My two year olds did Laundry!

There's giggling coming from the other side of the door. Chairs bang into walls as their carriers struggle under their weight. The metal bangs echo as the chairs are set against the large machines. Two little heads try to sneak into the room and tackle a basket 2x bigger then them. He assists the eager helpers with sorting the items from the basket.

"No, that one is white, just the pretty colors in here."

This statement and others similar to it are what I hear from afar. I get up to investigate. My wonderful man is helping the girls start a load of laundry, allowing me to get some rest and watch American Idol.

Now I am quite sure that if HE was the one to tell the story, they were assisting him, but to-may-toe, to-ma-toe, I know what I saw.

I saw a loving father teaching skills to two eager absorbers of information. I saw their eagerness to help with a "grown-up" household task. I saw him so patiently assisting the measuring of the soaps. I saw my family.

Who Subsituted for Bob Parker or Drew Carey?

I am still sore today, but it's getting better. When the weather is cold, by body rejects it.

Rosie had her party this last weekend. It went okay. I am just not quite prepared for her coming of age. What is with girls this age? She is the most moodiest person I have encountered recently. My stars! I hope that this will end, however everyone says that it only ends when they move out!

I had all my kids up this weekend. It was a lot of fun. All eight of us, plus my sister Josie in a three bedroom apartment. Thankfully we have a pretty big apartment. I can't wait until the warmer weather and they can go outside to play. We have the yard for that. For the first time in months we all went to church together. Unfortunately we were late, which resulted in us sitting in the back overflow section. Never again. I spent the good part of sacrament chasing the twins around. I took them out to do time out and they took off in different directions. Why when mother is out with the babies, does every child (all four of them) need to come out one by one to use the restroom? I find this amusing, after all sacrament is only one hour, yet they can sit and watch TV without moving for hours, if I let them! Kids just behave better if you can get a pew in front.

Last night was fun. Our ward had a emergency preparedness activity for the couples. It sparked Johnathan and mine's attention Sunday, because they mentioned "free" childcare for the girls. I never knew preparing for life's curve balls could be so fun! We played Price is Right. That's right, the game show! Our budget didn't allow Bob Parker or Drew Carey or even the Bob Beauty's, so we had to make do with "Dave" and the Dave Delightful's.......... I never laughed so hard with my ward family before. The contestants, one of which was Johnathan were able to bid on items like tin foil, cooking oil, pancake mix, etc. The even played games that allowed them to win washers and dryers (hand towels) and if portioned right a whole year's supply of breakfast (a large thing of oatmeal)! It was fun and amazing the work that was put into the activity.

All weekend I have been thinking of what to blog about today. Not that I didn't have an eventful weekend, but how to word it in a way not to embarrass, find fault or hurt the people involved.

It started early Friday morning, although I was unaware of it. Johnathan left the house quite upset at me. I didn't suspect anything until I called him about having the car seats in his car. There was no answer. I couldn't afford to miss an unplanned day of work, so I pulled some old car seats out and went on my way. I blogged about the wonderful night I had with my daughter and how he was the one that was able to provide that for me.

Then I got a call from a "do-gooder" friend, telling me some info about Johnathan I really may or may not need to hear. I listened to it, and then called Johnathan. No answer. I sat all day with this little tid-bit of information growing like a tape worm inside of me. By then end of the work day I had this monstrous vision of what this small tidbit of information was really about. I tried to confront him, but he was upset about his thing, and I was so consumed with mine, we weren't getting anywhere. A friend volunteered to take the twins, and I left for the night.

We were over, so I thought. This ticked me off even more. How could he not see how upset I was? I was hurting, yet he didn't care. Ugh.

He texted me about 7 a.m., asking me to come home. I went home, not to talk to him, but to shower and get clothes. I saw him standing there. He hadn't slept and he looked as if he had been crying. "I love you," he said, "and I missed you so much."

We spent most of Saturday and a good part of Sunday talking about us and setting healthy boundaries for our disagreements. I am so thankful to be in a relationship with someone who listens. We know that we love each other. We also know that we will have disagreements, but now we know that we can work through them, as long as we both are willing. A good relationship takes work, especially with someone who is has stubborn as I!

Weekend Ketchup

I like that title.........

Friday it snowed, horrible. I asked Johnathan to come and get me. He must truly love me, because he did. He drove for two hours (normally a 40 min drive), in the snow, picked me up, left his car at my work, then went and picked up my daughters. Since the weather was still bad, he endured shopping for boots with us, and then he took us out to Olive Garden! It was a nice treat considering the weather.

It still took over an hour to get home after all that. Yuck. I hate bad weather.

Saturday, we went to pick out my Christmas presents. 4 bar stools for our counter. Now we have a place to sit when we eat!!!! I'll post pictures, but I have to find this adapter thingy I lost from the trip.

Saturday night we headed into town to go see the lights. The girls were as good as two two-year olds could be. I was surprise that the stood still and watched the Nativity presentation so well. Sabrina was with me and loved following the lights around.

We then went inside the visitor center and took the walk way up to see Christ. I remember when I was a little girl and visited Temple Square. I use imagine that I truly was walking up to meet Christ. Today I felt the same peace inside when I walked there with the girls. Sabrina was frozen looking at Christ. Olivia pointed to a little picture she found of Christ and then to the Statue. It was such a amazing experience to see her related the two things together.

Johnathan, Rose, the twins and I then went to the Families are Forever Presentation, thanks to Sabrina's willingness to wander into rooms. It was a nice presentation, however due to the baby deaths in our ward (we had another lady give birth to a still born) and the recent death of Johnathan's Aunt, it was a little sad. I should say happy sad, if that makes any sense.

Then we went off to JB's. This will be the last year that we go to JB's. Bad food, worse service, not worth it.

Sunday was a peaceful productive day. We went to church. Rosie has started going to Young Womens. She's going to start playing basketball on Tuesday nights. Her first game will be Jan 22nd! I also found my hallway!!!!

Hope you all had a great weekend too. Merry Christmas!

Finally a Picture of Johnathan

Let me introduce Johnathan.

When we first met, we both felt a strange attraction to each other. At the time we were both dealing with our own complicated relationships. Often we were on each other's minds, however due to respect of our current relationship complications, we were barely what you called friends. When our paths did cross, we enjoyed our time together and left a lasting impression on each others mind.

He has since then, not only become my fiance, but my best friend as well. I can share anything with him and him with me. I think my favorite part of this relationship is that we can agree to disagree. We value each others right to have individual thoughts and ideas.


I am not saying that we never have disagreements, but we actually communicate with each other. He has a strong testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and he loves to listen to Hymns. Although, we have not announced an exact wedding date, the day we run away and elope may come sooner then later.

"I do my thing and you do your thing. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, And you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you, and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful. If not, it can't be helped."

(Fritz Perls, 1969)

Just another post.

ggg, rrr,vvvv, ah bay say.

I listen to these sounds beening sung so sweetly, wait rewind, being belted at the top of Sabrina lungs as we drive to work/school/daycare. She sort of has the tune to ABC in her belting so I think that is what she is attempting to sing.

Olivia and Sabrina gave the kittens a soap bath last night. Ugh! I figure if they survived these first 2 1/2 weeks, they'll hopefully make it. I know the girls just want to show love, but the book/movie Of Mice or Men keeps popping up in my head.

Johnathan's Aunt died that helped raise him yesterday. We are driving to Saint George late Thursday night and won't be back until Saturday morning. It's sad, but she was about 90 years old, so it wasn't much of a surprise.

Weekend Ketchup

This weekend was too busy for me! I had fun though.

Friday night Johnathan and I joined his brother and his wife for dinner and a movie. We saw Four Christmases.......it was dumb. I laughed at the areas shown in the previews, and at the end, but I wouldn't recommend it.

I completely finished my Christmas shopping, Yeah me! I know you are all jealous!

Saturday I attended a workshop through People Helping People. I will receive an award Thursday night for accomplishments I have made.

Then I got my car emissioned and inspected!

Then I went grocery shopping.

I stayed up late, getting a head start on wrapping presents for the family. Wrapping not Rapping. Uncle David couldn't understand why the twins would enjoy RAPPING now so much, but in their older years, they wouldn't care so much for it.

Sunday, we went to church, sort of. We made it to Sacrament meeting. Sabrina was so ornery that she had to do a time out. She also burped so loud the people around us starting laughing! We took them to nursery and went to Sunday School. Then Sabrina had a stinky diaper. When we stop to get a drink from the water fountain, I noticed her cheeks were flushed! I felt her head and she she had a little fever. No wonder she was ornery. We went home early and all took naps. Nancy, that's why I never called you back!

Sunday night, we felt refreshed and joined our Layton Family for the annual Christmas party. It was fun to chat amongst my family and see how much the little kids have all grown!

How an Accident was an Act of God.......I Believe in Miracles!

I have two people in my life I love dearly, but constantly butt heads together..........Rosie and Johnathan (my fiance). Both of them are stubborn and have a had time realizing that understanding each other, is not the same a necessary agreeing with one another. Both feel that it's the other person responsibility.

Sunday, I had ENOUGH! I seriously wanted to knock their head together. I told them so. They need to work this out amongst themselves are I was done.

Johnathan got angry, Rosie was angry, and I was angry. Johnathan and I talked for a minute and got nowhere, except hurt me more. I grabbed the kids and headed of to to Grandma's house, to give us a break.

Be careful how you pray. I was so upset I asked God to help Johnathan have a change of heart. I prayed that he would realize that he missed us and that he would come over to Grandma's and ask us back, or at least call.

After words I called my soon to be sister-in-law and she asked me to come over. I decided to do that and turned up the next street I could. I headed back home, to visit with Laurie. I was pretty much the only vehicle on the street, being that is was Sunday afternoon about 2:00 p.m. I noticed a vehicle a stop sign, but since I didn't have a sign, I kept going.

I was driving approximately 35 mph. Next thing I know I was hit. This girl hit the corner of the front passenger side of the van. It's a pretty bad hit, she totalled both vehicles. I have pictures, I'll post them when I get the adapter I left at work.

Act of God?

My daughter Rosie usually is sitting upfront with me, seat belt on of course! Her side of the van was were most the impact was. That door had been pushed in so hard, it is against the seat. This Sunday though, Sabrina (for the first time) figured out how to unbuckle all her car seat straps. Rosie, for some reason, went back to strap her in. She had finished the last strap, just as we go hit.

All the girls appear to be okay. Sabrina received a small abrasion on her ear. Olivia shows no injuries at this time. RoseMarie has started complaining about her back hurting and she has a small bruise on her back.

I got the worst of it, but so far I managing with the medications I am on. I have severe whip lash, goose egg on my noggin, bruised legs and a pretty big bruise one of the arms.

So how is this a positive thing in my life?

My daughter listened to the Holy Ghost feeling that directed her into the backseat. My testimony has grown through this accident. I know that God takes care of us. By the grace of God, my children are alive and so am I!

Johnathan realized that he wants to be a part of our family, and he doesn't want us to leave. He is far from being perfect, but he has started on meeting us half way!

Life is all about learning, when we refuse to learn, we might as well die.

If this seems written a little loopy, sorry, but I am a little loopy.

Oh, I also won some Jazz tickets and through my pain managed to go to the Jazz game earlier this evening. Jazz lost by one point :(. I took Johnathan, Rosie, Randy and my Grandparents. It was a new thing for both Randy and Rosie. My Grandparents are pretty big fans of the Jazz and enjoyed it. I enjoyed what I didn't doze though, and Johnathan was glad to be with me. (He's not huge on the sport thing)

So yes, this is my FOURTH accident this year. Third totalled cars! I am about ready to quit driving! At least only ONE of the accidents were my fault.

Till the next time--------

Turkey Day....

So, I hate the concept of Thanksgiving Day.

I like being grateful and giving thanks, but the ceremonial garbage, I never really like.

I enjoyed BTT (Before the twins) days. The kids would go to their dads, I could hibernate all day and night. I never went shopping on black Friday...we didn't have that in Canada...we had boxing day, until last year. I hated it, however I am still drawn to go this year. I am not sure why. Perhaps it's more for entertainment purposes, rather then to get any shopping done. I hate lines, I hate going to a store, to find out 199 before me bought what I was looking for, but I find it comical to see the shoppers endure this torture. Maybe just maybe, I'll be amidst them....or I'll take another roll in my comforter and disconnect the alarm!

Back to turkey day...

I really don't like cooking much; nor do like eating to the point of bursting at the sides, only to pretend I have room for dessert.

However I love my grandma's recipe for stuffing. That is all I really like about this time of year. I could make it other times, but it wouldn't be such a novelty to me.

The other day, just being polite, I asked Johnathan's sister-in-law if she needed help with Thanksgiving. She immediately was thankful, because she just found out she had to work, and she's the one that normally does this.

Did I mention I HATE cooking??????????

I hope Johnathan knows that I truly do care about him and his family, because I wouldn't do this for just anyone.

I think I got this meal down....put I need a good yam recipe....I hate the canned ones, and I can never tell when the yam is done.......I've never actually made the marshmallow topping, so if anyone has a good EASY recipe (preferred crock pot one) that they have done, please let me know.

At least the guys got this deep fryer thing for the turkey....I guess there's talk of one for the oven too,

Menu:

10 cans of olives, veggie tray, turnip greens, corn/peas, cranberries (not from a can), stuffing (grandma's), spinach dip, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams (hopefully if they turn out.)

Anything missing???????????????

November 1st, we were able to attend Johnathan's niece's wedding. Boy did she luck out! It was gorgeous weather that day. The ceremony was held at Sugarhouse park, here in Salt Lake City.

Her brothers and brother-in-laws enjoyed trashing their truck during the celebration dinner.
Annie made a beautiful bride; her face was glowing! I hope they have a beautiful life together.

Engagement Strike Outs?

Okay, so we all know:

Kelline and guys = generally bad luck

Personally I think that there are two major reasons for that.

1-I know what I want from a relationship.
2-I date about the complete opposite.

So I decided after my 2nd ex-husband David, I'd not get serious and focus on other things. Well I ended up meeting Johnathan Dewegeli. I know I've said this is the one before, but he is the one.

I actually spent sometime praying about this and I believe he has too. The wonderful thing I love about this man is that I can be me. He knows that generally I am sweet and good natured, but I can let the feisty Irish spirit out and he still loves me. He doesn't let me walk all over him, but he'll let me vent and then we can talk about things. We can have shallow discussions or in depth ones about nothing of real interest.

Each one f my six children are welcomed by him and each one seems to enjoy his company.

He was afraid I'd hate my ring, so he handed me the box and asked me to open when he was away. I love the ring, it's something he picked out BY HIMSELF for me. After we drove home in separate cars, he met me outside. He told me it was an engagement ring. I told him he should put it on me then. We laughed and I said it'd be funnier if he texted me "will you marry me" on my cell phone. He thought about it, put he wants to redo the proposal, but doesn't know what to do yet.

I told anything is better then the kid's dads proposal! Another story.

I am just glad that I met him, and he will accept me and my kids!

Birthday Aftermath?

I had a good birthday, and thank you to all that wished me a Happy Birthday.

Johnathan took the girls and I out to Sizzlers and Grandma and Grandpa Layton joined us. Johnathan gave me an engagement ring and Rosie wrote a poem for me.

Rosie's poem:

So young in the mirror
And bright too!
Your future is clear
Mommy I love you.

You bring joy to my heart
And your love is true
Right and Smart
Mommy I love you.



Such a good writer my Rosie!

Early Birthday Dinner, Wooden Dip, and Olivia's big adventure...

I went down to my parents for an early birthday dinner yesterday. It was yummy, and I enjoyed the visit.

I decided I was going to make spinach artichoke dip. I have been craving it since I went to Red Robin, but haven't found the same recipe. Still I keep trying! Johnathan and I were making some yesterday and he being the brilliant guy he is decided that he was going to stir my mixture of cheeses, artichoke hearts, and spinach. Nice, right? Except he forgot to turn off the blender.....as he stuck a wooden spoon in.......we managed to save some of the dip.....then made more. Dad said we made a little too much, but it was good, and I don't have to cook tonight!!!

We had fun visiting the grandparents and aunts and uncles. The girls love to play the piano and get into their recital, however the listeners probably think they need more practice. Sabrina demonstrated her lovely singing skills while throwing the unwanted toys out of her way. She makes up such beautiful songs, however she can sing quite loudly at times.

When we got home Rosie took Olivia inside, we were taking Sabrina. I was waiting for the dog to go to the potty. I could here Olivia talking. I looked up to the porch, no Olivia. Then for some reason I looked at the roof. Olivia was standing there!

I have no clue how it happened. I flew into the room with the easiest accessibility to the roof. I jumped through the window and grabbed her in. Through tears and my heart pounding I told her how very scared she had made me. I was so shocked and surprised and glad that she was alive, I couldn't punish her. I explained dangers to her and told her never again should she scare mommy like that. (I also talked to Rosie about the difference of "watching" vs. "watching".)

Johnathan also put a lock on the window so it won't open far enough for one of the girls to climb out again.

My new/used van....

As most know I totaled my van last month. I purchased a older van through Johnathan's brother, who is a mechanic. He promised he'd fixed anything that went wrong on it.

It's an older van, and temperamental. Sometimes it does weird things, but never when Johnathan or his brother are around. I think they were kind of getting annoyed about me telling them about odd behavior of the van.

Yesterday was horrible! I got on the freeway at about 4:30 p.m. All was going good, and I should have been in Herriman about 5ish. I moved into the carpool lane, going about 70 mph and then I lost power. I could go about 35 mph and that was it. So I maneuvered at 35 mph over four lanes of freeway speed vehicles and got off on 72nd exit. I would have called Johnathan, however this was the day I leave my cellphone at home..... ironically convenient I know!

I make it finally out to Herriman, pulling in to the house about 6:30ish. I was not happy. I handed Johnathan the keys and told him he needed to do something with the van...I wanted him to drive off a cliff...but kept that to myself.

I lay down to rest, avoid the oncoming headache, and to destress. He calls me and asks what the problem was. I tried my best to explain, but can you guess?

The van was running beautifully! No problem. Ugh! He gets home and I tell him that he has to take it to work the next day.

I call this morning and all of sudden my van is a pile of crap....

See it wasn't really happening prior to him taking the van to work. As long as when HE drove the van it was fine, so it was really operator error.....

My van is getting fixed this weekend!!!!!!