Shirley Bunch

Home School in the Mountains

2012-01-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

Mikayla 4th grade

Mikayla, Ashley, Kierra

The girls and their Moms. My friend Melanie comes with me and chooses to home school her kids as well - just for 4 days!
Every year in January I take out some of my kids to be home schooled in the mountains once a week. This was our third time snowboarding but our first time having any good snow. It had snowed 6 feet in a week since we had been to Pomerelle last. We were all loving it. We had good snow, sunny weather, and good company!

Just for fun Meet

2012-01-30T14:45:00.000-08:00

Valerie

Hailey

Hailey and Valerie just finished their gymnastics meet where they had to memorize their passes and perform for the judges. Parents were invited to come and watch. Valerie was just there for fun and Hailey was all business. Valerie has been working on her inside outsides. Hailey has been working on her back whip. One of her passes was a roundoff, 1 backwhip, 3 backhandsprings. She did it! I am absolutely sure none of that talent came from me.

Another Driver?!

2012-01-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

Cade did it! He passed his driving test and written test and is now a full legal driver! He is 15! It makes me feel really old! I am happy too to have another helper to run kids around and pick up milk! He told me during his written test he was on #30 and had missed 6 questions already. He knew there were 40 questions and he also knew he couldn't miss another one or he would have to retake it. It worked out good and now he has his license to prove it!

I went with Cade and the teacher for his driving test in our car. I had been driving before and had the heat on full blast. Cade made no adjustments with the heater during his 15 minute test and by the end we were all very warm and flushed! He just thought it was so hot because he was nervous! Ty idolizes Cade. One day I couldn't find Ty and I was hollering out his name. I heard this little sweet voice saying, "playin games with Cade." He was having a blast pretending to use the xbox remote with his big brother.

A New Year without GLOVES!

2012-01-30T13:49:00.000-08:00

What a difference a year makes! I am so glad to not be repeating the beginning of the last 2 years. 2 years ago we were in the hospital with Ty for 9 days and last year was crazy with Ty burning his hands. This year has started out wonderfully! Ty is no longer wearing any compression gloves. He loves having free hands and stuffs them in his mouth regularly. Just before Christmas I talked with the UoU burn center. I was at the point of needing to order new gloves at 212 dollars a piece or checking to see if he could really be done! We did a test run and took off his gloves for 2 days. The scars did not rise up which was a good sign for us. We were told it takes a good year from accident for all the scar remodeling to take place. After that point there is not a whole lot you can do. So for the last year we have changed dressings, massaged, stretched, cried, worn braces, and washed and replaced gloves constantly. We have had many little miracles and been blessed countless times.

(Above) Ty one year ago
(Below) Ty now
He still loves cutie oranges

Reflecting back a year. Ty after surgery with huge bandages. I remember it being so difficult to not let him crawl for a while because we didn't want the grafts disrupted. If he walked I followed him around so he wouldn't land on his hands.

A couple weeks after surgery and when grafts more secure we started the dreaded brace wearing 23 1/2 hours a day!

The gloves became Ty's constant companion with braces at night. At night we had to put socks over the braces and pin it to his shirt so he would not take them off.

Now a year later, his hands look amazing! The right hand still has a ridge around where the graft was but he uses them without any difficulty. I have no idea what his sensation is like. They say it is different but it is probably normal to him. We will continue to watch him as he grows. We are still a little concerned about the tightness of his thumbs but it does not appear to be a problem now. It depends on how fast he grows if he will ever need more surgeries. So for now we are grateful and so HAPPY!

Looking over this past year I sometimes wonder how we all did it. Then I am quick to realize I was never alone. I had the comfort and guidance from our Savior the entire time. He helped me feel peace when needed and he helped me be strong when there was no other choice. He provided angels to help our family along this journey. The angels came in the form of friends, family, and wonderful doctors and nurses, and physical therapists!

Goodbye 2011! Hello 2012!

2012-01-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

Cade and his gang (Will, Jared, Braeden, Cade) heading off to the New Years Eve church sponsored dance. They had a blast and were served breakfast starting at midnight.

I'm still in shock that one of his friends can drive at night. They are just walking away and getting in a car without an adult. I never imagined this day would be here so soon.

Where does the time go? It cruises right on by the older I get. We spent New Years Eve with our friends, the Pages. It is crazy that they have 6 kids like us and our kids match up perfectly. We both have boys as our bookends and four girls in between. Lets not forget that we each have a girl dog!

We started fireworks an hour early. I'm sure our quiet neighborhood didn't love all the noise we were making but the kids were having a blast!

Averie and Valerie

Ty enjoying his sparkling cider and making everyone laugh. He hasn't made it to bed before 1100 or 1200 pm this Holiday season. He just thinks he is one of the big kids.

Mikayla & Kierra
Welcome 2012!

It's Finally Here!

2012-01-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

The kids were out of school an entire week before Christmas. The excitement was building daily. It was 2 days before Christmas and I had not wrapped one present. One of Hailey's friends came over and asked if we were not having Christmas because there was nothing under our tree. Luckily my neighbor called and asked if she could wrap presents for me. (How she even knew was beyond me. My wise daughter Ashley said it was an answer to my prayers). I was so happy as I had not had anytime to get this done. I loaded up some armfuls of gifts and dropped them off. They came back wrapped beautifully. So nice and appreciated!

We were excited to have 2 of my brothers, Brandon and Derek, spend Christmas with us. Brandon got the whole family BYU beanies! We were all thrilled to put them on Christmas morning. We had fun with the uncles playing games, going to the movies, watching funny you tube clips, and having never ending shoulder rides!

We ate our traditional Christmas Eve candlelight dinner that keeps getting added too each year. We had calzones, shrimp, raspberry frape, and Subway? We then headed to the family room for the nativity story. Everyone cooperated very well this year because they were anxious to move on to opening up their one, well two gifts. (We didn't pull a Jim, my dad, and open up all of our presents on Christmas Eve!)

Kayla and her ipod touch

Ashley with her new snowboarding clothes and her first ever phone

Cade and his new phone. Dave got me one too. I am hoping Cade will figure it all out for us!

Lalaloopsy dolls were a big hit from Santa Clause this year. I know the elves were working hard on making these because they could not be found anywhere!

Ty was extremely happy getting car pajamas. He was also very excited seeing his new truck from Santa at 5:45 am.

Hailey woke up to her dream gift Christmas morning. A gymnastics bar! She has gone crazy on the thing. She even has a 10 inch long bruise behind her knee/leg to prove it!

Derek opened up his gift and found several 1 dollar bills individually curled up with a ribbon. The girls enjoyed doing this. At the bottom of the cash he found a random picture of a girl who must have been a BSU fan according to her shirt. The girls thought this was a funny joke because really Mikayla wanted to get him a real girl off the internet. This gave us a good laugh.

These two girls through on their matching American Girl doll clothes and we headed to church Christmas morning. What a great sacrament meeting we enjoyed singing and hearing Christmas songs about our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rock Creek Lights

2012-01-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

We spent an evening driving out to look at one of the most decorated houses in our area. The house is about 45 minutes away and surrounded by nothing but forest. The place is packed as people come from everywhere to feed the live camel and visit Santa Clause. Ty & Ash were a little nervous about the big FAT camel.

Ty with the matching Elf on a Shelf Hat

2012-01-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

Elf on the Shelf Hat

What was I thinking? I let each of my 3 older kids have friends over for a Christmas party on separate nights and to watch the best ever Christmas movie, ELF! Each of them had a blast but by the third night of making treats I was tired. Cade had people over from everywhere that I didn't know. That is OK though because Ty and Valerie mingle right in with all the girls and boys and give me reports. Ty confiscated this Elf hat from one of the girls. He just looked so cute!

More pinterest treat ideas I used for parties! Kids loved making and eating these! (Hot chocolate stirrers and another type of reindeer cookie)

CHAMPS!

2012-01-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ashley's 6th grade city league basketball team ended the season with 1st place trophies after a very physical championship game vs. Oakley. She had a fun season being coached by her Dad and Billy Page.

Christmas Cards

2012-01-03T14:24:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas cards this year were a little like this! A fast taken picture after church! At least I got everyone together at one time! Not an easy task during the holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Ty: Just turned 2. Loves action and always on the go! Holds record for most hospital visits in a year. Finally glove free after 1 year from skin grafts r/t burning hands on fireplace. Loves cars, legos, and motorized 4 wheelers. Enjoys feeding dog even if it is from his own spoon. Gets lots of love from older siblings and has his own set of angels watching over him.

Valerie: 5 years old. Our spunky and in charge gal. Loves preschool and anything you can do outside. Loves shaved ice and wants to work there one day.

Hailey: 7 years old. Our brown eyed peacemaker. Very observant and easy going. Mastered back handsprings and back flips on our family room floor. Loves to draw and create. Adores her look alike American Girl Doll.

Mikayla: 10 years old. Our musical violinist. Loves attending BYU football games with her Dad. Enjoys swimming, snowboarding, and volleyball.

Ashley: 12 years old. Our professional babysitter and hair stylist! Enjoys snowboarding, basketball, volleyball, and hanging out with friends.

Cade: 15 year old soon to be independent DRIVER! Our first High School student. Loves computers . Just got his braces off. Has an eye out for cute girls. One wild n’crazy snowboarder.

Chandra: 2 years, Doberman dog. Loves to chew flip flops. Has a terrible habit of opening doors but never shutting them. Adores attention and loves to sit by Ty at dinner time. Loved by all (even Mom most of the time).

Steph: Still in 30’s. Loves getting new ideas and recipes off newly discovered Pinterest. Excited to have a second driver to help run the kid crew around. Blessed to be at home with 6 kids and sometimes the dog. Loves the Dave man.

Dave: Out of 30’s. Great provider, church doer, and family man. Surprised his wife with trip to Las Vegas. True Blue BYU fan. Loves his family.

We love this time of year and are so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Love,

the Shirleys

The many faces of Ty

2011-12-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

Mikayla loves to take pictures. I was just looking through the pics on my camera and came across these that she had taken of Ty. Too funny!

My baby Ty turns 2!

2011-12-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

Ty turned 2 on Sunday! He shares the same birthday as his Grandma Keller. He is starting to say so many words. He can now say everyone's name in the family. Kayla was the hardest for him to say so he just called her Ash until recently. He still continues to do his HAPPY DANCE! He does this dance when he is really happy or when you ask him to do the happy dance. He moves his legs back and forth so fast that he sometimes loses his balance and goes down. Mikayla has taught him to act like he has a big belly and say, "HO, HO, HO!" He loves to play with CARS. He also likes legos so I attempted making a lego cake (idea of course came from pinterest). He used to give hugs to everybody including strangers. Now he can dish out his few share of punches. We are working on that though and now he now knows how to say sorry and give a hug. He still has the biggest eyes that can cause my heart to melt just looking at them.

Going for it!

Just woke up but still excited for noise making race car. I may be hiding batteries soon.

He likes to do things himself which can be good and bad. He got his own apple juice from the garage and cup and was getting ready to pour it before he was stopped.

I did it

2011-12-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

t

Thanks to Pinterest I was able to get some ideas and get a little crafty this Holiday Season. As long as there is no sewing involved then I don't mind doing some crafts once in a while! Tonight the kids and I will be making reindeer cookies! I have made so many new recipes this last month that I have gotten off Pinterest that my kids are giving me a bad time. They like to make fun by asking me, "Mom is this a pinterest thing again?" Some things have worked and some not quite so well - like the glowing mountain dew but it is fun to try new things!

Festival of Trees

2011-12-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

I guess when you have 6 kids that are involved in different activities you spend a lot of time at the festival of trees. We were there everyday and 3 times in one day to watch kids perform. It was fun and the kids all liked getting dressed up and performing.

Hailey got to sing with a few of the first grade classes from her school and Valerie got to sing with her preschool class. The two girls are quite the opposite performers. They both know all the words to the songs but Hailey thinks the body actions are dumb and so she is the only one of her class standing completely still not doing any actions. Valerie, on the other hand, is an over exaggerator when it comes to actions and mouth movement. I was surprised to find out she had a solo for part of one of the songs. She nailed it! It was to Holly Jolly Christmas. The microphone was a little high but that didn't stop her from grabbing it and pretending she was on American Idol!

Mikayla was able to entertain us with some fun Christmas music and fiddle songs!

Ashley performed 3 dances in clogging. One was a girls team only and the other two were mixed boy/girl dances. There were a lot of kids trying to fit on that small stage. I'm glad the kids didn't fall through because it looked like the stage was about to give out!

Hailey doing a chest roll (no idea how anyone can do this). Below she is in a backbend and going to walk under the rest of the girls while in a backbend. She LOVES tumbling and just learned her back whip this week! My floors are constantly shaking at home and furniture is always moved so she can have room to flip around.

Of course the kids got to see Santa Clause. Ty wasn't scared in the least because he knew he was getting candy. Valerie had to come back the second day and see Santa again because on the first day she saw him she told him she forgot what she wanted.

Daughter of a King

2011-12-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

Ashley is now in Young Womens! It is hard to believe she is so grown up. We had our first Young Women's in Excellence night with myself as a leader and Ashley as one of the young women. The theme was a Daughter of a King and it turned out wonderfully. We sang the song, "Daughter of a King" by Jenny Phillips while a slide show displayed pictures of each of the girls and their Dad's. Our desert was fruit pizza made on a tiara sugar cookie.

Lyrics to Daughter of King:
Do you wonder if he knows who you are?
Do you wonder if he knows the secret pleadings of your heart
He has numbered every sand of the sea
And he longs for you to know that he believes in you.

Can you feel the quiet power from above
Can you feel his strength surround you when your own is not enough
He has blessed you with his spirit from on high
And he longs for you to know that he believes in you
Oh, be true

CHORUS:
Daughter of a king
The father's royalty
Heir to his divinity
He's calling your name
To come and take your place before his throne
He has always known
What he created you to be
A daughter of a king

You hold the promises of all eternity
Rise to claim the noble birth right you were sent here to recieve
He has loved you since you lived with him before
Let him lead you to the gifts he has in sotore for you
Oh, be true

CHORUS

Daughter of a king our father's royalty
Heirs to his divinity
He's calling our names
To come and take our place before his throne
He has always known
What he created you to be.....
Daughter of a king.

Home for Thanksgiving

2011-12-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

We decided to stay home this year for Thanksgiving to have a break from traveling. It truly is a lot of work to cook everything! I have discovered Pinterest this year and love it. I have gotten so many ideas from that site. We made Turkey heads out of rice krispy treats, pilgrim hats out of cookies, and I found an excellent homemade roll recipe. To change things up a little this year I had asked the kids the day before Thanksgiving what they were thankful for. I typed up a list of everyone's answers and then rolled them up in the rolls. It was kind of fun to open them on Thanksgiving and guess who said what. We are so blessed and have so much to be grateful for. Lately, I have loved listening to Valerie's prayers. She is praying for everyone, from the people who don't have homes to people who are mean. She takes her time and is so sincere in her prayers.

Deviled Eggs - a kid (not mom) favorite!

Uncle Derek came and spent the weekend with us and had Thanksgiving dinner. The kids were very excited to see him. I took Derek Black Friday shopping for his first time. Ashley, Cade, Derek, and myself went to Walmart Thursday evening until about 2 am. I had them scattered all over the store standing in line for things for me. It was nice to have the help and crazy to see how CRAZY some people can get over xbox games! Their night ended there but my night was just beginning. My friend Mel and I stayed up all night and returned the next morning at 9:30 am with plenty of money spent!

We (myself, Derek, Cade, Ashley, Mikayla) managed to hit the slopes for some snowboarding on opening weekend. We all had a good time after we found clothes that fit everyone. Derek was trying to show Ashley that her coat still fit her because it fit him. We had to open a few Christmas gifts early like gloves.

Little Ty wanted to be a participant but instead got to stay home with Dad and put up Christmas lights.
Of course it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without lounging around. The kids made a huge fort with every blanket we owned. It even had separate rooms in it with an air mattress.

The Tyster

2011-12-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

How can he look so innocent yet be so mischievous?

I only went downstairs to look up a recipe on pinterest for a minute and..........3 entire cans hot chocolate were dumped all over my kitchen floor.

I'm sure half of Ty's dinner went to the dog. If he doesn't want it he will either plop it on the floor for the dog or try to feed the dog with his spoon!

It's all worth it!

2011-12-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

I was excited as I went to bed and was greeted with this cute little card made for me by Hailey. It just helped me put life back into perspective and made me grateful to be a mother! So what if my house isn't clean and my To Do list didn't get done.

Just throwin this in there. My new boot socks!

Goodbye USA, Hello Argentina

2011-12-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Keller are really leaving. They stopped by for last minute hugs on their way to the MTC in Provo. They spent a week at the MTC and then flew to ARGENTINA to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We will miss you!

All I want for Christmas is my TWO front teeth

2011-12-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hailey (1st grader) has lost both of her front teeth just in time for Christmas. She even let Mikayla pull one of them out. She talks with a cute little lisp now.

Before picture with TEETH

She let Ashley curl every piece of her hair. It turned out adorable and took a long time. It is so nice to have a Ashley around to help me out with all the girls hair.

Angels among us!

2011-11-02T22:50:00.001-07:00

Ty is a busy little body with no cares in the world. He is adventurous and loves to explore. We now put duct tape on his gloves so that he will not take them off. I spend a lot of time looking for his gloves and hand pads because he can manage to get them off somehow even if it requires using his teeth. Most people when they see his gloves think they are part of his outfit seems how he does have a color to match every outfit, instead of a required use for his burned hands. I always get asked where I purchased them and where could they find a pair. Most people think they are little motorbike/riding gloves.

Recently we were all feeling relieved after returning from one of our many trips to Utah from a BYU football game. Cade has his permit and was driving us home. We were just about to get off the freeway to our exit when a big dirt cloud just barely missed the front of our car. We quickly pulled over to see what had happened. A four wheeler come out of a trailer from a truck in front of us and had barely missed our tahoe and was still rolling on the ground. We all took a deep breath and said a little prayer that we had "angels among us" watching over our family.

Not even a half an hour later we were at home unpacking the Tahoe when we noticed Ty was not to be found anywhere. (Unpacking and loose Ty never equal good) I started looking up and down the neighborhood with no luck. I started calling for the whole family to help. We were all getting very worried. I must have had the frantic look as I was running down the road because a car stopped me and asked me if I was looking for a little boy. They told me they saw a little boy of few roads over with a lot of people standing around. Ty had gone out of our neighborhood across one of the BUSIEST roads in our town and had kept going down another road. He was on his motorized four wheeler that goes very fast, thanks to his Uncle Ben. I was frantic and grateful all at once as I ran to find him. He had caused a few people to stop and wonder who he was. They were following him on his 4 wheeler. I grabbed him and one guy said, "you better take the keys away from him." Ty looked like he was just enjoying life riding his 4 wheeler with his riding(burn) gloves on. Once again, I was so grateful it was a Sunday and the rode was not as busy as usual and that kind people had stopped to protect him. Thank you angels!

My brothers give Ty a hard time because he is taking up all the angels time. They say the angels can't even get a lunch break! In fact they tried once and that is when Ty burned his hands.

All grown up

2011-11-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

How can a haircut make my little Tyster look all grown up? I can't believe it. He got his hair cut today and not only does he look older I think he acts different too! I had a hard time deciding whether or not to cut his hair. I love his white hair with a little bit of curl in the back but the problem is that there is not as much hair in front and it was starting to look like a mullet!

Before

He was so good because he was sooooo tired!

After!

You are BUSTED!

2011-11-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

With the help of a few of Cade's extra Mom's and myself we were able to come up with something clever for Cade on his 15th Birthday. He got sent on a EVIDENCE HUNT starting at school.

He was taken out of class in the afternoon by the Vice Principal. He was told that the dogs had been at the school sniffing the lockers and that his was suspicious for drugs. The VP needed him to come with her and open his locker. (I was a little worried about this because he seldom uses his locker and probably wouldn't know his combination or even where it was located). When he first opened his locker this is what he found:

A bag of powder and on it the note said, " You have been BUSTED and charged with possession of drugs at the age of 15! To pay back your charges you must return with all the evidence.

Clue #1: Since you are RED HOT with the law, you will need to cool off with a BLIZZARD!
(already paid for)

At Dairy Queen he was given
Clue #2: Now that you are shivering you will need to warm up. Go to a house that begins with N and ends with Cole.

(I thought this clue might throw him off into thinking it wasn't his mom making him go on the hunt but a girl. He wasn't fooled. He texted me and told me I was weird but I know that he was having a good time).

At Nicole's house he received a present that was a hoodie sweatshirt.
And Clue #3: Stop dragging your feet and go to the Racquetball Club and ask the front desk for some more evidence. (It worked out, with a little help from me, that one of his friends was older and had a car so they could drive around to all these places).
At the club he was given some socks and
Clue #4: One last destination to reach the MOTHER LOAD! You must pick up your final charge at a place that will supply your outdoor entertainment all winter long.

He made it to the Sporting Goods Store and was greeted with this card:
And on the inside:
My sources tell me Cade was nervous at first walking down the hall to his locker. I know he thought I was a little weird but I think he liked it and I know he is excited about his season snowboarding pass.
Happy Birthday Cade! We love you and are happy you are a part of our family.
Love, your MAMBA and your SUGAR DADDY!

Straw Maze with the little tikes!

2011-11-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

I got to be the mom helper and go to the straw maze with the preschoolers for their Halloween Party. They were all dressed up and had a blast! Valerie is mature beyond her years. She is kind of a boss and a take charge type. She made sure she watched over everyone that drove with us in our car.

Lately Valerie can be a little sassy and seem to get a way with it because she does it in such a cute way. I can be texting on the phone and hear her say, "Mom what is more important? Texting your friend or feeding your children?" Hence below:

Halloween Fun

2011-11-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

The boys in the family didn't dress up this year.

Ty LOVES candy! I don't think he has had real food for a while. He keeps holding out for the sugar. He can find candy anywhere even when I think it is hidden. I know because I find the wrappers and sucker sticks all over the floor! He has become masterful at taking off his gloves. I now have to tape them on with duct tape. The only duct tape we have is pink zebra stripes!

My adorable little Dragon and his Easter basket???
He doesn't care - it didn't take him long to figure out people will give him candy.

Ward dinner and trunk or treat! We need this every year but on Halloween night. Our neighborhood is CRAZY! I mean CRAZY as in no cars allowed inside and a cop patrolling the entrance. We were out of candy by 7:05 pm and I spent 50 dollars worth. We had 2 more hours of hiding downstairs avoiding the knocks even with our house dark.

I am a BYU fan

Valerie went from sweet princess fairy for her preschool party to a Devil on Halloween.
She cracks me up. She said, "Mom I think the Devil is an animal so he is probably pretty hairy so you could paint hair on my face."

Poor Chandra looks a little embarrassed! She is just one of the girls.

Wow! Halloween week is over! I think we dressed up 4 nights between school parties, carnivals, ward trunk or treats, and the actual Halloween night.

Devilicious

2011-11-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

We planned a spooky night out with our husbands for a Halloween surprise. We spooked them with a candygram and took them to the Haunted Mansions.

We then dressed up again the next night to attend the Zumba party as the 3 Devils! It got a little hot working out with eye lashes on but ohhh so fun!

Soccer State Champs

2011-11-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

We went and saw my cousin Jessica Berg play in the 5a State Championship Soccer match. What a great game to go to. It was tied in over time at 0 to 0 and then Jesse scored the winning goal. Way to go Rocky Mountain. Valerie and Quincy nearly lost their voices as they were cheering so very loudly for Jesse the entire game.

Farewell Again

2011-11-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Off my parents go to serve as missionaries for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Buenos Aires, Argentina Mission. This is their second spanish speaking mission. We are grateful for their sacrifice and example. We will miss you but know you will touch the lives of many!

Good times with the FAMILY!

Just the Two of Us!

2011-11-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

Dave for the second year in a row surprised me with a trip to Las Vegas. I did know before hand when and where we we going but he made all the arrangements from hotel to flights to babysitting! It was an amazing trip and oh so fun to just be together! We went to shows (the "O" and the variety show). We ate crab and frequented our favorite sandwich shop called Earls.

Our hotel at Planet Hollywood towers. Loved it!

Wax Museum

Dave & Chuck Ladell.
A few years ago when we were in Vegas Dave went to see him fight UFC.

Sugar Factory!
Yes it was a favorite of mine!

We showed these pictures of the wax museum
to the kids and they
thought we really met the ROCK!

Thanks Dave for the fun Birthday trip (I turned 39!) and Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Shirley for taking on 4 extra kids. Ashley and Cade stayed home and were watched over by friends and neighbors.

Show and Tell

2011-10-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hailey and her look a like American Girl Doll went to school together today!

Cement poured!

2011-10-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ty loves to go out and work???? He will get a push toy and walk back and forth like he is mowing the lawn. In this pic he was helping Cade out with the patio.

Yes! Oour cement patio out back finally got poured. Now we only have the steps left to do. It has been an all summer project started by Cade. Really, we needed Cade to have a job this last summer but he is too young to be officially employed so Dave came up with stuff for him to do. It required taking out all our pavers and preparing ground for concrete. He did a good job and it did keep him busy!

True Blue BYU

2011-10-12T13:21:00.001-07:00

And so the season of BYU football is underway and so are our many trips to Provo! Everyone loves it if we could minus the long traveling part. The tahoe is packed to the max and Chandra the dog has tried taking over the back seat by jumping the seat from the cargo area. The kids don't think its funny but I laugh when I hear them getting after Chandra like she is one of them.

We have upgraded from 2 to 4 season tickets this year. Everybody wants to go and wear their matching shirts. Mostly, they want to go for the snacks Dave buys them. They look forward to it all year long.

Valerie is very upset at Chandra for taking over her spot but still wanted
Flat Stanley to be in a pic.

Hanging with the cousins is always a hit! Grandma & Grandpa Shirley are always so sweet to let all the Keller family come over to eat, hang out, and visit. Mix in a little volleyball and we have a full on party!

Valerie turns 5

2011-10-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

For Valerie's party we went to Party Hardy. After jumping and playing with all the toys we went to Storybook park for more playing and cake. Valerie's most favorite item she got for her birthday was a laptop that looked real.

Here is a little bit of info about Valerie Elle Shirley:
Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Cake
Favorite Candy: Cotton Candy
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite TV show: Barbie Charm School
Favorite thing to do: Play with my real American Girl Doll
Favorite song: Tonight Tonight Party on the roof top, top of the world
Favorite toy: American Doll
Friends: Jemma Thurston, Conner Poulsen, Page girls
When I grow up I want to be: A snoasis maker and a person who works at Dairy Queen.

The long awaited day

2011-09-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Valerie has been wanting to go to preschool forever! Finally her dream is coming true. She has been telling people for quite some time that her teacher is Miss Dawn. Well, now it is finally true! Although she is just almost five, she seems like she is going on 10. She knows her letters and numbers and is even starting to read. She is such a talker and story teller. It makes me wonder what her preschool teachers will be learning about our family this year!

Good bye Valerie
I'm sad to see her go and grow up so fast but I am kind of excited to be able to put down Ty for a nap and have 1 1/2 hours for 3 days a week to catch up on stuff without interruptions.

These two girls although sisters are best friends.
They love their matching first day of school outfits.

Ashley in now a Young Women

2011-09-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ashley just celebrated her 12th birthday on September 10th. She could hardly wait to be out of Primary and start Young Womens. She is so looking forward to the Wednesday night activities. This year was a family party for Ashley but she did talk me into taking a few friends to Twin Falls. We had some fun girl time eating at Johny Carinos and shopping at the mall. We even were lucky enough to see people jumping out of planes over the canyon. At first we thought the people were birds because they were falling so fast but then they pulled their shoots. We all decided none of us would ever be trying that!

We came back just in time to have our family party which included watching BYU football play Texas. We were all so excited the first half and then got depressed during the second half. We did have yummy snacks though, which seems to be the most important thing to the kids.

Ashley doesn't like cake so we had brownies. Her favorite ones are from a box.
Doesn't get much easier than that!

She has been begging for a long time to get her nails done so Marilyn did them
and she got to pick the color of tips. She also got her hair trimmed by Melanie.

Eating at Johny Carinos.
These girls started out so hyper and eating the bread/oil so fast. By the end of our meal they were so full they were quiet. They still had room for ice cream though.

Matching shirts
Ashley, Shelby, Hallie

Back to School

2011-09-13T18:01:00.001-07:00

Time sure does fly. It seems like I just got summer figured out and now we will be back to having to follow a strict schedule in order to fit it all in! I decided to have a BACKWARDS dinner for BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT. Like usual, I seem to have the most fun planning it. For our dinner we had CHEESEBURGERS. But these were not the typical cheeseburgers. They were made out of cookies and frosting. So yes, we had desert first. I next served everybody PIE. It was really shepherds pie that I put in a pie crust and died the potatoes red.

The Poulsens came and joined us for our BACKWARDS DINNER.

So I had to take pictures 2 days in a row because everything was so rushed. It doesn't help that we have been going to bed so LATE and have difficulty getting up early. Scripture reading, breakfast, doing hair to perfection all takes TIME!

HAILEY 1ST GRADE

Hailey was so excited for 1st grade! She appears to everyone to be quiet and watchful but when you let her loose on the tumbling floor she can go wild. She has learned how to do her 3 back handsprings in a row and now is starting to work on her back whip. I have found that I really miss my Hailey Bailey Pudding Pie in the morning. She is so cheerful and helpful. She is adjusting to going to school all day. This year has already been a change for her because she says there are some kids who never listen and always get in trouble. She has such a tender heart and never wants to see conflict even if she is not involved. This seems to really bother her. Last year her kindergarten class had 23 girls and 3 boys. She knew everybody and she said everybody listened. Ohhhh welcome to the world my little Hailey. Its hard for me to leg go sometimes and not keep her under her sheltered life.

MIKAYLA 4TH GRADE

Mikayla is starting 4th grade. Her teacher is my cousin, Linda Hosteen. Sad to say she won't get to be in her class all day because she will be taking honors english and math. She will be getting back into the swing of practicing her violin and playing volleyball. Mikayla has been doing her own hair for a year. She can curl it, straighten it, crimp it, and do just about anything to it all by herself! I love it! She loves her skinny jeans and I love when I can find some that actually fit her!

ASHLEY 6TH GRADE

Ashley is my social butterfly. She was ready to get back to school and see all of her friends. She was also very excited to get feathers in her hair for the first day of school (Thanks Mel - it sure helps having a friend who is a pro at hair and does things after hours!) Ashley will be clogging this year with a girl team and a mixed girl/boy team. She is also participating in city league volleyball with me as her coach. Piano lessons are a must but I need to find a teacher!

CADE 9TH GRADE

Cade will now be in his first year of HIGHSCHOOL! He is starting his FRESHMAN year and I can hardy believe it. He is now taller than me at 5' 10 1/2. He finished Drivers Ed this summer and will have his license in January. I am finding he likes to run errands with me now so he can drive (he has to drive with an adult for 6 months). Cade loves computers and ended up getting in a web design class this semester but he is the only freshman in his class.

Gotta love this little guy!

2011-09-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ty is growing up so fast! He is such a busy little body. I love him to pieces. He has the whitest hair ever. He is starting to say lots of words. He likes playing and saying peek-abo and pointing to everybody's body parts and saying the name. He loves, LOVES to be outside! He will take anything that he can push and pretend to mow the lawn.

He has had his hands wrapped or been wearing gloves for 8 1/2 months. When he gets his gloves off for a few minutes a day he likes to go from person to person touching their hands with his sweet little hands.

Ty's latest photo shoot.
I was shocked to actually see a picture of him looking at the camera.

Ty loves having a bath so he figures Chandra should too!

Ty moves at lightning speed. I was in the other bathroom cleaning up toilet paper he had unrolled when I heard Dave's razor going. I came in the room and found out the little monkey had climbed up into the sink and was shaving!

Hailey turns 7

2011-09-13T15:45:00.001-07:00

Hailey invited over some friends and we took them for pizza and bowling. She was most excited to go get her ears pierced! She had been asking for this for quite some time. She was so brave! She didn't even flinch or yelp when she got them pierced. She chose pink heart earrings that look absolutely gorgeous on her!

Chandlier, Rylee, Averie, Valerie, Erin, Abree, Hailey, Brynn, Conner

Marked and Waiting

Tough Girl

All Done!

San Diego with the Kellers

2011-09-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

Good Times with the Kellers
August 2011

What a surprise for the kiddos! We loaded up the tahoe and told kids we were driving to California to meet all the Kellers in San Diego. First we told them we were driving to Boise to rent a BIG van. We pulled into the airport and told Cade, who was driving to follow the signs to car rental. We all got out of the car and emptied our luggage. Just then Grandpa & Grandma and Cam & Erin pulled up. The kids looked around confused. We then surprised them by telling them we were going to be flying! Ashley was the most stunned and just stood there with her mouth open! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for making that part of the trip so much more enjoyable!

San Diego Temple

We met up in CA with my parents, 5 brothers and families. We did a lot of fun things in San Diego but mostly we just enjoyed being at the rental house hanging out talking with each other and letting kids swim in the cool pool in the backyard.

The backyard at the house we stayed at in Lajolla

The kids LOVED this slide!

Grandma & Grandpa brought home panda bears for each of the grandkids from their recent trip to China. Grandma gave the kids some wise counsel and encouraged them to choose the "white" like the white in the panda bear. Choose to go to the temple.

Todd & Madison

Hailey cruzing down the slide

Gavin in the hot tub

The master bathroom was ginormous!
The kids had never seen a boude (bum washer) before. I will never forget the image of Valerie walking out of the bathroom with half her hair wet and standing straight up. She thought the boude was a place to wash hands so she turned the handle and it shot her in the face and head.

We celebrated Claire (4), and Hailey (7) August Birthdays with cake and candles from Mexico!

Padres Game

Good game, good food, and great firework show to top off the night!

Who knew paper plates could be so fun?
(Madison, Hailey, Anna)

Sea World

We all ended up having so fun on the water slide ride at the end of the day. The line was so short so we just kept going back for more. Even little Hailey couldn't get enough.

Ty's first ride ever.

Two newest Kellers, baby Juliet and baby Kaidence

San Diego Zoo

What a great day for the zoo. Not too hot and not too crowded. Too bad the Shirley
van was the last of the 4 van caravan and got pulled over on the way there for speeding
by a cop standing on the road!

Hailey declared she had a new favorite animal after watching the arrangatangs! These monkeys were so active and rolling all over the place.

Lojolla Beach

3 future volleyball stars!
Quincy, Valerie, & Claire

I took off Ty's gloves and he was in heaven exploring and feeling everything! It has been 8 months with his hands wrapped.

Even Grandma and Grandpa headed out to fight the waves.

Derek attempting a catch!

Thanks Mom and Dad for getting us all together and making this vacation possible!
We really do have a GOOD LIFE (like the song) and made lots of good memories.

I am so grateful that families can be together forever!

Shirley Reunion

2011-08-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

There are so many Shirleys (45 soon to be 46 in all) when just the immediate family gets together. Good thing Rad and Wendy live next door with their big house and are generous to share. Between the 2 homes we all have places to stay. The kids have a blast with all their cousins. Grandma has it all planned out as they go from one activity to the next. Broom hockey, magic show, swimming, games, bowling and flow riding at Provo City Beach were some of the fun activities we did. Let's not forget the piniata and all the food required to feed so many people. Thanks Shirleys for a fun weekend!

Flow Rider

Going Going Gone

Valerie, Elle, Evelyn

Maddie, Alex, Mikayla, Olivia

Ty has a special liking for Grandpa Shirley and Grandpa Keller.
He's often found reaching up his arms to them for a pick up to sit and cuddle.

Night get away

2011-08-04T10:56:00.001-07:00

My mom watched all 6 kiddos while Dave and I escaped
for a night in the town of Boise! Thanks mom! Next week Dave and I
will have been married 19 years!

Surprise!

2011-08-04T08:39:00.001-07:00

We quickly dropped off camping stuff and loaded up to go to Meridian for a surprise Birthday party. My dad turned 70 years old on July 23rd. My mom took him out and then slyly thought of a way to get him back home through the front door. Most of the family was there to jump out and surprise him!

Dad & brother George
George told us some funny stories about my Dad as a kid. He also recapped donating
a kidney to my dad 13 years ago. We are so grateful he was willing to donate even though
he had a rough time.

Nice and full after a good meal!
Love the hiked up shorts!

Cousin Quincy and Valerie

Love this pic of the boys

Let the games begin!

Transporting cotton balls with vaseline on nose

We all laughed as my dad fertilized to rows of grass that were missed as
we were playing games. He just couldn't take it!

Blowing biggest bubble

We all love you Dad & Grandpa! Thanks for always being a great example.

Headed to the hills

2011-08-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

We headed up to our favorite spot camping for an evening. Cade had just returned from scout camp for a week and turned around 2 hours later and went camping with us. (He was so very tired but a good sport) The girls were excited to sleep in a big tent. Valerie and Hailey's excitement outlasted everyone. They ran around screaming in the tent with flashlights until soooo very late. We were even able to recruit our friends Marilyn and Makenzie to come with us!

Shooting Dave's Glock is a favorite. Hard on the ears though!

Love the must needed (especially for girls) potty bucket!

20 years post high school

2011-08-02T16:11:00.001-07:00

Wow 20 years goes by fast! I haven't been to Rexburg in years. It was fun seeing old Madison Bobcat friends and talking about old memories. Good times!

Sarah & Steph

Tracy & Shelby

Ann, Steph, Sarah

Emily & Crista

Ann, Matt (Bones), Trisha

All by myself!

2011-08-02T16:02:00.001-07:00

Ty can spend forever outside. One of his all time favorite things is riding on the scooter. I have never seen anyone so little do so well on the scooter. Valerie was pumped because she can now ride a bike all by herself without training wheels. I ran up and down the neighborhood with her one evening and that is all it took. She can even start and stop alone. I can't believe how fast they grow up!

Softball

2011-08-02T15:09:00.001-07:00

Softball is over which means so is sitting in the rain or blazing sun! It also puts an end to concession watered down snow cones and candy for dinner. Dirty clothes and feet are not as prevalent so hopefully not as many baths!

I am always surprised by the end of the season how well the girls end up doing in tournament. Ashley was able to make lots of new friends this year on her team. I was able to help fill in coach for Mikayla's team as needed. I ended up filling in as coach the last tournament game. It happened to be very intense and went into sudden death (5th inning). We ended up losing but not without a good fight. Chalk up another good year with girls having fun.

4th of July

2011-08-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

Grandpa & Grandma Keller and Uncle Derek joined us for 4th of July fun. We all watched and cheered for Mikayla as she fiddled on a float with her violin group in the parade. Boating and tubing on the river with the Pages was just perfect in the hot weather. Derek was a good sport to drive all day. Fireworks at the golf course topped off our day of fun.

Ty has WHITE hair so I was a little shocked when I walked into the room and saw RED! It did take a few washings to return all the way back to white.

Valerie was handed a bear at the parade

Whoops!

Ty loving the sky lit up!

New pics of the girls!

2011-08-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

Valerie 4

Hailey 6

Mikayla 9

Ashley 11

Random summer moments

2011-06-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

I got a swimming pass for all the girls at the pool. I love it because it is just down the road. Hailey and Valerie are not quite old enough to go on their own so we got the ugly blue pool that they can all enjoy in the backyard. It has been a hit so far. Even our dog can be caught taking a dip!

Baseball has been in full swing! We have had games 5 times a week and that is not counting practices! It has been fun but a little COLD until this past week. Hailey just finished up her 1st year of Tball. Ashley and Mikayla have both been in live pitch.

Averie, Hailey, Sophie

Ty loves treats but his gloves don't love them quite so much.

Family time at Shoshone Falls

2011-06-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to get to Shoshone Falls for a while now but it has always been too COLD or someone has had baseball. This past Sunday after church we loaded up, dog and all and headed to the falls. I made everyone grab their jackets and blankets and away we went. I was dressed in all black with sweats and ended up roasting on the only nice day of the year so far. Lets just say I have been sitting at way too many baseball games lately freezing to death and wishing for hot chocolate. So I was quite surprised to find myself sweating to death in 90 degree weather!

The falls were amazing with so much water coming over them. Our rivers are so full and close to flooding. I guess we fasted this past year for rain and it seems to have not stopped! Prayer and fasting really do work.

This is sad to say but this is our first family picture/snapshot since Ty was born nearly 18 months ago! Mikayla needed a family pic for her school project and we didn't even have one. Guess I will be doing some coordinating this summer.

Cade decided to get his hair cut all on his own. He really likes it for a change from the swoop doo. I have seen him attempt his head shake but quickly realized there is no hair to shake! After his haircut we went to a baseball game and Dave and some of his own friends didn't even recognize him. The blonde of his hair mostly got cut away but he still looks way handsome to me!

This other little boy of mine has totally WHITE hair. He will be officially in nursery next week although he has been visiting quite frequently for the past month. He had a blast running down the hills and climbing up toys and down slides. He makes me so nervous because he is always on the move and doesn't seem to have a SLOW speed.

Valerie has the best looks!

Love this guy!

We made it to the bridge just in time to see some jumpers. That is one thing I will never ever do! I was nervous just having my kids look over the edge down into the canyon. (Valerie is giving lots of peace signs this day)

My beautiful ballerina

2011-05-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

So far Mikayla is the only one of my girls that has been interested in ballet. She performed by herself in front of a judge who flew in from New York. It is something called Performance Awards and all the girls on the same level learn the same dance and then are judged. It is a national program. She did super. I wish I knew about ballet but I am slowly learning! She looked beautiful and graceful. Something I never could pull off!

We are strong enough

2011-05-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

future tumblers
Kynlie and Valerie

Averie, Ashley, Hailey

Averie & Hailey

Sisters Rock!

Syndey, Ashley, Maycee

Tumbling is now officially over for the year. What a show all the tumblers put on! There must have been 250 kids out there. They all did fantastic.

THE END

2011-05-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Mikayla and friends Abby and Taylee coloring hair after the last day of school!

The end of school brings lots of projects to finish, papers to write, and finals to study for. That is if you are older. The younger kids seem to have nonstop parties and the need to bring money and snacks everyday! All four kids passed and will be moving on! I need to gear up for a crazy summer. I thought it might calm down a bit but that is not likely to happen. For the next month we will be at baseball games 5 days a week. Cade will be starting drivers ed in the mornings at 7 am and then head straight over to summer basketball. We will throw in ballet camp, swimming lessons, gymnastics camp, violin, volleyball camp, and then see if we can get into any sort of schedule. Bring it on I guess! As long as it outside Ty will be happy.

Ashley did a power point on what she wants to be when she grows up. She chose a lawyer. She interviewed Dave, talked to a Judge, and then toured the courtroom.

Cade and Dave spent time working together on some gun with an air compressor that shoots a tennis ball far up into the air. I guess we can use it at reunions as a candy canon.

Hailey told her class she wants to be a hairdresser when she grows up. She has already changed her mind from a candy maker. Valerie wants to be a cake decorator (she has been watching a lot of cake boss).

WICKED

2011-05-15T17:50:00.001-07:00

I couldn't wait to see this play again. I saw it years ago in Chicago with my mom and friends, the Leishmans on a girls trip. Ever since then I have been hoping it would come closer to Idaho so I could take my girls and see it again. Thanks to my mom we were able to get tickets and go see it in Boise. She got tickets for us and many others an entire year ago!

We found out that lots plans can happen in a year. My mom was unable to go with us as she went to attend a baptism. She was able to make a seating chart for us as we had lots of family attending Ha Ha! Also, we found out that Ashley would be performing at her clogging competition in Lagoon on the same day. Things worked out and Ashley was able to get a ticket and hitch a ride with my old neighbors the Leishmans at an earlier date.

On the way....

The Girls
(Shirleys and Poulsens)

Hailey and Uncle Derek

Cameron and Birthday Girl Erin
We left Ty, Valerie, Gavin, Quincy, and Kaidence at home with 2 babysitters.

Cousin Mandy and Mikayla

Another surgery down!

2011-05-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Ty sailed through getting ear tubes! This has been his easiest hospital experience ever. It happened so fast. We came to the surgery center at 8:50 and we were home by 10:10! They didn't even take off his clothes. He was getting very angry before we left to the hospital because he was starving and he saw his bottle but couldn't drink it. I loaded up the kids in the car and forgot something so I ran back inside. When I came out to the car I found out that Valerie had given Ty a bottle because he was being too LOUD. I grabbed the bottle so fast. I think he only got a few swallows down....not enough to even report.

He was not sleepy at all that day. If anything he was irritated especially when they brought him back to me. We went home fast so he could eat!

Hopefully this will help the Tyster! The Dr. said he looked like he was starting to get another ear infection. One ear has been draining since surgery 4/12/11 but he has just been one happy guy!

Hailey Bailey

2011-05-09T00:06:00.001-07:00

Hailey at Kindergarten end of the year singing performance. She told me before we came to the performance that some of the songs were really stupid and the actions were even more stupid so she may not be doing them. That is my Hailey...doing her own thing and not caring what anyone else is doing. She did end up singing every song and knew all the words even though I couldn't understand them.

Hailey loves art, drawing, gluing, and any kind of craft. She spends hours at the table drawing. She did this picture all by herself. She wadded up pieces of colored paper and put them on the end of a pencil and glued them to the paper. This is a picture of her and a flower. I love what she wrote, "I love me." I hope she continues to always know who she is and to love herself as she continues to grow.

Bowling with the "QUEENS"

2011-05-08T23:56:00.000-07:00

Back Row: Hallie Cook, Jaida Page, Jayli Searle, Maddie Manning, Ashley Shirley, Lindsy Labra, Maura Merrill.
Front Row: Sunny Perry, Sadie Anderson, Sydney Pilling, Kierra Page, Mikayla Shirley, Sammy Perry, Maycee Page
We had one last get together for the "QUEENS OF THE COURT!" What a fun season we had. I love all these girls and hope to do it all again next year. It was fun to see them all connect and have lots of team spirit.

Coming to an end

2011-05-08T23:46:00.000-07:00

Kierra & Ashley

Mixed dance with partner Garrett Morgan

The end of school year can be so hectic with recitals, field trips, parties, etc. I must remember in May I need to have lots of cash on hand. It seems everybody needs money for something! This was Ashley's end of the year clogging recital. She just has her Lagoon competition left which they all look forward to each year.

The many faces of Ty

2011-05-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ty's personality has blossomed this past week. I am sure it helps that he has been feeling good. We do have him scheduled for ear tubes this coming Thursday. He has had one ear infection a month since his first tooth popped through at nearly 8 months old. Hopefully this will keep him healthy through the summer.

Ty talks nonstop but none of us know what he is really saying. He is so expressive with his big eyes and mouth. He has learned to fake cry and almost fake laugh which makes us all laugh. He is the most lovable kid ever! He LOVES babies and always feels the need to HUG them. This can frighten other parents as they think he may possibly attack their child. We have also found that some babies, no matter how soft Ty is just don't want to be hugged! He is so sweet and soft and I love that about him. I would much rather have him hugging then hitting! (I am sure that will come....)

He has also started exploring in every cupboard and shelf we own. He can barley reach the automatic water dispenser on the fridge but sure loves it and lets it flow freely all over him and the floor. He does get a little in his cup which he precedes to go dump out on the floor somewhere! He turned pink for a few days all around his mouth and his hands. He had gotten into those red tablets you use to see where you need to brush your teeth better. Maybe I should have tried toothpaste to clean up his hands and face because water/soap didn't work.

FINALLY

2011-05-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

We have all been waiting (not patiently) for warm weather with NO wind and we FINALLY got a day. It was heaven! The scooters were charged and ready, feet were black from the trampoline, and smiles were found amongst all our faces!

Ty loves being outside. He will go find his shoes and bring them to us to put them on so he can go out. This is the first baby we have had that we actually have a fence. It will be so nice to keep him somewhat contained this summer. The only thing I need now is window well coverings. Leave it to Ty to discover that one!

Say Cheese

2011-04-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

I attempted a few Easter pictures of the kids but didn't have a whole lot of cooperation. The weather was too cold and windy. I will have to be doing them again soon because Mikayla was sick and the cute hair of my girls didn't last until after church. I didn't even attempt taking Ty's pics yet.

Valerie 4 years

Hailey 6 years

Easter Dresses

Ashley 11 years

5th grade

She has become a hair pro! I love having her help with the little girls. She is also wanting high heels. We agreed on the pair below.

Cade
This is such a Dave stance!

Cade 14 years
8th grade
I got him to smile even with his braces on. He is hoping to get them off in 4 more months!

Lots of eggs

2011-04-25T23:42:00.000-07:00

I was a little slow buying Easter color this year and therefore could not find any at the stores. We ended up making our own color. I had no idea it was so easy and works just great.

Valerie and Hailey had been counting down the sleeps until Easter. They were so excited so I was surprised when Mikayla came into our room at 2 am wondering if she could go look for her Easter basket. In retrospect, we should have let her because at 4 am she came back to our room SICK and proceded to throw up multiple times. Thank goodness for an awesome husband who can handle cleaning up throw up. I dry heave just knowing its seeping into my carpet!

Lindsey & Ashley

Ty now knows what candy is and what sound candy wrappers make! If he can hear "the sound" he will come a running even if he is wearing a big sisters flip flops!

Little MIss Spunky

2011-04-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

Valerie has an attitude, this is true. In fact, sometimes she even moves her neck back and forth when she is talking to me. Occasionally she will shake a finger. She doesn't have a lot of fear and tends to say it how it is.

So I was a little bit surprised when we visited the park the other day and she had a freak out moment. She had just witnessed the cops arresting and cuffing 2 teenagers at the corner of the park. That cop car then drove away. At first I didn't believe her until she came and got me and pointed to the frisking going on. A few minutes later 2 other cop cars pulled up and started climbing on the playground equipment and taking pictures??? I'm still not sure what they were looking for but all of the sudden I hear Valerie screaming and running through the playground. She is bawling hysterically and saying, "the cops are going to get me and take me away!"

I felt so bad. I had to try and calm her down and explain to her that she didn't do anything wrong. I could hear many snickers going on from people around us. I'm sure it seemed funny to an outsider but I felt so bad that she was so scared and could not stop shaking. I guess she will not be one to go to an officer and ask for help if she was ever in trouble. I think I am to blame for this. I have often been caught telling my kids to put their seatbelt on or the cops will pull us over. Hasn't everyone done that? Maybe I even slipped in there that I could go to jail during one of those times as I was passing a cop.

The other day Valerie was sitting at the bar while I was cooking and asked me why dad has to work so much. I told her one of the reasons was to make money so we can buy food to eat.

The next day Dave mentioned to me that Valerie seemed very concerned he was home all evening. She kept asking him, "Dad, why are you home?" Shouldn't you be at work?" "We need to have food to eat!"

We sure love this girl and her spunkiness!

SUN

2011-04-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

Finally at the end of April we see and feel the SUN. For the first time this spring the wind was calm and the sun was shinning! We could not waste the chance to head to the park. We must remember it was snowing just 2 weeks ago. Ty loved his new chance at freedom. I know I am going to have a hard time keeping him inside this summer. Luckily, I have changed most of my doorknobs so he can't just open the door and head outside as some of our other kids have done.

Mikayla and Kia

Ty with new found friend Slade.
It is crazy that my friend Melanie and I both have 6 kids with our boys being the oldest and youngest and our 4 girls in the middle. There is a Page for every Shirley to play with!

Kynlie & Valerie

Way too fast!

2011-04-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

Ty is growing up way to fast! Even the girls will tell me they wish he wouldn't grow up anymore because he is so cute and fun right now! He is 16 months old and just had his first haircut. Actually, a month ago my friend cut the top of his hair because is was getting too long to spike. I couldn't let her cut off the back because he had the cutest curls ever!

His hair doo had eventually turned into a mullet and because we are not in the 80's anymore I had to take him in to get it cut. He now looks so old....like a little boy and not a baby!

After (no more curls)

You gotta love it!

2011-04-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Queens of the Court!

My friend (Michelle Perry) and I just finished coaching our girls in their first year of volleyball. The team was made up of mostly fifth graders (Ashley), 2 fourth graders, and third grader Mikayla. We played in 4 different tournaments around the Twin falls area. They actually learned a lot and we all had lots of fun.

This age group seems to be very competitive which gave us opportunity to teach other life lessons instead of having to win all the time. We did win one tournament, came in 2nd in another, and the other two were just pool play. Although they liked to win it seemed they were most concerned about what cute long socks they should wear, when and where the whole team could eat lunch, and what cute cheer could they do!

I enjoyed getting to spend time with my girls and their friends. Dave was an awesome support helping out with all the other kids during practices and all day on Saturdays. I hope he realizes there will be lot more of this to come!

Phew!

2011-04-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

After a small fortune on labs, a not so happy baby Ty with a suction catheter down his nose, and hours of waiting, we found out Ty had tested negative for RSV but had bronchiolitis with RSV type symptoms. With Ty's record with hospitals, I guess I should have known we would be staying at the hospital. I seriously am considering having a bag packed in my car like pregnant ladies do just in case we end up in the hospital without time to go home and get our belongings.

For once I had no trouble getting back to see the Dr. even though I didn't have an appointment. Really, the secretary at the front office should know me by now and just have my room reserved but she likes to exert her control. Luckily the nurse was walking by at the perfect time when I was pleading my case that he was not breathing very well......

I should have taken him in the night before but instead Dave and I waited out the night not sleeping because we were so nervous Ty would stop breathing. He also managed to keep us awake with the occasional need to clean up throw up. Maybe that is the nurse in me that always tries to wait it out. Guess that can be a good and bad thing.

Anyway after a few days in the hospital Ty has made a speedy recovery and glad to be home in his own bed. I am so thankful for the little things you forget to notice like CRYING and WIGGLING! Poor guy was so sick and lethargic he just laid there limp and moaned occasionally. Again, I felt lucky to have my good friend Mel who came and rescued my other kids and watched over them so I could stay in the hospital and snuggle my fevered little guy. Our Relief Society President brought Mikayla to her house one day because she was home sick. She also brought us dinner and breakfast. Other friends helped drive my kids to school. These past few months I have felt like we have become the wards "project." I am so grateful for everyone who has helped us out a moments notice....and there has been many.

Its crazy how my thinking can change so fast within hours. I wake up Monday morning concerned and a little stressed about how am I going to get everything done. There is always so much to do from laundry to practicing to running my kids around in all directions. I sometimes wonder if I could just clone myself so I could be two places at once. And then BAM something happens and NONE of that matters at all. I could live without all of it and my family could still be happy maybe even happier??? Maybe its time to SIMPLIFY my life and focus on what matters most. These are just some thoughts that ran through my mind as I sat in the hospital, again, holding my dear precious helpless baby Ty. I am still not sure what Heavenly Father thinks I am not quite learning from all of our hospital trips but I do know that he hasn't given up on me yet.

Jimmer Time

2011-03-28T15:15:00.001-07:00

We were sad to see BYU basketball end although though the sweet 16 was pretty good. The girls decorated our whole house in home made posters and pictures for every game. One day I walked in and found Hailey and Valerie drawing on paper towels. They said we were completely out of paper. They preceded to eat popcicles and save their sticks so they could tape them on their paper towels for signs to hold!

Good times?

2011-03-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

Little Ty is a MOVER! He recently followed the neighbor girl out the front door and down the cement steps. Problem is he can't do steps facing forward.

Ty loves shoes lately. He tries all all sizes including girls dress ups. He just turned 15 months. He weighs 25 1/2 pounds which is the 50% and his height is in the 95%! He has totally lengthened out these past couple of months. His hands are still on the mend. His gloves are his constant companion.

Clogging Competition

2011-03-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

Sydney, Ashley, Kierra
Clogging Competition in Pocatello

Basketball fun

2011-03-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

(Back: Sydney Pilling, Halli Cook
Middle: Jaida Page, Sadie Anderson, Maddie Landrum, Ashley, Lindsay Labra
Front: Natalie Rice)

Ashley played Lions Club ball coached by myself and Melanie Page. She then played in a few tournaments with a Burley team coached by Brek Pilling. The girls improved a lot and had tons of fun together.

Cade ended his 8th grade season undefeated. He is nearly as tall as me now! 1/4 of an inch to go and he will be 5' 10".

Mikayla turns 9

2011-03-06T18:43:00.000-08:00

New ipod and bracelets! Dave saw the bracelets and yelled out, "Peace, Love, and JIMMER!" The kids all got a kick out of that one.

Mikayla enjoyed sharing her special birthday with the family. She has such a tender heart and is always trying to make everyone happy. Violin festival happened to fall on her birthday this year. She was able to get that done first thing in the morning. She was well prepared and did a great job. The day was packed. We first watched BYU play basketball. Our whole family has turned into big JIMMER fans. We love to watch the game and have snacks - Al's pizza and DQ cake! After the game we went to the movie. Then it was off to twin falls to watch Ashley play 3 basketball games. We arrived home late and weary. We love you Mikayla and are so glad you are part of our family!

Fun times in Meridian

2011-03-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

Jessie with all of her fans

Mom and Dad

Ty and Garrett

Nathan (future missionary to Japan), Brady, Garrett

A few weeks ago I was able to take the kids to Meridian to see our cousin Jessica's Jr. Miss Pageant. She did awesome and had the most beautiful dress ever. All of the girls enjoyed cheering for her while holding up a picture of her head and waving it on a stick. We were also able to go to Nathan's mission farewell. He will be going to Japan. We enjoyed seeing all of our family and hanging out in my parents almost finished newly remodeled kitchen.

Biker Boy!

2011-02-24T17:22:00.000-08:00

We have graduated to compression gloves for Ty! He still has to wear his splints but gets to take them off a couple hours a day and be free with just the gloves! He is much happier when he gets to use his fingers. The gloves are so tight but are doing the trick in flatening out his scars. He doesn't like the stretching much and neither do I but I know it will be for the better in the long run. We are also able to use lotion now and massage his scars to help break up the scar tissue. He is quite the trooper! We don't even have to go back to Utah until March! We can't wait to get our other two sets of specially measured and made gloves. They get dirty and stinky very fast!

Heart Day

2011-02-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

Love this guy!

A few days before Valentines Day Valerie and Hailey started saying, "remember last year when mom told us to leave the house and when we came home there was candy on the floor and a surprise dinner? I wish we could do that again." "That was the best dinner ever, " on and on they went. So yes I got the clue and got up really early and had them wake up to a surprise breakfast for Valentines. Later on that day Dave came home with a dozen roses for me and 3 roses for each of the girls. What a sweetie! I really do love my man!

I guess the breakfast was memorable because it has almost been two weeks and Valerie has still been saying, "thanks for the best breakfast ever" in her nightly prayers.

Random happenings

2011-02-24T16:31:00.000-08:00

This is why I always hate dishing up ice cream! Dave doesn't seem
to mind cutting it with a knife!

Mikayla loves doing Ty's hair in spikes and faux-hawks. Problem is is his hair is too long on top. This led to his first ever haircut on top. I couldn't bare to cut off the back and sides yet because he has a little bit of curl. Now he just looks like his dad in the 80's with a mullet!

Hanging out with the Shirley cousins (Olivia & Alex) after Alex was baptized. Seeing our cousins so often is one good thing about the many trips to Utah. Ty has also taken a special liking to Grandpa Shirley. He will go right to him the second we walk in their door.

Elle, Valerie, Evelyn

Ashley's just for fun meet for tumbling
Hailey did hers too and was able to do her back handspring all by herself!
(we only have it on video)

My friend Melanie and her girls and my 2 girls were still able to squeeze in a few snowboarding trips amongst our many trips to Utah. It is always fun having 1 on 1 time with the girls. This was Mikayla's first year snowboarding. Cade and Ashley each bet her money that she would cry the first time. She did not! She was a rock and caught on really fast! I was even surprised.

Kierra, Maycee, Ashley, & Mikayla

Dave serves in the Spanish Branch so we have been lucky to get to meet with and feed the Spanish missionaries often. Our whole family just loves Elder Manrique. He was just transferred to Nampa. (Look out for him Cam and Erin).

The little things

2011-01-27T22:51:00.000-08:00

Today I cleaned my big mirror in my bedroom and patio door windows. I was expecting to see little Ty fingerprints but only found dog paws. Its funny how some of the little things that would often bug me - I now seem to miss. I can't wait to see him pick up a cheerio with two fingers or to have to clean up a big mess under the high chair because he got to feed himself. I wouldn't even mind having to pick up all the stuff he used to empty from my kitchen drawers. Only 1 month ago I was tripping over things or complaining that the dog was going to chew up stuff left out and now I would just be happy to see it all out because I would know his fingers put it there!

Font color?

2011-01-27T22:50:00.001-08:00

Anyone know how to change the font color on your blog? The old way is no more!

We can see fingers!

2011-01-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's trip to Utah has been the happiest one yet. Grafts are healing and puffiness decreasing. Ty's dressings are not near as big - in fact we can see his fingers now! Last night is the first time he was able to wear levis (steri strips are off groin sites and stitches mostly dissolved) and a regular size t-shirt. We also got the news that we only have to go to UofU once next week. We will be doing our own physical therapy 3-4 times a day and daily dressing changes. His braces were trimmed and customed fit for him. His appetite seems to be coming back and last night was the first night he has slept through the night since the accident.

Since the accident Ty has gotten really good at using his tongue to make noises. He also is always trying to copy the girls and make faces by sticking out his tongue.

Weapons (hand braces) for Ty

2011-01-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

Another tender mercy - made it home from Utah right before the snow storm hit.

Ty did so good at his burn appointment Tuesday, Jan 18th. He is a tough kid. He was premedicated which helped immensely. It is taking me a bit but I am learning some tricks that help him out. First off, thanks to Pages for watching kiddos again. And thanks to Marilyn for coming with me. It helped to have someone to entertain Ty while driving and while getting dressings changed, especially since he can't hold any toys in car or feed himself any snacks! Of course Marilyn came prepared with camera and nail trimmers! Ty's nails were longer than mine have ever been. They said they couldn't cut them but they would let the nail pro Marilyn.

Yesterday as the "champ" sat so still while they changed dressings.
5 days post skin grafts to both palms

The right hand was looking fairly good. There was a swollen patch in the middle and a blood blister by the palm of his thumb. They tried to drain the puffy part with a needle thinking it was a blood clot. Nothing happened so we are just watching it close until next appointment Saturday.

We were excited to see that the left hand was not white anymore like it was 2 days post op. He is starting to get good blood supply and new skin forming around the edges.

This visit he was fitted with some plastic braces they formed to his hands up to his elbows. The braces are supposed to help keep the fingers stretched out straight so he doesn't develop contractures. He really likes to keep 2 fingers on his left hand bent and one on his right hand.

We soon found out that the braces are hard and hurt when he tries to give hugs or accidently catches you in the face! He has built in weapons and doesn't even know it! Another thing to get used to.

We had to retire the left hand brace after the first night. I don't know how but he kept getting it off. He has learned to use teeth in amazing ways.

Life can change in a hurry

2011-01-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and even got to go visit the Shirleys in Utah after Christmas. On Tuesday night, December 28th we drove home from Utah to a freezing cold house. Our gas fireplace got turned on and Dave and I started to unload the car. Minutes later I heard Cade screaming. He had heard Ty's hands sizzling on the glass of the fireplace. Ty must have been trying to pull himself to stand up as he was learning to walk. At first Ty didn't even cry - I'm sure he was in shock, and then he didn't stop crying for hours. We put his hands in cold water and headed to the ER. Pictures of his hands were sent to UoU burn center and Dr. Cochran responded and wanted to see us. Dave was able to give Ty a blessing as nothing seemed to help relieve his pain. We went home to pray with and comfort our kids and then headed to the burn center at 1230 am. How grateful I am for good friends and family that I can call at any time and know they will help us in any way. I had friends taking care of things at home, my parents coming from Boise to help out, and we were just able to show up at Rad and Wendys house looking for a place to sleep after being up all night.

On the way to the Utah hospital we hit a big snow storm. It took us 5 hours to get to UoU hospital instead of 3. Our 4 wheel drive and the front end of our tahoe went out and I was unsure if we would get there without breaking down. I know our Heavenly Father answered our prayers and was watching over us. We made it there and were able to leave our car there for a week to get fixed while we borrowed Kristen's car. Thanks so much.

After seeing the Dr. we were certain the right hand would need skin grafts but unsure about the left. They were really fast at cutting away skin, scrubbing, and dressing Ty's hands. Palms were 3rd degree burns and fingers 2nd. It was and is very hard to hold my little boy while they are working on him and he is in such pain. I feel helpless but I am sure grateful for modern medicine and miracles. His hands will heal but we soon learned it would be a long road.

New Years Eve gave us a scare because of such high fevers Ty was experiencing. After another trip to the ER, we found out his hands were not infected (my worry) but he had an ear infection.

We came home from Utah to find our kids all taken care of, my house cleaned and stalked with groceries, new toys for Ty to play with that wouldn't require him to use his fingers, and warm dinner waiting for us at the Poulsens. Thanks Marilyn and Mel! I couldn't have done it with out you guys.

Looks like Dave is training him to be a UFC fighter!

His palms and each finger were wrapped with special foam and then had netting over them. Ty soon learned how to bite them off. We had to put socks over his hands and pin it to his shirt.

Pre Op with Dad

Many trips to Utah have been made in the last few weeks. 14 days later after his initial burn Ty had surgery on both palms. Skin was taken from his groin on both sides and placed on his palms. He now has big CLUBS for hands he gets to learn to deal with for a while.

After surgery. We had to wait longer than normal because his oxygen saturation wouldn't stay up without oxygen and he got a rash. But soon we were on our way back to Pleasant Grove to Grandma and Grandpa Shirleys. What a blessing it is that we have family that live close to the UoU hospital. We have had much help with our kids and everything else from all our Utah family!

Little drugged out still

Ty is such a good spirited little boy - all 24 pounds of him! He does hurt, get angry and frustrated because he can't use his hands but for the most part he is just a lovable little guy who is learning to adapt. He has figured out the army crawl but doesn't like to do that much. He is walking everywhere now which is good but we just have to watch him super close so he doesn't fall too much and disrupt the grafts. I don't know what I am supposed to learn from all this but I do know the bond between Ty and Cade has grown and also between Ty and his Dad. Ty gives the best hugs and kisses ever. He is so gentle and soft.

I have so much to be grateful for and so many people to thank. So many have prayed, fasted, and put our names in the temple. I have felt your prayers and they have given me strength. I have had many encouraging words, warm meals, rides for my kids, people watching my kids, new toys and movies, and it goes on and on. Thank you! Thank you everyone!

We will be making 2 trips this week to the burn center to see how the grafts are doing. I do know he will have to be in braces and then compression gloves for 1 to 1 1/2 years. Physical Therapy will be ongoing. It will be a long process for this little guy who has already been through so much but I am grateful he is doing as good as he is. The last few days he has seemed like his happy normal self!

A boy and his dog

2011-01-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

Ty loves Chandra
He is learning to give hugs and kisses (even to the dog)

Chandra got a new bed for Christmas.

Chandra even lets Ty pull her ears (back when hands were not wrapped)

So sad

2011-01-12T20:20:00.000-08:00