I'm still alive

I told myself that I would post something before the end of March. I can't believe that I haven't posted ANYTHING this year. It's not because I have nothing to say. I just can't seem to find the time lately. The few times that I have gotten on my blog, I've started off by catching up with all the blogs I love to read. Before I know it, I've spent too much time reading others and have run out of time to post. I am grateful to all my friends who have blogs. I haven't had the time to make comments but I'm inspired by your lives and enjoy seeing how your families have grown!

Here's whats happening with us:
My baby is getting so big. Even though I can't imagine how I could love him more each day, I do! He has gained the title of our easiest baby. He is so fun to have! He is much bigger than he was in this picture. It's time to get the camera out. He weighs about 16lbs now. He has chubby little cheeks that get kissed to death and all those lovely rolls perfect for squishing. Can you tell that I eat him up? Anything silly makes him laugh even the slightest change in facial expression. He's been drooling now for months but no teeth.


Brayden's band teacher discovered that he plays the piano so he asked him to join the jazz band and play the piano. This has meant that he has to be to school an hour early. Thankfully, Kerry has agreed to take him to school. I'm looking forward to hearing him as a jazz pianist at his next concert. He continues to do well in school. He has been invited to join the honor society for next year. I am so glad he is liking middle school. I worried a little bit about it.

Shelby just went back to school from her track break. It was lovely having her home. She kept her little sister occupied. There are a few kids on our street that were also on track break. They spent almost everyday playing outside together. Shelby had to pick a "great American" to do a report and speech on. She picked Beverly Cleary. She read one of her books for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. We have been learn all about her life and books lately. She had to dress up as her (kinda hard) and give a speech. We managed to pull something together. She did a great job. I'm going to bring my camera to school on Thursday to get a picture of her at the living museum the school is doing.

There's always something to be done around here. I do not lack for spare time. It's been a busy month. We lost our sweet grandpa earlier this month. He was a good man, someone I could look up to. He is the first of my grandparents that I have lost. I am very fortunate to be able to know each of my grandparents. His funeral was very nice. We will miss him but know that we will see him again someday.
Spring is here and it's beautiful outside. My rose bushes are full of blooms that I will soon enjoy. I planted some flowers a few weeks ago. loving the way my backyard looks smells right now. I only be able to enjoy it for a few months before it gets too hot.
I guess that's all I have time for now.

December 2008

It's been an extremely busy month and I've had so much to post about but I've struggled to find the time. Before the month is over, I need to write a quick recap of all our doings.




Spencer's blessing day Dec. 7th

















Shelby's class studied various Indian
tribes. She was assigned the Hopi tribe. She gave a little speech about them and with Aunt Lori's help, made a house out of a cake. She did a great job.





Our little dancer at her open house recital.











MERRY CHRISTMAS!























We had another wonderful Christmas. Having a new baby
made it even more special. Santa made his way to our home. The happy looks on my kids faces made all the work worth it. In between feedings and diaper changes, I managed to get all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, and baking done. I did have a little help so I can't take all the credit. We spent Christmas with my family. I'm so blessed to have them so close. My mom is a fabulous cook. She makes a mean filet mignon among other things. It was delisious and I enjoyed every bite. I made my grandma's famous Christmas cookies and my mother in law's yummy fudge. Growing up, I always loved going to my grandma's house on Christmas night. She would tape her Christmas cards to one of her closet doors. By Christmas night, her door was full and I enjoyed looking at all her Christmas cards and reading all of the nice messages in each one. I remember thinking that I wanted to have a door full of cards when I grew up so I adopted the same tradition. It is one of my favorite parts of the season. I
Love getting the mail in December. Kerry and I have friends that we have kept in contact with through a Christmas card once a year. My door isn't full yet, but maybe it will be someday. Here's a picture of my pantry door turned Christmas decoration. The best part of the holiday season is having a wonderful family to share it with. I'm so grateful for all of my blessings.

Is it time for school already?

Spencer is like most newborns who have their days and nights mixed up so we've been doing laundry together late at night. I put him in his bouncy chair and place him on the dryer while I wash and fold clothes. I think its the combination of the sound, vibrations and warmth of the room that make an otherwise fussy time more content for him. It works and we do what works! So the other night we were at it again. I've never been more caught up on laundry in my life. Some nights I'm actually looking for things I can wash. Earlier this year, I taught Brayden how to wash his own clothes. I knew he had dirty clothes in his hamper. It was about 11:00pm when I entered his room to remove his hamper. He heard me and woke up. I told him that he might have to look in the dryer to find his clothes if I didn't stay up long enough to get them out. He obviously was not fully awake. The next thing I knew, he was in the bathroom. Of course I thought nothing of it until I heard the shower turn on. I'm thinking, "is he sick?" So I knock on the door and ask if he is ok. He cracked the door open and says somewhat irritated, "Mom, I'm getting ready for school." I said, "at 11:00?" He said, "It's what time?" I reapeat. We both started to laugh and he says, "you got to be kidding me, I thought you were getting me up for school." It was a good laugh. I wish I could have a good laught like that every day.
Thanks Brayden.

Our new little one.

Spencer is doing great. I think he might be my easiest baby. I'm half afraid to admit it for fear I will jinx (sp?) myself. I can't believe it's been two weeks ago since I had him. I have to say Centennial Hills Hospital was fabulous. It was so nice not to have to drive to Summerlin. My doctor scheduled me for a 2:00am induction and I had to ask twice on that time to be sure I heard it right. Evidently that is a popular time for inductions. The idea is that the mom will likely have her baby around 9:00am before the doctor starts the day. Unfortunatly for me, instead of being the first one the doctor saw, we were probably the last one of his regualar appointment day as Spencer was born at 4:50pm. Hey, at least we cooperated very well. I hope Dr. Volker appreciated that. I was the ONLY one on the labor and delery floor that night and got my fair share of nursing care. That was wonderful. I have not always had the best postpartum care in the past and loved having the labor nurses help the first night. Besides the good nursing care, the next day, I was given a foot massage, Kerry and I were brought a celebration lunch that was actually very tasty, and a sweet little old lady brought us peppermint tea and cookies later that day. I loved the cookies and tea so much, I made Kerry go buy some more when we got home. FYI, Knott's Berry Farm Raspberry shortbread cookies and mint tea are a perfect combination. Even though this hospital stay was my best, I was happy when it was time to go home.

We are so grateful that Spencer is a happy healthy boy. I think he is done being poked and prodded for now. He takes a bottle great, something that my other three never did. Everyone has enjoyed taking turns feeding him. This has been very helpful to me. He looks so much like his dad. He has the Walters nose and his dad's dimple in his chin. WE LOVE HIM!

IT'S A BOY!!

Spencer Kerry Walters made his arrival into the world yesterday at 4:50pm. He weighed 7lbs. 9oz. We are so thrilled to have him and think he is perfect! Much more about him to come later.

Nothing better

There's nothing better than homemade bread right out of the oven and garden tomatoes. This is what we had for dinner tonight thanks to my sweet husband who brought back tomatoes from Utah this weekend. He makes the bread too! So delish! I haven't bought a loaf of bread in months. Thanks Kerry!


P.S. the picture doesn't do it justice. I would never get hired to take photos for a recipe book.

A new friend

Claire and her little friend Kade found the tiniest little caterpillar in the backyard last week. Unfortunately, it became her new pet. She created a home for it in one of my Rubbermaid containers and she's been carrying it around in her hand. Anyone who came to our house had to see it. We had a few close calls when she dropped it in the grass. I was somehow able to find it before she completely fell apart. With a lot of effort, I convinced her to keep it on the back porch. This morning, she went to check on it and discovered it was gone. As I quickly tried to come up with something to tell her to help her from having a complete meltdown, she said, "Mom, I know what happened. It turned into a butterfly last night and flew away." and my reply was, "Yes Claire, I think it did." So for right now, caterpillars magically turn into butterflies over night.


Here's the best picture I could get of it.