What a lovely day!

Today was simply grand. Nothing spectacular...nothing out of the ordinary. Well, I didn't clean, and now my house is trashed. Oh wait, I did clean the kids bathroom while Kelton was playing in the tub. But that was just plain icky, the rest of my house is a complete disaster. We played outside today, we went to the store, and ran a few errands (including Kelton's allergy shot where it was the 3rd time he hasn't cried or needed a bandaid. I am so proud of him)...but I was able to sit and really enjoy each one of my children today. At bedtime, I took one at a time. Taelin nursed and did tummy rubs and knees to get the gas out, snuggled...then got laid down. Chase took a quick bath b/c he was so yucky and then snuggled and got pjs on, and went down after another hug, and personal prayers/scriptures with just us. Kelton was after that...the poor kid's arm is still huge...but he took a relaxing shower/bath (likes to stand sometimes). And then said that he was so tired, but still so hungry! That boy is always hungry! Kisses, scriptures, prayers and in meds...in bed! wew!

He said the cutest thing yesterday, "Mom (he yelled from the potty)!"

"Yes, Kelton?"

(in a gruff almost angry tone) "I LOVE YOU!"

That's my boy! Rough and crazy around the edges, but oh so sweet and kind in the middle. I remind him a lot that he's not a mean boy, and he says, "Yeah I know." Because of course at this age, they know everything! :)

These little ones are my joys. I was not stressed out at any point of my day, not one bit! Even when things were crazy...I felt great! And now that I need to go and clean my house real quick, I want to remember these days. The smells of oreo shakes and not caring if they drop any on the carpet, giggling in the car and talking about why my bank password is my mom's maiden name...because it sounds like uncle ryun's name, and just looking into their eyes and letting them know how much they mean to me. Let's not forget these days mom's...lets not forget to remember them while they are this age. Cherish those chubby fingers on your face even tho they are covered in spaghetti sauce, crayon on the walls, and giggles even though you know they are tearing up something.

And Horray to all of you mom's that do this on a daily basis!

Asthma Attacks, A Broken Arm and a 2:00 am E.R. Visit

Alright. I feel in the thick of it right now. For the past 3 days Chase (the one who doesn't have asthma unless he's sick with the cold/flu) all of a sudden had a horrible environmental allergy reaction and has needed breathing treatments almost every 2 hours for the first day, morning and night. The last couple of days he's been down to one every 3-4 hours, but more at night.

Then, Kelton yesterday at my mom's went underneath the trampolien and Bryce (not knowing he was under there) jumped. Kelton's arm is now in a sling and there is a fracture on the x-rays. We're hoping the elbow might just be sprained, but for now...he's in this thing.

Oh...and it gets better! Last night as we were putting the kids to bed, after choosing to not go to the ER for Kelton (by calling a dr. in our ward at home), Taelin started uncontrolably screaming. From about 10:30 to 1:30 she screamed, and nothing was making it better. She wouldn't unstraighten her legs, she turned deep red from trying to push, and when you tried to touch her tummy, she would shake. We tried a warm rag, bath, nursing, enima (which loosened her stools to help her poop), gas drops, etc. On and on, and nothing. She would exhaust herself and then start screaming and shaking again, arching her back and just beside herself.

Her and I arrived at the ER at 2:00 am and after x-rays and a lecture on why she wasn't immunized (from the nurse) , the diagnosis was colic. I guess the gas was so bad that her stomach was expanding and contracting. Nothing can really help but what we were doing. But she was alot more comfortable once we got there for a little while. I think sleeping in her car seat was nice on the way over there. Anyways, we got home about 4:30, then Chase needed a treatment and Kelton more IB profen for the swelling. I finally got into bed and Jacob was kind enough to get up with the boys, take Kelton for x-rays and go and get Taelin's recommened meds (which ended up being what we already had!). I slept into about 11:30 and now I am just praying that everyone can get a good nights sleep!

7-26-08 St. Anthony Pioneer Day Parade

Kimber is now a part of the Americanas, a nationally known group of horsemen that march in the Washington D.C. parades annually, and many other events around the nation. Her horse is a new one, and didn't like the flag she held, so she didn't carry one, but she did great and Brother Griffeth said he wishes that he had 10 more of her...she's so patient and really loves these horses. So, here we were supporting her ride and the kids had a blast!

Chase pointing at all of the airplanes that flew overhead!

Taelin getting a suck from grandpas apple...what am I saying, I think she downed it pretty good. She loves her Grandpa!
Beau, Taelin and Kelton before the parade, we were in a non-crowded spot, so it was nice in the shade and the kids could move around. We love you Uncle Beau!


The Americanas Approaching

Kimber on the far right. She's all dolled up! We're so proud of you Kimber!

7-25-08 Stake Pioneer Day Celebration

Our Stake held a dinner (which was yummy bbq) and entertainment (band) at a park just down the street from our house. We sat in the shade with our chairs and ate yummy food and watched the kids play at a playground just 15 feet away...it was relaxing. Taelin was happy to be independent, Chase just played in the rocks (his picture is of him sharing them with me) and taking the picture of Kelton was tricky since he was trying to hide from me! :) Right before we left he came crying and said his head hurt...when he got into the car I realized that he had a HUGE lump (half a golf ball) on his head. One of his friends had thrown a rock. :( They were all tuckered out and went to bed right when we got home. Jake and I watched the movie "Jumper" alone...the first one in a long time!

7-11-08 Everybody Dance Now!

Memories!

Just following the crowd here:

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, if it is recent or years old, silly or serious--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 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.

07-06-08 Kelton's First Primary Talk (the first time through)

7-12-08 Our Utah Weekend

Corey and Katey's wedding was fabulous! We had a ton of fun, but the kids crashed as soon as we got outa there. It was fun to see Fred and Rachelle (although they alluded my camera) and to hang out as a family. Kyle was able to fly in from Omaha, and we were all together. We stayed with our friends Brison and Heather Lundgren while we were there. We didn't get to see them too much, but after all the kids had naps, we were able to catch a quick bite at cold stone. They had a new non-dairy flavor Strawberry/Banana/Mango- it was actually pretty darn good. The kids always get sprinkles and I get graham cracker. That's as much variety as we get. I love the group picture b/c Jake and Brison are too busy sucking down their icecream for a smile! :) Thanks guys...we really enjoyed our stay! We'll have to do it again soon!

Kelton was glued to Brison whenever we were there. If I had to look around for Kelton, he was either holding Brison's hand or following behind his feet! He kept saying, "Let's go to Brison's house and not go home". We miss you guys!

I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Corey Patrick Choffin

7-9-08 Just Another Day!

Kelton has been dying to play with friends, so today the Ky and Collie came over and played for the most of the time with the trains, but then got to golf a little on the Wii. They were all cheering for each other and it was so funny to see how each of them got excited!

They had so much fun! All sharing the controllers and giggling about their shots! I think in the whole 15 minutes, they might have finished two holes! Great job guys! :)

Later that day, Taelin and her pile o' toys. She loves having options! And I love it when they get to the age when they can sit and play and be content for a while! She loves it!

7-05-08 A Nite "In" But "Out"

So, this is our fun family night. The boys all went to pick out a movie, so us girls decided to be creative. We made homemade chicken strips (that has been asked for again already since they were so yummy) and french fries, drinks, etc. I made all of this out of computer paper and quick drawing skills (nothing to be impressed with). I made quick menus with the words, pictures and costs. I spoke like I was from England (which Kelton always knows means we are pretending) and welcomed the boys to our resturant, and if they would take a seat and order. They each chose what they wanted, which was everything on the menu. Daddy actually jumped right in and became the waiter. We even gave them fun goblet type glasses which they thought was the coolest! Then they were given play money (again, computer paper torn and written on) and movie tickets. With the treats already out, they came and "bought" their treats and sippys. They loved handing over money and receiving things in return! They were big boys. Daddy took their tickets and they plopped down for a good movie- which Chase and Taelin pooped out on 1/2 way through and Kelton was carried off to bed. It was so much fun! We'll have to have more "Diner of Fun" nights! The boys loved it!! :)

Big Girl Taelin!

HAPPY 6 MONTHS!!

She is getting so big, and today at the Dr. she weighed in at 16 lbs 14 oz=70%, height at 26 1/4"=70% and head at 17 1/2= 93%!!

Way to go pretty girl! She is getting so big everyday and learning new things! She is so sensitive to the people around her and patient with her rough brothers! We all love you baby girl!

So Thankful

I was going to bear my testimony in church today, but since I spend 1/2 the time in the mother's lounge nursing Taelin since that's eating time, I just wanted to write a quick personal post.

I would like to bear my testimony because lately I have been reminded frequently what life would be life without my family, and I can't imagine it. I am thankful a loving and tender Heavenly Father who knows me and loves me. I am grateful for the power of the Book of Mormon and the peace it brings into my everyday life, literally giving me strength and serenity that I much need to be a better mom, wife, sister and friend. I am grateful to have a loving husband that still asks me what's wrong, even when I say, "I'm fine." while he knows I'm not telling the truth, and hugs and kisses me anyways. I am grateful to know that my Heavenly Father listens to my prayers when I am desperately needing him. I feel his comfort and guidance when I'm not sure what else to do. I know that we can be together as a forever family, and I am so excited for that! I think above and beyond all, I know that my life would be so different without the gospel, and I really don't know what I would do without it. I love the feelings of the Holy Ghost and the prompts and personal revelation that daily recommit me to build up the Kingdom of God. I am grateful to stay home and be here where I can cultivate feelings of love and fun in my home. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thanks for humoring me guys. Ahh...this really helped to get a lot off my chest that I've been wanting to express for a while! Have a great Sabbath Day!

Rylin and Taelin 7-4-08

7-2-08 Chase folding clothes