Miraculous Recovery, the end of the innocence...

Ok, so yeah, I do still think that doctor didn't know his head from his...you know. Saturday morning my kids woke up happy as larks. Perfectly fine. No fever, no aches, and requiring zero Motrin. They have stayed that way, so far. Guess it was not MONO. I am so relieved, I was really dreading the 2 weeks of misery Dr. was predicting. Wish I hadn't've run right out and bought almost $50 worth of Motrin and Tylenol, but oh well, I'm sure that it will come in useful down the road.

So now, the only person in our house who is feeling yucky is me. I think I'm getting an ulcer: In only 3 short days, we are throwing my sweet innocent baby girl to the wolves. That's right, she is starting Kindergarten. And she will also be riding the bus.

Maybe.

As it turns out, Dustin and I do disagree over something besides money. He thinks it is fine for our 5 year old to ride the bus to school in the morning with high schoolers, and I don't. Apparently, she will be riding the bus with all the kids in our area, up to high school. I'm a little bit freaking out over this, I'm sorry to say. On Wednesday, the first day, parents go with the kindergarteners to school, incuding riding the bus. I'll check it out, do my best to intimidate any one on the bus who might be considering hassling by baby, and then decide.

I'll let you know.

Add bus/starting school stress to the stress of assembling the perfect first day of school outfit, and you'll see why the ulcer is pending...

OK, just kidding, I'm probably not really getting an ulcer, but this is hitting me a lot harder than I thought it would. I'm really not a crazy protective mom, but thinking about her getting on that bus full of strange people and it pulling away without me does kind of make me want to throw up...I KNOW, I'm crazy. Anyway, pray for us on Wednesday. Probably just me, Kennedy couldn't be more excited and happy about it. Like I said, innocent. And I'd like to keep it that way...just a little longer...

We've Had Better Days...maybe

After spending the entire morning at the doctor, it seems the kids have mono. Are you kidding ME? MONO? I'm the only one they kiss, come on!

The Mono test was inconclusive, but, our genious doctor says "that is what I'm putting my money on." OK, thanks. I'm really not one to freak out, but Kennedy woke up several times in pain last night, and Hudson couldn't bend over to pick up his toy without crying in pain, and they both had fevers, so I saw whoever was available first thing. I thought about going for a second opinion, but the kids were tired, so I took them home and did what they said, which was Motrin and rest.

Bingo, they are both doing MUCH better.

Let me just give you an idea of my day: Kennedy was in a lot of pain, and after fighting with Hudson for my lap for most of the morning, and getting an x-ray and a finger-poke and a throat swab, as we were leaving the doctor's, she said to me, "I wish this day was just a dream." (please let this be the worst thing she ever has to go through, I dread the day she ever gets an ingrown toenail, or heaven forbid, has a baby...)

Several hours later, after a happy meal, bag of skittles, a couple of movies, a couple doses of Motrin (WONDER DRUG), and a mani-pedi from mom while laying on the couch, she told me, "I LOVE this day!" Hmmm....Dramatic, maybe? Hudson didn't really lose it until I took his hat off for his exam. He is so attached to his ballcap!

I am so greatful for my (mostly) healthy kids! I can't lie, I sorta enjoyed the extra lovin' today, particularly from the littlest, hardest-to-hold-on-to-little-one...

And since I did't think about taking pictures once today (rare), and since I can't post without pics, here are some random funny ones from when my kids were having better days than today.

More proof...

that my nieces and nephews are the cutest in the world! Yes, Allie, that includes you...do you like me now??? And can you tell I've found a new favorite photo-op place?!

We took these last sunday when the family was up, and seriously, 5 kids under 8 in one shot? and they are all looking, and none of them crying? Let me just pat myself on the back a little bit. Ok, I had, like 20 assistants, but still...

Don't you love the look on Kade's face? "I wouldn't smile for you, if you were the last person on earth..." And Rhett is just happy no one is trying to make him eat anything.

Are these girls models or what?!?!

Paige is the only one who would humor me for an individual...love it!

Chambers Fun Weekend of Fun

We are having the greatest summer, can you tell? We had a "Brother/Sister" weekend with Dustin's family, and it was a blast! We were a bit crowded, but no one seemed to mind, and we had a great weekend of togetherness. Everyone arrived by Friday afternoon, and we had fun playing on the lake, catching frogs, paddle-boating, and eating!

Frogging...

Paddle boating...quite a load of kids!

Dustin dutch-ovened for us that night, and it was delicious. He is the best cook, I am lucky to have him around. We love to have people over and cook for them, he is way better at it than I am.

Saturday morning, we had a big breakfast and then decided to head over to Bear World. It has a drive-through park with bears, deer, elk, buffalo, mountain goats, etc, and then a fun gift shop, petting zoo, and small amusement park. We had been once before, and it was fun, but this time it was amazing. The bears were all over, and so active! Several were on the road, and some came right up to the cars...it was so cool,and kind of scary! Everyone loved it. The kids had a great time at the petting zoo and riding the little rides.

Here is one of the baby bears...cute!

Getting ready to go on the little roller coaster...

Hudson learned fast that it is way more fun if you throw your arms up!

One of the fun rides. Look at McKenna's face! I love it!

Hudson loves his hat, and loves to wear it LOW. It's hilarious. He walks around like this all day. Everyday.

After Bear World, We took the the family to Big Jud's, to enjoy some world famous Burgers! They were quite fabulous, big greasy things, yum! It is quite a road-show to take 9 adults and 11 kids anywhere, especially out to eat, it was worth it!

We had more fun lake time on Saturday afternoon, and then Dustin delighted us again with Navajo Tacos and scones for dinner. Heavenly.






We finished up with a campfire and s'mores. Everyone trickled out on Sunday, and we have been missing the chaos! Good memories, for sure! Love to all the Chambers family who made the trek!


oh, and a quick squash update: we are getting a harvest like this every couple of days! AHH, any recipe ideas???

More Family time...

We were lucky enough to have Jenna, Nate and Preslie come up for a long weekend, so fun! We hung out at the lake, ate lots of food, read our Breaking Dawn books together (of course I'm done, why else would I be posting?), and shopped a little, doesn't that sound perfect! Dustin was on call, but the only thing he had to miss of the weekend was Sacrament Meeting...isn't that a little too convenient...

Here are some visual aids...

It wasn't extremely warm, luckily Kennedy had sweet uncle Nate to get in the water with...

This is what Hudson does when I tell him to say "cheese"...

Nate was interested in what Dustin does, so Dustin took him over to work and gave him a lesson, and let him have a go at climbing a pole...

He did pretty good!

Hudson helping Preslie try on the hard hat...

Cute kids on the back of the trouble truck...

Here are the spoils from our first Harvest of the season, sweet! I love the garden so much, I should probably give it it's own post...

Webb Fun Weekend of Fun

Every last one of us...

We had the best long (kind of like this post) weekend down in Utah, I am still recovering (laundry, cleaning out the truck, diet back on track, etc...)! My mom planned a reunion of sorts for our family, and it was so awesome, everyone was able to make it for most of the time. Thanks to my parents for hosting us all, what a mad-house! But so fun! There were 4 babies born between September 06 and September 07, so you can imagine the mess/noise that that brings...but you can tell they love having us around, and we sure love being together!

We went down on Thursday afternoon, (to the scorching heat...after having barely hit the 90's here, 100+ heat was almost unbearable...I'm a huge baby, I know...) and met my parents, Jenna and Nate, and Jeff and Jill, and their respective kids, for dinner and then the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo. It was so fun, particulary since Hudson had new boots and Wranglers. He was the cutest thing ever. I know we are not really a cowboy family, but I have a weakness for kids in boots and jean...so cute. Hot, but cute. The rodeo was great, Kennedy loved the queens, as usual, and of course they both loved the horses, and especially the churro's. Hudson's very favorite part was the show at the end, motocross jumping. He was completely mesmerized. He hasn't held that still since...well, probably ever. I loved watching him enjoy it.

On Friday, we had a First Birthday party for sweet little Preslie. I can't believe she is one! She is such a funny little thing, totally entertaining. We picnicked and partied at the North Ogden Pool, and it was a blast! Slides, kiddie pool, lazy river, all good. Lots of food and lots of family, a great party.



On friday afternoon, my mom had a "Pink Lemonade Tea Party" for the little girls and their dolls. It was a hit, they decorated cupcakes, practiced being ladies, and got presents from Grandma, what could be better? She actually hand made little denim quilts for each girl's doll, and they were unbelievable, with their names embroidered on the corner. Mom, you continue to blow me away with your awesome-grandma-ness. Kennedy had a ball.



On Saturday morning, we all went for a bike ride along the path that follows the Ogden River. It was so great, shady most of the way and pretty. Afterwards, we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Rainbow Gardens, and then took the kids to the Children's Museum. If you haven't been there, I recommend it, it is a perfect place to spend a really hot afternoon. Hudson was quite naughty, running around out of control and trying to ruin things, but it really didn't matter, everyone was! Loved it.

Jace and Hudson hydrating...Me and Dustin...I think he was a pack-horse in another life...who else would let me throw in the tri-pod for a bike ride???

Tayler, Kennedy and Cortnie
Trulie and Jace...he liked this view better...can you blame him?we stopped on the trail and snapped this...it was so pretty!All those Grandkids!

Sunday was nice, we stopped in Cache Valley for a bit and saw some of Dustin's family, and let the kids romp with Taft, Seth and Katelyn. Seth is such a good cousin, he was totally teaching Hudson how to take his rowdy-ness to a whole new level. Dustin was very encouraging, like always, just a big kid.

Hudson and Seth, his twin-brother-from-another-mother...

We are so lucky to have such great family, we LOVE spending time with you, thanks for the memories!

a good week for pictures...

Having Jami here makes taking pictures of Hudson almost easy...almost. He will smile for her like no other. Jami is so amazing with kids, she truly loves them, and the feeling is mutual. This has been such a great week for our family having her around.

My sweet boy...

and don't forget my pretty girl...