Adams Family Fun

Real Life

2012-02-15T15:26:00.003-07:00

On a day-to-day basis our lives really aren't all that amazing. However, the day to day activities are what make up our lives. Hum drum, ordinary, call it what you will, the moments that make up my days are what will eventually become my legacy.

With that in mind I've decided to start a series that will most likely continue throughout the year. I will call it 'Real Life'. I will take pictures of the not-so-picture-perfect moments. The moments that make up the minutes that make up the hours that make up my days. I will try to capture them.

So, here it is folks.

Real Life.

Right here in my home.

Real Life.

My life.

With Daddy

2012-02-15T15:21:00.001-07:00

I couldn't pass this up.

These two are pals.

I love you Daddy. January 10, 2012

Warren 3 months old.

3 Months Old

2012-02-15T15:14:00.002-07:00

January 6, 2012

Our New Year started out with our little boy turning 3 months old!!!

Here he is on the couch posing for the camera!

These are the pictures I took. My incredibly talented sister, Angela took some with her fancy camera. I'll post those another time!

Warren M. Adams

3 months old

January 6, 2012

Love

2012-02-15T15:01:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was the infamous Lover's Holiday.

I loved being ALL my boys' Valentine!

I told Jacob I am to be his Valentine every year until he is 25!

I got lots of kisses and hugs.

The children had WAY too much candy from classroom parties!

Luke is master of mooching candy off his older sister!

I made pink heart shaped pancakes and Les made strawberry smoothies for breakfast.

The children got new aprons (I've been saving them for over a year!) and each one got a ring pop. They were in heaven.

I actually thought ahead enough to choose Les a card.

I usually write a long letter describing my love for him.

This year I decided the card did it better than I do, plus I'm super tired.

I have a beautiful bouquet of roses on my table as proof of Les' undying love for me.

I love white roses.

It was a good day.

We had Joel over for dinner. I always enjoy his company.

He has a talent for making the people he is with feel so important.

I love that about him.

We had key lime pie for dessert.

With lots of whipped cream!

So yum.

I actually like the whipped cream more than the pie, but you need a medium for getting the cream to your mouth, so the pie is a must.

I am behind on my blog.

I hope to remedy that soon.

Life happens.

I am so amazed at how much work a household and children are.

I am never caught up. Never.

I am usually tired, and hungry.

I lost about 15 pounds then lost some of my 'go get em'.

I'm currently on a break from feeling guilty about everything I eat.

I will be back at it on Monday though.

Oh the joys of losing weight.

Well. This turned out long.

THE END

2012-02-02T14:37:00.003-07:00

Ok. That's it folks. I'm finally done with my blog entries for 2011.

I know the viewing and funeral were both technically in 2012. HOWEVER, I really don't want my 2012 book to START with such a sad event.

To me - the new year began when we came home from Utah.

I want all that sadness to be left in 2011.

SO - from now on the posts I enter will be for my 2012 book.

Now...the task of slurping and formatting and editing my blog book for 2011.

It may take a few months, but eventually I'll get it done!

Here's to a new year!!! I'm looking forward to 2012!

I know I'm a little late...but better now than never, right?!?!?!

Mothering

2012-01-31T14:39:00.008-07:00

Put journal entry on 'mothering' into blog book. In NOVEMBER!!!

Back and Forth, Back and Forth

2012-01-31T14:28:00.002-07:00

After all was said and done, we still had to get our little family back home to Colorado. As much as I HATE that drive...I wanted to get home to my own little world again. I missed my bed!

I figured since we spend a lot of time going back and forth from Colorado to Utah I should document it!! Here we are making the trek once again! When I took this picture I was sitting in the back since I had just finished feeding Warren.
The kids get to watch movies in the car when we drive - but ONLY when we are driving to and from Utah! They LOVE It!

Warren did the best he could considering the fact he had to stay in his carseat for WAY longer than should be asked of any one person! He did cry a bit, but would eventually go to sleep. He was a pretty good age for the trip. Once babies hit about 4 or 5 months though - it is a nightmare. Until they hit about 2 1/2 years old it's just really hard. They do NOT understand why they can't get out of that seat!! Sweet babies!

We love being with family and spending time in Utah...

but it's always nice to come home.

I just wish I could skip the drive!!

One last time

2012-01-30T21:51:00.006-07:00

Marilyn Houtz Adams

May 13, 1950 - December 31, 2011

Left to Right: Les, Rob, Kenny, Marilyn, Steve, Mark, Darin, Nick

Marilyn with her boys.
(Unfortunately Nate couldn't be there, so there is one boy missing.)

Left to Right: Les, Rob, Kenny, Marilyn, Mark, Darin, Nick

pictures taken January 3, 2012

Left to Right: Brent, Kevin, Shirlene (Marilyn's living siblings) and Melba (her mom).

I don't think anyone was really excited about getting their picture taken the night of the viewing. It was a difficult evening. However, I knew I wanted one last picture of Marilyn with all her boys. I also wanted the ENTIRE family in one last picture.

I know it's sad, but I wanted to have them.

The Viewing

2012-01-30T21:36:00.005-07:00

I have never been to a viewing before, much less been in the line at one!

Before the public came to see Marilyn one last time the family was given the opportunity to be there with her. Joy and Heidi were kind enough to bring the kids, get them all dressed and beautiful, get our family pictures taken then WAIT while we had time with each child in the room with Marilyn. It was a very tender time....stressful...but tender!

I think Emily was really the only one of our kids who really understood and needed that time with her, to see her looking beautiful in the casket. She cried and cried. We all did. It was difficult to explain. I had taken the opportunity randomly during the weeks prior to her death to have very candid, loving conversations with all the kids, but especially Emily, about death and the afterlife. We talked as a family at length about what was going to be happening, so the children wouldn't be scared when it all did happen. We tried to make it part of our conversations so that if the kids had questions they wouldn't be afraid to ask. We didn't want the subject to be taboo or to have them nervous to talk to Les or me about it.

So, when it really happened and we walked in the room to see her body, it was special but also very hard for me to explain that what we had been talking about, really was happening. We talked about what heaven was like, what it looks like and how Nana will have many people around her who love her very much. I prayed for the strength necessary and the words that would comfort, and for the Spirit to be with my children to help them through such a confusing and scary time. We were all so blessed.
You know what happens when you take a lady who was born and raised in Pleasant Grove, then married and raised her children in Lehi? Take this same woman and make her one of the most kind, generous and service oriented people you've ever known, AND who died prematurely and you have a super-duper LONG line at her viewing!! These two towns are within just a few miles of each other! There were literally HUNDREDS of people who came to stand in a VERY LONG line to see Marilyn's family, to see and communicate their love to Steve and to see her one last time. It was amazing. It was exhausting! It was wonderful. It was a privilege to be in that line and see all those people and feel of their love and sympathies.

Viewing of Marilyn Houtz Adams

January 3, 2012

Life Sketch by Les and Elise Adams

2012-01-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Marilyn Houtz Adams
Life Sketch

A beautiful baby girl, Marilyn Houtz was born on May 13, 1950 in the American Fork Hospital to Max Kenneth Houtz and Melba Carter Houtz. She had one older brother, Ronald. Two younger brothers, Kevin and Brent with one sister Shirlene. Mom’s older brother, Ronald was a favorite playmate. She loved to play and ride tricycles with him. She loved to learn and was always helping cook meals. She shared a bedroom with her sister Shirlene. Mom’s side was always very clean.

Mom was baptized on June 8, 1958 into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church was important to her from a very young age. She started attending primary when she was four and had read the Book of Mormon in its entirety by the age of 15.

In Junior High School she loved participating in sports. She won awards for sewing and cooking while participating in 4-H activities.

In 1966 Mom was working as a candy striper at the American Fork Hospital. On December 11th she was working when a group of young men came in to visit a friend. After a while they became loud and rowdy. Mom was asked to go into the room and ask them to quiet down or please leave. Among those young men was a boy named Steve Adams.

Mom didn’t think much of the meeting at the time, but a few months later that changed. She says in her journal that ‘the sparks didn’t fly until February 25, 1967 when they “officially” started dating.’

The two of them went to a lot of Stake Dances and enjoyed many activities with groups of friends from school. Steve’s best friend, George Lux was dating a young lady named Burdette. When Dad and George went out shooting and other activities together, Mom and Burdette would tag along. Because of this Mom and Burdette became lifelong friends. George and Burdette eventually married and the 2 couples lived across the street from each other for many years.

Mom says in her journal that when she kissed Dad for the first time “fireworks hit like mad”. This special day for Mom and Dad was April 15, 1967.

Dad declared his love for Mom in June 1967 during the summer before their senior year of high school. Mom decided she was also in love with him in August 1967 and they started “going steady”.

Marilyn faithfully attended and graduated from Seminary. She went to Pleasant Grove High School and graduated from on May 24, 1968.

She had many friends and was always well liked by others. Her friends describe her as a great example of a true friend – always giving, generous and compassionate.

In her journal, Mom tells about when Dad proposed. It was July 14, 1968 at 4:30 p.m. They had just had a picnic up the canyon. As they were driving back down the canyon Dad had Mom close her eyes and he opened the box with the ring. She says her eyes “popped out” and Dad put the ring on her finger. He gave her a “big” kiss. Dad had picked out the ring on his own. They made the rounds that evening and told friends and family they were engaged.

Mom attended college at Dixie College and Dad would drive down to visit frequently. She came home from Dixie College and attended beauty school.

Mom and Dad were married for time and all eternity on November 14, 1969 in the Salt Lake City Temple.

The Seven sons soon followed:

In 1972 Mark was born, Kenny followed in 1973, Les in 1975, and Nathan in 1976, 1977 Rob was born and Darin in 1979, followed by Nick in 1980.

Mom and Dad moved the family to the A-frame home in Lehi in 1975. Mom was a devoted mother who worked hard at raising righteous, accomplished children. She served valiantly in the church in many different callings, and in the community with the PTA program, but her greatest service was to her husband and children.

One time the boys wanted to go ice fishing. Mom didn’t know much about how to go about it, but didn’t want to disappoint the boys. She packed up what she thought she’d need and started out. She drove us boys out to Deer Creek Reservoir most likely with a prayer in her heart that all would go well!! Luckily we were able to find a hole previously drilled by a fisherman that hadn’t frozen over yet. Using odd tools from the household and kitchen she was able to give us boys an unforgettable ice fishing experience! That was typical of Mom…if she didn’t know how to do it…she’d start working at it and figure it out!

Mom was a go-getter and very service oriented. If she saw a need she took care of it. She knew the job may not always get done perfectly, but she’d set out to help in the way she could. She loved everyone around her and was constantly looking for opportunities to serve. Mom was a powerful instrument in the Lord’s Hands and everyone who came in contact with her was influenced for good.

As we got older, we all played soccer. Mom was the original soccer mom in her big Suburban and never missed a game – at home or away. She was famous for ringing a cow bell in support of her children and their teams. She knew every player on the teams and rooted for them by name. She would crochet at the games, but never miss one moment of action. She was so accomplished with her hands she didn’t need to look while she crocheted.

Mom’s hands were AMAZING, always busy doing things that demonstrated her love for her family. Her beautiful hands crocheted, knitted, sewed, gardened, canned fresh produce, cooked meals, cleaned, and had beautiful flower beds. Mom wiped the tears, tickled to create laughter, hugged to give warmth, and kissed to remind her children of unwavering love. She had “super” hands and could withstand hot pans straight from the oven without using oven mitts.

She was actively involved with the Scouting program. All of us earned our Eagle Scout Award with enormous support from Mom from the very beginning. She encouraged us to earn our own money by mowing lawns and other odd jobs so we would learn to be self-sufficient. She was very supportive of her our desires to serve missions and wrote each of her missionaries faithfully.

Mom was always actively engaged in learning. She was constantly getting new books with patterns to crochet and knit, cooking, and gardening books and most importantly reading books and attending classes to learn more about the gospel. She attended Institute, Women’s Conference, Education Week, and loved attending those classes with other women – both friends and with her daughters-in-law.

She was very health conscious. She exercised regularly. She would often walk early in the morning with a friend to stay healthy and fit. She cherished the opportunity to walk and talk with a loved one.

As grandchildren came, she often showed her love by making handmade gifts and made a LOT of baby blessing outfits. She was the hostess for many family events, dinners and parties at her home. Mom loved having her family close by. She loved the happy sounds of laughter and fun that came during a family get together. She was a game player and would often pull out a game to play with the grandchildren. She regularly attended the family reunions and loved her relatives very much.

Mom loved the outdoors. Early in her relationship with Dad she took the hunter safety course. She often went hunting and enjoyed success!! When we were teenagers Dad and Mom bought some mountain property near Electric Lake in Utah. That property became a wonderful part of our family’s life. We all loved going there with Mom. She spent many hours planting flower seeds, landscaping and caring for the camping area. She enjoyed taking long walks, hiking, four wheeling and hunting up there. Mom loved being up at the property and spent a lot of time there with family and friends.

Mom always desired to serve a mission for the LDS Church. Mom and Dad submitted their mission papers soon after Dad retired. They were called to serve in the Bacolod Philippines Mission from April 2009 to September 2010. She loved her mission. She enjoyed getting to know and love the people she served there. She threw herself into the work and since that time never really stopped being a missionary. Mom taught the people there not just about the sweetness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also how to be self sufficient.

Mom had a goal to keep a journal while serving. She had a desire for her children and grandchildren to read of her experiences and testimony. She stuck to that goal and wrote faithfully the entire 18 months. She filled her journals with fun stories and her precious testimony. We will enjoy reading them for many years to come.

Tragically, Mom was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer shortly after returning home from her mission. She valiantly fought the cancer with various treatments including radiation and numerous rounds of chemotherapy. Despite the trials and difficulties of the disease, she never stopped being her amazing self! She was positive through the entire ordeal. She turned to the Lord to help guide and direct her while navigating through the difficult decisions that had to be made. She continued acting as a missionary through it all! She shared the gospel with the various medical teams and patients with whom she in contact during her journey fighting the disease. Fighting the cancer took Mom and Dad to a treatment center in Arizona where they stayed for several weeks. While there she made wonderful friends, and continued sharing the gospel wherever she went.

Mom loved her family and desired to spend as much time with them as possible. She wanted to make as many happy memories with her husband, children, 20 grandchildren, and friends as time would allow.

Our beautiful mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend; Marilyn Houtz Adams returned to live with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, December 31, 2011.

I love you Mom.

Obituary by Karilynn Adams

2012-01-28T21:53:00.003-07:00

Marilyn Houtz Adams, 61 of Lehi, returned to her Heavenly Father on December 31, 2011 after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer. Marilyn was born May 13, 1950 in American Fork, Utah to Max Kenneth Houtz and Melba Carter Houtz.

She graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1968 and later attended cosmetology school. She married her high school sweetheart, Stephen Robert Adams, on November 14th 1969 in the Salt Lake City LDS temple.

As a mother of 7 boys, Marilyn was a hard worker and a go-getter. She was incredible at seeing a need and filling it. She was skilled in the arts of knitting and crocheting and shared these talents with people all over the world. She spent many years serving as a humanitarian for her church and community. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Marilyn whole-heartedly devoted herself to her callings and served in many capacities. She was a fantastic example of the gospel and unconditional love to each person she came in contact with.

Marilyn’s ambition in life was to be an amazing mother, a task which she was phenomenal at. Marrying Stephen was her first great step in achieving this and together they went to great lengths to make it possible for her to be a stay-at-home mom. She raised her boys to be hard workers. She spent many years as a leader in the Boy Scout program and all seven of her sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Marilyn was an enthusiastic attendant of high school soccer games. Rain or shine she sat in those stands with her cow bell in hand. She encouraged her boys to do things that they enjoyed and to stand up for what they believed in. She taught them to “return with honor”. Through her example she taught them the importance of humility and accountability, and the values of love, kindness and honesty.

Marilyn was also a fantastic grandmother and mother to her daughters-in-law. She loved to make memories with her grandchildren and spent hours thinking up new adventures to take them on. She laughed with them and cried with them. She loved them with all her heart and each child loved their Nana unconditionally.

In April of 2009 Marilyn and Stephen were blessed with the opportunity to serve the people of the Bacolod Philippines LDS mission. This 18 month experience permitted her to give of herself in a way she had not been able to give before. She touched the lives of so many people while serving there and taught charity and service to them through her example.

Marilyn will be missed immensely by her husband Stephen, her 7 sons: Mark (Dianne) of Uintah, Kenneth (Jeannette) of Sandy, Les (Elise) of Greely Colorado, Nathan (Anna) of Pleasant Grove, Robert (Tara) of Highland, Darin (Karilynn) of Lehi, Nicholas (Alisha) of Orem and her 21 grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother Melba Carter Houtz, her sister Shirlene Thomas, and two brothers Brent and Kevin Houtz all of Pleasant Grove.

We find joy in knowing that she has been reunited with her father Max Houtz, and her brother Ronald Houtz. We look forward to the day when we will be with her again.

Funeral services will be held January 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Lehi 5th ward Chapel 465 E. 300 N. Lehi. Friends and family may call Tuesday January 3rd from 6-8 p.m. at Wing Mortuary 118 E. Main St. Lehi, as well as an hour prior to services on Wednesday morning at the Chapel. Interment, at Lehi City Cemetery.

Passing

2012-01-28T20:43:00.010-07:00

Note to Elise (for the blog book): Put this post in after Christmas, before the funeral.

Unfortunately, when Steve called to have us come see Marilyn Les didn't have a lot of paid time off left. We had had a baby and Les had gone on the elk hunt, both events took up a bunch of the hours he had. Because of very kind and generous co-workers Les was able to leave when he did. The weekend we left he was supposed to be on call. Getting the on-call hours covered was a blessing, but he still had to come home to Colorado to go back to work after just one week of being with his mom. The day after Christmas he said goodbye to Marilyn and flew home to go back to work. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for him. The week ahead was long and very, very sad.

I was still in Utah with the kids to wait and see what would happen. We thought perhaps Les would get the chance to come back and see her again in this life, but we really just didn't know. It was a lot of praying and hoping we were making the right decisions regarding sending him home. We didn't know how much longer Marilyn had, but we were trying hard to make the most of every day we had with her.

I will never forget Christmas Day evening. We had spent the morning with the Fellinghams, then went down to Steve and Marilyn's to spend the evening with them. She had had a hard day and was digressing before our eyes. It was a very solemn evening. While we were there that night Les and I both had the opportunity (at seperate times) to be with her alone on the couch. It was a special gift to have Les be able to be alone with her and have time with just the two of them. They both cried together. It was very tender and broke my heart. When they had talked and had their time together they were on the couch near the fireplace and I had been in the kitchen getting our kids some dinner. She had commented to Les how it wasn't fair. We agree! It was not fair. To have such an elect lady leave this world so prematurely is very very unfair. I do hope she is happier where she is, but I know she wanted to stay longer.

The time I had with her alone was similar to Les's. We were on the couch, next to the fireplace. We sat together and just held each other. I cried and told her how I loved and adored her. I felt as though my heart might break in two. I will always hold those moments I had with her dear to my heart. It was thanks to Alicia and Nick that Les and I were able to have that precious time with her. Alicia and Nick were both there that night and knew we needed that one on one time so they just took over with the kids so we were free to be with Marilyn. I will forever be grateful.

The week that followed was very difficult. Each day Marilyn got worse and worse. There were many visitors, mostly family members coming and going saying goodbye. I was there a lot. During these days, between Christmas and New Year's Eve, these were the times when Angela and my mom and dad really helped watch the kids a lot so I could be there. I felt as though I was representing Les during that time. At one point Kenny called me and said that the nurse had indicated after her visit that she felt Marilyn's passing was hours away. I was so grateful to have Angela send me out the door with the assurance that the kids would be well taken care of. I will forever be so grateful to her for this generosity and kindness.

As hard as it must have been for Les to be gone during Marilyn's last days on earth, in some ways I felt it was better. Each day I went I saw her digress more and more. The last time I saw her alive, Friday December 30th, when I walked into the bedroom I felt gratitude that Les wasn't seeing her like that. She was so very sick and so miserable. I was grateful to be able to hold her hand, talk to her, represent Les, and just be there.

The kids were able to have a one on one time with her (with me there too) on Wednesday, December 28th. They each went into the bedroom and sat on the bed near her. She told them how much she loved them. She told them that she wanted them to be baptised and go to the temple. She kissed Warren on the head. It was a tender time for me. It was difficult to go through such a sad time without Les by my side. I tried very hard to keep an eternal perspective. I had a hard time sleeping that entire week and didn't feel really rested until after we were home.

I'm sure if it was difficult for me, it must have been ten thousand times harder for her sons and husband to watch her go. One night soon before her passing she asked to have a blessing to be released. All the boys (who were there) and Steve laid their hands on her head to give her a very special, precious blessing. I was lucky enough to hear a portion of it. Alicia and I were in the bathroom, just outside the bedroom and heard some of what Steve said. I remember him saying at one point how she had 'enriched our lives' and in my head I thought 'that is an understatement!' She did more than just enrich my life, she had changed my life in more ways than I will ever be able to count. She is responsible for so many of the good and wonderful things in my life. I will forever be grateful to her and for her life. Steve did a wonderful job and gave her a beautiful blessing. Steve did an amazing job during that difficult time. He did a great job caring for her and making sure that everyone got the time with her they desired. It must have been harder than I can imagine and he handled it with grace. Being at the house during that week was sad, knowing what was about to happen, but I don't believe I've been a part of something so special and sacred other than bringing my own children into the world. There was something very sacred about the house as she was approaching the end, and very soon after her passing. I'm grateful to Heavenly Father for making such a potentially tramatic and horrible experience such as death a wonderful and sacred experience because of the gift He has given us.

At three o'clock in the morning on Saturday December 31, 2011 I got a phone call at my parent's home. It was Les. He didn't have to say a word. I knew. She was gone. My heart felt so empty. I have no words to describe it. Luckily the phone was next to my bed so I didn't have to get up and talk to anyone in the house. I just hung up and laid there. We knew it was coming. I knew that was why we had come. I had said goodbye to her. But having it be final was much harder than I had anticipated. I didn't want her to go. It was ok for her to be sick, fighting that horrible disease, but it wasn't ok for her to die. I felt as though a part of me had died too. I thought 'if it is this hard with my dear sweet mother-in-law, how much harder will it be when it is one of my own parents?' At that moment I began dreading the time I will have to endure watching my own parents pass from this life to the next. Oh, how I dread it.

Now that she was really gone plans for Les's return had to be made. We also started thinking about when the funeral would be and what part we would be playing in that. Needless to say this began another difficult week for our little family. Luckily Les came back and we were again together to help support each other the best we could. We were asked to write the life sketch. Les was to read it at the funeral services. Karilynn did a marvelous job writing the obituary that Darin read during the funeral. I was asked to sing. I sang a song I'd found in college called 'Mama a Rainbow'. I plan to copy and paste the obituary, life sketch and the song I sang here so that it will be included in my blog book for 2011.

Matching

2012-01-28T20:36:00.004-07:00

I was waiting until Easter to buy matching church outfits for the kids. Jake's church outfit was small, but Luke still had a few months left in his. Plus, I figured Warren would be older and it would be super cute to have them all matching for Easter Sunday. Well...when Marilyn died I decided I would change my plans and get them nice, new outfits for the funeral. Here are my super cute kids just before the viewing for their sweet Nana began.

Emily - 6 years old

Jacob - 4 years old

Luke - 2 years old

Warren - 2 1/2 months old

Random Pictures

2012-01-28T20:24:00.005-07:00

While we were in Utah, this was a common occurance. Almost every evening I handed off Warren to my dad. Dad sat and held Warren while I put the older kids to bed. It was so nice to have mom and dad there to help while I was busy getting the others down for the night. The two of them often sat and watched football together. Warren was very content sitting with Dad.

One funny thing though was that almost every evening Warren would have a huge poop and it would sometimes end up in a blow out. Mom was often the one who ended up changing these big messes.

Warren also grew a lot during our stay in Utah. We were there 3 weeks. Before the end of the second week he had completely grown out of everything I'd brought for him to wear! Les had to go through the tubs to find the next size up of baby clothes and brought some out when he came back after Marilyn had gone.

Have I mentioned how much Hazel loves babies? Hazel ADORES babies and Warren was her favorite while we were there! We spent one day hanging out with Amanda and Hazel at their house. Hazel had a good time helping us with Warren!

Jacob is very sweet and very good with Warren. In fact, he is especially good at making Warren laugh. Sometimes when I am busy with dinner or other things that must be done and Warren is fussy, I will send Jacob to go 'tend' him. Jacob will sit next to Warren and just talk and sing and be silly and soon Warren is happy as a clam. I had to get this picture because often both Jacob and Emily will feed Warren. They both love holding him and he is very content with them. It is fun to have them help, but I savor the moments I have my baby all to myself!

Pictures taken December 29, 2011

December 26, 2011

2012-01-28T20:18:00.003-07:00

Marilyn wanted to hold the grandchildren, especially Warren during the last days of her life. Often she couldn't hold Warren because he was wiggly and she wasn't strong enough. The day after Christmas while we were there she really wanted to hold him. He was fussy. Finally I got him to go to sleep then handed him off to her. She looked especially beautiful so I had to get some pictures of the two of them together.

She fell asleep while holding him.
It was one of the sweetest things you'd ever seen.
When Steve saw it he asked if someone had gotten a picture.

After I gave him to her, before she fell asleep with him.
So precious.

December 26, 2011

Uncle Ben

2012-01-24T22:01:00.002-07:00

Mom, Dad and Ben came to Colorado to be with us for Thanksgiving. It was an honor to have Ben participate in the circle as Les blessed Warren. I was disappointed when I realized (after they left) that I'd never gotten a picture of Ben with Warren to commemorate that special event. It was very special to me to have Ben present when Warren was blessed, and even more special that he was worthy to participate. So, I was very sad I hadn't gotten a picture. Since we were in Utah soon after the blessing, I decided to get a picture of Ben and Warren together then! Here they are! I am grateful to have such a wonderfu role model in Ben for my boys to look up to through their lives. Soon Ben will be on a mission and Warren will grow so much while he's gone. I'm glad to have this picture of the two of them together.
Benjamin John Fellingham - 18 years old
Warren M. Adams - 2 1/2 months old
December 25, 2011

Kiss

2012-01-24T22:00:00.002-07:00

Christmas morning before church. I'm sure one of the kids had the camera and asked Daddy to kiss sweet Warren for this picture. I imagine it was Jacob who took it, but I'm not sure. I couldn't pass up posting it! Such a sweet picture! It has been almost a month since this picture was taken and Warren's face has changed so much! His cheeks are so chubby now! He is such a sweet, patient and happy baby! I love you Warren! Daddy and I could never kiss you enough!

Christmas Day

2012-01-24T21:53:00.005-07:00

My beautiful angels Christmas 2011. Christmas landed on a Sunday this year! We got up, had an amazing breakfast then headed to Church. Upon our return from the Sunday services we saw what Santa brought and opened gifts.

I really wanted to get a picture of the kids on Christmas morning. They did a great job smiling for the camera...but sometimes at different times! I couldn't choose because all of these pictures are darling - to me! I love these children more than I can express in words. Merry Christmas my darlings!

Emily - 6 years old

Jacob - 4 years old

Luke - 2 years old

Warren - 2 months old

Christmas Day 2011

Christmas Eve

2012-01-24T21:49:00.002-07:00

Since we had spent the morning with the Adams family, we decided to spend Christmas Eve (evening) with the Fellinghams. After a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, my dad read the story of the nativity from the bible, as he always does. He held Warren a lot on this trip, so I had to get some picture of the two of them together. They share a name, so it seems fitting that they be pals!
Gilbert Warren Fellingham, 61 years old
Warren M. Adams 2 months old
Christmas Eve 2011

Hazel LOVES babies and spent a lot of time 'loving' Warren! Here she is one of the many times she was with him, expressing her deep and abiding affection for the baby in the room!! She will be a fabulous big sister!!

Hazel 1 1/2 years old, Warren 2 months old

Sweaters of Love

2012-01-24T21:48:00.002-07:00

Marilyn spent hours and hours crocheting and knitting special items for each member of the family. Every grandchild has something with her love woven through every strand of yarn. This sweater is what she made for Luke. I wanted to get a picture of him in it with her, so in years to come he will have these pictures to look at and treasure.

Nana with her Luke wearing the sweater she made him for Christmas 2011. Luke 2 1/2 years old, Marilyn 61 years old.

Special Times

2012-01-24T21:46:00.003-07:00

Unfortunately, this was Marilyn's last 'good' day. It turned out that she really took a turn for the worse on Christmas Day, then somewhat went downhill from there. I'm so grateful to have these special pictures from this precious day we had with the entire family, but most especially with her.

Les with his Mom on Christmas Eve 2011.

I kind of wanted to get a special picture with Steve and Marilyn together. Steve was very devoted to Marilyn's care and wasn't always holding still long enough for me to get a picture of him with her!

In the days before her death, I remember Steve sitting or laying on the bed with her, holding her hand and looking lovingly at her. He would stroke her hands and just enjoy being with her. Those were very tender moments I will hold in my heart forever; the two of them enjoying each other's company. He took those times to be close to her and just be with her. It was very special and precious.

Here I am with Marilyn. I don't know that she ever knew how I loved and admired her. Maybe I told her, but I'm sure not enough. I will always hold myself to a higher standard with my role as Mother and Wife; praying I will do even half the job this lady did! I love you Marilyn. You have always been amazing and never ceased being just that even as you fought the battle of your life. I'm so grateful for the legacy of love you left our family.

Christmas Eve Breakfast

2012-01-24T21:43:00.003-07:00

Of course, we all knew this would be Marilyn's last Christmas with us. It was difficult, but made it very special too. She couldn't get around much on her own, so her favorite chair was brought. She sat in her chair, with a blanket and coat on because she was always cold. She enjoyed watching everyone and participating in the way she could. She sat where we could all take turns sitting with her to visit. She was definitely the Guest of Honor at this Christmas celebration.

Marilyn Adams 61 years old. Christmas Eve 2011. In the 5th ward building cultural hall for the family Christmas Eve Breakfast. She sat looking longingly with love on each family member while we ate and played together.

Kandid Camera!!

2012-01-24T21:17:00.010-07:00

I brought my camera to the Adams Family Christmas Eve breakfast!!! Soon after arriving I realized I probably wouldn't get many pictures taken since I felt torn between helping my kids get and eat their food, and just enjoying the moment of being there. So, I did what anyone would do - I gave my camera to someone else! I gave my camera to Darin and told him to get some Kandid Camera moments of the breakfast! He did a great job! Here are the pictures he took while he had possession of my camera!!!

Above: Mia, Maggie and Dianne

Side: Darin posing and modeling the vest Marilyn made for one of the grandchildren!

Nick and Alisha

Side: Emily singing on stage before the Nativity began!

Below: Dianne and Elise in an impromptu picture!

Anna holding baby Michael.

Taking time to color a masterpiece on the table cloth-paper!

The Adams Family had a super fun Christmas Eve Breakfast!! That way, everyone has the opportunity to spend Christmas Eve (evening) as a little family, or with other family if needed. I think it's a GREAT idea! A way for everyone to see each other on such a special day! It was a WONDERFUL way to spend the morning! Thanks to A LOT of work from a bunch of the sisters-in-law!!! I think Tara was the brains behind it all!

My FAVORITE was having the grandchildren participate in a presentation of the Nativity - Thanks to Mark and Dianne! Dianne brought all the costumes for everyone to wear and Mark and Mia acted as the narrators! I loved it! They did a superb job! I hope we can do it again in years to come!

December 23, 2011

2012-01-16T15:10:00.005-07:00

Here we are hanging out at Nana and Papa's!!! December 23, 2011. The kids love posing for pictures!

Warren M. Adams with Daddy!! Warren 2 1/2 months old!! Sweet baby boy with a sweet daddy boy!

Angels

2012-01-16T15:06:00.001-07:00

There were several angels in Utah who helped us with our children during such a difficult time for Les and me. I wish I had a picture of all of them!

Angela and her sweet family are living with Mom and Dad so since we stayed there she was the closest one and was very kind and generous to watch the kids so much. Mom of course was on hand often to help with the kids and did so a lot! It was such a blessing to be able to leave in order to spend some one-on-one time with Marilyn and Steve knowing our children were well taken care of. Les and I were able to attend the temple with Angela and Darrell while we were there and which was really great. It was fun hanging out with them!

Joy and Heidi were traveling during most of the time we were in Utah, but were there during the time of the viewing and funeral. So, all during the viewing and funeral Joy and Heidi were instrumental in taking care of the children. Having no previous experience with having a very close loved one pass I had no idea how hard those days would be; from the time she passed until after the funeral.

Les and I were in charge of the life sketch. This assignment was extremely overwhelming. Heidi was so helpful for this project!!! She sat and typed as I awkwardly said things to include. It was so daunting and she helped so much! Then, the morning of the funeral Steve Layton made some suggestions that were very insightful! I was so grateful to him!

We were out for the viewing so late that I couldn't bear to wake up the children to move them down to our room at Mom and Dad's. So, Joy lent me some pj's and I slept on the couch so they wouldn't be without me. Getting up early the next morning she helped get the kids and me ready and out the door to the funeral.

As I type this I am overcome with gratitude for each of these sweet angels who helped me so much during those 3 stressful weeks. I could never even begin to thank them enough for all they did. So often without even being asked they took care of things knowing how difficult it was for Les and I. My gratitude exceeds my ability to express and communicate how I feel. Thank you just doesn't seem enough.

So...this post is to my four angels...thank you.

Silly Daddy

2012-01-16T15:05:00.002-07:00

Jacob loves to take pictures with the camera!!! While we were hanging out together at Nana and Papa's house he took some pictures of Daddy. Les had some fun too! I thought the pictures were cool enough to include in the blog! We love our Daddy! Pictures taken December 21, 2011

The Foot Connection

2012-01-16T15:01:00.004-07:00

I believe in an earlier post I commented on how often times when Warren was with Marilyn we set him on the floor next to her so he was near her. She couldn't always hold him, but wanted him near. It was common that we would put him on the floor in front of her and she would play with him using her foot! She would put her foot right up next to him so he could feel her and visa versa! It was very cute! Here is a picture of her getting some crocheting done while playing 'footsies' with Warren!

Nana's foot with Warren M. December 21, 2011

As mentioned before, Nick was able to get an emergency leave from his responsibilities in Afganastan where he is serving. He was able to spend a lot of time with our family while we were there. It was a blessing to have him there.

Grandma Houtz and Nana

2012-01-16T14:54:00.002-07:00

On December 21, 2011 Emily was able to spend some good time with Grandma Houtz and Marilyn. They sat out in the family room just being together. I wanted to capture the moment. I believe Jacob took some of these pictures!! Too bad the sun in the back was so bright! The coloring of the pictures isn't amazing...but a picture nonetheless!!!

Haircut

2012-01-16T14:53:00.001-07:00

December 21, 2011
Marilyn got a hair cut!

December 21, 2011

2012-01-16T14:51:00.002-07:00

During the two weeks we were with Marilyn we were lucky enough to spend a bunch of time with Nick and Alisha too! Nick was miraculously given an emergency leave so he could see Marilyn. Here are some pictures of Alisha having some special moments with the kids. It was wonderful to have the family around since every so often while we were there we needed to be with Marilyn alone to have a special moment with her. Various members of the family were quick to grab the kids and entertain while Les or I were with Marilyn and Steve. That gave us the precious moments with her alone even more wonderful knowing our children were being cared for and we could just savor the time with her.

Big Brother Love

2012-01-16T14:45:00.003-07:00

I think these pictures speak for themselves. I know there are probably too many of them...but how could I choose which ones to NOT include??? This first one here shows Luke's 'smile' he gives. He is a character I tell ya. Each of them are darling for one reason or another. I just had to post them. These were taken the morning of December 20, 2011. Luke is 2 1/2 years old, Warren is 2 1/2 months old.

First Night There

2012-01-16T14:19:00.003-07:00

This post is meant to go after the one entitled "THE CALL".

We arrived in Utah on Saturday December 17th. We stopped first at The Fellingham home to drop off our things and the older kids. My sisters and mom were there and able to watch Emily, Jacob and Luke. They had a grand time and Les and I were able to have some quality time with Marilyn and Steve.

A big reason why we came was so Marilyn could meet Warren. We wanted to go down to the house for a visit with just Les, me and Warren. It was the best decision we could have made. It also ended up being one of the sweetest times we had with her. It was a very solemn visit. We hugged, kissed, talked, laughed and cried. She held Warren almost the entire time. When we first walked in she kind of started to cry. She knew we were coming but hadn't known when exactly to expect us. It was very special for all of us to be there with her that evening.

This picture here is much better than the first of Marilyn and Steve, but Warren was blurry. I still wanted to post it.
Nana meets Warren M. for the first time.

December 17, 2011.

Warren 2 1/2 months old.

She was actually awake in this picture! I told her to close her eyes and it ended up being a darling picture! The lighting is a little dark because it was night when we were there.

When I took this picture I died a little inside. I realized more accutely than I had before that Marilyn in fact would not be alive much longer. Also, that Warren would never really know her in this life. I want to raise him in a way that he will know and love her through the stories and memories we share of her. It was a sad, but special evening.

Time

2012-01-14T16:13:00.002-07:00

This post is meant to go after the one entitled "First Night There".

The number one priority for us while in Utah during this trip was to have quality TIME with Marilyn. As our first night there proved to show - this doesn't always mean quantity. Les and I both understand that and tried not to spend too much time 'trying' to hard to be with her. We wanted it to be meaningful quality time spent. We wanted her to be with our children, Warren, but especially us. We know that as adults Les and I will remember her best, so we wanted to have some good time with her before it was too late. Even as I write this my heart aches to have some of these moments back. I miss her so very much.

I wanted to have one last picture of her with her boy. Les and his mom. I'm sure there are better ones taken in the past, but I wanted just one more.

Marilyn age 61 with Les age 36.
December 19, 2011

Here she is getting some quality time with her namesake, Warren M.
When this picture was taken we were helping Marilyn get some Christmas presents wrapped. Warren was set on the floor next to her so they could be close while we worked. She wanted him close by. When she could she held him, when it wasn't possible he was set near her either on the floor or couch.

Pictures taken December 19, 2011

Warren M. 2 1/2 months old

Fun at the Fellinghams

2012-01-14T16:11:00.003-07:00

Less than a week before leaving for Utah I started potty training Luke. (It was his request and I knew I just needed to buckle down and do it. Had I known we'd be leaving I never would have started, but it ended up being a tender mercy from the Lord and a blessing that it had happened.) Well, one night on our way back from the Adams' Luke peed his pants. He came in from the car naked from the waist down and shoes on. It was really funny. He was running all around laughing. At one point Danny picked him up. Danny's laugh is VERY infectious. Insert here Danny's laugh. I wish there was audio!! I thought it so funny I took a picture of the two laughing boys. It is blurry...but still a funny memory!

Heidi was one of the angels in Utah who really helped during this difficult time. She had Warren and my camera and took a self portrait with him. It turned out very cute I thought!! Thank you Heidi! I love you!

The arm

2012-01-14T16:09:00.003-07:00

It didn't take Warren long before he could start wiggling out of the 'burrito' wrap we put him in for sleeping! I think he sleeps better when he gets one (or both) arms out! He needs his fist available to suck! He sucks those fists like there is no tomorrow! In fact, often his fists begin to stink because they are always wet! I am constantly prying open his little fingers so I can dry the palm of his hand. Silly boy! Who needs a thumb when you've got the entire fist!?!?

Here he is in the beautiful bassinet taking a sweet nap with is little arm sticking out! He has such sweet lips! I love this baby!!

Picture taken December 12, 2011
Warren 2 months old

The Call

2012-01-12T13:53:00.004-07:00

Back in November Marilyn started experiencing some serious pain. She was in and out of the emergency room and her doctors office. In fact, Steve was hesitant to come for the elk hunt with Les due to the extreme pain she was experiencing. It ended up fine and he came, due to some wonderful friends and family who took care of her while he was away.

We had made plans to stay home as a family for Christmas and then go out to see her the first part of January. She wanted to meet Warren and we knew she could no longer make the trip with out serious consequences to her health.

Well, the beginning of December I got a sweet call from my brother-in-law Rob. We had a good conversation. He told me he'd been over to the house the night before and helped Steve give Marilyn a blessing. He told me that she had gotten a lot worse in the last little bit. He didn't want to alarm us or be rude, but he said 'If I was the one that lived far away, I would want someone to call and tell me to come'. I was shocked. I knew she was getting worse, but didn't realize it was that bad. He communicated in love that Marilyn was progressively getting sicker and that we may want to consider a trip to see her.

At that point we started re-thinking our trip in January and thought maybe we should go sooner. It was very difficult. Do you wait, and risk regretting or go now when we weren't ready and didn't have the gas money?? We decided to give it another little while.

At that point I had Les call Steve and tell him, that we didn't want to miss seeing her again. Les asked Steve to call and tell us if it looked like there was the chance she would go quickly and please have us come. We knew it was possible to make the trip, even unplanned, we just didn't want to go prematurely. It was such a difficult time, not knowing if we should go now...or wait.

Then, a few days later we got a text from my sister-in-law Karilynn. She mentioned how Marilyn had digressed and asked if we were coming. We really started to wonder if we should just go. But, Les said that Steve would call if it was time. We would wait. It was so hard. I often wished during this time for a crystal ball. Because if we just knew how long we had we could make a better decision!

Early in the morning before Les left for work on Friday December 16th we got the call. Steve called and talked to Les. He said it was time. We needed to come see her. He didn't want us to miss the chance of seeing her and neither did we. Steve did say to come when we could and not to leave if it wasn't good for us. But, we knew it was time.

Hardest thing ever - sending your husband to work after he gets a phone call like that! I wished he could have stayed home to process and plan - but leave for work he did. It was so so so hard. I knew his heart was breaking, but he needed to get to work and be as focused as he could on the tasks at hand. Sweet man.

Unfortunately, I was scheduled to be the helper at Jacob's school that morning. I could not change it or get out of it. I knew I just had to go then try and make plans afterwards. I went about the morning, got kids ready and to a sitter and went.

After Jacob's school was out I was able to focus on planning our emergency trip to Utah. As luck would have it, Les was supposed to be on call that entire weekend. Getting out of call is no small task, and especially when it's your weekend on. I knew his co-workers would help if they knew the situation so I called. Les has some amazing friends! They all rallied. Several of them volunteered to take his call so that we could go right away. It was such a blessing. We were so very grateful for their kindness.

Almost exactly 24 hours after Steve made the call, we were on the road to Utah. We were blessed with clear skies and dry roads. (Unheard of in Wyoming during December!) We made record time arriving in Saratoga Springs after only 7.5 hours.

We are so grateful to the Lord for providing a way for us to get there safely, with good weather and in time to visit with Marilyn. Our gratitude exceeds our words to describe or express.

The Nutcracker

2012-01-12T13:35:00.003-07:00

One of my Christmas presents to Emily was going to the Nutcracker. December 10th we went!When we walked in there was this HUGE display/sale of nutcrackers. I thought, what a wonderful place to take the picture for the blog to commemorate this date?!?! So, we took some pictures with the nutcrackers. The evening was so enjoyable. Some of Emily's friends were in the production, so it was fun to try and spot them during their numbers. Emily was enchanted the entire time. If our lives are somewhat more 'normal' next Christmas, I'd like to have her audition and perhaps participate. It was sa fun date and wonderful to be with her in a one-on-one situation. I love you my Emily sunflower girl. I'm so grateful to be your mama!

Pictures taken December 10, 2011. Emily 6 years old!

Crazy Kid!

2012-01-12T13:32:00.002-07:00

When I want to take a picture of Luke and say 'smile' THIS is the face he gives me! He is so crazy! I've caught this face in a few group photos - where everyone ELSE looks just fine - but he gives me this face! What a kid! I love you Luke! Picture taken December 7, 2011
In this picture Luke is 2 1/2 years old, and has more energy in one day than most people in a lifetime!

2 month birthday

2012-01-11T20:59:00.002-07:00

Warren M
December 6, 2011
two months old

These are the pictures Les was able to get of Warren. I worked ALL day to get a good smile, then Les gave it a go that night and got some really cute ones!

Even though Warren is in the under shirt in this picture, I wanted to include it because it shows his cute skinny arms! He is so darling! He is very LONG! This side picture also shows how he gets startled! This baby gets startled easily! All my babies have! His eyes are so big! He is very handsome...but I'm a little biased!

2 month birthday

2012-01-11T20:47:00.002-07:00

Warren's two month birthday. I spent the ENTIRE day trying to get a good picture of this boy. I never really succeeded...but still got some cute shots.

Here he is with Luke. One thing to note is that Luke LOVES this boy! Luke ADORES Warren! Luke will JUMP at the chance to help with ANYTHING having to do with Warren. Luke will climb up onto the changing table right next to me so that he can watch and 'help' me change Warren. It is darling...and a little annoying too...but more cute than anything. Ever since we brought Warren home from the hospital Luke has referred to him as 'my baby'. If he hears Warren crying Luke will say 'help my baby'. When Luke hears Warren cry he will say, 'it's ok, sh sh sh' in a sort of sing-song way. It is so so so cute. I hope these boys will be good friends. Luke tends to 'crush' Warren with his love...if Warren lasts...they will be pals to be sure!!

December 6, 2011

2 month birthday

Almost 2 months old

2012-01-11T20:41:00.003-07:00

Warren M. Adams
almost 2 months old
Pictures taken December 1, 2011

This sweet baby is amazing. He is so patient! He loves to be held...really loves to be held. But the amazing thing is he will wait and wait and wait. He sits in this chair while we all are bustling around him. Every so often he will fuss and cry until I (or Les) picks him up. He is such a sweet, sweet baby! He starting smiling BIG at 6 weeks old! He started laughing OUT LOUD at 2 months. I love you Warren one.

So much!

2012-01-11T13:53:00.002-07:00

SO much has happened since my last post. Some of you know, some of you don't. It's been a very difficult month for me personally. The next big project for me to get done is to get this blog done for 2011. I need to begin working on my 2011 book. It will be a while until I'm completely caught up. My goal is to have it done by Feb. 15th. That gives me about a month. I hope if I work 2-3 nights a week after my kids are in bed that I'll get it all done. I need to start...soon. But currently it feels extremely overwhelming, not only because there are tons of pictures, but so much emotion attached. Les's mom passed away over the holidays. It was difficult and that is part of why updating everything and doing the blog book will be quite a job. I hope I can really focus and get it done so I don't continue to fall behind. Wish me luck!

2011-12-07T18:52:00.002-07:00

My crazy boys. Before too long Warren will be playing with these two and the three of them will be quite a gang...but for now it's these two. Currently it is a love/hate relationship - either they love each other or they hate each other! It's very interesting to watch and listen to them interact. Luke is somewhat a bully and Jacob is timid so it makes for quite the dynamic relationship! A few weeks ago they were playing happily together outside and I couldn't pass up the chance to capture the moment! I love these two! I hope they will be good pals.

Pictures taken November 29, 2011

Jacob 4 years old, Luke 2 years old

WAY out of order...

2011-12-07T18:46:00.002-07:00

I know this is incredibly late...but...oh well! These pictures are to commemorate Emily's first day of school at Frontier Academy!! Unfortunately the classroom was SUPER busy and full the first day so I wasn't able to get a picture of Emily with her teacher, Mrs. Phillips. I have been meaning to get that picture taken ever since and finally went in before school and took the picture just the other day! Whew! I'm glad I have it now so I can post these pictures with Jacob's first day pictures...from back in September!!! Oh well!!! At least I got it done eventually, right??

Blessing Day

2011-12-02T20:37:00.002-07:00

Blessing Day
November 27, 2011

The Adams Family

Emily - 6 years old

Jacob - 4 years old

Luke - 2 years old

Warren - 1 1/2 months old

The whole crew!

Grammie Fellingham

Ben Fellingham

and the Family

Cute Boy!

2011-12-02T20:34:00.001-07:00

Warren M. Adams

Handsome Boy! Thanksgiving Day

November 24, 2011

2011-12-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Pictures taken November 28, 2011

Warren 1 1/2 months old

Thanksgiving Feast!

2011-12-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

It's a feast, sista'!!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T16:04:00.002-07:00

I want to pause a moment from all the picture posting to journal about the week of Thanksgiving. We were SO grateful to have my Mom, Dad and brother Ben come spend the week with us. It was very very special to me to have them here. Mostly because of the Holiday, but it was made especially sweet by having them here for Warren's baby blessing. I was grateful in my heart all day every day they were here.

It was so special for me to have Emily in the bathroom with my Mom while she got ready for the day, or helping my Mom give Warren a bath. I loved having my Mom play the piano while she was here. I now have several recordings on my piano from her - a piece of her that was left behind for me to listen to every day.

The kids loved going on daily walks and going to the park with my Dad. Putting together puzzles, playing games, eating our feast together and going on special outings were just some of the fun memories made. We went bowling (lots of pictures from that!) AND ice skating (forgot the camera for that one - darn!). My Mom, Ben and I were able to go shopping for an entire afternoon! That was so fun - thank you Mom! My Dad and Mom took us out to dinner and treated us by paying for both dinner AND the babysitter! We watched lots of shows and movies after the kids were in bed! It was so fun!

My Mom really planned ahead and bought the kids, Les and I our Christmas presents and left them wrapped so I could straight away put them under the tree! She and my dad bought some gifts from my list for the kids! What a blessing! Mom took an entire morning to help me take down the Thanksgiving decorations and put up all the Christmas in its place! Mom gave Warren a bath every day she was here! He loved it!!! (Normally he gets one every three or four days.) It was so wonderful to have her happy countenance and presence in my home. I absolutely loved having her here. SO MUCH MORE got done with her here!!! She is so amazing!

It was so fun to have them come upstairs each morning! We would say Good Morning! and share a happy breakfast together! It was special to have them here for our Morning Devotionals each day. It was neat to have them see and experience the varying quirks in the personalities of the kids!

Ben was able to play with the kids a lot. He treated them by 'struggling' with them (our word for wrestling). It was so nice having him around to help with all the daily chores, and he did a GREAT job with the desserts for Thanksgiving! And it was especially sweet and wonderful for him to be in the circle during Warren's blessing. I will always remember that and be grateful for his worthiness and righteous example to my children. It will definitely be something I write about in Warren's baby book.

Unfortunately my Dad was ill the day of Warren's blessing. I was sad that he wasn't able to actually BE in the circle. However, I am so much MORE glad that he was here for so many days and so many memories to be made! It was unfortunate that he couldn't be there....but I am SO glad he WAS here all the other days!!! It was a long visit, so he was able to make lots of happy memories with us all!!

I am so very grateful to my parents and brother for taking time out of their busy lives to join us for ours! It was a joy having them here! We all loved it so very much! My children are still talking about what we did with them, and how much they miss them now that they are gone. I loved sharing the special Thanksgiving Day with them! I am so grateful for my family!

Bowling

2011-12-01T15:55:00.003-07:00

While we were bowling one of the kids had the camera - apparently it was Emily. I couldn't help but post all these pictures just because they all are so cute - and a good representation of the people! We were posing for the camera and got some fun shots!!

As it turns out - Ben is a REALLY good bowler! He did a great job and got to bowl and extra game so we could watch is greatness!! Good job Ben!!

Visitors!!!

2011-12-01T15:42:00.003-07:00

We LOVE visitors!!!

Grammie and Grandaddy and Ben came to visit over Thanksgiving!

It was WONDERFUL!!!

Here are some pictures from our bowling trip!!

November 22, 2011

6 weeks old

2011-12-01T15:31:00.002-07:00

Warren M. Adams

pictures taken November 16, 2011

Warren is 6 weeks old.

My sweet boy, you are 6 weeks old!

You eat well, sleep well and are already smiling!

If people can lock eyes with you they get your cute smile looking back at them!

You love to be held, but are also happy in your bouncy chair or laying on the floor with the kids playing around you. You don't like to be left alone. Sometimes you cry out, not because you are hungry, but because you want some company!

You are a joy to have in our family! We love you so much!

Cute fact:

Luke calls you 'my baby'. If you are crying or need something Luke will say to me, 'help my baby!' Luke loves you very much, as do all the children. He wants to be up on the changing table with you! He likes it when I lay you on the floor or on a bed because then he can lay next to you and be close to you! He always wants to pat you, hug you and kiss you - even if you are eating! Luke always wants to know where you are in the house. It is very cute how much Luke adores you! He will sometimes bother you and wake you up, but only out of love. He will try and give you a toy to play with, put in your pacifier, or something else that does not always help, but it is his way of showing you love and service. I hope you two grow to be very good friends and pals.

Thankful

2011-12-01T15:21:00.005-07:00

One last post with Thanksgiving as the focus.

I am very very very thankful for my husband.

These last several weeks and months he has put up with a lot from me.

Big and pregnant.

Emotional new Mom.

Enough said, right?

Les is so patient.

Doesn't complain.

Always helpful.

I know he's not perfect, but he's perfect for me.

I love you Les.

You are wonderful, amazing, terrific, awesome...THE BEST!

I am so thankful for you,

our marriage,

our friendship,

our love,

our life together.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T14:26:00.003-07:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

Friends who listen to The Spirit.

Some days are more of a struggle than others. Lately I've really needed chiropractic care. Finally the discomfort was so bad I did pay and went to see one. I knew though, that I wouldn't be able to go again. The miracle came when a few days later a friend of mine (who happens to be a chiropractor) called out of the blue to see how I was doing. I confessed that times were tough and he insisted I come over and get adjusted...no payment needed. Not only that, but he gave me some supplements to take that really help. I've been back since and took some elk meat as a thanks. Thank you Alan and Lisa for listening to The Spirit!!

Another miracle came when a different friend of mine asked how I was doing and confessed she had suffered from some post-partem yuckiness after her son was born. I confided that I too was having some trouble. She then insisted I call often and check in with her, and she would call too and make sure I was doing ok. What a blessing, another friend listening to the whisperings of The Spirit.

And yet again, another sweet friend offering her help and tools to help make the situation better for me. She has given of her time and talent with no payment expected so that I could feel better. Her help has made a night and day difference in my quality of daily experiences. I am eternally indebted and grateful to this woman for her gifts, love and wisdom she so freely shares.

I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for His Love. He loves me! He sent others to help me when I was in need. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for sending these wonderful people into my life at a time when I so badly needed them.

Thankful

2011-11-20T16:45:00.003-07:00

Some more Thankful thoughts:

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

A six-week old who sleeps from 10pm to 4am (almost) every night.

Three other children who (usually) sleep 11 hours at night.

Sleep. I love sleep. I'm so thankful for the renewal of my soul and body that comes with sleep.

A MACHINE that washes and dries our clothes AND dishes. Love it.

My husband. I could do an entire post on how thankful I am for this man. I am so so so thankful for everything about him. I hope to someday be deserving of his amazing wonderful-ness.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-16T17:33:00.002-07:00

I think I'm FINALLY caught up on my blog! I have to take a picture of Emily with her school teacher then I can post about her first day - but until then...I'm caught up! Hooray!

A friend of mine has been posting every day of the month of November with something she for which she is grateful. I think it's a wonderful idea and would like to also express my gratitude here. I'm not sure I can do it every day, but I'm going to make an effort to write often about things, common or not, for which I am grateful.

Right now I'd like to begin by saying how grateful I am for my blog. Silly, huh?

Well, for the last few years I've been able to print a book with the blog posts from each year. It is fun to be able to sit down with the kids and look though those books. Without this blog, my journaling, all the pictures, and being able to print them...I wouldn't have a book, scrap or otherwise, with the happenings of this family.

I enjoy sitting down and writing about what is happening, what we are up to, and how I've been feeling about life, etc. I've been able to use this blog as a journal and also as a family history tool. I love that I have the books to show the pictures and all I've put down on this virtual paper!

So, even though very few people read or look at my blog, I'm grateful for it. I'm grateful for the pictures, journal entries and for the ability to make it real by printing it up each year.

One Month

2011-11-16T17:24:00.003-07:00

Warren M. Adams

One Month Old

November 6, 2011

Not sure why some of these pictures are facing the wrong way!

Can't figure it out! Sorry!

Papa Visit

2011-11-16T17:18:00.002-07:00

Les has amazing parents.

Les invited his dad to come with him on his Elk Hunt here in Colorado. We were hoping both Steve AND Marilyn would be able to come, then I'd have Marilyn to keep me company while Les and Steve were gone. Unfortunately Marilyn has been in a lot of pain lately and wasn't feeling well enough to make the trip. We were bummed she couldn't come, but glad she'd be well taken care of, and relatively comfortable in her own home. We were pretty excited to have Papa come! Since Les shot an elk early in the hunt they came home sooner than expected. Steve was so kind and ended up staying two days past when they got home. It was wonderful to have him here! He and Jacob really got to bond during the time he was here. Both afternoons he was here they spent time together playing games and hanging out. I didn't get many pictures while he was here, but did get this one with both Steve and Jacob together. We love you Papa!!!

Steve ready to help hike out the elk Les shot!

November 9, 2011

Funny Jacob and Kisses

2011-11-15T20:16:00.002-07:00

Jacob had the camera and this is just SOME of what he did before I got the camera back. He is a funny kid...LOVES to take pictures! I remember Emily doing the SAME thing when she was his age. And down at the bottom of the page...the boys together. Warren 1 month old, Luke 2 years old, Jacob 4 years old.

Thumb

2011-11-15T20:09:00.003-07:00

Emily and Jacob are both thumb suckers. As soon as they 'found' their thumbs they no longer needed pacifiers and it made my life a lot easier. Well...not long ago our boy found his thumb. It didn't last long and he hasn't found it since then...but it was fun to see him suck it! His thumb is so small and it was SO cute!!!

November 3, 2011
Warren 3 weeks old

Warren 3 weeks old

2011-11-15T08:53:00.001-07:00

Again, out of order...

These pictures are of Warren at 3 weeks old.

November 2, 2011

Warren M. Adams
Sweet baby of mine!
I love you sweet boy!

First Snow!!

2011-11-15T08:38:00.003-07:00

It's become a tradition for me to commemorate the first big snowfall of the season.

This year the first snowfall came early and did a lot of damage! The kids didn't seem to mind and were thrilled to bundle up and head outside as soon as they could! They played for a long time! Emily - 6 years old

Jacob - 4 years old

Luke - 2 years old

October 26, 2011

The night it snowed we lost power at about 2am. Unfortunately it snowed A LOT and it was a very wet, heavy snow. The trees still had their leaves and all the weight of the snow broke A LOT of branches on trees all over town. There were several trees ruined, it was so sad. Driving around town looking at all the trees down, branches broken, etc. broke my heart! The tree in our backyard was not spared. Among the damage was one of our light posts out back.

You may not be able to see it well, but here are some pictures of our backyard the morning after the big storm.

The power was out for half the night, the next day, the next night and most of the next day.
The first day I took the kids and spent the day at my friend, Emily Keller's house. When Les got off work we went home. We 'camped' in the house that night with flashlights, lanterns and a camping dinner.

We all slept in the same room that night so as to keep warm. The lantern warmed up the room and we bundled up! It was a pretty miserable night though. Every time one person woke up, they woke up the other 5. Feeding Warren was a cold ordeal since I left the room for the feedings. Needless to say it was a very long night. The next morning Les and I vowed to stay in a hotel or go to a friends if the power was still out that night.

The next day I spent the day with the kids at another friend's home, Heather Herrick. It was so kind of these two friends to house us while our home was so cold and dark! It was stressful for me considering Warren was only 3 weeks old at the time. Luke was still getting over the croup and the other two kids were fighting a cold. I was so worried and stressed about the entire situation that I ended up with clogged milk ducts. It was so painful and horrible I can not even describe how terrible that was for me.

It was a hard week to say the least!
But...the kids were thrilled to have snow to play in!
Hooray for Colorado snow!

First Day of School, Jacob

2011-11-14T14:58:00.002-07:00

I know this is late.

But really...the computer crashed and then I had a baby.

I'm lucky it's getting done at all!

Here is my handsome Jacob boy on his first day of preschool.

He talked about going to school all summer. Since it was a hard decision for Les and I to make (considering how expensive it is!) we were both so GLAD we signed him up!

He cried the first day when I tried to leave. Aunt Karen, the awesome helper at his school took him from me crying. I knew he'd be fine. I waited until he stopped crying (about 1 minute) then left. He's loved it ever since.

I love you Jacob! I love to see you growing up. You are so smart and fun and happy! I hope as you grow you become an even more wonderful young man. Thank you for being my pal.

September 7, 2011

Jacob Darrell Adams

4 years old

Jacob with his teacher, Mrs. McQuitty.

Ready to go Mom!!!

Warren labor and birth pictures

2011-11-13T20:46:00.002-07:00

On my way to the hospital. This picture was taken the FIRST time we went to the hospital, so at about 2:30am on the 6th. I did not retake the picture 12 hours later when we went back...the contractions were very close and very intense by then! I was A LOT bigger than I look in this picture! Les kept telling me to get a picture taken in just my garments so you could really see how big my tummy was. I never did...but I'm telling you...I was so huge!!
I SWEAR I was smiling when this picture was taken!!!
Really...I was trying to smile! I guess that's what natural childbirth does to ya!

Jill, Warren and me. Again...I THOUGHT I was smiling!

All pictures taken October 6, 2011

Birth of Warren

2011-11-13T20:04:00.003-07:00

All pictures taken October 6, 2011 Daddy cutting the cord.
8 pounds 7 ounces...a good size boy!

Jill with Warren.

Jill was instrumental during labor and delivery.

Thank you Jill!

The group!

Left to right: Daddy, Mama, Warren, Dr. K and Jill

Daddy holding Warren for the first time!

Warren 5 days old

2011-11-13T19:58:00.002-07:00

These pictures are of Warren at 5 days old. I'm trying very hard to get caught up with my blog. All these posts are out of order, but I know I can fix that when I slurp it all for my book.

Isn't he darling?
October 11, 2011

soccer

2011-11-13T19:48:00.002-07:00

Emily got to play soccer this fall!

This was our first time having a child play soccer. Originally I signed up both Jacob and Emily but the first practice Jacob freaked out so I got back (most) of the money and figure we'll try again next year.

Emily really enjoyed playing. I hope she'll want to play again next year.
Emily with the team's coaches. There were four dads who helped coach her team. I thought it was great! There was a lot more help for each player since there were so many coaches!

Playing goalie. Great job Emi!!!

Pictures taken October 2011

Nana and Papa Visit and funny pictures

2011-11-13T16:57:00.003-07:00

In September Steve and Marilyn came to visit us here in Colorado!

It was such a nice visit! We had SO much fun with them, making memories and renewing friendships! The first few days they were here we got to go up to Estes Park and stay at the YMCA. It was very fun doing all the activities they offer for families and children. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera! I don't have any pictures of all the fun up in the mountains! Darn.

The only reason I have these few pictures with Steve is because the kids had the camera and were taking pictures before Church! Ha! So, to commemorate their visit we have some candid camera pictures!

These pictures were taken September 18, 2011

Halloween!

2011-11-13T16:50:00.003-07:00

Halloween this year was great!

Both Emily and Jacob knew just what they wanted to be and with a little help from family (Joy helped get the red shoes for Emily), friends (Kerry Checketts fixed the zipper on Emily's dress), and the Lord (He helped me get a great deal on Emily's dress), they got to be what they wanted to be!!! Emily - Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz

Jacob - a Pirate!

By default Luke was a pirate too! I didn't want the hassle of trying to figure out a whole different costume! Luke refused to wear the costume though, just wanted to hold the hook and sword, and even those didn't last long.

Halloween 2011

The hunt was....

2011-11-13T16:48:00.002-07:00

....SUCCESSFUL!!!

One Month

2011-11-04T19:42:00.002-06:00

Warren is one month old today! I want to take a picture, but Les has the camera. He is on the elk hunt for a week or so. It has been tough being without him. I really hope he is having a good time. I pray he will enjoy his time in the mountains and get an elk!! Warren really is changing! He is growing and getting cuter each day!

As soon as Les gets home I'll take a picture of Warren and post it!

Warren's Birth Story

2011-10-14T17:36:00.003-06:00

I'd like to write about Warren's birth before too much time passes and I forget some of the details. So, if you are happy he's born and like pictures, but don't really care to know the glorious details of natural childbirth....just pass this post by!

Emily was born on her due date. Jacob was 3 days late. Luke was 6 days late and I self-induced, so who knows when or if he would have ever come on his own. So, both Les and I assumed this baby would also be late. The entire pregnancy I had it in my head he would be born October 10th. Not so much because I HAD to have this date, more because my REAL due date was October 2nd. I figured then, if he came late...it wouldn't be as hard to wait since I'd be telling myself a later date the entire time.

Still, as the pregnancy wore on, each week got longer and each day a little harder to get through. It became my routine to wake up each morning, sit up in bed and begin my little pep-talk in my head. I would remind myself that eventually he would come. Even though it was getting long and I was huge and uncomfortable...that that day would pass by and that it wouldn't do any good to 'wish' away the remaining time until his birth. I tried very very hard to stay positive and not go to a 'wo is me' place. I remained patient knowing that when the time was right he would come. I knew I had little to no control over the date and time and only prayed he would come with no complications, that the birth would go smoothly and that he would come when the time was right for both us, the Lord and the baby. I think I did pretty well. There were days when I felt a little sorry for myself, but overall I was upbeat and patient until the end. For that I'm grateful and proud...I believe I've come a long way.

For the last month or so of the pregnancy in the evenings, after kids were in bed and I was settled in with Les to relax for the evening I had been having contractions. Some evenings there were only 3 or 4. Other times there were several. They were never very intense, but usually would come. Neither Les nor I were very concerned about these. We knew since they were light and irregular that they were nothing to worry about. However, in the back of my mind I always wondered if one night they might intensify and the baby might arrive early. It never happened, but sometimes the thought crossed my mind!

The evening of my due date, Sunday the 2nd I started having contractions. I wasn't too worried, since the evening contractions were a regular occurance, however, after a while when they weren't going away I began to think maybe this was it. I started thinking maybe it was time to call Jill (my good friend who would be helping me through labor and birth) and wake up Les. I was tired of laying in bed, in the dark, so I got out of bed and went downstairs to watch tv and wait to see if they would intensify. Les stayed in bed hoping to get some sleep, just in case we ended up being up all night! Unfortunately after a few hours the contractions got farther apart and I knew this would not be the night the baby was born. Eventually I went back to bed, however, the contractions never really stopped, just got farther apart and less intense.

The next day, Monday, I had a doctor's appointment. I was interested in seeing if the laboring of the previous month and night was fruitful! I was pleased when he told me I was at a 3. Hooray! Things were happening! I called Jill and told her of the events the night before. She told me that if it happened again to call her!

That night (Monday night) the contractions began again, right on cue! I was certain that with it being two nights in a row that this would be it! I lay in bed texting Jill. We waited for them to become more intense and closer together before she would come. But, alas...they did not. Again, after a couple of hours they got farther apart and eventually became less intense so I could sleep. Oh well! I was glad to know things were happening, but getting very tired from lack of sleep!

All day long on Tuesday the contractions came, but were never as intense as during the evening and night time hours. They were pretty regular, but not painful enough for me to think he was coming. Tuesday night I was blessed with a full night's sleep. I remember waking up at 5am and realizing I had never woken up with contractions, or even to use the bathroom! I woke up Les by saying "I slept all night!". Les commented that after having been given a full night's sleep from the Lord, then the baby would surely be coming soon!!

Now it is Wednesday and I'm beginning to think that even though a lot of 'action' was going on, maybe it really would be the 10th before he finally came!! I decided to just stay focused on the activities of each day and not worry about what was or was not happening with contractions, etc.!! All day Wednesday the contractions came and went, but were not regular and not intense. However, they never really stopped for an extended period of time.

Wednesday night at about 1am contractions began again. I was now pretty used to it!! I went downstairs for distraction and wait out the obligitory 2-3 hours before they would certainly slow down and I could go back to bed. I really didn't know what would happen anymore!! Much to my surprise the contractions did not slow down, but this time got more intense and closer together! I was so relieved! After about an hour and a half I went upstairs and woke up Les. Together we packed a bag as I paused periodically to breath through the pain. We called a friend to come sleep with the kids, a co-worker of Les' named Nicola, and also Jill so she could come work with me at home for a while. Not long after the ladies arrived we decided to just get to the hospital. We all thought since there had been so much 'action' in the previous days that this was it and we anticipated the labor process going fast.

We got to the hospital at about 3am Thursday morning. After checking me the nurse said I was at a 3. I was disappointed, since I was a 3 on Monday! Since then, there had been a lot of contractions...so I had hoped I'd be more like a 5 or 6! But, at only a 3 they had me walk around the hospital to see if things would progress on their own. Jill, Les and myself began walking together. I had several very intense contractions, but then, yet again....they got farther and farther apart!!! They did NOT, however, get any less intense. I was still having contractions, intense ones, but they were getting too far apart to take very seriously. Eventually we went back to triage and upon checking, I was still a 3. Darn it! I was pretty disappointed! We decided to go home and wait to see if things changed later in the day.

It was about 5:30am when we got home. Nicola was surprised to see us!!! We told her what happened, she shared our disappointment and went home to sleep! Les told me to go get some sleep and he stayed up to get some work done on the computer and wait for the kids to wake up. He got them downstairs and kept them quiet so I could sleep. As much as I needed and wanted to...it was impossible! Every 10 minutes I was having a contractions! And they were no joke! I had to really breath and concentrate and there were some that were too intense for me to handle laying down. Jacob had been resting next to me in bed. With each contraction he became concerned for me. He was nervous and scared each time I had to breath through it. Finally I sent him downstairs so I wouldn't scare him anymore.

By 6:30am it was clear I wasn't going to get any rest. Les ordered me back to bed when I got up. Finally at 7:15am I was too tired to lay there and endure any more of the pain. I got up, took a shower and decided to face the day. I sent Les to work and hoped he would stay awake! The contractions kept coming and they were pretty painful, but still 10-20 minutes apart. Nothing I could go to the hospital over, so I tried to be brave and face them on my own. A few times the contraction was really bad and I'd call Emily over to me. I asked her to breath with me. She did fine for a few of them, and really helped me get through them, but after a while she tired of it and didn't want to do it anymore! It was cute. It was nice to have her there with me.

I rested the best I could, but with the contractions being so intense, all I did was just lay there and dread the next surge of pain. I still had to feed kids breakfast, lunch, pick up the carpool girl, take kids to school, etc. So I was as brave as I could be and got through the morning.

After I took Emily and Sedra to school I took the boys to the Triplett home. Jacob didn't want to stay without me so I just sat on the couch and chat with Erin...between breathing through pain! It was comical at times! After hanging there for an hour, we went home for nap time. Just as I was going to go put Luke down there was a knock at the door. It was our sweet friend Nicola who had been at our home the night before while we were at the hospital! She offered to take the boys for me. I explained that Luke would nap, Jake would watch a show and I would rest, but could she come back at 3:30pm when Emily returned from school and take the kids to the park? She was so kind to agree and said she'd be back!

At about 2:45pm I got up from trying in vain to rest. I had been having pretty intense contractions for almost 14 hours at this point and was ready for some help! I called Les and asked what he thought I should do. I then called my Dr. and asked what my options were for help with pain. I was at the end of my rope and just wanted to rest! Over the next 45 minutes as I was on and off the phone with Les and my Dr. the contractions got closer and closer. At 3:30pm Emily got home and I was desperate! Nicola arrived seconds later and took one look at me and knew I needed help. As I paced the front room in pain I asked her to please call Les and ask him to come home! She did. Then, her sweet husband was kind enough to take all 3 kids outside to ride bikes and be distracted. I didn't want them to get scared since everything was happening very fast and I was in a lot of pain.

When Les got home we called the Dr. and told him we were going to leave for the hospital. We called Jill and asked her to please meet us there too. Nicola being there was such a tender mercy from the Lord. Things were going SO fast at this point that if I hadn't had someone THERE already, I don't think I could have gotten the kids somewhere else and made it. I am SO grateful to my Heavenly Father for this sweet lady, her husband and their kindness. The Lord made sure my children would be taken care of so I could go and not worry. I will never forget their kindness, or this sweet blessing from the Lord. We tried to leave money so they could get pizza for the kids, they would hear nothing of it. They got us out of there and we were to the hospital again by 3:45pm.

THIS time when we arrived I was a 6! Hooray! I was so relieved and happy! I knew we were NOT leaving this time without a baby! Again, I was so happy about this! I had been in pain for so long and was tired of not having any fruit for my labor!! We quickly went from triage to labor and delivery. I walked and all the way had a contraction. Things were going fast! They got an IV port in and soon I was on the ball. Contractions were getting SO intense and I wanted my Dr. there! It wasn't long before he walked in and I KNEW it was almost over! He checked me and I was an 8.5!!! Hooray! My water was broken, per my request, and about 15 minutes later our sweet baby was finally on the outside of my body!

When Les told me it was only about 15 minutes from the time Dr. broke my water and Warren being born I didn't believe him. I am telling you those minutes felt like an eternity. I thought it had been much longer. I remember that the pushing didn't feel the same as with the other boys. The pain was a little different and I was confused. He felt stuck. It felt like I never stopped pushing, but apparently I wasn't! They kept telling me to push and I'd say (or think in my head) I AM!!! So, the time I spent pushing was a lot more stressful for me than with the previous births. Mostly because I was confused...it didn't feel like I thought it would, and my pushing wasn't as productive as I'd anticipated. I wanted him to just come out and he wasn't! Our sweet boy Warren was born at 5:41pm, not quite 2 hours after we'd arrived! He weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces. I'm grateful he wasn't any bigger, but glad he was good and healthy!

Another sweet, tender mercy from the Lord was my Dr. He was amazing! He was just what I needed! He was kind but in charge. He talked me through it in a gentle way to help, but not demean me. I wish so much I'd had him for the other children's births! He sat down on the side of the bed while I had a contraction, but between them he'd stand up and talk to me. It was great. I mean, it was horrible and terrible pain, but having him there made it so much more do-able. I am SO grateful to the Lord for the tender mercy of having this man as my Dr. Why didn't I know about him years earlier?? Oh well.

I'm so glad and grateful that the birth of Warren went well, and fast! I had hoped for a quick labor and delivery. I was blessed with my prayers being answered! My children were well taken care of while Les and I were gone. I was able to do a lot of my laboring at home. Everything went quickly...once it was time. My Dr. was great and helped the experience be so wonderful. Les was there and was amazing, as usual. Jill was there and she helped the entire process go well and smoothly and really helped overall. I'm so very grateful and happy!!

One thing that was wonderful and different about Warren's birth was after he came. With the other boys I had asked to have my babies go right to me directly after birth. Neither time was it really done. This time, however, I hadn't even asked and Dr. set him right on me!!! Warren was still covered with all the 'stuff' but there he was right in front of me! I held him for what seemed like quite a while. After a few minutes of this I asked if they were going to take him from me...and they said no he can stay with you longer! I was amazed! I kept thinking they'd take him, but it was a long time that I held him! Finally after holding him a long time Les got to cut the cord. Then they took him. I even breastfed him BEFORE they took him from me!! I was so surprised and amazed! I was grateful that Dr. had allowed him to stay on me for such a long time!

Well. That's it. More detail than anyone cares for or needs. But that's how I am I guess! I tell it like it is...and then some! My sweet Warren is finally here. Welcome to our family Warren. I love you!

pictures possible!

2011-10-10T21:55:00.001-06:00

Les and I were able to put the pictures from our camera onto the computer we are borrowing until we get ours back and running. Hooray! So, below are pictures from the first few days of Warren's life. I'm going to save the birth pictures for when I sit down to write the birth story. I'm hoping to do that soon! I'm so glad I was able to post these pictures!! It made me realize I don't have as many pictures as I thought of him! I'm already planning on taking more of him tomorrow! Enjoy!! And keep checking back for more!

More Pictures

2011-10-10T21:41:00.002-06:00

Loves the pacifier!

Mama with Warren.

Warren less than 24 hours old.

With just Mom and Dad.

The day after Warren was born was a Friday. Jacob still wanted to go to school so only Emily and Luke came to see me in the hospital. We thought Jacob would come later that day, but as things turned out he was unable to come. That meant that the first time Jacob met Warren was when I came home with him. These pictures in the hospital only have Emily and Luke in them because Jacob was at school. I was sure to get plenty of pictures when we got home though!

Pictures taken October 7, 2011. Warren is less than 24 hours old.

Emily first time holding her baby brother. This girl is so in love with Warren! She is such a huge help to me! She is very loving and kind to all her brothers. I'm so glad they have such a wonderful older sister! Thank you Emily, I love you!!

Just Warren

2011-10-10T21:34:00.001-06:00

Just Warren.

Lots of dark hair!

He is only hours old in these pictures.

The First Kiss

2011-10-10T21:22:00.002-06:00

Here are the pictures of each child and their first kiss for new brother Warren.

The BOYS!

Jacob 4, Luke 2, Warren 2 days old

My beautiful children.

These are the people who made me a Mama.

Emily Elise, Jacob-boy, Lukey-Pookey and Warren.

Arrival

2011-10-07T19:55:00.002-06:00

On October 6, 2011 we welcomed Warren M. Adams into the world! He was born at 5:41pm weighing in at 8 lbs. 7 oz. and 20.5 inches long. He is a very sweet baby! He has more hair than any of the other children had and it is very dark, almost black! He was 4 days over due so we were VERY happy to welcome him to our family and into the world. We are happy and doing well! Thank you to all for your prayers on our behalf!

Dorthy anyone?

2011-10-04T14:38:00.002-06:00

The coolest thing happened to me yesterday and I want to share!! For the last several weeks I've worried and fretted over Halloween. Last year Emily was jessie and Jacob was buzz lightyear from Toy Story. I had known long in advance that they wanted to be these characters, but let too much time pass before doing my shopping. I was shocked and dismayed when forced to pay top prices for the costumes since I had already promised. I vowed it would never happen that way again!

I also bought the costumes big hoping they'd be happy to wear them two years in a row. Well, months ago the decision was made that Emily would be Dorthy and Jacob would be a pirate. I tried and tried to talk them into the jessie and buzz costumes again, but they wouldn't have it. Finally I broke the bad news...mommy doesn't have the money for new costumes, you have to wear what we already have! They were sad, but I promised that during the 'after Halloween' sales I'd buy the other costumes so not all would be lost.

As time wore on though, Emily had mentioned it more and more and I knew her little heart would break if I couldn't come through on Dorthy. Ahh. I saved some money from a generous gift given and decided I'd be the 'hero' for my kids and make their halloween dreams come true. Problem was the boys' pirate costumes took all the money I'd saved and I had nothing left for Emily's! I figured it would work out so I wasn't too worried. I checked thrift stores in town and hadn't found anything. However, I knew I still had a month left to look.

Then, yesterday before my Dr. appointment I stopped in the Halloween store in town. I KNEW the Dorthy costumes would be top dollar there, but had felt the urge to go in for over a week. I guess I figured I'd better just go in and see what was there and get it out of my system, knowing I'd still have to be lucky enough to find something at a thrift store.

I went in and after sifting through the Dorthy costumes that ranged from $35 to $25...I stumbled across a Dorthy dress marked $4.99 I was shocked! I asked how this was possible? It was clearly a Dorthy costume, but was different than all the rest. The very nice sales man rang it up to check and yup - it came up as $5.31 SOLD! I was so excited! Yes, it's 'last year's style' but who the heck cares!!! I asked how it could be so cheap and he said it had probably been in their system for quite a while and just needed to be gotten rid of! I could not believe my luck! Or, rather my blessing from the Lord!! What an awesome tender mercy!!! There is NO WAY I could have gotten a deal like that on a Dorthy dress in the thrift stores! So cool!!!

Then, this morning I was on the phone with my sister and she picked up some red sparkly Dorthy shoes for me that were only $10!! I would have paid $20 if not for her!!! Thank you Joy!

I am so excited to have gotten the costumes the kids wanted and didn't end up paying through the nose again!! Hooray! Thank you Heavenly Father!!! Emily and Jacob are both thrilled (they have worn their costumes already a bunch!!!) and I'm glad to have Halloween costumes DONE for another year!

a Work in Progress

2011-10-04T13:38:00.004-06:00

A quick update...and some tender mercies.

So far no baby! Today I am 2 days overdue. Each day feels very long...and the nights even longer. In my mind and heart I am still open to the baby coming anytime. However, when you start thinking it's happening soon...and then it doesn't...it can be very hard!

For at least the last month I've had contractions on and off. Mostly in the evenings when I sit down to relax, I'll usually have 6 or so contractions. Nothing intense, not regular and nothing to get excited about! Some evenings I don't have any. Neither Les nor I have been to concerned about them.

Then, beginning on Sunday night I had some more regular and more intense contractions. There were a few I had to breath through! After about an hour of sitting in bed trying to get through them, I decided to go downstairs to watch TV. I figured I'd time them, breath through them, and have the TV to distract me. Then, when they were too much to bear I'd wake up Les and call my friend Jill who is going to be with us through the entire labor and delivery process. I was thinking, wow this might be it! I went down, started a show and after about 30 minutes the contractions slowed down, then stopped all together. I was bummed. All night long that night I couldn't get comfortable. I tossed and turned, my back ached and my tummy was tight. It was like I was having a very light contraction, but it never stopped. I ended up going out to the couch so I wouldn't bother Les and it was a very long night.

Needless to say I was pretty sore Monday morning. In the back of my mind I kept thinking maybe the contractions might start up again and we'd have a baby. But no. I did have a doctor's appointment, and found out I was dialated to a 3 but only 30%. I was comforted knowing my lost sleep had not been in vain!

I was also reminded that with Emily I had labored through the night, then nothing the next day, then labored again that night...and had her the day after that. So I began thinking that Monday night would be it! I'd go back into labor only this time it wouldn't stop and I'd have a baby on 10/4!! It was late by the time they started! From 11pm to midnight I had contractions. Some of them pretty intense. Most of them were between 2 and 4 minutes apart. I stayed in bed through them all not wanting to move around too much for fear they'd stop. Then at about midnight or so they grew farther between and less intense. I was very bummed knowing he was not coming after all. Finally I was able to sleep. Another long night.

The hour plus I was laboring I had a constant prayer in my heart. I was praying trying to let Heavenly Father know how the timing would be great if I was to have the baby that night. I was telling the baby how ready I was! How ready the entire family is to have him join us! I tried to really communicate how wonderful it would be to have this be IT and have him be born.

This morning when I woke up I was pretty disappointed and very sore. I had labored most of two nights straight, twice thought that this was IT and twice been disappointed. But I had another tender mercy from the Spirit. I really didn't want to be mad at Heavenly Father for not answering my prayers during the night as I'd hoped they'd be answered. I had made up my mind to keep a good attitude about it all. Then, the craziest thought came to my mind! And it felt like a tender mercy from the Lord.

This IS the best way to have this labor go!!! I have been praying for WEEKS about this labor and delivery. I have been worried and anxious and more worried! I have been so concerned that things with this birth would be as tramatic and hard as they were for Luke's. I have talked to Les, gotten blessings, asked a friend to attend the birth...so many things I have tried to do to avoid having it be a long, painful, horrible experience! I have prayed and prayed that the baby would come when the time was right for everyone. That it would all be smooth and go well and that I wouldn't be tramatized like last time!

And THAT is what I realized! I can't think the worst of the Lord...that this is some horrible joke He is playing on me. In labor, not in labor, in labor, not in labor...on and off and on and off! Aaahh! No...He is answering my prayer! I am able to labor at home, and in not too much discomfort! My body is being prepared so that when it really happens it won't be so terrible!!! He is making it so that all those prayers I've already prayed will be answered!!! This baby will come when it is the right time. He will come on the Lord's time. So, I will labor at home for a week if I need to! I guess if I do, once I get to the hospital it will go really quickly, right!!??

I'm so excited and happy to realize that this is not to make my life hard, but to make it easier in the long run! So, tonight when the contractions start I'll just breath knowing the Lord will make it all right. He will bring this baby to me in the best way possible. If it's another few days...ok! Until then I will do my best to keep my chin up, stay positive, be a good Mama and wife, keep up on tasks and stay busy until the time is here!

It is wonderful to have a witness once again of how much my Heavenly Father loves me. I love Him too. I'm so grateful to Him.

Still here!

2011-10-01T20:21:00.003-06:00

I'm still pregnant! Right now it is Saturday October 1st, Les just got home from the Priesthood Session of General Conference. Tomorrow is the 'official' due date for this little guy. There is still the possibility that he'll come on time...but I'm not holding my breath!

The plan is if I'm still pregnant on October 9th, then that night I will drink the 'tea' that put me into labor with Luke. That will hopefully do what it takes and I'll be able to labor during the night and have him early in the morning on October 10th. That's just one week from now. So...if next Sunday I'm still pregnant, I will attempt to take matters into my own hands! :)

I'll be sure to update!! Thanks for checking in with us!!

Off the Top

2011-09-19T20:57:00.003-06:00

I'd like to do a better job of keeping up this blog/journal. I know it would be more meaningful if I was not only putting on pictures, but also posting some of my thoughts and feelings. I've been pretty preoccupied with life and haven't done as much of that as I should. Here I am. I figured I'd just write what comes off the top of my head. I hope some of what I write is an accurate representation of what is in my heart and mind.

For a long while I didn't even think about the fact that I was having another child! I would really only think of the baby when I was going to bed! How crazy is that? He really didn't move much, and I just didn't notice it during the day. Then, at night he would come alive and be so awake and move tons and tons!!! I would feel him movin' and groovin' at night when I would lay down to sleep. That's when I would connect with him and say hello and sometimes think about how the heck I was going to have another baby!!

Now, it's a different story! I feel him moving no matter where I am or what I'm doing! He is getting so big! I'm 38 weeks now and there isn't really any position or any thing I can do when I don't feel very uncomfortable and very pregnant.

One thing that is very different with this pregnancy than the others is that I've been having contractions. With the other children I've had no activity, no contractions, nothing at all until it was time to have the baby come. With Jacob and Luke I had to practically FORCE my body to go into labor!! I was hard as a rock until the real thing, until the baby was really coming! This time, it's been pretty different. A couple of weeks ago it started. In the evenings or whenever I sat still for a while, I would have a few contractions. Sometimes at night I'm woken up by them. They aren't too painful and not consistent, so I haven't been too worried. However, it is a little unnerving to have contractions on and off when I have been planning all along for this baby to come LATE! Having contractions makes me wonder if maybe he will be an early arrival! Until they get consistent and/or intense and painful I'm not too worried. It does make my back and tummy pretty sore though. I'm always pretty worn out so it just adds to the fatigue!!

I had a really neat experience the other day that I'd like to journal. I should preface this by saying I'm constantly aware of and trying to be a good Mom. I try to have one-on-one time with the kids...even if it's only at bed time. I try so hard to listen and teach and sit with them (even though I know I don't do it enough). It seems to always be on my mind. What can I do better? How can I connect more deeply? What does this or that child need from me? It's a constant balance and I'm always yearning for guidance from the Spirit regarding my role as mother/nurturer, etc.

Now, back to the neat moment I had. It was in the afternoon. All three kids were here (no one at school, no one taking a nap) and they were in the front room playing together. I found myself trying to hurry and fold a load of laundry before starting dinner. I was in my bedroom folding and listening to the kids play. I had the thought that if I was 'being a good mom' I would leave the laundry and go in to play with them. I wondered if I was making a bad choice by folding instead of being with them in that moment. Then, I had a really comforting thought come to my mind and heart. It wasn't a voice per say...sometimes the Spirit communicates through a still small voice, but this was more of a distinct feeling, one very strong, but subtle at the same time. The thought, or feeling, that came was this: You are doing fine. Your children are playing happily together. You are a good mom and are doing a good job. Be ok with what you do and who you are as a mother. What you give to and contribute to your children is pleasing.

It was a comforting moment for me, especially with the coming of another child. I worry that I won't be able to give the others what they need because I'll be consumed by this new one. Since the question of how I'm doing as a mother is a constant concern for me, it was a wonderful moment for my heart to be comforted and complimented. I felt a reassurance from the Spirit that I was doing a fine job and not to worry so much. It was wonderful. I'm so thankful for tender mercies such as this from the Lord.

Speaking of tender mercies. There is another I should share. I should preface this by saying that back in June when Frontier Academy called and said they were opening up 2 new kindergarted classes and that Emily could be enrolled, I was a bit concerned. The kindergarten class she would be in was in the afternoon. Well. Jacob was enrolled in morning preschool. I thought...how crazy is this? I'll have Jacob go to school in the morning, with Emily in the afternoon, plus have a new baby? No way! I was worried about the logistics as well as how I'd fare with having the kids gone at different times, etc. Plus all the running around town!

Well, it's now been about a month since school started and I can tell that having Emily go in the afternoon to school is definitely a tender mercy from the Lord. I was worried about how it would all go, but I know HE knew the way it would be best!! She is such a wonderful helper! It is such a blessing to have her here in the morning! She gets along so well with the boys. She leads them in play time, she is a good example of obedience, she helps the boys get along, she is happy and I love having her here for those morning hours! Plus, she was never so fond of having to get up first thing in the morning for school and she loves getting to sleep in and get ready at her own pace. Then, by the time she goes to school, Luke goes down for his nap, I have some special time with Jacob then while Jacob watches a show I rest. I don't worry about entertaining Emily, working on homework with her, keeping her occupied, etc. She is at school! She has her play time in the morning and is an amazing help to me!

I really appreciate these tender mercies from the Lord. I am so blessed.

Trouble

2011-09-15T13:41:00.002-06:00

We are currently experiencing some computer troubles. The diagnosis is a 'virus deeply embedded'. We have been counseled not to use it until this issue can be resolved. So...for now I won't be able to post much given the fact that all my pictures are on that computer. I will, however, try to get on a few times to do a journal entry. Give us a week or two and hopefully things will be better. However, by then I may have a newborn...so it may be even longer before I can post again! AAHH!
Until then...feel free to comment!! I love comments!!!

Windsor Lake

2011-09-12T14:56:00.002-06:00

Over Labor Day weekend I wanted to have something fun to do with the kids. There are always chores around the house - holiday or not - and I didn't want to spend the entire weekend doing them nonstop! On Monday we decided to load up and head up to Windsor. There is a lake there that has sand all along on side where people can play the day away. Luke likes to play in the sand more than the water. In all honesty the water was pretty cold!! But that never stops the kids!

Jacob especially loves this place.

Here he is with the buckets for making sand castles.

He is in heaven!

Luke and Emi are such good friends!

He adores her and sometimes wants her help over mine!

Les was a trooper and went out to swim with the kids. The water really isn't very deep at all and they had a fun time playing with daddy. Les is an amazing dad.

September 5, 2011

Goggles

2011-09-12T14:49:00.002-06:00

Jacob is WAY into wearing goggles when he swims. It is really funny and cute all at the same time! The other day the boys wanted to run in the sprinklers and Jacob insisted on having the goggles. Here they are in all the goggle glory. It was pretty funny. Luke never even got close to the sprinklers! Jacob likes running through, but after a few times loses interest. The entire activity didn't last long, but I thought this picture was worth it!!! September 3, 2011

Jacob 4 years old

Luke 2 years old

Emily turns 6!!!

2011-09-02T16:02:00.002-06:00

Emily's birthday landed on a Sunday this year!!! She looked so beautiful before church! I'm so proud of her! She is becoming a very lovely young lady.

She helps so much! She is an incredible example to the boys. She is kind and sweet and loves playing with friends or the boys. She loves the color pink. She loves cereal in the morning. She loves to sleep in. She loves her short hair. She is enjoying soccer and is a very good swimmer. She is my friend and I love her so very much. I am honored to be her mama. I pray she will continue trying to choose the right and follow her Heavenly Father's plan for her.

Thank you for being my sunflower darling girl.

I love you Emily Elise.

On Sunday evening we had the ice cream parfaits again! She had to celebrate on her VERY birthday!!! We invited over the Walsh's of course! They came and helped us celebrate our girls' birthday.

Blowing out her candles!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMI!!!!

August 28, 2011

6 years old

The Party!

2011-09-02T15:52:00.003-06:00

Emily asked for a 'camping party' this year for her birthday. Unfortunately the weekend we could do it none of her friends could actually sleep over! Darn! So, we had a party Friday after school into the evening - then our family did a sleep over out in the tent! Unfortunately I never got any pictures of the party in the tent with Les and the boys. However, I did get pictures of her fun party with her friends!
Just before opening the presents.

The group.

From Left to Right:

Jacob, Stella and Margaret Herrick, Allysa and Emily Triplett, Luke and Emily Adams, Hannah and Natalie Canterbury.

You can kind of see the tent in the background of this picture.

Emily wanted Parfaits instead of a cake. I was thrilled! (In truth I planted that seed!) So we had some yummy sundaes (a.k.a parfaits) for dessert! Jacob, Cole Herrick and Luke

Emily with her yummy parfait!

August 26, 2011

6th birthday party

35 weeks

2011-09-02T15:50:00.001-06:00

This week I am 35 weeks along with our sweet baby #4. I'm trying to keep up on taking pictures so I'll have them for his baby book. There are so many emotions and feelings that have gone along with this pregnancy. I love this baby. I hope I'm worthy to be his mama.

I love you baby boy, please wait until October 10th to be born!!!

Elise Adams
32 years old
Sept. 1, 2011
35 weeks with baby #4

Just our Family!

2011-09-02T15:44:00.002-06:00

Les and I were able to attend the Rockies vs. Marlins games all three nights they played! It was so great! On Monday night we went with the Chamberlain family and left the kids with a sitter. Then, on Tuesday again took the kids to a sitter and went together. It was AWESOME to be alone and do something so fun together! THEN...on Wednesday night we took the kids to the game! We were a little concerned they wouldn't last the entire game or would just make the entire experience miserable...but they did a GREAT job! We were so pleased and proud of them and their behavior. Luke kept crying to go down for 'his turn' to play, but once he realized he really wouldn't get to play he was fine.
Here are the kids and Les outside the park.

Because of John and his generosity, after the game on Wednesday we were able to take the kids down to meet him. It was super special to see him and have the kids personally meet him. They had a great time and asked when we will get to go to another game. Whenever John Buck comes back to play!!! Go John!

August 17, 2011

Rockies vs. Marlins

2011-09-02T15:39:00.002-06:00

The other reason the Chamberlains drove so far for a vacation was to see a MLB game!!!

John Buck (our sweet cousin and friend) plays for the Florida Marlins and they came to Colorado to play the Rockies! We got back from Estes Park Monday afternoon. We had just enough time to drop our stuff, pick up the sitter and drive to the game!

Here we are enjoying the game Monday night!

John Buck. #14 Catcher

Doing what he does best.

Getting a hit!!!

Baseball is a magical game.

August 15, 2011

Estes Park Continued...

2011-09-02T15:26:00.003-06:00

These pictures crack me up for a few reasons. I like the bottom one better because Emily and Jacob have their arms around Luke's neck. Can you see it? It's so cute. Jacob is kind of leaning in towards Luke and has his hand on his neck. I love it.

AFTER I took the bottom picture I told Luke to look and smile. He IMMEDIATELY opened his mouth WIDE!!! I took the picture becuase I thought it was hilarious how he didn't smile, he opened his mouth. He knows better, he was just being silly. That is how Luke is, you never know what he'll do. Silly kid.
Picture below:
Les and Luke after swimming. Luke didn't last as long as the big kids did in the pool. Les took him back to the room and they got showered and cleaned up together. They came back to the pool to hang out with us. When they came back I thought they looked so handsome together I just had to get a picture! My handsome men!

Before we left Estes Park we just HAD to swim in the resort pool!!! The kids had a blast! They swam for what seemed like a very long time, and wanted to stay longer! Both Emily and Jacob have really turned into good little swimmers this summer. They still have a little way to go to be water safe, but both are really close. They had a blast...in the pool!!! It even rained on and off the entire time they swam, but no lightning so they just kept swimming!!!

Luke, Jacob, Emily and Kaycee

Jacob and Emily, pals together

Les was kind enough to put on his suit and swim with our Luke. They had a good time, but didn't last as long as the big kids did. The problem with swimming with Luke is he believes he is invincible, so he jumps whether you're looking or not! He is a firecracker I tell 'ya!!!

Estes Park Vacation

2011-09-02T15:17:00.002-06:00

Here is the entire group!

From left to right: Emily, Les, Jacob, Luke, Elise Adams, Luke, Natalie, Kaycee and John Chamberlain. August 15, 2011
One evening John and Les went into the park to see more animals. They were not disappointed! They got to see a lot of deer - and some big ones too! I'm so glad we were able to go on this fun vacation. I love the mountains and it's even better when you're with family and friends!

After our hike we went for a drive through the park. All the kids fell asleep. Luke Adams didn't konk out for a long time, but finally did decide to take a nap in his carseat.

The beautiful mountains. It just doesn't get much better than this, huh?

Luke Adams didn't want to 'give in' and sleep!!! Silly boy!

Jacob, Luke and Kaycee Chamberlain helping each other get comfy!

Emily zonked out.

August 2011

Family Vacation!

2011-09-02T14:54:00.005-06:00

In August one of our good friends (and family member) came out here to visit and take a family vacation with us! John Chamberlain is Les's cousin. However, he and his wife and kids are also our good friends! They made the long drive out here to see us and the beautiful Rocky Mountains!

John, Natalie, Luke and Kaycee Chamberlain arrived on Friday afternoon. When they got here we had just enough time to chat for a while, get dinner and head over to the Ward Party! Our ward was having a fun pool party so we took them along for the fun!

Saturday morning we got up bright and early to head up to Estes Park, Colorado! We spent Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning up in the mountains! We shopped, ate, swam in the resort pool, hiked, talked late into the night and saw a lot of animals! It was SO fun! It was definitely an easy way to spend the weekend!

Between John, Natalie and Les I never once had to do any cooking or cleaning up after a meal! I felt so spoiled and a bit like I hadn't done my part! We got to stay in a condo at the WorldMark Resort in Estes Park thanks to Marilyn and Steve's membership!!! Les and I didn't sleep much during the two nights we were there, but it was SO worth it to not have to drive back and forth every day of the weekend to get home to Greeley for sleeping!

We hiked to the same falls our family had hiked up back in June. I was glad to have someone to take a great family picture. To bad Luke wasn't cooperating!

Luke hangin' out in the kids pack.

Look at the beautiful colors!!

More wildlife!!

The kids!

Emily and Jacob Adams

Kaycee and Luke Chamberlain

Everyone in the group except Natalie (taking the picture) in downtown Estes Park enjoying some yummy ice cream for a treat!

Les and Luke playing in the pool at our ward pool party, Friday night before we headed up the mountain! What a fun way to spend an evening!

August 2011

August

2011-09-02T14:49:00.002-06:00

I've been trying hard to get caught up on this blog! I've had some time today to myself thanks to Les taking the kids on a trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park. It's been lovely to get so much done on the computer! However, I'm STILL not caught up! I'm really hoping to get through all of August before they get home! Cross your fingers!

July randoms...

2011-09-02T14:39:00.003-06:00

July 23, 2011

Here I am with 4 boys on my lap. I know...you can't see one of them...but next to jacob is our baby boy in my tummy. I asked Les to take this picture because I thought it was hilarious that all these boys had found their way to my lap! Luke and Colton are sitting just behind my baby belly looking at books. I've got Jacob RIGHT next to me looking at a different book. This picture doesn't really capture what I was trying to communicate...but it's ok.

We had quite a few storms during the month of July. During one of them one of the back (kiddy-corner) neighbors had one of their trees fall down. It came crashing down through their back fence and even was over part of our garden! When the workers came to clean it all up the kids were in awe! I let them go out and watch for a while. It was pretty cute seeing them out there. You can see my garden getting a good start out there too!

Luke, Jake and Emi

Friends Forever

The Music Man

2011-09-02T14:26:00.004-06:00

My friends Amy and Eric Long. They are married and got to do the show together. Cool huh? As it turns out they both are teachers at Emily's new school, Frontier Academy. I'm excited to have Emily work with them, they are both amazing people.
Here I am with my two friends from the kids cast! Margaret Herrick and Natalie Canterbury were both in the show and are friends of mine. It was fun to have a few familiar faces on the first day of rehearsal! They both did a great job!

During the month of July I got to participate in an amazing production of The Music Man, produced by The Little Theater of the Rockies. It was a lot of fun. I was very tired at the end of each day, and it was very hard to combine the demands of motherhood with the demands of being in a show....but I'm glad I got to do it! I met some wonderful people and made some awesome friendships. I hope someday I'll be able to participate in more shows, but I think I'll wait a few years! Me, Shelley and Amy

These two gals became my good friends during the show.
The four men who played the quartet.
They did a great job.
Taylor, Hayden, Joey and Francis.

Me showing off my baby belly in costume.
It was a lot harder doing a show pregnant than I thought it would be!
Still, so much fun.

My friend Matt Herrick played Harold Hill in the production. It was fun to watch him work. He did an incredible job. It was an honor to be in the show with him.

Me and all the 'town ladies' in the show.
We were the 'pick-a-little ladies'.
July 31, 2011

Ears

2011-09-02T14:15:00.002-06:00

Emily finally got her ears pierced!!!

On June 30, 2011 It was a very early birthday present! I knew if we waited until her birthday it would coincide with school and all that busy-ness! She had asked to have them pierced several times over the last few months or so. I talked it over with Les and we decided it would be fine. I just wanted to get them done sooner than later knowing that every morning and night we would have to put the solution on them. I wanted to make sure I could do it right, never miss getting the 'stuff' on them so they wouldn't get infected.

Well. I'm afraid I may have done her an injustice! I've been so diligent on getting them treated with the solution and warning her that we can never miss that now she worries quite a bit about them getting infected! In fact, for soccer games they make the girls take out earings and Emily is so worried that if she takes them out for any length of time they'll get infected and/or the skin will grow in too much to allow the earings back in!

I've tried to explain and instill some peace regarding this fear in her. I'll have to keep working on it! I think for the most part she's glad she got them pierced. However, there is so much anxiety in her whenever I take them out to put the solution on them and on her ears...sometimes I wonder! It's been interesting!!! :)

Oooh. That hurt.

But they look GREAT!!!
Happy EARLY Birthday Emi!!!
Mom and Dad love you to the moon and back!!!

Fun

2011-09-02T14:10:00.001-06:00

Jacob

my handsome boy Emily helping Luke

these two get along well

Splash Park

2011-09-02T13:48:00.007-06:00

June 29, 2011

Since rehearsals for the show I participated in this summer, The Music Man started and lasted throughout the month of July I tried to get in as much playing with the kids as I could in June!

One fun thing we did was go to a splash park with Kelcie and Jason Harrison.

Taking a break from the water to have a few otter-pops.

Emily, Luke and Kelcie.

Kelcie used to serve in the Nursery in our ward so she has a wonderful bond with Luke. Now her calling is in Primary and she is Emily's teacher. It's fun to have such a good friend to go hang out with - especially fun spots like splash parks!!

Jacob and Luke.

Luke was very hesitant at first. In fact he really never got into the whole scene of the 'splash'. Nevertheless, I think he had fun!

Jacob, Emily and on the right you can see Jason Harrison playing with them!

Happy Birthday Luke!

2011-09-02T13:32:00.005-06:00

Luke turned 2!!!

June 26, 2011

This sweet boy really didn't get the attention for his birthday that he should have! I hope he'll forgive me! We had only been home from Utah for 3 days when it was his birthday. PLUS his birthday landed on a Sunday this year. We did our best and gave him the attention he deserved!

Luke is such a firecracker! He loves life! He has always been very different from the other two older kids! He has never required as much sleep, much to our dismay! :)

He loves balls, anything outside, riding bikes and scooters, animals, especially dogs and cats, running, jumping, shooting hoops, playing catch, laughing with his brother and sister and is a really happy two year old boy! Luke especially loves our friend Joel. He LOVES going out to Joel's place to see the horses, cows and other animals! Luckily Joel was able to come join us for some ice cream cake on Luke's birthday. We missed Linda, Joel's wife and hope she'll be able to come next time around!

Pat, Ann Marie and Kate Walsh were able to come over and join in for the celebration!

We love these neighbors! It's become a tradition to have them join us for the birthdays in this household. Ann Marie is very generous and always brings a gift for the kids. They are so kind and we absolutely love having them as neighbors and friends.

Joel with all the kids. They all adore him.

Joel and Emily hang out together. This is very typical Joel. He listens intently to the kids and makes sure they know he cares about what they say and do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!!!

Sprinkler Fun!

2011-09-02T13:21:00.003-06:00

June 25, 2011

We don't have a fancy pool like Grammie Fellingham.

BUT WE HAVE SPRINKLERS!!!

The kids enjoy running through the sprinklers for a fun break from the summer heat! I enjoy watching them and get a kick out of the tricks they come up with as they play with the water! The only down side is that generally after this activity there is a lot of grass tracked through the house from the wet feet! I try to clean them off as they come in, but plenty makes it past me!