Trenton

May was a busy month for us.  It typically is, especially as we have had more kids start school.  We also have lots of birthdays that month.  Besides Colson, we celebrated Trenton's and my bro-in-law, Sean's birthday, which happens to be on the same day.

We all went out to Mt. Fuji this year for their birthday.

The birthday boys.

Preston was fascinated with all of the amazing food flipping, blazing fires, and all that goes along with a chef cooking your food right in front of you.  I've never seen that kid sit so still for a meal! ;)

On the real day of his birthday, Trenton chose teddy bear pancakes for dinner, and his all-time favorite, cheesecake, for dessert.

He was ultra spoiled this year and got a cell phone for his birthday.  He's been begging for one FOREVER!  Seriously... since he was about 9.  We kept telling him he wasn't going to get one until he was at least 14, so when he woke up that morning to an iPhone box dangling in his doorway, he was more than thrilled!  When he woke up that morning, all I heard coming from the direction of his room were ecstatic whispers of, "What is this?! Oh, my gosh! What is this?!  Colson! What is this?!"  I love when we can surprise our kids.  It doesn't happen very often.  He has been saving every penny he's made the last several months so he could buy himself a new longboard. Trent took him the day of his birthday to the longboard shop so he could spend all of his hard earned cash on a birthday present for himself.  Spoiled I tell ya!

And of course the beloved balloon launch.

This year was a special birthday since he turned 12. Twelve is the age that the boys in our church can receive the Aaronic Priesthood.  The Sunday after his birthday, he had the Aaronic Priesthood conferred upon him, and was ordained to the office of Deacon, so now we get to see him pass the Sacrament each week at church.  And he is in Young Men's instead of Primary.  I can't believe I have a 12 year old!  I'm still supposed to only be 25!

Besides having a birthday, Trenton's science experiment was due in May.  Yes, we built a hot air balloon.  I have to say, it turned out pretty awesome.  It was a fun project for Trenton and I to work on together.  We could have done the garbage bag with the candle at the bottom, but I told him if he was going to do a hot air balloon project, we may as well make it look like an actual hot air balloon.  Plus it was fun to all go out as a family to launch it.

Next up was the band concert.  Trenton has played the Alto Sax all year in band class.  It is amazing how far the band class has come in just one year.  They have one amazing band teacher!  Trenton is a man of many instruments.  He plays the piano, the saxophone, and started taking guitar lessons about 5 months ago.  The guitar is his favorite so far.  Although he still sits down to the piano quite a bit to play.  He promised his piano teacher (which is also his guitar teacher) that he would keep up on his piano, and not let three years of lessons go down the drain.  :)

Another May down and many more to look forward to and enjoy!

Past. Present. Future?

I was looking through some of our older pictures the other day and stumbled across this one.

Although the shirt no longer fits, the saying still applies. :o)

Colson

 Our Colson had another birthday last month and went and turned 10 on us!  A few weeks before the big day, he kept saying he wished he could have his braces off for his birthday.  His wish came true!  2 days before his birthday he got to go in and have his braces removed.

It's amazing what they can do in just 9 months.  Here is what his teeth looked like before.  They look great!  So his first birthday wish came true.

Back in March Trent found a new hobby and started long boarding.  He bought a long board, and it wasn't too long before Trenton and Colson took it over.

 

 I have to admit, the first few times Colson tried it, I was tempted to ban him for life.  He was a bit, shall we say, unstable?  To put it frankly, he was scaring me to death.  But after just a day or two of practicing, he was doing awesome.  So of course with his birthday coming up, he wanted a long board of his own.

His second wish came true.

With Colson's birthday coming right after the birth of Jillian, we didn't do all of our normal birthday celebrations, but we still did the balloon launch.

 And we of course had cake and ice cream.  Preston, that turkey, snuck in and blew Colson's candles out before he even had a chance.  He's a sneaky little devil! : )

We made sure Colson had another chance though.

With the end of the school ear approaching, we have had programs and concerts galore to attend.  Colson's grade did a play this year on Colorado history.

I LOVE watching this kid perform.  He gets so into it!  He was in choir this year, so we had several opportunities to watch him perform throughout the year.  He always finds a way to add some type of action to whatever it is he's singing.  There have been many parents who have come up to me after each performance to tell me how much they loved watching Colson's actions and facial expressions.  He's quite the entertainer!

The musical was very informative and entertaining, and they all did such an awesome job!

We sure love this kid and are so grateful for the day he came to join our family.  We don't know what we'd do without him!

Baby Update

 Our little Jilly is growing, albeit very slowly... But, she is growing.  She is now 6 weeks old and is still smaller than Colson was when he was born.  ; )  She's a petite little one, just like her sis.  

1 day old

Being the last of five kids, she doesn't spend much time in her cradle or swing.  There is always someone wanting to hold her.

Vivi is always there at the first tiny whimper from Jilly.  She takes such good care of her baby sister.  She will rock her, sing to her, and do just about anything to make her happy.

Preston asks to hold her all the time, but it is usually short lived.  He holds her for about 30 seconds then announces that he's done.  He has, however been found on many occasions sniffing and kissing her feet, while saying in a high pitched voice, "Oh, such cute little feeties!"  And he LOVES when her eyes are open.  He is always saying, "Where's hers eyes?  I want to see her eyes!"  

Jillian is a champion sleeper.  At night anyway.  She started sleeping through the night when she was just shy of 4 weeks old.  Now if we could just get her to sleep during the day, besides when I am holding her, then we'd be in business.  It probably has something to do with the fact that she has a brother who is slightly obsessed with her, and has to know where she is and see where she is at all points of the day.  This would be fine of he would be more quiet about it.  And it is no secret about the extent of his sneakiness.  If I lock the door to my room after putting her in her cradle, Preston always finds a key to open the door with.  It doesn't matter how well I think I've hid them.  It will be a miracle if she ever gets a real nap in.  ; )  At least he loves her!

She can't quite decide if she likes baths or not.  One day she'll lie there, content as can be, and another day she'll cry through the whole thing whether we change the water temp or keep her covered with a washcloth.

Her uncle Dustin thought she should start life out right... Drinking Mountain Dew.  He is always threatening to give my kids Mountain Dew.  As if they need the extra energy!

She has been getting a little fussy in the evenings, but with a little ride in the stroller around the neighborhood, she is right as rain.

We sure love this little babe and are so grateful to have her!

Our Newest Addition

 I am so happy to announce the arrival of our newest little one, Jillian ReNae Stock.  She entered this world at 10:28 on April 21, 2011.  We are so excited she is finally here!  She weighed in at 7 lbs. 1 oz., and measured 19 1/2 inches in length.

After waking up on the morning of the 20th, I thought my water had possibly broken, so Trent and I got a few things together, dropped the kids off at a friend's, and headed off to the hospital.  After being there a couple of hours, they had determined that my water had in fact not broke, and the contractions I was having weren't strong enough to be making any changes in my body, so they sent us home.  It was the absolute worst!  I went to the hospital hoping to have a baby, only to be sent home. Argh!  So we went home, I took a short nap, then got up and started making dinner.  And good news!  Then the contractions really started to set in, and at 2 minutes apart at that.  So we gave it an hour or two just to be sure, (I did not want to get sent home again) then headed back to the hospital.  They got me strapped to all the machines, checked me, and determined that it was the real deal this time.  YAY!  They had Trent walk me around the halls for an hour or so, then they got my IV going.  Not too long after they moved me into an L&D room came my favorite part... the epidural.  I love those things!  I've had an epidural with all five of my kids, and each one was wonderful.  I have never felt so relaxed in my life!  Anyway, they gave me the epidural, turned the lights out, and I went to sleep for the night.  My doctor came at 7:30 the next morning to break my water, and Jilly was here by 10:28.

The kids couldn't wait to come and see her at the hospital.  I've never seen a happier bunch of kiddos.  They all were so excited to hold her.  

Back in October when we first told the kids about my pregnancy, Trenton said, "Another one?"  I was a little discouraged at that, but the closer I got to my due date, the more excited he became.  When the kids came to the hospital to see Jilly for the first time, and it was his turn to hold her, he said, "I wish I could hold her forever."  And when he gets home from school every day, the first thing he asks is if he can hold Jilly.  Well, actually it is the second thing he asks.  The first thing he asks is what can he have for a snack?  ;)

Colson just loves her to pieces.  Whenever he hears her crying, he is one of the first to try and console her.  He always tells me, "I just can't bear to hear her cry!  It's too sad!"

Vivi is in heaven.  She has said multiple times, "Finally we have more girls in this house!"  Good news, she is happy now after years of begging for a sister.  

Preston is just fascinated with her.  He always has to come and check things out when I change her diaper. I have asked him a couple of times to throw the diaper away for me after I finish changing her, but he is not interested.  Every time he sees me change her diaper now, he calls out, "I don't want to touch it!"  That's alright, he's actually really helpful in other ways.  He loves to put her binky (or pinky, as he calls it) in her mouth.  He asks about her umbilical cord all the time too. 

We love our little Jilly Bean and are so happy she is finally here.  Here are a few shots of her newborn photos.

We just love her to pieces!!!

Counting Down

We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little girl!  We can't wait to hold and snuggle her.  Less than four weeks until my due date.  Hallelujah! 

What a Day!

Preston's day on Friday, March 25

 

8:30 am - After having a fever for two solid weeks, we take Preston back in to the Dr.'s office.  (For the third time in 2 weeks.)

9:00 - We are told that he is going to need blood work done and a chest X-ray is ordered.

9:45 - 3 nurses enter the room to draw blood/hold Preston down while blood is being drawn.  (Turns out they didn't even need the two nurses to hold him down.  He laid there perfectly still, looking into my eyes and saying in a small, whimpering voice, "It hurts mommy.  It hurts me."  Poor kiddo.)

10:00 - Nurse comes back in with 5 vaccinations.  Preston was not quite as still for this one.  We could have used the two other nurses this time.

10:05 - We leave Dr.'s office, but not before they give Preston a popsicle, several stickers, and anything of his choice from the treasure chest.  :)

10:15 - We pick up Trent and get drive-thru breakfast at Chick-Fil-A.

10:30 - Preston has an eye appointment, where we find out that he is blind as a bat and his eyes will need to be dilated to find out just how bad it is.

11:45 - Dilation drops are put into Preston's eyes, and we head down the road to Fuzziwig's Candy Store while we wait for the drops to do their job.

12:30 - The eye exam is finished, and we pick out some glasses.  Much to Preston's dismay, they don't have any green ones in his size.  Preston has had enough, and falls asleep in Trent's arms.

1:00 - Preston and I drop Trent off at home, then leave for the hospital to get his chest X-ray done.

1:30 - They call us back for the X-ray and Preston completely freaks out when they tell him he needs to take his shirt off.  (He thought they were going to give him more shots.)

1:40 - The X-rays are done, and since the Dr. put a hold/call on the order, we had to wait until she called back to let us know the results.

2:10 - The Dr. calls, and with the results she has gotten back from the X-ray and blood work, Preston has pneumonia.  She calls in a prescription.

2:35 - We stop back at the eye Dr. to pick up Preston's glasses.  He gets them all fitted.

3:00 - We finally arrive back home.

Preston is feeling much better these days, and is getting used to his new glasses.  He keeps them on all day now without any complaints, excuses, or reasons why he needs to take them off.  He is definitely back to all of his old shenanigans.  ;)

Ray of Sunshine

Trevor with his dad (Ryan), mom (Stephanie), and brother (Tate)
  
Saturday, March 5, 2011 was the day that marked the tragic death of my nephew Trevor.  At only age 18 he was taken from this earth.  While we are so very sad at his passing from this life, I can't help but be grateful for the amazing and wonderful person he was.  Trevor truly left his mark on this earth and touched the lives of so very many.  This was evidenced by all those in attendance at his funeral.  There were around 2,000 people there, and I know there were many others that weren't in attendance, but would have been, if they could.  The whole week Trent and I were in Austin for the funeral, we had the wonderful privilege of hearing innumerable stories of how Trevor touched the lives of countless others.  It is amazing to me that in his short 18 years, he had such a widespread influence on so many; adults, peers, and children alike.  He had an abundance of wonderful gifts, but I think one of his greatest gifts was his ability to reach out, love, and serve others.  It was impossible to feel down or upset when he was around.  There is not a single memory I have of him where he wasn't laughing, smiling, cracking jokes, or talking animatedly regarding something he was excited about.  He was truly a ray of sunshine!

Trevor with his littlest sister, Taryn

My little niece, Taryn, who is 6, had some very sweet and insightful things to say about her oldest brother.  She was visiting with my brother-in-law, Sean and I one night, and told us that Trevor still whispers to her.  She said sometimes she feels a little tickle in her ear, and when she feels it, she knows it is Trevor talking to her.  She also let us know that she will get to see Trevor again someday.  Then she proceeded to tell us that since he's in heaven, he doesn't need to eat food anymore.  "It's like magic!!!" she told us. :) She knows exactly what she is talking about.  I recently received a very comforting email from a family member, and in that email were some words from Elder Holland.  He spoke them at the funeral of a girl, Sarah, who died in an accident at the age of 16.  He said, "You think Sarah's influence was great before, well, you just sit back and watch.  You haven't seen anything yet.  Sarah's role in your life will be be even greater now than it would have been if she were still here.  And it's now your responsibility to live your life in such a way that you'll know when she's here and you'll understand what she's trying to tell you."  I know this will be true of Trevor as well.  I have seen the mark he has left on people, and I know his wonderful influence will continue to touch the hearts of many.  I know his little sister, who loves him so, so much still hears him whisper to her, and I know he will continue to be an influence in the lives of his mother, father, his 4 younger siblings, and countless others.

There was also a quote from Pres. Hinckley in the email.  He said, "How marvelous a gift, that if we live worthy we shall have the right to the company of angels.  Here is protection, here is guidance, here is direction; all of these from powers beyond our own natural gifts."  What a comfort to know that our loved ones who have gone on before us are still here with us.  What a blessing to know that we can have the "company of angels".  I know Trevor is still here, watching over all those he loves and taking care of them in ways he wouldn't be able to if he were still here.

From the moment I learned of Trevor's death, the Primary song "I Will Be Valiant"  (from the children's songbook of the LDS church) popped into my head, and still does every time I think of him.  I know he was one of the Lord's most valiant and faithful, and that he did so much to serve others in this life.

Trevor, you are truly a bright star.  One that will never be forgotten.  You have blessed and continue to bless the lives of so many.  Thank you for sharing your wonderful personality, gifts, and talents with all of us.  While we miss you greatly, we know we will see you again, and that you will be there to welcome us with open arms.  Love you so much.  Til we meet again.

Here is a link to a slide show of Trevor's life.

Changed Smile

A couple of months ago, Vivi lost one of her top front teeth.  She was excited about it because the first two teeth she lost had to be pulled by the dentist.  So she was happy this time to go through the process of it getting looser and looser, until it was time to pull it out!  She came to me one morning before school with her tooth all but ready to fall out.  So we did what we have done with all of the older boys' teeth that we've pulled out.  We grabbed some floss, tied it around the tooth nice and tight, and gave it a good yank.  Well, it didn't come out.  Before I had tied the floss around her tooth, I had felt little nervous about this happening since it had happened with Trenton before.  I think my worry about it happening caused me to hesitate and not pull as hard as I needed to.

So she ended up with her tooth hanging by a thread.  I couldn't bring myself to tie the floss around it and try again though.  I totally chickened out!  So I told her she could go to school like that, or she could pull it out herself.  (We had 20 minutes before we had to leave for school.)  

 She went and grabbed some tissue, took a firm grasp on her tooth, gave it a good yank, and it was out!

Her other front tooth has been loose now for what seems like months, and today, it was finally ready to come out.  I made Trent do it this time though.  ;)

And now our Viv has a super cute new smile!  I love the toothless grin.  And her esses sound a lot more like ethes.  So cute!  We love your new smile little chica!  Cute as ever!

Birthday Boy

 

This wonderful little boy had a birthday this past week and went and turned 4 on us.

This kid was one of the happiest babies I have ever known.  Seriously happy.  He hardly ever made a peep and always had a smile for you.  He was a champion sleeper, and was always content to just hang out and watch all of the happenings going on.  And he was the best snuggler.  Definitely my snuggliest baby.

Then around the time he started walking, his snuggling days were over, and he turned into the busiest kid I have ever known.  Busier than all of my other 3 kids put together at that age.  There was a time Trent and I didn't know if we'd be able to make it without pulling all our hair out.  It seemed like all I did all day was go from one mess to another to clean up.  And we're not talking little messes.  We're talking an inch of water on the wood floors (yes, they were a little warped), or a bucket of flour dumped all over the kitchen floor, or everyday having to wade through the pile of tupperware on the kitchen floor to be able to get to the fridge or stove.  And then there was the stage he went through where if he found any type of writing utensil, it was sure to be on the walls, couch, or whatever he could find in his reach to color on.  And the climbing.  Oh the climbing!  I can't tell you how many times I walked into the kitchen to find him standing on the counters, or saw him with a stool on top of a chair and him standing on top of it all.  It's amazing my heart hasn't stopped by now.  Once he figured out he could climb other things, it took him no time at all to figure out how to climb out of his crib, which ended his champion sleeping habits for the next 2 years.  While Preston was still a very happy boy (albeit destructively happy), he also started to have some seriously insane temper tantrums.  I had never seen anything like it.  And they would come on in an instant, with no warning whatsoever.  And of course, him being a toddler, there was no reasoning with him.  At.  All.  (My mom always wished a kid just like I was on me, and I guess I got one.)  ;)

The last six months there has been a big change in him.  He is easier to reason with.  His tantrums are fewer and don't last as long.  He'll stay in his bed now to fall asleep.  He still climbs things a lot, but I am more confident in his climbing and balancing abilities now, so it doesn't bother me as much. ;)  He is super snuggly again and comes to me all throughout the day for hugs and kisses.  I can take him to the store again without anymore embarrassing episodes, and without losing him.  He is much better at staying with me now. :)  Most of all, he just makes me laugh.  He says and does the funniest things every day.  I am so grateful for the day he came to join our family.  He has been such a joy, and I don't think I would be as patient as I am now if it weren't for him.  (Not that I am super patient or anything, but more than I was before Preston became a toddler.)  :)

This year for his birthday, Preston asked for a Choo Choo Train cake.  Whenever I would ask him what he wanted for his birthday, that was his response.  "A Choo Choo Train cake."  He had seen one that my friend Cheryl had made for her son on his third birthday, and there was no swaying him.  That was all he wanted.  Now, there are several things I can do, but cake decorating is not one of them.  The fanciest I get is two round cakes stacked on top of each other, and even that doesn't turn out so well for me sometimes.

Like last year for Preston's birthday, for instance.  The cake totally fell apart on me!  So when I told Preston that I didn't know how to make a train cake, this didn't sway him at all.  He said, in his matter-of-fact way of speaking, "Cheryl knows how.  She can make it."  When I told him I wasn't going to ask Cheryl to make his cake, that didn't deter him.  That is still what he wanted.  The ONLY thing he wanted.  So I sweated over how I was going to make this cake for about 2 weeks.  Cheryl was so kind as to email me the directions, thank heavens, otherwise I would have had no idea where to begin!

Four sheet cakes of the Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe, and about 6 tubs of frosting later, we had built a Choo Choo Train cake.  Preston was thrilled!  And I was thrilled when it was finally done!  I went a little overboard on the size of the cake, so if he ever asks for another one, I will know to make it a bit smaller. :)

He got a little shy and embarrassed when we were singing "Happy Birthday" to him.  He had his face covered the whole time.

He got over it in time to blow out the candles though.

He was very excited about his new remote control monster truck.  I have accidentally called it a remote control car a few times, and he is always quick to tell me, "It is not a car.  It is a remote control monster truck."  All in a disgusted tone of voice.  ;)  Sorry buddy... I'll get it right one of these days.

We of course had our balloon launch, but everyone was too quick to let them go before I could get a picture, so here is the after picture.

 

Happy birthday sweet boy!  We sure love you!