Thanks!

When I got on the computer today, I noticed that several of you had updated your blogs. So, thanks! I love when you all put new things on there for me to read! Makes my day!

Husbands

I normally despise tags, but if you are a reader of this blog, you know how I feel about my husband. So I can't pass up an opportunity to say great things about him!
5 Things he loves:
- BYU football
- Jazz Basketball
- Playing basketball
- His kids
- His wife
5 Things on his to do list:
- Make out with his wife (just kidding)
- Christmas shopping (yes, this isn't done yet)
- design our new house
- clean up his work trailer and surrounding area
- make out with his wife (ok, Joseph doesn't really have a to do list, so I am just
making crap up)
5 Foods he enjoys:I must preface this section by pointing out that Joseph feels eating is a burden. He doesn't really enjoy food. That being said.....
- chips and salsa (only Santitas chips)
- gummy bears (the breakfast of champions)
- cheerios and corn chex (with no sugar on them, ewww)
- Sobe Adrenaline Rush (while not technically a food, he can't make it
through the day without this
- Hot and sour soup and lemon chicken (only from China Town)
5 things you may not know about him:
- He loves to do karaoke (only with family, not in bars or, ahem, on cruise ships)
- He can build ANYTHING. Seriously, anything. Without plans. Just looks at it,and says "I can build that", and then he does.
- He never swears. Ever. In the 11 years I have known him, he has never once used a
swear word
- He is a freaking awesome basketball player. Really-he's good.
- He knows A LOT about church doctrine and theology. Those are his favorite kinds of
books
5 quirky things about him:
- He says "forward fast" instead of "fast forward"
- He has to color coordinate his basketball clothes with his shoes
- He has really sensitive nail beds on his toes and fingers, so he has to keep his
nails a little longer than normal, because if they are too short, they hurt.
- He has a bad habit of interrupting. This is borne of ADD, not bad manners.
He is working on it.
- He has a nose thing. First thing he looks at on a person. Can critique noses
like you wouldn't believe.

There are a lot of other things about Joseph I could write (brag about), but in any case, he is amazing. He has so many good qualities and so few bad ones. What a great guy!

What's going on?

I was going wait until I had my pictures to include in this post, but at this rate, that won't be until next year, at which point I will have to do Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Joseph's birthday all in one post. So here's what we've been up to, minus the pictures (I promise I'll get to those).
The week of Thanksgiving was wicked fun. We went to Zak's wrestling tournament (he took first, of course) and showed our support in the form of custom made (spray painted in the parking lot) T-shirts and a "Zak Baker rocks my world" poster. I am pretty sure he won because of that. Just kidding-he's freaking awesome and he is going to take state this year!
Nikki and I went to the Twilight midnight show the Thursday it opened and I thought it was really good. So good in fact, that I took the boys to see it the next Tuesday, and went with Joseph and Zak and a whole group of people on Thanksgiving. We have Thanksgiving dinner at Joseph's parents house. I was glad to not have to make dinner, although I did make 4 different kinds of cheesecake and pumpkin pie. So now we are back to normal life, at least until Christmas break. I will get some pictures on her soon of our Twilight/wrestling/thanksgiving fun!

Thankful for.....

I know Thanksgiving was a week ago, but I a little slow (you know). So here is what I am most thankful for at this "most wonderful time of the year"!

Joseph- I have posted about him before, and I could post about him every day. I am thankful to have a husband that I am still crazy, head over heels in love with after 11 years. And I am thankful that I can be 100% positive he loves me right back. He is everything I'm not, but wish I could be more of - smart, kind, compassionate, patient, smart (did I say that already?), and a great dad. But aside from all that, he is just a great human being. He is truly one of the most generous, decent, honest hardworking people I have ever met and I am so, so, so blessed to be married to him.

Fabiola-I am thankful for all the help you are around the house and with the kids. I am thankful that, in spite of all you have had to endure in your life, you haven't let yourself become a bitter person. You are so generous and thoughtful.
Maryn-I am thankful that you wake up every day with a smile and are everyone's friend. You try so hard at school and you are learning so much.
Kaydin-I am thankful that you are my best bud. I would take you out of school every day just to hang out with you if I could. I love your analytical personality and your love of learning.
Trevin-I am thankful for your sense of humor and your compassion. I can't have a bad day or you will cry right along with me. And when you're done crying, you always have a joke ready to make me laugh. I don't know what I would do without you.
Tristan-I am thankful that nothing gets you down. You are like the little engine that could, and you just keep going, even though I know it is so hard for you sometimes. You are braver than I could be - I probably would have given up a long time ago.
Rylynn-I am thankful for having such a sweet little girl who sings for me. I love your singing and your happy personality and I am thankful that you love to read and are learning so fast.
Kellyn-I am thankful to have time with just me and you while the kids are at school. I love reading with you and talking to you and getting to see your awesome personality develop.
Ewan-I am thankful that we got to have you be part of our family. I am also thankful that you started talking and I love your little boy laugh.

I am also thankful to have a home to live in and for my extended family(parents, brothers, sisters, in-laws) for all the love, support and especially the laughs you provide me with!

The Right Stuff

I feel I can now die a happy woman, having fulfilled all my 4th grade fantasies. On Saturday night, after only 20 years of waiting and pining away, I got to go to a New Kids on The Block concert. Yes, I am not ashamed to admit that I sang along with every song, and still remembered all the words! And even though I am no longer 9 years old, I can say with all honesty that it was the funnest freaking concert I have ever been to. I went with 3 sisters-in-law and 1 brother-in-law, who filled in at the last minute when we found ourselves with an extra ticket. And yes, he did have a good time. And no, he is not gay. Natasha Bedingfield was the opener - also good. But come on, nothing compares to the New Kids. Here are some pictures of the most fun I have had in really long time. I am still riding my New Kids on the Block high. I would go again in a heartbeat and have considered abandoning my life to become a boy-band (no wait, they're a MAN-band) groupie.

Behold,the New Kids in all their middle-aged glory.I'd still make out with them.

Me smooching Nikki. Yes, I was that excited. Zak-wearing his New Kids memorabilia as only he can. We actually bought these for Jeremy to wear while he works out, but Zak broke them in for him!
Oh yeah, the right stuff indeed.

Lovin' the stars and stripes

On Veteran's day, we were treated to the most awesome program, by all the first graders (of which Rylynn is one). I was very impressed, and almost moved to tears at how hard they worked to honor and show appreciation to the men and women who serve our country. Rylynn was singing these songs around the house for weeks because she wanted to have them perfect for her program. They had a slideshow of all the veteran's that were relatives of the first grade kids. It was very sweet and I was proud of both these beautiful children singing (especially mine) and our amazing country and servicemen and women.

Kellyn!

Oh my goodness, I love this girl! Our baby girl turned 4 on Friday, and if she could read this, she would very adamantly point out that she is NOT a baby, but a big girl. And, since she is 4 now, her hair is almost blond (her words). When she was born, we prayed so much that she would live, but we told ourselves that if Heavenly Father needed her back, then that was how it was supposed to be. I am so grateful he let us keep her! She lights up our home with her personality and I don't know what we would do without her. Here are some fun things about Kellyn:
1. She can't say her V's. So, I am told at least 20 times a day "Mom, I lub you".
2. She is the only "mommmy's" girl. The other 3 "lub" Joseph, but I got Kellyn!
3. She had so much red hair when she was born, but she is right, it is all blond now
4. She can name every latter-day prophet.
5. She screams when she laughs! She also screams when she cries!
6. We love her "a million billion" as she would say!

Happy birthday my sweet girl! I love you!

What the funk!?!?!?!

I have been in kind of a funk lately - physically, emotionally, spiritually. Life is hard. I sometimes get tired of reading other people's blogs, which often seem like they are advertising how great their lives are..."Look at my wonderful kids, look at my perfect husband, look at my immaculate house, check out my perfect life"!!! My life is so far from perfect, it is laughable. I guess it is on my mind because in the past week, I have been in situations where my parenting, family, marriage, etc have been somewhat under scrutiny. Nothing big, but things like parent teacher conferences or visiting teaching. In these situations, I invariably hear comments like "You must be doing such a wonderful job with your kids" or "you are so organized and have it so together - how do you do it all"? I am not congratulating myself. When people say these things to me, I feel like a big, fat fraud. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder in what way I am permanently damaging my childrens' psyche; and organization and having it together are not concepts I am at all familiar with. I desperately wish these people's perceptions were true, but the fact is - they aren't. So when they say these things, which are meant to be compliments, I just feel even more lousy. My life is loud and messy, and I have managed to (unintentionally) trick quite a few people into thinking otherwise. Please don't misunderstand. I love my children more than anything, and I couldn't wish for a husband that I love more than Joseph. But life if still hard. I usually feel I am just barely scraping by, making it through each day. So, just for once, it would be nice to hear that it is not just me. That maybe everyone else's life isn't as idyllic as it is made out to be on their blogs and Christmas cards. For someone to just say, yeah, life is hard. I am reminded of that saying "I didn't say it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it". I know it will be worth it, but I wish I didn't have to expend so much enery trying to make it look like it is easy. Ok, enough of this emo crap. I need some ice cream.

Why Hello there!

I have been absent from the blogging world for a while. Well, I am still lurking around, reading everyone else's blogs, but not bothering to update my own. Here is what is going on in our world:
Joseph: Working - a lot. Loving football season. Didn't love the BYU last week. His hair is getting long. I love my husband.
Me: I started a job about a month ago working at.....Walmart! I know what you are thinking, and yes, it is that glamorous. I work 4 nights a week from 9pm to 6am. That way I can still be home to put kids to bed, take kids to school, have FHE and do all the mom stuff, while still contributing to the gross national product.
Fabiola: Still working at Subway. Will be enrolling in Job Corps soon and will be able to get her GED and driver's license. She is pretty excited about it, but also a little nervous.
Maryn: Fabiola braided some super long extensions into her hair, and she is looking fabulous! Still as social as ever, she is making slow but steady improvement in school and has been so helpful to me lately. She is such a good girl.
Kaydin: He needs new glasses. I had parent/teacher conferences yesterday and his teacher is very impressed with him. She said he is one of the most intelligent, if not the most intelligent kid in the class. He frequently tutors other kids during recess. Has decided he wants to be a vetrinarian.
Tristan: Is also making progress in school. He is working independantly and is really trying. He is starting to recognize some words and knows all his letter sounds now. For those of you who don't know Tristan, you don't realize what a big deal that is, but it is HUGE! Good job, buddy!
Trevin: An academic wizard. At his PTC yesterday, I was informed that his is testing at 10th grade levels in his reading and vocabulary. He is in 3rd grade! He also feels the need to tell me multiple times a day that I am the best mom in the world. It isn't true, but it is still nice to hear!
Rylynn: She has already gotten to end of year levels for first grade! Her teacher is in love with her and just went on and on about her. I was even blushing! But I can't argue - she is a neat kid! One day soon she will have TWO front teeth - she has been missing one since she was 18 months old.
Kellyn: I love having some one on one time with her. She is so fun and she makes everybody laugh. She tries to mother Ewan all day long while the kids are gone, and she is so funny with him. Fabiola likes to take her to work and out with her friends and show her off! So funny!
Ewan: Still only answers to "Goob". He is running all over the place and is developing more of a vocabulary. He likes to climb on the table and get into the dog food. he can say "mommy" "daddy" "what" and a whole bunch of other stuff that I can't understand. His Aunt Amanda gave him his first haircut, so he no longer has a baby mullet.
So that is the short version of what is going on in this part of the world. We aren't sure we're ready for cold weather, but the kids are jacked about Halloween. We are going to Lagoon for Frightmares during the day and will come home in time to Trick-or-Treat that night. Woohoo! I have put a bunch of new posts down below -with pictures! so scroll down for a look!

Why I love Kaydin

Kaydin has a blanket. He may be upset with me for posting this, but it is pertinent to the story, so I must. His blanket is actually MY baby blanket, passed down to him, and it is pink. Today as I was doing some laundry and I discovered some items of clothing that had been inadvertently bleached, Kaydin asked why I bothered with bleach at all. I told him that bleach kills germs and bacteria, but it will also, in some cases, remove dye. But some things will hold dye, even with bleach - like your pink blanket, I said.

"but my blanket is really faded" says Kaydin
"Yes" says me "but I think that has less to do with me using bleach on it and more to do with the fact that is is almost 30 years old"
"30 years old"! exclaims my son.
"Yeah, well how old am I"? I ask him

Without missing a beat, or even pausing to think, my darling oldest son says "22". I love this kid.

Squishies

I have been a little sick and have been taking some cold medicing and massive doses of antibiotics. As I was napping today, Trevin came into my room and asked if it was ok if he did some "squishies". I believe I must have mumbled something like "do whatever you want just let me sleep", and then willed myself to lapse into a coma.
Hours later, I was up and feeling moderately better, going about my mom business of feeding kids and having them shower. I sent Maryn up to shower and she came back down with red stuff all over her pants. I asked (slightly alarmed) if she was bleeding, and she said she didn't know. She sat down on the toilet and something squirted her. Trevin was in the kitchen, and I noticed he was having a really hard time keeping a straight face. Turns out, a "squishy" is when you put ketchup packets under the seat of the toilet, so that when someone sits down, they explode on the unsuspecting victim. I had apparently ok'd this in my drug-induced stupor. I tried mightily to be a stern disciplinarian. Believe me, I really did. But I just couldn't do it, and I died lauging. Kaydin was laughing, Trevin was laughing, I was laughing, even Maryn was laughing. I did have Trevin clean up the bathroom and take the ketchup packets off Fabiola's toilet before she sat on it. What a bunch of pranksters I am raising.

Mermaid man and barnacle boy!

We went to the Living Planet Aquarium over UEA weekend. It wasn't very big, but it was big enough. The great (or not so great, depending on your perspective) thing about having a gigantic family, is that a membership for places like this are about the same price as a one-day admission, so we are now members at the aquarium and can go whenever we want.

Me and Ewan. Petting a stingray!


That is a shark. Kaydin knows the name of every shark there is.







I don't know what kind of fish those are, but the kid is Rylynn
All the kids (minus Fabiola, who was working that day) at the aquarium

Fall Fun

Here are a few pics from the fall carnival at the kids' school. A good time was had by all, and we went for some ice cream after.

Kaydin is always the best big brother to Kellyn. He watched her the whole night and took her everywhere with him.
My beautiful Rylynn, waiting in line for the bounce house, which her teacher went on with her!
Tristan, coming down the giant slide. The other kids came down so fast, I didn't get their pictures!

For Shannon.......

This is for Shannon and any of my other Wyo high school friends who read this. If you are not from or familiar with Wyoming, this isn't as funny - but it's still pretty funny.

WYOMING BARBIES

Jackson Barbie:This modern day homemaker Barbie is available with a Mercedes 4WD SUV, a Prada handbag and matching Nike Yoga ensemble. She has a masters degree and double-majored, but has the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom with Ken's generous salary. Comes with Percocet prescription and Botox. Starbucks mug and traffic-jamming Blackberry internet/cell phone device sold separately. Husband Ken is into fishing, golfing, baseball and is often "working late." Available at all Seattle-area Starbucks retailers.

Teton Village Barbie: This princess Barbie is only sold at Nordstrom. She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade handbags, your choice of a BMW convertible or Hummer H2 and a long-haired foreign lapdog named "Honey." Also available is her Cookie cutter development dream house. Available with or without tummy tuck, facelift, and breast augmentation. Workaholic, cheating husband, Ken, comes with a Porsche.

Rock Springs Barbie: This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, switchblade, '78 El Camino with dark tinted windows, and a meth lab kit. This model is available only after dark and can only be purchased with cash--preferably small bills, unless you're a cop, then we don't know what you're talking about. Boyfriend Ken is in rehab. Available at many pawn shops.

Rawlins Barbie: This tobacco chewing, brassy-haired Barbie comes with a pair of high heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased Beer Gut Ken out of Cheyenne Barbie's trailer. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, strawberry lip gloss and a see-through halter top. Purchase her Mustang convertible separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free. Boyfriend Ken is in the State Prison. Available at Army/Navy Surplus.

Cheyenne Barbie: This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans 2 sizes too small, steel-toes cowboy boots , a Willie Nelson T-shirt and a Tweety Bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has fake fingernails, a six pack of Budweiser, and a Hank Williams, Jr. CD set. She can spit over a distance of 6 feet and kick PRCA cowboy Ken's ass when she is drunk. Also available is the gold-toned cubic zirconium ring Ken gave her after another one of his "episodes" with his boss's daughter. Comes with Barbie's Dream Double Wide Trailer. Available at Wal-Mart.

Gillette Barbie: Pregnant at purchase, this Barbie cones with a stroller and bus pass. Also included is a G.E.D. and a completely filled out food stamps form. Construction worker Ken and his '82 Caddy are optional. Available at Value Villa.

Laramie Barbie: This Barbie is made out of recycled plastic and tofu. She has long straight brown hair, archless feet, hairy armpits, no make-up, and Birkenstocks with white socks. She does not want or need a Ken doll. If you purchase the optional Subaru Wagon, you will receive a free rainbow flag sticker. Available at REI.

Lander Barbie: This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply adding or removing snap on parts. Walks to work. Likes to "experiment," but will never commit. This model is being phased out and is only available from the manufacture.

Cody Barbie: This Barbie is a transplant from California and moved into the area to "get away from the big city." She comes with a 10 acre "ranch" on the South Fork and a 1-ton crew cab diesel truck that she drives the kids to school in. She moved here to live in the beautiful and low populated west, but now doesn't want anyone else to move here because they will ruin the area. Retired lawyer Ken comes with his own cowboy outfit so he can act like he is a local and "fit in." This model is sold at any main street art gallery in Cody, and there are several to choose from.

Green River Barbie: Comes in 2 choices, 1) See Rock Springs Barbie, 2)Comes with Ken and 10 children, minivan and Sunday best clothing. Optional LDS church and missionaries are sold separately. Available at any Deseret Bookstore. A free copy of the Book Of Mormon is also included with Choice 2.

Pinedale Barbie: Comes with oily coveralls, muddy work truck, can of Cope,and Tool-pusher Ken. Optional drilling rig also available. Sold at any roadside gas station.

Evanston Barbie: Comes with years of mental instability, and a straight jacket. Accessories also include a bottle of morphine, a bed pan, and an imaginary friend. Psychologist Ken is sold separately with Ken's happy-time psycho couch. Available at any hospital

Bridger Valley Barbie: Comes with 5 sheep, a llama, and her blue '82 Chevy pickup with a brown door. Boyfriend/cousin Ken sold separately. Available at any feed store.

I have put a bunch of new posts on here today, so you'll have to scroll down to see all of them!

From the mouths of babes...

I have been meaning to write a post recording some of the funnier things my kids have said. These are not things I want to forget, and maybe you will smile at them too.
#1: Christmas Eve - Kaydin is 4 years old. We tell Kaydin "You need to go to sleep, Santa won't come unless you are asleep." Shortly thereafter, I go stand outside Kaydin's bedroom window and ring some jingle bells. I return to the house and say "Kaydin, did you hear those jingle bells? That might be Santa - you'd better get to sleep!" Kaydin's response? "Or it could have been someone outside my window ringing some bellls". The kid was 4!
#2: Afters spending a long, summer day outside at the annual Foyer de Sion orphanage reunion (this is a reunion for all the kids who have been adopted from the same orphanage our kids were)- Kelly has a sunburn and says "mom, I was in the sun too long, I think I might be turning black!" And Maryn, who is Haitian, says - completely serious, I might add "I think I am too!"
#3: An exchange between Rylynn and Joseph, who were shopping together:
Rylynn: Dad, I need to try on some clothes. You don't have to buy them, I just want to try them on.
Joseph: Rylynn, we don't have time for that!
Rylynn: Dad, I think you need to show me a little more respect, and show me that you love me!
Rylynn is 6.
#4: Another gem from Kaydin, who came home from his first week of first grade with a frowny face on his behavior report. "Kaydin, why do you have a frowny face"
"I wasn't following the rule" says Kaydin. "But it's a stupid rule"
My mom response is "Kaydin, rules have to be followed whether you think they're stupid or not. What rule did you break?"
"I was running out to recess and you can't run on your way out to recess. That's just dumb, I am way more likely to get hurt AT recess than running out to recess."
How is that for 6 year-old analytical thinking?

Ha ha!

Rylynn wanted me to take a picture of her on our monkey bars. As I was snapping away, and she was swinging away her pants started falling off! Priceless!

Random fun-ness (Is that a word?)

Here are some pics of what we've been up to this week. A fun girls' shopping trip in Provo. It was supposed to be in Park City, but we couldn't find it. Yes, I am that dumb. We are members at the Clearfield Aquatic Center (it's sweet) so we are there almost every weekend.

Joseph, Kellyn and Kaydin.

Trevin holding Goob (aka Ewan)

Rylynn at the Aquatic Center. You can't tell, but I swear, it's her!

Tristan swimming. He is SOOOO dark it is hard to photograph him!


Kellyn, modeling a necklace in Rue 21.

Kellyn, Mom and Aunt Nikki on our shopping trip. Holy Kanye West!

WHOA!!! Calm down, people

Here are Rylynn and Ewan with Scout. I am not pregnant

Perhaps I should have clarified sooner. I am NOT pregnant. The new addition to our family is a DOG. Did everyone get that? A DOG! I am not stupid enough to be pregnant right now. Let me clarify: being pregnant is not stupid. Having more than 8 kids is not stupid. But since life is almost more than I can handle right now, getting pregnant would be very stupid right now for me. So all you prego ladies, don't get offended. No, no, our new addition is a shih tzu named Scout. Aunt Stina was kind enough to find him for us, and we love him. Even Neville (our cat) loves him.

Life at the Baker house

We are now three weeks into the start of the new school year. I really enjoy the question "aren't you glad to have the kids back in school?" People who ask this don't have kids, or maybe they're just not smart. Having the kids in school makes my day much busier. Picking up, dropping off, volunteering, homework, keeping track of permission slips and other forms, washing and ironing uniforms - oh yeah, I am way more relaxed these days. Don't get me wrong, it's not all bad. I love seeing how excited the kids are when they learn something new, and they are participating in the school choir, which is a lot of fun. Our rides to and from school have become music appreciation time. I loaded my ipod with a bunch of songs for a special "kids playlist" and we listen and discuss the songs. I am also loving my one on one time with Kellyn. She is such a fun kid - who talks nonstop. Joseph is still working a lot, and driving to and from work a lot. I will be going back to work here pretty soon. House still hasn't sold. But life is good. We are all healthy, relatively happy and we have a roof over our heads. I will have some new posts on here soon with our newest addition to the family. It's not what you think!

Happy Birthday Nikki!!!!!!

Yesterday was my sister-in-law's birthday. She is 21 now, so if we were drinkers, we could have gotten drunk last night! But since neither of us has ever tasted so much as a drop of alcohol, it probably wouldn't have been a pretty sight. Nikki is more like a sister than an in law. I love this girl - one of the best benefits of marrying Joseph was getting Nikki for a sister. My kids lover her too. Today I was teasing Kellyn and I asked her if I was her favorite or if Joseph was her favorite, and she goes "wellllll.....actually Nikki is my favorite"!!!! I love you Nikki! We are taking our trip to Vegas soon! Happy Birthday!!! This is for you:

Back to School-can you believe it?

Last Thursday, the kids went back to school. I had gone to register them could not believe how quickly the beginning of the school year had come up! I am so excited about the school they are going to-there are so many awesome art and music activities and programs and it is a small school, so the teacher to student ratio is really good! Syracuse Arts Academy is a charter school - it is touted as a private school education without the cost of tuition. We were really lucky to have had the kids' names drawn in the lottery to attend. I think it will be a good year - and they are building a SAA jr. high which will be open next year, so if we are still here during the junior high years (also known as the armpit of life), they can stay with SAA!


Maryn and Rylynn before the start of the first day of school

Tristan on the monkey bars

Kaydin and Trevin, before the first bell rang on the first day of school

The first day of school-in their uniforms!

The night before school started, with our fun "back to school" cake, and Kaydin is striking his smarmiest, used-car salesman pose!

More summertime fun

Here are some more pics of things we've been doing this summer. We took the kids to the Hill Aerospace museum, which they seemed to enjoy. It kind of makes you wonder though - the technology they have on display there must be so old as to be almost obsolete, or it wouldn't be on display, right? So, what kind of new technology do we have that isn't made known to the public? I would bet it's a lot. Anyhoo, then we went to Layton park. It was also fun, but Tristan got (accidentally) hit in the face and got a massive nosebleed. It seems like I can't take my kids anywhere without one of them getting hurt.


Ewan, looking very dashing in just his diaper - which, unless we are going somewher, is his usual outfit

Kellyn and Tristan practically live in the sandbox

Kelly playing in our backyard sandbox. Yes, she has to have a bath every day.


The kids' seriously spun on this thing for 30 minutes. Just watching it was making me sick.

This is (I think) called and SR-71 "Blackbird"


The fam (and the girls' friend, Jordan) in front of a gigantic airplane!

Catching up!

I am happy to report that my family is finally FINALLY all together again. I have been down here for almost a month (which is why there has been no blogging - the last month has been nonstop craziness). It is nice to be, in the words of Peaches and Herb "Reunited, and it feels so good". Yes, I miss having any time to myself, but it feels so normal to be crazy busy and stressed out and cooking enough food at each meal for a small army. Joseph is working in Park City, builing ridiculous houses that cost a bazillion dollars and loving it. Not loving the commute, but loving the work. I am still getting the house organized and reintroducing structure and routine to my children. Fabiola has a job working at Subway - which she doesn't love. My kids names were drawn in a charter school lottery and on Thursday they all (well, the 5 of them that are school age anyway) started at Syracuse Arts Academy. I am thrilled. It is such a neat school and they integrate the arts into every aspect of the curriculum. Also, they wear uniforms, which I think is fantastic! Maybe that makes me a nazi mom, but I love the uniforms. It takes all the guess work out of school shopping and makes getting ready for school in the morning much easier. I took some first day of school pictures, which I will post soon, but for now, you can enjoy pictures from the rest of the summer if you just scroll down!

Summer fun - good times!

Here are some pictures of the rest of the summer. We had such a good time at the Baker Family Reunion. Swimming, talent show, tent being ripped open and blow over by a windstorm - need I say more! It really was fun, though. We also got to take the kids to Lagoon. Taking kids to Lagoon and watching them on rides is hilarious. Maryn will ride ANYTHING. Kaydin won't. Trevin is in the middle. Kellyn and Rylynn cried (more than once) because they weren't tall enough to ride a lot of rides. Joseph took Tristan on the new roller coaster - Wicked - and he was silent for almost two hours after that. I think we should build this roller coaster in our yard. I went to the release party for "Breaking Dawn" with Nikki and Shannon. Shan gothed us out with makeup and we laughed so hard we were almost peeing our pants. I wish I could show you all the video. Here are some pictures of the fun!

Kaydin and Kellyn at Lagoon - good times!
Reunion fun at Lava Hot Springs - we took over the pool! Those people are all Baker's!

The Fair!

I made it to the great Gallatin County Fair. It's just not the same without the kids. And they didn't have the cow with the exposed internal organs this year. But still, a pretty good time was to be had!

Can you guess what this is? It's....a....chicken! I am not making this up!
It's Wilbur - just like in Charlotte's Web!
Wicked fun rides (I love rides)

Uh Oh! Maybe I do have mad cow!

Top scientist or Mad cow??????

This week is the Gallatin County Fair (yeah! what fun!). I looked through the newspaper insert last night to find out about all the fun goings on at the fair and saw that the Red Cross would be there, having a blood drive. In a burst of civic-mindedness, I decided I would go and give blood while at the fair. I have never given blood before - every time I have had an opportunity to, I have been pregnant of nursing (except for our senior-year blood drive, which was the day before we cheerleaders left for our competition, so they wouldn't let us give blood because we weren't allowed to participate in "strenuous" activity for at least 24 hours following our blood donation, or some such nonsense). I decided to check online to make sure that there would be no restrictions which would hinder my ability to give blood this time! And guess what I discovered? I can't give blood -ever. Never ever. Know why? Because I lived in England for 4 years, and during the time I lived there, they had an outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy - also known as MAD COW DISEASE! So anyone who could have potentially been exposed to this can't ever give blood. That's stupid. I don't have mad cow ( I didn't say I'm not a mad cow). Which brings me to this:

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

This should be fun!

I got this from my friend Lindsay, and I had so much fun leaving my comment on her blog, I though it would be fun to do it on mine. Also, I have no family here to take pictures of and blog about, so instead I get to put this kind of mindless (but fun) filler on my blog. I really need some comments on this - you know, to keep my morale up, so I want to her from all or you! Her directions were to pass it along!
Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! I guess good or bad, but be nice!!!!!!!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I will comment on my page about you!

How predictable

Because Joseph and I are huge Jane Austen fans (yes, Joseph - the man loves chick flicks & literature), I thought this was fun. I am not surprised that I turned out to be an "Elinor", but that's ok. Enjoy!

Take the Quiz here!

In response to some comments and questions I have had, I thought it would be prudent to have a little introduction/explanation of my family. I know we are not a typical, nuclear family and since I consider you all my friends I don't mind explaining to you how our family came to be. That having been said, I DO mind when complete strangers in Target, or people with whom I am only casually acquainted ask rude personal questions like:
Why did you adopt - can you not have kids of your own? (These are my own kids. But no, I am not infertile. In fact, usually all Joseph has to do is look at me and I get pregnant. I still have a uterus and ovaries and they are perfectly functioning. I am just not utilizing those functions at present time)
What happened to their real mom? ( I can assure you, I am their real mom. I do their laundry, cook their meals, attend their parent/teacher conferences, help with homework, hold them when they cry, teach them to pray, love them with everything I have in me. What happened to their biological mom is none of your business and in an intensely personal story).
Are they all yours? (Yes they are all mine -see above response. However, this isn't really what people are asking. What they are really asking is "did you grow them in your womb and do you share DNA with them? Let me just say that biology and childbirth does not a mom make)
You are crazy! As in, only a crazy person would have so many kids. (this makes me want to go have/adopt 50 more kids just to spite these people. Second of all, that is just plain rude. You don't say to a person with no kids, or only one kid "what's wrong with you? Are you barren?)

Ok, so for all my friends and family, here is the story:

Joseph and I have 8 kids - 4 girls, 4 boys; 4 adopted, 4 biological. Please don't call my bio kids my "real" kids. They are all real, I can assure you. We have a great marriage and wonderful family and have always wanted to adopt to add to our family. Maryn, Tristan and Fabiola are adopted from Haiti. They were true orphans, though many children in Haitian orphanages are not. Women who cannot take care of their kids take them to orphanages because they know it will give them a place to live and food to eat. This is typical in Haiti, and more than half of the country's "orphans" have two, living, biological parents. My three Haitian children are biological siblings, meaning they all have the same mother. We have had them for 2 1/2 years. They are sealed to us and are officially and eternally part of our family. Ewan is also adopted. My younger sister became pregnant and was not in a position to care for or raise a child. She was hesitant to give her baby to someone whom she did not know and whose parenting practices she was not familiar with. We felt very strongly that Ewan was meant to be a part of our family. I was lucky enough to be in the room when he was born and stay with him for the 2 subsequent weeks in the NICU (he was 7 weeks early). His brothers and sisters all love him, and he is their brother, not their cousin. I am his mom, Amielle is his aunt. I know for many people, this situation would not work, but it does for us. We are wrapping things up legally with his adoption and as soon as it is final, he will also be sealed to us.

So that is our family in a nutshell, I hope that clears up any questions/confusion for some of you that I am just becoming reacquainted with throught these blogs. Like I said, I don't mind you all asking questions. I just don't want to explain our family repeatedly to, for example, the cashier at walmart. Take care!

Nothing new to report- Kaydin

Well, Joseph and kids have departed and I am now alone again (sad music playing in background). However, this time I am not falling apart quite so much, because we have come to the decision that I will be moving down at the beginning of next month, house sold or not. We just can't live like this. Joseph needs a wife, the kids need a mom and I need to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause". That good cause, of course, being to terrify my kids into behaving themselves. The visit was a good one, although the kids were bored with nothing in the house. We celebrated Kaydin's birthday. I went to snap pictures of him blowing out his candles only to discover my camera batteries had died. Ahhhhh! So, no pics of Kaydin's big 10! Here are some thoughts about my birthday boy though:
Kaydin was an amazing baby - never cried, always very content
Kadyin is an even more amazing kid. I would take him out of school every day if I could, just to hang out with him. He is the coolest kid!
He is such a bookworm! He will sit and read ALL DAY!
He is soooo smart! He remembers everything and had straight A's all 4 quarters this last school year.
Kaydin is a perfectionist who gets very frustrated when he can't do something right the first time! He keeps trying, though.
I love Kaydin more than I can possibly describe. He makes me smile all the time and I am so proud of the person he is turning out to be. I love you Kaydin!!!!

The most exciting news in weeks!

Ok this is probably not the MOST exciting news for anyone but me, but anyway.......Ewan finally started walking today!!!! Hooray! At 14 months exactly, he is by far my latest walker. The sweet part was that my sister was here to see it. For those who may not know, Ewan is adopted and my sister is his biological mother. I know to some it sounds like an akward situation, but we have made it work with a minimum of drama. And, no, since I know you are wondering, there is no confusion about who is Ewan's mom and who is his aunt. And his Aunt Amielle was very happy to have been here to see him take his first steps. I was just happy that he took his first steps - I thought he might go to kindergarten still crawling around on the floor! Yeah Ewan!!!!

Family, Fun and the Fourth!

I know how disappointed I am when I check other blogs and they haven't posted anything, and I now realize that I have not posted in quite a while. Not that there are legions of people salivating for my next entry, but I still need to keep this thing up to date, or it defeats the whole purpose of having it. My family arrived on Thursday! I was just giddy with happiness at seeing them! I swear those kids have grown in 3 weeks, and Ewan remembers who I am. All is right with the world, except for the fact that there is nothing for the kids to do here. All of our stuff is now down in Utah and I have been living very spartanly here on my own. So, we have had to get creative with entertaining them. We bought some cheap puzzles and a yahtzee game. Kaydin has just had his nose in a book the whole visit - if only I could get them all to read like that. For the 4th, we had an all american lunch of hot dogs, chips and watermelon. Then it was off to the splash park. The kids love this. Except for Kellyn and Ewan. They are not very excited about getting wet. We then went and staked out our traditional fireworks-watching spot and played football and mad libs while we waited for the pyrotechnics to begin. This has become a fun tradition and I will miss it when we are not here for the 4th anymore. But, we can always make new traditions! Rylynn and Maryn have lost a tooth each since they have been here, and I was glad to be able to play tooth fairy for them. We will be having Kaydin's birthday party tomorrow so there will be more posts and pictures to come. Here are some of our time together so far this weekend.

Joseph playing football with the kids

The kids loved the splash park

Rylynn with the water cannon at the splash park