Teton Dam Museum

One more week......one more week......one more week. We just have to get through the next few days before we can hit the road and go find the sunshine and warmer temps in St. George for Spring Break. Today is the official last day of winter and it sure has felt like it today. It has been off and on snowing and windy as all get out.

The boys didn't have school today (teacher inservice) so we decided to go somewhere new. Well, that and the fact that I deep cleaned the house for the first time in a LONG time last night and didn't want to spend the day watching all my hard work fall to pieces under cushion forts and race car tracks.

I get a little frustrated here as there just aren't very many things to do in the winter. The zoo is closed, there is no Discovery Center or children's museum. The Idaho Falls Museum is really cool but it costs us $30 every time we go there. There are only so many movies to see and fast food places to play. We have to get creative and branch out which is what we did today.
We drove up to good ol' Rexburg and went to the Teton Dam Flood Museum. $3.50 for all 4 of us. Much better pricing in my cheapskate opinion.

 The boys loved doing the scavenger hunt for various items.

They even sat through a 30 minute film about the flood which was made 35 years ago. I was impressed it kept their attention. The flood really was a horrific event that literally wiped out many communities. I can only imagine how scary it would have been to have 5-10 feet of water coming at you at 60 mph. It was really neat however, to see how the community came together and the church jumped into action to help out those who had lost everything.

On the way home we had a picnic in the car and stopped at Maverick for some yogurt cones. I just love doing random things like this with my boys. Even though they throw fits at times because they just want to stay home, they always tell me how much fun they have and end up THANKING me once we get back. It's always nice to get away and spend time together with no tv, i phone, computer, etc.

I worry a lot about being slowed down once the baby gets here. Being on the go makes me happy. It is what keeps me sane when I feel overwhelmed. I'm sure we'll adjust in time but I do worry about it a lot. I'm so looking forward to spending time together down in St. George with EE even though Nate can't come. One more crazy busy week to plow through!

In other FANTASTIC news....baby Kye was able to go home from the hospital today. He has a long road ahead as we have found out that he has chronic kidney failure and will need a transplant in the future. It looks like he will continue to need a catheter and a feeding tube for the time being but I'm just so glad he gets to be home in his darling nursery with his exhausted parents. Traveling back and forth from the hospital has been so hard on them. We sure love them and are so grateful that things are looking a little bit better.

24 weeks

24 weeks. Feeling really good. Sciatic nerve is starting to act up but everything else is great. Food is good again, sleeping well and haven't thrown up in forever. We're in the "honeymoon" phase and I'm soaking it up as I know it won't last for too long. ☺

WHOO'S the cutest owl around?

Here is our last minute $4.00 attempt at an owl costume. Parker needed it for the Book Fair. He's just so stinkin cute. ☺

Great weekend in UT

The boys didn't have school on Friday and when I heard the weather was going to be in the 60's down in Utah, the boys and I jumped in the car. I was feeling the major itch to get out of Idaho Falls. We had such a great time spending time with everyone. Friday we took the boys skiing up at Canyons. Since Grandma LeeLee is a ski instructor and so is Aunt Ashley, I knew the boys would be in GREAT hands. They had such a fun time. Dallin even CRIED when it was time to leave becuase he was having such a fun time. They went on the big chair lift multiple times and made huge strides of improvement. PLUS, it was 53 degrees on the mountain, clear and sunny, AND they were with their cousins. Can't beat that!

 Saturday was just gorgeous. We went to the Zoo (and so did EVERYONE else in the world.) It was so much fun. We had kids galore with us. My boys were there with ALL of their cousins (except for baby Kye). That would be all cousins on BOTH sides of the family. My sister and brother were down in Utah as well so we met up with them. It was crazy but so great.

 

My newest nephew is still in the hospital. He was transfered up to Primary Children's Hospital and has been there for what seems like an eternity. Poor little guys has had such a rough start. It started with lung problems and then switched over to colon issues and now he has problems with his kidneys. Kelsey and Logan have been amazing. They have had to dig deeper then they ever thought possible. No one expects these trials....especially these unexpected health issues with your firstborn child. We continue to fast and pray for him and hope that he will get to go home soon. He is so cute with all of his dark hair and big lucious lips. I'm so happy that I was able to go and hold him and love him for a little while. My heart just breaks that he has had such a difficult start. He is tough though, and I pray we will get a resolution to these problems soon.

Baby girl Starnes was kicking Kye the entire time I was holding him. It was like she was telling him that she was close and that he needed to get better and out of the hospital so they could play once she gets here.

It's so easy to take the everyday for granted. To have a healthy baby, a healthy body. Life is so precious and family is everything. I'm so blessed to have married into such a strong and close knit family. I love them so much and cherish the time that we have to spend together and the opportunity we have to gain strengh from each other.

Growing boys

It's Sunday night and I'm feeling grateful. The weather was just BEAUTIFUL today...a tiny taste of spring and now I have officially caught SPRING FEVER. Church was good, we had a delicious roast and potato dinner when we got home and some cake for dessert. YUM.

We heard some great news on Saturday morning.....our newest nephew and cousin was born. Nate's sister Kelsey had their baby boy and we are so thrilled for she and Logan. His name is Kyelan Reed Jones. He has been having some difficulties and has been transferred over to Primary Children's. He has had some lung difficulty and he continues to be in our thoughts and prayers. We're excited Kye is here. This will be baby girl Starnes closest cousin in age. They are going to be best buds, I just know it. I can't wait to see him and hold him soon.

Family is absolutely everything and we're blessed that the Starnes clan continues to grow.

I feel like my own boys have been growing in leaps and bounds lately. Landon has been cracking me up with all of his questions lately. "Why does the baby kick you mama....is she mad at you?" "Does that big man have a baby in his tummy? His baby is probably bigger than your baby huh mom?" (YIKES) Love those totally awkward moments while standing in line at the store. Ugh. Landon is my buddy. He loves to stay home and be in his pjs as long as possible every day. I sure love my littlest guy.

 Parker had a very strange experience this weekend. He was invited to his friend's birthday party over at Leo's Place on Saturday night. First off, this was the invite he received for the party:

Over the Hill? Really? At 7 years old? The party was from 7-9pm which seemed a tad on the LATE side in my opinion. Oh, and the birthday boy didn't even show up until 8pm. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around that one..........hmm. Very weird.

Parker also wrote a pretty funny letter in church today. I had to scan it and keep it since it made me laugh. This kid seriously hates school. It is a fight every day to get him to go. Having pink eye was heaven on earth for him because he got to stay home for so many days last week. Here is his note:

Mr. Dallin is getting taller by the minute. I cannot believe how FAST his teeth have all come together with his new braces on. I'm SO glad we decided to fork out the money and get going with his teeth. He feels so much better about it and all the kids in his class think that having braces is totally "wicked." Wicked meaning....awesome. Dallin would LIVE at school if he could. He absolutely loves to go. How on earth did we get such POLAR opposite children? It boggles my mind.

Trips to the Dr.

We're keeping the medical profession running over here in Idaho Falls today.

I finally took Parks in for his pink eye. He's missed 3 days of school which I hate. We finally got the drops and are headed on the up and up.....lets hope. While we walked out of the Dr. office, a classmate of Parker's was walking IN. That kid had strep. Obviously the nasties are going around that classroom.

An hour later I had an appointment. Today was the check everything ultrasound. I'm so thankful to report that everything looks great. Princess Starnes is healthy and right on track. These 3D ultrasounds kind of creep me out a little.

 I am also SO relieved that she is STILL a SHE. For some reason I still didn't believe it. After today though.....the shopping can go ahead and commence!

She was sure active and cute. Her little body was folded in half and her knees were right up next to her face. Nate said she was in a pike position.....probably a diver or a gymnast.

February: the shortest and longest month

Is it just me or is February just DRAAAAAAAAAGGING on and on? I'm so tired of grey skies, sickness sharing and crazy WIND. We just try to stay busy to keep the days passing by. I am ready for some warm and sunny spring and summer days. I'm starting to feel the travel itch as well. I wish I could just drive down to UT, pick up EE and hit the road for some new adventures. ☺

3 boys started swim lessons Saturday. There were 30 mph wind gusts, 30 degree temps and snow on the ground! A PERFECT day to start swimming, wouldn't you say? Yes, the lessons are indoors again but running out to the car with wet hair is NOT fun.

Nate caught my sickness bug and spent Friday night in our room puking his guts out. Poor guy. The boys and I decided to have a lights out pizza party and movie night since dad was MIA all night.

Even though I have no pictures, Parker had a GREAT game on Saturday. He played the DEFENSIVE game of his life as he had to guard a HUGE boy who was a good foot taller than him. He stuffed the kid, made shots OVER the kid and made this kid pick up his dribble every time he got the ball. The big kid was getting SO mad. He turned bright red and eventually started crying because he was so frustrated. Parks had no idea he was making the kid so angry...he was just playing the game. It has been so much fun watching our boys really  learning the game of basketball. Nate and Coach Kenny have put in a lot of hours teaching our boys the fundamentals. Most teams still double dribble, travel and have no concept of passing or screening. Our team gets called on all the double dribbles and travels because we're held to a higher standard. I love that. We're all signed up for another season. That's 3 in a row and Parker still loves it. ♥

We woke up this morning with Parker and his 2 nasty, pink, goopy eyes. GREAT. Just what we need.

We're 21 weeks and this girl is a kicking machine. Nate can feel her now which is so much fun.

I'm not sure who is MORE excited about having a daughter....my dear husband or myself. He continually tells me how excited he is to hold his baby girl. He'd kill me for saying it but he has been rocking the pink tie lately in honor of her. I find myself more and more in love with him because of it. ☺

Looking forward to another ultrasound this week. I have GOT to take a second look again because I STILL just can't believe it.

And for fun, here is a pic of my man and brothers all rocking the same shirt while we were in Boise. These guys crack me up.

Oh yes, and I am pretty sure I have the absolute CUTEST little Zebra around here in Eastern Idaho:

 

My blogs are so random.

The best game ever.

Last weekend was great (other than the sickness from you know where). We had a great time in Boise seeing so many friends and hanging out with the fam. I sure love my friends in Boise, between parties, lunches and dinners I got a nice friend fix to last me a little while. ☺

We had so much fun I failed to pull out the camera except for one very hilarious and memorable morning. We went over to my sister's new house for a delicious breakfast brunch and decided to play a little "Rock Family Ipod Idol."

How do you play Ipod Idol? Well, let me remind you. One ipod with earbuds, and one blindfold...that's all you need. Choose an awesome song for someone else (not yourself) and crank the music. Let the person rock out and see how many of the words they ACTUALLY know. Prepare to LAUGH your head off.

Here are some shots:

 Jason with his voice cracking version of Pumped Up Kicks.

 James singing Numa Numa

 Even EE was in on the action!

 We've got a crazy family. And it's pretty much awesome.

Ensign

Last October an artist in our ward (Brian Call) called and asked if Nate, Landon and I could come over for a quick photo shoot. He contributes lots of his paintings to the Ensign and needed a few models for a story coming up.

I freaked out.

Ummmm, the ENSIGN! It only goes throughout the entire WORLD! 1.3 million magazines per MONTH to be exact! He called on a Saturday morning and we were all in our grubbies. We grabbed a quick shower and went over for the quick photo session. Landon did NOT want to participate. He kept saying over and over that it made him WAY too NERVOUS! Dallin and Parker on the other hand were very upset that they weren't asked to be in it.

Nate had to wear a 1940's fighter pilot suit...which was WAY too small might I add. We put some blue and red lights up by his face and snapped away while he gave us some very "serious" looks. I tried hard not to laugh.

Landon and I had to kneel together in prayer. I was so proud of Landon for being so serious about the task. Not only was he serious but he looked very sincere. Such a sweet boy.

March seemed like forever away and amazingly enough, the time has flown by and we're already here! What a special experience to be in a magazine opposite a photo of the Prophet of our church. A treasured experience to say the least.

The article is about the blessings that come from magnifying callings. A great story.....To read the article you can click on this link:
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/03/the-blessings-of-magnifying-our-callings?lang=eng

Sick

A little recipe for some hell on earth:

Having horrible heartburn and being pregnant. Throw in a NASTY stomach virus. Throw up 21 times over the course of the next 12 hours....4 of those hours are spent on the snow/ice covered roads headed back to Idaho Falls from Boise. Collecting bags of puke in grocery bags the entire way home. Burning up and having uncontrollable chills. Add some major stomach cramps. Puke so much that your abs are KILLING and you become so exhausted and faint you can hardly walk.

Hello death's door.

I'm going back to bed now and I'm PRAYING my family does not get this.

20 weeks

HALFWAY: betwixt and between, center, centermost, central, equidistant, intermediate, medial, median, mid, middlemost, midway, moderate, part, part-way, partial, smack dab, smack in the middle

Valentine's Dinner gone wrong.

We don't go out on Valentine's Day. It's never worth it. Years ago we waited almost 2 hours to be seated at Outback...sat inches from couples on both sides of us and one of the men leaned over and asked Nate if he could have his roll. It was so LOUD we couldn't even have a conversation. ABSOLUTE STRIKE OUT.

We vowed that we wouldn't go out again...we'd stay in or go out the night or weekend before. It has worked well for years.

Well last night we were invited to celebrate my good friend Sharla (who just so happens to be due on the same day as me). It was her 30th birthday on Valentines day and her husband had planned a surprise dinner party for her over at the White Water Grill. (A very NICE/EXPENSIVE place for dinner.) We decided to support her and go against what we KNOW.

Here is the CLIFF NOTES version of our night:

5:00: Left the boys with a babysitter. Told the babysitter we'd be back in a couple of hours.
Seated at 5:15.
Surprised Sharla at 5:35.
Ordered our food 6:00.
Waited.
Introduced ourselves to all of the fellow party attendees.
Waited.
Waited.
7:30: Got our salad! Devoured it in 1.7 seconds because we were all STARVING. I was honestly ready to eat my own hand off I was so dang hungry.
Waited some more.
Waited.
Became WELL acquainted with Sharla's family as we had HOURS to get to know them.
Waited.
Waited.
Waited.
Everyone started laughing in a delirious state because we were all going stir crazy/nuts....inhaling the helium from the balloons, showing each other ridiculous dance moves, telling Sharla she would proably be spending her 31st birhtday at the Whitewater Grill since the service was so SLOW.
FINALLY got our freaking dinner at about 8:15pm. That is a 3 HOUR WAIT.
INHALED our dinner.
Asked for the bill.
Asked for the bill again.
DEMANDED the bill.
Server finally took our debit card.
He lost our debit card.
Found our card.
We paid the bill.
Left him a $2.00 tip on a $45.00 ticket.
Most of the people didn't even give a tip of any kind.
Everyone was seriously SO mad.
Got home at 9:00pm...2 hours later then we thought we would be.

NEVER going out for Valentines Dinner again. Never going to White Water Grill again.

Will also NEVER forget such a memorable and hilarious night. It's hard to believe that it was really as bad as it was. No apologies from the management, the waiter, absolutely NOTHING.

O well, more time spent with my favorite Valentine. ♥ I figured I'd better enjoy my LAST Valentine's with my man all to myself since next year he'll have another tiny little lady Valentine to share the day with. :)