Heaven is Nigh

Can I Have Your Attention Please...

2010-04-12T20:57:00.003-06:00

I am thrilled to announce...(insert drum roll here)...that I am now a certified teacher of Let's Play Music! This is an amazing 3 year music program for children starting between 4 and 6 years old. It is a program to teach well rounded musicianship and piano. I am very excited to start this new endeavor. If you know of any children in the Pocatello area that could use this program send their moms my way!!!

Amazing Race: Valentine's Edition Pocatello

2010-02-16T09:21:00.010-07:00

I wanted something fun to do for Valentine’s Day for my husband. Our dates lately have been pricing projects at Lowe’s or Home Depot, not exactly the most exciting thing we could do, I know. Papa Duck is working full time and in school full time and so there isn’t much left when it comes time for date night for either of us. I found this link and a great creative blog of a friend. I decided to give it a go and invited some girls I think are great fun from my ward. They were in! This took us a month to plan but it turned out fantastic.

First off We had t shirts made at Alston Ink. They turned out fabulous and were really cheap.
We made cards and envelopes for our clues
Clue #1
Putt your way down the green,
Your next clue you soon will see.
Make sure to play the whole way right
When you reach the end it will be a delight.
Clue #2
Out in the country some parents you’ll find,
Who have animals of every kind
One of you should be familiar with the way
Hurry make haste, south on the freeway.
Ask the lady of the house for a way,
To get your next clue, and be on your way.
Clue#3
On a hot summer day this is a cool place to be,
For only a dollar a cone it’s easy to see,
Ask the girl behind the counter what you can do
To be on your way, with your next clue.
Clue #4
If you get a new calling and you need some direction
You can come to this store for some spiritual reflection
Here you can buy Holy undies and books made in blue
Just go to the counter to ask for your next clue
But warm up your voices because you’ll need them too
Clue #5
In the frigid section you will find
A square clear canvas that will take time
Be creative now take some time
For this will be displayed while we dine
Chisel & shave until you are through
Sculpt it into something new
Don’t forget we must have two
Hurry make haste, we’re waiting on you
Clue #6
Have you not got your bouquet and your gifts yet?
Do it now, or you’ll be very upset
When you reach the finish-line,
And, must turn around.
Your tasks are not finished,
Until these items have been found.
Once you have finished and completed all the tasks
Follow the road signs and make it fast
A surprise is awaiting, but it’s getting cold
Don’t worry because you have done what you’re told
But you better come quickly now’s the time for conclusions
We are waiting for you, we don’t want to start a revolution.

The guys had to play three holes of frisbee golf and then go to a farm and herd cattle. They then had to go to an ice cream place for their next clue (We should have given them money for an ice cream, they were bummed) Then they went to the mall to sing to the ladies at the LDS distribution Center. They had to sing a love song but couldn't come up with one so the ladies taught them "A Bushel and a Peck". They then had to go get our gifts at the dollar store.Our husbands got very creative with their task of getting us flowers. They decided to go to Sierra’s, one of the local craft stores and beg for help! They were really lucky because the ladies there were more than willing to help. They even blogged about it on their craft blog.

The guys had to sculpt ice sculptures for the centerpieces of our beautifully decorated tables.

We had an amazing menu that included Cheese Fondue, Chocolate Fondue, Prime Rib, Roasted Potatoes, Salad, Cheesecake, Apple Pie and Ice Cream.
Our guys were super great sports and really had a fun time. They say they are planning BIG for next year!

Wow!!! Where has the Time Gone?

2009-05-01T12:13:00.003-06:00

I cannot believe I have waited so long to post something here. I must apologize but with seven kids a husband working full time and in school full time, my own full time job, my calling and now two baseball teams, and a garden to plant the time has slipped away.
I do not have time to post anything fabulous but I am alive, my children and my husband are alive and the house has not burned down. That is an accomplishment in my book.
I will post baseball pictures and the kids spring pictures after I take them. Typing it here makes me have to get it done right?
More to come later!!!

Romance is in the Air

2009-02-04T10:34:00.002-07:00

A month ago Hubby found a great deal in the paper and since he hadn't done anything for me for Christmas....and I mean anything, he made the reservations. It was a really great deal...in fact they said it was about 50% off the regular price. We scheduled it for his birthday weekend and close to Valentine's Day so we could justify the expense...It turned out to be the best Chrisbirthentines Present ever!
We went to Downata Hot Springs for a beautiful, quiet, romantic stay. We got a cabin, dinner for two, two full body massages and access to their tranquility room, use of the hot pool and hot tub, and breakfast. It was wonderful. It was quiet...that was one of the best things! It was romantic...It was fun...The pool was one of our funnest things, it was great getting into the big pool that was so warm. With our heads sticking out of the water our eyelashes would grow ice crystals. They were really cool looking. The very best part was being together, spending time, reconnecting and falling in love all over again. It makes all the every day stuff so worth it! Having an eternal companion to share this life with, the good and the bad, is such a blessing. And to be happily married and more in love than I ever thought possible makes it even better. We came home feeling as giddy as two teenagers in love for the first time!!!

And as I said mentioned in the previous post the pictures will come eventually. I am sure the cord will show up when I threaten my children within an inch of their lives!!! JK

Attack of the Glue Stick

2009-02-04T09:59:00.005-07:00

The other day I was feeling very motivated and wanted to get some cleaning done. I had the little girls, ducklings 6 and 7 and two little ones that I babysit here. I felt that I could get 15 minutes at a time to work on each room. Things were working pretty well. I was pleased with how much I was able to get done. I had just finished my third 15 minute session of cleaning and had sat down to play on the puter. After a few minutes I realized it was very quiet, especially quiet and missing one child's noises in particular. I went searching for duckling #7 and calling her name. No answer. I begin searching the bedrooms...I find her in ducklings 5 and 6 bedroom...sound asleep...in the stink bug position. She doesn't respond to any of my cries. I go to her and lift her head...only to find that it is stuck!!! She is covered in blue, I look down to find a glue stick next her. I carefully pull her off the mattress...sssccchhhllloooooooooccckkk She has not moved or even twitched yet. I am a worrier and always tend to think worst case scenario right off. I start to think she has poisoned herself, she is going to have brain damage, she is going to be blind, etc, etc, etc!!! I lay her on the couch and run to read the glue stick expecting to find horrible warnings and "call poison control immediately"...I read...and relax, "Non-Toxic" it says, thank heaven. I decide the only thing I can do is take a picture and begin the process of ungluing her eyes, and mouth, and nose, and hair from themselves and each other. I take the picture, no response, I sit her up in the chair...she starts to respond...I wait for some response...all I get is "STOP". She didn't want to be disturbed taking her nap, she didn't want to have her face washed, her eyes unglued, or anything else for that matter.

I will have to post the picture later...my cord is missing...again....are you shocked?

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

2008-12-25T18:11:00.017-07:00

We have had a beautiful white Christmas. It started snowing a few weeks ago and it hasn't melted so each new snow adds a few more inches. Today we got about another foot! It is beautiful and the icicles hanging off the house are pretty amazing too. These are of right outside my kitchen window.

Last Night we went for a drive to see the Christmas lights around town. We listened to the radio station that plays all Christmas music for the whole month and while we were driving they had the Christmas Story read. It was a beautiful drive. We came home and ate yummy spaghetti for dinner and did our traditional open one gift (that is always pajamas). We talked about our Savior and our love for Him. It truly was a beautiful evening...except when you have a moody ten year old daughter who doesn't like her gift and she doesn't know why.

We did eventually get her to smile...just not at the camera!

Our big family present this year came a few weeks early. "Joseph Taylor Son of Gus", affectionately known as "Joey", came to our home on December 7. He is a great addition to our family. The kids have been taking very good care of him and he is very loved. It is fun to finally have an animal back in our home.

The kids did get a gift from a sibling and a gift or two from Santa. They said it was a great Christmas! I am happy that they really did enjoy the gifts that they received and are not doing the "but you didn't get me ________!" (fill in the blanks)! I sincerely hope that never comes.

Here are each of the kids with their stash!

This morning after presents we had a delicious breakfast of sourdough pancakes, spiced peaches and whipped cream. It was delicious and I may just start doing breakfast for the family meal every Christmas!

This afternoon Hubby went out to shovel the walk and driveway. He now understands the importance of shoveling after walking the paper route! It took about two hours to finish.

There is only one picture of me in all this and Duckling #1 took it with out the flash but at least there is documentation that I was present.

We want all our family and friends to know how much we love each one of you and appreciate all that you do for each of us. This truly is a wonderful time of year. We want you to know that we know our Savior lives! He was born in a Stable and His mother did lay Him in a manger. Those very humble beginnings bring great joy to our lives today. What a precious gift is His Atonement! The least we can do to repay Him is serve others and represent Him well.
Merry Christmas and may the coming year be full of blessings for all of you!

Halloween Fun?????

2008-10-31T16:22:00.001-06:00

I am so frustrated. I was so excited to do fun Halloween things today. I was going to make cookies for Duckling #4's class party. I was going to continue cleaing up for our new floor. I had soooo many plans for today. Alas, is was not to be. I woke up this morning hardly able to move. I had moved wrong during the night and had hurt my neck. It was no fun. I spent the whole morning almost in tears. I am taking it easy for the rest of the day. Folding laundry and enjoying staying home. I am grateful that on days like today when I don't feel well I can stay home and not feel guilty for calling in sick. I don't have to worry about the money lost from a day of lost work. What a blessing. I will try to remember to not be frustrated and to count my blessings no matter what happens.

Tag...I am IT!!!

2008-10-29T20:21:00.002-06:00

Five names you go by:

1. Melissa

2. Missy

3. Mel

4. Mom

5. Dear

Three things you are wearing right now:

1. jeans

2. Striped Shirt

3. Crocs

Two things you want very badly at the moment:

1. For the kids to go to sleep

2. For my husband to be home from work

Two people who will probably fill this out:

1. Anyone???

2. You!

Two things you did last night:

1. Went to the ward Halloween Party

2. folded laundry

Two things you ate in the last 24 hours:

1. Ice Cream

2. Popcorn

Two people you last talked to on the phone:

1. Julie

2. Rob Love

Two things you are going to do tomorrow:

1. Clean and Pack up House for new Flooring!!!

2. Achievement Days, We are making Capri Sun Scripture Bags!

Two longest cars rides this year

l. Pocatello to Page

2. Phoenix to Pocatello

Two of your favorite beverages:

1. Caffiene free Diet Coke with Vanilla

2. Fresh apple juice

I Tag Christina and Tiffany!

Zillions of Blessings!

2008-10-24T20:41:00.002-06:00

I am feeling so blessed tonight. For two months since I turned in my notice at work I have prayed that the Lord would provide for us. That somehow, through Him, we would be able to make it with me quitting my job. I have not worked for extra money. I have worked to survive. We have been waiting for a promotion for Hubby that has been promised but not given for over a year now. He was made the assistant warehouse manager in July of 2006. We thought he would be in that position for about a year. It has been over 2 and it doesn't look like things are going to change anytime soon.
Sorry, a little side note there. Anyway...I knew I needed to come home and be with my family after our second visit from child protective services and issues with the babysitting situation. I didn't know what we would do. Today was my last day at work. I left on good terms. My boss said he would definitely rehire me when I am ready to come back to work. He also said that he would call me to do some consulting work and it may be as soon as next month! I told him I would do anything as long as I could do it at home...I had to quite because he wouldn't let me work at home before! What a blessing. Hubby had been resetting the freezer in the warehouse all day. When he was done. He came home with a boat load of food that couldn't be sold, either because it was out of code or damaged packaging! Another Blessing!
Flash back to Wednesday night. It was the open house before the opening of Costco here in town. I had gone with some girlfriends to take a look around and eat some free food. I love Costco and have missed it soooooo much since moving to Pocatello. The one thing I love is the cakes! Their bakery makes the best and the cheapest cakes. We used to order one for every birthday. I had planned to come back the next day to order a cake for Duckling #6's birthday this week. The next day I was getting ready to go back to Costco and the Spirit told me not to go. I thought about the fact that I was quitting my job and really didn't have the money to do it. I figured I could just make a cake at home...Back to this evening. After Hubby brought out the boat load of food he went back into the building to go get more. The more was what the real blessing was....Two count them One, TWO!!! Cakes from one of the owner's daughters weeding this summer! I am amazed! The Lord knew what I wanted and He provided my wants for me all because I trusted and obeyed the Spirit! I love my Heavenly Father and I know that he knows me and loves me. I am His daughter and have the right to have His blessings. Thank you Heavenly Father for loving me enough to do some thing that must seem so small to you but so HUGE to me!!!

AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-16T08:32:00.002-06:00

I am very frustrated, incase you didn't get that fron the title of this post. I have tried to be patient but at this moment I feel like exploding. Let me explain.
I got my haircut about a month ago. I love it, it is so fun and easy. I have wanted to post some pictures of it but have not wanted to take pictures of me without makeup on and clean clothes. That rarely happens.
My camera does not use a normal camera import pluggy thingy. It is a smaller one than every other camera I have had. I of course only have the one cord that came with the camera. Do you think I can find it anywhere? My husband had found it and told me where he had put it.
Well this morning I decided this would be the day that I actually got dressed all the way to make-up. Not that I don't ususally get dressed but lately make-up has been very optional in my life. Anyway so after all that work I went to get the camera. You probably won't be surprised to hear that it was not where I thought I put it. What I did find was one of my treasured wedding gifts, a Love Spoon from Whales, snapped in half and the bottom half is nowhere to be found. My Aunt and Uncle were living over there when I got married and sent that to us. I love it, I had taken it off the wall to paint and not put it back up yet. So I really hadn't noticed that it was missing. I was so mad! I questioned the kids about the Love Spoon and the camera and of course no one wants to confess. We go on a search to find the camera and it is found. So, I take some pictures of myself. After, I take the pictures I go to find the cord and find that the cord is not the right one!
During all of this the kids were supposed to be doing their chores. It came time for school and we ran out the door. In all the rucuss I did not notice that they had not finished their chores. So my house is not clean, I have to go to work all day and will get home just in time to do Achievement Days, here at the house this afternoon. Great!Alas, there will be no pictures posted yet of my haircut. My spoon will never hang in my house again. And the girls will have to see my dirty dishes and an unmopped floor.
I know life will go one, the world does not revolve around me alone. But I sure do hate it when nothing goes as I expect it because I secretly do wish the world revolved around me. That would be so much easier!

Randomness

2008-10-07T21:35:00.005-06:00

It seems as if time is always running away from me. I have so many things on my plate and not enough time to give each of the things or people I love my attention. This is never truer than canning season. Thank goodness it is almost over. I have some apples left and some tomatoes to make into spaghetti sauce. I will be glad when it is over but it is such a good feeling to walk into my pantry and see all of those jars beautifully filled with nutritous things that will feed my family for the coming year! I believe it was President Uchtdorf that counseled us to create something in the Relief Society Broadcast a few weeks ago. It is truly rewarding creating those gorgeous jars!
I won't be sitting on my laurels though. My next project is already in progress. After years of dealing with all the clothes that are involved in a family of our size I have decided we must change our home and how it functions. We will be remodeling the downstairs to include a family closet. The laundry room and the room currently housing my hubby and I will be changed in to one very large room that will house all of the clothing and linen in our house. I have been reading alot about "super families" (that is what families with as many kids as we have or more are called) They seem to all be doing the family closet thing. I am excited to think that childrens rooms will not be a place where clean clothes become dirty clothes before they are even worn. I am thrilled that bedrooms will be able to be played in and there will be less of the stairs or the bathrooms being used as play rooms. (Yes, I frequently find legos and hot wheels and barbies and baby dolls in the bathroom.) It is going to take alot of work to accomplish this. First, the house has to be cleaned sufficiently to be able to move Hubby and I out of the current room and into what is currently the junk/office room. The demolition and rebuild has to happen in 4 days. This will be done the weekend of Duckling #2's birthday/ordination. And then the reorganizing of all the clothes and the changing of the habits will have to begin. I know this will be a challenge but I think it will be very worth it! I will post before and after pictures later.
I didn't get to listen to as much of conference as I wanted to for a couple of reasons. My children were extra obnoxious and would not stay quiet and I was trying to can about 20 lbs of chicken and make salsa during the saturday sessions of conference. What I did hear was truly inspiring. I didn't take notes for obvious reasons but I do remember that I heard alot of counsel to live on less and be happy and content. Maybe because that is what I needed to hear. But the one talk I really loved was the talk that was by Elder Bednar (I think) he spoke about prayer. I really need to work on that so I think for the next six months until the next conference that will be my spiritual focus. I need to be praying more and not only praying but praying for the people that I love. I will let you know my progress as I work on praying better.
I am very concerned about the state of our nation. I feel that our country has been headed down a wicked road for many decades. We have forgotten what this country was founded on. The christian priciples that created our constitution are now looked at as out of date by some people in our country. On "The View" last week one of the women talked about how we are the only democratic country that still practices Christianity as it's main religion. This blows my mind! How can the founding principles that created this great country be the thing that is now holding us back? I don't think so! What holds us back is the fact that so many of us have chosen a path af great wickedness. Women are choosing not to raise children that they create, they find it easier to dispose of the consequences of their choices to have sex whenever they want. The sanctity of marriage is in trouble as state after state is trying to allow same sex marriages. Drugs and alcohol take control of so many lives. Instead of work and service and compassion we have people committing crimes to satisfy wants and addictions. Selfishness is what rules most choices. I am sooo sad for what I see when I look at our country as a whole. The economy and the Presidential election also worry me.
BUT!
I see beautiful things in my own neighborhood. I see people concerned for the welfare of their neighbors. I see acts of service and kindness all around me. I see families striving to do what is right and strengthen their own homes. I see friendships and the pure love of Christ as I watch people share their abundance and help others with needs. I see beauty and when I look at these things and these people I know we will be okay.
If you have read all the way to the end of my randomness, Thank you! Please comment on my post and leave me your own thoughts on randomness. To all my friends and family who show me how beautiful life is every day, I love you.

The Evil Start of School Illness

2008-09-12T18:13:00.002-06:00

It had only been two weeks since school started when it happened. #1 started first, "I don't feel good, I have a headache". It wasn't long until most of Heaven is Nigh was ill. We have been so sick this week. #7 puked first, she only puked two times and was better, of course. I have been the sickest and mine has lasted 4 days. I am still not feeling 100%. I hate this time of year...it doesn't matter how hard we try, we always are sick two weeks into school. The only consolation is that we usually (knock on wood) are pretty healthy through the remainder of the year until our spring colds.

A Fun Memories Game!!!

2008-08-13T22:36:00.002-06:00

I took this off my sister's blog! I think this sounds fun. Here are the rules:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one or more memories that you and I had together, or just some memory of me. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot. Anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. :) If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments or send you an email. (You know, you non-bloggers can still post comments. Just click "comments" below this post...)Okay, it's that simple. I hope everyone will play! I know a lot of you remember some fun, silly, or touching moments. Go on, give 'em up! Refresh my memory!

PS I am adding one more rule...Please, keep this family friendly!!!

Preserving Memories

2008-08-13T22:10:00.002-06:00

I have to say I love this time of year! I seriously enjoy canning...it is so rewarding to see all the jars lined up on the counter before they are put away. I love falling into bed exhausted from all the hard work and bonding with friends and now my daughter #3. She is getting old enough that she wants to help a little more than a few minutes. I have been able to find a new canning buddy since the buddy I have had for a few years moved this summer. My new buddy is as crazy as I am. We picked apricots and wednesday last week I even climbed the tree to shake the apricots out and that night made a big batch of apricot pineapple preserves. This was my first attempt at preserves and since it is a trial and error process we ended in error. Although I did have fun working side by side with my daughter and a really good friend. The next day we did another batch that ended in perfection, we then made another batch. I went home completely exhausted. We still had a few buckets of apricots and I was going to do my favorite barbeque sauce for ribs on saturday. I was too tired so I put it off till monday. I started the barbeque sauce realizing I had way to many apricots to do myself so I called my new canning buddy and she came right over. We did three batches of barbeque sauce. I ended up with 14 quarts of sauce and she ended up with 14 pints of sauce. She has a much smaller family than mine so we split the sauce that way. We had left over apricots even after that so we did one last batch of jam.We felt so pumped about our accomplishments that after feeding our families we started to pick the currants off my bush in the front yard. We picked one and a half gallons of currants. We then steamed then and made syrup out of them. We processed 10 pints of syrup!!! Yummy!!! You may be thinking I am a little nuts but I went and picked more apircots tonight from my neighbors tree to help another neighbor to learn how to can. Tomorrow evening we are going to make some jam for her family...I love canning!!!!
The only downer this week is that I have had two very sick little girls. #5 and #7 have been sick since Sunday. They have just layed around and been fussy so it has been challenging trying to juggle taking care of them and preserving delicious food.
It has been a very busy week but I have thoroughly enjoyed preserving food for my family for the coming year and preserving memories that will last a life time.

PS I would have posted pictures but my children have broken my digital camera :( I am sure you can just picture how beautiful my pantry will look after I finish canning this fall.

#2's Turn!

2008-07-01T17:58:00.004-06:00

#2 also played baseball with #1, yes I put them on the same team so that I wouldn't have to do too much driving and have games every night for 2 months. He was afraid of the ball at the beginning of the season. The coach ended up telling the boys they couldn't warm up together because #1 would really scare #2. By the end of the season he had played catcher for another pitcher. He had caught some amazing pop flies and had really grown as a ball player! I am so proud of him and he is excited to play next year!

Catching Up

2008-07-01T17:42:00.004-06:00

Since I really have little positive things to share right now I decided to catch up on the things I have missed over the past few months.
The first thing I will catch up on is pictures from baseball. I will start with #1 he is quite the little baseball player. He was the starting pitcher for his team this year. He did quite well. He would frequently face three batters an inning. His throw is so fast that by the end of the season none of the catchers on the team could catch for him because they had injured their hand catching his fast balls. His coach estimated his fast ball at about 78 miles an hour. I would really love to get his pitch clocked to find out how accurate that was. He made the All-Star team and they started practicing tonight. We are pretty proud of him.

This is a picture I took so I could remember how long he is getting. He is so excited he is only 1.5 inches shorter than me. He measures atleast every other day to see if he is taller than me yet! Look how long those legs are....

The Fantastic Father Nigh

2008-06-10T22:57:00.008-06:00

I think the Nigh kids are some of the luckiest kids on this planet...They have the best dad around. Hubby is an absolutely wonderful father. I am so proud of him and all that he does for our family. What a blessing to have such and incredible father.
Here are a few things the Nigh kids love about their Dad:
1. He honors his Priesthood. He is always ready to give a blessing and has baptized and confirmed us.
2.He's funny. He likes to be silly and make us laugh!
3. He works hard. Not only does he have a good job but he helps out at home.
4. He does well in school. He has done so well in college, this year he has kept straight A's
5. He tries hard to choose the right. He is a very good example to us.
6. He takes us to church and teaches us the gospel.
7. He takes us to get ice cream on family night.
8. He likes to play ball with us in the street. He is always willing to throw any ball no matter what the time. Thanks for always playing with us.
9. He is very patient with us, even more patient than mom.
10. He loves us!
(This list was compiled for #4's talk in primary today by all the kids with only a little of mom's help)
As you can see, these are some pretty lucky kids. And they love their daddy so much and want him to have a happy Father's Day! Thanks Daddy!

PS I thought you might want to know that he is just as awesome of a husband as he is a father! Here are some reasons his wife thinks he is great, too!
1. He loves me no matter what. Sometimes I don't think he should have to but he does anyways.
2. He listens when I need to vent, cry, complain, bawl my eyes out, etc.
3. He is level headed and I am not!
4. He tries so hard to do what is right, even when it is not the easy thing to do.
5. He takes me on a date every week. Sometimes that is only window shopping but I love the time with him no matter what we do.
6. He is silly. He isn't afraid to act silly to make any of us laugh. He can always lighten a mood.
7. He is serious when he needs to be.
8. He doesn't get mad when I go run an errand and I don't come back for hours because I am visiting one of the neighbors. I am sorry, honey, that I like to talk...alot!
9. He has the cutest crooked smile in all the world! That smile can make me melt in an instant.
10. He loves the Lord more than he loves me. I know he will always make wise choices because of who is first in his life. His priorities are straight.
I am so lucky to have him as my husband and the father of my children. Happy Father's Day!

I love My Kids

2008-06-10T21:34:00.004-06:00

These are the boys pictures from the morning of #4's Baptism. They are growing up to be such handsome young men. I sure do love them.

My Beautiful Family

2008-06-10T21:23:00.003-06:00

I have a great family and each one of my children are beautiful in their own way. These pictures are the good pictures of five of the kids from my photo shoot with my kids the other morning. I actually did get a few good pictures that morning.

The Joys of Photography

2008-06-10T21:02:00.005-06:00

On the morning of #4's baptism we were actually running EARLY for once. I had all the kids in Sunday clothes with hair done and it was a beautiful Spring morning. I thought to myself this was the perfect day to take the years school pictures as I had not bought the school pictures from the school because of the expense of having 5 kids with school pictures. I proceeded to instruct each of the kids to take their turn in front of our beautiful blossoming bushes to give me smile and a quick picture...This should be easy I said to myself...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! What was I thinking? It was absolute murder trying to get these 7 beautiful children all nicely dressed to smile for half a second without pulling a face or moving out of the picture. The photo session did not turn out as wonderful as I planned but looking back on it I now see the humor in the photos I did get! I hope you can laugh with me!

#4, #4, #4...or Chip as he is now affectionately named!

2008-06-10T19:56:00.005-06:00

Today was #1 and #2's last game. It has been horrible weather all season and today was no exception. The kids were trying to keep themselves busy by running and playing so that they wouldn't be cold.It didn't take long for something exciting to happen. I don't even think we got through the top of the first inning. #4 was running around doing who knows what behind the bleachers when all of the sudden he comes running up crying his eyes out. He has a little scratch on his cheek and is trying to explain to me that he wasn't watching where he was running and ran smack in to the tree that was immediately behind the bleachers. I am trying to console him when he stands up and starts sticking his fingers in his mouth. I peak in to check if he is bleeding and find that half of 3...count them 3, teeth are missing. He had ran into the tree so hard he chipped 3 teeth!!! I am freaking out! These are permanent teeth, not baby teeth. I am counting the dollars adding up for 3 caps. Hubby was able to come to watch the game so I left him with the other kids and I left with #4 to get him some ice and some Motrin and call the dentist. As I was walking to the car I realized Heavenly Father was watching over us. The blessing in all of this was that we were playing the Rockies, our dentist's son's team and the dentist was sitting in the other bleachers. I walked right up and explained what happened and Dr Paul checked him out and said we could wait till tomorrow to fix them if he wasn't in too bad of pain. He gave me his cell phone number so that I could call him at the game after we got some ice and some medicine and assessed the situation our of the wind and the cold. He also reassured me that we don't need to cap them yet, as he is too young. Phew!...am I relieved. I can just imagine paying $2ooo on a mouth that gets more chipped teeth before he turns 9. HAHA!!! Anyway, he turned out to be okay and we got back to see most of the game. While we where home we stopped to take a picture to document the event.

#4's Baptism

2008-06-04T22:15:00.002-06:00

#4 was baptized on Saturday and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am so proud of him. He has made the right decision to be baptized. He is a great kid, full of energy and enthusiasm. He always wants to be helpful and to learn to do everything that I do. He is growing into such a beautiful young man.
The baptism was a stake baptism and there were 8 kids baptized, two from our ward. The other child baptized was Kate. Their family has been good friends of ours since we moved here. The mom is my very good friend. Their whole family is friends with my kids, as all her kids are my kids ages, although she only has 4. They are moving at the end of the month, we will miss them a great deal.
We didn't get to have lot's of family up for the baptism. It was really sad but with fuel prices and the price of food, it wasn't a possibility for the family to come. Except for Grandpa. He was driving truck and got a run that would bring him right up here. We were so happy to have him here for a few days. He spoiled the kids rotten and helped us out with some projects around the house. He even got to see the boys play baseball.

Here is #4 and hid Daddy before the baptism.

This is #4 by himself. He thought he was so sneaky giving the peace sign.

This is #4 and Kate after the baptism. I hope someday they get married....in my dreams, I know. But, I can dream can't I?

This is #4 and his Grandpa after the baptism. Thank you Grandpa for being with us on this special day!

This is Mom and Dad and #4. Can't you stop taking pictures?

Oh, The Joys of Cool Whip!

2008-06-04T22:00:00.001-06:00

This week after a long day at work, I came home to sit and ffed my face. My fridge had a present, an almost empty tub of cool whip. I was thrilled to plop myself down and eat to my hearts content, or atleast until I hit the bottom of the almost empty container of whipped smooth sweetness. I no sooner had sat down till I was swarmed by children all wanting to share. Being the...patient (yes, that's it!) mom that I am I shared. It turned out to be a very fun event sharing the mouthfuls of cream....The best face by far, though, had to be Madelyn. Every bite she took was pure delight. We had to get a picture because is was too cute to explain with words. Here is the picture of Madelyn enjoying every bite of cool whip.

Kindergarten Graduation

2008-05-28T18:42:00.005-06:00

Our little #5 graduated from kindergarten today. She is so little that it is hard to believe she is old enough to graduate from kindergarten. Then again, she is loud enough and bossy enough to be much older. Here is her first day of school picture and her last day of school picture to compare.

This was her first day of school at the end of August 2007

This was her last day of school May, 2008

This is her with her teacher.

Where has the time gone?

2008-05-27T21:59:00.004-06:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything. I have to admit my favorite thing lately has been reading other peoples blogs. I have found lots of old friends. I have truly enjoyed reading about all the people I have fond memories of.
I found some very fun posts to read but nothing has really inspired me to write anything fantastic lately. So I have decided to just do some updating about my family and our very busy life.
First, I am so glad that school is over in 2 days and baseball is over in 2 weeks. I do not do very well at baseball games in the cold with 5 kids that are not playing the game but running crazy. I would rather go to watch #1 and #2 by myself so that I can actually see when #1 pitches a no hitter or #2 catches the pop fly. I will take some pictures of them playing baseball this week and post them soon.
#4 is going to be baptized this Saturday, it is hard to believe that child number four is old enough to be baptized. I am feeling old. He is very excited, I think, he kind of played dumb in his interview with the Bishop.
#1 graduated from 6th grade today. I am a slacker mom though and didn't get any pictures of the even. The batteries are dead in the camera and I cannot remember, on my multiple trips to the store every week, to get batteries. I really think it is silly to have a graduation ceremony from 6th grade though. It has been a challenging year for him and we are both grateful it is over.
#5 graduates from kindergarten tomorrow. It is hard to believe teeny tiny little #5 is going to be a first grader next year. She is still so small, she hasn't even hit 35 pounds yet. Maybe by September she will hit the magical 35!
#6 had a little graduation ceremony last week from her second year of preschool. (She still has another year to go) It was very cute and she hammed it up quite well on the stage, blowing kisses and grinning from ear to ear. I really don't know where she gets it from, honest!
I have had a really rough couple of weeks and am finally feeling better. The day after Mother's Day (and my birthday) I finally went to the dentist for a much needed exam and cleaning. Well, since it has been a very long time since I had anything done to my teeth there was a lot of work to do. Being the tough woman that I am I decided to get the work done in to visits, one for the left side and one for the right. I had a root canal and some fillings done on the left side that went really well. The right side, however, proved to be a lot worse. I ended up having a filling put in my wisdom tooth that the dentist didn't want to pull. Little did he know, the tooth was abscessed. My x-rays did not show that. Well when he put the filling in the drainage that had been coming out of the filling now had no where to go...my face ended up very swollen. The grossest part was when the abscess actually burst in my mouth....can you say GROSS!!! Needless to say I was in the next day getting the tooth pulled anyway. And Yes, I am feeling much better.
Hubby is in his 3rd section of classes. He is doing very well. It is quite a challenge going to school and trying to help support our very large brood. I am so very proud of him and all he is doing.
My biggest project right now is our garden. So far it is going great, I will post about that later, with pictures, of course. This project has been very rewarding!

Baby's First Day at the Park

2008-04-14T21:43:00.009-06:00

So...for a few days this week spring actually sprung. #1 and #2 were at baseball practice and #3 was at a birthday party. The little kids were so excited to get to the park and we were ready too. This being our first outdoor outing this spring, it was #7's first trip to the park. She loved it!!! She loves being outside. Hubby says we will probably have a hard time keeping her inside this summer because she thinks that the sun and the grass and the dirt are great. Enjoy the pics.

2008-02-14T10:55:00.003-07:00

Ten Years Ago...
I was pregnant with #3, our first girl, living in our first house that wasn't owned by Hubby's parents. I was a stay at home mommy of two adoreable little boys. Life was sooooo simple! Oh I sometimes wish for those days!
5 Things on my To Do List...
*Pay off the rest of our debt with the money we just made selling our business.
*File our taxes for this year so I can get a nice return and buy a front loader washer and dryer and a deep freeze, and put in new windows and doors in my whole house. Yes my refund is substantial.
*Get to work...I need to put in atleast 5 hours today. Even if I do have a bit of Vertigo today.
*Clean my filthy house. It is a wreck because Tuesday Hubby and I went to the Temple all evening and the kids trashed it and last night we made valentines ALL NIGHT LONG. (Six kids with each of their classes means lots of valentines to be made!)
*Sleep
5 Things I would do if I where a millionaire...
*Pay off this house and buy a bigger one
*Help my family
*Start a charity for abused women and children
*Take my kids to see the world
*Donate to the Perpetual Education Fund
3 Bad Habits I have...
*Procrastination, although at work I don't do this at all. What is wrong with me at home?
*Eat poorly, I am a junk food junky.
*I don't excercise.
5 Places I have lived...
*Norfolk Virginia, although I don't remember it I was a tiny baby
*Las Vegas, Nevada, I wish I remembered more of this. I want to remember if I ever ran into my husband at school when we were little.
*Page, Arizona, The place I consider my home town. I love that litle town.
*Prescott, Arizona, I include Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey in that, too.
*Pocatello, Idaho, the place that is now my home. I LOVE it here.
(What is it with the P's?)
5 Places I have worked
*Farmers Insurance...my first job that wasn't babysitting!
*McDonalds...for about 4 months on Saturday's only
*Safeway
*WinCO
*A wholesale C-Store Distribution Company, the best job I could ever have being a mommy. They are so flexible, love the family that owns the company.
Some Things Most People Don't Know About Me...
*I am afraid of the dark and the quiet of the night, I sleep with the TV on all night, crazy I know.
*I am becoming quite the expert on Microsoft Excel
*I hate having to talk to people I don't know
*I have a secret crush on the greatest guy. He is strong, gentle, handsome, patient, quiet,spiritual...the man? My husband!
I have no one to tag!!! Don't have that many friends that Blog.

Cloning

2007-12-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have decided to go into the business of cloning housewives and mothers...I think I am going to be Rich. Isn't it a fact that every mother has way too much to do? I for instance have seven children who want my undivided attention at any given moment. So I really wish I had seven of ME for them. Next, my husband thinks he needs my attention for all the things husbands want a wives attention for. Third I have a church calling almost always that wants my attention. Right now that would be the Relief Society Presidency over Enrichment. Then I have my full time job...so how many is that so far?.. Seven plus three...TEN of me!!! I haven't even got to taking care of the house or serving my community, let alone taking care of myself!!!

I think this will be really successful, It is a much needed service I will be providing. Women everywhere will want my product...Buy another you...get more done...be everywhere at once!!! Do it ALL!!!

Now all I need is the time to launch my product...How will I fit that in?!?

My Perfect Christmas

2007-12-03T14:10:00.001-07:00

So...the long awaited Christmas time is here. I love Christmas, I love the lights, the music, the shopping, the CHOCOLATE. It is a great month for me...in my mind. The weekend of Thanksgiving we put up our tree. My kids were disappointed because it is all gold. I love my tree it is my favorite thing we have to decorate for Christmas but my kids wanted a colorful tree. I would be happy to oblige them except for how expensive it is to replace all my all gold ornaments for colored ones and all my clear lights for colored ones. Oh well, I guess my gold tree will have to do. I don't think the color of our tree will affect what kind of gifts Santa will put under it.
This weekend I set to decorating the banister in our entry. Every year I put it up in pieces. The (fake) pine garland goes first, then the lights and then the bulbs, pine cones and bows. This is a very important place to decorate as this is where all our stockings get hung. This year I decided to make everything I attach to the pine garland permanent, except the stockings. We checked the lights, carefully counted out the bulbs and the pine cones to make sure they were evenly spaced and attached everything with cable zip ties. When the pine garland was finally up and looking great we plugged the lights in...Alas, they no longer worked. After 4 hours of my hard labor, they DID NOT WORK!!! I cannot tell you my frustration. Hubby started searching for the problem, and the kids jumped in to help. Was it a fuse? NO! Was it a burned out light? NO!! Was is a short in the cord? NO!!! Do you think we can find any answer for why my lights won't work? Heck No!!!
Oh well, In my mind the lights are beautiful and next year when I go to put them up I will be sure to put in brand new strands of lights...and maybe I can put colored lights in the garland and keep my beautiful gold tree and that will make my children happy and me happy.
This year I will be sit back close my eyes and imagine the lights that are lining my banister and smile, spend time with my children and enjoy the music and the CHOCOLATE...And pretend it was a totally perfect Christmas...Until next year.

First Update in a VERY Long Time!

2007-11-23T17:17:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of the family in March of 2007.This is at our newest arrivals blessing, She was born in January 2007. Our little family is such a blessing. Each of my children are so wonderful in their own little way.

I forgot you were here.

2007-11-23T17:05:00.001-07:00

In the crazyness of life, I had forgotten that I even had a blog. It has been 2 years since I last posted. When I came across my own blog again and reread the things I wrote it brought back soooooo many memories that it brought tears to my eyes.
Alot of things have changed in the last 2 years. New baby, new job, vacations, etc. That have gone without being written about. That makes me sad.
If I am blessed enough to have those events brought to my remembrance I will write about them, if not, they will be lost forever.

The Elusive Quiet Time

2005-11-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

So here it is sunday, I have worked almost 48 hours this week on top of voulenteering at the kids school and all the other things that come with being the mom. I have the day off which is a miracle in and of itself and I desperately needed a nap. Do you think my children could be quiet for even a few minutes? Ofcoarse not the were fighting and crying and yelling and playing the whole time...that is until I was ready to get up. Then they were quiet sitting watching the end of their movie. Aargh.

Why do they do that?

2005-10-28T11:00:00.002-06:00

I am learning about what the teenage years are going to be like. My oldest son has an excuse for everything. He doesn't want to do anything that doesn't have to do with his disc-man or his scooter or his friends. The sad part is he is only 10 years old. Like last night he pulled a fast one and didn't practice his viola, he came up with every excuse in the book when I was confronting him about it, on my lunch break. His teacher didn't give him something specific to practice, he didn't have his book, he didn't have to practice for 20 minutes only 15, and on and on. I was so frustrated I wanted to through him across the room. Ofcoarse I didn't but I sure wanted to. I don't know why they start acting this way and I don't know if I am up to the next 20 years of teenage brain damage that I have coming.

Losing a Loved One

2005-10-16T22:06:00.001-06:00

I have always been afraid of the dying process, mainly because I have never experienced it before. But this weekend our beloved family pet, our dog Kiara died at home with her family. We spent the day sunday, knowing that she was going, making her comfortable, sharing memories, praying she would go quickly. These moments were hard but precious. The children talked about each of the special things they loved about her. We sat by her side and had family prayer. We cried and she cried with us. Hubby gave her a priesthood blessing and asked our Heavenly Father to take her quickly. She finally passed Sunday evening at 9:50 it was peaceful at the end and for that I am greatful. I am not afraid of the process as much anymore. I will be forever greatful for that last gift she gave me, and for the seven great years we shared with her. I know she is in a better place, happier, running free, and knowing that I can be at peace.

The Sleep Thief

2005-10-05T22:37:00.000-06:00

Why is it that when you have the time to sleep your body won't sleep? I finally have a night to get to bed at a decent hour and my mind is going a mile a minute. There are things to get done, things to remember, things to anticipate, things to worry about, and my mind can't slow down enough to let my body slow down to let me get some rest. Maybe it is my body's way of keeping me ready for sleep deprivation when I need it. Maybe it thinks I need practice. Whatever it is it is driving me crazy.
I also hate how every persons sleep clock is different, it really does not allow for a full night of quiet when there are 8 different sleep clocks. I have Early to bedders, I have late nighters, I have inbetweeners, then I have early risers and sleeper inners. This never works for a period of time when everyone in the house feels well rested and happy and ready for whatever comes their way. There is always a cranky child that needs a nap. Why can't I as the mother set everyone's body clock to what fits my needs and purposes? After all I am the one that gave birth to them.

Moving at the Speed of Children

2005-10-05T08:55:00.000-06:00

Why is it that children grow up faster than we would have it? My children are so independent, they don't need me. I am only here for the ride to school when they don't want to walk with their instruments. Or when they think they need money. When it comes to things that they think they can do by themselves they don't want mom to be near. Heaven forbid mom give them some guidance or reassure them. That is until they have triumphed and then they want to tell me all about it. So I guess that is the beauty of their independance, it is always me they want to share that with. I suppose I am blessed with many triumphs in my day and should be proud as they learn, on their own, life's little lessons.

Here is the First Chapter

2005-10-04T21:44:00.001-06:00

This is the Nigh family BLOG. I am the mommy of this family. I hope to tell our family story here and try to put the little memories that are created each day here for me and others to read and find joy from. Family is about happiness and togetherness and creating a story. So here is our story.
We have six beautiful kids. They all are very unique but beautiful in their own way.
Tonight I sat through the first of, maybe, a million practice sessions for the viola and the cello. I am sure that it will not always go this smoothly but tonight was joyful. I love making music with my boys, even if all we did was clap rhythms it was bonding in a way that we have never bonded before and it was beautiful.