie from Monica (So good, and guess what - Roman didn't eat it while I as at church!)

We had a great sacrament meeting. Our old Bishop and his wife returned from their mission in Africa. and gave wonderful talks. And of course, Relief Society was just what I needed to hear, after experiencing one of my most discouraging weeks I've had in a few years. Thank you Stephanie!

Later that evening, not one, but TWO of my sisters ended up coming over and bringing me some BIRTHDAY PIE!! YUMMY!!! Melanie brought her world famous Dutch Apple Pie - baked with her home grown apples! It is THE BEST Apple Pie recipe I've ever tasted (and the crust is to die for!). Then my little sister Carolee stopped by with some Cream Cheese Cherry pie - a long time Anderson favorite, and my dads standard birthday, fathers day, (etc) dessert. Yum Yum Yum! So which one did I eat? BOTH!!

See the crazy bunch I live with! I love em to pieces. Yes, I look tired and worn down, that is because I was!! Thank goodness for a good nights rest (only up once), I'm feeling much more productive today!

Oh, and Roman mopped the kitchen floor for me for my birthday, per my request!

Thank you to my wonderful family and friends for making it a special day!
{{hugs}}

Cathy is...

My ma and pa are serving a mission in San Diego. We got a letter from them today and they are doing wonderful! But they are missing their family and grand kids. I decided I need to get more diligent about blogging (eeek!), and realized that I've been spending more time on Facebook updating my status, than blogging. Facebook is easier. It is so easy to type in Cathy is changing the 10th diaper of the day. So I decided to give my parents (and all you non Facebookers) a glimpse at my boring life, I'm going to copy and paste a few weeks of my status updates. Wow. Desperate for a post. Yes.


Here we go... starting with January 28th!

• Cathy is going to finally blog her week in pictures that she hasn't started... and work on preschool for February.
• Cathy is FINALLY getting to her preschool calendar. EIGHT HOURS LATER!! gRRrrrrR!
• Cathy is FRIED!
• Cathy is looking forward to hearing Ginny Gilman speak tonight!!!
• Cathy just saw that all three boys are napping! Including the one I didn't force to have a nap!
• Cathy thinks that Sis Gillman ROCKS!
• Cathy is finally eating breakfast. (11:24 am)
• Cathy just figured out how to do this: ♥.
• Cathy is going to stop wasting time and get her 3 things on her list done now. OK, maybe 2.
• Cathy is going to Crapital to watch my hubby ref!
• Cathy is getting off FB for the rest of the weekend. SO THERE!
• Cathy is moving preschool to my house today.
• Cathy thinks this has been one of the longest days ever.
• Cathy teeth are killing her.
• Cathy 's teeth are killing her... that's right.
• Cathy is now feeling the burn (and a bit like Jello), thanks to Stephanie's Kickboxing class!! AARGHH!
• Cathy is hurting - teeth, legs, shoulders... and yet I want to go to another class tonight!
• Cathy is contemplating Pilates at 4:30... anyone? anyone?
• Cathy is making a birth announcement for her little sis. (Never got past opening PSE)
• Cathy is getting ready for my preschool friends.
• Cathy knows never to buy Frigidaire again... 2 years new and dead... repair man says to chuck it.
• Cathy is listening to her husband wash the dishes while he listens to Jim Rome.
• Cathy is posting her "week in the life" pictures.
• Cathy is leaving all the mess for tomorrow and hitting the sack.
• Cathy is tackling the messes and all those horrible dishes in the sink that she has to hand wash. Grrr.
• Cathy is listening to Dave Ramsey while doing the books.
• Cathy just had two kids throw up within 1 minute of each other.
• Cathy is sick now too. :o.
• Cathy enjoyed Shish-Ka-What about-Bobs tonight. And is glad the sickies are gone!
• Cathy is going to recipe group! Good food and company ahead!
• Cathy is up with a poopy baby and a up chuckin 7 yo. (3:08 this morning)
• Cathy just made her Valentines Day reservations at Tucanos.
• Cathy just read a great letter from her ma and pa!
• Cathy is making Bubble Pizza
• Cathy is headed towards a vegetative state.

Now wasn't that just a lot of fun. There is the gist of my life over the past 2 weeks. What is more fun is the conversations these "status" updates bring.

So why in the heck aren't you on Facebook yet?

100th Post

In celebration of my 100th post, I shall share 100 things about yours truly.

1. I love the color red
2. I get headaches a lot
3. I go to a chiropractor fairly regularly
4. I am a republican
5. I like to exercise, although I rarely find time to do it.
   
6. I don't like figuring out when to exercise.
7. I love chocolate shakes.
8. I LOVE ice cream.
9. I always misspell icecream ice cream.
10. I often eat for no reason at all.
11. I love to watch Biggest Loser.
12. I wrote a rant letter to our local NBC station when they preempted Biggest Loser for some dumb local debate show. After I sent the email, my sister pointed out that I spelled LOSER like LOOSER, which really made me look like a loser.
13. I truly enjoy having six children.
14. I'd rather give birth than go through the pain of nursing.
15. In some ways I'm very lazy (I shan't admit which ways)
16. I do not enjoy dusting (as I look at my dusty desk).
17. I LOVE to vacuum, especially with my Coltrin Central Vac!
18. I attended 3 semesters at BSU.
    
19. I was going to major in Elementary Education.
20. I may go back one day. Some day. Very far away.
21. I really really like to play boxing on the Wii.
22. I like to read.
    
23. I enjoy LDS Young Adult Fiction.
24. I've never read a Jane Austen novel.
25. I'm an immature reader.
26. I do laundry on Mondays only.
27. I'm more talkative on the computer than in person.
28. I make up dumb nicknames for people (Huffys, Needys, Pam-a-loo-lah, Hazelnut, A-rone-ee-us, Zack-a-roni, Romain Lettuce, Lettuce Boy, Megalicious, Seffers, just to name a few).
29. I was a bill collector for Citi Cards for 3 years.
30. My first job was a hostess at Plush Pippin.
31. I've been a waitress at 3 different restaurants.
32. I like Prison Break.
33. I think Wentworth Miller is a hottie.
34. I have too much clutter in my family room.
35. I like to paint rooms.
36. I was born with a small birth defect - a soft clef palate.
37. I had surgery to fix that when I was one.
38. My high school GPA was 3.2... I'm just an average girl.
39. I am a night owl.
40. I am in braces for the second time.
41. I just learned that I have tongue thrust, which is why these braces are taking FOREVER to correct my toofers.
42. I was born with very dark hair.
43. My hair was blond when I was young.
44. My hair is naturally dark again.
45. I waited for a missionary.
46. I got married the day before he came home.
47. I love his family to pieces to this day.
48. My husband is from Florida.
49. I met my husband one summer in the student ward. He was here with a roommate working for the summer.
50. I blow my nose very loud.
51. Apparently I snore too.
52. My siblings are my best friends.
53. My mom and dad are my best friends too.
54. I would love to have a maid come to my house every 2 weeks.
55. I put off cleaning my bathroom, and make my 9 year old do it instead.
56. I'm teaching my children to work.
57. I am tempted to start singing aloud at the gym as I listen to my play list.
58. I won't ever do that though, I'm way too chicken.
59. I am a thrill seeker. I love roller coasters, and would love to go sky diving one day, and take a ride on a hot air balloon.
60. I enjoy high school sports.
61. I love my Lettuce Boy.
62. I think Glenn Beck rocks.
63. I think Dave Ramsey is da bomb.
64. Doctor Laura's book, The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands, got me through "the 7 (and 8, and 9) Year Itch".
65. I am in debt.
66. I am working to get out of debt.
67. I water skied in February, and it started to snow.
68. I am thankful for spell check.
69. I like stripes.
70. I've been to Hawaii once (with no children) and would love to go again (with no children).
71. I want to go on a cruise one day. (Maybe after I get out of debt, hu?)
72. I love to snuggle up in bed, lay on my tummy, and let my feet hang out the bottom of the bed.
73. I don't wash my face every night.
74. I wear contacts.
75. I have horrible vision, and astigmatism. AND I most likely have coned shaped corneas so I can never have laser surgery on my eyes.
76. I love sunsets.
77. I would love to watch a movie be produced.
78. I can't figure out how they are going to make "Book Four" into a movie.
79. I very much enjoyed "Book Four" and can't figure out why so many people hated it.
80. I love the spring and fall.
81. My naps are most often the 15 minute kind. This works for me.
82. I enjoy all sorts of music, but strongly dislike Gloria Estefan, Rod Stewart, and Melissa Etheridge.
83. I consider myself a weird and silly mom. I make up dumb things to sing or say to my kids.
84. I like going on road trips.
85. I am at times very guilt driven.
86. I enjoy going out with my husband to dinner and a movie.
87. I am happy to have a built in babysitter.
88. I am willing to pay my children for good grades.
89. I love the Parenting with Love and Logic books.
90. I consider myself a pretty easy going, laid back person.
91. I hate it when people get in the right hand lane, when the left one is empty, and don't turn right. I'm not laid back about this at all.
92. I am the 5th out of 6 children.
    
93. I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
94. I grew up on The Muppets, Dukes of Hazard, Little House on the Prairie, Smurfs, The Cosby Show, and Growing Pains.
95. I like to teach myself things.
96. I will be 34 next month and am proud of it.
    
97. People tell me I run funny.
98. I don't run much.
99. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and know that it is the true Gospel on the earth today.
100. I am happy with my life.
     

14 Years

of pure bliss... well, OK, they haven't all been bliss. But I sure am glad we stuck it out through the hard times! Our anniversary was actually 2 weeks ago. I've had this picture on my desk, waiting to be scanned and edited, for quite awhile. So I just had to do a belated Happy Anniversary! post.

So, Happy 14th Anniversary luv! I sure am glad you're my man. Thanks for being dedicated to your family and working hard to support us. You are most definitely my Knight in Shining Armor, slaying those evil dragons every day!

I'm one LUCKY lady! XOXO

I'm Alive, and Breathing... barely!

I don't have time to put pictures on of all the happenings in my house the past two weeks. But we're now back. Not able to put the fridge and stove back in the kitchen until tomorrow or Saturday, but we're here. I thought I knew chaos before. I really had no clue.

We came home last night, smelling the remnants of the yummy sealer fumes. They aren't quite gone, but bearable. BUT, the new floor is BEAUTIMOUS! Just a pain in the fanny to get here! We went with 4" Hickory. Pictures to come soon!

Tonight I'm going to see the midnight showing of Twilight. I have decided that I am a Jacob fan. I guess because I think Bella is overly obsessed with Edward. I have NOT read book four yet (Are you crazy? Do you really think I have time to read right now? So don't say a word about it!). Anyway, I don't know whose crazy idea it was to go to the midnight showing (mine?). Do we think we're young teens anymore? Maybe we wish we were..... hmmmmmmmm, NOPE - I don't wish that. Anyway, I'm going with two of my sisters, my sis in law, and my sixteen year old niece, who is so fun to be with. I couldn't imagine she'd want to go with her mama and nieces, but she is!

So, that is my plan. Hoping to get one more nap in before the show. I think tomorrow I may be in some state of delireum. Wish me luck.

The Yoder Baby Guessing Game!

Many times, when asked which sibling Logan looks the most like, I say - "You've seen one, you've seen them all." My kids just seem to look the same at the newborn stage. I decided to round up some pictures to see how they really do compare - side by side. I tried to find ones of the kids from the hospital, and another one of them at 2 months old. See if you can guess who is who!

First off though, you have to see a couple of pictures
from the past of Roman and me...

Pretty silly. I'm 1 in the top left picture, and 2 1/2 in the bottom left. I'm not sure how old Roman is in these pictures. I'm guessing 5 or 6 in the top right, and about 1 or 1 1/2 in the bottom right.

OK, back to business. In your comment, make your guess of who is who. In my header, my children are pictured in order starting with the top left, working down, and then back up on the right, working downwards. The order is: Aaron, Haley, Megan, Zack, Seth and Logan. Try to guess before you open the comment and see other people's comments! I'm pretty sure you can click on the picture and it will open in a new window in a larger format.

Here are my babies:

Now, here are the pictures of my babies around 2 months of age.
They are in a different order than the newborn picture collage.
Give it your best guess! I'm sure this is much easier!

I will reveal the correct answers next week... have fun! (It sure was fun for me!)

A Switch in *MY* Road

I've wanted to share this with everyone all week, but haven't really had the opportunity to put my thoughts into words. I'm not an "eloquent writer", so I'll blab out some of my thoughts now. For me, this was the small switch in my road that got me back on track, DOING all that I needed to be doing...

Early last Sunday morning, I was feeding Logan. As I was "blog jogging", someone referenced this blog written by a mother(Stephanie) whose 14 month old daughter drowned in their hot tub. I couldn't imagine how a mother could blog about her feelings while she goes through such an ordeal. For the next hour I read, wept and became inspired. I was truly changed.

I'm sure we all know of someone who has tragically lost a loved one. This is the first time that I (and most) have seen life through the eyes of one as she experiences this, and beautifully overcomes this, on a day to day basis. I have to tell you that it is one of the most faith promoting and inspiring things to witness. I now read this blog daily. I am uplifted daily. I am reminded to not take for granted the life that I have with my six beautiful children and husband - daily.

Take some time to read this (with a box of tissues near by). Know it is not a depressing kind of sorrow you'll feel when reading. Here is the first post after the accident (by Stephanie's sister):

Camille

I Have a Memory...

This is fun! My favorite southern blogging babe, and sis-in-law, Marji, had this on her blog...

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses.

If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. ;)

Book of Mormon Challenge to Myself and Anyone That Wants To Join Me!

" Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your heart?"
Alma 5:14

coun·te·nance Origin: 1250–1300; ME cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control

Does my behavior reflect that I have experienced this mighty change of heart? No, I don't break the 10 Commandments, but I don't consistently do what I know I should be doing. (Does this sound familiar: "It's too hard to do all of that stuff." - see 1 Nephi 16:1)

That being said, it is time to submerge myself in the Book of Mormon. What better way to do this than to read it in 31 days! I decided I have a lot of time to *read* right now... There is no reason I can't add the Book of Mormon to my current reading selection. As I've mentioned before, I have the laptop set up next to the rocking chair so I am reading it on my computer (and surprisingly, it seems less overwhelming this way!). You can also download the audio as well. Here is the link.

I've challenged Aaron to join me (heck, if he can read a Harry Pooper book in 2 days, he could read the B of M in 31!). It comes to approximately 20 pages a day to read. Aaron timed himself reading just 5 pages last night. It only took 12 minutes for him. He is going to split that up through out the day and try to keep up with me. Here is the schedule!

1. Title page – “A Brief Explanation about The Book of Mormon”
2. 1 Nephi 1 - 11
3. 1 Nephi 12 - 17
4. 1 Nephi 18 - 2 Nephi 2
5. 2 Nephi 3 - 9
6. 2 Nephi 10 - 23
7. 2 Nephi 24 - 29
8. 2 Nephi 30 - Jacob 5
9. Jacob 6 - Mosiah 1
10. Mosiah 2 - 8
11. Mosiah 9 - 17
12. Mosiah 18 - 26
13. Mosiah 27 - Alma 3
14. Alma 4 - 9
15. Alma 10 - 15
16. Alma 16 - 22
17. Alma 23 - 30
18. Alma 31 - 36
19. Alma 37 - 43
20. Alma 44 - 50
21. Alma 51 - 57
22. Alma 58 - 63
23. Helaman 1 - 7
24. Helaman 8 - 14
25. Helaman 15 - 3 Nephi 6
26. 3 Nephi 7 - 14
27. 3 Nephi 15 - 22
28. 3 Nephi 23 - Mormon 2
29. Mormon 3 - Ether 2
30. Ether 3 - 12
31. Ether 13 - Moroni 10

Are you in??? Post a comment, and/or complete the poll! Be honest - if you can't handle it right now (heavens knows that's how I've been up until now), then just say it! I decided now is the time... things will start to get much busier in the coming months (football, preschool, school, OYF bookkeeping...). There is no time like the present!

Invite your friends and family to join you! Feel free to link to my blog...

I'm doing this publicly because I think I will be held more accountable if everyone knows I'm doing it. Don't want to fail on this one!

THE BEHAVIOR CHANGE BEGINS JULY 15TH!!!!

A New Record for ME!!

My family should be happy about my new blog addiction. I've found so many great things while browsing from one blog to another (all while sitting in my rocker). I have "cooked" dinner 6 out of the past 8 days! One night was my date night, the other we fed the kids chicken nuggets and Roman made a Panda run. Here is what I did (I'm so proud of myself!):

1. Sun - threw Marinaded Pork Chops on the grill, boiled pots (potatoes) & asparagus (all kids loved the green stuff, except Roman).
2. Mon - "hacos" (tacos)
3. Tues - BBQ chix on the "bawbie"
4. Thur - a *casserole* (I never make casseroles!) that I got from my friend Monica that has sour cream, cream of chix soup, poppy seeds and shredded chicken with crushed Ritz crackers (mixed with melted butter) on top. It was a hit (and easy shmeezy)! Every last morsel was eaten and Roman wished there were leftovers for lunch (I'll have to make this one again!).
5. Sat - Boogers, I mean burgers on the BBQ. Threw some fries in the oven, and made Homemade Vanilla Ice cream (this recipe was a bit too rich for Roman and Haley).
6. Sun - German Pancakes - but these were fun because you bake them in cupcake tins!

A few other things I've been making - all from my new favorite cooking blog, Picky Palate. We did Pizza Roll ups for lunch one day, and I've made Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookies, Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars,and Cookies and Cream Swirled Brownies with Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache.

Not doing so hot loosing the extra 20.

BUT, I did find a cool website where I can watch parts of and full segments of exercise videos! Just need to start doing them now!

~you may now pat me on the back~

I've Been Inspired!

Tuesday night I was at a good friend and associates house for a meeting and I was staring into her kitchen and LOVING her *black* bead board. Isn't it so beautiful! If you know me well, you know I LOVE BLACK! She was so kind to provide me with a picture. I just love the black with the beigey/tanny whatever walls (actually, she told me the paint color is Charro for the walls, and Oyster for the trim). So I was staring at it thinking how I was tired of my red (been that way for nearly 3 1/2 years) and I was ready for a fun change. Thank you Tracy for inspiring me! Then last night, at 4:00 am (I was feeding Logan, of course) I came across this blog (mom - click on where it says "this blog" after you read this post)- this mommy has been redoing her house... and I LOVE what she did in her kitchen! She painted her kitchen cabinets BLACK!!! MORE INSPIRATION! Currently, my cabinets are painted this almond color. Something needs to be done because there are a few cracked/peeling spots - plus all the spots where my kids have rubbed the bar stool arms on the paint (lovely scrapes of paint missing). Anyway, I wanted some opinions on this idea. I think it would be a pretty inexpensive way of changing my kitchen around. I'd love to do new counter tops and a sink... but we'll have to see on that. And don't even get me started on my floor again. Anyway - I'd love to hear your thoughts! No lurking allowed on this one! I want your opinion!

Life With a Newborn... a Few Things I've Forgotten

... To check my shirt before I leave the house. No wonder the guy at Costco was looking at me funny while I was purchasing formula, diapers, and wipes (among other things). When I got home I saw I had a big splat of spit up on my shirt. Nice.

... The longest block of sleep I'll get is from 2.5 to 3 hours at a time. Roman has had to get back into work early again this week. That means he can't help me out with the early morning feeding (he wakes at 5:30 to leave at 6:15ish).

... Showers are a major luxury. Sometimes not getting them until after dinner, or not at all!

... Sleep takes precedence over ALL ELSE!

... Suddenly stretchy pants are your best friend

... Laundry is no longer just a weekly ordeal

... Going out IS a big ordeal

... The back aches will continue after delivery - although the ache has moved to the upper back

But the best thing that I had forgotten that I now remember...

... Newborn babies are THE BEST little cuddlers EVER!

I've Been *TAGGED*

My sis-in-law Marji "tagged" me - this is a first for me, so here I go!

3 JOYS

1. Being a mother to my six beautiful children. Most people are shocked and freak out a bit when they learn that I have six children. I truly feel blessed and privileged to be their mother. I am so happy to have six. Six really isn't that many! I love the fact that we fill our Yukon to the max. I love it when we are all piled in the bed Sunday's after church. I love it when we have family prayer together and our little circle is getting bigger. I love all the hands that go in the middle, piled on top of each other, for our family cheer. I love our big group family hug.

2. My hubby Roman (Romaine, Ro Yo, Rome, Daddy, Dah, and sometimes even "Pa" (we've been watching Little House) ). He works so hard to provide for our family. And when he gets home, he works so hard in the yard - the little one's love to go out there with him. I love bedtime, when the house is quiet, and the two of us have an hour or so to lay in bed and snuggle and talk about anything and everything. I know I couldn't do it with out him!

3. A clean house - I don't know why, but I get so much peace when my house is picked up and my kitchen is clean. Now, I haven't cleaned my bathroom in 3 weeks, but I'm still happy with my house that is fairly picked up.

3 FEARS

1. Spiders - I just don't like them. I contain myself pretty well when my kids are around, but the big uglies just freak me out. (Don't tell my kids - oh wait, they read this too...)

2. Loosing one of my children. I can't imagine life with out one of them. The thought of loosing any of them "spiritually" or "physically" nearly rips my heart out!

3. The state of our nation/world. I'm afraid about the economy, natural disasters, and the wickedness of this world and what it's going to come to and how bad it'll be for my children as they get older. I try to not dwell on this, but some days it all really gets to me!

3 GOALS

1. Lose 20 pounds - I have just over 10 to get to my pre-pregnancy weight, but I never got that last 7 pounds off after I had Seth, so I've got some work to do. Just can't figure out when I'll ever exercise!

2. Get a solid 8 hours of sleep! I haven't had that for a few months! It'll take time for this to happen as well. The thing with having 6 kids is: it's not necessarily the youngest that wakes you at night. There are 3 (and sometimes 4) others that like to help with this. It is sad when one of your kids, during family prayer, prays "bless everyone to stay in their beds so mommy won't be cranky in the morning". Yup - that just happened last night.

3. Start making dinner again. It's been a long time since I've actually made dinner even 5 out of 7 nights of the week. I'm not sure if I ever have! I'm trying to plan out meals and actually make them. Last night was my first night. By the way, thank you no one for giving me a dinner idea.

3 CURRENT OBSESSIONS

1. Making my bed. Some days it is the only thing that looks or feels orderly. But I just don't feel complete if I don't get my bed made. I even made it the other day at 6:30 at night. I just had to do it!

2. Reading. I think I'm on my 7th book. I got into reading again about 2 weeks ago. The one I've enjoyed the most is titled Finding Faith.

3. This new ice cream that I found at Winco – it is Tillamook brand “Udderly Chocolate”. It is a combo of milk chocolate ice cream, with white chocolate ice cream, and some big chocolate shavings. The stuff is sooo good – even Roman loves it. Megan had a taste of Romans two nights ago, and all day was asking for it. After the kids went to bed last night Roman asked me why I let them have some of our favorite ice cream… he’s very protective of it.

3 RANDOM SURPRISING FACTS (this one is hard... I'm so boring!)

1. I’m the 5th out of 6 kids. I have one sister with red hair, one with super dark brown hair, and another with brown hair. (I am – OK was the blondy). I have two brothers, one (was) blond as well, and the other had very dark brown hair. We had a joke growing up that one sis belonged to the milk man (which was funny because my dad was a milkman on the side one year with his brother).

2. I was born with a soft clef palate (so the roof of my mouth wasn’t closed) and had surgery when I was 18 months old to repair it. I also went to speech therapy when I was little because of it. My little sis was born this was as well, but she had to have multiple surgeries and a whole lot of speech therapy.

3. I love “thrill rides” – I love roller coasters and anything like it. Last summer I went on the thingy at Lagoon with my two nieces… I can’t think what it is called. Sky Coaster maybe? They took us up in the air and dropped us. It was the funnest thing ever and I’d love to do it again! SOOOO worth the money! I’d love to go sky diving one day, go on a hot air balloon ride too. Roman thinks I’m crazy so I have to enjoy these things on my own.

Now I get to tag 5 other people! Those I'm choosing are:

Amie

Dacia

Jodi

Tara

Tiffani

WE SURVIVED THE FIRST TWO WEEKS!

We survived our first two weeks! He slept so much at the beginning, I had a hard time getting a shot of him with his eyes open. Now that he's awake more, we've had a few more opportunities, but then we've ran into crying issues... oh well! Once he got the day/night thing worked out, he started going longer between night time feedings. The longest was nearly 5 hours which was awesome. Roman or I usually take the late night feeding (anywhere from 10-midnight), I take the one in the middle of the night (because Roman sleeps thru it all and has a hard time getting up, and then getting back to sleep...), and then Roman takes the early morning feeding (anytime after 5a). This means I get to sleep in until 8 or 9. It's been working quite well! Until.... GROWTH SPURT! Yesterday Logan was awake more, fussy more, and wanted to eat more frequently. I thought for sure he'd have a good night since he was up so much more during the day. Roman and I watched a movie for our "at home" date night, and Logan ate at midnight... and then he stayed awake. It's all a blur now... but I was basically awake until about 4:45am with him. I think I got two 20 minute spans of sleep in that time frame. He either wanted to eat, or pooped as he was drifting off to sleep, or seemed to have a tummy ache, or wanted to be held, or woke when I put him down... Needless to say it was a long night. I didn't want to wake Roman though, because if he didn't get his solid block of sleep, then he'd be useless to me in the morning when the kids were up and at em. Luckily for me though, I had a great book I was reading, and I ended up finishing it during this time. It made it more bearable.

Here is the best part of it all though. Roman was going to take Aaron, Haley and Megan to the ward camp out. He didn't want to mess with Zack (who is having "I don't care if I pee/poop my pants" power struggles with us), or Seth (two year old - enough said). Well, the more I thought about it, the more I didn't want to be left at home with my 3 most difficult children. So, I asked him to stay home, and he willingly complied. Thank goodness, or else I would have been one crazy mama at 7:00 this morning when Seth came in the room!

We've had so many loved ones do nice things for us these past two weeks. Friends and family have taken my children for play dates, which has given me many hours of peace and quiet. We've had meals brought in - my visiting teacher (she is AMAZING and should be assigned to someone less active or something - I don't deserve her!) made dinner for us twice! Actually, she's brought dinner in a total of 4 times since last fall (She is an amazing cook as well!). Yesterday, she came over to my house and stayed with the kids for 2 hours and I got to go to lunch with my mom and sister! SIX KIDS!! SHE TOOK ON MY SIX KIDS! It was nice to leave the house - empty handed! So many thoughtful gifts and visitors - from something as simple as a Krispy Kreme doughnut to a full blown out meal, we've truly been blessed. The Priests Quorum even brought us cookies! My kids think I should give birth more often because of all the goodies and food that people have brought in to us.

Here are a few pix...

Logan - almost two weeks old...

Aaron snuggles Logan.

Logan patiently waits for photo shoot to end so he can get a diaper change.

Logan's favorite past time - snuggling with mom.

And then we have moments like this - which are occurring more frequently, much to the kids disappointment.

It is funny how you forget all the things that a newborn brings into your life. The night time waking and feedings, constantly changing diapers, the tears (sometimes for baby AND for mommy!), the "what do I do now" feeling, and all the time spent feeding your new little one. But I must say that it is all worth it. I spent the first week just staring at him, snuggling him, and listening to him breathe, and feeling his familiar wiggles, moves, and hiccups. Being the only one who can truly calm your baby is quite an amazing feeling! Aaron asked me why Logan would always stop fussing when I picked him up. I told him it is because Logan has had an extra 9 months with me. The whole process just amazes me, and I am so grateful to be a mommy! It is my favorite thing to do, and my favorite past time... even though there are moments (or sometimes days, or weeks, and even months), where a particular child isn't necessarily my favorite past time. All in all, I'm grateful for this calling I have, to be a mother to these six beautiful children. What a blessing they are to me, and how lucky I am to be a woman and a MOTHER!

Why Do I Bother???

Do you ever have those days that you just wonder to yourself, "Why do I bother to....". Well, I got to that point today with my dumb kitchen floor.

I don't like my kitchen floor at all. It is an ugly fake laminate wood flooring wanna be. The people that installed it (two owners ago) put it over the existing carpet (you know, the commercial type kitchen carpet of the 70's). There are places where the "seams" are no more - where food crumbs collect. It shows every single spot, toe print, water drop, dust bunny, crumb, you name it - if it's on my floor, you can see it! Why don't I just replace my ugly kitchen floor you ask? Because someday soon I'm hoping to completely redo my kitchen, change the lay out, and add a family room to the back of the house. So, we figured we might as well wait for that day and do it all at once.

So now you know about my kitchen floor. Because 5 minutes after I mop it, it seems to start to get dirty again, I hate mopping it! It was the only thing I didn't do right before I had Logan. I just kept putting it off. A sweet friend stopped by last Friday when Roman had me on *mandatory bed rest*. She came to see the baby and if there was anything she could do. I told her I got it all done before I had him, except for the floor, which Roman was going to do today, so it was all good. Thirty minutes later she shows up with 4 of her boys to work outside for Roman for 30 minutes, while she mopped my floor! That was a hard thing to do - to sit up in my room while a friend of mine mopped my (very dirty) kitchen floor. I had to imagine myself restrained and just tell myself it is good to let others serve me the whole time. That's hard! Well, it was beautiful and wonderful to walk on that forsaken kitchen floor in my bare feet - and not get gunk on the bottom of my feet.

Well, not 24 hours later, a certain child, who shall remain nameless, is getting something out of the fridge and knocks over an opened can of Cherry 7-Up (grrr - who put that there anyway!?). The child makes an effort to clean the floor. But you know how that goes. Just wiping and walking away doesn't *clean* it - it will still be sticky. So later that evening I'm moping. Monday morning, this same child is responsible for Seth and feeds him breakfast and leaves the room. Later when I go down, I see Seth flicked milk from his cereal bowl all over the counter and floor (can't leave the little dude unattended in the kitchen!). Once again, said child cleans the floor. Later on you can see a messy milk film all over, and mom mops - again! Monday late afternoon, said child leaves a library science project out (some dark liquid that is supposed to crystallize). Seth dumps this all over the kitchen floor. Same routine - child wipes up, mom mops. This afternoon I have said child get Seth a sippy cup of chocolate milk (Ovaltine and milk). Said child makes the sippy cup, but as child tries to put the lid on, the cup falls and hits child's toe and splats everywhere. Same thing again. At this point I was so sick of cleaning up that forsaken floor, I just felt the need to vent about it. Had I known it was going to turn into a daily thing, I just may have started taking pictures! Oh well... #5 is awake from nap, and #6 wants to be held. Mommy time is over!

HE'S HERE!!

Some of you know that I was bound and determined to have this little guy last Friday. Well, I had a few things to do first, so I did all the morning stuff, cut Zack and Seth's hair, gave them baths, and cleaned my bathroom. By 1:00, the three older kids were off playing with friends, so I took the boys over to my parents house so Seth could have a nap. At 1:30 I sent Roman a text message and asked him to come home, cuz we were going to the hospital! I still wasn't having any real consistent contractions, but as I mentioned earlier, the doc said if I went to the hospital at a 4 or 5, they probably wouldn't send me home.

So we get there around 2:20 and go up to Labor and Delivery triage. They bring me in and get me going on the monitor (in my little heart, I knew there wouldn't be much action on the monitor). We sat there for about 20 minutes and I think I had 3 contractions at the most. So the nurse sent me walkin (I was in "the gown" by the way - although she gave me second gown to wear the opposite direction - like a robe - so I'd have FULL COVERAGE on the backside!).

So off we went. First we went down the hall and visited my little sister, Carolee, who was working that day. She is a nurse in the NICU. So we got to visit with her for a minute (I wanted to keep moving!). Roman kept getting caught up with all the pictures/stories/news on the walls, so I was walking by myself at times - pacing back and forth to him. We went up to the 8th floor to the new mommy/baby unit. I walked by the window of babies (although only one was in the nursery at that time) and was even more determined to be holding my baby, rather than my belly, in a few hours! I refused to look at people in the eye - I didn't want the "oh, that poor miserable thing - she really wants to have that baby!" look.

Well, that was a very long hour. About 45 minutes into it I had to use the potty. I went back to triage and my nurse was talking on the phone to my doctor at that moment! After I used the restroom, the nurse told me that my doc said to send me home if I hadn't progressed. (GROWL!!!) I said, "That's not what he told me two days ago!! He's forgotten!" For some reason he was thinking I was set to be induced this coming Monday... At this point I was ready for a fight. There was no way I was going home today!! So I asked the nurse to unlock the stairwell (they leave it locked for security), and let me do the stairs!!! After 10 minutes of 3 flights up 5 flights down (and a short elevator ride), I was back in triage. She asked about my contractions in the past hour - I had no idea. All I knew was that my lower back was aching. So she put the monitor back on me and my doctor called again. While she talked to him, she checked me and I was at a...... FIVE!!! So doc asks if I want an epidural and tells the nurse to admit me. She leaves the room and I look at Roman and say "YES!" (you know, the way our little kids do - with the hand action and everything).

At 4:45 pm I get into my L&D room and get hooked up to an IV and she drew my blood, and she said in about 1 hour I could get the epidural (in my mind I was OK with this since I had zip-o pain!).

At 5:45 the doctor comes in to break my water and check me... holy cow - I was at an 8 and he said my cervix was "melting away - fast"!! Roman had just gone downstairs to get some dinner, so I called him and said - "hurry up!". At this point, I was still not feeling much of anything (how in the heck did that happen!?!?).

At 6:15 I got the epidural. I think at this point I felt one strong contraction. They are still around 5-7 minutes apart. An hour later, I was still at an 8 (7:15 pm). So at about 7:30 they hooked me up to pitocin. At 7:50 the nurse checked me and I was at a 9! At 8:05 (I had been feeling the *pressure* at this point) she checked me and I was at a 10 and ready to go! The nurse called the doctor, who said he'd be with us in 6 minutes (he was at home with his family). So we waited - fairly easily thanks to that epidural! Doctor arrived and got all ready and there we all were - I was literally "in the spot light" as we stared at each other waiting for the next contraction (they never did get super close!). Just as the nurse increased the pitocin level, the contraction started. Doctor said that baby was still up in the birth canal and it may take a few pushes. Time to push!! Suddenly I hear a "splash" - a whole ton of amniotic fluid burst out of me and sprayed everywhere - everyone said "Whoa!" and I thought the baby had landed on the floor! No worries - it was just his head that I delivered in half a push!! Doc said "Stop pushing!!" and was able to pull the shoulders out one by one and before I knew it, I was holding my little Logan!!

MY "BEFORE" PICTURE

MY "AFTER" PICTURE!!

Logan Joseph Yoder

7 pounds 12 oz

20" long

Born at 8:20 pm on June 6, 2008

"MY DADDY IS MY HERO!"

Here he is, all cleaned up and looking handsome as ever!

Roman brought the big three kids Saturday afternoon (after their race - more to come on that). Here we are with big Sis Haley!

Sunday after church Roman brought all five of the kids up to see Logan. Here are proud big brothers Zack and Aaron.

And another big sis Megan
And Seth - who is so excited to have a baby in the house!
Here I am with my SIX KIDS!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOO HOOOO!
WE MADE IT AND IT WAS WORTH IT!!!

OB UPDATE

Today I'm at a 4 and 80% effaced. I asked the doctor what would happen if I went to the hospital, and my contractions slowed down (like they did Tuesday morning). He said they'd most likely just keep me and if I couldn't get things going again he'd tell them to get me started - since I'd be at a 4 or 5. They can't send me home with out talking to him he said. So - that means the second I start having contractions, I'm heading to the hospital! Been very tired today and sooo ready to have this little (or big) baby!! I've added a few polls - when you think I'll have him, and the weight range you think he'll be. The winner gets a warm fuzzy in their heart. ;-)

FAMILY BIKE RIDE

Monday Night for FHE, we decided to go on a bike ride. Now stop - don't start laughing... I know you're trying to picture me, 9 mo prego whale, riding a bike! No need to worry - I didn't! I walked and my kids and Roman would ride slow, or circle back to me. We had a fun time and went about 2 miles. It has been a mild spring so far, and I for one have been grateful we haven't had many hot days! I love the 70 degree weather! Here are a few shots I took of the kids.

HALEY YO

ZACK AND MEG YO
AARON PULLS LITTLE SETH YO
RO YO DOING A WHEELIE
CAT YO

Unfortunately, the spicy Panda Express I had for dinner and the two mile walk didn't put me into labor, but for a couple of hours early this morning, I sure thought it had! At 3:30 am I woke up with some lower back pain, and again at 4:30 (more intense this time). I finally went back to bed around 5:15, but at 6:09 woke up from a pretty intense contraction. For the next hour they were anywhere from 2 to 8 minutes apart. Roman delayed going into work to see if this was the real thing or not. Having never been through this aspect of pregnancy (going into labor all on my own), I'm not too sure what to expect. Anyway, by 8:30 it had subsided, and I've just had mild contractions all day. :( It was raining tonight, so we couldn't go on a walk. Instead we were invited by some sweet friends for dinner. A whole day to not to have to worry about dinner - what a joy that was!

I never posted the results of my doc appt last week. I was dilated at a 3 and 70% effaced. I am going in again tomorrow (Wednesday) so we'll see what all the action has done to my body! I still can't be induced until the 16th... but I'm really hoping and praying that I can go all on my own before then!

"NESTING"

Aaron, Haley and I were looking at the 3D baby site a few weeks ago. Not only does it show pictures of what the baby is looking like inside, but also about what mommy may be feeling and what kids can do to help. Anyway, this day we were looking at it, it explained "nesting" a little, and I then expounded on it as well. A week or so later (this past Saturday), my "nesting" instinct kicked in and I decided it was time to get the baby's room ready. Seth has been out of the crib for a month or so now, but has still been in the room with the crib. So I moved him into the larger room with Megan and Zack (who are in bunk beds), and the kids and I cleaned all the juice and milk splats off the crib, washed the new bedding, got daddy to help us wash the windows in the two rooms, cleaned the blinds, vacuumed webs, washed all the new and old baby clothes, and got the car seat all ready. I also put up a shelf in the kids room, coat hooks, and still need to hang the cork board in their room, and the valance in the baby's room. Aaron made a comment on Saturday, "So are you nesting now?" Anyway, we had a good time getting the room ready for our new "baby brudder" (in Sethy talk). I enjoy going in there at night when all the kids are in bed and sitting in the rocking chair with the lights dimmed. We are so ready for our little *Logan* to come and join us!
I haven't had a new crib set since I had Megan, so I thought it was time. I love this set because of the dark rich colors, and the sports theme isn't "babyish" so he can use the sheets and blankets through the toddler years as well. I now realize I didn't get a great shot of the blanket. It is so cute.
I've purchased two mega packs of diapers so far... I wonder how long it will last! It's amazing how you forget those little details! And after washing all of the clothes that I already had, plus the outfits I've been picking up here and there over the past few months, I didn't realize how much stuff I have! I think I'm set for the next few months! I'm not sure that he'll even fit in a few of these things!

Last day of Preschool!

Well, today was my last day of teaching preschool (this school year). I enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun to watch the little ones change and progress! My dad had a great idea to have the neighbor from the ward come over and give the kids a train ride. He made a train from his riding lawn mower and pulls the "cars" behind him which are made out of barrels. It is so cool and the kids had a blast! Seth got to ride as well, and was DEVASTATED when it was all through. He came inside the house and threw himself to the floor.

Here is a picture of my little crew. With a few more additions - Ben and Zack (this one is mine) are in the front, then you see the back of my Megan's head. Behind her is Julia sitting nicely with Seth (another one of mine). Then there is Bryce and Lindsay - my dad's neighbors children who are nearly the exact same ages as Zack and Seth. Then you can see the back of Tai's head, and on the caboose is "Little Megan Huffy" - as my children affectionately call her (my sister's daughter who is 4... born 2 1/2 years after my Megan. My sister thinks I'm so cool, she had to start copying me on the whole name thing... but I am winning in the end because I'll be THE ONLY ONE in my whole entire family with SIX KIDDO'S!!... Woooo Hooo! Oops, I'm getting off topic).

~~~~~Back to the preschool fun~~~~

The pictures are funny because the there is flying hair, so it looks like they were going fast... they weren't - it was just a very windy (but warm thankfully!) day...

Here is Megan and Seth having a great time on the train ride!

And here is a little video of the fun and excitement..