The next day

So after a wonderful Christmas break, (which I will add pictures when I figure out how) I am ready to get back to the story of Neal.

Neal was taken to the ICU after his initial ER visit. He received the whole hook up with the IVs and the feeding tube. He was not able to communicate and appeared to be paralyzed. The Doc's finally explained that a "Brain Infarct" is a stroke, which I still had to look up to find out what that all entailed. I thought really old people had strokes. Apparently not. So as I sat there by Neal's bed I was in deep prayer. I really had no idea how the rest of my life was going to play out. I knew that Neal would survive and recover,(because of a Priesthood blessing) but I was in real need of some guidance.

Then the thought came to me clearly "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." I knew that that was a scripture, but I didn't know where. So I looked it up. (John 14:27) Think about it, if your life was instantly turned up side down, can you think of a better answer from the Lord? The whole verse is even better. It reads, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid."

From that moment on I was at peace. I knew that I was not alone and that Neal and our little family were in the best hands.

I love small miracles (and big ones) so keep this scripture in mind, because the miracles for us had only just begun.

I forgot an important detail...

On that life changing Sunday, before Neal had his Stoke, I was cooking in the kitchen. Neal was standing on the other side of the counter. He looked at me and said Heather I love you. Now if you know anything about my Neal he is quite the romantic, so I hear that several times a day. But this time was different. A little voice in my head told me to listen to what he was saying, because I may not hear him say that for a while. I thought that was an interesting thought but not until a couple of hours later did I realize the truth of those words. I just thought that I would add that little miracle. Our story is full of them!

Heather and Neal at the registration office

This blog was put together for two sisters to share with friends and family the joys of life. However it was my intention all along to get Heather to blog, because she is so worth listening to. You can't be with Heather and not be happy. I am glad I can be part of this because as her sister I can interject a little with her stories. Heather and Neals reunion at USU, finding her true love, TOTALY TRUE, I was there, they were both mesmerized and drooling, no kidding, it was the strangest thing I ever saw.

So as I was saying...

So I fell in love with Neal at the registration office at USU. We got engaged a month later. Neal being proper and quite the gentleman, planned on asking my father for my hand in marriage. We drove to Jackson and the hole 3+ hour drive was terrifying for both of us. When we got to my parents house it was late, but my parents were still up. When we sat down to talk Neal could not get the words out so my parents went to bed. I knew that it had to be tonight or wait 3 days till my Dad was available again so I called my parents out of bed and Neal told them the news. My Mom was not surprised but my father was totally blown out of the water. I was his first child to be married and Neal and I really had only been dating a month so he was not ready. But he said that he trusted me and if I thought that Neal was the one then he would support us. Neal and my Dad have a great relationship ever since.

One Sunday

One Sunday after noon. The kids, we had four at the time and we wanted a #5, where watching veggie tales in the family room. Neal and I were upstairs taking a Sunday nap. Neal said to me, "my head" I looked at him and said what about your head? He didn't respond... I thought he was joking, I said, stop messing with me or I am going to call 911. Neal said, "don't call 911" but the word wouldn't come out. All I saw was his face looking terrified and confused. I called 911, I called the neighbors to come watch the kids. The paramedics where there in 3 minutes. They carried him down our long flight of stairs and into the ambulance. I follow in our car. I beat the ambulance to the hospital. I guess it isn't that serious if they don't have the lights flashing. I wait. I cry in the waiting room. They call me back and say that them think my husband has had a brain infarct. What ever that means. I need to decide if the Dr's can give him a clot buster. If they don't give him the medicine he will be a vegetable. If he has the medicine his brain could hemerage and he could be worse or die, but you need to decide right now because we only have a small window in order for the medicine to work. (so why didn't the ambulance drive with the lights on) I ask the Dr. what would you do, she says that she would take the risk. How does a person make that kind of decision for someone else? How do I play the card that will change Neal's life forever. I said ok. They gave it to him. He hemeraged.

Married 15 Years!

When I was at Utah State, I worked for the catering service. So did Neal. A lot of girls worked there. They all had a crush on Neal (of course), including two of my roommates. I thought he was cute, but would have never guess that he could ever be interested in me. (and I was dating someone else.) So I knew some stuff about him before his mission but I didn't really know him. Then at the end of August 2004 we ran into each other in the registration office. I think that I should back up a little. The night before as I was going to bed, I had a "thought" go through my head, "you are going to meet your husband tomorrow." I didn't think much of it till I was on USU campus with all the cute boys. Then I started looking, and about 2 minutes later I saw Neal. He was looking through the glass of the registration building and saw me, and called my name. I went over and if you have ever seen Saturdays Warriors and the scene where the girl sees the guy at the airport for the first time and the start swinging each other around singing a love song about how they have always known each other and are destined to be together. Now picture that without the swinging and the singing. That is what it was like for me. I didn't even know the guy but I was pretty sure that he was the one and only for me. (and he still is!)

Tune in next time for the rest of the story...

Baby Steps

My baby is walking! He has been working on it for a few weeks now. He reminds me a lot of his big sister who walked at 8 months. My baby is 10 months, isn't he cute!

Also I need to add that not all of my five were born without meds, I caved twice. The main reason for me to have unmedicated child birth was my fear of needles and the slight risks. When Heather had her first (we were ALL there) things were rough for her, the labor was long with little progress. She was thinking about the epidural. I saw and read the consent form which was a mistake for me. When I read or hear about health related issues I always internalize it and scare myself. I was really scared for her, I didn't want her to do it, but it turned out okay and the meds helped her to rest and relax so the baby could come, meds are a blessing for many many women. I was also proud of her going natural too, it is an experience like nothing else, joy, pain, fright, excitement all at the same time and to top it off don't find out what your having, I didn't with the first two, that makes it even more fun. The major drawback of the medicated childbirth is not being able to move or walk, with my last baby I couldn't walk for almost 24 hours, I was a little scared.

Birthing

Birthing, I know a lot about it, I have done it 7 times. Every story is different but I want to tell you about Leif's. I wanted to be wonder women and do it all natural at least once. I mean my little Sister has them that way and if she can do it I can too, right? So without all of the gorry details, Our beautiful boy was born, without any meds. I thought I was going to die. I think that I need to mention that my kids are all born posterier, oh yah and I was induced. And now that I am complaining, Amy's kids have tiny heads when they are born. And I really mean little, not odd looking, just little. She has very beautiful fairy babies, with tiny button noses and wonderful big eyes. They grow to be very normal sized gorgeous children but I really don't think that I should have to compete with her's. So I did it once, and that was all I needed to do. The last 2 births I had I asked for the epidural before they even broke my water so I was in no pain at all. I love anesthesiologists!

But with all 7 of my children's births, I must say that it didn't matter how long the deliverys took, how much pain I experienced or how bad the hospital food was, I was truely in love. I could not have been happier, I could not even remember the pain when I looked into their beautiful eyes. They where ours, Neal's and mine together. That is quite something!

What an amazing life I have!

I wanted to say a few words about the goodness of God. I see his hand all around me, every day. I actually tear up at least once a day and it is always because I see the Lords hand in my life and in the lives of those around me. I know that we are strengthened the most when we go through hard things that we think we are not strong enough to handle. I totally believe that. I know I have grown the most when I have had to go through hard times. This is all because during the hard times I am never alone. I have a Father in Heaven and his Son to support me and send me wonderful tender mercys. I am not going through a real big trial right now but some people I love very much are. Through their experiences I see the Miracles, the Love and the wonderful growth that has taken place in these peoples lives.

I love to hear other peoples life stories, I will try to share mine on this blog. Feel free to send me yours.

Halloween 2005

Chase is 3 weeks old in this picture! Wow time flies.
This is Leif as a monster, isn't he cute.
I Love halloween!

The last few years we have done a halloween dinner for the kids and cousins, or another family.
The first year that we did this was with Amy and her kids, (when we lived a lot closer to eachother:( ) But we make a menu that has things on it like spiders puke, you get the idea. The kids have to pick what they are going to eat and we serve them. It usually consists of spaghetti, breadsticks that look like bloody fingers. Hot dogs, and always homemade rootbeer ( with dry ice so that it smokes.) We love it. Raked leaves today and carved pumkins, it is now offically Halloween week!

What are you going to be on Halloween?

Jo-Ann's has costumes and wigs for 60% off.

Leif"s 6th birthday

Every Boy Loves a light sabor, (and their own 6 pack of cream soda)
They found their buried treasure!
Arrgh mateys

Fall Is For Photos

Fall is the time I try to photograph my children for Christmas cards and in lieu of School Photos. It is always a challenge, however I take enough shots that something nice will turn out. I also learn something on ever photo shoot. This time I was reminded that I need a reflector on overcast days to reflect light up into their eyes so they don't look so dark, however I took pictures without my hubbies help, it was also very cold so I had to work fast. I think I'll try again this weekend with hubbies help. My oldest son also needed a haircut, which he received after dad saw the pictures. The location I found for the photo shoot was awesome, I can't wait for family to come see it, the drive isn't very far and the town is very charming with great architecture.

Best Shopping trip ever!

I know that you are expecting to hear about some great deal I got and how you can get in on it...but I think this story is much better than any great deal out there.

So I had a very big grocery shopping day today and brought Madi. Our cart was overflowing to say the least. We get in line to check out behind an old lady that might be 4 feet 2 inches tall and very cute. I ask her if I can help her put her things on the conveyor belt and she says that would be nice in a very unique voice, so I ask her where she is from. She says guess, and I am horrible with accents so I can't and she says I'm from Greece, pretty cool I say and ask her if she is just visiting or staying, she is aparently staying because she will not get into another plane ever again. So I have Madi help bag her groceries (it is that kind of bag your own stores) and she does. Well when everything is bagged the sweet lady comes back over to me and says thank you, and hugs me and kisses me on the cheek. I start to cry, because I am so touched, we didn't do very much for her but she sure gave me a lot back. I will never forget my sweet Greek friend. I love her and I will probably never even know her name.

But that is not all, also while standing in line an older man sees my overflowing cart and says, "You must have a bunch of kids." I say "I do" he askes "how many" and I say "SEVEN" Then he says "So do I!" and proceeds to tell me about how he raised his kid to milk goats and raise turkeys. I told him that sounded ideal and that I would love for my kids to have those kinds of experiences. Then we happen to be walking out of the store together and he continues to tell me about how he use to smoke 4 packs of cigaretts a day. I was shocked, aparently he was 37 years old and serving in the Korean war when two boys from Grace Idaho joined his camp. They were good Mormon boys and changed his life. After the war he moved to Grace Idaho and joined the LDS church, met a wonderful girl and had a big family. He said that he never planned on getting married or having kids because he was raised in a very abusive family. And that the church, two good Idaho boys a wonderful women and 7 children brought him a very wonderful life. I love this good man and I love the people who changed his life for the better.

Humanity is good!

Lions and Tigers and BEARS oh, my

Cute baby bears- if you hand over the green stuff then you can bottle feed them. We didn't because I am cheap, we will do it in the spring when they let you hold them for free!

Emily feeding the deer.

Last week we went to bear world with cousins. It was half off (the only reason that we went) $35 a car load, which is a bargin compared with the $13-$16 per person. It was worth every penny! But the best part of all for me was the petting zoo. The had real baby deer! The youngest one would suck on our fingers!

The Bears were cool, but if you go I would suggest that you look really closely when you are approaching the 2nd bridge. There is a dead looking bear there 90% submerged in the water. As we were leaving we notified them of their dead bear but they solved the mystery for us by explaining that the bear was really old and stays there to hide from the wolves, of which there are three.

The other fun activity is the rides, which are included in the price of admission. The kids loved them especially Brie. But bring your own water, there are no drinking fountains but lots of water (and other things) to buy.

Change

This summer has been the summer of change for our family. We love our new house the kids like their new school, our new ward is awesome. We are enjoying our new neighbors and new community. The only real challenge I have had with all the change is that my body isn't liking something. I have been sick since we moved in. I'm not sure if it is the addition allergies living out in the country or the house's unfamiliar smells, the previous owners were very clean but used a lot of cleaning supplies I'm not use to. The house doesn't smell like my family. I also bought real apple cider from an apple orchard down the road, the unpasteurized stuff, yah, I don't think I'll take that risk again if that is what made me sick. Anyway it all led to pneumonia and feeling really awful. When your sick, clammy and running a fever for days you start to hate long hair, when my fever ran high, If I could have gotten out of bed I would have cut it off. So yesterday as I was feeling a little better I decided to get it cut. Since I only go to a salon twice a year, (once more than Heather) I usually have to be impulsive and just do it. That happens with paint colors sometimes too but thats another story. I wanted my hair to look like Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel but I couldn't get a good picture of it and then Heather posted that old picture of me and so I took that in because I knew my hair could look like that because it was my hair. Well the Cut isn't the same as before it actually looks more like Samantha Brown's cut which is good because I like her cut. So posted are the before and after pictures. The Stylist wanted highlights, I told her lets do low-lights (for winter) she was determined to put some highlights but nothing drastic. I like how the color turned out, Hubby likes it too, I can tell by the way he keeps looking at me. I guess I have looked pretty horrible for some time. So to go with all the NEWNESS in our life I get a NEW hairdo. OH I am also the Volleyball Coach of my daughters team, that is new for me too, coaching. We played today and did awesome, I have an assistant coach who is Austrialian, the girls on the team love his accent, it's great & keeps everyone smiling. Instead of telling the girls to get their hinies or bottoms out of the air we say get your "ends down" much better word to yell out. It is interesting how in coaching you need someone who knows the game well (thats me) and someone who can run drills and is great at encouraging and building up the girls, thats our Aussie.

Seven Top reasons why I love being a MOM

#1 I LOVE it when Ethan (14 on Saturday) gives me a big hug and tells me he loves me.  I say "thank you, I love it when you do that."  He says "I know that is why I do it."  I think he has me figured out.

#2 I love that Madi (12) tries to copy what I am wearing each Sunday.

#3 and 4 I love it when Emily (10) and Elle (8) give me wonderful foot rubs for only 10 cents every 25 minutes, it is quite the bargain and they are REALLY good, if you bring your pocket change they will give you one too.

#5 I love it when Leif looks at me with his huge blue eyes, and shows me his latest Lego creation!

#6 I love that Chase still acts like my baby even though he is 4 in a week.  He loves to be held and snuggled.  I love it too.

#7 I love that Brie (2) can do it herself, and most of the time she really can.

Did I mention, I LOVE BEING A MOM!

Doughnuts, Berries & Fractions

I love doughnuts, and anytime I see a doughnut sign or an add for a doughnut shop I have to go check it out. So it has become a thing I do with the kids, we search for the best doughnuts. Late this summer there was an add in the paper for apple cider doughnuts in Winchester Virginia, about 35 minuets away. Of course we had to check them out. So with our trusty GPS a must on the East Coast drove to Marker Miller Orchards FArm Market. When we got there their produce was fair, the doughnuts not my favorite but they did have pick your own raspberries and blackberries. So me and the kids picked a few ate a few picked a few ate a few till our basket was full. When we got home Mara baked an amazing berry crisp. Which leads me to another thought. One of the best ways to learn fractions is to bake. I love to bake! I don't care for cooking, but I like baking. Heather, now she is a great cook. By teaching my girls fractions in the kitchen, my youngest daughter has really taken to cooking and baking. For a busy mom like myself it is a true blessing to have daughters old enough to start cooking. They are still in training mode but they get better and more independent each time. It is truly a disservice not to teach children to cook. If you don't know how to cook yourself buy the recipe book "The Best Recipes" by Cooks Illustrated and American Test Kitchen. My father bought all us kids this book about 6 or 7 years ago. I have learned more about food science and cooking from this book than anywhere else. I have found, if I do exactly what they say in the book my dish will turn out fabulous. Another great thing about cooking with your kids is that it is spending quality time together. So when you are done catching up on your blogs, facebook, email, whatever drove you to the computer, sign off and go bake with your child whatever age they may be. If you don't feel like baking go look for a great doughnut shop and tell me about it.

The creative one

So my sister starts this blog, she is good like that, creative and everything. I barely know how to type in the address to find it. Well she walks me through and here I am. I must say that that first post of hers wasn't fair because I didn't know that this cute blog existed till today. So don't mind what my sister says, she is my sis and she has to say those kinds of things. But that doesn't mean that I can't say a little about her so here I go.
My Sister Amy
Amy is younger than me, by three years and five days, hence the name of our blog. She is the creative one, the photographer, the artist, the quilt maker, the egg decorator (the really cool expensive kind) I am sure she will show her art on this blog, it will be quite obvious who the creative one is. But besides being very creative, Amy is a mother of five children. Her kids get all sorts of creative juices flowing at her house. Besides my sisters creative flare she is my best friend. If you only get one sister in this world like I did, I am sure glad I got her! She is my SISTER and I love her forever! Thank you for making this blog Amy.

(Do you see how good I am getting, I figured out how to change colors, Amy will be so proud!)

My Beautiful Sister

We all have someone we look up to, someone who's strengths us, gives us courage and keeps a positive outlook on life. Though I have many people I admire my sister is one of the top. I could go on and on about her but I wont. I'm sure you will discover for yourself as you read this blog (if you haven't already) This will be a joint blog about two sisters raising a quiver full of children in this crazy, amazing world we live in. We hope to encourage others in their journey through motherhood. We hope to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ. We hope you enjoy and follow our blog (just select the button to the left, follow me) TTFN