My Talented Daughter

Tonight I was working on the computer (OK wasting time on the computer) and Bryndee came out of her room very excited. "Mom you have got to hear this!" Putting her cell phone to my ear she proceeded to play We Thank Thee Oh God For Our Prophet by pushing the buttons on her cell phone. She can't play the piano, but she sure can play the phone. I am so proud! She is so talented!

Abby's Christmas List

I woke up this morning and found this list on the table:
1. A giant paint set
2. A Nintendo DS
3. A Barbie House
4. About 5 more Barbies
5. Nail polish
6. Lipstick
7. DS Games (If I get a DS)
8. Pet Shops
9. WebKinz: Bunnie, Rino, Duck, & a Raindeer
10. High School Musical 3 on DVD
11. GRANDPA ALLAN TO GET BETTER!!!!

Isn't she a sweetheart? All I want is number 11 also! I love you Dad!

Full Of Truth!

While I was preparing for a talk I get to give for the San Tan 1st Ward's Enrichment Night, I came across this quote. I feel it is full of truth especially with the outcome of this election!

“Whatever the era, whatever the times, one thing will never change: Fathers and mothers, if you have children, they must come first. You must read to your children and you must hug your children and you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House but on what happens inside your house.” Barbra Bush

Halloween

My kids start talking about their costumes for Halloween in February. I have finally made a rule that costumes can not be discussed until October 1st. This year Kymber wanted to be a witch. We didn't have any which costumes on hand so Bryndee offered to make her costume for one of her value projects. What a great idea! So I bought the pattern and fabric and Bryndee went to town. She did most of it by herself and did a great job. The only problem was the project was to take 10 hours and she only took 6 hours. So we are trying to figure out what she can do to make up the remaining 4 hours. Anyway Kymber was thrilled and so was Bryndee. I enjoy watching her sew and developing a new talent.

Bryndee working hard!

The finished project

Here are my kids...Kymber the witch, Torie a Pajama Party Princess, Ellie as Cinderella (we were lucky to get this dress off her for church today), and Abby the Queen.

Ron even got into it this year. Tara let him borrow her Harry Potter costume she wore to work earlier that day. The sad thing is Ron and I had to look Harry Potter up on the Internet because neither of us had seen any of the movies and had no idea what he looked like. The kids were pretty pleased that their Dad would dress up. Way to go Ron!

Raising Teenagers!

My friend Ginger wrote this for her blog and gave me permission to post it on my blog. I thought it was very profound!

I've decided people are like butterflies. Our kids are like the caterpillars when they are little. Parents are like the cocoon. We shelter them as they grow and as they change (puberty). But then before long they are wanting out of that shell and they start trying to get out. They want to be free and spread their wings. So they start pushing and stretching to try to get out... I've decided the whole experience is a very painful process... for the cocoon!

Too Funny!

I stole this off my friend, Carey's blog. I hope she does not mind, but I don't think she will seeing as how she stole it from someone else. I found it quite funny! Thanks Carey!

Porter And His Buddies!!!

Porter and I had a surprise this past week. Some of our good friends came home for a surprise visit. My good friend Marissa and her family (Breton, one of Porter's best buddies) moved last January to Peru for a couple of years. Monday afternoon I get a call from Marissa informing me they are in town for a surprise for her dad. I was thrilled for 2 reasons: 1. Obviously I was excited to see her and her family, and 2. It had been a month since I could get in contact with her no telephone (Vonage is not all it is cracked up to be), and no Internet therefore no e-mail. I just knew something was wrong. It was so good to see them. We talked Breton into coming with us to Porter's B-Ball game and surprising him. When Porter saw Breton walk in he could not believe it. Too bad they lost their game, but it was fun for Breton to watch Porter play. Porter had another game on Wed. so Breton came with us again. Porter's team lost again. I told Breton if we weren't so excited to see him we would think he was bad luck for Porter. :o}

Porter and Breton wanted to spend Friday night together since Breton was leaving early Sun. morning. We went ahead and invited Prescott over as well since he and Breton knew each other already. They had such a good time. I am so grateful for the friends that Porter has chosen. He is always surrounded by good kids. It is so funny to me the difference of Porter's friends. We have the sport's nuts, the extremely intelligent kids, the really big guys (not hard to be this considering how small Porter is), and the younger guys. Porter doesn't care what people look like or who they are, he is just friends with everyone. I had to take a picture of these 3 boys Friday night. Look at the size difference of these kids. We have Porter on the left, then Prescott, then Breton. There are only 6 months separating these boys. Kinda funny Huh?

Happy 16th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary Ron! It has been a wonderful 16 years! I love you~A

Laser Tag

I know I know don't hate me because I am beautiful! Cherai was suppost to "Dr." up my photo before she sent it to me and she must have forgot. Anyway Saturday night Ron and I had a great time with about 25 other couples. We played Laser Tag. We had such a good time. George Miller was the "Master Mind" behind this fun evening. He reserved the whole place for our group, we were able to play 2 rounds. Needless to say, shooting is not my sport. The first round I scored 55 out of 57. Ron was not much better I think he got 49. The second round I improved I got 47 out of 52. Ron also improved he got 29 out of 52. It was alot of fun and I am glad we did it! Thanks Debbie for inviting us!

I HATE CANCER!!!!!

Happy Birthday Grandma Sharon

Happy Birthday Mom! Hope your day is wonderful! I asked some of my kids (Bryndee had already left for school when I thought of this) what they thought of when I said Grandma Sharon and here are their responses:

Porter: "I think of always having fun with her oh yea and her rolls they are the best!"
Torie: "I think of her always having gingersnaps to eat, they are so yummy! She is also funny!"
Kymber: "I think she is so nice. I also love the orange slices she has for me to eat."
Abby: "When I think of Grandma I think I smell a Baker. I also think of the ice cream sandwiches she always has for us."
Ellie: "I love to play blue play dough at Grandma Sharon's house."

Happy Birthday! We sure love you and wish we were with you celebrating with the nurses.

Update On Dad

Once again I took this off Cassie's Blog:

Here is a quick update on what is going on with my dad and his cancer. Last week he had what is called a PET Scan and a Scope. The Scan is really the last test they can do on him to try and figure out what type of Cancer he has. Today the Doctors were able to show us the scan over the computer. It goes through his entire body, major organs and glands. The result of that was nothing that we don't already know. It is in his hip, lung and a few glands, but his Heart, Liver, Pancreas, Stomach and Kidneys all are clean, they look great! (Due to the cancer he has lost 30 pounds .) They still cannot figure out where the source of the cancer is. So right now his condition is labeled "Cancer of the Unknown Primary" which is only about 5% of all cancers, very rare. They admitted him today up at Huntsman Cancer Hospital to start his prep for his surgery on Wednesday. Today they are doing an Embolism which is where the doctors cut off all blood supply to his tumor in his hip (about a 2 1/2 hour procedure). Then on Wednesday he will be getting a full hip replacement and a removal of that yucky tumor. That procedure will be about 6 hours. Then he will have a recovery in the hospital anywhere from 5-10 days. His healing at home will be about 4 weeks. After the 4 weeks then the doctors will discuss what type of Chemo he will be on. They only have two to choose from. They will try one type for about 2-3 months and then x-ray to see if the cancer is shrinking. If that doesn't work than they have one more to try. We still have a long road of waiting. Please keep him in your prayers, especially on Wednesday.

Thanks again Cassie for the info.

Happy Birthday Abby!

The fall is a busy time at our house. Three birthdays within 4 weeks what were we thinking? Anyway today is Abby's B-Day she turned 6 years old. I can't believe she is already 6 years old where has the time gone? Abby is my SWEETHEART! She is a very kind and compassionate child. Maybe it is because she has been through so much her first couple of years that she has a high tolerance of others and their ways. Abby is a very smart girl that loves to learn. Because of her size (she is really tall) we started her in school a year early and we are glad we did. Abby is the youngest and the tallest in her class, but you would not know she is young because she fits right in academically. Abby has the funniest personality! She always makes us laugh. From the very beginning Abby has been a wonderful eater. She loves her veggies. I remember giving her celery and carrots to eat for a snack one afternoon and hearing her giggling at the table. I asked her what was so funny and she said she was just so happy to be having the very best snack ever. We love you Abby! You are WONDERFUL!!

When Abby was 2 she ended up in the hospital for 9 days with an abscess on her liver (I know very weird). There was a time there when the Dr's. didn't know if she would make it. It was an awful time in our family. This picture was taken just weeks before this whole ordeal. Ron gave her a blessing just days before she went into the hospital and I clung to the promises made in that blessing. I honestly believe that is what got me through this awful time.

Abby choose to go to Olive Garden for her birthday dinner. After dinner Ellie asked when we were going to go to "All the Gardens" it took some convincing to help her realize that we said Olive Garden and not All the Gardens.

Porter And His Rubiks Cube

Yesterday while I was out and about I get a call from Porter asking me if I will pick him up a Rubiks Cube. Ever since the school student council elections when one kid solved a rubiks cube while giving his speech (proving he could solve any problem that came his way, which I think was rather clever by the way) Porter has been fascinated with that toy. I picked him up one and immediately he went to work. Within minutes he had that thing so messed up I thought well it is ruined. From 4:00 pm till bed time he worked on that thing. Every once in a while I would hear "Oh dang it", or "Oh NO", or "Dang now I have to start over!" But he would continue on with it. Last night at 9:45 pm I came in to tell Porter I was going to bed. He could continue working, but be quiet and turn off the lights when you are done. This morning after he had been up for about 1 hour I hear "Yes! I did it!" He came running in just a pleased as anything-he did it the cube was perfect again! I was amazed. When I was a kid I would peel off the stickers. Ron said even he could never figure it out and he is one of the smartest people I know. Way to go Porter! As he was running to show his sisters he dropped the cube and and crash! The Cube was in pieces and so was Porter. Needless to say we will be going back to the store and purchasing a new cube and he will be starting all over again. Can't wait to see you complete it again!

Happy Birthday Taralee!

My baby is 1 year old today! I can't believe it. I have always said "9 months is a long time to get a baby here, it is not fair that 1 year goes by so fast!" Taralee is such a joy! She is a very calm, happy baby and has been this way from day one (I think Heavenly Father knew this family would not function if our baby was not calm). She slept through the night when she was one week old and has continued to be a good sleeper. She looks a little like Porter she even has the animated eyebrows and the tongue that sticks out when she concentrates. All our kids adore her and think she is the cutest baby ever. We love you Taralee (Talula)!

A couple weeks old
Just about 6 months old. I can't believe how much Bryndee has grown up in the last 6 months.
About 9 months old
1 year old!

6th Grade Science Camp

I had the opportunity to go to Science Camp with Torie this year. We had a wonderful time! We took off on Wed. morning and headed up to Prescott to the escape the heat and to enjoy a terrific camp in the Prescott Mts. called Friendly Pines. We slept in cabins, ate good food, and walked a whole lot (I wish I had a pedometer to keep track). Don't get me wrong there was some learning as well. Cherai and I were chaperons of the "Pink Panther" group which consisted of Torie, Sadie, and 6 other girls. We were a little worried at the beginning about some of these girls, a little to spoiled and pretty affected with themselves (so we thought), but we were wrong. We learned a lesson, as well as our daughters, that you shouldn't judge others by the way they look you may miss out on an opportunity of friendship.

I was very impressed with how well everything went. There were close to 100 students, about 10 school teachers, and 20 parent chaperons. Were were there for 3 days and 2 nights. We had a schedule we had to keep with sessions that we had to attend. Some sessions were...rock wall climbing, obstacle course (with team building strategies), hiking, using compasses, owl pellets, and a few others. During our free time we had to come up with a cabin cheer, a flag, and a skit. The girls did a great job working together coming up with their cheer and their flag. While we were there Cherai came up with a clever skit about the "Pink Panther" and the girls did a great job acting. By the time we got home I was exhausted, but glad I went. Only 3 years till I get to go with Kymber and she is already counting down the time.

The Hot Pink Panthers
Cherai and I and our girls
Torie competing in one of the obstacle course games. It was a hilarious game whoever came up with it was very cleaver! The kids had a ball with it! If you look close, you can see the kids are standing on a log that is suspended in air by 2 chains on each end. The object is to balance on this log for a few seconds by working together as a team. It is very difficult because when one looses it's balance everyone begins to fall. It was fun to see the kids come up with their own way to make this happen.
I had to take this picture because in 6th grade girls and boys are just starting to discover each other. In this particular game the kids had to hold hands which meant at least 1 boy and 1 girl would be touching. If you look closely, their hands are not clasping but just barely touching. It cracked me up.

My Dad Is Still A Mystery!

Once again I got this off of Cassie's Blog...

"Today I went up with my parents to Huntsman Cancer Center to meet with the tumor doctor. Well after the biopsy last week they have determined that he will need a total hip replacement because the cancer has eaten away at the bone. He (the doctor) said it looked as though there had been termites in there. The bone is so bad that they have to create a new part out of cement and something like re barb but not. The Hip Replacement Surgery will be on October 15 up at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital. He will be admitted there for about 5-7 days. At that time they will also remove the tumor. They also discovered that the tumor is not the source of the cancer and so they are passing him onto a new doctor. A "Gut" doctor. They believe that the cancer is somewhere in his GI tract. But are still unsure where it is. So next Monday he has an appointment with that doctor and a possible scope that will go down his throat and check all through his GI tract from above. So here we go again...Hurry up and Wait! We are still feeling positive, this appointment today went well, we feel like they are at least narrowing the search down. But we are quickly beginning to dread Mondays since that is when every appointment is. My dad is recovering pretty well from his biopsy, still pretty sore because where the tumor is they had to move around some muscle and make a great big incision. It is located near his Sciatic Nerve which makes that nerve "angry" and causes some pretty bad discomfort. But he is off his pain meds and is looking better"

I am grateful that Cassie is able to go to the Dr. Apt. with Mom and Dad. It is nice having another set of ears when we are dealing with something so complicated. Once again thanks Cassie!

How Cute Is That?

How come Baby Fat is so CUTE! Now that Taralee is walking (she prefers walking to crawling) we got her some shoes to walk in. These HOT PINK sparklie crocs fit the bill not only the bill, but her little fat feet as well. I loved the way they looked I just had to share so enjoy!

Happy Birthday Kymber!

Happy birthday Kymberlie! I can't believe you are 9 years old. Kymber is a very creative and passionate little girl. When it comes to creativity, there isn't anything she can't do. She is a wonderful artist, she writes amazing stories, she tells amazing stories off the top of her head, we like the ones thatare ment for entertainment and not the ones trying to cover something up. :o} She is passionate about what she believes in. If she gets something in her head there is no changing her mind. Kymber is also very musical. She is always singing and has a pretty little voice. She also loves the piano. Not necessarly practicing, but making up songs and playing them for her family. She does a pretty good job too. Here are some pictures of Kymber this past year...

When we went to Disneyland she got up on stage and danced and sang with this group of performers. Notice she is the only one of my kids up there. The others would not be cought dead up there, but Kymber ate it up.
Kymber and Minnie Mouse!

Taralee loves Kymber! And so does the rest of her family! Happy Birthday Kymber We love you!!

Update On Dad!

I took this info off Cassie's blog, it pretty much sums up what is going on with Dad.

"Today I went with my parents up to Salt Lake to the Huntsman Cancer Center. It really is a big, beautiful facility. After finally seeing the Dr (we only had to wait 4 hours) he has decided that he will do an open biopsy on the tumor on my dad's pelvic bone this Wednesday. He (my dad) continues to be a mystery to the Doctors. Because they found cancer in my dad's lung but it is NOT lung cancer they have traced the cancer cells to his liver. But his liver looks clean and healthy. Then they find this tumor (11 centimeters long) on his pelvic bone. So the doctor thinks he needs to go into that tumor and get some tissue from it and see if they can trace it to the lungs. I think they labeled him "super complex". The doctor/surgeon he is working with now is the best. He is the number one tumor specialist for Huntsman. So we feel he is in good hands. After the biopsy then the surgeons and doctors will meet on Monday and have a "Treatment Planning Conference" where they will discuss his case specifically and see what they think the treatment and plan should be. So we know nothing more now but feel very confident in who is working with him. Now we are on to the waiting game...again. Thanks for your prayers and support...Keep them coming! "

Thanks for the info Cassie!

EXCITING NEWS!!

Taralee walks and Ellie sits on the "Big Girl Potty"! Life is exciting at the Derrick House!
Just this last week something clicked with Taralee and she just started walking. The kids act like she is the only baby we have had in the house they are so into her and her accomplishments. Maybe it is because they know she is our last one. Anyway we are all enjoying her and the fun things she does.
Don't you just love the panties hanging out of her gym suit. Just like Taralee with walking something just clicked and the rest was history. I guess we can't hope for free preschool anymore.

Bryndee's First Game!

Bryndee cheered at her first high school game tonight! It was so fun to see her out there on the side lines. She looked really good, the whole squad looked great tonight! I know she was not thrilled with her mom taking pictures of her so I sent Torie down to the side lines to be my photographer. Oh and by the way our school won! 34-6

Bryndee waiting for direction from her coach.

Look how happy she is. She actually called out some of the cheers and I could even hear her. She is coming out of her shell and becoming a great teenager!
I know this is a terrible picture, (I don't know what happened) but I wanted a picture of Bryndee and Lexi being flyers. I though I would be nervous having Bryn balance on girls hands and then be thrown in the air, but it was so neat seeing how their hard work has paid off.

How Would You Like Hair Like This!

My Nephew Jake (the one on the left) is serving an LDS mission in the West Indies and this is a man he and his comp met on the street. Jake informed us that this man is not interested in religion he is happy with his own beliefs and his pot. Go figure!

This Really Stinks!!!!

As some of you know my parents returned home from their mission in New York in February of this year. Since they have been home my dad has had numerous health issues. A blood clot in his hip, constant coughing, weight loss just to name a few. Well this past week his Pulmonary (lung) Dr. requested that he get a biopsy on his lungs to find out what was there, she had seen some unusual spots and wanted to check them out. After a biopsy of the lung (from what I understand this is an awful surgery) the report is in and the spots are Cancer. Not lung cancer but another form that is coming from another source in his body. So this next week he will be undergoing some more x-rays as well as more testing to find the source of the cancer. He is scared. I am scared. My dad has always been very healthy. He exercises, eats right, he has never let anything "harmful" enter his body. He has come from healthy stock. His mom just died earlier this year at the age of 96 she was healthy, her body just quit. His dad was 82 when he left us and the only thing wrong with him was he was hard of hearing. I guess I just always thought he would be just like his parents. I guess I was naive. I hate that he is going through this. My mom is being strong. He has always taken care of my mom and now it is her turn to take care of him (she had a really good teacher).

I have always had a strong testimony of our Heavenly Father's Plan, but I don't think I was truly grateful for it. Being "thrown" in this situation has really made me ponder His plan and I am going to rely heavily on it to get me through this next phase in my dad's life. I am grateful for my Father in Heaven who knows me personally and is aware of what my family is going through. I can't even imagine going through this without this knowledge. I am sad, but I feel peace.

What A Fun Night We Had!!!

WARNING THIS IS A LONG ONE!

Lately our kids have been "bickering" and fighting more than usual. It has been driving me crazy! Monday night it was my turn to teach the lesson for FHE. I was not looking forward to this because I knew it would turn into another "Family Home Grieving" night. I was determined to come up with a fun lesson that would help my kids realize that they could have friends within their own family. I mean look at Tara and I we have always been good friends. I am not saying we were perfect because I know we had our moments of frustration with each other, but we made the most out of our situation and are still to this day very close friends as well as sisters.

I found an idea on the Internet that was perfect for my plan. We started out the night with the song "Happy Family". Then after a prayer, we promptly went into the kitchen. We were then put into groups; Mom and Abby, Bryndee and Porter, Torie and Kymber (I am determined to get these 2 to enjoy each other). Bryndee, Torie, and I sat down and our "partners" were blindfolded and then told they would be applying make up on those of us sitting on the chairs. I know what you are thinking, the same thing Ron was thinking...Where is this going? All of us had the best time. It has been a long time since I have heard our whole family laughing together having pure clean fun with no teasing involved.

After we were done, we went into the living room (this is our usual FHE spot) with make up and all and asked the kids if they knew why we did that? The response was I don't know why, but it sure was fun. I then read to them: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and WHOLESOME RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World") This prompted a great discussion about what we can do as a family so we can enjoy each other. We came up with lots of ideas that we can do as a family that #1 don't cost anything, and #2 that we can enjoy together without having to include others outside the family.

To finish the lesson I brought out the "For the Strength of Youth pamphlet" and read: "Being part of a family is a great blessing. Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life. Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Father's plan.

"Do your part to build a happy home. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others. Many problems in the home are created because family members speak and act selfishly or unkindly. Concern yourself with the needs of other family members. Seek to be a peacemaker rather than to tease, fight, and quarrel. Remember that the family is the most sacred unit of the Church.

"Honor your parents by showing love and respect for them and by being obedient. Be willing to help in the home with chores that need to be done. Participate in family activities and traditions, including family prayer, family home evenings, and family scripture reading. These traditions strengthen and unify families. Set a good example for other family members.

"Strengthen your relationships with your brothers and sisters. They can become your closest friends. Support them in their interests and help them with problems they may be facing."

After a closing prayer we had cookies and a quick game of charades. It turned out to be a wonderful night. And by the way, the makeup came off with only a little bit of scrubbing. If you do this, I suggest not using waterproof mascara. :0}

Abby applying make up on Mom

Porter and Kymber working their "magic"! Porter was so funny he kept waving his hand and shaking his hips saying "Just call me a Stylists!" It was so out of character for him. Either Tara or Ron took the picture and they were laughing so hard the camera shook hence the blurry picture.

The end result. Aren't we lovely!

I think we had a little too much fun. Ron crashed on the couch at 8:30 pm. I am the one to blame for this blurry picture I was laughing at him this time.