The Lund Family

10th Anniversary

2012-02-01T15:32:00.002-08:00

It's wonderful to realize that we've been marred for 10 years. We never could have guessed where life would take us, but we're grateful for all the blessings we've had along the way. We have three beautiful children, Dedrick has a great job as an engineer in natural gas liquids and Damian enjoys her part time work at the local post office as well. We've made some great friends here in Kansas.

We had the chance to run away for the weekend. The kids went to friends houses for sleepovers and we went to Wichita. We went to dinner at Kobe Japan Steak House, then saw a movie, and then checked in to our hotel for the night. We enjoyed spending the time alone to talk and enjoy each others company. We've made it this far and we will continue to make more memories together on this road.

10th Anniversary

Anniversary Gift

Painted first RC truck body

2012-01-31T15:49:00.000-08:00

(Dedrick) The plastic body to one of my RC trucks wore out from too many high-speed cartwheels and rollovers, so I painted up a new plastic body. It's the first one I've ever done and it was not that easy, but I think it turned out pretty well! Of course, the kids decided it needed to be mounted on their heads instead of the truck, but that's OK!

Dedrick's Birthday

2012-01-25T18:39:00.000-08:00

My sweet husband turned 35 yesterday! I am very thankful to have him in my life and the kids. We just spent a quiet night at home, enjoying a yummy dinner of steak and potatoes. Then sang happy birthday with ice cream and eclairs. Then spent rest of the evening watching one of his new movies as a family.

I have been very blessed to have this wonderful man in my life and could not be happier to enjoy his birthday with him.

My husband the Viking baby!

Texas

2012-01-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

So this year we decided to head to Texas to spent some time with Dedrick's parents for Christmas. We were able to spend about a week with them and it went way too fast. Dedrick's parents were grateful to have us, even though they had just moved into the house three days before we got there. So Grandma and I took the kids out of the house to do fun stuff, while Dedrick and his dad did projects around the house to help put up storage shelves in the garage and stuff.

We took the kids to the zoo, science museum, an IMAX movie "Born to be Wild", a park, the Dallas World Aquarium, the Dallas temple grounds, and the Tree of Lights. So we stayed very busy and had lots of fun. When it was time to leave grandpa and grandma's house, my kids did not want to. They just love to spend so much time with them.

The down side was when we were about half an hour from his parents house on the way there the check engine light came on. Dedrick and I thought we just need a oil change, were we ever wrong on that. Since we did not get to there house till late Saturday, and the next day was Christmas we had to wait till Monday to take the van in to the dealer. They called us back later that afternoon and told us it would take $2000.00 to fix what was wrong. Can you say WOW! So we had them fix it so we could make it back home safely. We hope the work will keep the van running for a few more years.

I want to thank my wonderful in-laws for everything, and for having us in the chaos!

First Snow

2012-01-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

This year we have had only one snow storm. It did not drop much snow, but my kids still had fun playing in it. Thanks to grandma Janine they have awesome snowball makers and launchers in one.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T10:57:00.001-08:00

So this year we had Christmas on the 23rd of December because we were going to Texas on the 24th. We also did not want to take any of the gifts with us because Dedrick's parents just moved into a new place. Also let my dad meet my kids for the first time. I was glad I let my kids meet there grandfather for the first time, they really enjoy getting to know him.

The kids got everything they wanted and were able to share the joy with there grandfather! I want to thank everyone in the family for gifts and friends for all the nice cards. I hope that everyone had a great holiday with the ones they love!

Here is a few of the pictures taken!

Kids Christmas Program

2011-12-31T10:41:00.001-08:00

All three kids had the chance to perform in this years christmas music program. I hope you enjoy, sorry if some of the video's are shake.

Kaliska

Aidan

Rebecca

Lund Family 2011 Christmas Newsletter

2011-12-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a remarkable year for our family. We started the year in a rental home in Galva, KS, with the expectation that Dedrick's job would require moving our family to Mobile, Alabama in May or June as the third and final rotation of a training program for engineers, and that we'd probably have another move after that before he received a long-term assignment. About the time preparations were underway for the move, the position of facilities engineer for the area we have been in for the past year here in Kansas opened up and Dedrick was asked to apply for the job. Now he is the engineer for a natural gas liquids (propane, etc.) fractionation plant, 3 underground storage facilities and rail and truck loading racks. We think we will be here at least 3-5 years. We miss the mountains, but we like the people here and have found we like small town life.

We bought a house in the town we've been renting in the last year. The kids have been able to stay in the same schools and keep their friends and teachers. Damian and Dedrick have made some really good friends here and have family date nights with the other two families several times a month.

Damian has started working part time as postmaster relief for our town of Galva. Her boss Linda thinks Damian is a real gem and says she's been learning the job very quickly. Damian enjoys getting out of the house and hearing all the town's gossip!

Dedrick has discovered a new hobby that he can share with the kids. He has gotten into hobby-grade electric off-road remote control trucks that go 30-50 miles an hour. Rebecca and Aidan each have trucks to run with Dedrick. Dedrick took the trucks to show a coworker and now his friend Robert at work has bought 4 trucks that he keeps at work. Somehow now Dedrick doesn't go out to eat nearly as often, since he and Robert are always out driving or fixing their trucks on their lunch break!

A few highlights from the year:

We took a trip to Kansas City and visited LDS Church historical sites and then went to Worlds of Fun amusement park.
Rebecca was baptized.
Kaliska started afternoon preschool.
Aidan had his tonsils and adenoids removed. He's breathing better at night now!
We found out Aidan has acid reflux, joining his dad and grandparents in that category...
Dedrick had surgery to correct a deviated septum; now he's breathing better through his nose than ever before.

And at the end of next January we will celebrate our 10th anniversary! Thank you to all those who've supported us through the good times and the bad. Nah! Nah! Na-Na-Nah! to those who said our marriage wouldn't last. ;-) And we'd especially like to thank Janine and Howard for all their help and love.

Under Construction

2011-12-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

The Christmas letter is in progress, please stay tuned! It has been a crazy few weeks!
Please enjoy this video to tide you over!

Curtains

2011-11-30T06:52:00.000-08:00

So I have been working on learning to sew and working on small projects. So far I have made two things and a request for another. My first project was popcorn warmers for my kids. The other project was making curtains for Aidan's room and two doors in our house. I have made Aidan's curtains!!! I am so happy they turned out and look good in his room. Aidan loves them and is happy!

I need to go with my hubby to find the material for the other two windows. Then out of the blue my two youngest asked me to make them capes. (If anyone has a pattern for a kids cape, let me know!) So I will once I find a good pattern and they pick the colors they want!

I am glad I can do small things for my family and home!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T06:20:00.001-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving with our friends the Marshall's, the Stark's, and Phyllis! We were not able to go anywhere this year because I was working all week and Dedrick was recovering from his nose surgery (deviated septum). We had a great time in each others company and playing games late into the night. I want to thank the Marshall's for opening your home this time of year to us.

I am grateful for the many blessings I have this year!

My husband who works so hard for his family. He makes it possible for me to stay home to be with our kids. He then comes home to spend time with his kids after his long day. He also has been working on projects around the new house!

My sweet Becca who reminds me to relax and enjoy the day! She is a smart girl who enjoys life and tries to make has many friends as she can. Her life my be hard, but she does not give up! She is just an inspiring sweet girl!

My handsome Aidan is just the little gentleman. He love to help me when ever can, like opening my door, help clean, cook and just makes me laugh. He is also the boy in the family who like to find way to pester his sisters and make big messes!

My silly Kaliska is a mommies girl. She wants to be were I am at all times and do what I am doing. She loves to draw her family and silly stories, then leave them all over the house for us to find.

I am thankful for my three kids and husband who do not give up on me and support me. I am thankful for my wonderful in-laws for all the love and comfort they give to us. I happy to be in this life for the journey and adventure!

Flying Time

2011-11-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

It seems time has gone by very, very fast! We have been very busy for the last few weeks. We have had the kids first parent-teacher conferences, book fairs, lots of dentists appointments, no school, and many more adventures.

Dedrick had to go out of town for two weeks for training and then come back for nose surgery (so he can breathe better after the doctor fixes a deviated septum). We missed him very much! He is also doing well after his surgery! While away he got to see his parents for the weekend and his cousin Marisa!

My afternoons have been very strange this fall! My youngest little munchkin got into afternoon preschool! So my afternoons have been free of kids, it has been weird! When I go out in the afternoons, I feel like I'm missing someone! Next year will be even stranger!

I know this post my have random info, that is how my brain has been working! Here are some pictures!

Struggling

2011-11-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

I have been struggling for the last few months with being a mom and wife.

It started when Becca asked "Why she only had one set of grandparents?"

It made me stop when she said that, and made me think about what she said. It made me realize that my kids really do have one set of grandparent, when in fact they have two. One set cares, the other set doesn't.

How do I answer her question honestly? How do I tell her that my parents don't even want to be in our lives? How do I try to answer her questions when I do not know the answer myself. I wish I could say I prayed and read scriptures for help when I haven't or asked for help from anyone.

I have been hiding this pain for so long and Becca asking just a simple question, makes me cry. I have come to the fact I have to let go of the hurt, anger, sadness, and quilt. I have to move on to be the better person for myself and my family. I need to shed the extra weight that hurts my heart and beliefs.

When I was a kid, I knew in my heart that my parents did not want me. The way they treated me was different then my brothers, the way they never stood up for me, belittled me, and never seemed to listen. I was a good student, friend, respected those around me and helped others. I did not do drugs or alcohol, I took care of my brothers, played sports, and tried to do the right things. I am not perfect, I did make many mistakes and got blamed for the ones I didn't even do.

When I was 8 right after I was baptized, I decided not be like my parents. It was about a year or two later that my parents divorced. Every kids blames themselves for awhile. When I was a little older I started asking questions about why the divorce happened? Why my mom was always talking bad about my dad? Why my dad stopped trying to see my brothers and me? I had so many questions and nobody would talk to me, they would brush me off or get angry and ground me. This was my life, to be used, put down, belittled, and ignored by my mom. To this day my mom treats me like I am not good enough because I broke her control.

My dad was never there, he was also getting remarried with woman who had their own kids. He stopped coming to see, calling, and writing my brothers and I. Then he ended up in prison for the last 9 years. When ever he calls or writes it to ask for something or asking for money. Now that he has gotten out of prison, he wants to try to be in my life.

The one thing my parents are always doing is putting me in the middle of their fight. They ask me to get information from each and then tell the other one that information. I feel like the adult and them the children. With all they do and how they make me feel, is it know wonder I am struggling with being mom and wife.

I am used to all the negativity in my life, that I am forgetting people love me(I think). I want to let go and be free of this pain and live for my self and my family. In order to let go I need to pray, honestly read my scriptures, and ask for help. The three things that are the hardest for me to do. I feel a little better getting some of the pain out in writing, instead of bottling it all up(which I am very good at).

I am trying to be a better person, friend, wife and mother. It will be hard and slow, but I need to let go. I have come to the fact that my mother will never see me for me, she will never know her wonderful grandchildren and that will be her doing. I have tried and tried, now it is up to her. My dad wants in my life and I do not know what to do! They both hurt me, I am having a hard time forgiving because they keep doing the same things over and over.

My answer to Becca was as honest as I could give her and that was that my parents do not have the time. I told her it was nothing she did, but mine. My sweet girl told me that they were missing out! I would have to agree with her. I was given three wonderful blessing and one good man. I know I suck being a mom and wife sometimes, but at the same time I know I'm doing something good. I have to keep telling myself I am worth it and try to heal!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T13:15:00.001-07:00

We had a great Halloween this year! The kids have been looking forward to this day since I hung all the decorations(which of course I forgot a picture). We did the trunk or treat at our church. Went to the pumpkin patch to get our very large pumpkin. Carved the pumpkin with a jig saw because it has a very thick shell. Then when Halloween night comes my three silly kids and their goofy dad goes out. I stayed at the house to pass out the candy. They came home very happy with all their loot!

Witch

White Ninja

Corpse Bride

Pumpkin!

Loot!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to a pumpkin patch last Saturday. We had some very nice weather and decided to take advantage of it. The kids enjoyed the hay ride, sliding, picking our 61 lb. white pumpkin, and playing with the giant sling shot. We did not get to do the corn maze, because dad got called into work. We just enjoyed spending some family time together.

Bandit and Frost

2011-10-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

We got two ferrets for Dedrick's birthday in January and this is the first time I have blogged about them. We adapted Frost an 1 year old albino, and 14 week old Bandit. The kids love them to death! When the kids are having a bad, sick, sad or happy day they just want to snuggle with them. They my smell a little, but they are so much fun to have around and to play with. We love them!

Bandit

Frost

Sewing

2011-09-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

So the last few month I have felt like I should learn how to sew. My father in-law gave me a sewing machine a little awhile ago and has been sitting in my closet. So a few weeks ago, I ask my friend Jennifer to teach me how to hook everything up and operate the machine. She was very patient with me, and answered all my questions.

So my first project was to make popcorn warms for my kids, I learned to make them in Relief Society activity a few years ago. I think I did pretty good for my first attempt at sewing. The next sewing project is curtains for Aidan's room, the laundry room, and the garage.

Wish me luck! Here is the first project!

Clean Room

2011-09-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

So the other day I asked the kids to help clean their rooms. Kaliska came to me to show me her room. She said the floor was nice and clean. Then I noticed her bed, and asked were was going to sleep? Kaliska just laughed and said on my bed, silly!

She is just a little stinker, you just have to love her!

Floor

Bed

Fixes

2011-09-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Fence
So about a month ago the fence got knocked over in a storm. After Dedrick and I talked about the all the options:

1-file a home owners claim
2-fix it our self's
3-tear it down

We decided to tear it down, for the simple reason that the fence as been up for 14 years. If we filed a claim we would have paid 5 times more than it would have to fix it our self's. So with the help of Brandon, who likes to hang out with my husband, they have been slowly taking it down. We will put a new fence in maybe a year or two.

Van
It was my third time working by myself for my part time job. I was having a great day so far, I was able to do everything without calling my boss for help. I had happen to get there before the mail was delivered. So I moved my van out of the way of the ramp and to the side. I was in the building when the driver comes to me and tells me he hit the back of the van. I was shocked and worried it was going to be bad. It was not has bad has I thought considering the size of the mail(22ft box) truck. So we get each others insurance info, he leaves and I get back to work.

When I got home I called my boss and told her what happened and then call the insurance to file a claim. It took about a month to fix the damage, and now my bumper is very shiny.

Labor Day

2011-09-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

This summer we did not have a chance to go on any trips as a family. So Dedrick and I decided, with a three day weekend, to get away. The kids had been asking to go to Worlds of Fun in Missouri. So Dedrick and I talked about where we could go within a few hours drive from home. We decided to head to Missouri to see some church history and go to Worlds of Fun.

So at dinner on Tuesday the week of, I told the kids we were going to pretend we were on a trip. I asked them to name what movies they would bring, what snacks and drinks. They got a piece of paper and each wrote down what they would want and bring. So the following day after I got the older two off to school and Kaliska was still asleep, I got the movies and players together. I also did laundry to have clothes to pack for the kids the following morning on Wednesday. On Thursday I went to the store to collect all the treats for the trip. Friday I took the kids to the movies so Dedrick could pack for us without the kids around. Saturday morning I worked, and Dedrick finished loading the car so we could leave when I got home.

Since we left about 10:30am on Saturday, and took us three hours to drive. We decided to see the many things around the area of Independence, MO. We went to the Latter Day Saints visitor center, then the Liberty Jail, then the Shoal Creek Living History Museum, and then drove by the new temple. When we got done looking around we had dinner and headed to the hotel, were the kids spent the evening swimming.

Sunday morning we went to Worlds of Fun from 10am to 6pm. The kids had a blast! Poor Becca got scared on alot of them, put she still had fun. We were so tired after playing, we rented a movie and ordered pizza in the hotel room to rest for the evening.

Monday we let the kids swim for about two hours before we check out. Then headed downtown to see a few parks, the mall to shop, then headed home. The kids loved the surprise trip and the best time:)

P.S. Becca did not believe we were going to Worlds of Fun, she that we were joking. Silly Girl!!!

Back to School

2011-08-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

So my wonderful kids went back to school. Becca and Aidan went back on the 24th. Becca is going into 4th grade and Aidan is going into 1st grade. Kaliska starts on the 30th, she will be in afternoon preschool. They all are very happy to be back, and hang out with there friends. (Side note: Becca is in the middle school now, it is very strange!!)

It will seem strange not to have anyone at home in the afternoons, when I have had someone with me for the last 6 years.

Here is to a great school year!

Baptism

2011-08-21T12:59:00.001-07:00

Our sweet girl Becca was baptized on Saturday afternoon. We are so proud of her and the hard work to get to this point in her life. She has her own struggles, yet she faces them with a bright smile and lots of love. We love you Rebecca!!!

Underground Salt Museum

2011-08-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I took the kids to the underground salt museum. Becca and Aidan went last year with grandpa and grandma. Kaliska and I went for the first time. The salt mine is 650 feet below the main building, we take a mine elevator down which takes about a minute and half to go to the bottom(it is dark the whole way down). You have to wear hard hats and have a breathing apparatus with you at all times. Once you get down in the salt mine you can take a train ride and a dark ride into areas that was once worked in the early 1930's and 1940's. They also are a underground storage area which houses movies, costumes, props, and other stuff.

The kids and I had a blast underground! Next time we need to take dad with us, it was a good way to end the summer before school starts next week!

Mother/Father's Day

2011-08-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that right!

Mother's Day
So being the silly mom I am, I enjoy getting stuff that I would use for around the house. So this year I wanted to get some jewelry with my three wonderful kids birthstones. So we went into a local jewelry store to see what they had. They did not have anything I liked, put they could order from a vendor called "Posh Mommy". They make tags with the kids names and birthstones. I loved it, two in one! So we ordered it a few days before Mother's day. They told me it would take 4 to 6 weeks.

I had not heard from them in over 8 weeks, so I gave them a call and they did not have the necklace. They said they would call the company and find out were it was. After I had talked to them I called my husband to let him know, he said he would stop by. When he got home he told me they shipped it over a week ago. Come to find out they shipped to a post office in California and lost it.

So they said the company would remake and we would go to the top of the list. They said we should have it in 10 day. It took another month to get to me, and on top of it they told us it would cost more then what they said. SO my wonderful husband went into the jewelry store to make sure they charged us the right price and the store honored their original price and gave us the silver chain. I finally have my mother's day gift three months later, I think I am not going to ask for jewelry for awhile.

Even after all the madness to get my mother's day gift, I love it very much. I am very grateful for my three wonderful kids!!

Click on Photo for better view!

Father's Day
OFF-ROAD REMOTE CONTROL TRUCKS!!! Whoo-hoo! I got a new Traxxas 1/10th scale Rustler off-road truck. I loved it so much I got one used for Becca and Aidan got one for his birthday and we can drive them together. One of the used ones worked fine as delivered, but the other one took hours of work and $$ of parts to get it running. Once I got that one running though, it's crazy fast (40 - 50 mph! where the others are 20 - 35 mph). It's a crazy hobby and if I let it, it will eat up lots of time and money, but it's a ton of fun I can share with the kids. Since we moved into our new house I haven't had much time to spend working on the trucks. I've been too busy with home improvement projects!

Freak Storm

2011-08-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

So all summer we have been in the triple digits for weather and no rain. Over the last few days we have been having thunder and lighting storms with some rain. So yesterday morning it rained and then cleared up. About 5pm it started to storm, thunder and lighting, rain, etc.. Then all of a sudden the winds picks up to at least 100mph, you could not see outside it was raining so bad, then the power starts to turn on/off a few times. So I happen to look out back and notice the fence has blown over on either side of the house. Not to soon after it all dies down. Yet we are the only ones with damage to the fence.

Dedrick was not home for any of this, so when he got home he was shocked.

Here is a some pictures and video!

House Projects

2011-07-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

It's been great to be in our own home that we own, but there've been a lot of projects to make the house the way we want it. Dedrick's parents came out for a week to help with a lot of them. They spent a lot of time and money helping us with putting a new surface on the deck, installing better towel holders and all kinds of other projects.

Some family friends have helped a lot, too. Brandon Tabolt and his sister Chelsea have helped at different times. Brandon and Dedrick have spent a lot of time installing an adjustable shelving storage system in the garage. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa Lund for buying it and thanks, Brandon for helping install it.

We got a new faucet and water filter for the kitchen sink. The old faucet was broken in a strange way - it would always return to the far left position of its pivot and you had to apply tension to move it anywhere else. It's flow/pressure had dropped off, too. Our old landlord, whois now our plumber/HVAC specialist, came out and installed the new faucet and filter.

Before:

After:

Old Faucet:

New Faucet:

Garage Storage:

Aidan's 6th Birthday

2011-07-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

So my sweet, sweet boy turned 6 years old, it is hard to believe. This boy brings love and mayhem in to our home all at the same time. This year we were able to let him have a birthday party since we did not move out of state. We love our wonderful son who came into this world early and fighting.

On his birthday he wanted to go bowling with friends, and had the added bonus of having grandpa and grandma here. Aidan's friends Walker and Mimi had a blast!

Mom Moments

2011-07-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks has been crazy busy...so when I had to run to the store for the fifth time that day I notice my sweet girl Kaliska shoes.....

It makes me realize I am doing something a little right!

New House

2011-07-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

So we bought a house at the end of June!!! We are so happy to have a place of our own, and have a place to call home! So the new house has 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, fenced in backyard, two car garage, family and living rooms. The kids are excited to have there on space. There is a few things we will change in the coming months, so stay tuned!

P.S. My kids wanted to be in all the pictures!

Pics of house!

New Job

2011-07-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

So I have been a stay at home mom for going on six/seven years. Do not get me wrong I love every minute of it. I just wanted a little break from the house and to meet new people. So a few months ago there was a job opening in the local post office for Postmaster Relief. Since we are not moving and buying a house, I decide why not and applied. I got the job, and start training in two weeks. I will work every Saturday and when the lady who works there goes on vacation, gets sick, has a dr's appointment, etc.
I am really looking forward to work in the post office and getting to know the people in the town I live in!

The goal was for me to go back to school when we found a permanent spot, that still is the plan. I will be going back to school next year, when all three of my kids are in school all day! Tell next year I am going to enjoy working part time.

Random Pics!

Kaliska Snuggling w/Bandit

Candy Cane Spaghetti

Cabinet

2011-06-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

So the house we are renting has two beautiful built in china cabinets in the dining area. I have been keeping our collection of nicknacks in them, since I do not have any were else to keep them. So with us moving in the next two weeks I decided to get one for the new house. I have been looking around for a cabinet the last few weeks and not found one that is in our range. So the weekend Aidan had his surgery, they were doing a city wide garage sale. I happen to drive the back way home from picking up Aidan's medication and saw a sale going on. They happened to be selling a china cabinet. So I did a U-turn and went back to have a look. It was in pretty good shape and in our range. So I ran home to tell Dedrick and pick up the truck. The cabinet only cost $50, when all the other ones we looked at were $700 to $1200. So I am happy to have found a cabinet for the new house.

Built in Cabinet!

Our new Cabinet!

This school year I decided to hang the kids art projects, instead of throwing them away. So I made sure to get a picture before I took them down to throw them away before the move! I hung them on the wall next to the cabinet in the dining room.

Storm

2011-06-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

So for the last few days we have had some wicked cool thunder storms. I love thunder and lighting storm, I think they are amazing wonders of nature. So on Friday I had to drive into Salina to get a few things. I left my house about 540pm, it takes about thirty minutes to get there, and the weather was nice and sunny. So after my shopping, I went to see a movie about 720pm, the weather was still nice and sunny. As the movie was ending it sounded like some people we jumping up and down on the roof. When I left the movie it was pouring rain outside. As I was leaving my husband called to let me know we had no power, the whole town was in the black till about 320am, and the power went out about 9pm. My family had a blast in the dark with flashlights and candles, then watching people get there cars stuck driving down the street because of all the water.

So with thunder+lighting+wind+rain+hail+no power= a wonderful family moment! (PS-we had all of that)

Play Date with my Girls

2011-06-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

The girls and I went to a play last Saturday at the opera house in McPherson. The opera house was showing "Chicken Little" for free. With me spending that Friday with Aidan after his surgery, the girls wanted me to do something with them. So we had breakfast together, then we went to get in line for the play. We got good seats, right in the middle of the theater with the best view of the stage. After the play we went and enjoyed some ice cream. My girls were very happy to spend time with mom.

Aidan's Surgery

2011-06-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Our poor little boy had to have surgery on Friday to take out his tonsils and adenoids. About three months ago he started snoring so bad it sounded like he stopped breathing. So we took him to the doctor to see what we needed to do. My mother-inlaw told to me to record his snoring, so when we went to the doctor he could he for himself. When we got to the doctor he listened for thirty seconds and said he need surgery. The doctor said he had enlarged tonsils and adenoids and they were blocking his air ways when he slept.
He his recovering well, and just relaxing with family!

Before:

After:

Summer

2011-06-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

We have come into the second week of summer and we are busy. We have so much going on till the end of July.

-Becca had Sports Camp last week
-Aidan has summer school from May 31st to June 17th
-all three kids have swim lessons every T/TH for the next two months
-Aidan has surgery next Friday
-we close on our house at the end of June
-we move in July
-grandparents come to visit in July:)
-Aidan will celebrate his 6th birthday
-my husband has several training for work
-take a short vacation(if we can)

So has you see we will be busy, busy. We will also be enjoying riding bikes, swimming, going to the zoo, parks, and having fun has a family!

Random Pics!

Ultimate Sports Camp

2011-05-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

So with the kids out of school for the summer what do we do. The community we live in has this cool camp for kids 1st grade to 8th grade to get involved with different sports. The camp is four days from Monday to Thursday 930am to 330pm,the kids play three sports everyday.The boys play baseball, basketball, football, the girls play softball, basketball, and volleyball. There were 117 kids in the camp, they all got shirts, backpacks, and water bottles.

We had asked Becca and Aidan if they wanted to play. Becca did, Aidan did not. We told Becca she needed to listen, not get mad, try, and have fun. For Becca this is hard sometimes because she doesn't understand or gets overwhelmed easy. We wanted her to have chance to learn about the different sports and be involved. Out of the four days Becca only had one issue. All the coaches said they were surprised about how well she tried and gave it her best. Her best sport was volleyball!

We love Becca for trying and having FUN!

Bikes

2011-05-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

So this year the kids keep asking for bikes. Since we are not moving for dad's work anymore we decided why not. This year we got lucky and only had to buy one bike instead of three. Thanks to the our friends the Queens, they gave us a bike for Kaliska. I was able to get a free bike for Becca for her birthday from Disney Movie Rewards. So we only had to buy Aidan his bike.

Becca said she wanted training wheels for her bike. I told her she was a big girl and didn't need them. Within half an hour she was riding her bike without training wheels and no help from mom or dad. She is just a silly girl.

Here is a few video's of the kids riding(except the Kaliska)!

Aidan's Kindergarten Graduation

2011-05-17T05:35:00.001-07:00

My sweet boy Aidan graduated from kindergarten last night. The theme was Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. They used the the letters in Kindergarten. All the cute kindergartens did a wonderful job sing and giving there lines. Here is a few videos from last night. Enjoy!

May Day

2011-05-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

On Friday the 13th we got to enjoy our first All Schools Day, it was 98th annual! Dedrick and I did not realize how big all schools day was. There is no school for all the surrounding schools in a 50 mile radius. Everyone meets in McPherson on Main Street, for the 8 blocks of the parade route. Aidan's kindergarten class made a float for this years for the parade. So our silly boy Aidan was in the parade this years.

The Crowd

Sorry the video is a little jumpy!

Becca's 9th Birthday

2011-05-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday our oldest child turned nine! I can not believe our sweet girl turned another year older. She has grown up so much and makes everyone around her smile. She invited a few friends over for a make-over party. We went to Creative Hairlines for makeup, and to polish their fingers and toes. After that we came home to enjoyed cupcakes and ice cream.

When everyone went home, the girls and I drove to Wichita to meet dad and brother at Chuck E Cheese for dinner! We had a girls weekend since dad and brother were at a camp out.

Becca wants to say thank you for the gifts from family living far away!
Grandma & pa Lund: the Rebecca doll and books
Grandma Pavageau: the pillow pet Unicorn
Uncle Z & Aunt C and cousins A&R: the jewelry box

Here is the gift from Mom & Dad!

First father-son campout

2011-05-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

Aidan and I went with other fathers and sons from our church down to Mulvane, KS, south-east of Wichita, and camped out overnight. Aidan really enjoyed being outdoors and playing with the other boys in the ward. We walked around the pond at the campsite and caught a frog Friday evening. Saturday morning we caught a good-sized toad. After the campout Aidan and I went with Brother Stark and his son to the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita and had a great time seeing the animals. We got to see the penguins get fed. The grizzlies were especially "active" and Aidan said he thought the way they were "hugging" was really cute. We moved on quickly and saw lots of other animals. Then we went fishing for a little while at Sedgwick County Park and then to a playground at that park. Aidan and I had a lot of fun just having a boys day out together.

"Hugging Bears"

House

2011-05-05T06:25:00.001-07:00

We are buying a house!! After we accepted the job here, we talked about renting for another year or buying. After church one Sunday, Dedrick and I felt it was time to be in our own place. Our intent was to move to McPherson which is about 5 miles from where we live know and closer to Dedrick's work. We looked at least 30 house and nothing felt right. One day the lady who was helping us find house called to say she found one in town about a mile away. Lets say it's the right house for us! If everything goes well we will be closing the end of June.

Front of House

More pics to come soon.

Easter

2011-04-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

The kids did an easter egg hunt on Saturday in a park in town. Then Sunday morning they followed a trail of nerds to the hiding place of the goodies. Then we had to run off to church. When we came home they were able to play with their toys. Grandma and Grandpa sent some cool pillows and matching blankets. We enjoyed just spending time as a family watching a movie and making banana splits.

Better than Pillow Pets and much Cooler!

Where Did It GO

2011-04-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Over the last few days it has been very windy! On any give day the wind ranges from normal to 60-70 mph. We live in a small community, so we get blown around more. The other day I was running errands in town. When I came home, I happened to look out the kitchen window and notice the kids trampoline was missing! For a second I thought someone took it. Then it dawned on me that it it has been very windy. I ran out the back sliding door and found this!!

The trampoline had gone three houses away! Trying to get it back to our yard was a workout with the wind trying to push it back the other way! At one point I had to stand on the outer side to keep it from blowing us both away. When I got it back to the yard I put it in front of a few trees to keep it from blowing away again. Nothing was damaged, so we got lucky!

Settling into a promotion

2011-04-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

We have decided to settle in McPherson, KS, for the next few years since Dedrick has accepted an important promotion to take on a long-term position here with Williams Midstream.

Dedrick has been working for the past two years for Williams in a rotational training program for new engineers, first in Tulsa, OK, then for the past year in McPherson, KS. Arrangements were in the process of being made for his final rotation to start this summer in Mobile, AL. After a year in Mobile, Dedrick would then look for a long-term assignment somewhere within Williams, so our family would have two more moves in the next two years.

Well, while arrangements for the last rotation in Mobile were being finalized, an opportunity opened up here in McPherson, KS, to take on the job of the Area Engineer, a position which normally requires more experience than two years out of college. We spent a lot of time and prayer thinking about the decision and Dedrick decided to accept the job. Dedrick likes the people he's been working with here in Kansas for the last year. While the new job will be challenging, Dedrick's chemical engineering background is exactly what the company was looking for to fill this position. One of the primary job responsibilities will be exploring efficiency and expansion projects at the natural gas liquids fractionator plant run by Williams here.

Now we are considering buying our first house, which is pretty exciting.

Egg Drop

2011-04-01T15:53:00.001-07:00

So the other week Aidan's teacher sent home a note that said we need to make a container for an egg drop. The container could not be bigger 7x7x7, egg had to be in a zip lock bag, then add what we thought would protect the egg. So we ended up making two boxes.

The first box we added spray insulation and some bubble wrap. It did not break the egg when we dropped off the roof of our house. The only reason we did not use this method was because it was very messy to get open and get the egg.

The second box we made we added three long body sponges and one round. The egg fit right in the middle. This is the one we sent to school with Aidan for the egg drop off the school roof! (FYI-the box sized we used was 6x6x6)

2nd Box

Waiting for everyone!

After Drop! (not broken)

The Drop!

Family Project

2011-04-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago while putting away Aidan and Kaliska clothes I noticed the dresser they share is to small for them. I then realized the dressers me and hubby have would work for kiddos. So Hubby and I got new dressers and give the old ones to the kids. Hubbies dresser was broken in several place, so before we give it to the kids we have it fixed. The cool thing about hubbies dresser is that it was build by his dad in high school.

When we got the dresser back we decide to add a finish coat to make it look nicer. It worked out nice, was a beautiful day out and the everyone had fun!

Kaliska is 4

2011-03-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

My baby girl tuned 4 on the 17th. She is such a smart and silly girl. We love her very much. We stated the day by getting her hair cut and styled. We made necklaces and bracelets. Then when everyone was home we had cake and pop cycles, then opened gifts from family. Friday night we went to Chuck E Cheese for her birthday dinner. Kaliska loves to draw and color all the time.

BIG 30

2011-03-16T19:05:00.001-07:00

Damian is 30!!!

Car Talk

2011-03-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

This was the conversation on the way home from lunch with dad!

Kaliska: Why are you happy mom?
Mom: Because I have three beautiful kids and a wonderful husband.
Kaliska: No mom, you have two beautiful girls and two handsome dude!
Mom:(Laugh)

Kaliska is one sharp little girl, who can make me laugh!

Bad Day

2011-03-01T16:15:00.001-08:00

A few days ago I was having a very, very bad day. I was feeling a like the worst mom, worst wife, and just a bad person. I happen to be walking by the sliding door in the kitchen and saw this....

It made me just smile from ear to ear. I realized that we all have bad days, and a very special girl made me realize it.

Thanks Becca Boo for your Love!

Third Rotation

2011-02-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

So we found out Friday were we will be going to for our third rotation come May/June. Time seems to fly when you are in one place for a year. I can hardly believe it is time to start cleaning out the house for everything you do not want to take, find someone to watch the kids, find a house to rent, and everything in between. This will be the last rotation for the PDP(Professorial Development Program) and then we will have a permanent location. So you want to know, really want to know.....
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....MOBILE,ALABAMA

Potty Trained

2011-02-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

Kaliska is now Potty Trained!!! For the last year I have tried off and on to get her to go potty. She knew how she just wouldn't go regularly and I just wasn't pushing her. So about three weeks ago I just had a feeling it was time to try again. I talked to Dedrick and the other two kids about supporting Kaliska. With everyone on board we talked to Kaliska and told her it was time to be a big girl and start wearing underwear. We made charts to put stickers on, I bought Skittles to give her, also if she went a week with out an accident she would get a horse.

The first day she had three accidents. The second and third day she had two accidents. The fourth day there was only one accident. By the fifth day she was sleeping though the night with out any diapers and no accidents. So a week later she was able to get her horse and she stopped using the chart and wanting Skittles. When we go out to run errands or shopping, she is not afraid to use the restrooms at the stores!

We are so Happy to have her potty trained! Good Job to my big girl!

1 Year

2011-02-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

It has been one year since the death of Dedrick's brother Lars. We miss him very, very much. The kids ask when they can see him and than remember he is in heaven. It makes me cry every time. He was great with the kids and loved his brothers. One of my favorite memories of Lars is when was babysitting...we had came home to find Lars asleep on are recliner with all three kids asleep on top of him. It was so very sweet and tender. I wish I could have taken a picture. We all miss him, the nice thing is we will see him again one day.

WE LOVE YOU LARS!

Dedrick & baby Lars

Max the pillow for Lars & Hans

All four boys(Hans, Lars, Niels, Dedrick, and Max)

Winter Sucks

2011-02-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

For everyone who is stuck at home due to the huge snow storm covering 2,000 miles. Here is something to make you laugh!

9th Anniversary

2011-01-31T12:14:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe we have been married for nine years. It has not been easy, but worth every minute. We fight, we yell, we make up, we love, we make sure that we kiss good night. Many people in our lives did not believe we would make it this far.

We have been blessed to have three wonderful children who bring us joy. We made it though four and half years of college, two moves plus two more coming in the next two years.

We enjoyed a night of watching a movie and going to dinner. We enjoyed talking and laughing over all the silly things we said and did in the last nine years. He got me a new rice cooker after the old one decided to go up in smoke(literally). I made him a family established sign for the house.

I am blessed to have a wonderful man in my life!

To my husband: I want to let you know I love you and thank you for loving a broken young woman. You make me strong and make me believe in my self. You let me cry on your shoulder, make me laugh, and trust me to be your wife. Looking forward to many more years to come.

To my wife: I'm lucky to be blessed with such a loving and fun wife. We've been through a lot together and I look forward to many more years together. You've helped me through so much.

Taken at a friends wedding!

First Christmas!

Welcome Reia

2011-01-31T12:06:00.000-08:00

I would like to welcome this cute baby girl to the family!

My new beautiful niece Reia Nicole joined the family on the 28th of this month. She belongs to my brother and his wife. She has a loving big sister ready to give her lots more love.

We love you all and wish we could be there to enjoy this new addition. Congrats!

Dedrick 34th Birthday

2011-01-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was Dedrick's 34th birthday. He went to work and took out the techs for lunch. I made him steak and potatoes for dinner. We did not have any cake and ice cream til today. We were all too full from dinner. Then he just relaxed with the family.

I just want to say how I love my silly husband, who works so hard for his family. The kids love to get into tickle fights with him. We love him, and wish him a wonderful birthday!

Dedrick and Grandpa Lund

Snow Days with Ice Days

2011-01-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

So we didn't get a white Christmas this year. We did not get any snow till January 9th and 10th. So of course there was no school on the 10th. We had fun playing in the snow and the kids helped me shovel the drive way.

Last night we got freezing rain on top of some snow to make some very icy roads. So school was cancelled. Since the kids school is 5 or 6 miles from home I feel better. We do not live in a big city, but a very small town so better to be safe then sorry. So today we are painting and have a tea party!

Jumping

2011-01-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

For awhile we have been thinking about getting a trampoline for the kids. We were thinking of getting a small one for the house, but it in the end was to small. So we thought about a big one, yet with us moving for the next three or four years it was out of the question.

I was at Sam's club some time after Thanksgiving and saw these trampoline.

It was the perfect size and will be very easy to pack. The other nice thing is when it starts to snow we can move it to the garage so the kids have fun all year long.

So as you can see the kids are having tons of fun!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T20:34:00.000-08:00

So of course what happens when the kids wake up MADNESSSS! So I did not take as many pictures as I wanted. The kids were so happy, that one point Becca started crying she was so happy. The best surprise of all the was Dedrick's gift from is parents- a set of long horns, real long horns. All the kids got what they wanted, so did mom and dad.

Then Dedrick and I made dinner. Of course we forgot to look up how to cook the ham the night before. So after breakfast we looked up how to cook the ham so we could eat at a normal time.

Update

2010-12-31T17:20:00.000-08:00

So I have been neglecting the blog lately. It seems I have a lot on my mind and spending the time with the kids. So we been staying busy finding new places to explore and going to lots of parks. A new game we have been playing lately is hide and seek. The new house has tons of hiding places the kids find places we never know were there.

So Dedrick's co-worker told us about a castle in Lindsborg, which is about 20 mins from our house. We decided to go out one day and check it out. The castle is called Coronado Heights. We decided to go on a very cold day sunny day! It was a very beautiful place to go.

While the the oldest two go to school Kaliska and I hang out at home getting into trouble or having fun with Kaliska's different forms of art. This girl is very creative with anything she can get her hands on. This art is Puppy Parade!

We also decorated the Christmas tree and decorated dala horses for ornaments. Then the kids put all the wrapped gifts under the tree.

Family Christmas Letter 2010

2010-12-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

For all our friends and family that I do not have addresses for, I did not want to leave you out. Everyone is special to our family know matter how far away we all are. I hope everyone will have a wonderful holiday season!

The Lund Family
CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER

2010 has been a good year for our family. In May we moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Galva, Kansas (near McPherson, an hour North of Wichita) to begin Dedrick’s second rotation in the three year engineering development program in Williams Midstream. It’s very different living in a town of 800 people.

Rebecca is in 3rd grade and Aidan is in kindergarten at the elementary in the next town over (the two towns together share a school district). Rebecca continues to do well in a mainstream classroom.

Damian is very involved in the parents organization for the school and handles all the box tops, etc., which have brought money to the schools. Kaliska stays home with Mom (until next year!). She is the artist of the family!

Aidan and Becca played baseball this summer. The kids love fighting with their foam swords, playing magnetic darts and jumping on their trampoline. Aidan is a fierce sword fighter!

It’s too early to say where our next move will be to. Farmington, New Mexico, and Mobile, Alabama, are two likely possibilities. We will all be glad that next near is the last year for Dedrick in the rotating training program for engineers. We look forward to putting down some roots after our wandering.

Uncle Lars
On February 3rd, Dedrick’s brother Lars took his own life, after suffering years of pain from Crohn’s disease and Hidradenitis suppurativa. He is greatly missed by family and friends.

Uncle Hans
Dedrick’s brother Hans moved from Salt Lake to live with us for a few months from May to August. The kids really enjoyed getting to spend time with their uncle and Hans helped us out a lot while he was with us. After a few months, Hans decided he was ready to start college and moved back to Salt Lake where he has his own apartment and is taking classes at Salt Lake Community College.

Finding the Right Vehicle
Our ‘98 Subaru sedan finally died and we bought an ‘08 Ford Edge, which was a good vehicle for a city job. After getting stuck so bad on a muddy road during work that it took a backhoe to pull him out, we realized it wasn’t the right vehicle for a field engineer and turned it in on a very nice ‘07 Ford F-150, which we hope will last a long time.

Best wishes for the New Year!

The Lund Family

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

So this year I made my first thanksgiving dinner, I know very scary, right! Dedrick's parents drove up from Texas to spend a few days with us, which the kids loved. On Wednesday we had a ton of fun, the boys(Dedrick, Aidan, Grandpa) went shopping. The girls(Rebecca, Kaliska, Grandma,& Me) went to get last minutes supplies for dinner, got Becca's hair cut, had lunch, and then had the best treat of all to see "Tangled". Then came home and made the pies for dessert. That evening we all watched "How to Train your Dragon", since the grandparents never seen it.

Thursday, Janine and Me got up and started working on dinner. This turned in to a comedy show for the simple fact that we never wanted to make a whole turkey, so we made a turkey breast. When the turkey was in the oven, we made stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and salad. We were so glad we made the pies the day before, the turkey breast was not cooking right. So after some time trying to get the turkey fully cooked, we gave up on it. Everyone was getting hungry and we were getting sick of waiting. So when we got out the turkey we saw the red pop up was out. We were dying with laughter. In the end the turkey turned out pretty good and everyone enjoyed!

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Music Program

2010-11-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

We went to Aidan and Becca's music program tonight at the elementary. The whole program was great, all the kids did wonderful! Sorry the video's are a little shaky, my wonderful husband tried his best:) Aidan sings three songs and Becca sings two!

Hope you enjoy!

Family Pictures

2010-11-12T12:04:00.001-08:00

Here are the new family pictures for the year! The kids were so good and had fun! The very top picture of the kids is my favorite!

Halloween

2010-11-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

The kids had the best time trick or treating this year. We went into the biggest town next to us for Main St. trick or treating. Then we had trunk or treat. Then we enjoyed our small town. We only had about ten kids come to our house.

Sunny Side Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went a pumpkin patch about 25 miles from our house. We all had a blast! The kids had so much fun running around and playing with all the toys. There was a ton of stuff to do: horse-drawn haystack rides, hay bale slide, pedal cart track, mini children's corn maze, straw bale maze, giant gourd slingshots, see animals, golf, bean bag toss, tether ball, play sets, tepee and wagon display. Must not forget the most important pick your pumpkins! Then we came home and made Halloween cupcakes.

Fair

2010-10-18T16:25:00.001-07:00

Sorry, meant to post earlier. This happened early October!

Dedrick called me about an hour before he left work this how the conversation went:

Dedrick: We are going to the fair!
Damian: Okay, when and where?
Dedrick: When I get home in a hour.
Damian: Why today, and not this weekend?
Dedrick: It will not busy because it is a weekday.
Damian: Okay, where is the fair and what do you want for dinner?
Dedrick: Hutchinson and let the kids decide.
Damian: Are you sure your my husband and some strange man!
Dedrick:(Laughs) See you an hour or less, Bye!

So I told the kids were we were going and they get to decide on dinner. The kids were so happy! The kids decided on IHOP for dinner, who doesn't love pancakes for dinner! After dinner we drove to the fair grounds and it was very busy. I just kinda looked at my husband like not busy my butt! When we got the sales window we found out why, it was free if you had a Dillon's saving card or just a dollar per person. Then inside all the rides were just a 1 ticket and not the post number. The kids had a BLAST! Glad my husband told us we were going to have fun for the night, before all the madness of Dedrick being gone for two weeks.

Wonderful Dad

2010-10-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Dedrick has been working for 12 hour days for two weeks. He comes home to eat and sleep. So we have not had time to spend time with him, except to say good night. The other night when he came home and before crashing. He took the time to sword fight with the kiddos. He works hard for his family and we love him very much!!!

Third Time is the Charm

2010-10-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

This summer we decided to take the kids fishing! There are lots lakes and ponds around us. Dedrick and I have not been fishing is awhile, so it took a few tries to make sure we had everything together. So the first time we go fishing we do not catch anything, but loose several hooks. The second time we caught a craw fish and some clams. The third time all three kids caught a fish, they weren't very big but the kids were in heaven.

Then after fishing the third time we stop and have a dinner picnic and the kids had a race rolling down a hill. So we enjoyed fishing even with all the up and downs.

Haunted Houses

2010-09-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

I know this might be strange, but I love old house that have been abandoned or destroyed by humans and/or nature. I also wonder what happened, why it was left to fall apart, why not rebuild. Each old house tells us stories if we care to listen. The other day I came across two. So I decided to take pictures and see if any ones wants to see what I see. I told you this was strange, but I love the old and abandoned.

Pumpkin Log

2010-09-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

For the Pumpkin Mix

3 eggs
1 c. sugar
2/3 c. pumpkin
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 c. flour
chopped nuts

Mix together. Spread onto 15x10 sheet lined with foil & PAM. Sprinkle chopped nuts(if you want). Bake at 375 for 10-12 mins. Turn out onto a dishtowel dusted with powder sugar. Roll up.

Filling

8oz cream cheese
2 tsp marg/butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 c. powder sugar

Beat till smooth. Unroll log. Spread evenly on log. RE-roll. Chill for 4 hrs or over night in foil.

*Just FYI-the small can of pumpkin makes 3 and the big can makes 5*
*Will freeze up to 6 months*

Night Time

2010-09-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

So if you have know us for awhile you will know our children our night owls. For the longest time our children would not go to bed when we told them. Becca would fight us all the time, and since we could not understand her it made it 100 times harder. Then we had Aidan and he came to us 6 weeks early. I was at the hospital on and off for three weeks. So our sleep habits were still crazy. About that time we were blessed to get Becca into a wonderful school for three years. She started to calm down a little and communicate more. Then came our little Kaliska and me being in the hospital on and off a few weeks. My wonderful husband was a full time student doing this whole time.

So we have had a hard time getting a bed time routine for about 6 years. I am happy to let everyone know we have a bed time routine that has worked for the last 6 months. The kids do not fight us any more and enjoy getting ready for bed. My kids are so great with the new routine. I love them for trying new things all the time! So we have been getting better sleep and happier in the morning. I hope we can keep this up, keep your fingers crossed for us!

Trade

2010-08-31T16:42:00.000-07:00

So in May right before we moved to Kansas, we had to buy our first car. So we bought a 2008 Ford Edge. We loved it, we loved how bright it was, gave us more room for everyone to enjoy together. Dedrick was to get a work car, but they ended up hiring a new guy and gave him the work car instead. So Dedrick was driving his car to all the job sites.

A few weeks ago we had a down pour of rain, Dedrick had to drive to one of the field location and got stuck. One of his co-workers tried to pull him out, the poor guy got stuck also. So he unhooked from Dedrick and got himself unstuck. His co-worker went to grab someone with a back hoe to come and help. They were able to get him unstuck finally. When he called to tell me what had happened, I started to think the new car was not going to work come winter.

When Dedrick got home we decided that we needed to trade in the new car for a truck with 4 wheel drive. So Friday we went to the Ford dealer in town and trade our 3 month old car for a truck. So we got him a 2007 Ford F-150! The truck has 5 seats, has four doors and a full truck bed.

So here is the new Truck. I wish my husband would have taken pictures of the car after getting unstuck by the back hoe.

Back to School

2010-08-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Becca and Aidan went back to school on the 19th of August. The school is in the next town over about 4 or 5 miles from our house. The school houses grades Pre-K to 3rd, the class sizes are about 16 kids. They ride the bus from the Middle School in town to the Elementary. Both of them seem to enjoy the new school! My kids are so brave with all the new schools and making new friends. I love them for being who they are!

The school they go is Canton-Galva. How the school system works is that the Elementary and High School is over in Canton, the Middle School is in Galva. So as you can see we live in a very small town.

Back to School Pics!

Summer Ends

2010-08-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

With the close of summer, we start the year. We have been busy this summer with Becca & Aidan in baseball for the month of June. Swim lessons for all three kids in June, July and part of August. We have gone fishing, to the library, to play grounds, water parks, the zoo, drives to Tulsa for the day, movies. Do I have any pictures, NO, I seem to forget it or do not take any when I have the camera. The kids got a surprise on Friday, Grandpa and Grandma came to visit for a few days. It is so nice to have them with us. I am going to miss them when they start school on Thursday. Becca is going into 3rd grade-regular classes, Aidan will be in Kindergarten. We have had a busy summer, but all good things must come to an end.

Aidan's 5th Birthday

2010-07-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

My little Rock Star is five! He wanted to out, by 6 weeks. He came into this world early and fighting. He makes me laugh everyday, and loves to play with his sisters. I am very grateful to have him in my life. We enjoyed his birthday at home with cake and ice cream with just the family. Happy Birthday Aidan!!!

Rain

2010-07-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

The new house sits on a corner lot. We have two drains, one behind the house and one on the corner by the road. Over the the Fourth of July weekend all it did was rain for two and half days. The water was half way up the drive, both drains disappeared, and the road was covered. When standing in the ditch on the side of the house the water came up to my knees. We Loved IT, we enjoyed jumping into all the puddles.

Baseball

2010-07-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

So we have been busy since moving to Kansas. We signed up Aidan and Becca up for baseball a week before games started. Dedrick and I went to Kountry Kafe in town for dinner and ended up sitting next to the couple who handle all the sports for the town. They told us it wasn't too late to sign up. We told them we would think about it and get back to them. We came home and talked to the kids to see if they wanted to play, of course the answer was yes! It gives them the chance to meet kids their age before school starts.

So Aidan played four games of tee-ball in town and in the next town about 5 miles away. He really liked it and wanted to play more games. He made friends that he will be going to school with.

Becca has played seven games in town and other towns that are at least 30 miles away. So we have gotten to see more of Kansas in one month then we will in a year here. The first game was hard for her, she didn't understand the rules and felt like she was a loser. The coaches were great with her and spent extra time with her before the games started. By the second game she hit the ball twice and got to first base at least once.

I have had a hard time remembering the camera for all the games. I did manage to get a few. I will try to get a video of Becca at her last game tomorrow. (...unfortunately that game got rained out!)

Becca Update

2010-07-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

So if some of you do not know Becca had a grand mal in March. The seizure lasted about 3 minutes. It was about 1:30am, and I was just getting in bed to sleep when I heard then saw something was wrong. I yelled at Dedrick to call an 911. By the time the EMTs got to the house the seizure was over. We still went to the ER and then stayed for a few hours observation. Becca does not remember what happened except she woke up in the hospital.

She never had a seizure before, so they sent us home and see her doctor in a few day. The doctor wanted us to get a EEG first to see if anything would happen and see if we needed to see a neurologist. Poor Becca was only allowed to get about 5 hours of sleep for the test. She fought it at first then went to sleep. The EEG came back abnormal, so we went to see the neurologist. Since this was her first seizure and the EEG was abnormal he wanted an MRI of her brain before we talked about medication. I asked him if the EEG results being abnormal could be that way because of her Autism. He that that is was a good question and of course didn't have any answer.

So of course we were in the middle of moving when I get a call to set up her MRI. It happened to be two weeks after we moved to Kansas. So Becca and I drove back to Tulsa on June 16th for a pre-op appointment and the MRI on the 17th. Our friends the Queens let Becca and I crash at there house for the night. Becca had fun with her friend, we ended up have a girls night. We had to be at the hospital at 5:45am, so they could give her the sleepy medication. The MRI took about an hour and then an hour wake up time. Then we drove back to Kansas.

First thing Monday morning, I get a call telling me the MRI is NORMAL!!! So we just have to watch her for the rest of the year. If nothing happens, then the seizure was a one time thing. If she has a seizure then we have to put her on medication. So that is the update!

Becca getting her EEG!

Cross Stitches

2010-06-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

I believe I'm not very crafty, yet everyone around me tells me differently. One day I might start believing them. I decided to make birth records for my kids that would last longer than paper or pictures. So I made cross stitches for each of them, my hope was to get them done before they were born--that did not happen. Becca was the only one that got done before she came. For the other two, that did not happen. I am happy to say all my kids have one from a very loving mom!

Hope

2010-06-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hope...is lost for those who never believe they have it!

I feel like a very lost soul.

I know we all have times in our lives when we just forget we are loved!

For me love was not given from the people I call parents. I am now a mother, how do I break the cycle.

When I was eight, just after I was baptized I felt the spirit tell me that I was stronger than I knew.

My life has been one wrong turn after another. I know I am the black sheep. I know I make mistakes. I know that I have a strength that has kept me sane in the dark.

Where do you find love, feel love, hope for love in a world of none.

I found it by an act of violence---but that act gave me an angel that I did not know I would keep. One small moment changed for me when everyone in my life abandoned me. I was told they loved me and would help me...in the end I was Alone!

We all struggle. We all make mistakes. We all believe in something bigger than us. I have never been strong in the church, never really felt I belonged, never saw how I could be.

Yet, I know I may not feel welcome or strong, but I have a deep heart that will always be open. I have broken the cycle, I do love and am loved. I may not be perfect according to the world's standards, but I am who I am.

I can love and will love even when it was not given to me. I wake up every morning to my three silly kids and a husband who loves me -- broken or whole. Also a mother-in law who has taught me about love.

So in the end Hope is real even for a lost soul like me!

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble" -Helen Keller-

We Moved

2010-05-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

So we moved about a week early. There was a miss-communication for his last day in Tulsa and start date in Kansas. So we ended up living in a hotel for a week. The kids enjoyed the mix-up, the hotel had a pool, they went everyday after school. I have to say this move was not to bad, I did stress a little. When I met the moving guys, I felt all my fears just disappeared. I was very strange to trust this men with all our stuff. I just knew everything would be okay and everything would get to the new home safely. I have to say it was a comfort to know we were being taken care of on every level.

So Dedrick's last day in Tulsa was the 14th, but he had three meeting the following week. The movers came the 17th and 18th to pack the Tulsa home, then delivered the 20th to the Kansas home. The kids last day of school was the 25th. Dedrick started the 24th in Kansas. Dedrick, Hans and Kaliska left on Thursday the 20th to met the movers. Becca, Aidan and I left Friday the 21st after school. Has you can see the misunderstanding left things very crazy. I had to pull the kids out of school two days early.

We have unpacked the new house, got the phone and internet on Friday. We were able to attend out new ward Sunday. We have to drive 30 miles to the church building in Newton. Our ward is very nice and welcoming. We signed Becca and Aidan up for baseball and swimming, Kaliska is just doing swimming this summer. So we should be staying busy.

Hans is getting use to living with this wild family. He has helped around the house and watched the kids. He is doing okay!

FYI-Becca is going to be getting her brain MRI June 17th. I will let everyone know how that goes. Keep her in your prayers!

This is the only picture I have had the chance to take!!!

New Additions

2010-05-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

No it is not a baby.

The 1st is a new car! This is the first car we have bought together since we have been married. Dedrick's car, the same one someone tried to steal the stereo from is no more. The car has been in the family for 10 years. We were able to get a certified used car from a local dealer. It is a 2008 Ford Edge with 36000 miles. We love it!

The 2nd is my brother in-law Hans is coming to live with us! You read that right, Dedrick's youngest brother is coming to live with us. He is 20 going on 21. He is having a hard time with life, so we opened our home to him, hoping to help. I know this is going to be hard on him at first, but we hope that he will come to enjoy this crazy family! We love him and want to help!

Birthday Party

2010-05-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Friday was Becca's birthday, so she had her party on Saturday. This year I decided to do a joint one with Aidan. Poor guys birthday is in July, we move June. So he won't have any friends for a party. So they both got to invite who ever they wanted, there was around 15 to 20 kids. I rented a bounce house, fishing pond, clown toss for a few hours. We enjoyed pizza, drinks, cake, and the pinata. The kids had a blast and I enjoyed their happy times with friends! Thanks for everyone coming.

Play Date

2010-05-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

On Friday Aidan's Preschool class had a family play date. We had the chance to hang out with Aidan for a few hours. We enjoyed a picnic and played many games, and then we had a great surprise.. the ice cream truck came! Aidan you are such a sweetheart, we love you!

Here is some video's of the afternoon!

Becca turns 8

2010-05-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday my sweet Angel. You were not planned for, but you saved my life in so many ways! Love you with all my Heart! (Sorry this a little late)

Mom, Uncle Lars, Becca(1wk)

Uncle Lars, Uncle Niels, Becca

Car Theft

2010-05-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Becca was having a bad day, Dedrick just got home from being gone for three weeks. So I decided to take Becca to the dollar movies. I have never had any problems with this area before. Since it was a school night I took her to an early showing. When we came out I noticed someone sitting in the passenger seat. So I had Becca get behind me, and I go marching toward the car. The thief just looks at me like I'm interrupting him(the nerve). I tell him to the get the F*** out of the car and give me what he has. He goes pale white and runs. I must have looked like a charging bull!!!

The thief must have thought I was in a show that was just starting. Boy, was he wrong! After all the hard work he did to get to the stereo, all he got was the face plate. He damaged the area surrounding the stereo, but never got it. I can not figure out how he got into the car. The doors were locked, the windows rolled up and not broken. This will remain a mystery. I'm thankful that nothing else happened!

New House

2010-04-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

So we found the new house we are moving to. It will be in Galva, KS(check out second post down). We signed the lease yesterday and set up all the important stuff. It is hard to believe we are moving again, time flies very quickly. Oklahoma has been good for us for the first year. We are moving to a very, very small town; the closet church is 20 to 30 miles away. The kids will be going to school in the next town about 5 miles from the house.

I want to thank Uncle Niels for watching the kids for a few day! He was such a sweetheart for flying from Utah for us. Dedrick and I had two days together, since he has been out of town for three weeks. Thanks again Niels!

Here is the new house! It has 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 garages, 2 kitchens! We are paying less for this house, then the one we are in now.

Student of the Month

2010-04-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

Becca got student of the month for March. We are so proud of her and all the hard work she does. She has a come a long way, and shown she is more than what people think. We love her very much. Way To GO!!!

Easter

2010-04-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

For Easter, we just spend time has a family and remember the Savior. The kids got outfits and their favorite candy. We spent time playing games and reading to each other.

Drum Roll Please....

2010-04-04T10:23:00.001-07:00

The Second Rotation.....

We will be moving to Kansas!

It is hard to believe we will be moving in less than two months. We will be moving to Hutchinson, McPherson, or Galva. We were able to drive out to Kansas on Friday and see some houses to rent on Saturday. We looked at 5 houses, and the house we liked was in Galva. The nice thing is the house is right next to the road to Dedrick's work. We will be meeting the owners in two weeks. Wish us luck! Below is map of the area. The closet big town is Wichita 40 miles away!

View Larger Map

Daddy/ Daughter Dance 2010

2010-04-04T10:00:00.001-07:00

On February 27th, the girls went with there dad to a special dance. The girls got new dresses for the occasion and some dad time. The dance was so much more then dancing. There was wii games, making necklaces, hula hoop, and so much more. The girls had so much fun. The girls are so blessed to have a loving father who loves them.

I forgot to take pictures, these were taken at the Dance!

Spring Break

2010-03-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

For spring break Dedrick was able to take off of work. We went to Texas and Kansas to see his parents and see the new place where we are moving.

We spent two day Abilene-we went to the zoo to feed the animals. Dedrick's parents watched the kids so he could take me out to dinner for my birthday, Thank you! Then we went to a Rattlesnake Roundup, we saw snakes-skinned, measured, milked and eaten.

We spent two days in Ft.Worth-we were able to go to the zoo there, very very busy. Then we went to the Science Museum, also very very busy. The kids had fun doing hands on exhibits. We were able to see a cool movie called Animalopolis in a IMAX dome.

Then we left Texas, and head to Kansas to see the lay of the land. Show the kids where we are moving to in June. Then headed home. So much fun with the family.

Kaliska's 3rd Birthday

2010-03-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet little girl. It is hard to believe she is three year old. We were able to spend her birthday in Texas and Kansas. She had fun hanging out with grandpa and grandma. Looking forward to the coming years! We LOVE U Kaliska!!!

Damian's Birthday

2010-03-13T07:42:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday, I get to hang out with family in Texas while the kids are on Spring Break. Birthdays are always a little odd, as I have been teased by all my friends and family for most of my life because of the strange circumstances surrounding my birth (full moon, Friday the 13th, etc. - how else would my mother Rosemary have named me Damian?). It still happens with new acquaintances and old friends today, but at least it lets me know they will never forget me!

Bed Time

2010-03-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

Most kids are tired and go to bed with no trouble. This is my kids after snacks, bath, brushing teeth.

Do they look tired?

I Won!

2010-03-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

You sometimes enter contest and never win, that would be me before I met my silly husband. Since I married, I won a few things over the years with his help. The end of last year I enter for a chance to win a Leapster 2 game system from the Wendy's kids meal. So you think there is no why you have a chance with the thousands entering. Right!(I did this all by myself)

I received an email telling me I won! I was shocked and stunned all at the same time. I received the leapster the other day. The kids are so happy. They each have there own, no more fighting.

Autism Meltdowns

2010-03-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

My wonderful mother-inlaw sent this article to me. It helps to know I am not alone, I hope people can try to change what they think before they judge. (click title of post)