Phillipps Family

2011-01-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

Jackson is Awesome!!!!

Jackson finally got to try his hand at skiing. Ever since his cousin, Max(who is a totally avid skier), visited a few weeks ago, he has been really wanting to try it. We went up to Alta. I was ready to spend the day going slow and showing Jackson just what to do.

He totally showed me up!

I did kindof show him a few basics (the wedge and turning) and he took it from there. He's a natural! As we were riding the chairlift he kept looking for the steeper hills and little jumps.

He never complained about falling, or his ski coming off and having to get it and fight to get it back on. The only thing he complained about was that we were taking too long for lunch! He wanted to get back up there.

I really hope we can make this happen again.

2011-01-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

Check out my new FHE chart!!!

I love it!!!!

2010-11-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

Our Thankful Tree

I cut out a naked tree shape
and tons of leaf shapes

we all wrote the things we are thankful for on the leaves.

After we got them all taped up there, I was so shocked at how beautiful it was. As I was cutting out the tree, I thought it looked ugly. As I cut out the leaves, I thought they were ugly too. But when they all were up there, I could not love this thing more. I hope the kids can stand to leave it alone so it can stay up for the rest of the season.

This is my other recent project. My neighbor hosted a class to make these beautiful temple pictures. I'm sure it doesn't look like much in the picture, but we built the frame, mounted the photo, and it even has a texture on the photo to make it look totally professional. I am so in love with it. I am just trying to decide if I want to "antique" the frame or not.

And this is my constant, all-consuming project.

I always have so many projects on my mind. Stupid housework always gets in the way.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

This year we had 4/5ths homemade costumes.

Jackson was a Mad Scientist

Molly was Medusa

Grant was Superman

Tommy was a mummy

When Molly told me she wanted to be Medusa - I had no idea how to do the snakes. I asked around everywhere and everyone. I had a one neighbor tell me he used to spike his mohawk with elmers glue. We tried it and it didn't really work. Another neighbor told me she used to use unflavored gelatin (Knox). We tried it and it worked so totally great!! I mixed the gelatin slightly stronger than the package suggests. Then I took a section of hair ran some gelatin through it and twisted and rolled it on sponge rollers. It takes a few hours to set up. It turns out really crunchy and hard. The extra cool thing is that it washes right out!!!

2010-10-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

We were bored for UEA weekend and decided to go to the zoo. The only problem was - so did everyone else. It was quite crowded but who cares, the kids weren't sitting in front of a screen of some sort, and I wasn't walking around my house feeling guilty that I wasn't cleaning it.

I would love to win this giveaway!

2010-10-08T08:21:00.001-07:00

Check it out! I went to High School with Kami, and now she has this amazing and very successful blog that is so fun to follow.

I would love this giveaway.

End of summer "to do "list has an official dent

2010-09-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Lovin' it in Logan!

2010-09-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

So toady we spent the day in Logan, UT.
My crazy sister-in-law decided to turn into an ironwoman.
We drove into town to watch her do this.......

and this......
(yes, that freak in the headphones is her)

Clayton's sister, Cherice, ran the "Top of Utah" Marathon today. We went to the finish line to cheer her on. She was so totally totally amazing!! She ran the WHOLE way and came in only 5 min after her goal time of 4hrs 15min. Also, as it turns out, she came in 11th in her category of over 200 women!!! Did you hear me people?!?! 11th!!!

Clayton's cousin, Ryan and his wife Bethany, also ran the race and we got to see them come into the finish line too!

I think everyone of these crazy people are totally amazing! To run that far seem totally impossible to me. I would be thrilled to run 1 mile without stopping.

Anyway, since we had driven 2 hours to get to Logan, we figured we might as well make a day of it. As I was researching what to do in Logan, I found a little Chilean restaurant. Clayton was, of course, game to try it. And it did not disapoint. After we filled our bellies full of empenadas and completos and mostaza, and good ole' American soda, we went to check out the Logan Temple.

After that was done, we found this really fun park that has a small zoo and playground. The zoo only asks for a small donation of $1 for entry (so this was totally up our ally). It was actually quite cute for being basically free.

When we were done with the zoo, the kids played at the playground for a while. At the end of the day we stopped at Gossner's cheese factory for some squeeky cheese and an ice cream cone. All in all, it was a totally fun day.

Most of all, I was so proud of Cherice.

The Cuteness of Brandon

2010-08-31T12:03:00.001-07:00

Brandon is just too cute these days!
Here's why.

1. He has the cutest run. He kindof does this high knee sort of run. And if you are lucky enough to have him runnung toward you - his whole face jiggles.

2. Whenever he is getting dressed, he slaps his belly a few times when his shirt comes off.

3. When he is waving bye-bye, he raises his hand all the way above his head and waves with his fingers.

4. He sticks his little finger up his little nose.

5. When prompted by his siblings, he makes this face with his teeth showing and his nose all wrinkled up.

6. If he wants your attention, he taps you with his finger. If you think you can ignore this - think again! The intensity of the poking grows until you can't stand the jabbing anymore.

7. He can ride on the wiggle car!! (it really is sooo cute)

8. He holds the Wii nunchuck by the cord and drags it around the house like it's a pet.

9. We taught him the sign for "more" and he does it all the time. (cute little hands)

10. He flies down the stairs on his belly, feet first, faster than any of us can run down them.

11. He is starting to mimic words - SOO CUTE!

12. When the other kids are playing video games, he picks up any random controller and thinks he is playing right along with them.

13. During family prayer, he covers his eyes with this hands on the couch just like the other kids.

Brandon is now 20 months old. I can't believe it. I can't believe how old all my kids are. Why does time have to go so fast? On one hand, I love watching them grow. I want them to get older and experience new things that come with growing up. But on the other hand, that means they aren't going to need me forever..... ANYWAY - some of these things are sometimes annoying also, but usually the cuteness wins over. LOVE THIS BABY!!!

Phillipps family reunion

2010-08-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

After much agonizing over what to do and where to go, the day finally came to go camping at Lodgepole. It was so great to see all our relatives that live far away and get to know them more. We even had one night when all 8 siblings were there. (I am still mad at them for not getting a picture!) The kids just love love love camping. The fire provided kid entertainment for the whole time (literally). The older cousins had a few rip-roaring games of Risk going. Clayton and Curt cut down an entire tree since the forest had been scoured clean of firewood. (it is against our religion to buy firewood) We hiked a little bit, but mostly we cooked and ate and cooked some more. This was the trip to get sick on scones. After the last batch of dough had risen, some of the uncles had resorted to wrapping anything and everything they could find in dough and frying it. They were frying string cheese, bananas, brownies, candy bars, peanut butter &jelly, butter - and probably more things that I wasn't around to see.

Even though camping is a lot of work and a lot of planning, it was a lot of fun. The real fun for me was being with family, and laughing till it hurts around the fire until all hours of the night. The only thing missing was Grandma and Grandpa (but we are really glad you are where you are) (did that come out rude? I didn't mean it like that - we love you and miss you).

Glitter Toes!!

2010-08-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Our friend was having a glitter toes party, so I decided Molly and I should get our toes done. I think mother/daughter things are always so fun. I only get to have one daughter, so we are going to have fun together. At least for as long as she will let me!

Thanksgiving Point might just be the greatest place on earth (or at least in Utah County)

2010-08-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Point is so great! We spent a whole day there and only saw a fraction of the place. The Children's garden is totally fun and, for some reason, my kids could have spent all day bulilding with blocks over there. They loved running down the hill at the ampitheater and walking all around the top of the waterfalls.

So, there is my shameless plug for Thanksgiving Point.

Check out my new bathroom!!

2010-07-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

We bought a new house in May. We love the layout, we love the yard, and we love neighborhood. The only problem is, the entire house needs a paint job. Me, being the cheap-skate that I am, would not pay a painter to come do it. So, here I am with this huge project. It is very slow (I can only do about one room a week), but really exciting. The first room I did was Molly's. It turned out very cute. Maybe I'll post pictures if it can ever be as clean as the day I finished it. The other room I finished is the smallest one in the house - the downstairs powder room.

These are the "before" pics.

Most of the whole downstairs is covered with this "rag rolling" technique. Not this same color, of course, but still not my favorite thing.

I didn't think about taking before shots until I had taken down the wallpaper border. Isn't it CUTE!!! (sarcasm)

And here are the "after" shots. I used the leftover paint from Molly's room. I made the wall art after seeing it on the Make it and Love it blog. (it is no accident there is not a close up of these)

Now here is the question. Should I paint the vanity cupboard black? I'm afraid it will be a pain in the butt and not look that cute. But, it might be totally ugly the way it is. I need advice from all my decorating-savvy friends out there. Thanks!

A Crazy Week in Denver

2010-07-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

We decided to take a trip to Denver since we are bored at home. I drove out with the kids on a Monday (we actually made it, even after I had to fight with the windshield wiper in a downpour on the side of I-80) and Clayton flew out on Thursday and drove home with us on the next Monday. We got to see some of the long-lost cousins from Virgina. We got to see quite a few old friends. We even got to eat at some of our favorite restraunts. The kids got to play with the wild bunnies that were tormenting the Whitakers. I am retarded and can't ever remember to take pictures, so really the only ones I have are from the day we went to Water World.

We miss living in Denver, near the Vejnars, but we really like where we are now too. It is just so nice we are able to visit once in a while.

This is the cutest 25 lb weight that anyone could carry around Water World ALL DAY!!!

(My arms have only recently recovered)

You gotta love Tommy.

This is the fight we were having a lot of the time. GET AWAY FROM THE Wii AND PLAY WITH YOUR COUSINS!!!!!

(everyone loves Jacob though)

How do I do this again?

2010-07-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

So, here I am again. I finally have an internet connection and I am ready to blog. We have had a really busy year. Too much to document in detail here, but here are some of the highlights:

We bought a new house
We've moved twice
Clayton coached Jackson's soccer team - and they were the team to beat!

Molly was baptized
Tommy learned to ride his bike and can't hardly go 1 hour without riding it.

Grant potty trained himself.

Brandon is the joy of our house. Everyone still loves to dote over him.

We spent a week in Yellowstone. It rained EVERY day. (I am not over stating this)

I am in the middle of a huge painting project. Literally our entire new house needs a coat of paint.

Clayton's parents left on a mission to Japan.

Clayton is busy at the job he still loves.

I will be better about blogging now. Bye!

Meredith's Wedding and More

2009-08-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

We got to go to California for Meredith's wedding. We have been waiting for this trip for a few months, and we had a total blast! The wedding was wonderful and Meredith looked like a TOTAL rockstar (by that I mean she was absolutly beautiful). Here are some of the highlights.

This is the quilt I made for Meredith and Aaron. I love how it turned out, especailly since I had it professionally quilted and I didn't have to do the quilting.

This is my stud muffin nephew - Hunter.

Aaron and Meredith at the rehearsal.

Awwwww.
Sorry, this one got out of order somehow. This is the rehearsal again, obviously.

I wanted to get a picture of Jackson and Max together, but they would only let me if they could do a crazy face one.
The day after the wedding we went to the beach. Talk about FUN!!!! This is Jackson making drip castles with uncle Steve and Max and Hunter and Stanford
Grant and Stan were so fun to watch playing tag with the waves.
This is Molly and Anne.
Buddah Brandon
Tommy might have had the most fun. He loved getting bull-dozed by the waves and tumbling head over heels with the wave. He always popped up with a huge grin.
Don't you love it when you ask your FAVORITE niece to take a family picture and you later find multiple pics like this...

Thanks Paige ;)
The Phillipps family at Huntington Beach, August 15, 2009.
We are so happy for Aaron and Meredith. We can't wait to have more family gatherings with Aaron in the family. Thanks for giving us a reason to get out and have the time of our life!

2009-08-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, my cousin Alyson posted about her favorite hair care product. Well, I have a similar feeling about our new hair product. It's called Got2b glued.

Now, remember, I have 4 (count 'em) 4 boys and we go through serious amounts of gel at our house(yes, already). I am always annoyed that every gel we have tried NEVER lasts all day long. Until now, that is. I always thought my boys had some kind of bad hair that never stayed where it should, or maybe they were extra sweaty or something. This is serious stuff. It feels like that gross sticky paste that you used in kindergarten. But, man, does it work. Check out this pic. . . . .

On this day we went to the zoo. It was very very hot. They slept in the car on the way home, and it was still spikey that night!!! I should have taken an "after" shot. The other great thing is that it's cheap! About $5 from Wal-mart! Thank you to my mom, for introducing this to us.

2009-06-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Brandon's Six Month Pictures

Check out those rolls!

2009-05-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

So, over the Memorial Day weekend, we went on a small trip to St. George. It was so nice to get away and spend time with just our family. The kids got along so great - Clayton and I commented more than once how fun it was to watch the kids play together.

We hiked in Snow Canyon and even saw a desert tortoise! We loved climbing all the rocks there. Jackson was especially good at it. I was the Debbie Downer - always worried about a fall, and Clayton said to me, "That is why women don't come to scout camps."

We went swimming every day. It felt so good. The weather was perfect. Warm enough to love the pool, but not so scorching that we couldn't stand to hike.

We also took the kids to check out the St. George Temple. It is, of course, a beautiful building, and has beautiful grounds. We got some really cute pictures of the kids there.

Grant at 2 years old

2009-05-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

So, I got Grant's pictures done today and they were all so cute, I had to buy them all. I also have to show them off to everyone else. Thanks for indulging me.

Isn't he cute!!!

The House of Brotherly Love

2009-05-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

When Jackson and Molly are at school all day, I have been having so much fun watching my little boys play together. Tommy always loves to tell me that he doesn't like Grant, but here is proof that is not true.

What the heck do we do with this "off track" thing?!?!

2009-04-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

WE GO TO DENVER!!!! We were so bored during our 3 week break, I said to the kids one day, "get in the car - we're outta here." We had so much fun. The Vejnars were so great to let us come and stay with them, and crash their Easter. We got to do so many things and see so many friends. Thanks, everyone, for such a great time.

long lost friends

Jackson and Scott swimming

Molly on the lazy river

the life vest brigade

yes, I did this.

Doug, gettin down with the Beastie Boys

Meow Meow Saturday

mmmm chocolate fountain - hey Debbie, can you pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time?

Museam of nature and science

again, long lost friends

Molly and Paige actually got along!

I love this new thing Grant does.

Tommy and Kaitlyn

Tommy's Indoor Soccer Season

2009-04-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

A guy that Clayton works with invited us to be on his 4 year old's indoor soccer team. Tommy had fun and we had fun watching him. It's not too serious a thing, they are 4 you know. There are no goalies, and no score is kept. Every one cheers when someone gets a goal - even if it is in the wrong net.

Grant loved getting the treats at the end too! (check out that cheezer!)

Tommy was so excited to get a trophy.

Really, it MIGHT be all about getting a treat at the end.

Here is Tommy, telling coach Kenny that he didn't need a rest.

Action Shot!

Brandon's Blessing

2009-03-27T11:23:00.001-07:00

Brandon was blessed on March 1, 2009. Afterward, we went to the clubhouse and had brunch with waffels and breakfast casseroles and fruit. Clayton gave a beautiful blessing, we had a nice day all around.

The birthdays that were never blogged

2009-03-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

I have been so sluggish about blogging, sorry. Since my laziness began, we have had 3 birthdays! Jackson wanted to go bowling for his birthday. Holy cow, my kids love bowling. We invited some cousins and Grandma and had a great time. Jackson got mostly cool toys. He got the Clone Wars wii game he has been wanting since Christmas. Thanks to April, he also got a totally cool Spongebob cake that took me a whole afternoon to decorate. Lucky kid.

For Clayton's we didn't do anything (poor guy). We stayed home, made his favorite german chocolate cake and opened some small gifts. He got a new U of U hat, some new ties, and a new sport coat for church. Exciting huh!

Two days later was Mollys birthday. We went to Chuck e Cheese. I love that place. The kids ran wild, and had a blast. Molly got tonz of new clothes, some toys and a heart cake.

RSV scare

2009-02-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, my sweet little Brandon got the dreaded RSV. Of course all this had to happen 1 week before our new insurance became active. I took him to an urgent care center, after much prodding from my mom, and they knew right away what is was. His respiration was up to 78. They knew I was worried about going to the hospital without insurance, so they said I could go home and watch him carefully overnight, and count his respirations often. We had a really bad 48 hours or so, but he now seems to be on the mend. I am grateful that we didn't have to spend thousands of dollars at Primary Children's, although we would have if we needed to. It was so sad and scary to see him work so hard to breathe, and the coughing was horrible (he still has a bit of that). I am also grateful that we can go ahead as planned to have him blessed this Sunday. Yesterday evening, when he actually started smiling and not screaming every moment, I was in love with him all over again. It was so wonderful. I couldn't stop kissing and loving him to death. I am so glad I haven't had to deal with this before, and I am so glad the nightmare is over.

Pay It Forward

2009-02-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

1. Be one of the 1st 3 bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me.

2 Winners must post this challenge on their own blog, meaning that you will pay it forward, creating a handmade gift - anything - for the 1st 3 bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you recieve your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember, it's the spirit and the thought that count!

4. When you recieve your gift, blog about it! IF you are not one of the 1st three to comment on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay it Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! It's all about paying it forward.

(Original post from Rachel Sollis)

Reasons I am glad to be back in Salt Lake City

2009-02-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

1. I am excited for all the family gatherings. Clayton's family gathers quite often. Mine - every once in a while. I even have cousins and aunts and uncles to have fun gatherings with.

2. I get to eat at Cafe Rio any time I want to.

3. I get to shop at Robert's

4. I also get to shop at Tai Pan Trading. (whenever I have a house that needs decorating)

5. There are beautiful mountains that are actually close enough to see!

6. My kids can see their grandparents all the time.

7. Our trips to the temple will be much shorter. We can also pick from a bunch of temples to go to!

8. My kids get to ride the bus to school.

9. We get to hang out with all our old friends.

10. We don't have to use vacation time and money to come visit family.

(I'm sorry I haven't been putting pictures on here. My computer isn't set up and I'm not sure how to get pix from my camera without downloading them onto my parent's computer. Anyone know?)

We made it!

2009-01-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

This another one of those posts that I need to write for me. I will not be offended if no one wants to read it!

I guess we saved the worst for last. Our trip to Utah was the worst one ever. I mean bad, straight outta HELL bad. It's all thanks to the weather, I hate Wyoming. Clayton's brother Curt, was driving our small red car for us (Thanks Curt!). This ended up being an especially generous favor because he didn't know he was taking his life in his hands. He spun off the road twice. The 1st time we didn't see but he had to call a tow truck to pull the car out of the ditch. The 2nd time we watched happen and it was quite a sight. All Jackson could say was, "Holy cow!" Curt was able to drive back onto the road without the help of another $150, 10 min tow truck. Anyway, after that, we were too scared to go on. Clayton was the most stressed I have ever seen him. At one point, he thought he was going to pass out. When we saw the sign that the freeway was closed ahead, that sealed the deal. We stayed at the Little America. The kids thought this was kinda cool, and they had a good time. The kids were actually really good considering the amount of time we had them in the car. Just a little bit of fighting, and a little bit of Grant whining to get out of his carseat (we were being stubborn about enforcing that one).

So now we are here, and getting settled (as much as we can). The kids started school today. I am actually excited about their school. It is really new and nice. They get to be on A track (we'll see how we like this "year round" schedule). Jackson is in a class of 18 boys and only about 6-7 girls! Jackson got a big grin when I told him that. I am anxious for them to come home and tell me all about it. They will even get to ride the bus. That might take a few days to get that all set up. I don't mind driving them for a few days.

Clayton's first day of work was yesterday. He got his truck. It is a beast. It's hard to get much information out of him but I'm pretty sure he'll have a good time there and be successful.

As for me, I do pretty much the same thing no matter where I live. There's laundry, cleaning, nursing Brandon, chasing Grant, laughing at Tommy, driving kids, etc. I guess this is our home again, and I guess I am excited.

Cherry Drive Elementary Talent Show

2009-01-12T10:21:00.001-08:00

More Brandon Pix

2009-01-06T14:33:00.001-08:00

I am taking the chicken way out, because I can't stand to say this out loud

2009-01-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

I have an announcement. Clayton has accepted a job offer in Salt Lake City. He is starting around February 1. As for what I will do, we're not sure. It will probably depend on what happens with our house here in Denver.

This really is a good thing for our us, and we are glad to be near family again, but we are so sad about leaving. I am crying even as I am typing this.

Lame attempt to say "Thank You"

2009-01-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

You know, it really is true that it is easier to give service than to recieve it. So many people have been so wonderful to me during the past few weeks. It's impossible to say thank you enough. I wanted to post about the people who have been so great, so that they can get the public credit they deserve. Remember, this all happened the week of Christmas

Candice Vejnar - Not only did she keep my kids while I laid in the hospital, she basically kept them for a few more days too. It is so reassuring to have a place where my kids can feel as comfortable as they do at home. She fed me and my family and, when I walked in the door from the hospital, she was here - scrubbing my kitchen floor. Candice does so much for me and my family all the time.

Mark and Lynda Hinckley (my dad and mom) - They arrived on Christmas day and stayed for 6 days. While they were here, they did everything. My mom did all the laundry, fed us all, and played with the kids. My dad even took on the project of going through all the socks in the house and finding all the matches. We were sad to see them go back home.

Debbie Miller - Debbie showed up at my house out of nowhere and took my older kids for the day. She didn't even laugh when I burst out in tears at the sight of her(love those hormones!). She gave my kids a fantastic day. She even took them to Mcdonalds! We loved the carmel corn too!

Becky Hampson - Becky also took the older kids for a couple days. She even offered to have them on Christmas eve! I'm sure the kids had such a better time playing, rather than being home all day everyday during their winter break. Also, she remembered that I love sweedish fish! Yummy!

Aloa Phillipps (my mother-in-law) - Thanks for the adorable, and extra special quilt. She also started another recieving blanket. Thanks for everything else you have done for us.

Lisa Whitaker - Lisa is my good friend, and she actually came over about a week before the baby came and did a deep cleaning job of my kitchen. While I was able to sit and visit with her, she scrubbed the fronts of my cupboards, washed walls, and some other jobs that I could not bend over and do. This was humbling and embarassing, but still very appreciated! She also brought over yummy rolls when we came home from the hospital.

Andy and Gwen Loughe - Andy taught my primary class at the last minute, and they even brought over 2 packages of diapers and wipes! Thank you!

Kathy Jones - She let me borrow her fantastic foot bath when my feet were so swollen and uncomfortable. It was so great and helped a lot!

Jane and Sarah Rollins - Thanks for the most adorable blanket!

Now I am scared to publish this post, scared that I might have overlooked someone. If that has happened, please know that nothing goes unappreciated. We are so grateful to have such wonderful and loving people around us. Thank you again for taking over my life when I couldn't do it myself. I hope that sometime, somewhere, I can return the favor.

Ok - here are the details

2008-12-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

(I don't expect everyone to read this whole thing, but I need to document it somewhere. If you read it, lucky you.)

At my last appointment, I was dialated to 4 cm. I was freaked out at being that far at only 37 weeks. I decided to try the castor oil a week early than I had originally planned.

Friday December 19 - Lisa offered to take the little boys for the morning (she is such a saint! Love you Lisa!) Clayton was off that day, so he came with me to run some errands. When we got home, I took three Tablespoons of castor oil. I had planned on making the castor oil cookies, but when I made the dough, the smell of the molasses was gross, and I didn't want to have to eat tons of gross molasses or a little bit of gross castor oil. Anyway, Tommy and I laid down for a nap. I had a few trips to the bathroom, but really not that bad. I guess I started feeling contractions in the evening. They weren't much different than the ones I had been having for weeks. After the kids went to bed, they were worse. I never really had time to sit down and time them, so I was going mostly by pain. We decided to call the Dr at around 10:00. After a long discussion, she said to come in. We got the kids to the Vejnars, and arrived at the hospital at around 11:30. I was dialated to 5 cm and the nurse said the magic words, "you're staying!"

I laid in bed watching tv and feeling contractions. They got more and more painful, and by the time the candyman (anesthiesiologist) came I was in tears at every contraction. This is where I got the worst epidural I have ever had. For some reason he couldn't find the right spot, and it took forever! I was having a constant electric zing down my left leg and dealing with really painful contractions. Needless to say, I was sobbing like a baby during this whole time. Finally the thing got where it needed to be and it was over. I started feeling much better and was actually realxing. I was so exhausted, and I loved not feeling my body that had been causing me so much pain and discomfort for the past few months. I don't think I got much actual sleep, but I didn't hurt. After the epidural, I was dialated to 7 cm and stayed there for a long time. Apparently the baby was having some heart decelerations with my contractions. Then my contractions were on top of each other, and the baby needed a rest. They gave me some medicine to slow my contractions. This, and the epidural, are probably the reason I didn't progress during that time.

It was a long, long night. I was at 7 cm all the way until the Dr came in at 7am. She broke my water and within an hour, I was at 10. The only problem was that I was back to feeling the contractions and it was very painful again. I was getting scared of pushing if the contractions were as painful as they were. I pushed the button for more medicine - nothing. I asked for another dose, and then another. Finally I was pain free (again). But now, I couldn't push. More of the waiting game. An hour later, I was able to say, "can we please try?" So we did, and about 2 or 3 contractions later there he was.

As he was coming out, the nurse exclaims, "His head is huge!" The whole time she was cleaning him up, she couldn't stop commenting on how big he was. She wasn't kidding either. We were suprised to hear them announce 8 lbs 7 oz! Thank goodness he came over 2 weeks early!

We are all glad the pregnancy and delivery are over and we can move on to being a new family of 7! (holy crap, how did that happen?!)

2008-12-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

Brandon Rogers Phillipps

December 20, 2008

8lbs. 7oz

21 1/2 inches long

We are sooooo thankful for miracles!

2008-12-17T20:59:00.001-08:00

Beteween our elementary school and our house, there is a pond that used to be used for irrigation when our area was farm land. For the last 2 days we have been having below zero temps and the pond had frozen over. Jackson apparently had one of those 8 year old not-so-smart moments, and went out onto the ice to try to get a log. Yes, he fell through the ice. Clayton's sister lives across the street from the pond, and Molly ran over there. Aunt Candice ran over, but by the time she had gotten there, Jackson climbed out himself. His cousin, Scott, was on the ice also, but didn't go through the ice. Jackson was cold, wet, and scared to death - but fine. Molly was quite traumatized. She kept crying and screaming "Jackson almost died!"

Clayton and I are so thankful that Heavenly Father is watching over our family. I am having a hard time not thinking of all the horrible things that could have happened. We all learned a lesson today. Not only about not walking on the ice, but that Heavenly Father really does take care of us and answer our prayers.

Maybe this can be a reminder to anyone that reads this. Tell your kids this story, and why they shouldn't give into the temptation to walk on the ice.

Imagine a whale in a skirt and crocs

2008-12-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

My feet have ballooned in the last week. I've never had this problem, until lucky number 5. The other day when I took my shoes off to show Clayton, he literally gasped out loud and said, "wow, those are some hoofs!" I only have one pair of shoes that I can get the hoofs in to - my crocs. I'm sure you all wish you could have seen me at church with a dress and Crocs. It was real cute.

All I can think of when I look at my feet, is my poor grandma Crane. Her ankles always looked like this, and now I know how "not-fun" it is.

Thanksgiving Utah trip

2008-12-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, once again we made our pilgrimage to Utah for Thanksgiving. We always figure that is the better holiday to travel on so we can be at home for Christmas. We got to stay for a little longer than usual this time, thanks to Clayton's work schedule. We had Thanksgiving #1 at the Montgomery's house before everyone else left for a Crane Reunion at Disneyland.

I know, I'm huge.

Grandma gladly sat with the girls.

Grant, Stanford and Tommy.

pretty good, don't ya think!

Nothing like a lesson in Hearts after dinner.

Thanksgiving #2 came on the actual day. Thanks to Misty and Kori for their house and everyone else that brought food.

This is Clayton's cousin Kori, whom Molly told "I like you sometimes!"

Tommy's Birthday

2008-11-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

I never did a post for Tommy's birthday! We celebrated while Grandma and Grandpa were here. I can't believe my Tommy is 4! Here are some of Tommy's favorite things at age 4.

"Dee" This is the name for his blanket. He has to have it to sleep, and as long as he has Dee, he will be sucking his thumb. (yes, still)

Geo Trax. This is, by far, the best toy we have ever bought. He loves trains of all kinds and always wants a "huge track". It is so cute to listen to him play with the guys that come with it and the conversations they have back and forth.

His siblings. Any time he can get Jackson to go out to the tramp to play swords, it's a happy day. Pretty much, he copies them totally and whatever they laugh at, he will too.

Hot dogs. I'm not kidding about this. One time he ate 5 hot dogs in one sitting!

The color green. I don't know how kids decide what their favorite color is, but Tommy has sure staked his claim on anything green.

I love Tommy to death and can't wait to see what the next year will bring. He is sure turning into a sweetheart and a very cute talker. Isn't raising kids the funnest!

Grant loved the dinosaur Tommy got

This was another great toy. Thanks Grandma!A birthday is never complete without a few more Geo Trax, right?Tommy had been talking about a frog cake for weeks. I know I'm no ace of cakes, but I thought it turned out kindof cute? It doesn't matter, because Tommy loved it.

3rd photo tag

2008-11-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

This is the 3rd photo in my 3rd folder. For you Utahns out there, it is Jackson and his cousin, Doug, at Lagoon (the local theme park). This was the trip when my kids took their first airplane ride. Also, I corralled 3 kids through the airports alone. I could go on and on with memories from this trip.

We miss Grandma and Grandpa!!

2008-11-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

It is always so great when G-ma and G-pa come to visit. We have so much fun, every time. We got to go to the zoo, and we also celebrated Tommy's 4th birthday. They even got to be here for Halloween night! What could be better than that!!

Here are the kids in their costumes. Jackson, Molly, and Tommy's are homemade. Grant's is the same one all the baby boys have ever worn. Jackson is a black widow spider. Molly is a fairy. Tommy is a frog. Grant is superman.

EVERYONE has to help mom

2008-10-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

I was tired to looking at my big ugly man feet, so I asked Molly to paint my nails. Well, they all had to get into it. Here is the result. I thought it was kindof funny.

I don't know why my camera is being so fuzzy!

This pic doesn't do it justice. It even dripped around to the back of my toe.

Pumpkin fest for FHE

2008-10-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

Jackson and Molly got some pumpkins from the pumkin run at school, and have been extremely anxious to carve them. The weekend was way too busy so I knew we would have to do it for Family Night . Each of the kids drew their own faces, then Clayton carved them. Grant, of course had some help with his face from dad.

This is "Grant's" pumpkin It was actually raining last night so we couldn't put them out with candles to see how they look. Hopefully the weather man is wrong and it will be dry tomorrow night.
For desert, we had yummy pumpkin cake.

Thanks for the tag Lisa!

2008-10-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here's my 8 random facts:

1. I can usually get all my laundry done on Mondays, but if I don't, it takes me a week to get through it.

2. I have no idea how to decorate a room. I try a little, but nothing ever seems as cute as it does at other houses.

3. I am trying really hard to be a better cook, and more crafty.

4. I love to read. Especially true crime stories and people's memoirs. (the crazier the better)

5. I HATE cleaning floors - any method; mopping, vacuuming, sweeping . . . (but I love having the clean floors)

6. I think I have a pretty high tolerance for pain.

7. Every room in the house needs at least one clock. More is fine too. (Maybe this has something to do with the "can't decorate" thing)

8. Both my middle fingers curve to the side. (Thanks for that one dad)

tag: Alyson, April, Matt, Trieste, Ben, Serin, Karin, Sadie

Here are the rules
1: Each player starts with 8 random habits/facts about themselves
2: People who are tagged need to write a post on their blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3: At the end of the post you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names.

Go ahead, call me Martha

2008-10-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

So, somehow I started this tradition of making a quilt for my new babies. I did one for Jackson, then was excited about doing a girl one for Molly. Well, then all the other kids need one too, right? Anyway, I just finished the top for this baby. I think it turned out pretty well. It's a little wild but I still like it. This is only the top. I haven't gotten it quilted or bound yet. I am just so excited to have this much done, I had to show it off a little. (Thanks so much to my friend, Jane Rollins for helping me pick out fabric!)

Adorable 18 month old for sale - CHEAP!

2008-10-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if my other 3 kids were ever as mischevious as my Grant is. Maybe I just don't remember it with them. Grant is a constant worry and trouble-maker. Here is a list of some of his favorite tricks:

Turning the TV off over and over and over

Pushing the "open" button on the DVD player in the middle of your show.

Tearing apart Tommy's train track that we have painstakingly constructed

Kicking the trains off the track

Throwing the folded clothes all over the place

Closing the dishwasher door everytime I turn around to grab another dish

Opening the shower door (yes, during a shower) over and over and over

Finding EVERYONE'S toothbrush and loosing them.

Pushing the buttons on the computer

Climbing

Climbing

Climbing

As I said, he is absolutely adorable. When he is sweet, he is sure sweet. He doesn't do any of these (and more) horrible things out of malice, I think he is just extra curious. I don't want anyone to think he is that bad so here is a list of sweetness:

Every morning he has to give Tommy a huge, long hug.

He laughs at whatever the other kids are laughing at, even though he has no clue what it is all about

He has the cutest crying face

He makes funny faces

He is a daddy's boy. He runs to Clayton anytime he sees him.

He plugs his nose when he is poopy. It's so cute!

He loves to cuddle under a blankie

There's no better noise than his laughter. Especially from upstairs where I know the kids must be playing with him.

I, of course, would never give Grant up. He makes our life exciting and busy. We love him so much and can't wait to see what he can come up with next.

Hiiiii-YA

2008-10-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Jackson and Molly have been taking a karate class at their elementary school. A local karate studio offered it to help raise money for the school's PE program. Last night was the graduation for this class. I thought some of these pictures turned out kindof funny. I'm sure they will try to get us enrolled for more classes, but between piano, scouts, school, and a desire for a little family/play time, I don't know if I want to continue.

I hope this will work

2008-10-01T13:08:00.001-07:00

Ok - here is the real happy birthday message to grandpa. I am still trying to figure out the blog, and videos are totally new for me. Thanks Valerie for your help.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Hinckley!

2008-09-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandpa!Happy birthday dad. We love you and are thinking about you today.

Hope you are having a great day!

P.S. Yesterday Jackson had quite a bit of dental work done. He had 2 sealants, 2 fillings (his first), and a tooth pulled! He did so great in the dentist's chair. He acted like it was no big deal!Jackson Rocks!

Our Last Rockies Game

2008-09-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

We have had so much fun going to a few Colorado Rockies games this year. Last night was our last game. The Rockies lost, and it rained at the end of the game, but it is still a fun thing to do. Notice the empty seats behind us - we were some of the last crazy people to take cover from the rain. Thanks to the Hampsons for introducing us to the extremely cheap seats and a "rockin" good time.

Yes mom, this is an actual picture of me.

The home run cheers were too loud for poor Tommy.

Ahhhhh! It's raining!

My first slideshow!

2008-09-15T12:25:00.001-07:00

Check out our new pet!

2008-09-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

One night, we started hearing a cricut chirping in out basement. I told the kids they needed to catch it because it was loud (and who wants a big bug in their basement)! They tried all kinds of things for a few days. Finally on Friday night, they saw it. With a little help from dad, they caught it and got it in a jar. Molly thinks she wants it in her room, but we have to move it into the garage at night because it is really loud when it's only in the next room. I guess the kids can't complain that we won't let them have a pet anymore.

Ready or not - here I go!

2008-09-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, here I go. I am not really sure what I am doing, but I'm going to give it a go. This will be the first post on my new blog. What do I say? Clayton and I have been married for 11 years and have 4 fantastic kids and one more on the way. Jackson is 8, Molly is 6, Tommy is 3, Grant is 17 mos, and the last one is due January 4th (another boy). Looking at picture is much more fun than reading all about us don't you think? Here are a few pics. This is Clayton and Jackson on his baptism day at the end of March. Molly was in a dance recital this year, isn't she adorable!

Over the 4th of July we visited the Phillipps' family farm in Idaho. This is Tommy at a small town parade on the 4th. The other kids call this his "chinese smile".

I'm not sure how it happened, but Grant managed to get mustard in his eyes. Apparently it doesn't feel too great. I don't know how often I will be able to post, but I guess I am happy to be joining the 21st century with a blog. (Sorry everything seems so choppy and all over the page. Maybe someone can give me some pointers on how to make this do what I want it to.)