Happy (Late) Valentine's Day

I am posting this late because I actually was not planning on posting this. I made a few e-cards for Kevin for Valentine's Day, since he is still in Washington. The kids and I emailed them to him...but for some odd reason he cannot get them to open and work. So my solution was to post them on here and hopefully he will be able to see them.

Valentine's day was full of fun here. I decided to take the kids to Gnomeo and Juliet...SO CUTE!!! They loved it. It was the perfect way to celebrate the day!!


Here is the Valentine's card for Kevin from the kids:

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The Valentine's Card from me to Kev:

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Kolbi has been potty trained for about a month now. She was my easiest to train so far. I was truly amazed at how well it went. I had talked to her about it a little bit because she hated getting her diaper changed. I told her she wouldn't have to wear a diaper and get it changed if she went in the potty. So for a few days she wanted to wear underwear but then was having accidents in them and didn't quite seem to understand the concept completely.

After 2 few days of accidents and her getting upset because she didn't like the feeling of her underwear getting dirty, I decided to just go back to diapers and thought we would try again in the future. She didn't want to have anything to do with diapers. She kept saying, "NO BIAPERS!!" (She can't say Diaper:)) Finally, I gave in and let her wear underwear. She was amazing and has only had two accidents since then. I am so thankful for her determined little attitude for things like this. She loves her underwear and has even been dry every night except for one when she was sick.

Public restrooms are always a frequent stop with a newly potty trained kid. Usually when we go in, I hold onto her knees and tell her it is to keep her from falling back. I also have her hold onto my hands (to keep her from touching the toilet). I tell her "I will hold you so you won't fall."

Well the other day we were in a public restroom and I needed to use the restroom also. So when I sat down, she put her hands on my knees and said, "I hold you so you don't fall. I take care of you and help!" It was the cutest thing. She is my little star and now a potty trained one!!

When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

So my title is our family motto for the past month and for the upcoming months. There is so much that has happened in the last few months and I so wish I was better about blogging. Today I woke up with the resolve to post on my blog and just start somewhere.

Kevin left for Spokane, Washington on the 8th of January and will be gone until February 20th. Him leaving has come at a particularly hard time for our family, but also a very spiritual time. On Christmas Eve, we were spending the day skiing with some very dear friends of ours. Chauncy, Kelli, Elise "Eli"(5 years old), Milli(3 years old), and Logan(3 months old) have been great friends to us since we moved here. It has been such a wonderful pleasure to watch their children as Kelli pursued her CNA and other times just to hang out.

Kelli and Eli were involved in a tragic accident while we were skiing that day. A snowboarder collided with both of them. Kevin and Kambria had been skiing near them and saw the accident happen. Kambria came to the lodge and Kevin went to help. Kevin did CPR on Eli, while ski patrol and other medical professionals that were skiing that day also worked on Kelli and the snowboarder. Beautiful Elise did not survive, nor did the snowboarder. Kelli was life-flighted to the hospital. She spent a week in the ICU with some of those days being in a medical coma. Kelli is now in Denver going through extensive rehabilitation, due to numerous brain, skull, and vertebrae injuries. She is awake and trying to get her body to heal. Unfortunately, she has amnesia and is not aware of the events of the last month. Chauncy and Kelli are such examples of faith and unwavering love!

Our hearts have been so broken through this, but they have also grown so much! It has taught us to really appreciate every moment and to treasure those around us! So yes, Kevin leaving for 6 weeks comes at a very difficult time, but also a very strong time in our marriage and family. We have learned how important it is to work together and work things out! We are so thankful for the example of Elise! She was such a sweet spirit and so loving! We will miss her!

I have to also say how thankful I am for my wonderful children. They are so helpful and good to me! My birthday was on Sunday the 16th. Kolbi had been sick that whole week and I wasn't sure if I should take her to church or not. When she woke without a fever and seeming like she was feeling somewhat better, we decided to go to church. Kyle kept saying, "Mom, it isn't fair for you to stay home on your birthday!" All of the kids were excellent at church. After church Kaylee made me a yummy sandwich and they all sang Happy Birthday to me while I blew out a candle on the cake that Kaylee and Kambria made for me the day before with their Easy Bake Oven. I love my kids!!!! Later, we were treated with a yummy dinner at our great neighbors across the street.

So in the midst of trials, great blessings come! I am thankful for the knowledge the gospel has given me and that I know the Lord will answer our prayers and watch out for us! His plan is divine and there is purpose in all things!



This is a picture of Kaylee with Eli (and Kyle in the background) while we were hiking on Casper Mountain this fall. We will miss you, Eli!