A time for giving thanks . . .

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving; time to reflect back on the past year to the things my family has to be thankful for. We have faced some financial difficulties, the loss of a loved one, and a move. We have grown stronger as a family and our faith in the Lord has been strengthened. At this time of year I want to express my deep heartfelt thanks and appreciation to my family. I want my husband to know how much I love him; he is my best friend. We have endured much in our marriage that has brought us closer together despite the arguing, fighting, and stress of it all. I am thankful for his strength and comfort. I am thankful for the way he stands beside me in every decision and all that I do. I am thankful for the way he makes me laugh. I am thankful for the wonderful father that he is to our children. I am thankful for each one of my three children; they truely bring joy to my life. I am thankful for the way they look at me and state simply that they love me, then wrap their little arms around my neck. I am thankful for their smiles and laughs that makes any day better. I am thankful for the house I have to clean, the dishes I have to wash, the laundry I have to do, and the job I have to go to everyday; that means I am alive and have the neccessities to raise my family. I am thankful for the church and the important role that it plays in my family. I am thankful I can fight with my children to sit still and be quiet during sacrament meeting because it means we are where the Lord wants us to be. I am thankful for the ward we are currently in and the seeds of friendship that have been planted and begun to sprout there. I am thankful for the calling I have as the Young Women 1st Counselor and for Brian's calling as a teacher in the Elder's Quorum. Jerome has been the best thing to happen to us! As I prepare to feast tomorrow, I shall reflect on all of these things and thank my Heavenly Father for it all.

A first in the Blauer household

We spent General Conference weekend at Brian's parents house. We were really enjoying ourselves and my children were playing so nicely with their cousins, perhaps a little too nice. There were about 6 or 7 of them on the trampoline which is a recipe for nothing other than DISASTER and that is exactly what happened . . .

When Whitney (cousin) came in and ever so calmly told me that Briton fell and broke his leg, I thought she was joking, but then she, still ever so calmly, told me that she wasn't kidding and I took off running. I don't think I've ever run that fast! When I got outside and looked down at his leg, it looked like a second ankle bone poking out the side of his leg. I immediately scooped him up into my arms, carried him to the car, and headed into the ER.

Briton broke his tibia AND fibula! His cast starts at his thigh and goes down to his toes.

He has learned to get around pretty well on his crutches although it has taken some time. Brian and I spent the first week carrying him around the house in our arms. Do you have any idea how much weight a cast adds?

He has to wear this cast until about Thanksgiving, then he will be put into a smaller one for about another 4 to 6 weeks. We have been really amazed at how well his leg has been healing. I guess with this kind of break, it is very common for the bone to slip out of place within the first week, but his bone stayed and is healing very well.

This whole ordeal has been hard on him because he is such an active little boy, but I am very proud of him and the way he has obeyed the doctor's orders so he can heal.

A new twist on an old classic

Briton and Parker have put a new twist on an old classic . . . the slide.
Starting at the top of the stairs, they lay down a bedspread, and then pile on top; usually Briton first and Parker last.

They push their way down the stairs until they start going, then they just hold on and enjoy the ride.

Once they hit the bottom, they laugh their heads off and run up for more.

My boys are the best of friends (most of the time) and I enjoy the way they play together. They really keep me on my toes!

Imagination

I walked into the kitchen the other day and found Kaelee playing with the water bottles. I wondered what exactly it was she was doing when I turned the corner and saw this . . .

She was making a bed for her baby in the empty space. She had a little blanket and pillow in there and she sshh'd me when I tried to talk to her. Apparently I was too noisy for her sleeping baby.
Her imagination never rests and she makes me laugh with some of the things she does. I love my little princess!

Family night

Brian and I have never been down to Centennial Park in the canyon in Twin Falls so we took the kids one evening for Family Home Evening. We picnicked, Brian and the boys did some hiking, and we all went for a little walk around the park. It was absolutely beautiful and the kids really enjoyed it.


Parker was determined to get to the top. Brian kept asking him if he wanted to go back down, but he insisted on going to the top, and he DID it!


I love this picture because of the VERY rare moment that it portrays; Parker and Kaelee holding hands as they walk. (They are usually fighting each other for my attention.)


Briton wanted to try to walk across the little stream. He did it, but he got his shoes and socks soaked in the meantime.

I enjoy being a mom. I love to watch my children explore and experience new things; their reactions, expressions, and questions about it all. The things they are learning and doing amaze me everytime I turn around.

I love . . .

I love being home!
I love cuddling on the couch with Parker and Kaelee while we watch cartoons. I love teaching preschool to Parker and having Kaelee sitting at the table with us coloring. I love being home when Brian and Briton walk in the door after school!
I love watching Olivia (3 yrs) and Morgan (18 mos) everyday for a couple hours and look forward to watching their baby brother in January as well. I love watching Alice (4 yrs) and Elliot (2 yrs) a couple days a week. I love watching my chilren interact with these other children.
I love being outside when Brian mows the lawn. I love the small of fresh cut grass. I love the smell of rain. I love the sound of thunder and to watch lightening light up the night-time sky.
I love dogs. I love listening to music. I love soaking in hot bubble baths. I love a good book.
But, most of all, I love being a mom and wife!

Love One Another

My two youngest sweethearts.

Parker and Kaelee have the hardest time getting along; they are constantly fighting for attention from Brian and myself. Parker suffers from middle child sydrome; always being left out and picked-on. Kaelee is just too cute for her own good and she knows it so she acts like it.

This is a rare moment when they are getting along watching cartoons on TV. Parker has really stepped up into the "big brother shoes" with Briton being gone to school all day. Kaelee still struggles with Parker being the "protector", but I love watching them together during moments like this.

Brothers are like that . . .

I love this picture! My boys fell asleep in the car on the way home from grandma's house. They have bunkbeds in their room, but very rarely are they found asleep on their own beds; they are usually cuddled up together on one bed or the other. I think tonight was the night to sleep on the top bunk (Briton's bed) and tomorow night is the bottom bunk (Parker's bed). My boys are full of energy and fight like all brothers do, but they are also the best of friends.
Sleep well my little angels!

First Day of School 2009

Hard to believe my oldest just started first grade. He was really excited to go to school; he loves to learn. He was excited to make new friends and ride the bus everyday to and from school. In Kindergarten, in Blackfoot, I took him to school and picked him up everyday. During this first week of school we (Parker, Kaelee, and I) have been walking Briton to the bus stop in the mornings and then walking to the bus stop to greet him as he gets off.

Look at my baby all grown up and heading off to school!

Jerome County Fair Parade

Briton kept well ahead of Parker and myself. We rode with the St. Benedicts Medical Center entry. The boys went to Bicycle Safety Day, got new helmets, and signed up to ride their bikes in the parade. We decorated their bikes a little with crepe paper and straws on the spokes. They had a blast and are looking forward to doing it again next year.

I pulled a wagon behind me with the little girl I babysit going along for the ride. Parker just learned to ride this bike. I thought he was going to ride his tricycle forever.

The worries of a protective mother . . .

As a new school year quickly approaches, I can't help but worry about my oldest as he prepares to enter the first grade. Will his teacher pronounce his name correctly? Will he make new friends quickly? Will he be able to find the lunch room? Will he like the food? Will the other kids pick on him because of his height? Will his long legs fit under his desk? Will he ever learn to tie his own shoes? Will he make it to the bus stop in the mornings? Will he remember his bus number to come home? I could go on and on. I handled the Kindergarten days pretty well; perhaps because I knew he would only be gone for a few hours. I am NOT looking forward to his absence for the better part of the day. He has been a best friend to his little brother and a protector to his little sister during these busy summer months.
I love my children and I love watching them grow! I pray often that I can protect them and guide them down the right paths. I pray for their success in everything that they do, whether it's schoolwork or just simply playing. I also pray that they will always know how much I love them. My heart could burst from the amount of love I hold for these three precious beings as only a mother's heart could.
Briton, as you start the first grade, remember to always treat others nicely, ask for directions if you get lost on the way to lunch, take at least one bite of everything, and please, please, do NOT forget your bus number! Mommy loves you!

1st Annual Hurst Family Reunion

Held at the CherryHill Campground in Kaysville, Utah; mom and dad had reserved 3 campsites

July 23
We all arrived at various times of the day and set up our tents
Mom and dad were first to arrive - they set up an area for the preparing and cooking of meals, an area for gathering and visiting, and several picnic tables lined up for eating and playing games.
Greg and Nancy were last to arrive because they had the farthest to drive.

July 24
We packed lunches after breakfast and drove into Salt Lake where we spent most of the day at the Hogle Zoo. We were able to watch the bird show, visit the Madagascar display, and ride the train. Before we left we made sure each grandchild got a small gift from the gift shop. Very little sleep was had by all due to the thunderstorm, but it sure cooled things off.

July 25
After breakfast everybody put on their swimsuits and headed for the water park, miniature golf, and the many other activities at the campground. Every one of the grandchildren got wore out and fell asleep as soon as their little heads hit their pillows that night.

July 26
Packed up camp and went our separate ways.
________________________________

We had so much fun! This was only the second time we have taken the kids camping (we borrowed a tent from Brian's parents). To see our family crammed into Brian's little car with all of our camping gear crammed in the trunk and around our feet was quite a sight. We took Brian's car because it has air conditioning. Brian and I both decided we would rather listen to the children complain about being squished than sweating to death, but to our surprise there was very little complaining.
At the zoo, the boys ran all over! They wanted to see everything as fast as they could. We had to keep reminding them that we had all day and that they needed to slow down. Parker couldn't wait to see the penguins and polar bear, but the polar bear died a couple years ago and they have not replaced it yet. Kaelee enjoyed watching the little monkeys jumping and swinging around their trees, she also got a kick out of watching the pelicans. Briton seemed to enjoy everything.
I think the kids enjoyed the water park the most. Briton wanted to go down all of the water slides and pulled Brian along with him. They really enjoyed the father-son time they were able to spend together. While waiting in line at one of the slides Briton turned to Brian and said 'I love you dad, this is the best day ever'! I stayed around the kiddie area with Parker and Kaelee. Parker loved playing pirate and climbing on the pirate ship. He ran everywhere and splashed everyone. Kaelee took some time getting used to the water. It wasn't any deeper than her bathtub water is, but there was so much more! She finally started splashing and pushing me onto my back, climbimg on top of me, and pretending to wash my hair like I do with her in the bathtub. It was fun and I enjoyed it too.
We played miniature golf as a family. Watching the kids play was the funnest part. Briton kept holding the club backwards, Parker got tired of all the swinging and missing so he finally started throwing the ball down the fareway, and Kaelee kept chasing the balls and bringing them back to you when they reached the green. Needless to say, we didn't keep score!
Briton tried climbing the rock wall and made it about halfway up! Brian and Briton both played aeroball; Brian played against dad, Thayne, and Andrea and Briton played against Ben and a couple other campers. Greg and Brett spent a lot of time at the batting cages and Briton asked Brian if he could watch him hit a few balls.

The time we were able to spend together as a family was enjoyed by everyone! It was fun getting to know each other all over again and watching the cousins play together like they have never been apart. I think mom and dad got to spend a little bit of time with each of the grandkids too and they loved it!

When I asked the boys what they remeber most about the family reunion, here is what they said:
Briton - going down the waterslides with my dad and playing games with my cousins
Parker - playing games with my cousins

I am thankful that I was able to gather with my brothers and sisters and their families and that we were able to pick up right where we left off, as if the time we spent apart and the distance between us was not a factor. I am grateful for the bond that our children have with each other and for the way they are able to play together so well. The big kids even made sure they included the little ones in their games! I look forward to the next family reunion.

Thank you to each of my family members and I love you all!
(I would like copies of any pictures you took over the weekend and I will send you what I took.)

Kaelee's kitties

Kaelee loves kitties so we got a couple for her for her birthday.

The gray one we named 'Cinderella' and the black one we named 'Tinkerbell'.

She carried them around by their necks and had scratches all over her arms for several weeks. We figured maybe she'd learn not to carry them around that way, but instead the kittens gave in and just let her do whatever she wanted to them. Unfortunately, they ran away after we had been living in Jerome for only a week. I don't think she really remembers ever having them.

Jerome Sweet Home

As promised . . . pictures of my home!
We moved into this home in Jerome mid-June. Brian began his electric apprenticeship with the union at this time. He is helping build the St Luke's Hospital in Twin Falls. The job is not all he was hoping it would be, but it has gotten us closer to family, which is where we want to be. I am still sekking employment and have decided to post fliers and put an ad in the newspaper to open a small (2-3 child) daycare in my home. I have really enjoyed the time I have been able to spend with my children.
Briton has been adjusting well and has several girls coming over to play everyday (I think they think he's cute). Parker is doing amazingly well; I continue to see improvement with him everyday. Kaelee is just fine as long as she has mommy; every time I turn around she is right there!
We have a wonderful ward and have never been welcomed so openly and with so much love before!!! The kids have even adjusted to Primary after only a couple weeks!
This move has been a blessing for us and I really, really, REALLY hope we are here to stay for awhile.

Coming Soon . . .

I will be posting pictures of the house we are currently in in Jerome. I still have a few more boxes to unpack or put into storage.

A family amid uncertain times

After taking some time out of my much needed cleaning time to "catch up" on the latest news from my family members' blogs, I realized just how much I take my blog for granted. What a great way for me to keep a journal, of sorts, for my children.

Brian and I were married almost 8 years ago in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. I have always loved the Logan temple because it looks like a castle; I always wanted to be a princess and I knew that this was one way I could truly feel like one! Brian was my prince in a black tuxedo and although he no longer wears his tux, he is still, and will forever be, my prince.

We started our lives together in a tiny one bedroom apartment in Pocatello where he went to ISU's Tech College studying Electrical Technology and I worked at the Pocatello Womens Correctional Center. Upon Brian's completion of his schooling he landed a job with the City of Burley and with me being 4 months pregnant we moved to a very small two bedroom home in Heyburn. It was here that our first child was born.

I have told my son this story several times and he loves to hear me repeat it often: When I first found out that I was pregnant, I knew I was going to have a little boy. In fact, I wore a blue sweater to work that day and made sure everybody knew I was having a little boy. And not just any little boy; a little boy with blond hair and blue/grey eyes! When it came time for the ultrasound I agreed to find out the sex of this little body growing inside of me, although I really didn't need to know. Briton Craig Blauer was born October 7, 2002. Only my wedding day brought as much joy to me as seeing this beautiful little boy swaddled in my arms!

During the time that Brian worked for the City of Burley, we lived in three different homes and welcomed our second child. Parker Cole Blauer was born December 17, 2004. He is my miracle baby. I know his story may be small and insignificant compared to some, but he is my miracle.

Parker had a very difficult time coming into this world. He was not breathing and his blueness had me freaking out! The nurses took him away immediately and all I could ask Brian was if my baby was going to be okay. He couldn't give me a definite answer because he was wondering the same thing himself. Parker had fluid on his lungs and was having a lot of trouble breathing; he had to wear a special plastic "collar" and I was unable to hold him for the first few days of his life. Brian, Scott (his brother), and Bri's father gave our little boy a priesthood blessing; they wheeled me into the nursery so I could be there. I remember a feeling of complete comfort and knowing that my son would grow up to be a fun, active, and inspiring little boy!

Brian decided to try his hand at a school in Arizona, so we packed up our belongings and headed off an . . . adventure, to put it mildly. Needless to say Brian did not get into the school and ended up being t-boned by a semi truck on his way to work. Things were not working and if we continued to live where we were, we were not going to be a family much longer. We moved back to Burley where we lived with Brian's parents for a little while until he landed a job with Idaho Power. This job moved our young family to Blackfoot, ID.

We found a three bedroom apartment that was just right for our little family especially since we were expecting our third child by this time. Kaelee Elizabeth Blauer was born May 6, 2007. Kaelee's story is similar to Briton's. I knew the moment I found out I was pregnant that I was going to have a little girl. Brian and I had talked many times about the number of children we wanted; I never wanted a large family and Brian didn't care either way. Knowing this baby I was carrying was a little girl made my life so utterly complete so we decided she was going to be our last. Kaelee is my little angel and my life still feels complete.

Living in Blackfoot has brought some challenges, of which I do not wish to endure ever again! Thus, we have lived in three different places here.

After Brian found out that he was going to be losing his job with Idaho Power, he began looking for something else. It has not been an easy thing for him knowing that he needs to find someting that will be sufficient enough to continue providing for his family. He got on with the Electrical Union where he could do his apprenticeship and get his Journeyman's license. This job has us moving to the Magic Valley. We found a small four bedroom home in Jerome, which is where this new family adventure begins today . . .

I am thankful for all that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with, for the challenges that I have been faced with, and the lessons I have learned from such challenges. I know that I will forever continue to be a work in progress. My greatest hope is that one day my children will look back and say, "My dad and mom are my heroes and I want to be just like them when I grow up!"

Blauer family sidewalk art

We went out and enjoyed the beautiful weather this evening. The kids thought it was great that mom and dad were outside coloring with them! Isn't it amazing - the simple things make our kids the happiest sometimes. I look forward to being outside with them so much more this summer.

Easter '09

Kaelee

Parker

Briton

The kids were all sick on Easter so I didn't take their pictures in their new outfits until just this week.

The first real spring day of '09

Summer bent over the flower bed working hard - thanks for the great photo Brian!

Briton took off without those annoying training wheels, now he's unstoppable.

Parker made faces at daddy and helped mom plant the flowers once the ground was ready.

Kaelee has finally warmed up to Sophie - maybe because Sophie has calmed down after having pups.

After all our hard work and play Brian started up his grill and bar-b-qued hamburgers and hot dogs. What a wonderful day we had together as a family!

First family fishing trip of '09

We met grandma and grandpa Blauer in American Falls to go fishing. Nobody caught anything, but the boys got to use their poles they got for Christmas and Parker learned to cast. That boy has got quite an arm! Kaelee got bored sitting on the rocks and watching the boys, so she and mommy went back up to the van and played with her doll until the boys were ready to go.

The misadventures of children and markers

This is what happens when you let a little girl get a hold of the markers. Yes, she did have paper, but apparently she found her neck, hands, and face to be a better canvas for her artwork. She loves to color and when her brothers get the art supplies out, you just CANNOT keep her out of them. (Please disregard the little boogies in her nose.)

At the church history museum

The church history museum had a special exhibit for children.

Kaelee found the nursery set up and played with the babies the whole time, she loves babies. That baby is almost as big as she is!

Parker found the stain glass window creator area fascinating.

Look at the way the "sun" shines through his window - amazing!

Briton enjoyed building temples.

Look at that beautiful building - I can't wait to go inside!

At Temple Square

This is the first we have taken the kids to Temple Square. They were totally amazed at everything there was to see and they loved it!

Briton, Kaelee, and mom - Parker was resting on the bench with dad.

Mom and her boys.

2009 Winter Family Vacation

We went to Salt Lake the end of February. The kids got a kick out of the planetarium, I think they would have enjoyed the Discovery center even more, but we ran out of time.

Kaelee makes the perfect little martian face.

Briton and Kaelee standing on Mars.

All three of the kids standing on the moon. Sometimes I wish we could have left them there!

Melanie, we love you!

Melanie Grace, 5 month old daughter of Thayne and Amber, was admitted to Primary Childrens' Medical Center in Salt Lake City on February 10 with a serious congenital heart condition known as Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA). She is having surgery at 7:30 am February 11 to corect the defect. The doctors can surgically correct the defect, but there is significant damage to the left ventricle of the heart, they won't know the full extent until after the surgery.
Anyone reading this, please pray for our beautiful niece and cousin that she comes through with flying colors!

Irving Kindergarten Center Christmas program

Briton in his class Christmas presentation. They sang or rather screamed a bunch of christmas songs while doing actions to a few of them. Briton is the fifth child from the left in the front row - he is one of the tallest in the school!
My video camera broke the night before the program so I recorded it on my MP3 player and our little tape recorder and took pictures with my camera.

Briton picked out the sports balls fabric for his pajamas this year. I think he will try just about any sport - last summer he played t-ball, this summer he wants to try his foot at soccer.

Parker picked out the race cars, but they didn't have enough fabric and he didn't want another kind so I improvised and he LOVES his pajamas!

Kaelee didn't really care or know what was going on at the store. All she knew was that she wanted out of the cart so I picked out her fabric. What a ham!