Catch up!

It has been way way too long since I have blogged about my little family.  Consequently, there is a major back log of pictures in this post documenting my time with just me and the kids.  (John has traveled all over the US.  Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Georgia.  He's got a great job that is keeping him busy, and we miss him like CRAZY.)

My and adorable little Logan.

Yeah, we're a little big nutty.  That's what fatigue does to me.  ha ha.

A couple Sundays ago we were ready for church early.  It was such a miraculous event, that of course I had to snap some shots of my 4 - all clean, all dressed, all combed - little boys.  

There's Cory, of course.  

*Me Shaking my head*

How we love him.

Bryson.

Dallin.

...And Logan.

A few weeks ago we were invited to go to the mountains with some good friends.  Fun!

The older boys got hair cuts and looked absolutely darling.  I love their expressions!!

I have had to learn to balance being a working mom.  Oh boy.  It's been interesting.  What doesn't kill me makes me stronger, right?  My thyroid levels went crazy for a few months, but I've got them under control now, and life once again feels like I actually have a chance of surviving.

My job is going well.  I've been at the dialysis center for seven months now.  I've definitely improved, and things are becoming easier.  I still have plenty of room to improve, but at least I never get bored!  I only work three days a week, but those are long days.  I usually work two 15-16 hour days, and one 12 hour day.  I love doing the needles.  I didn't think I would, but I'm sort of a needle junkie now.  I still get scared, but it's a total rush.  I love the patients.  They are amazing people.  I have had to say good-bye to some sweet hearts which has been sad, but I guess that's just part of the job too.  My co-workers are nice and I have gained friends through my work.  

Life without my darling husband has gotten easier.  Not easy...just easier.  I miss him like crazy, but hopefully this won't have to last TOO much longer. 

My littlest sister went to the temple.  The whole family was able to attend.  We love Shelisa!!!!

I went to pick up Cory from my inlaws and I found him outside "playing the guitar".  ha ha.  I love you, Cory.  Always good for a chuckle!!

In John's travels, he's gone all cowboy on us!  Mmmm.  

Logan took a spill down the stairs, landing face first on the tile.  

Cory and Dallin.  

Wow!  I got a picture without him making a goofy face!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bryson looking older.  

Dallin being adorable.  

Logan fell asleep in the car with a hat on.  I tried to take it off when I came inside but he woke up and went completely hysterical when I tried to take it off.  So, I did what any mother would do.  I gave him back his hat.  He went right back to sleep and slept for a solid three hours.  With the hat on the whole time.  Sweet baby.  He thinks he's a big boy.  

He got a cute new little outfit from Aunt Shelisa.  

Him checking himself out in the mirror.  

John was able to visit for a couple weeks, and he wore a beanie most days.  After he left, Logan wanted to wear beanies every day.  

Chubby baby feet!!

Bath time!!  I know all these bath pictures are a little redundant, but he was so cute in all of them, I couldn't choose which to take out.  :)

Bryson all studly and ready for school.  He loves his new Diamondbacks backpack!!!

So, that's the jist of the past few months of me and my crew.  

Oh too funny.

Family fun

The past month or two has sure helped me better appreciate my family.  Not that I didn't appreciate them, but I love and appreciate them now more than ever.  I try to treasure each moment with them, because it feels like those moments come way too infrequently now that I've started working.  

Even moments like this make me smile...

Yes.  Yes.  That is gum smashed all across my one-year old's head.  Logan got a hair cut after that one.  This little incident was courtesy of Dallin.  

Also, John has now left for TX.  One more thing to help me treasure the time we have together.   His job here was breaking his back, and not paying a whole lot, so after a lot of thought/prayer/stress we've decided to send him to find a job in TX.  He doesn't officially have the job, but has been told the next job opening will be his, so here's hoping...!!  Meanwhile, I will stay behind and work and get the house ready to sell.  The kids and I will be moving in with my parents.  I have to be to work by 4am (sometimes earlier), and getting them up between 3-3:30 am on a school morning just didn't make sense.  And this way, they can have the stability of a constant routine.  On nights that I work late, they will still have dinner at the same time and with the same people.  I appreciate my parents for helping us so much.  

The day before he left I was determined to have some family fun.  We pulled the kids out of school for the day, and just ran errands as a family.  Then, in the afternoon, I dragged a family full of grumpy boys to the county fair.  Once we got there they all cheered up, and we had a blast.  Cory was excited to go on some of the bigger rides with daddy, including the Gravatron!!  Here they are on the ferris wheel, although you can't really see them.  

Dallin and Bryson decided to play it a little safer, and had some fun riding the smaller rides.  

I love this shot!  Brothers having FUN!

My handsome boys!!

The next morning John headed off to TX at 4am.  Dallin woke up first.  He grabbed his little orange blanket, and followed Daddy into the car, assuming he was going too.  We had to tell him he couldn't go.  He went back to bed, and then the older boys woke up in time to all give Daddy a hug before we sent him off to the great unknown.  We'll miss you, Daddy!

Oh Dallin, what entertainment you are!

The other morning, there was a mad rush to get ready on Sunday morning, as there usually is.  I was putting on my make-up when Dallin got out of the bath.  I told him to go put his underwear on, and put on his church clothes.  A few minutes later he came to me, telling me he was all ready for church.  His voice had a hint of mischief in it, and when I turned around, this is what I saw:  

HA HA!  Oh, Dallin, you are so funny.  

Then, the other afternoon I came into our front room, and found Dallin meditating.   Hee hee.

Dallin's 4th birthday

Yay!  Dallin turned FOUR!!!!!  I just can't believe it.  He used to be my baby, it doesn't feel like THAT long ago!!  

I was scheduled to work on Dallin's big day, but my preceptor (trainer) allowed me to switch days so I could be home with my little boy!  THANK HEAVENS!!

So, we started the morning with a special breakfast: pancakes with sprinkles and white chocolate chips, and his own bottle of apple juice.  :)  He was a happy camper.  

So were his brothers.

We sent the bigger boys off to school and had some fun around the house.  He got a batman shirt as his first present (see the first picture), and he was THRILLED with it.  He decided to get ready to go...so he got dressed with his hat, gloves, sunglasses, and two...yes, TWO belts.  

Then he wanted a photo shoot.  He wanted me get his front side...

...and his backside.  :)

Oh, Dallin.  I love you.  You provide ENDLESS amounts of entertainment!!

Just before the kids got home from school, Nanny Goates (my mom) picked up Dallin and took him out for ice cream.  The kid at the table next to him said to his mother "MOM!  That boy has a BATMAN shirt on!"  Dallin felt like cool stuff!  

While Dallin was away, the older boys decorated the house with streamers and balloons.  We picked up a pizza and a cake - yes, store bought.  *shaking head*  That's what being a working mom has done to me.  

We had Nana, Grandpa Tilton, and Jacob over for dinner and dessert.  

Such a handsome group of boys!!!  You can just feel how happy Dallin is!!

Cake time!!!!  Captain America!!  Dallin loved it!

Snug as a bug in a rug!





Night night, little Dallin.  You are my joy.  You are so much fun, you add so much to my daily life.  Thank you for being you.  Oh, and happy happy birthday!!









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