Garfield Goodies

It's Halloween

2010-10-25T11:38:00.001-07:00

So much is going on. We have had a crazy year filled with sickness, joys, successes and sorrows. But through it all, we have overcome. The Lord works in mysterious ways and with humor throughout. Earlier, I had hit rock bottom...Sunday, I should say. I had given up and decided that I wasn't going to try anymore than I had to. Fortunately, through prayer and study, the Lord saw fit to mend a bridge that needed mending. Although the trials and tribulations are still awry, they are much easier to bare now that I've acquired my partner again. And we, the 3 of us, can continue on this journey with open hearts and a willingness to learn and listen.

We have just recently had a baptism...the first in our family. Braden turned 8 in September and my Pop and his wife Rosalee were able to come and experience it with us. We were all really excited they were able to come.

On Friday, Landon will have his first sleep over party, by himself and will be turning 6. We are so proud of him. He has turned into such a special boy and has even managed to keep his beautiful blonde hair and his hazel eyes...just like Daddy!

On Thursday, Kaleyna will turn 2!! I know it was yesterday we were blessing her, but we are going on to the terrible twos and boy, is she good at it. Down to the drawing on the walls with pencils and sharpies to dumping out bags of crackers all over the floor, she is good at being 2, but we love her anyway! She is a big girl, a size 4T and is an absolute gorgeous girl. She is looking forward to Trick-or-treating on Saturday.

Brogan and Talhon are growing up super fast too. Brogan turned 3 in April and has taken on the middle kid role superbly! He seems to fit in with both sets of kids really well. He can hang with the big boys in video games and trampoline adventures, but can enjoy himself just as well playing toys with the babies! He's awesome...and soo patient with mom!!

Talhon is crawling up and almost down the stairs...a feat we have quickly had to master. He is always on the go and thoroughly enjoys being outside and exploring for himself. He is a joy to be around and, just as we've been told by many, at his worst, he is still an angel...although I don't think they've experienced him at 2 or 3 in the morning...but even then it's pretty hard to be mad at him.

Joseph is working hard, as always and has acquired a great job at a local company doing exactly what he loves. No more commuting and no more missing time with the kids for days at a time. We like having Daddy around more!

I am better than I was this morning and I feel like the Lord takes a special interest in making sure I know he lives. We had a fantastic experience at Time Out for Women this past weekend and I was able to meet some amazing people and share it with some pretty amazing people that I am lucky enough to have in my life. And may I just say how much I love Hilary Weeks! Her music and attitude inspire me to be better than I am and better for my family and friends.

There is always more going on, than I could ever keep up with, but I am so glad that I have the gospel in my life to ground me when I need it most. Prayer is such a powerful thing. And the knowledge that the Lord is there and knows who we are, makes being without my mother, so much easier to bare!!

Here's to the holiday!! May the come with happiness, love and charity...and may they last longer than they are!

It's Halloween...almost!

2010-10-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

It's interesting how life works. Some days you have amazing experiences that change your life. Then, in an instant, or in a few unchoice words, your life is changed all over again. I'm not really sure how or why things happen, but I do know they happen for a reason. The unfortunate thing right now, is that I don't know that I wanted to know everything.

How does one deal with the fact that for the past 10 years, the person you love and cherish and consider your best friend, has been setting you up for failure around every corner. I've been competing in a battle that I didn't know I was fighting and I believe that battle has been won, but not by me. I know my BFF loves me and wants only good things, but on the other side of that, a subconscious desire to be everything to everyone has left me completely sabotaged and aimed at destruction.

I may be a little melodramatic, but seriously, I am at a loss of what to do. Well, I shouldn't say that. I've have given up. I am going to have to start over from ground zero, which is clearly a most difficult task given my circumstances. I have 5 kids, so giving up is not really an option, it's just giving up on me and all the desires of my heart that I've given up on. I've lost a lot of faith in my BFF and unfortunately, I don't know if it will ever be regained. But, on the positive side of things, and probably the reasons for all the turmoil in the first place, I have managed to give up my life entirely to the Lord. (not that it wasn't his already, but I have certainly given up on trying to make things happen.)

Life will go on, and things will happen in His time regardless of what I do. So, with fervent prayer and a longing for a clear understanding of my purpose right now, I utterly give my soul up to any who are willing to take it. I don't know that there's much of it left, but it is anyone's for the taking.

Sincerely,

A lost soul, struggling mother of 5, and an abandoned wife and sister.

2010-01-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, from the Garfield's!

2009 brought surprises around every corner. From finding out we were expecting another baby to Joseph losing and starting a new job.

Talhon (1 mo) - What a rough entrance into this world...this little guy has managed to create quite the upheaval. On November 19th, Talhon "popped" into the world at a scrawny 7lbs 2oz and only 20" long. He spent 4 days in the NICU and then 10 days in the hospital for RSV a week later. He has steadily gotten better since we've been home. He is slowly being weened from his many machines, but is expected to make a full recovery by the end of February. Everyone adores him and we are thrilled to have him here.
Kaleyna (1) - What a joy it has been to have a little girl in our midst. Her brothers are quite taken with her and she is the happiest, and most smiley girl that ever was. She is almost walking and is growing as fast as her brothers are. She loves to sing and clap and laugh...and she always has a twinkle in her big brown eyes.
Brogan(2.5) - My coy, little imp...is always into something...mostly snacks or candy, but with a twist of his head and a coy smile, he seems to get away with a lot more than we intend. He talks a lot and manages to still befuddle us with his speech, but he is eager to make his desires known and even more eager to keep up with his two older brothers...but is also always careful to keep a close eye on his two younger proteges.
Landon (5) - Started pre-K this year and he LOVES it! He enjoys learning and seems to excel in making friends and participating in singing and show-and-tell. He loves to go to Grammy's house and playing with his cousins. Clone wars, xbox, and TMNT seem to be his favorite things this year...next year, Kindergarten and the BUS!
Braden(7) - In 1st grade and as successful as ever. He has reached new levels of achievement and continues to soak up all he can learn. He will be entering the "gifted" program at school in the new year and has participated in advanced reading and math groups this first semester...he has even gotten to read to his last year's teacher's class. He looks forward to getting baptised next year and is on his way to finishing the Book of Mormon before that happens.
Joseph - Started a new job only a month after he was laid off from Ista. The timing hit at a critical point in my pregnancy, but we managed through. He has been involved with scouts and enjoyed taking Braden and Landon with him for good bonding time. He is eager to get in shape this new year and we both look forward to looking better.
Me - Had our 5th child in November. Started a food storage group to get our year's supply...for info on a great system watch the Wendy DeWitt videos on youtube. Life has been overwhelming to say the least. But we look forward to having a pregnancy free year and moving into a bigger house.

Through all the unexpected and joyous occassions we could not have survived our year without the constant love, support, and endless prayers of our ward (church) family, close friends, and beloved family. It is to all of you that we owe our successful year and are reminded of the constant love and individual attention the Lord gives to each of us. We appreciate this time of year to be able to honor and celebrate the birth and life of the very man who gives us hope for the future, charity to our neighbor, and love to our loved ones. Merry Christmas and may God continue to shower his blessings upon you all.

All our love for the 2010 year and may God Bless you all,

Joseph, Becky,
Braden, Landon, Brogan, Kaleyna, and Talhon

Things we've worked on:

2009-10-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

So much has happened. I'm not sure where to begin. So will start at the last post and move forward. (there are some pics, but more to come!)

July:
We found out we are having another boy. His name will be Tahlen Reed (spelling is still up for debate) and we expect him around the end of November. PreTerm Labor has been held at bay thanks to injections I've been taking. We'll hope they continue through the cold that I've acquired!

Went to the Atlanta Zoo for the first time and it was a lot of fun. Spent a lot of time with cousins and in-laws before the start of school.

Started a Canning Club at the beginning of the summer and it has been pretty successful. We've had two meat canning parties and a trip to the cannery with more scheduled for the fall...hopefully.

August:
School started! Braden went to first grade with Mrs. Sheppard (his reading teacher from the previous year) and Landon started preschool at Legacy Academy. He has thrived and learned so much. It really has been a wonderful thing for him. Aside from the driving to and from, it's been perfect!

Family Vacation to Florida! Paid "work" vacation for the family in St. Augustine, FL. We went to the beach and the pool, but really stayed inside because of the muggy hotness. We went to a mini golf place and the old fort. Had dinner thrice with Joseph's boss and good friends the Giovanni's. And had a really relaxing time without any hurricanes!

Still no baby problems. Looking forward to being done with the pregnancy. But more excited for the hot summer to be over.

September:
Went to the Depeche Mode concert in Atlanta with Mark and Carrie Clark. It was a blast and such a great concert...Joseph's first ever concert. He liked all the ballads that Marvin sang.

Braden turned 7! My little man is 7! He had his first sleepover with 3 friends. Rocco Cooper, Sam (from down the street) and Jayden Johnson. What fun they had! He was challenged by his grandma that if he read the Book of Mormon by the time he got baptized then she would take him to Disney World. Nice Grandma! Will he do it? It took him a year to get to half way through 2 Nephi?? We shall see!

Landon went on his first Field Trip. He got to ride the bus and he got to pet some baby animals at the 4H farm.

Super bad flooding in Georgia after two days of non-stop rain. Our Air Conditioner went out and we had to use our attic fan which in turn got Kaleyna, Brogan and I sick. Thank you Adamss for fixing it for us!

Joseph was laid off from his company. He did get a 4 week severance, but how quickly will he be able to get a job before it runs out. Baby comes in 7 weeks and what to do about insurance? We have full faith that he will find a job quickly and even more faith that the Lord will take care of us regardless. But I do worry about no insurance and what will happen if anything happens like it did last time. I have faith though!

All-in-all, we are great! Kaleyna is almost walking. Brogan is almost potty trained and Joseph has several prospects for jobs. Braden and Landon are doing great in school and Braden is in the gifted program at school. We are proud, positive and anxious for the holidays. Hope you all are doing well and we'd love to hear from you!

Love,
US!

A little bit of summer....

2009-06-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, nearly July and I haven't posted since April?? Scary! I know some people think they are the worst bloggers in the world, but I am positive that I take that prize! Anyway, a lot has happened and rather than bore you with details, I will list them all for you.

- I'm pregnant! Due December 15th...it's high risk and I'm feeling great minus the migraines!
- Kaleyna has 7 teeth, won't eat anything, just started rolling over, and went to the pool for the first time and loved it!
- Joseph took and passed his CCNA (the only one of 10 in his class that passed both tests) and enjoys his job immensely.
- Braden finished his first year of school and excelled in every way. He started on a 15 reading level (which is half way through 1st grade) as a Kindergartner and finished off at a level 32 (which is a quarter of the way through 3rd grade). He loves science and reading the most, but thoroughly enjoys playing with his friends and consistently beats mommy in XBox.
- Landon has been accepted into the Georgia Pre-K program and will be attending Legacy Academy on August 10th. He is still a very sensitive boy and seems to require a little more attention than the other kids, but is learning to appreciate the time he gets and makes really good use of his play time with his brothers. We hope preschool will give him a more well-rounded and social experience...not to mention the help it will give me when his new brother or sister comes.
- Brogan is a monster at 2, but still sweet and endearing at the same time. So smart and so adventerous. Nothing really scares him. He's got an amazing bond with his sister, but seems to enjoy cuddling with Mommy and Daddy the most. He is saying quite a lot, but has a hard time articulating the ends of his words so it makes it difficult to decipher what he says...at least to Joseph anyway.
- As for me, I'm just trying to keep up with the mom thing. I sometimes wonder what the Lord could possibly be thinking by giving me another baby right now. He obviously has more faith in me than I do in myself, but we were rather shocked at the news. But, when the Lord tells you He knows I can do it...what more can I say than, ok...Thy will be done! I got my hair cut short...which I love...and I have been working on Food Storage and have started my own group to help others get it done. Now you can see why it's so hard to keep up the blogging!

That's us for now. We have enjoyed going to the pool and Stone Mountain, Helen and Helton Creek Falls, a hockey game, a Braves games, and Gatlinburg, TN this summer. We look forward to Lake Lanier, to a small vacation to the beach...finances permitting...and finding out what we are having. Hope you all are doing well and we look forward to hearing from you. God Bless and stay cool!

Love the Garfields!

So much to post about...and no time to blog!

2009-04-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well, an old month has passed and a new month has arrived...and yet...a 1000 things happen every day. I will have to edit with pics later, but I know if I don't start sometime, I will never get it all done.

March flew by like nothing...did it even happen? Several things happened, but the biggest one for our family was Food Storage! I have been bitten by the food storage bug. I helped my MIL give a presentation on a program she found that was done by Wendy DeWitt out of Arizona. It was a wonderful and easy approach to food storage and one that I am trying to implement with my own. Then, I got the crazy idea that it would be really fun to do it with people and I would be so much more likely to get it done if I had a "buddy" to do it with. So, I thought, "why not start a food storage group for enrichment?" Well, easier said than done. Lot's of walls and hoops to jump through, nothing has happened yet, but I'm determined to start something on May 9th. (so let it be written, so let it be done!)

Then, we found out that Joseph's brother Johnny was being sent to Afghanistan for the military and he will be missing the birth of his 2nd daughter in June. Super sad, but we are trying to have a better relationship with his wife and her family so she won't feel so lonely.

Then, we found out that Joseph's brother, Jared, and his family are coming back to GA from UT to live with my in-laws. So, my in-laws are trying to move into their garage until their new house can be built. Life is crazy, but I am thoroughly glad I'm here in my own house! I have enough crazy to deal with!

After March was over, Spring Break arrived. We have been paying for a vacation since last year and had really been looking forward to taking the kids and my in-laws on the MUCH NEEDED vacation. Well, the "time share" we were booking it through went under and another one bought out these mini vacations. So, when we contracted to receive $250 cash, 2 tickets to Dollywood and a gas card and found out that all we were getting were vouchers for my "time share" vacations we were a little miffed and our plans were shot. Not to mention, it snowed 2 days on our 4 day vacation, so the free stuff was even limited. After we got over the crash in our budget and the snow, we really had a nice time and we were able to enjoy each other, the indoor water park, and a lovely picnic in the Smokey Mountains! (side note: STAY AWAY FROM TIME SHARES! THEY ALL SUCK!!)

So, here we are in April and things continue to be fun and chaotic! Joseph is back at work, going a little crazy, but really enjoying himself secretly! The CEO of the company gave us these great tickets to the Tuesday night Braves game and we were literally 25 feet from the catcher. We only had 4 seats so we got a babysitter for the boys, took Kaleyna and some friends that took us to Joseph's first Hockey game. It was a littl e cold, but you couldn't get better seats. VIP boxes weren't this good. I was truly amazed out how close together everything seemed. The bases and outfield don't seem nearly as far away on TV as they are on the ground! Thank you Kearney for the fun night at Turner Field!

With Jared and Diane arriving on Friday, Joseph's and Brogan's birthday on the 23rd, Joseph's and My anniversary on the 21st, and my mother's being for 6 years on the 20th, there will, I'm sure be a huge amount more to blog about later, but for now, this will have to do.

By the way, Congratulations Katy and Brian on getting married on the 4th of April! We wish you a long life of happiness and success!

Until the end of the month!

Hail to the Leather Gods and the philosophy of a 4 year old!

2009-03-12T04:53:00.000-07:00

Funny thing happened on the way home from Grammy's house:

(the following may be too much for your stomach's, so be forewarned!)

Daddy: "Landon, you need to eat the whole slice of pizza if you want to have a tractor ride."

Landon: "But my tummy hurts, Daddy!"

Daddy: "Landon, you need to eat your food so you can be big and strong...ok?"

Landon: "Ok, Daddy!"

(A couple hours later)

Grammy: "Landon, do you want a cookie for finishing your pizza?"

Landon: "No thanks, Grammy, I don't feel good."

Mommy: "Landon, what's wrong?"

Landon: "I just don't want anyfing"

(about 30 minutes later, in the car on the way home)

Landon: "Aghhh...I gonna throw up...(blaghhhhh - 3 times)...Mommy, I throwing up!"

Mommy: "It's ok, Honey, we'll clean it up at the gas station."

Landon: (a few seconds later) "Mommy! I feel better....the throw up made me feel better!!!"

Mommy: "Good Honey! Oddly, my car is now sick and so is Mommy!"

The wonderful played out philosophies of a 4 year old! If everything worked so easily. We ended up stopping at the gas station just before we hit the freeway and had to change his clothes (Daddy's job) and clean off the seat (Mommy's job). He managed to only get it on his chair...and seat belt. I love leather! And I will never own another car without it! Hail to the Leather gods!

Winter colds and Valentine Sorrows

2009-02-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

February has been filled with many highs and lows already and it's only half over. My sister Wendy and her husband Keith have had their baby, Hannah Miriam Burton. She was born on Friday, February 6th, at 3:28 and lived for almost an hour.

They were expecting this because Hannah was diagnosed at 17 weeks with Trisomy 18 - a chromosomal disorder - that would not allow her to live for very long, if at all. They were prepared as they could be for the tragedy that awaited them.

They are at peace with it and know that she will be theirs for all eternity. What a wonderful gift the gospel is when things like this happen. Because of it they know that, not only is my mother holding Hannah right now, but that someday, they will both be there to greet them when it's their time to return to Heavenly Father. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I love this picture! With Mommy, Daddy and their eternity rings with Hannah! So precious!

Keith and Hannah

Lisa got to be there with Wendy! I'm so glad she was!

Wendy and Keith get a real meal after the hospital stay!

As for our little family, I still feel like I'm 4 months behind on things, but I am dealing with that. I did finally get my packages sent out to at least a couple of my friends that had babies this past year. Patty and Holly and Wendy, your packages are coming...promise!

My kids have all been sick with one thing or another. Even Braden, who doesn't ever seem to be sick for anything, has had middle-of-the-night wake ups with ears hurting or tummy's hurting. Anyway, we could be getting over them in a bit, but the weather could change again and someone else will get an allergy or a cold. Such is life at the Garfield abode.

Joseph's employer finally hired him a "helper" and now "he's going to be home more" theoretically anyway! In this economy, we are just so grateful to have a job and that we know he'll have it for a while. The sad thing is that, we have this horrible pit in the back of our stomachs that won't let us assume he can't lose it tomorrow. Everyone around us is losing their job. My father-in-law just lost his and decided to up and fly to Utah so he could sell insurance door-to-door. He has no money and because of frivolous spending, they are at risk for financial turmoil. It has really made Joseph and I think about what is important. We are trying to build up our food storage and get our two months reserve and put ourselves in a position to be stable for a few months if he loses his job. The government is doing crazy things and we have really felt a need to be ready for the worst. There is no telling what could happen, but we do know that if we put our lives in the Lord's hands, that he will bless us and guide us to do the things that will protect us from these hard economic times.

On the up side of things, we have been so blessed. Life just seems to get ever sweeter. The kids are happy. They are growing up so fast and I feel as though life seems to fly faster than I'm wanting it to. But all-in-all, we are truly blessed and loved by our Heavenly Father. We could not be more grateful!

It's almost February and I still feel behind...but getting there!

2009-01-29T07:19:00.000-08:00

So, I've gotten used to the idea that I'm not going to be perfect at the routines and resolutions that I've tried to implement since the first of the year, but I'm finally on the road to getting there.

I still haven't started back at the gym and I still struggle with getting dinner on the table at a regular hour every night. Joseph is still working like a mad man and the kids are just about at their peak with cabin fever...they crave to get outside for any reason. Yesterday, Brogan sat at the door for about 30 minutes hoping and waiting to see if we'd make it out. About 3 hours later, Braden came home and as soon as I opened the door, he jetted out in his socked feet on the wet ground and the rain coming down.

When I quickly swung him indoors, he burst into tears..."maimy - ou, ou, ou" (which mean Mommy, out out out - in toddler talk). All in all, we are all ready for Spring. I do love the cold weather, but I don't like the constant change in the weather. I look forward to it being consistent...does that actually happen???

Anyway, my rant is over, but I wanted to give those that read my blog and the future generations that will read it, that we do have good days and we can be productive if we just make up our minds to do it. Yesterday, I cleaned out my car and am proud to say that the Laundry Demon that has been taking over my life is now tamed...not gone, but definitely under control. Today, I cleaned my kitchen including - get this -the baseboards, the floors were spot cleaned with Clorox wipes and the walls too. Of course, 1 minute later, I had a bowl of cereal fall on the floor...luckily no milk was in it, but still...

My goal now is to take each opportunity as it comes and utilize it to the maximum potential. That means that if Kaleyna is asleep, I focus on one room and then get one of the kids to help out. If she's awake, then I read an article from the Ensign while I feed her or strap her to my back and try to play with the kids or read them a book or fold the laundry or make cookies. I am not always going to have good days and I'm going to be lazy when I'm tired, but when moments come, I'm going to do my best to make them happen. And definitely take more pictures along the way! (hopefully! ;-))

Brogan watching basketball - Papa, he's on his way!

Brogan loves to hold Kaleyna and give her kisses!

Kaleyna is not so sure about her swing

Landon is just all sorts of fun right now!

Kaleyna after church showing off Daddy's new wedding band

Brogan's new "cheese" smile

Brogan and Landon - Landon always has a messy face!

Brogan and Kaleyna - the best of friends!

These pictures were just too cute to pass up! I love my little princess!

Mommy and Kaleyna on Sunday

Would you believe that this was after we took the one below??

2009 is here...will I ever be ready?

2009-01-12T05:15:00.001-08:00

Every year around this time, Joseph and I set new goals and try to start good habits and hoping to eliminate bad ones. We usually take the week before the new year to do this, but things just haven't paned out that way. We have all been exceptionally sick this season and has made for a rather exhausting adjustment with 4 kids. I don't think that having 4 kids is any more difficult than having 3, unless your sick and not getting sleep. Having 4 children under the age of 6 is extremely difficult when you are getting between 2 and 3 hours of sleep a night at different intervals...3 all at the same time is great! So, needless to say, we are behind...as we find we are on most things since Kaleyna has joined our family.

However, now that I am better and she is sleeping more and the kids are mostly better, I think I can finally begin again...at least that's what I'm pushing for this week. Here is a quick rundown of our holidays...it was too fast as always and not near enough rest for my husband. But here it is:

Christmas was great! We did things a little different this year, mostly because we've realized that our children don't care a whole lot about their toys that they've got, we decided to buy them each 3 gifts to represent the 3 gifts of the wise men who came to give praise to Christ when he was born. This was wonderful on so many levels - they didn't fight over who got more than the other, they all got big things instead of lots of little things, and there was so little mess and it didn't take forever to open, it will definitely be a tradition we stick with! Then we opened stockings which were from Santa and they each got a little toy from him and a slew of candy. And then, since we had Joseph's parents with us, they gave them the biggest present of all...a playset for the backyard...which is not surprisingly still being assembled in our garage, thanks to the lovely rain that we've been blessed with. Joseph ended up having to work Christmas day (in the middle of the night until 5am) and then the day after, so he wasn't really around, but all in all, Christmas was fun and more centered around Christ...which is truly what it's all about anyway!

Shortly after, Joseph had to go to Florida for some work training and he was gone until New Year's Eve day. We had a small get together with some friends and their families...The Clarks and The Fernandes. It was rather chaotic, but when the kids got tired, we celebrated the New Year early - like at 9:00pm and they were off to bed and we played a couple of games. It was a wonderful evening.

So, just like that, our Holidays were over and life contiuned without so much as a request or an "OK" from me...but, we are glad the New Year is here and we are looking forward to all that is in store. So much will happen this year and we all have so much to hope for. We pray that your year will be filled with love and laughter to help get you through the hard times and that we will all remember the Lord's hand in everything especially during the good times. May we all strive to keep Him the center of our lives this 2009, is our prayer. Good Luck and May God Bless and Guide Us All!

PS: We will have pictures up soon! =-)

Kaleyna's Blessing

2008-12-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day it was. Aside from the sickness of the little boys and myself, it was a lovely day. We were able to have some people over and share in the joy of this adorable little spirit. Joseph gave a beautiful blessing which our friend, Nancy Willie was able to write down for us. I'm not sure if we are supposed to or not, but I am going to share with you what he said...he has such an amazing gift for words...

"Our Father in Heaven, by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold, we bring Kaleyna Belle Garfield to receive a name and a blessing. The name by which she is to be known is Kaleyna Belle Garfield.
"At this time, Kaleyna, we wish to bless you that you will know you are loved by those around you beyond words. You have angels to watch over you. We bless you to know the love and strength around you.
"As you grow up you will grow in splendor, in glory, and in light. That light will guide you back to your Father in Heaven. We bless you to always be loved by those around you. You will be blessed as you harken to the guidance of your parents and leaders.
"We bless you to be of an inquisitive mind and to know the truth of this great work. We promise you to receive answers to your prayers as you ask. We bless you as you become a young woman, you will save yourself for a worthy young man. You will teach by example to those around you.
"As you find a man to marry in the temple, you will choose a man to honor, love and respect you. We bless you as you become a mother, that you will remember to love.
"More than I, more than we love you, the Savior loves you and will always be there. Make Him your friend. We bless you to always remember these things and with all other things you stand in need of, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." - by, Joseph Garfield, 7 December 2008, Suwanee Ward

I am so grateful to have this. I know Kaleyna will too someday. Thank you to all who participated...Grandpa Obenchain, Grandpa Garfield, Justin Cooper, Matt Cheek, Mark Clark, President Pett, Jim Adams, John Pruitt, & Bishop VanDyke. You and all your families are such a huge part of our lives. Thank you for being willing to exercise your priesthood on my daughter's behalf. I know my sisters, and father would love to have been there, but I am grateful, that in their absence, we have a wonderful friends to fill there place.

There was a bonnet, but it did not fit her head...it was beautiful too though!

Can you see the amazing detail...it was beyond compare!

And a special thank you to my wonderful sister, Katy, for making the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. You did an amazing job...everyone said so!

My beautiful kids...at their finest! haha

The Garifield's - 2008

Mother and Daughter

The happy parents

Thank you and may you all know how much we love you!

To Kaleyna Belle, may she always know how much she is loved!

Some other pics for you to see...it was family picture day:

Brogan saying, "No, No, No!" to tak

My little puff!

The happy Grandparents

The best of Friends

Braden lost a tooth the day before...now, Landon and he are twins...

The Play-by-Play - if you are interested!

2008-11-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

The last couple weeks have been blurred by so many things.

On Tuesday, October 28th, I went in for my regular appointment, thinking I had lost some water on the way there. Dr. Fountain gave me an "aggressive" exam and an ultrasound, and found that I hadn't lost anything and that I actually had an excess from the norm (yet another fantastic discovery about my abnormal pregnancies!). So, he sent me home with the understanding that if there was anymore water than to come back. I left in tears and sobs because this was the last day of my 36th week. And, although way early for some, this was when I usually delivered with my kids. I was disappointed and fatigued with emotion. Not knowing how I was going to cope with the next two weeks.

By the time I got home it was 1:00 and I began to feel little burst of water and decided I wouldn't jump to any conclusions to quickly. I waited until 2:00 when I had a rather large burst and it went down my leg (sorry for my graphics!). I called the doctor, he said to go to the hospital and then I called Joseph and told him to meet me there and called my mother-in-law and she came to pick me up. (Kids were all being cared for...thanks again Brittney and Carolyn! You're both so awesome!) When we got to the hospital it was about 2:45 and I ended up waiting forever to get into triage.

By 3:30 I was in there and when they checked me, I was a 7 (that morning, I was still a 4 - which I had been for almost 3 weeks now) so they quickly moved me to a room and began the saline for the epidural and we thought things would roll pretty quickly. Only problem was that I was having no contractions. They started the epidural and come to find out, per my doctor, that I was only a 4...no change. So we waited...and waited and by 9:30 there was no change. They started pitocin and within minutes, I was out of epidural. They called in for more and the drug guy said it would take 10-15 minutes to start. I was already at an 8 by then and was feeling everything. Ouch!

By the time I was ready to push, the epidural kicked in and she was out in 2 pushes and a pop! I couldn't even tell I was pushing the epidural was working so well! :-) So, at 10:28 on 10/28, my little Kaleyna was born. She weighed 7 lbs, 14 oz. and was 22 inches long (my biggest baby by far!) she had a little trouble with breathing at the beginning. She had swallowed something and was having retraction. She went to the NICU for about 2 hours and then came back in all her adorable glory with nothing wrong. She had a full head of hair and good lungs. But, she never cries and makes cute little girlie noises.

I had to have a blood transfusion for the loss of blood during delivery, but seemed to be totally fine after it was administered...minus the tired of course! And only 2 or 3 stitches this time...really, it's been one of my easiest recoveries after delivery.

Since we came home, she has had a small problem with jaundice - never reaching above 17.5, but still enough to keep her on lights until yesterday. She has been wonderful. Hardly noticeable to this wild brood. Her brothers have instantly fallen in love with her and she is by far the most laid back! (so far!) Brogan is so amazed by her that he constantly makes his noises and talks to her and pets her head and nuzzles her. I'm sure that will change, but for now, it's precious to watch!

Thank you for enduring this long...and if you didn't I completely understand. This is mostly for posterity sake anyway, but fun, nonetheless. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WONDERFUL WELL WISHES AND CONGRATS! A special thank you to myMother-in-Law, Valerie, for taking time out of her too busy schedule to come and help out. We have the best family and the most wonderful friends around. We have been overly blessed and we couldn't be more grateful for all of the blessings we've received...especially our latest edition...Miss Kaleyna Belle Garfield...what a sweetheart!

We Made It! Now, she won't come...

2008-10-22T04:55:00.000-07:00

It's been quite the whirlwind these last few weeks. Since my last post, I got sick, went into labor, was in the hospital for 12 days and left without having the baby. Then, as of today, it's 36 weeks and still no girl. My doctor won't do anything to induce me, so I have to rely on gravity to get me there. Speaking of which, I didn't get to go to Wicked. It was very disappointing, but I'm sure there will be another opportunity...like there always is to go to New York on a moments notice.

Obviously, I'm a little frustrated. I know there are a lot of women who go to full term and barely have the size babies I do at 36 weeks, but I am so anxious to have this little girl. When I left last Wednesday from the hospital, they did an ultrasound and measured her at 37 weeks, and weighing at 6lbs 7oz...mind you, that was at 35 weeks. I couldn't understand why, after my history and the steroid shots they gave me 6 weeks prior, they wouldn't know she was ok. I figured that my mom is having a hard time letting go of her...this is definitely a comfort, but not very easy at the same time. I'm glad she will be healthy and I'm glad that we will get to have her soon, but I am beginning to get depressed. Nothing seems to work...and I have tried everything...except Castor Oil, which I just can't seem to do yet.

If you have any suggestions, please send them my way...although, I doubt that anyone has anything I haven't tried or found on the internet. Pray for me to get through this and help time to go a little faster than it has been. Everyday seems like an eternity. I know I'm just complaining, but venting is one of the ways I relieve stress...sorry!

Vindications, Apprehension, and Wicked Cool!

2008-10-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

So, life just got a little hairier. I went to my weekly doctor's appointment and he discovered that I am dilated to a 2. He was pretty concerned, which then made him put me on a stricter bed rest plan. No kids...as much as possible! (He says he has 3 kids, but come on! Is he kidding??) Anyway, I am nervous. I'm excited. And, I'm getting more impatient by the day. It is the coolest thing ever to sit down with my belly jutting to the sky and watching it contort and misshape itself all on it's own...with the help of our little princess. Often times she likes to stick her foot right on my belly button and she'll wait until I touch it and then move it. It's like our little signal to each other that we're both there. (It's no Bella, Edward and "Renesme", but it's the closest I'll ever get!) I truly hope that she is healthy, which is why I will behave and follow doctor's orders...as much as motherly possibly.

On the other side of life, Joseph and I are going to see Wicked at the Fox Theatre. I am so stoked. I've wanted to see this show ever since they showed "Gravity" at the Tony awards like 5 years ago. The only dilemma is that I'm not so sure I'll be able to make it. If Kaleyna decides to come before than, we will not be able to go. If she decides to wait, Heaven willing, we will be able to do both. If not, we'll need some buyers for our Orchestra, center isle seats! Yes, really good seats...I will be very sad if she can't hold off for at least another 9 days!

We will keep you posted! Wish me luck - I"m going to need it!

Babies, Boys, and Bedrest!

2008-09-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

So, my camera is lost again. I had so much I wanted to post, but the time just seems to get away from me and I swear my camera has feet. Anyway, I will give you a short recap of the summer and then on to some more important stuff.

August: Braden started school and loves it! We went on our first ever family vacation to the beach (Atlantic beach, not Pacific, but we don't have much choice...and yes! it's the first time the younger two have seen a beach). However, they never actually SAW it! Yes! We got there right in time for Faye to come and ruin everything. It was a work trip for Joseph and what was supposed to be pools and shells at the beach for mom and the boys. HA-HA-HA! We arrived on a Sunday, went in the pool in the rain when we got there and then the next day the pool was closed due to the storm. All the poolside furniture was literally IN the pool. So, for the rest of our 5 day stay in Jacksonville, we spent in the hotel. Only going out for food. I had to stop that eventually, because people kept looking at me like I was risking my kid's lives for being 6 months pregnant and taking them to my car. By Friday, (Joseph's only day off) we barely made it out of Jacksonville. I had great pics of the trees literally being bent over from the wind and rain. We made it, barely, and decided that August was a bad time to go to the beach. Braden was very upset that we took him out of school to sit in a hotel room. "Mom, I didn't even get to see the beach!" Well, worst vacation, but I did get to see the women Beach VB team kick booty on the sand. Olympics were my only saving grace...come to find out it was a perfect opportunity for the younger two to draw with crayon all over the walls in the hotel room. Yeah, I mean an hour of clean up just before packing the car! Bye Bye Jacksonville!

September: Braden is already bored with school. Getting "cloudy" days and not listening. Talking over the teacher...he still loves school, he's just not engaged enough. What's the mother of a genius to do??? J/K We disciplined him appropriately and has done better since. I, on the other hand, have been "locked down." I am at high risk for going early. I have a 59% chance of going with in the next two weeks. They've given me steroids in preparation if she does, but until then, I'm required to "do as little as possible." Yeah, right! So, if I don't behave, I'm going to be admitted to the hospital. Lovely! Yeah, my kids are gonna LOVE me! They have been very sweet actually, as has my husband (finally, took him to hear the doctor's threats before he was on board, but now he's great) and the close friends and Relief Society! My in-laws have also stepped in to help too. I feel very blessed!

On an icky, sad note...my sister Wendy has been given some tragic news. She is pregnant with her first baby due in February. Unfortunately, she may have one of those 18 chromosomal deficiencies and may not survive. They have done an Amnio and will get the results back on Friday. I ask that all who can, please pray for her and her family during this time. There is a small hope that the tests they did were false positives. It's a heartbreaking situation and we are all devastated. Don't rush to contact her, but if you can, please pray and fast tomorrow to help the hope become a miracle!

Hopefully, I will get pics up before too long...but don't count on it! Facebook has pretty much taken over my life...sign up and see me there if you don't see me here! Love you all!

First Day of School

2008-08-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

Below are some of the pictures we took at Braden's orientation night. He met his teacher, Mrs. Rietig, and he asked if he could read to her. She was very patient and even made the comment that she may have to get some more advanced books. I was pretty proud that I was able to hold it together. I only teared up twice and never once let anyone know!

Braden is ready to go to school! He loved meeting his teacher!

Braden reads to his teacher, The Cat in the Hat

Landon was pretty interested too! He liked looking at all the toys and the neat things in his classroom!

This is the actual first day of school. He was so excited. All weekend he was asking why he had to wait to go on the bus. Although, the bus situation was not the most effective for the first 3 or 4 days, it eventually started dropping him off at the right time and in the right spot. Miraculous...trust me!

"How do I smile, Mom?"

"That's a good one honey!"

My baby's on his way to the bus stop...I must be crazy!

Landon didn't want to feel left out. So, he and his favorite turtle got to take their "First day, without Braden, Picture!"

The first week was great! He was thrilled...a little overexcited, but overall really good. I think it will be a wonderful experience for him. I just hope they can keep him entertained and busy!

For Future Generations and Being a Great Man of God!

2008-08-12T04:59:00.000-07:00

I wanted to put this in our blog for posterity sake. It was so well done and brought tears to my eyes that I thought it would be appropriate for our future generations. Joseph is an amazing father and rarely gets to say anything on our blog so here is his opportunity. Thank you so much, Joseph, for being such a wonderful father and husband and being worthy to hold the priesthood! Our boys have a truly excellent example in you!

"Every year I was growing up my Father would give me a blessing the day before the school year began. A moment of peace in the chaos, every year my foundation would have at least this cornerstone.
This year it was my turn to be the Father. This year my oldest son Braden is going to school for the first time ever...the beginning of a long career. I am excited for him and I will miss him. Until now we (the family) have been the largest influence in his life. We have been his classmates, his teachers, his counselors, and...at times...his students. Now that he graduates from our custom tutelage into the halls of public education I worry that he will be shaped yet I am also counting on it. The question is, how will he be shaped...how will he shape? The answer is to be found for us in time.
Yet there is one who already knows this...all answers. Seeking his guidance and his blessing I renewed the tradition of my Fathers.
The preparation for the blessing itself was powerful. I stepped out of the race, the rush, taking a moment to look back, to remember who he is....who we are....and then a moment to glance to the future....to what he could be...what choices, opportunites, challenges lay before this young man....this, my son...the feelings flowed and filled me. To be at that moment...to be able...to have the privilege of standing in place of my Father...the power of that moment was palpable.
I laid my hands upon his head...I spoke, yet the words were not mine. The voice was, yet it was tinged with a depth of love and understanding beyond me. Words of joy, of confidence, of promise came through me, yet they were not just words but feelings......and strength. As I stood there, a mouthpiece for my son's true Father, I felt His overwhelming love for both of us. The blessing finished we embraced...my arms holding the son whose Father had entrusted to my keeping...yet His arms around us both.....
This moment will live in my memory forever.
After Braden's blessing I was surprised to hear my 3yr old Landon say "My turn Daddy?" At first we were unsure but soon felt that it was right. Landon sat in the chair, still and reverent, as I again placed my hands to receive the blessing. The moment that I began so did the tears....not tears of sorrow but tears of love overflowed. The witness was born to my mind that he too was a precious son of God...unique and special in his Father's eyes. The blessing itself was different...directed for his specific needs and mission. Again, I felt the power flow through me...fill me and then pass on to my son. When it was finished we too embraced...and in the might of his arms I felt not the child of three but a man timeless and destined. "I love you Landon" I said. "I Love you too Daddy" said he.
With my vision still blurred I placed these angels in their beds. Hugs and kisses over I now write of the experience to you my friends. My vision is still somewhat blurred yet I would speak clearly of something that is so sacred to me that I cannot help but share it. This is real. Beyond time, beyond place, beyond the material world we think we live in....this is eternal and perfect...THIS IS REAL. As I placed my hands on my sons, I could not help but feel hands being placed on me...that in blessing I was blessed."

By Joseph Garfield - 8/10/08

Breaking Dawn...all week long!

2008-08-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

What started out as a small obsession, turned into a twenny-bopper late night with other moms who felt a little silly and loved every minute of it! On Friday night, I attended the Breaking Dawn release party at Borders with some really great friends who are all as insanely crazy about this series as I am. Below are some of the pics (Clairissa I plan on stealing a few more from you later!) and the very simple party.

Clairissa and I with our "baby" shirts
Hers is from La Push (packing tape and card stock) and mine is from Edward (iron ons)
At the time, we hadn't planned on it and we certainly didn't know it was more foresight than we thought!

This is our group: Carrie, Sheralyn, Me, Melissa, Brittany, Sarah and Clairissa
We all made tshirts! Sad! *shaking head in disbelief*

Midnight when the balloons fell

Brittany and Sarah giving thumbs up after midnight!

Melissa actually preordered in April so she was like #53. So the whole party was for a purpose. Thanks for giving us an excuse to tell our husbands! haha

After the party, we decided we didn't want to wait for them to call our numbers (#323) to get our book, so we went to trusty old, all hours, Walmart and got it there. Silly, but so much fun yet again.

I read 1 chapter that night (morning) at 2am and then was awakened by my lovely children at 7:30 am and tried to get them settled in their room to catch a few more hours and instead could not sleep for excitement of the book. So, I read about 3 or 4 more chapters before a baby shower at 10am. Then, I went shopping with my husband and kids for Tax Free weekend at the over-crowded Mall of Georgia and then was home around 7pm...all the while reading bits and pieces and accumulating to the beginning of Book 2.

Brogan being a tyrant and loving it in the plane at the mall park

Braden playing with some new life long friends

Landon in my cowboy hat at the mall park

By the time my husband got the kids in bed, I had read through Book 2 and was totally freaking out. Not very happy about where things were going...to out of control, even for Stephanie Meyer. I was really beginning to question whether or not she was going to pull it through. By midnight, I could not handle it anymore. Things had gotten way out of hand I just couldn't go to sleep on the note I had so I read 100 more pages and went to sleep around 3am.

The next morning I was beyond exhausted and did not wake until almost 10, leaving very little time for reading, seeing as I had to get the family ready for church...(HEATHEN INSIGHT: I so was struggling with faking sick so I didn't have to go to church so I could finish the book - I DIDN'T, but ohhhhh how I wanted to.) After the 3 hour block, I came home, got the kids settled into cleaning their room and then sat down while my beloved husband made dinner, did the dishes, did his HT (sorry Carrie) and then played on Facebook while I read aloud from about 11pm til 1:20am. We were both so enthralled with the story that we just couldn't get the much needed sleep to start the week right...oh well, there's always tomorrow!

I have to apologize to my kids and my husband for this obsession...it's over (for the most part) and things can go back to normal. Thank you for being so patient and understanding while I took this time for myself! I love you! Really!

Out of Character...to the world...

2008-07-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is really something that I leave for Journal writing, but I can't seem to sleep and decided that this would be a more valuable process...I hope! Normally, the things I think about and truly feel are left for those who take the time to read my journals when I'm gone. As a matter of fact, I was looking over some of those past journal entries tonight and realized that instead of being a time-line, of sorts, of my life and the life of those around me, it's turned into a dumping ground for my issues and my inner sufferings and frustrations. Most of the things in there are not necessarily things I would want people to read...nor would it be how I would want to be remembered. I noticed the trend about a year ago and decided that I needed to write more about the blessings and happier parts of my life and leave my rantings for the Lord to hear...poor guy! I have been doing better on that end, but tonight, I've decided to use this outlet as a way to overcome the pain and anguish that's in my heart.

I think everyone comes to a point in there life where they're not happy with who they are and when they feel like no matter what they do, they don't seem to measure up. Sometimes I look around my house and feel completely embarrassed by how it looks (my mother would be sooo disappointed) and other days, as much embarrassment as I feel, I also don't care. Right now a lot of that is due to being pregnant and being emotional, but even when I'm not, some days I truly have the hardest time getting out of bed and going through the day, knowing that I'm going to fail miserably. I often ask myself what I did to come to this point? Did I really go to school to become a mom? Wasn't there something else in the plans than raising kids, cleaning house, fixing the yard and paying the bills? I know what, we, as mothers do is important and cannot be bought with a price, but some days...tonight, for example...I feel like why on earth can't it? Why can't I see how things will turn out? Why can't someone appreciate even the littlest of things that I do even when it's completely invisible to the naked eye?

I truly love my family! I wouldn't trade a single moment with them for anything in the world. I love my husband and I know that we have that "something special," but I often wonder...I often imagine, what their lives would be like if they had something better. Someone better...who could be the perfect mom. I keep waiting for the day when my husband will find that person and want to reinstate polygamy. (this is so hard...and chances are this will never make it to the blog)

There are so many people in my life that I would give my right arm to have an ounce of their ability, their beauty, their talents, their luster, their spirit, their "perfectness." I keep hoping that someday I'll just wake up and make the decision to be that person. To have a perfectly clean house. To have a perfectly decorated and finished house. To have children that were always well-behaved, clean, polite, honest and trustworthy. To have a relationship with my husband, on all levels, be like it could be if there were no ideals or problems. I know none of that exists and I realize that not all dreams come true. But can someone please explain to me how you do it? How do you cope with the reality that you will never measure up? That you will never get it completely right? That no matter how "almost perfect" you are in some areas, people will only ever see the things that you suck at?

I used to be a very happy person. Nothing could get me down and the only thing I wanted was to be loved unconditionally and raise a family in the gospel. Here I am, 6 months pregnant, about to bring my 4th child into the world and I have to sit back and wonder what the heck the Lord was thinking. Why would someone so wise and so intelligent continue giving His precious children to someone who is so inadequate...so unworthy...and so completely a mistake? Boys are one thing...they are tough around the edges. They use logic and search for answers in books. They will eventually figure out the right way (trust me, my husband is a very good example of that-he's screwed up, but he's fixing it). But girls...are you kidding...they almost completely rely on the opinions of other people. What was He thinking??

This isn't just about bringing a girl into the world. It's no really about being a mom or a wife. It's really about balancing your life in a way that you can't help but be happy. I want to be happy again...and mean it. I want to be in love and be loved unconditionally (no matter how grotesque I look). I want to know that everything I'm doing isn't going to royally screw up my kids and put them in therapy for the rest of their lives. Is that too much to ask?

Fun in the pool with Dad!

2008-07-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Daddy and His Boys

What a crazy week! I couldn't believe how many things we did. By Saturday, I was so exhausted I didn't have energy for anything. So we took a lazy day. Joseph played video games with the kids and I read and relaxed. I went to Walmart and got a pedicure and got Braden's school supplies and then came home to find that my boys and their dad were hanging out in the blow up pool that my mother-in-law gave us. It was great to see the boys spending some quality time with their dad.

Brogan was so interested in the camera, he was always ready with a smile!

I couldn't resist! It's just so cute!

These are my albinos

and these are my indians

People always ask me where Landon comes from...anymore questions?
As for the "indians," well, my mother had a cherokee grandmother on her father's side, I think!

Daddy and his two older boys

These two are just the best of friends...they do everything together!
even get squished by dad! ;-)

On a side note, I have just recently joined the "Facebook" world and I have to tell you, as hard as I tried to avoid it, I'm so glad I'm on it. I've seen people I haven't seen in 15 years. It's been a huge excitement to me and a total neglect for my kids. Sorry! Sometimes I just get lost in it and forget the time. Hopefully, the newness has worn off and I can be more disciplined with it!

Photo Frustration!

2008-07-21T12:12:00.001-07:00

I feel completely inept when it comes to blogging. I have been trying to put slide shows in so I can make it easier to catch everyone up on the photos I am no able to download, but I can't find the right slideshow program. If you know of anything please send them along.

Anyway, I thought I would download a few pics just so you can look at something other than my boring words!

Baby Girl's First Picture

She's a great eater! Can you see her profile and her arms?

Father and Sons Camp Out

Joseph and the Boys

Grandpa and Boys

Braden Eats at the campout

Landon a little tired after a tumultuous stormy night

* This was an interesting experience...grandpa came along and it was particularly hot this year. He has a hard time breathing at night and thought it would be smart to keep the Rain Tarp OFF the tent to keep the airflow up. So, at 2 or 3 in the morning, Joseph wakes up to drops falling on his face. Oh no! He scrambles out of the tent to try to get it on before it starts pouring and it starts pouring before he gets it on. The kids wake up in a frenzied shock and run from one side of the tent to the other not sure why they are getting wet inside the tent. After they got it on, it was totally soaked inside and everything was wet as could be...kids included! Poor guys...they did have a good dinner the night before, thanks to Mom!

Joseph and Becky's 7th wedding anniversary

Becky Steals a Kiss on the Ferris Wheel

Dolly Parton at her Parade at her Park

Joseph and Becky on the Ferris Wheel

Joseph and Becky in Gatlinburg

Joseph being very handsome!

*We went to Pidgeon Forge to relive our honeymoon. We went to Dollywood and saw the Festival of Nations. We had a wonderful time and Joseph really surprised me with everything he did for our anniversary. You are wonderful, Honey!

I guess that's it for now. I haven't really done much else. We hope we'll be able to get a few more recent pictures of the kids up soon, but until then...

Here's the news!

2008-07-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

WE ARE HAVING A...............

G I R L

We are thrilled and overjoyed. Braden is excited and wants to know what we are going to name her...we don't know yet! Landon and Brogan don't really care, but our family has been really happy for us! We were out in the store today and we had all 3 boys with us and several people asked if we were having a girl and it was so exciting to be able to say YES!! I of course bawled through the ultrasound and asked the technician over and over again if she was sure...she finally printed me a picture of her *giddy and blushing* to show exactly why she knew.

Thank you for all your well wishes and crossed fingers. Although we would have (eventually) been fine with a boy, we could not be happier with having a girl. It's still a little surreal, but I am excited to meet her and see how different she will be....I know...more emotional...which explains so much about my emotional status as of late.

Anyway, pictures are on there way...I promise! Take care and thank you again for all your love and support!

Tomorrow is the day...

2008-06-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day...Joseph has a dentist appointment! Ok, yeah, I know not so funny. I will have an ultrasound tomorrow and will find out that I am carrying yet another boy...or a girl (which would be a lovely surprise to prepare for!). I'm under no illusions and have no expectations. (Course I say that and I've barely slept, I've had more heart burn than I ever have and I feel like my heart is going to leap out of my chest from anxiety and stress.)

I will be posting a blog with the pictures and official announcement tomorrow night. So, stay tuned for the newest addition to our family! I am excited and scared all at the same time and am mostly hopeful for a healthy baby.

Still nothing on the car front. We are still looking. This doesn't help the stress or the anxiety and oddly enough the heart burn is only more pronounced, but as I've heard a thousand times, "this too shall pass." *if I had a dime for every time I heard that phrase!* Hopefully, before Joseph goes to Florida for a week, we will have something a little bigger to pick him up in.

On some more FANTASTIC news. About the only I've had in the last 2 weeks...
LANDON IS OFFICIALLY POTTY TRAINED! Yep! Went to Chuck E. Cheese and everything. He even slept last night with NO diaper...all through the night...no accidents! And he's decided he can do EVERYTHING by himself...even dressing. (the wiping, not so much, but that too will come!) So, I only have one baby in diapers until November (October) and I am grateful beyond measure that the Lord has granted me that much!

I will someday find the battery charger for my camera and be able to show you all the wonderful pictures we've taken, until then, I'm at the mercy of my Mother-in-Law to share with me what she takes...bless her heart, she's just too busy!

Thanks again for all your well wishes and crossed fingers. They are so much more appreciated than you'll ever know.

Ciao for now!

Summer Chaos

2008-06-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is definitely here. It's hot, it's muggy, it buggy and ... did I mention the hot yet. I do live in Georgia, but wow, it's been crazy. While the rest of the country is experiencing floods and tornadoes and cooler than normal temperatures, Georgia is experiencing hotter than normal (for this time of year) temperatures and craving a little rain. Don't misunderstand me, I feel terrible for those who are having to evacuate their homes and those who have lost loved ones...I don't wish that on anyone. Thank goodness for air conditioning and pools, because otherwise, I don't think I'd be doing very well.

I really have no complaints other than that. Life has been pretty good to us. I still can't find my camera charger, so you'll have to be bored by my rantings instead of the adorable pictures of my kids and the fun things we are doing.

Last week, Landon spent the week with Grammy and Grandpa Garfield. He absolutely loved it! He's been feeling a little over-looked since Brogan joined our family and we wanted him to feel special. (we were also hoping it would help in the never-ending potty-training saga...it helped more than we thought it would!) He has been wearing big-boy underpants and went to church for the first time without a diaper yesterday! He had to go potty once and was dry the rest of the 3 hours. He had an accident that night while we had a Father's Day dinner celebration at Grammy's house, but once in a while is better than all the time! All in all, it was a great success and now he's been talking up a storm and we've discovered that Landon really does have a lot more to say than we thought. Who knew!

Braden and Brogan and I spent the week swimming, playing with friends and going to the movies. We also spent a little time shopping for Daddy for Father's Day. Two days at different pools with different friends and a day watching the movies for free (ok it was Shrek 3, but the drinks and popcorn were only $1 each!)...we look forward to Spiderwick Chronicles and Nim's Island coming up in July! This week, Landon and Brogan and I will still get to do the pool and the movies and hopefully a fun playdate for Landon!

For those of you that may not have known or heard something and wondered why we were in a rental car on Sunday, here's the story!

My van back - crashed into our neighbor's house on Thursday. It was far more tragic while it was happening than what it turned out to be. I had just gotten home from shopping and the movies and the baby was asleep, so I parked the car and ran inside while it was running to get him a bottle so I could just put him straight up to bed. I came back out and turned off the car and it started to roll back (baby still asleep in the car). I tried to start it again, but it would start and I tried to stop the car with my body, but it started to drag me with it (baby still in the car) so I stepped aside and watched as my sleeping baby and my van rolled down our driveway and into our neighbor's house across the street. Screaming the whole time, I looked around to see if anyone had seen it or come out of their houses to see what happened and nobody was around. I was glad there was no kids in the street (a frequent finding on our street) and I was grateful that no cars were coming down the street. I'm still not sure how the car turned, but it did and I watched as the front tires lifted up in protest to the corner of their garage. With only minimal damage to the house ( a storm drain crushed and a couple of planks mushed up and a satellite cord to be replaced) the house was totally in tact. My van on the other hand, was severely destroyed. The bumper and trunk door inverted where it hit, glass completely crumbled and the bumper some how flipped out. And the exhaust pipe totally curled towards the front of the car. It was a miracle that I wasn't injured trying to stop the car, or that the baby wasn't even scratched, he was even laughing by how I was acting (hysterical and completely freaking out) and Braden could have been the most injured if he hadn't gotten out of the car when he did. Gratefully, our insurance took care of everything and they will be picking up my "totaled" van today and we will be needing a new van before our rental car runs out. We are so grateful that everyone was ok and that we will not have to declare bankruptcy to pay for the damages.

I have babbled on long enough (I know because my kids are starting to distract me with their boredem), so I will leave with these last few things. Brogan is completely walking now. He's a monster, but is a complete joy to be around. He also has the darkest skin of any of my children. We call him and Braden our indian babies. Landon is our Ghost...whitest boy you ever saw! I will be finding out the sex of our new baby on July 1st (thank you to all those who gave their thoughts and opinions...it was more help than you'll ever know!). When we find out, we will let you all know!

Take care and hope you are all having a wonderful summer!

A Double Feature and a Perfect Party

2008-05-27T07:03:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been a great couple of weeks! Last weekend, Joseph and I took the kids to Grammy and Grandpa's house and we had the weekend to ourselves. We decided to go to the movies for the first time since Christmas. So, we went and saw Iron Man, but that wasn't enough, so we stayed for the next showing of Price Caspian.

Yep, that's right a double feature. I've never done that! It was really fun...a lot of sitting, but so something we could not have done with the kids. (They were both great, btw, but I would refrain from taking any kids under the age of 14 to see Iron Man. A little too close to home on the war front).

This past weekend was great too! I celebrated my 29th birthday. Another year older and I don't think much wiser (pregnancy brain is really taking it's toll!) . But, Joseph got together some friends of ours and we went to Ipolitos - a local Italian restaurant - and then we played games at a friend's house. Everyone was very sweet and we had a great time. Then we had dinner at a different friend's house and we celebrated there on Sunday and then yesterday was a great holiday. We did nothing all day long. I spent most of the day downloading songs on my new 8 gig SanDisk Sansa e280 MP3 player and then Joseph spent the day playing computer games with the kids. We did take a small break to play water balloons outside, but I didn't enjoy that as much...I can't imagine why!? All in all, it was a fun day.

This week, back to routine and hopefully a surprise or two! We shall see!

Updates and more...

2008-05-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here's the news...
I am due on the 18th of November (but if you know my history it will be more like October). Actually, Landon was due on the very same day and his birthday is the 29th of October...scary that we could have another double birthday...*yuck*

My sister Holly is due with her 4th as well on the 14th of November (yet another reason to hate living so far away from my sisters! Oh well, such is life!) She just told me that she was able to sell her house this past weekend and they will (pending everything goes smoothly) be able to move into their newly constructed (or constructing) house in August or September. They're hoping to make it in before the school year starts. Good Luck, Sweets! I hope and pray it will all work out to your benefit!

Braden is going through Kindergarten registration...although, thanks to spacey mom, he won't be able to...why you ask?? Because through the 13 moves we've had in our 7 years of marriage (5 1/2 of which Braden has had to endure) I have managed to lose his birth certificate. Come to think of it... I don't even know if I ever had it...I still haven't gotten Landon's or Brogan's. So, I get to wait until Snail Mail gets it to me and we can only hope that it will arrive before the start of school so my overly developed, incredibly intelligent 5 year-old will not have to start the school year off at home. So, with a little prayer and a hope in my heart, it will all work out. I'm sure the Lord is looking out for us.

Landon is still not potty trained. It seems the closer we get to being potty trained...something throws off the schedule and he takes 3 giant steps back and becomes more needy and more uninterested in it. I've tried everything from bribes to "naked all day" and nothing seems to work. I still have to remind him when he's naked...or he goes on the floor...thank you Joseph for that clean up! Anything new and fool proof you might know, please I can use all the help I can get! Don't get me wrong...I love my Landon, but ohhh the stubborn streak in him...he is just like his father!

Brogan is almost walking and has managed to get cuter and more sweet by the day. He's come to cuddling, waving and saying Hi (or HAAAAAAAi) and playing the coy, shy flirt that all my boys gathered at his age. He is officially one and although, it was more about Daddy this year, he did get some cake and loved the Medieval Times, almost as much as Daddy and the other boys! Luckily, he will just make it into Nursery by the time the baby comes...*phew* thanks to that planning right! haha

Sorry to have bore you with words instead of pictures, but thanks for letting me talk! Someday, when I can find my camera charger, I will be able to post all the pictures from our trip to Pigeon Forge, Medieval Times and Brogan's cake eating! Until then, take care!

A Reason to Celebrate!

2008-04-15T07:26:00.001-07:00

Things have been great and wonderful as of late. My husband took me on a surprise getaway to our honeymoon spot of Pidgeon Forge. It was a great vacation and on the 21st of this month we will celebrate our 7 years officially.

On the 23rd, we will be celebrating Brogan's first birthday and Joseph's 29th birthday. However, I guess the most exciting news is that on the 21st of April, we will find out the exact date of our 4th child's BIRTHday. Yes....I'm pregnant again. It was not planned. But we are very grateful. We had wanted to have a baby closer together than we previously had, but after some exasperating months with my 3 year old, we decided we would wait longer....Heavenly Father said...NOPE! Try again. Literally, the next opportunity and I was pregnant. As of right now, we will not be finding out...although, some pretty heavy persuasion and convincing has already taken place from Joseph and his mother.

What would you do? You already have 3 of one sex and you are dying to have one of the other...do you find out to prepare yourself either way, or do you just rely on the surprise factor for comfort?? I will be thrilled either way, but I have mixed feelings right now on the subject of the sex. Oh well, whatever it is going to be, has already been determined...The Lord must have plenty of faith in me...I just wish he'd share the faith with me!! haha

We will let you know what happens and from here on out, I have no control over what is written on this blog. The things I might say are no longer just me...it's me with pregnancy brain...so forgive me ahead of time!

Pictures will be posted soon, but keep coming back...it's always fun to hear from everyone!

My Baby is Growing Up...

2008-03-31T13:39:00.001-07:00

This was taken on Easter Sunday, but I thought it was appropriate for today, too!

Today Braden bore his very first Testimony! He's only 5 and a half and it was truly special. Joseph asked him before he went up what he was going to say and he said, "Daddy, I can't tell you, it's a secret between Jesus and me." Then, when he got up there, Joseph went with him, but all he did was hold Joseph's hand (cause he was a little overwhelmed at the crowd of people), but he continued on without any help. He said a lot of things, but all were like this, "I know Jesus loves me. I know Jesus died for me. I know Jesus wants me to be obedient. I know my family is here. I know that I love the gospel. I know that the gospel is true." And just when I thought he was going to start rambling, he ended it with "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I know, I'm a proud parent, but he really is just a smart and special kid! Way to go, Son!

More Easter and Some Much Needed Family Play

2008-03-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

So I was able to throw my wonderful primary class an Easter Party for filling our "Good Behavior" jar with Hershey Kisses (next time I will have to use something smaller - 3 months was too quick!).

We dyed Easter Eggs

Played in the backyard

And Hunted for Easter Eggs (they didn't want to hunt the ones they dyed...they were too special!)

It was a lovely day and they all had fun...next time, it's a POOL PARTY!!

Then we had our Easter Dinner with Grammy and Grandpa. The boys actually ate their dinner and we played "Hold to the Rod" after...Grammy and Grandpa were the first to reach the tree of life!

Happy Easter 2008!

Grammy and Grandpa and Family
Easter '08

The Missionaries came by to say hi and Braden wanted to be in the picture so, we put a name tag on him...the future is so close it's scary!
(PS: Britt, this outfit is a tribute to you...George Clooney ain't got nothing on him!)

On Saturday, after Daddy got off work, we went outside and rode bikes and played in the backyard. It was a beautiful day and the kids had a blast! I am so ready for the Spring...allergies and all! haha (However, there were actual snow flurries outside my window again...HELLO...it's almost April and we just had Easter...what is up with that...we live in the SOUTH! Somebody needs to inform the weather people that it's Springtime! lol)

I know there's a lot of Brogan, but he was sitting on top of the stairs and was literally just laughing and cooing and posing for every flash...it was precious!

Bradenisms, Easter at Grammy's and special Mom moments!

2008-03-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Dying Easter Eggs
Easter - INDOORS - at Grammy's House!

Looking for Easter Eggs with Cousin Cyana...all 93 plastic and 52 hard-boiled...and INDOORS!

Landon Loves Purple

Brogan thought with all the commotion he would sneak upstairs...oops! I caught yah!

So, Braden has been saying some of the cutest things as of late! While at Grandma's house he was listening to an argument between his grandparents and Grammy was obviously getting frustrated. Braden said, "Grammy, I know, you are soooo done with it!"
If you know me well enough, you know that is one of my most used sayings. I couldn't help, but realize that every little thing I say is registered into his giant memory bank...oh, the horror of some of the things I've said a little too loud for small ears to hear! Anyway, another cute thing was yesterday at the EQ Easter Egg Hunt...which we were of course late for. On the way home, Braden and Daddy were doing math problems and the conversation went like this...

Braden: "Daddy, hold long till I turn 7?" (Braden is excited for this year because it means he gets to sit in the passenger seat of the car)
Daddy: "How old are you now?"
Braden: "5"
Daddy: "So how long will it take for you to turn 7?"
Braden: "2 years - then in one more year I will get baptized!"
(If that wasn't enough to make you smile the next part will!)
Daddy: "Braden, how long will it take to be Daddy's age?" (Braden knows he's 28)
Braden: "Ohhhh....5 Huuuunnnndred Yeeeeaaars!"

I couldn't help but laugh! He's not that old, but it really tickled me that Joseph got so offended! It probably didn't help that I was laughing so hard there were tears. Anyway, Braden eventually got the right answer and it was all forgotten. And now, thanks to blogging, it will always be remembered!

Some Mommy moments that happened last week were the following:

Brogan's check up day

Brogan had his first check up in months and is in perfect health! He weighed 26lbs, was 32 inches long and had a 19.5 inch head. He is in the 95%, but truly I think they've had to change the scale. All of my kids have been big, but they have each progressively gotten bigger (Landon is bigger than Braden was and Brogan is bigger than Landon was). When Braden was born, he wsa also in the 95%, but that was 5 years ago. And he was significantly smaller. Anyway, I am glad he's healthy and happy and he is almost walking. And his first word...MA-MA!!! haha

While waiting at the Doctor's office, I received a call from my little Landon...his only words were, "Mommy, I went poopy on the potty!" As I was standing at the check in counter trying hard to give him the necessary woohoo without saying the word "poopy" I got all sorts of snickers and grins from the nurses.
When I got off the phone, they all proceeded to tell me congratulations. It was quite the day. However, when I got to Grammy's house that night (they were there for Easter weekend early), all potty-going had stop. It was as if my presence suddenly made the potty seem like a monster and I the poop angel! Do I leave my 3.5 year old with Grandpa to potty train, or do I continue with this lovely charade? I know he knows how, he knows he know how, and yet, there's something missing! I've done everything from a Potty Box (special toys for when he goes number 2), Potty Candy (for when he goes number 1), New Undies for when the special day arrives (pending it actually will) and Grammy has even offered Chuck E. Cheese as a reward for when he's potty trained. He even has his Fake-Flushable/Foot stool-to wash-your-hands Potty and still nothing. Except, that if I make him go...he likes to stand up to pee...he often asks me, "Mommy, I want to stand to poopy...please! I'll do it then!" As some of you know, that doesn't actually work...as Braden so aptly demonstrated a couple of weeks ago at the park! Oh well, Maybe someday!

Ta-Ta for now, enjoy the picks and there are new ones on the last post...I finally got them downloaded! Yeah Me!

New Hair cut, New Job, and Ohhhh the chaos!

2008-03-05T10:01:00.001-08:00

So, here it is the first week of March and I've gone a little insane already! Last Friday I got a new hair cut...which I absolutely love! After 7 years of searching, I have finally found a hair dresser I trust. It was such a great cut that I totally felt like a new woman...20 lbs lighter and no gray hairs, I didn't even have to color it...yet! haha

So, It's not as good as it looked the day Natasha did it, but, I still love it and can you believe I have bangs?!!! I'll let you know how it looks with the highlights!

Then, a friend of mine asked if I could watch her daughter so she could go back to work. It's only 2 days a week and it's only for 4 hours with a day in between. I couldn't say no, and I think it will be ok. Nothing major happened today and I'm still sane....imagine that! Maybe this is the Lord's random way of giving me a girl! Let's hope not! - she decided she needed someone who could watch her all day...but I will always be the backup!

And, on top of all that...I have started a weight-loss program at my gym. It's basically a weigh in every week and it's free (after the initial set-up fee of $29). So, whomever wins (or loses the most percentage) gets the set-up fees of all those who participated. So, wish me luck, again! I don't aspire to win, but I do hope I can at least make a good showing! Yes, that would make me a horse! At least that's how I feel most days. But, I do workout everyday, sometimes twice a day...and when I don't, I feel depressed and yucky all day. As they say, people who work are happy people and happy people make people around them happy. ..ok, so I am the only one who says that, but ask my family and they'll tell you how much happier I've been because of it. - Still going to the gym, just not to the weigh-in. Thursday nights are the only night we don't have things going on and that isn't always true, but it was just too hard to fit it in. I will have to be diligent without the weigh-in!
Well, after a few hours of trying to download the pictures from my camera to my computer...I have given up. You will have to wait to see them when my husband has a spare minute to fix the problem!...you could be waiting a long time! haha

My Obsession

2008-02-27T06:54:00.000-08:00

I know...what a surprise! Twice in one month...I told you I was going to try to do better!

Anyway, I had to tell you all about my new obsession. My very good friend, Clairissa told me about these books...a series called Twilight written by Stephanie Meyer...a graduate of BYU. Anyway, she told me what it was about and I was a little surprised by it and not overly anxious to read them. But, once I got started...I was hooked! I am thoroughly obsessed by it now. I was up till 4am Tuesday morning (stupid, I know!) and I was a mess when it was over...because the 4th and final book doesn't come out until August 2nd. Actually, if you know what's good for you, you won't start it until the month before the 4th comes out, because you won't have to wait for it, it will just be there!

Anyway, feeling a little self-conscience, I read these books and became over-whelmed by how much the affected me. I stayed up late and read them faster than any other book yet...reading a 600 page book in one night is more or less like running a mile in 5 minutes for me...it can't or shouldn't happen! So, I became involved with these characters. I've never read anyone write down the emotions and feelings like Stephanie did (I feel like I can call her that because of our relationship through these books). I have experienced every feeling she described...and it felt exactly like that.

I'm a little embarrassed by this...but, after reading other's obsessions and feelings about it, I couldn't hold it in anymore. If you want to experience something that will alter your everyday life, then I highly recommend it. You won't believe it. I promise! I tried to show you a picture of how I look after reading this book, but "unfortunately" my USB port has malfunctioned and I'll have to leave that one to myself.

Check out the website of Stephanie Meyers and her world of vampires - oh, I didn't mention that before - it's about vampires, but I promise...you'll want to be a vampire as bad as Bella and you'll want Edward to be the one to change you before you are finished with the first book! It will make sense when you read the books! I promise. For those of you that have read these compelling books, go to this link for the next experience in this series - Stephanie is going to be writing the entire story from Edward's perspective. Here is Midnight Sun and the actual first chapter - unedited - from the book.

Until Breaking Dawn comes out, I need suggestions that can fill this void, quench this thirst and fulfill this fix...I don't think Stephanie has time to write enough to keep me busy...although, her website is pretty busy!

Until the next time!

February - and the New Year

2008-02-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

Garfield Family Picture 2007

It's the beginning of the new year...ok, so it's typical for me to be bad at this, but hopefully, I'll be able to update every month. If I don't, tell me! I will do it if I have more pestering...just out of sheer guilt!

So, things are crazy as always and I had to start a new blog because I changed email addresses...it is now, calipeachmom@gmail.com ...I did this for two reasons. One, my husband kept insisting that I join gmail and two, because it will be easier to update my blog if all I have to do is click on the link rather than what I was doing because I had yahoo. I still have yahoo, but gmail, is my primary address.

Braden wouldn't smile so we made the picture fit his smile. This is our George Clooney Look-Alike!

On with the news! Braden lost his first tooth two weeks ago and he even got a visit from the tooth fairy. He was so excited. We made a tooth jar (from tupperware and markers) and he carried it around all day.

Brothers and Best Friends Forever

All it took was a tickle, but we finally got the smile!

Landon is...well...Landon! He's always moving and constantly exploring. He's very smart, but has come to the realization that Braden will do everything for him, including speak for him, and thinks that's a pretty cool thing. He has become very jealous of the baby and the attention he gets. Landon is sort of overlooked, what with Braden commanding attention and Brogan just being his adorable baby self. We are hoping to start Landon in Preschool in September and we really feel like that will help him identify his own person.

The essence of Brogan - Sweet and Curious!

Brogan is growing more rapidly - if you can believe it - then the other boys did. He is 10 months and is already wearing 18 - 24 months. He's really been wearing 18m since Christmas, but I didn't want to believe it...poor kid! He's starting to get more verbal and is very particular about what he wants and doesn't. If he has something in his hand and you try to take it from him, he moves his hand around so fast that you can't even get it. He's speedy! He's also discovered that walking is much quicker...although that effort is still aided by the furniture and the stairs are really adventuresome and continues to stop Mom's heart whenever I find him there.

Mommy and Brogan

Joseph and I - 7 years and Counting!

Joseph and I are are trying to get in shape and have started going to the gym together. We know this will help us keep up with are little savages. We are still trying to do fun things to our house. We put in a new light maple laminate floor and bought some new furniture. It has made things really open and bright. We also just moved the baby into the guest room. FREEDOM! sort of! Joseph was gracious enough to give up his personal office to allow me to have more sleep at night and the baby a more defined area. Thank you Joseph!

Mommy and Her Boys

Daddy and His Pals!

All in all, things are great! As we are striving to better ourselves physically, spiritually and mentally, we are finding that life flies by and that we are more happy. That is, after all, what the Lord intended. To learn, to grow and to be happy. By doing those things, we know that it will only lead to Him. Great things are in store this year and we truly look forward to experiencing them all. We love you and miss those of you that aren't around. Take care and keep in touch!

Love,
Becky and the "Busy Boys"

PS: my email is in honor of my family home (California) and my new home (Georgia - Peach)...just in case you were wondering!