Some Fun In Nebraska

That darn CAT!

This cat is a little pest. It hates its owners but it loves me. I was helping a man in the branch with his house and during a little break, the cat jumped up on my lap and started to rub its head against mine and purr really loud. It must have known who I was. I think I should send it home in a box for the princess.

Wellsville Balloon Festival

This was a really fun week. Every year, people come from all around to see all of the hot air balloons that launch off here. I saw some pretty neat ones. The Energizer Bunny balloon is taller than the Statue of Liberty!

Not much to see...YET!

I realize that there isn't much to see in my classroom yet...but give me a few days and I am going to transform Room 403 into a place that will be the envy of all 1st grade. Please be sure to check back in a few days after I have untangle the desks and chairs, create bulletin boards, and added some special touches!

And the award goes to...

Paige has to be the most tolerant dog I know. Ever since Kennedy was born she has loved her beyond comprehension. She is always so patient and lets Kennedy sometimes get a little too rough and never snaps, growls or bites.
Yesterday I went into check on her as she was watching her morning cartoons and discovered she decided to "doll up Paige" with some hair clips.
Now mind you there are SIX clips, not all can be seen. Paige didn't even move. They were piercing her ears and bending them in ways that had to hurt.
Even if Paige runs away at every opportunity I have to say she really is a good family dog!

More & More Drywall

Where ever I go I end up doing some drywalling. It's just crazy! No one knew how to fix it so I signed up. Me and Elder Elder Pinchack pached it up. We didn't have enough drywall. If you zoom up to the finished picture there is a 2 nich gap at the bottom! They didn't give us enough drywall! So, the tim covered the gap and life goes on.

Meet the Kaizers

Here they are! Isn't it a small world? I thought Jordy would like this one. So, I now know Jordans MTC companions' parents. They only have one picture of Jordan. Come to find out...it's the back of his head. They all lined up for a picture and he turns around! Thats my

brother.

Junk Trailer!

Remember the guy I told you about that had the redneck wedding? Well he is moving. It seems inevitable but I cannot get away from big blue trailers and junk. He has tons of junk! So I had to load that baby down and tie it up! I thought Dad would appreciate this!

Houston we have contact!

The most important thing I have learned being a parent is that every child learns differently and at different times.

I said a lot of "I'll never" before Kennedy was born and have had to eat my hat on more than one occasion.

But, I have found with trial and error comes reward. Today was one of those days.

After a long bought with attempted potty training and no success I all but gave up. I tried all the things people suggested but as I said all children learn different and what works for one may not work for another.

For the past couple days Doug and I have told Kennedy if she went on the big potty we would take her to get pizza and buy her a big girl bed. Finally today she decided to take us serious. She went into the bathroom got on her potty and let go! Holy smokes she did it. She filled that thing up. Doug and I couldn't believe it, finally. Then Doug turns to me and says "I think we are out a couple hundred bucks now." We even thought it was a fluke until an hour later when she decided to go again.

I guess a posting about potty isn't a big deal to you but it was momentous to Doug and I.

Happy 4th of July!

I hope that everyone had a great 4th of July. Here are a few of the pictures from our party...

Now is this a tailgate party or what!?
And a Happy Engagement Anniversary to Heather and Doug!

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do a little 4th of July post. Yes, I am proud to be an American and live in a free country where I have the right to make my own choices and live as I wish. But, the 4th of July holds another special meaning for me. July 4th is the anniversary of Doug and I's engagement. It has been our tradition every year since to celebrate the 4th watching fireworks put on by Central Christian in Mesa where our original engagement took place. However, sadly this was the first year since our engagement that they chose not to hold this event. I was sad but honestly its always fun to spend time with Doug on the 4th no matter where it is. We laugh about where we were 8 years ago and how far we have come. We have so much to be thankful for and have been blessed beyond measure.We had a great evening, thanks to Ben and Briana who had us over to their house for a BBQ and fireworks at Brianas parents, who live only a stones throw from Shnepf's Farms where the fireworks for Queen Creek were held this year. It was lots of fun!

Evans Family Campout

This last weekend was Grammy & Poppy's 7th annual campout. Of course it was lots of fun with lots of adventure it was memorable to say the least. Here is Kennedy enjoying breakfast, who gave her that Coke?
We camped near Greens Peak so there were plenty of trails and places to ride the quads and get all kinds of dirty!
We also did some shooting. I finally got to shoot the pistol Doug bought me for Mother's Day.
This one if for all the people who would never believe that I let Kennedy get dirty. That girl was a mess! I think it bothered Doug more than it bothered me. I figured what the heck she is already a mess might as well let her enjoy herself.

Even thought Rachel and Bryce got locked out of their car on the way and had to call a locksmith, Doug and I had a scare with the camper and Poppy broke his elbow it was a good weekend believe it or not! At least we can all laugh about it.

My Weeks of Work & Fun

Here is a picture of Elder Herrea on our exchange that went better than I thought and then the newest member of the church. ANDY and then the storm. Not a good picture! Sorry

Taste of NY!

Just some pics of the Sacred Grove to make you jealous!

Wellsville or Mayberry?

This is Main Street in Welsville. I walk down it every day. The house on the hill is a member's house that we go fishing at.

The "Contraption"

I couldn't resist posting this. It really belongs on the Pumpkinheaded Brothers blog but I am not allowed to post there...hmmm wonder why? Anyway, dad's back has been aching again so he built this interesting contraption (he doesn't like me to call it that) to stretch out his back and give him some relief. My description of it just won't do it justice but I will try. A foam tube wraps around his chest and then he has bungee cords that are attached to a band that is strapped to his waist. The other end of the bungee cords are connected to a big hook that is connected to a rope that wraps around the TV stand (thank goodness it is solid). The foam tube around his chest has a ratchet strap attached to it that is connected who knows where. He then gets in the "contraption" and we ratchet him in tight. Does it work? Maybe. If so I think he should market it. Then again no one would buy it when they looked at it up close. Did I say Redneck? Poor Dad. You have to admit that while it is a little bit unorthodox, it is an original!

My New Home Away From Home!

Well, here it is folks! My new home away from home. Ranch Elementary...home of the Roadrunners. Isn't it weird that when I was in grade school the roadrunner was also my school mascot? Hmm...Well anyway, I thought you might like a nice view of what I will be seeing everyday for the next 10 months. I thought the view of the mountains in the background was kind of nice! Drop by next month and I will give you a tour of the inside of the building. I'll have to get back to you on my room number but you are welcome anytime!

Consider Yourselves REBUKED

Okay its time for me to rebuke yall. This is SAD me and JORDY are the only ones to update the blog in almost 2 weeks. I KNOW Kobie has a camrea so does Travis mom bethany heather ben and all my other happy siblings. But in a way I really look forward to seeing pictures and little stories on whats going on in my family. SO please add something.

New York (Hillbilly Style)!

These are just a few of the pictures that I have. I am going to put some more on next week. The first one is just some good ol' NY country. The next is our truck. The las pitcure is Elder Herbst studying scriptures!

Me & Stuff

So, heres some quick pics of whats going on! The first one is me and Elder Russell and Elder Thorpe meet again at a leadership meeting and then me and Elder Carter finally meet since the MTC he was in my district and its been alsmost a year. Last of all of our district, fun stuff

Happy Father's Day from Council Bluffs

Well, dad I just wanted to say that I love you and you are the best dad ever.

We all are so blessed to have you. Who else would watch slide with us? Dad you are the greatest example for all of us of how Christ would be.

I am proud to tell my companions that my dad has never yelled at me or scolded me, even when I think he should have.

Here is my view for you. This is just before a big storm hit and I thought you would like to take a gander at the view.

Father Dear We Love You So

Once while working for a past employer a co-worker of mine asked about my family. During the conversation it was mentioned that I was one of 10 children. I thought her mouth was going to hit the floor. Her comment to me was how can your parents possibly provide enough love and support for that many children.

My response was easy, they just do and always have. That has always been their priority.

Growing up I am sure all my siblings will say we loved the end of the day when dad would come home. As soon as we saw his truck nearing home we waited with baited breath to be the first one to his truck to salvage what was left of a pink lemonade or peanut patty he had picked up in the afternoon. This was always a treat for us kids.

When dad got home from work he first attended to our mother and then to his children. Weather it was a hairless goat rendition on the piano or Moody Blues records dad always seem to keep us kids entertained.

I can count numerous water fights in the backyard with dad, whiskers and wrestling to complete exhaustion. Dad did what it took to let each of his children know he loved us in our own individual way.

Several times I would find little notes from dad in my room or car letting me know he loved me and was proud of me. These are some of my most treasured items to this day.

Monsoon season, black licorice, popcorn with too much butter, Rockford Files, hunting and family. These are a few of dad's favorite things.

I would have to say above all the things dad has done great for me in my life is the love he offers our mother. The true sincerity of our fathers love for our mother has perhaps been the most profound effect on any of his children.

We couldn't ask for a better father this fathers day, we love you dad.

Traders Not Welcome!

What's this? Kobie has decided to branch off and make her own blog!!

It's official by the looks of her posting on the Richardson Family Blog she no longer wants to be known as part of the family.

Well, should we allow you to post from here on out? I guess. Sure our family is strange. Just because we make fires in our backyard for family home evening and our dad has a truck that has an official title of Hunting Bears doesn't make us strange does it?

Mom and I decided tonight you didn't love us anymore, but I guess we will just have to get over it.

Maybe you need to buy yourself a Hawaii Chair and you will feel better.

We're moving!

The Hatch Family has their own official blog! Check us out!

Splish, Spash

Next to camping Kennedy's favorite summer activity would be anything that has to do with water. She loves to get wet on the slip & slide or swim in her little pool.
Last Friday Kennedy invited her cousins over for a little water party and lunch. She sure loved it and was ready for a nap when they left.

Isn't Devin's face cute in this? I think he dumped his bubbles into the water and later it was a bit foamy.

Drake actually looks like he knows how to skim board in this photo. I thought it was a great action shot.

How many kids can you get in a kiddy pool? Well at one time I think there was 7!

Lunch! Yum, the kids had root beer, hot dogs, chips, pickles and pasta salad.
It's so fun to have so many of Kennedy's cousins close to home so we can all get together. Secretly, I like it because all my sisters and sister-in laws are close too and we can get together as well.

Now You See It, Now You Don't

Well, Brigham can finally say good-bye to his cast. It was a colorful experience. First cast was white, then a blue one followed by a red one and finally a green one. I think they were running out of color choices. He has a happy look on his face in the video. Take a close look at his arm when the cast is removed...Yuck! It looks like a bad case of Leprosy. Fortunately it washed off in a couple of days. He now sports a "black" removable splint. Brigham, "Listen to your mom next time and avoid the broken bones!"

Yes, I did it!

After a long process and days of training I am officially a doula!
Of course you are saying “what is a doula?” Well, here is a brief education. A doula accompanies women in labor, provides emotional and physical support, suggests comfort measures, and provides support and suggestions for the partner. When possible a doula provides pre- and post-partum emotional support, including explanation and discussion of practices and procedures, and assistance in acquiring the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about her care.

I have always been fascinated with childbirth and the birth process. Birth is such an amazing thing to witness but even more amazing to me is to see a woman in a labor of love for her child. This is where I want to have the opportunity to help women achieve their ideal birth in the best way possible and offer them the support they need to do it.

I have had the opportunity to be a part of three births prior to my decision to be come DONA trained and certified. Two of these births were of my own siblings. Mom taught her girls all at young ages the wonderfulness of childbirth. I begged mom to let me be there when the last two siblings were born. I knew for sure after having been a part of that process that I too wanted to labor naturally and have the same birth experience she had.

I know what you are thinking of labor, women screaming, immense pain and endless agony. Well then, you have never been a part of a birth where a mother set a birth plan and reached it.

Last February I was able to be a part of Kimbers’ birth. This was life changing for me. To see Kobie so calm and relaxed as she labored was amazing. She stayed focused and against all odds delivered a baby V-BAC!! This was it for me I was sure that some way some how I was going to find a way to be able to help women labor in whatever way they desire.

Doulas who are certified by DONA International must have completed all the requirements as set forth in the DONA International Requirements for Certification. This includes training in childbirth and attendance at a birth doula workshop which has been approved the DONA; completion of a breastfeeding requirement; required reading from the DONA International Reading List; development of a resource list for her clients; completion of an essay that demonstrates understanding of the integral concepts of labor support and a Basic Knowledge Self Assessment Test.

So, I am officially trained by DONA and have completed all but one requirement in order to be certified. The next step is to attend three births as a trained DONA doula. I have a client who will be having a home birth in October so I will need to do two more for certification. So, if you know anyone who is expecting and wants to know about doulas send her my way. Of course my first three births will be at no charge. After that requirements are set by DONA and I am required to charge for my services.

If you want more info on DONA check out http://www.dona.org/ and of course if you want to know more personaly I would be happy to share what I know with you. A big thanks to Doug for all his support while I attended birthing classes, training and much more. He is such a supporter of this and a true believer in the process, of course he has witnessed this first hand at the birth of Kennedy, thanks Doug!